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ALLEGHANY CORP /DE - Quarter Report: 2019 June (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents
 
  
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
(Mark One)
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the quarterly period ended
June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
or
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the transition period from __________ to __________
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commission File Numbe
r         
1-9371
ALLEGHANY CORPORATION
                      (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
                 
 
 
Delaware
 
 
 
51-0283071
 
 
 
 
State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization
 
 
 
I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1411 Broadway, 34
th
Floor, NY,
NY
 
 
 
10018
 
 
 
 
Address of Principal Executive Offices
 
 
 
Zip Code
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
212-752-1356
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
         
Title of each class
 
Trading Symbol(s)
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1.00 par value
 
Y
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
 
    No 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation
 S-T
(§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes 
    No 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
non-accelerated
filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule
 12b-2
of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer
  
 
Accelerated filer
 
 
 
Non-accelerated
 filer  
 
Smaller reporting company  
 
 
 
Emerging growth company  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
 12b-2
of the Act).  Yes 
    
No
 
APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.      Yes 
    No 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
14,430,187
Shares, par value $1.00 per share, as of
July 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
 

 
ALLEGHANY CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
             
 
 
    Page    
 
   
 
             
ITEM 1.
     
1
 
ITEM 2.
     
26
 
ITEM 3.
     
67
 
ITEM 4.
     
69
 
   
 
             
ITEM 1.
     
70
 
ITEM 1A.
     
70
 
ITEM 2.
     
70
 
ITEM 6.
     
71
 
   
72
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
ALLEGHANY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
                   
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
(unaudited)
   
 
 
($ in thousands, except share amounts)
 
Assets
   
     
 
 
Investments:
   
     
 
 
  Securities at fair value:
   
     
 
 
Equity securities (cost: 2019 – $
1,471,057
; 2018 – $
2,904,496
)
  $
2,292,803
    $
3,572,790
 
 
Debt securities (amortized cost: 2019 – $
13,756,921
; 2018 – $
11,895,850
)
   
14,129,577
     
11,823,968
 
 
Short-term investments
   
1,054,793
     
893,776
 
 
   
17,477,173
     
16,290,534
 
 
  Commercial mortgage loans
   
691,437
     
676,532
 
 
  Other invested assets
   
579,018
     
555,972
 
 
Total investments
   
18,747,628
     
17,523,038
 
 
Cash
   
824,818
     
1,038,763
 
 
Accrued investment income
   
101,384
     
91,913
 
 
Premium balances receivable
   
965,514
     
842,642
 
 
Reinsurance recoverables
   
1,667,516
     
1,921,278
 
 
Ceded unearned premiums
   
243,316
     
221,232
 
 
Deferred acquisition costs
   
502,645
     
464,546
 
 
Property and equipment at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
202,480
     
195,243
 
 
Goodwill
   
481,212
     
455,142
 
 
Intangible assets, net of amortization
   
587,807
     
553,136
 
 
Current taxes receivable
   
29,628
     
116,637
 
 
Net deferred tax assets
   
-
     
164,890
 
 
Funds held under reinsurance agreements
   
729,586
     
744,057
 
 
Other assets
   
1,272,844
     
1,012,379
 
 
  Total assets
  $
26,356,378
    $
25,344,896
 
 
                 
 
Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Stockholders’ Equity
   
     
 
 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
  $
11,631,798
    $
12,250,294
 
 
Unearned premiums
   
2,464,150
     
2,267,078
 
 
Senior Notes and other debt
   
1,714,652
     
1,669,039
 
 
Reinsurance payable
   
186,018
     
168,667
 
 
Net deferred tax liabilities
 
 
42,868
 
 
 
-
 
 
Other liabilities
   
1,455,406
     
1,127,346
 
 
  Total liabilities
   
17,494,892
     
17,482,424
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
   
175,572
     
169,762
 
 
Common stock (shares authorized: 2019 and 2018 – 22,000,000; shares issued: 2019 and 
2018 –
17,459,961
)
   
17,460
     
17,460
 
 
Contributed capital
   
3,608,069
     
3,612,830
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
151,964
     
(202,003
)
 
Treasury stock, at cost (2019 –
3,029,099
shares; 2018 –
2,883,452
shares)
   
(1,404,627
)    
(1,312,939
)
 
Retained earnings
   
6,313,048
     
5,577,362
 
 
  Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Alleghany stockholders
   
8,685,914
     
7,692,710
 
 
  Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and stockholders’ equity
  $
26,356,378
    $
25,344,896
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
1
 
 
 
Table of Contents
 
ALLEGHANY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
                   
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Revenues
   
     
 
 
Net premiums earned
  $
1,356,008
    $
1,236,959
 
 
Net investment income
   
142,745
     
126,273
 
 
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
143,660
     
185,245
 
 
Net realized capital gains
   
12,354
     
6,462
 
 
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
-
     
-
 
 
Noninsurance revenue
   
603,906
     
342,725
 
 
  Total revenues
   
2,258,673
     
1,897,664
 
 
                 
 
Costs and Expenses
   
     
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
796,803
     
738,210
 
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
444,316
     
402,083
 
 
Other operating expenses
   
581,474
     
343,165
 
 
Corporate administration
   
25,967
     
14,119
 
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
8,795
     
5,966
 
 
Interest expense
   
25,129
     
22,277
 
 
  Total costs and expenses
   
1,882,484
     
1,525,820
 
 
                 
 
Earnings before income taxes
   
376,189
     
371,844
 
 
Income taxes
   
71,356
     
73,440
 
 
Net earnings
   
304,833
     
298,404
 
 
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
9,374
     
3,288
 
 
Net earnings attributable to Alleghany stockholders
  $
295,459
    $
295,116
 
 
                 
 
Net earnings
  $
304,833
    $
298,404
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
   
     
 
 
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred taxes of $
45,881
and ($
8,853
) in 2019 and 2018,   
  respectively
   
172,602
     
(33,305
)
 
Less: reclassification for net realized capital gains and other than temporary impairments, net of taxes of
  ($
2,594
and ($
1,357
) for 2019 and 2018, respectively
   
(9,760
)    
(5,105
)
 
Change in unrealized currency translation adjustment, net of deferred taxes of $
844
and ($
2,797
) for 2019 and
  2018, respectively
   
3,175
     
(10,523
)
 
  Retirement plans
   
104
     
209
 
 
Comprehensive income
   
470,954
     
249,680
 
 
  Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
9,374
     
3,288
 
 
Comprehensive income attributable to Alleghany stockholders
  $
461,580
    $
246,392
 
 
                 
 
Basic earnings per share attributable to Alleghany stockholders
  $
20.46
    $
19.44
 
 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Alleghany stockholders
   
20.46
     
19.44
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
 
 
Table of Contents
 
ALLEGHANY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
                   
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
2019
   
2018
 
 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Revenues
   
     
 
 
Net premiums earned
  $
2,653,317
    $
2,444,815
 
 
Net investment income
   
265,794
     
250,399
 
 
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
536,013
     
142,596
 
 
Net realized capital gains
   
16,796
     
50,967
 
 
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
(10,020
)    
(511
)
 
Noninsurance revenue
   
1,118,029
     
594,352
 
 
Total revenues
   
4,579,929
     
3,482,618
 
 
                 
 
Costs and Expenses
   
     
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
1,589,301
     
1,408,788
 
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
864,442
     
808,378
 
 
Other operating expenses
   
1,083,892
     
608,062
 
 
Corporate administration
   
45,336
     
21,904
 
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
15,695
     
11,230
 
 
Interest expense
   
48,660
     
43,808
 
 
Total costs and expenses
   
3,647,326
     
2,902,170
 
 
                 
 
Earnings before income taxes
   
932,603
     
580,448
 
 
Income taxes
   
179,868
     
110,862
 
 
Net earnings
   
752,735
     
469,586
 
 
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
17,049
     
2,895
 
 
Net earnings attributable to Alleghany stockholders
  $
735,686
    $
466,691
 
 
                 
 
Net earnings
  $
752,735
    $
469,586
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
   
     
 
 
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred taxes of $
94,630
and ($
47,758
) in 2019 and 2018,    respectively
   
355,989
     
(179,663
)
 
Less: reclassification for net realized capital gains and other than temporary impairments, net of taxes
  of ($
1,423
)
and ($
991
) for 2019 and 2018, respectively
   
(5,353
)    
(3,726
)
 
Change in unrealized currency translation adjustment, net of deferred taxes of $
608
and ($
1,442
) for
  2019 and 2018, respectively
   
2,290
     
(5,423
)
 
Retirement plans
   
1,041
     
(1,113
)
 
Comprehensive income
   
1,106,702
     
279,661
 
 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
17,049
     
2,895
 
 
Comprehensive income attributable to Alleghany stockholders
  $
1,089,653
    $
276,766
 
 
                 
 
Basic earnings per share attributable to Alleghany stockholders
  $
50.88
    $
30.53
 
 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Alleghany stockholders
   
50.82
     
30.52
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
 
 
 
Table of Contents
 
ALLEGHANY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
                                                         
 
Six Months Ended June 
30, 2019
 
 
Common
Stock
   
Contributed
Capital
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
   
Treasury Stock
   
Retained Earnings
   
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Attributable to
Alleghany
Shareholders
   
Redeemable
Non-
controlling

Interest
 
 
($ in thousands, except share amounts)
 
Balance as of December 
31, 2018
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
(
17,459,961
shares of common stock issued;
2,883,452
in treasury)
 
  $  
17,460
   
  $  
3,612,830
   
  $  
(202,003
)
 
  $    
(1,312,939
)
 
  $       
5,577,362
   
  $  
7,692,710
   
  $  
169,762
 
Add (deduct):
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net earnings
   
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
440,227
     
440,227
     
7,675
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                   
             
     
     
 
Retirement plans
   
-    
     
-    
     
937
     
-    
     
-    
     
937
     
-    
 
Change in unrealized appreciation of investments, net
   
-    
     
-    
     
187,794
     
-    
     
-    
     
187,794
     
-    
 
Change in unrealized currency translation adjustment, net
   
-    
     
-    
     
(885
)
   
-    
     
-    
     
(885
)
   
-    
 
Comprehensive income
   
-    
     
-    
     
187,846
     
-    
     
440,227
     
628,073
     
7,675
 
Treasury stock repurchase
   
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
(80,486
)
   
-    
     
(80,486
)
   
-    
 
Other, net
   
-    
     
(4,176
)
   
-    
     
366
     
-    
     
(3,810
)
   
(1,716
)
Balance as of March 
31, 2019
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
(
17,459,961
shares of common stock issued;
3,012,224
in treasury)
   
17,460
     
3,608,654
     
(14,157
)
   
(1,393,059
)
   
6,017,589
     
8,236,487
     
175,721
 
Add (deduct):
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net earnings
   
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
295,459
     
295,459
     
9,374
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                   
             
     
     
 
Retirement plans
   
-    
     
-    
     
104
     
-    
     
-    
     
104
     
-    
 
Change in unrealized appreciation of investments, net
   
-    
     
-    
     
162,842
     
-    
     
-    
     
162,842
     
-    
 
Change in unrealized currency translation adjustment, net
   
-    
     
-    
     
3,175
     
-    
     
-    
     
3,175
     
-    
 
Comprehensive income
   
-    
     
-    
     
166,121
     
-    
     
295,459
     
461,580
     
9,374
 
Treasury stock repurchase
   
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
(12,666
)
   
-    
     
(12,666
)
   
-    
 
Other, net
   
-    
     
(585
)
   
-    
     
1,098
     
-    
     
513
     
(9,523
)
Balance as of June 
30, 2019
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
(
17,459,961
shares of common stock issued;
3,029,099
in treasury)
 
  $
17,460
   
  $
3,608,069
   
  $
151,964
   
  $
(1,404,627
)
 
  $
6,313,048
   
  $
8,685,914
   
  $
175,572
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                         
 
Six Months Ended June 
30, 2018
 
 
Common
Stock
   
Contributed
Capital
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
   
Treasury Stock
   
Retained Earnings
   
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Attributable to
Alleghany
Shareholders
   
Redeemable
Non-
controlling

Interest
 
 
($ in thousands, except share amounts)
 
Balance as of December 
31, 2017
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
(
17,459,961
shares of common stock issued;
2,069,461
in treasury)
 
  $  
17,460
   
  $  
3,612,109
   
  $  
618,118
   
  $    
(824,906
)
 
  $       
5,091,282
   
  $  
8,514,063
   
  $  
106,530
 
Add (deduct):
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting pronouncements
   
-    
     
-    
     
(600,508
)
   
-    
     
600,508
     
-    
     
-    
 
Net earnings
   
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
171,575
     
171,575
     
(393
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                   
             
     
     
 
Retirement plans
   
-    
     
-    
     
(1,322
)
   
-    
     
-    
     
(1,322
)
   
-    
 
Change in unrealized appreciation of investments, net
   
-    
     
-    
     
(144,979
)
   
-    
     
-    
     
(144,979
)
   
-    
 
Change in unrealized currency translation adjustment, net
   
-    
     
-    
     
5,100
     
-    
     
-    
     
5,100
     
-    
 
Comprehensive income
   
-    
     
-    
     
(141,201
)
   
-    
     
171,575
     
30,374
     
(393
)
Dividends paid
   
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
(153,967
)
   
(153,967
)
   
-    
 
Treasury stock repurchase
   
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
(21,268
)
   
-    
     
(21,268
)
   
-    
 
Other, net
   
-    
     
1,521
     
(29
)
   
2,677
     
29
     
4,198
     
31,494
 
Balance as of March 
31, 2018
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
(
17,459,961
shares of common stock issued;
2,097,820
in treasury)
   
17,460
     
3,613,630
     
(123,620
)
   
(843,497
)
   
5,709,427
     
8,373,400
     
137,631
 
Add (deduct):
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net earnings
   
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
295,116
     
295,116
     
3,288
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                   
             
     
     
 
Retirement plans
   
-    
     
-    
     
209
     
-    
     
-    
     
209
     
-    
 
Change in unrealized appreciation of investments, net
   
-    
     
-    
     
(38,410
)
   
-    
     
-    
     
(38,410
)
   
-    
 
Change in unrealized currency translation adjustment, net
   
-    
     
-    
     
(10,523
)
   
-    
     
-    
     
(10,523
)
   
-    
 
Comprehensive income
   
-    
     
-    
     
(48,724
)
   
-    
     
295,116
     
246,392
     
3,288
 
Treasury stock repurchase
   
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
(214,835
)
   
-    
     
(214,835
)
   
-    
 
Other, net
   
-    
     
(1,015
)
   
37
     
447
     
(37
)
   
(568
)
   
(5,547
)
Balance as of June 
30, 2018
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
(
17,459,961
shares of common stock issued;
2,465,282
in treasury)
 
  $
17,460
   
  $
3,612,615
   
  $
(172,307
)
 
  $
(1,057,885
)
 
  $
6,004,506
   
  $
8,404,389
   
  $
135,372
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
 
 
Table of Contents
 
ALLEGHANY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
                   
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities
   
     
 
 
Net earnings
  $  
752,735
    $  
469,586
 
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
   
     
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
56,942
     
64,510
 
 
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
(536,013
)    
(142,596
)
 
Net realized capital (gains) losses
   
(16,796
)    
(50,967
)
 
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
10,020
     
511
 
 
(Increase) decrease in reinsurance recoverables, net of reinsurance payable
   
271,113
     
147,456
 
 
(Increase) decrease in premium balances receivable
   
(122,872
)    
(34,643
)
 
(Increase) decrease in ceded unearned premiums
   
(22,084
)    
(18,282
)
 
(Increase) decrease in deferred acquisition costs
   
(38,099
)    
(14,897
)
 
(Increase) decrease in funds held under reinsurance agreements
   
14,471
     
(13,318
)
 
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums
   
197,072
     
97,516
 
 
Increase (decrease) in loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
(618,496
)    
(355,757
)
 
Change in unrealized foreign currency exchange rate losses (gains)
   
(6,370
)    
48,228
 
 
Other, net
   
231,955
     
(48,172
)
 
  Net adjustments
   
(579,157
   
(320,411
)
 
 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
173,578
     
149,175
 
 
                 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
   
     
 
 
Purchases of debt securities
   
(4,197,740
)    
(2,301,614
)
 
Purchases of equity securities
   
(134,894
)    
(533,842
)
 
Sales of debt securities
   
1,876,234
     
1,667,526
 
 
Maturities and redemptions of debt securities
   
443,555
     
886,970
 
 
Sales of equity securities
   
1,950,478
     
269,567
 
 
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments
   
(156,700
)    
104,728
 
 
Net (purchases) sales and maturities of commercial mortgage loans
   
(14,905
)    
(37,408
)
 
(Purchases) sales of property and equipment
   
(23,942
)    
(13,164
)
 
Purchases of affiliates and subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
   
(64,084
)    
(108,386
)
 
Other, net
   
8,842
     
50,415
 
 
  Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
(313,156
   
(15,208
)
 
                 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
   
     
 
 
Treasury stock acquisitions
   
(93,152
)    
(236,103
)
 
Increase (decrease) in other debt
   
46,006
     
38,452
 
 
Cash dividends paid
   
-
     
(153,967
)
 
Other, net
   
(31,344
)    
5,317
 
 
  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
(78,490
)    
(346,301
)
 
  Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
   
4,123
     
(2,818
)
 
 Net increase (decrease) in cash
   
(213,945
   
(215,152
)
 
 Cash at beginning of period
   
1,038,763
     
838,375
 
 
                 
 
 Cash at end of period
  $
824,818
    $
623,223
 
 
                 
 
                 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
   
     
 
 
Cash paid during period for:
   
     
 
 
Interest paid
  $
48,203
    $
42,562
 
 
Income taxes paid (refund received)
   
(20,672
)    
22,135
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
  
Table of Contents
  
ALLEGHANY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles
(a) Principles of Financial Statement Presentation
This Quarterly Report on Form
 10-Q
(this “Form
 10-Q”)
should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report on Form
 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2018 Form
 10-K”)
and the Quarterly Report on Form
 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 of Alleghany Corporation (“Alleghany”).
Alleghany Corporation, a Delaware corporation, owns and manages certain operating subsidiaries and investments, anchored by a core position in property and casualty reinsurance and insurance. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. (“TransRe”), Alleghany is engaged in the property and casualty reinsurance business. TransRe has been a subsidiary of Alleghany since March 2012. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Alleghany Insurance Holdings LLC (“AIHL”), Alleghany is engaged in the property and casualty insurance business. AIHL’s insurance operations are principally conducted by its subsidiaries RSUI Group, Inc. (“RSUI”) and CapSpecialty, Inc. (“CapSpecialty”). RSUI has been a subsidiary of AIHL since July 2003 and CapSpecialty has been a subsidiary of AIHL since January 2002. AIHL Re LLC (“AIHL Re”), a captive reinsurance company which provides reinsurance to Alleghany’s current and former insurance operating subsidiaries and affiliates, has been a subsidiary of Alleghany since its formation in May 2006.
Although Alleghany’s primary sources of revenues and earnings are its reinsurance and insurance operations and investments, Alleghany also generates revenues and expenses from a diverse portfolio of middle market businesses that are owned and managed through its wholly-owned subsidiary Alleghany Capital Corporation (“Alleghany Capital”). Alleghany Capital’s businesses include:
Precision Cutting Technologies,
Inc. (“PCT”), the holding company for Bourn & Koch Inc., a manufacturer/remanufacturer of specialty machine tools and supplier of replacement parts, accessories and services for a variety of cutting technologies, headquartered in Rockford, Illinois;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
R.C. Tway Company, LLC (“Kentucky Trailer”), a manufacturer of custom trailers and truck bodies for the moving and storage industry and other markets, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IPS-Integrated
Project Services, LLC (“IPS”), a technical service provider focused on the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jazwares, LLC (together with its affiliates, “Jazwares”), a global toy, entertainment and musical instrument company, headquartered in Sunrise, Florida;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WWSC Holdings, LLC (“W&W|AFCO Steel”), a structural steel fabricator and erector, headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHECO Holdings, LLC (“Concord”), a hotel management and development company, headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
a 45 percent equity interest in Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc. (“Wilbert”), a provider of products and services for the funeral and cemetery industries and precast concrete markets, headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The results of Concord have been included in Alleghany’s consolidated results beginning with its acquisition by Alleghany Capital on October 1, 2018.
In addition, Alleghany owns certain other holding-company investments. Alleghany’s wholly-owned subsidiary Stranded Oil Resources Corporation (“SORC”) is an exploration and production company focused on enhanced oil recovery, headquartered in Golden, Colorado. Alleghany’s wholly-owned subsidiary Alleghany Properties Holdings LLC (“Alleghany Properties”) owns and manages certain properties in the Sacramento, California region. Alleghany’s public equity investments are managed primarily through Alleghany’s wholly-owned subsidiary Roundwood Asset Management LLC.
Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “Alleghany” include Alleghany together with its subsidiaries.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of Alleghany and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”). All material inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The portion of stockholders’ equity, net earnings and comprehensive income that is not attributable to Alleghany stockholders is presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income and the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity as noncontrolling interests. Because all noncontrolling interests have the option to sell their ownership interests to Alleghany in the future (generally through 2024), the portion of stockholders’ equity that is not attributable to Alleghany stockholders is presented on the Consolidated
 
6
 
 
Table of Contents
  
Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of 
Changes in Stockholders’ Equity as redeemable noncontrolling interests for all periods presented. In addition, Alleghany accretes the redeemable noncontrolling interests up to its future estimated redemption value over the period from the date of issuance to the earliest redemption date. The redemption value of the equity interests is generally based on the respective subsidiary’s earnings in specified periods preceding the redemption date, calculated based on either a specified formula or an independent fair market valuation. During the first six months of 2019, the noncontrolling interests outstanding were approximately as follows: Kentucky Trailer - 23 percent; IPS - 15 percent; Jazwares - 23 percent; W&W|AFCO Steel - 20 percent; and Concord - 15 percent. Prior to April 1, 2019, the noncontrolling interests of
PCT were
 approximately 11 percent. Effective April 1, 2019, all noncontrolling interests of PCT have exercised their options and sold their ownership interests to Alleghany.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Alleghany relies on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances to make judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities and reported revenues and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from those reported results to the extent that those estimates and assumptions prove to be inaccurate. Changes in estimates are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income in the period in which the changes are made.
(b) Other Significant Accounting Principles
Alleghany’s significant accounting principles can be found in Note 1 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
 10-K.
(c) Recent Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted
In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance on certain tax effects caused by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act, among other things, reduced the U.S. corporate federal income tax rate for the 2018 tax year from 35.0 percent to 21.0 percent. Under such circumstances, GAAP requires that the value of deferred tax assets and liabilities be reduced through tax expense. The new guidance provides an option to reclassify any stranded tax amounts that remain in accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, either retrospectively or at the beginning of the period in which the adoption is elected. This guidance became effective in the first quarter of 2018 for public entities, with early adoption permitted in 2017. Alleghany adopted this new guidance in the first quarter of 2018 and has elected to reclassify stranded tax amounts that remain in accumulated other comprehensive income, in the amount of approximately $135 million, to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. See Note 7(b) of this Form
 10-Q
for additional information on accumulated other comprehensive income. See Note 9 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
 10-K
for additional information on the Tax Act and its impact on Alleghany.
In August 2017, the FASB issued guidance that simplifies the requirements to achieve hedge accounting, better reflects the economic results of hedging in the financial statements and improves the alignment between hedge accounting and a company’s risk management activities. This guidance is effective in the first quarter of 2019 for public entities, with early adoption permitted. Alleghany adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2019 and the implementation did not have a material impact on its results of operations and financial condition.
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance on leases. Under this guidance, a lessee is required to recognize lease liabilities and corresponding
right-of-use
assets for leases with terms of more than one year, whereas under the prior guidance, a lessee is only required to recognize assets and liabilities for those leases qualifying as capital leases. This guidance also requires new disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The accounting by lessors remains largely unchanged. This guidance is effective in the first quarter of 2019 for public entities, with early adoption permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach was elected for all leases in existence as of, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. Alleghany adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2019 and the implementation did not have a material impact on its results of operations and financial condition. As part of its implementation, Alleghany elected to not separate lease components from
non-lease
components (such as office cleanings, security and maintenance services provided by Alleghany’s lessors for certain of its leases). Alleghany also elected the package of practical expedients under the transition guidance, which allowed Alleghany to not reevaluate existing lease classifications, among others. As of January 1, 2019, Alleghany’s adoption of this guidance resulted in recognition of an additional
right-of-use
asset of approximately $0.2 billion and a corresponding lease liability of $0.2 billion. See Note 9(b) for further information on Alleghany’s leases.
In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance that changes the recognition and measurement of certain financial instruments. This guidance requires investments in equity securities (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, but including partnership investments not accounted for under the equity method) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net earnings. For equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values, measurement may be at cost, adjusted for any impairment and changes resulting from observable price
 
7
 
 
  
Table of Contents
 
changes for a similar investment of the same issuer. This guidance also changes the presentation and disclosure of financial instruments by: (i) requiring that financial instrument disclosures of fair value use the exit price notion; (ii) requiring separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form, either on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; (iii) requiring separate presentation in other comprehensive income for the portion of the change in a liability’s fair value resulting from instrument-specific credit risk when an election has been made to measure the liability at fair value; and (iv) eliminating the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 for public entities, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Except for the change in presentation for instrument-specific credit risk, this guidance does not permit early adoption. Alleghany adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2018. As of January 1, 2018, approximately $736 million of net unrealized gains of equity securities, net of deferred taxes, were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. Subsequently, all changes in unrealized gains or losses of equity securities, net of deferred taxes, were presented in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings rather than the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, under the caption “change in the fair value of equity securities.” Results arising from partnership investments, whether accounted for under the equity method or at fair value, continue to be reported as a component of net investment income. The implementation did not have a material impact on Alleghany’s financial condition. See Note 3 of this Form
 10-Q
for further information on Alleghany’s equity securities, and Note 7(b) of this Form
 10-Q
for further information on accumulated other comprehensive income.
In May 2014, the FASB, together with the International Accounting Standards Board, issued guidance on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. Under this guidance, revenue is recognized as the transfer of goods and services to customers takes place and in amounts that reflect the payment or payments that are expected to be received from the customers for those goods and services. This guidance also requires new disclosures about revenue. Revenue related to insurance and reinsurance contracts and revenue from investments are not impacted by this guidance, whereas noninsurance revenue arising from the sale of manufactured goods and services is generally included within the scope of this guidance. This guidance, and all related amendments, became effective in the first quarter of 2018 for public entities, with early adoption permitted in 2017. Alleghany adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective transition approach and the implementation did not have a material impact on Alleghany’s results of operations and financial condition. See Note 10 of this Form
 10-Q
for further information on Alleghany’s noninsurance revenue.
Future Application of Accounting Standards
In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance on credit losses. Under this guidance, a company is required to measure all expected credit losses on loans, reinsurance recoverables and other financial assets accounted for at cost or amortized cost, as applicable. Estimates of expected credit losses are to be based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Credit losses for securities accounted for on an
available-for-sale
(“AFS”) basis are to be measured in a manner similar to GAAP as currently applied and cannot exceed the amount by which the fair value is less than the amortized cost, although the new guidance removes the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position as a possible indication of a credit impairment. Credit losses for all financial assets are to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. Subsequent reversals in credit loss estimates are permitted and are to be recognized in earnings. This guidance also requires new disclosures about the significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality of financial assets. This guidance is effective in the first quarter of 2020 for public entities, with early adoption permitted. Alleghany will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2020. Although Alleghany expects to initially record an increase in an allowance for credit losses on certain financial assets accounted for at cost or amortized cost, it does not currently believe that the implementation will have a material impact on its results of operations and financial condition. See Note 3 of this Form
 10-Q
for further information on Alleghany’s investments. See Note 5(b) to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
 10-K
for further information on Alleghany’s reinsurance recoverables.
In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill. Under this guidance, if an initial qualitative assessment indicates that the fair value of an operating subsidiary may be less than its carrying amount, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the operating subsidiary exceeds its estimated fair value. Any resulting impairment loss recognized cannot exceed the total amount of goodwill associated with the operating subsidiary. This guidance is effective in the first quarter of 2020 for public entities, with early adoption permitted. Alleghany will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2020 and does not currently believe that the implementation will have a material impact on its results of operations and financial condition. See Note 2 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
 10-K
for further information on Alleghany’s goodwill.
In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance that changes the financial statement disclosure requirements for measuring fair value. With respect to financial instruments classified as “Level 3” in the fair value disclosure hierarchy, the guidance requires certain additional disclosures for public entities related to amounts included in other comprehensive income and significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation, while removing disclosure requirements related to an entity’s overall valuation processes. The guidance also removes certain disclosure requirements related to transfers between financial instruments classified as “Level 1” and “Level 2” and provides clarification on certain other existing disclosure requirements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted with respect to any eliminated or modified
 
8
 
 
Table of Contents
  
disclosures. Alleghany will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2020 and does not currently believe that the implementation will have a material impact on its results of operations and financial condition.
2. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of Alleghany’s consolidated financial instruments as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
                                 
 
June 30, 2019
   
December 31, 2018
 
 
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
 Assets
   
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Investments (excluding equity method investments and loans)
(1)
  $
17,477.7
    $
17,477.7
    $
16,291.3
    $     
16,291.3
 
                                 
 Liabilities
   
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Senior Notes and other debt
(2)
  $
1,714.7
    $
1,882.2
    $
1,669.0
    $
1,795.5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
This table includes debt and equity securities, as well as partnership and
non-marketable
equity investments accounted for at fair value that are included in other invested assets. This table excludes investments accounted for using the equity method and commercial mortgage loans that are accounted for at unpaid principal balance. The fair value of short-term investments approximates amortized cost. The fair value of all other categories of investments is disclosed below.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)
See Note 8 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
 10-K
for additional information on the senior notes and other debt.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following tables present Alleghany’s financial instruments measured at fair value and the level of the fair value hierarchy of inputs used as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
                                   
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
 
As of June 30, 2019
   
     
     
     
 
 
Equity securities:
   
     
     
     
 
 
Common stock
   $   
2,285.4
    $   
3.3
     $   
-      
     $   
2,288.7
 
 
Preferred stock
   
-      
     
-
     
4.1
     
4.1
 
 
Total equity securities
   
2,285.4
     
3.3
     
4.1
     
2,292.8
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
   
     
     
     
 
 
U.S. Government obligations
   
-      
     
1,256.5
     
-      
     
1,256.5
 
 
Municipal bonds
   
-      
     
2,448.3
     
-      
     
2,448.3
 
 
Foreign government obligations
   
-      
     
783.4
     
-      
     
783.4
 
 
U.S. corporate bonds
   
-      
     
2,555.8
     
534.6
     
3,090.4
 
 
Foreign corporate bonds
   
-      
     
1,291.2
     
145.9
     
1,437.1
 
 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
           
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”)
(1)
   
-      
     
1,915.9
     
-      
     
1,915.9
 
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)
   
-      
     
788.4
     
-      
     
788.4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other asset-backed securities
(2)
   
-      
     
1,449.9
     
959.7
     
2,409.6
 
 
Total debt securities
   
-      
     
12,489.4
     
1,640.2
     
14,129.6
 
 
                                 
 
Short-term investments
   
-      
     
1,054.8
     
-      
     
1,054.8
 
 
Other invested assets
(3)
   
-      
     
-      
     
0.5
     
0.5
 
 
Total investments (excluding equity method investments and loans)
   $
2,285.4
     $
13,547.5
     $
1,644.8
     $
17,477.7
 
 
                                 
 
Senior Notes and other debt
   $
-      
     $
1,551.6
     $
330.6
     $
1,882.2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9
 
 
Table of Contents
 
                                 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
 
($ in millions)
 
As of December 31, 2018
   
     
     
     
 
Equity securities:
                    
                          
     
                  
     
                 
 
Common stock
    $
3,563.9
     $
3.5
      $
-
      $
3,567.4
 
Preferred stock
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
5.4
 
 
 
5.4
 
Total equity securities
 
 
3,563.9
 
 
 
3.5
 
 
 
5.4
 
 
 
3,572.8
 
                                 
                                 
Debt securities:
   
     
     
     
 
U.S. Government obligations
   
-
     
1,022.4
     
-
     
1,022.4
 
Municipal bonds
   
-
     
2,214.7
     
-
     
2,214.7
 
Foreign government obligations
   
-
     
947.9
     
-
     
947.9
 
U.S. corporate bonds
   
-
     
1,959.6
     
425.7
     
2,385.3
 
Foreign corporate bonds
   
-
     
1,226.4
     
126.9
     
1,353.3
 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
   
     
     
     
 
RMBS
(1)
   
-
     
1,387.9
     
-
     
1,387.9
 
CMBS
   
-
     
533.3
     
-
     
533.3
 
Other asset-backed securities
(2)
   
-
     
712.3
     
1,266.9
     
1,979.2
 
                                 
Total debt securities
   
-
     
10,004.5
     
1,819.5
     
11,824.0
 
                                 
                                 
Short-term investments
   
-
     
893.8
     
-
     
893.8
 
Other invested assets
(3)
   
-
     
-
     
0.7
     
0.7
 
                                 
Total investments (excluding equity method investments and loans)
             
 $
   3,563.9  
 
 
 $
  10,901.8  
 
 
 $
   1,825.6  
 
 
 $
  16,291.3  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Notes and other debt
   $
-
     $
1,510.5
     $
285.0
     $
1,795.5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
(1)
Primarily includes government agency pass-through securities guaranteed by a government agency or government sponsored enterprise, among other types of RMBS.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)
Includes $952.5 million and $1,266.9 million of collateralized loan obligations as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3)
Includes partnership and
non-marketable
equity investments accounted for at fair value, and excludes investments accounted for using the equity method.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, Alleghany transferred into Level 3 $1.3 million and $16.0 million, respectively, of financial instruments, principally due to a decrease in observable inputs related to the valuation of such assets. Specifically, during the first six months of 2019, there was an increase in the weight given to
non-binding
broker quotes and, as a result, there was a corresponding decrease in quoted prices for similar assets in active markets. Of the $
16.0
 million of transfers, $14.7 million related to foreign corporate bonds and $1.3 million related to U.S. corporate bonds.
In the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, Alleghany transferred out of Level 3 $13.9 million and $
14.9
 million, respectively, of financial instruments, principally due to an increase in observable inputs related to the valuation of such assets. Specifically, during the first six months of 2019, there was a decrease in the weight given to
non-binding
broker quotes and, as a result, there was a corresponding increase in quoted prices for similar assets in active markets. Of the $
14.9
 million of transfers, $12.1 million related to other asset-backed securities, with the remainder related to other types of debt securities.
There were no other material transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3 in the six months ended June 30, 2019.
As further described in Note 3(h), on March 15, 2018, most of AIHL’s limited partnership interests in certain subsidiaries of Ares Management LLC (“Ares”) were converted into Ares common units. As a result of the conversion, as of March 15, 2018, $208.2 million of Ares common units, classified as equity securities, was transferred into Level 1, and $58.7 million of Ares limited partnership interests, classified as other invested assets, was transferred into Level 3. On September 24, 2018, AIHL’s remaining $56.9 million of Ares limited partnership interests were converted into Ares common units and, as a result, was transferred out of Level 3 and into Level 1.
In addition to the $58.7 million of Ares-related other invested assets transferred into Level 3, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, Alleghany transferred into Level 3 $1.3 million and $5.6 million, respectively, of financial instruments, principally due to a decrease in observable inputs related to the valuation of such assets, specifically, a decrease in non-binding broker quotes. Of the $
5.6
 million of transfers, $4.3 million related to preferred stock, $1.2 million related to U.S. corporate bonds and $0.1 million related to other invested assets.
In the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, Alleghany transferred out of Level 3 $151.9 million and $153.5 million, respectively, 
of financial instruments, principally due to an increase in observable inputs related to the valuation of such assets. Specifically, during the first six months
10
  
Table of Contents 
 
 
of 2018, there was a decrease in the weight given to
non-binding
broker quotes, and as a result, there was a corresponding increase in quoted prices for similar assets in active markets. Of the $
153.5
 million of transfers, $150.6 million related to RMBS in the second quarter of 2018, $1.6 million related to CMBS in the first quarter of 2018 and $1.3 million related to U.S. corporate bonds in the second quarter of 2018. 
There were no other material transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3 in the six months ended June 30, 2018.
The following tables present reconciliations of the changes in Level 3 assets during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 measured at fair value:
                                                         
 
   
Debt Securities
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
Mortgage and 
asset-backed
   
   
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Preferred
Stock
   
U.S.
Corporate
Bonds
   
Foreign
Corporate
Bonds
   
CMBS
   
Other Asset-
backed
Securities
   
Other
Invested
Assets
(1)
   
Total
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2019
 
 $
5.4
   
 $
425.7
   
 $
126.9
   
 $
-
   
 $
1,266.9
   
 $
0.7
   
 $
1,825.6
 
Net realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in:
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net earnings
(2)
   
(1.6
)
   
(10.0
)
   
(0.1
)
   
-
     
(0.7
)
   
(0.2
)
   
(12.6
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
-
     
31.3
     
5.4
     
-
     
20.5
     
(0.1
)
   
57.1
 
 Purchases
   
0.3
     
90.9
     
13.9
     
0.2
     
56.8
     
0.1
     
162.2
 
 Sales
   
-
     
-
     
(5.6
)
   
-
     
(300.2
)
   
-
     
(305.8
)
Issuances
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Settlements
   
-
     
(3.6
)
   
(7.7
)
   
-
     
(71.5
)
   
-
     
(82.8
)
Transfers into Level 3
   
-
     
1.3
     
14.7
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
16.0
 
Transfers out of Level 3
   
-
     
(1.0
)
   
(1.6
)
   
(0.2
)
   
(12.1
)
   
-
     
(14.9
)
Balance as of June 30, 2019
 
 $
4.1
   
 $
534.6
   
 $
145.9
   
 $
-
   
 $
959.7
   
 $
0.5
   
 $
1,644.8
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
 
   
Debt Securities
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
Mortgage and asset-backed
   
   
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Preferred
Stock
   
U.S.
Corporate
Bonds
   
Foreign
Corporate
Bonds
   
RMBS
   
CMBS
   
Other Asset-
backed
Securities
   
Other

Invested

Assets
(1)
   
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
 Balance as of January 1, 2018
 
$
1.9
   
$
260.0
   
$
75.2
   
$
161.8
   
$
1.6
   
$
1,101.3
   
$
7.5
   
$
1,609.3
 
Net realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in:
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net earnings
(2)
   
-    
     
-    
     
(0.1
)
   
(0.3
)
   
-    
     
1.0
     
1.1
     
1.7
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
0.2
     
(6.9
)
   
(2.2
)
   
(5.3
)
   
-    
     
(7.7
)
   
(3.5
)
   
(25.4
)
 Purchases
   
-
     
117.3
     
23.8
     
-
     
-    
     
495.1
     
-
     
636.2
 
 Sales
   
(0.1
)
   
(2.5
)
   
(1.9
)
   
(5.6
)
   
-    
     
(365.7
)
   
(5.6
)
   
(381.4
)
 Issuances
   
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
 
 Settlements
   
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
 
 Transfers into Level 3
   
4.3
     
1.2
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
58.8
     
64.3
 
 Transfers out of Level 3
   
-    
     
(1.3
)
   
-    
     
(150.6
)
   
(1.6
)
   
-    
     
-
     
(153.5
)
 Balance as of June 30, 2018
     $
6.3
   
  $
367.8
   
   $
94.8
   
  $
-    
   
  $
-    
   
  $
1,224.0
   
  $
58.3
   
   $
1,751.2
 
                                                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Includes partnership and
non-marketable
equity investments accounted for at fair value.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)
There were no other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses recorded in net earnings related to Level 3 assets still held as of June 30, 2019 and 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses related to Level 3 assets as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were not material.
The increase in senior notes and other debt included in Level 3 for the first six months of 2019 primarily reflects increased borrowings at
IPS and PCT to fund acquisitions and
 W&W|AFCO Steel to support working capital needs.
See Note 1(c) to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
 10-K
for Alleghany’s accounting policy on fair value.
 
 
11
 
 
Table of Contents
  
3. Investments
(a) Unrealized Gains and Losses
The following tables present the amortized cost and the fair value of AFS securities as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
                                 
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
As of June 30, 2019
   
     
     
     
 
Debt securities:
   
     
     
     
 
U.S. Government obligations
  $
1,242.2
    $
17.3
    $
(3.0
)   $
1,256.5
 
Municipal bonds
   
2,335.8
     
112.6
     
(0.1
)    
2,448.3
 
Foreign government obligations
   
759.3
     
24.6
     
(0.5
)    
783.4
 
U.S. corporate bonds
   
2,975.3
     
120.4
     
(5.3
)    
3,090.4
 
Foreign corporate bonds
   
1,403.6
     
35.3
     
(1.8
)    
1,437.1
 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
   
     
     
     
 
RMBS
   
1,878.3
     
40.6
     
(3.0
)    
1,915.9
 
CMBS
   
766.0
     
23.0
     
(0.6
)    
788.4
 
Other asset-backed securities
(1)
   
2,396.4
     
27.7
     
(14.5
)    
2,409.6
 
                                 
Total debt securities
   
13,756.9
     
401.5
     
(28.8
)    
14,129.6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                 
Short-term investments
   
1,054.8
     
-
     
-
     
1,054.8
 
                                 
Total investments
    $
14,811.7
      $
401.5
      $
(28.8
)  
  
$
15,184.4
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                 
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
As of December 31, 2018
   
     
     
     
 
Debt securities:
   
     
     
     
 
U.S. Government obligations
  $
1,042.4
    $
2.4
    $
(22.4
)   $
1,022.4
 
Municipal bonds
   
2,177.5
     
44.4
     
(7.2
)    
2,214.7
 
Foreign government obligations
   
939.0
     
12.3
     
(3.4
)    
947.9
 
U.S. corporate bonds
   
2,431.4
     
13.2
     
(59.3
)    
2,385.3
 
Foreign corporate bonds
   
1,363.0
     
9.1
     
(18.8
)    
1,353.3
 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
   
     
     
     
 
RMBS
   
1,392.4
     
10.3
     
(14.8
)    
1,387.9
 
CMBS
   
536.9
     
2.8
     
(6.4
)    
533.3
 
Other asset-backed securities
(1)
   
2,013.3
     
4.4
     
(38.5
)    
1,979.2
 
 
                               
Total debt securities
   
11,895.9
     
98.9
     
(170.8
)    
11,824.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                 
Short-term investments
   
893.8
     
-
     
-
     
893.8
 
                                 
Total investments
    $
12,789.7
      $
98.9
      $
(170.8
)     $
12,717.8
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Includes $
952.5
 million and $
1,266.9
 million of collateralized loan obligations as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b) Contractual Maturity
The following table presents the amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity as of June 30, 2019. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
12
 
 
Table of Contents
 
                 
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
As of June 30, 2019
   
     
 
Short-term investments due in one year or less
  $
1,054.8
    $
1,054.8
 
                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities
(1)
   
5,040.7
     
5,113.9
 
Debt securities with maturity dates:
   
     
 
One year or less
   
531.0
     
532.5
 
Over one through five years
   
3,377.5
     
3,443.2
 
Over five through ten years
   
2,707.6
     
2,808.6
 
Over ten years
   
2,100.1
     
2,231.4
 
                 
Total debt securities
    $
13,756.9
      $    
14,129.6
 
                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Mortgage and asset-backed securities by their nature do not generally have single maturity dates.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c) Net Investment Income
The following table presents net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
2019
   
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
Interest income
  $
127.2
    $
104.8
    $
246.5
    $
206.8
 
Dividend income
   
9.4
     
22.3
     
19.2
     
38.6
 
Investment expenses
   
(7.2
)    
(6.6
)    
(14.7
)    
(18.6
)
Pillar Investments
(1)
   
3.3
     
1.9
     
4.4
     
1.9
 
Limited partnership interests in certain subsidiaries of Ares
(1)
   
-
     
(0.7
)    
-
     
13.2
 
Other investment results
   
10.0
     
4.6
     
10.4
     
8.5
 
                                 
Total
  $
142.7
    $
126.3
    $
265.8
    $
250.4
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
See Note 3(h) of this Form
 10-Q
for discussion of the Pillar Investments, as defined therein, and limited partnership interests in certain subsidiaries of Ares.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of June 30, 2019,
non-income
producing invested assets were immaterial.
(d) Change in the Fair Value of Equity Securities
The following table presents changes in the fair value of equity securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
2019
   
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
Change in the fair value of equity securities sold during the period
   $
11.8
     $
4.4
     $
73.9
     $
16.0
 
Change in the fair value of equity securities held at the end of the period
   
131.9
     
180.8
     
462.1
     
126.6
 
                                 
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   $
143.7
     $
185.2
     $
536.0
     $
142.6
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In July 2019, Alleghany purchased an equity derivative to hedge the market risk on a significant portion of its consolidated equity portfolio.
(e) Realized Gains and Losses
The proceeds from sales of debt and equity securities were $1.3 billion and $0.8 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $3.8 billion and $1.9 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
 
 
13
  
  
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Realized capital gains and losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 primarily reflect capital gains and losses from the sale of debt securities.
Realized capital gains and losses for the three months ended June 30, 2018 primarily reflected the sale of debt securities. Realized capital gains and losses for the six months ended June 30, 2018 primarily reflected a $45.7 million gain on AIHL’s conversion of its limited partnership interests in certain subsidiaries of Ares into Ares common units. See Note 3(h) of this Form
 10-Q
for additional information on this conversion.
The following table presents amounts of gross realized capital gains and gross realized capital losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
2019
   
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Gross realized capital gains
   $
13.6
     $
6.5
     $
25.7
     $
66.4
 
Gross realized capital losses
   
(1.2
)    
-
     
(8.9
)    
(15.4
)
                                 
Net realized capital gains
   $
12.4
     $
6.5
     $
16.8
     $   
51.0
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross realized capital losses exclude OTTI losses, as discussed below.
(f) OTTI losses
Alleghany holds its debt securities as AFS and, as such, these securities are recorded at fair value. Alleghany continually monitors the difference between amortized cost and the estimated fair value of its debt investments, which involves uncertainty as to whether declines in value are temporary in nature. The analysis of a security’s decline in value is performed in its functional currency. If the decline is deemed temporary, Alleghany records the decline as an unrealized loss in stockholders’ equity. If the decline is deemed to be other than temporary, Alleghany writes its amortized cost-basis down to the fair value of the security and records an OTTI loss on its statement of earnings. In addition, any portion of such decline related to a debt security that is believed to arise from factors other than credit is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income rather than charged against earnings.
Debt securities in an unrealized loss position are evaluated for OTTI if they meet any of the following criteria: (i) they are trading at a discount of at least
20
 percent to amortized cost for an extended period of time (nine consecutive months or more); (ii) there has been a negative credit or news event with respect to the issuer that could indicate the existence of an OTTI; or (iii) Alleghany intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that Alleghany will sell, the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis.
If Alleghany intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that Alleghany will sell, a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the total amount of the unrealized loss position is recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings. To the extent that a debt security that is in an unrealized loss position is not impaired based on the preceding, Alleghany will consider a debt security to be impaired when it believes it to be probable that Alleghany will not be able to collect the entire amortized cost basis. For debt securities in an unrealized loss position as of the end of each quarter, Alleghany develops a best estimate of the present value of expected cash flows. If the results of the cash flow analysis indicate that Alleghany will not recover the full amount of its amortized cost basis in the debt security, Alleghany records an OTTI loss in earnings equal to the difference between the present value of expected cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the debt security. If applicable, the difference between the total unrealized loss position on the debt security and the OTTI loss recognized in earnings is the
non-credit
related portion, which is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.
In developing the cash flow analyses for debt securities, Alleghany considers various factors for the different categories of debt securities. For municipal bonds, Alleghany takes into account the taxing power of the issuer, source of revenue, credit risk and enhancements and
pre-refunding.
For mortgage and asset-backed securities, Alleghany discounts its best estimate of future cash flows at an effective rate equal to the original effective yield of the security or, in the case of floating rate securities, at the current coupon. Alleghany’s models include assumptions about prepayment speeds, default and delinquency rates, underlying collateral (if any), credit ratings, credit enhancements and other observable market data. For corporate bonds, Alleghany reviews business prospects, credit ratings and available information from asset managers and rating agencies for individual securities.
OTTI losses in the first six months of 2019 reflect $10.0 million of unrealized losses on debt securities, primarily related to the energy sector, that were deemed to be other than temporary and, as such, were required to be charged against earnings. The determination that unrealized losses on debt securities were other than temporary was primarily due to the deterioration of creditworthiness of the issuer. Of the $10.0 million of OTTI losses, none were incurred in the second quarter of 2019.
 
14
  
 
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OTTI losses in the first six months of 2018 reflected $0.5 million of unrealized losses on debt securities that were deemed to be other than temporary and, as such, were required to be charged against earnings. Of the $0.5 million of OTTI losses, none were incurred in the second quarter of 2018.
Upon the ultimate disposition of the securities for which OTTI losses have been recorded, a portion of the loss may be recoverable depending on market conditions at the time of disposition. After adjusting the amortized cost basis of securities for the recognition of OTTI losses, the remaining gross unrealized investment losses for debt securities as of June 30, 2019 were deemed to be temporary, based on, among other factors: (i) the duration of time and the relative magnitude to which the fair value of these investments had been below cost were not indicative of an OTTI loss; (ii) the absence of compelling evidence that would cause Alleghany to call into question the financial condition or near-term business prospects of the issuer of the security; and (iii) Alleghany’s ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.
Alleghany may ultimately record a realized loss after having originally concluded that the decline in value was temporary. Risks and uncertainties are inherent in the methodology. Alleghany’s methodology for assessing other than temporary declines in value contains inherent risks and uncertainties which could include, but are not limited to, incorrect assumptions about financial condition, liquidity or future prospects, inadequacy of any underlying collateral and unfavorable changes in economic conditions or social trends, interest rates or credit ratings.
(g) Aging of Gross Unrealized Losses
The following tables present gross unrealized losses and related fair values for Alleghany’s AFS securities, grouped by duration of time in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
                                                 
 
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
 
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
As of June 30, 2019
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Debt securities:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
U.S. Government obligations
   $
40.7
    $
0.1
    $
336.0
    $
2.9
    $
376.7
    $
3.0
 
Municipal bonds
   
2.2
     
-
     
23.2
     
0.1
     
25.4
     
0.1
 
Foreign government obligations
   
33.5
     
-
     
76.7
     
0.5
     
110.2
     
0.5
 
U.S. corporate bonds
   
121.1
     
2.6
     
180.9
     
2.7
     
302.0
     
5.3
 
Foreign corporate bonds
   
49.7
     
0.4
     
167.8
     
1.4
     
217.5
     
1.8
 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
RMBS
   
40.9
     
0.5
     
212.1
     
2.5
     
253.0
     
3.0
 
CMBS
   
18.0
     
-
     
19.4
     
0.6
     
37.4
     
0.6
 
Other asset-backed securities
   
566.8
     
6.0
     
404.7
     
8.5
     
971.5
     
14.5
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
  $
872.9
 
 
  $
9.6
 
 
  $
1,420.8
 
 
  $
19.2
 
 
  $
2,293.7
 
 
  $
28.8
 
                                                 
                                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
 
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
 
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
As of December 31, 2018
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Debt securities:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
U.S. Government obligations
  $
78.5
    $
0.9
    $
690.5
    $
21.5
    $
769.0
    $
22.4
 
Municipal bonds
   
312.4
     
2.5
     
202.5
     
4.7
     
514.9
     
7.2
 
Foreign government obligations
   
60.7
     
0.1
     
186.7
     
3.3
     
247.4
     
3.4
 
U.S. corporate bonds
   
1,187.9
     
39.4
     
379.7
     
19.9
     
1,567.6
     
59.3
 
Foreign corporate bonds
   
501.5
     
9.7
     
349.1
     
9.1
     
850.6
     
18.8
 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
RMBS
   
397.7
     
6.4
     
225.9
     
8.4
     
623.6
     
14.8
 
CMBS
   
199.1
     
1.3
     
109.5
     
5.1
     
308.6
     
6.4
 
Other asset-backed securities
   
1,442.8
     
36.7
     
121.6
     
1.8
     
1,564.4
     
38.5
 
                                                 
Total temporarily impaired securities
    $
4,180.6
      $
97.0
      $
2,265.5
      $
73.8
      $
6,446.1
      $
170.8
 
                                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15
  
  
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As of June 30, 2019, Alleghany held a total of 785 debt securities that were in an unrealized loss position, of which 502 securities were in an unrealized loss position continuously for 12 months or more. The unrealized losses associated with these debt securities consisted of losses related primarily to other asset-backed securities, U.S.
corporate bonds, U.S.
Government obligations and RMBS.
As of June 30, 2019, the vast majority of Alleghany’s debt securities were rated investment grade, with 3.5 percent of debt securities having issuer credit ratings that were below investment grade or not rated, compared with 4.4 percent as of December 31, 2018.
(h) Investments in Certain Other Invested Assets
In December 2012, TransRe obtained an ownership interest in Pillar Capital Holdings Limited (“Pillar Holdings”), a Bermuda- based insurance asset manager focused on collateralized reinsurance and catastrophe insurance-linked securities. Additionally, TransRe invested $175.0 million and AIHL invested $25.0 million in limited partnership funds managed by Pillar Holdings (the “Funds”). The objective of the Funds is to create portfolios with attractive risk-reward characteristics and low correlation with other asset classes, using the extensive reinsurance and capital market experience of the principals of Pillar Holdings. Alleghany has concluded that both Pillar Holdings and the Funds (collectively, the “Pillar Investments”) represent variable interest entities and that Alleghany is not the primary beneficiary, as it does not have the ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact each entity’s economic performance. Therefore, the Pillar Investments are not consolidated and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Alleghany’s potential maximum loss in the Pillar Investments is limited to its cumulative net investment. As of June 30, 2019, Alleghany’s carrying value in the Pillar Investments, as determined under the equity method of accounting, was $198.0 million, which is net of returns of capital received from the Pillar Investments.
In July 2013, AIHL invested $250.0 million in Ares, an asset manager, in exchange for a 6.25 percent equity stake in Ares, with an agreement to engage Ares to manage up to $1.0 billion in certain investment strategies. In May 2014, Ares completed an initial public offering of its common units. Upon completion of the initial public offering, Alleghany’s equity investment in Ares converted into limited partnership interests in certain Ares subsidiaries that were convertible into Ares common units. On March 15, 2018, most of AIHL’s limited partnership interests were converted into Ares common units. As a result of the conversion and with respect to the limited partnership interests that were converted into Ares common units, AIHL: (i) reclassified its converted interests from other invested assets to equity securities; (ii) increased its carrying value to $208.2 million to reflect the fair value of Ares common units; and (iii) recorded the $45.7 million increase in carrying value as a realized capital gain as of March 15, 2018. As a result of the conversion and with respect to the unconverted limited partnership interests, AIHL: (i) changed its accounting method from the equity method to fair value; (ii) increased its carrying value to $58.7 million to reflect the fair value of Ares limited partnership interests; and (iii) recorded the $12.9 million increase in carrying value as a component of net investment income as of March 15, 2018. On September 24, 2018, AIHL’s remaining Ares limited partnership interests were converted into Ares common units and, as a result, AIHL reclassified the remaining $56.9 million of its converted interests from other invested assets to equity securities. 
In the second quarter of 2019, AIHL sold all of its remaining holdings of Ares common units.
(i) Investments in Commercial Mortgage Loans
As of June 30, 2019, the carrying value of Alleghany’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio was $691.4 million, representing the unpaid principal balance on the loans. As of June 30, 2019, there was no allowance for loan losses. The commercial mortgage loan portfolio consists primarily of first mortgages on commercial properties in major metropolitan areas in the U.S. The loans earn interest at fixed- and floating-rates, mature in
two
to ten years from loan origination and the principal amounts of the loans were no more than approximately
two-thirds
of the property’s appraised value at the time the loans were made.
4. Reinsurance Ceded
Alleghany’s reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries reinsure portions of the risks they underwrite in order to reduce the effect of individual or aggregate exposure to losses, manage capacity, protect capital resources, reduce volatility in specific lines of business, improve risk-adjusted portfolio returns and enable them to increase gross premium writings and risk capacity without requiring additional capital. Alleghany’s reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries purchase reinsurance and retrocessional coverages from highly- rated third-party reinsurers. If the assuming reinsurers are unable or unwilling to meet the obligations assumed under the applicable reinsurance agreements, Alleghany’s reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries would remain liable for such reinsurance portion not paid by these reinsurers. As such, funds, trust agreements and letters of credit are held to collateralize a portion of Alleghany’s reinsurance recoverables and Alleghany’s reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries reinsure portions of the risks they underwrite or assume with multiple reinsurance programs.
TransRe enters into retrocession arrangements, including property catastrophe retrocession arrangements, in order to reduce the effect of individual or aggregate exposure to losses, reduce volatility in specific lines of business, improve risk-adjusted portfolio returns and increase gross premium writings and risk capacity without requiring additional capital.
RSUI reinsures its property lines of business through a program consisting of surplus share treaties, facultative placements, per risk and catastrophe excess of loss treaties. RSUI’s catastrophe reinsurance program and property per risk reinsurance program run on 
an annual basis from May 1 to the following April 30 and portions expired on April 30, 2019. Both programs were renewed on May 1, 2019 with substantially similar terms as the expired programs.
 
16
  
 
Table of Contents
  
5. Liability for Loss and LAE
(a) Liability Rollforward
The following table presents the activity in the liability for loss and LAE in the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
                 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2019
   
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Reserves as of January 1
  $
12,250.3
    $
11,871.3
 
Less: reinsurance recoverables
(1)
   
1,857.4
     
1,650.1
 
                 
Net reserves as of January 1
   
10,392.9
     
10,221.2
 
                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other adjustments
   
(1.4
)    
2.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                 
Incurred loss and LAE, net of reinsurance, related to:
   
     
 
Current year
   
1,683.3
     
1,546.7
 
Prior years
   
(94.0
)    
(137.9
)
 
               
Total incurred loss and LAE, net of reinsurance
   
1,589.3
     
1,408.8
 
                 
Paid loss and LAE, net of reinsurance, related to:
(2)
   
     
 
Current year
   
248.0
     
237.6
 
Prior years
   
1,651.5
     
1,366.1
 
                 
Total paid loss and LAE, net of reinsurance
   
1,899.5
     
1,603.7
 
                 
Foreign currency exchange rate effect
   
(6.6
)    
(24.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                 
Net reserves as of June 30
   
10,074.7
     
10,004.1
 
Reinsurance recoverables as of June 30
(1)
   
1,557.1
     
1,511.4
 
                 
Reserves as of June 30
   $
11,631.8
     $
11,515.5
 
                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Reinsurance recoverables in this table include only ceded loss and LAE reserves.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)
Includes paid losses, net of reinsurance, related to commutations.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross loss and LAE reserves as of June 30, 2019 decreased from December 31, 2018, primarily reflecting payments on catastrophe losses incurred in prior years and, to a lesser extent, favorable prior accident year loss reserve development.
 
17
  
 
Table of Contents
  
(b) Liability Development
The following table presents the (favorable) unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
                                         
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
 
Reinsurance Segment
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
Property:
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
Catastrophe events
  $
(9.9
)
(1)
 
 
$
5.1
(2)
 
 
$
(1.5
)
(3)
 
 
$
(25.3
)
(4)
 
Non-catastrophe
   
(6.3
)
(5)
     
(18.8
)
(6)
 
   
(25.4
)
(7)
 
   
(29.8
)
(6)
 
                   
 
       
 
       
 
Total
   
(16.2
)      
(13.7
)
 
   
(26.9
)
 
   
(55.1
)
 
                   
 
       
 
       
 
Casualty & other:
   
       
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
Malpractice Treaties 
(8)
   
(1.4
)      
(3.4
)
 
   
(1.4
)
 
   
(3.4
)
 
Other
   
(27.2
)
(9)
     
(33.6
)
(10)
 
   
(52.9
)
(11)
 
   
(63.8
)
(12)
 
                   
 
       
 
       
 
Total
   
(28.6
)      
(37.0
)
 
   
(54.3
)
 
   
(67.2
)
 
                   
 
       
 
       
 
Total Reinsurance Segment
   
(44.8
)      
(50.7
)
 
   
(81.2
)
 
   
(122.3
)
 
                   
 
       
 
       
 
                   
 
       
 
       
 
Insurance Segment
   
       
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
RSUI:
   
       
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
Casualty
   
(12.1
)
(13)
     
(1.5
)
(14)
 
   
(17.7
)
(13)
 
   
(12.5
)
(14)
 
Property and other
   
(0.4
)
 
     
0.1
 
 
   
1.5
(15)
 
   
-
 
 
                   
 
       
 
       
 
Total
   
(12.5
)
 
   
(1.4
)
 
   
(16.2
)
 
   
(12.5
)
 
         
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
CapSpecialty
   
0.7
(16)
 
   
(0.1
)
 
   
3.4
(17)
 
   
(3.1
)
(18)
 
         
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
Total incurred related to prior years
  $
(56.6
)
 
  $
(52.2
)
 
  $
(94.0
)
 
  $
(137.9
)
 
         
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to wildfires in California in the 2018 accident year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)
Primarily reflects unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to Hurricane Maria in the 2017 accident year, partially offset by favorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to Hurricane Harvey in the 2017 accident year and catastrophes in the 2016 accident year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3)
Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to wildfires in California in the 2018 accident year, partially offset by unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to Typhoon Jebi in the 2018 accident year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4)
Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to Hurricanes Harvey and Maria in the 2017 accident year and catastrophes in the 2016 accident year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5)
Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the 2018 accident year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6)
Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the 2016 and 2017 accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7)
Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the 2016 through 2018 accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(8)
Represents certain malpractice treaties pursuant to which the increased underwriting profits created by the favorable prior accident year loss reserve development are largely retained by the cedants. As a result, the favorable prior accident year loss reserve development is largely offset by an increase in profit commission expense incurred when such favorable prior accident year loss reserve development occurs.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9)
Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the longer-tailed lines of business in the 2013 and prior accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(10)
Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the shorter-tailed casualty lines of business in the 2015 and 2017 accident years and the longer-tailed lines of business in the 2008 through 2010 accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(11)
Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the longer-tailed lines of business in the 2013 and prior accident years and the shorter-tailed lines of business in the 2012 through 2014 accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(12)
Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the shorter-tailed casualty lines of business in the 2016 and 2017 accident years and the longer-tailed lines of business in the 2008 through 2010 accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(13)
Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the directors’ and officers’ liability and umbrella/excess lines of business in the 2011 through 2015 accident years, partially offset by unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the professional liability lines of business in recent accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(14)
Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the umbrella/excess lines of business in the 2005 through 2012 accident years, partially offset by unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the directors’ and officers’ liability lines of business in recent accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(15)
Primarily reflects unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to the assumed property reinsurance lines of business from catastrophe losses in recent accident years, partially offset by favorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to Superstorm Sandy in the 2012 accident year and by Hurricane Harvey in the 2017 accident year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(16) Primarily reflects unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the professional liability lines of business in the 2016 accident year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(17) Primarily reflects unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development in certain specialty lines of business written through a program administrator in connection with a terminated program in the 2009 and 2010 accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(18) Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the surety lines of business in the 2016 and 2017 accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18
  
  
Table of Contents
  
6. Income Taxes
The effective tax rate on earnings before income taxes for the first six months of 2019 was 19.3 percent, compared with 19.1 percent for the first six months of 2018. The slight increase in the effective tax rate in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects lower
tax-exempt
interest income arising from municipal bond securities, lower dividends received-deductions and higher state income taxes.
Alleghany believes that, as of June 30, 2019, it had no material uncertain tax positions. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax expenses (benefits) are recognized in income tax expense, when applicable. There were no material liabilities for interest or penalties accrued as of June 30, 2019.
7. Stockholders’ Equity
(a) Common Stock Repurchases
In November 2015, the Alleghany Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of shares of common stock of Alleghany, par value $1.00 per share (“Common Stock”), at such times and at prices as management determines to be advisable, up to an aggregate of $
400.0
million (the “2015 Repurchase Program”). In June 2018, the Alleghany Board of Directors authorized, upon the completion of the 2015 Repurchase Program, the repurchase of additional shares of Common Stock, at such times and at prices as management determines to be advisable, up to an aggregate of $
400.0
 million (the “2018 Repurchase Program”). In the fourth quarter of 2018, Alleghany completed the 2015 Repurchase Program and subsequent repurchases have been made pursuant to the 2018 Repurchase Program. As of June 30, 2019, Alleghany had $178.3 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization.
The following table presents the shares of Common Stock that Alleghany repurchased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
2019
   
2018
 
Shares repurchased
   
19,246
     
368,551
     
148,813
     
403,623
 
Cost of shares repurchased (in millions)
  $
12.7
    $
214.8
    $
93.2
    $
236.1
 
Average price per share repurchased
  $
658.09
    $
582.92
    $
625.96
    $
584.96
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following tables present a reconciliation of the changes during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alleghany stockholders:
                                 
 
Unrealized
Appreciation
of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
 
Retirement
Plans
 
Total
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2019
  $
(61.6
)   $
(124.7
)   $
(15.7
)   $
(202.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
   
     
     
     
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
   
356.0
     
2.3
     
1.1
     
359.4
 
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income
   
(5.4
)    
-
     
-
     
(5.4
)
Total
   
350.6
     
2.3
     
1.1
     
354.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of June 30, 2019
  $
289.0
    $
(122.4
)   $
(14.6
)   $
152.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19
 
 
Table of Contents
 
 
                         
 
Unrealized
Appreciation
of
Investments
 
 
Unrealized
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
 
 
Retirement
Plans
 
 
Total
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2018
 
$
718.2
 
  
$
(84.6
)
   
$
(15.5
)
   
$
618.1
 
Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting pronouncements
(1)
:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification of net unrealized gains on equity securities, net of tax
 
 
(735.6
)
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
(735.6
)
Reclassification of stranded taxes
 
 
156.6
 
 
 
(18.2
)
 
 
(3.3
)
 
 
135.1
 
Total
 
 
(579.0
)
 
 
(18.2
)
 
 
(3.3
)
 
 
(600.5
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
 
(179.7
)
 
 
(5.4
)
 
 
(1.1
)
 
 
(186.2
)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 
(3.7
)
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
(3.7
)
Total
 
 
(183.4
)
 
 
(5.4
)
 
 
(1.1
)
 
 
(189.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of June 30, 2018
 
$
(44.2
)
 
$
(108.2
)
 
$
(19.9
)
 
$
(172.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
See Note 1(c) of this Form
 10-Q
for additional information on Alleghany’s adoption of new investment accounting guidance and new guidance on certain tax effects caused by the Tax Act.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Alleghany stockholders during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
                               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Three Months Ended
 
 
 Six Months Ended
 
Accumulated Other
 
 
 
 
 
 June 30,
 
 
 June 30,
 
Comprehensive Income Component
 
 
Line in Consolidated Statement of Earnings
 
 
 2019
 
 
 2018
 
 
 2019
 
 
 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized appreciation of investments:
 
 
Net realized capital gains
(1)
 
 
$
(12.4
)
 
$
(6.5
)
 
$
(16.8
)
 
$
(5.3
)
 
 
Other than temporary impairment losses
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
10.0
 
 
 
0.5
 
 
 
Income taxes
 
 
 
2.6
 
 
 
1.4
 
 
 
1.4
 
 
 
1.1
 
Total reclassifications:
 
 
Net earnings
 
 
$
(9.8
)
 
$
(5.1
)
 
$
(5.4
)
 
$
(3.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
For the six month period ended June 30, 2018, excludes a $
45.7
 million
pre-tax
gain from AIHL’s conversion of its limited partnership interests in certain subsidiaries of Ares into Ares common units. See Note 3(h) of this Form
 10-Q
for additional information.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c) Special Dividend
In February 2018, the Alleghany Board of Directors declared a
special
dividend of $10.00 per share for stockholders of record on
March 5, 2018
. On March 15, 2018, Alleghany paid dividends to stockholders totaling $
154.0
 million.
 
20
  
Table of Contents
 
8. Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
The following table presents a reconciliation of the earnings and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
2019
   
2018
 
 
($ in millions, except share amounts)
 
Net earnings available to Alleghany stockholders
 
$
295.5
   
$
295.1
   
$
735.7
   
$
466.7
 
Effect of dilutive securities
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Income available to common stockholders for diluted earnings per share
 
$
295.5
   
$
295.1
   
$
735.7
   
$
466.7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding applicable to basic earnings per share
   
14,439,545
     
15,180,075
     
14,460,400
     
15,284,679
 
Effect of dilutive securities
   
-
     
-
     
14,960
     
4,915
 
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding applicable to diluted earnings per share
   
14,439,545
     
15,180,075
     
14,475,360
     
15,289,594
 
                                 
Contingently issuable shares
(1)
   
     
     
46,973
     
57,766
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Contingently issuable shares were potentially available in the periods presented, but were not included in the diluted earnings per share computations because the impact was anti-dilutive to the earnings per share calculation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9. Commitments and Contingencies
(a) Legal Proceedings
Certain of Alleghany’s subsidiaries are parties to pending litigation and claims in connection with the ordinary course of their businesses. Each such subsidiary makes provisions for estimated losses to be incurred in such litigation and claims, including legal costs. In the opinion of management, such provisions are adequate, and management does not believe that any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on Alleghany’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
(b) Leases
Alleghany and its subsidiaries lease certain facilities, land, furniture and equipment under long-term,
non-cancelable
lease agreements that expire at various dates through 2038. Most of Alleghany’s leases relate to office facilities. Alleghany’s lease agreements do not contain any material restrictive covenants and are substantially all considered to be operating leases.
Lease expense was $9.7 million and $21.8 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. The following table presents Alleghany’s consolidated lease liabilities and right-of-use lease assets related to operating leases as of June 30, 2019:
 
           
As of June 30, 2019
Maturity of lease payments, by year
($ in millions)
1 year or less
  $
37.9
 
 
More than 1 year to 2 years
   
34.9
 
 
More than 2 years to 3 years
   
30.9
 
 
More than 3 years to 4 years
   
26.6
 
 
More than 4 years to 5 years
   
25.6
 
 
More than 5 years
   
155.3
 
 
Total lease payments
(1)
  $
311.2
 
 
Less: interest
(2)
   
66.6
 
 
Lease liabilities
(3)
  $
244.6
 
 
Right-of-use
lease assets
(4)
  $
216.2
 
 
Prepaid lease assets, net of lease allowances and incentives
   
28.4
 
 
  $
244.6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
As of June 30, 2019, the weighted average lease term was approximately
12 
years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)
As of June 30, 2019, the weighted average discount rate was approximately
5
 percent.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3) Represents the present value of lease liabilities and is reported as a component of other liabilities on Alleghany’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4) Reported as a component of other assets on Alleghany’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21
 
 
  
Table of Contents 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c) Energy Holdings
As of June 30, 2019, Alleghany had holdings in energy sector businesses of $416.1 million, comprised of $323.9 million of debt securities, $5.4 million of equity securities and $86.8 million of Alleghany’s equity attributable to SORC.
  
 
10. Segments of Business
(a) Overview
Alleghany’s segments are reported in a manner consistent with the way management evaluates the businesses. As such, Alleghany classifies its businesses into
three
reportable segments – reinsurance, insurance and Alleghany Capital.
Reinsurance and insurance underwriting activities are evaluated separately from investment and other activities. Segment accounting policies are described in Note 1 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
 10-K.
The reinsurance segment consists of property and casualty reinsurance operations conducted by TransRe’s reinsurance operating subsidiaries and is further reported through two major product lines – property and casualty & other. TransRe provides property and casualty reinsurance to insurers and other reinsurers through brokers and on a direct basis to ceding companies. TransRe writes a modest amount of property and casualty insurance business, which is included in the reinsurance segment. A significant portion of the premiums earned by TransRe’s operations are generated by offices located in Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and those serving Latin America and the Caribbean. Although the majority of the premiums earned by these offices typically relate to the regions where they are located, a significant portion may be derived from other regions of the world, including the U.S. In addition, although a significant portion of the assets and liabilities of these foreign offices generally relate to the countries where ceding companies and reinsurers are located, most investments are located in the country of domicile of these offices.
The insurance segment consists of property and casualty insurance operations conducted in the U.S. by AIHL through its insurance operating subsidiaries RSUI and CapSpecialty. RSUI also writes a modest amount of assumed reinsurance business, which is included in the insurance segment.
The Alleghany Capital segment consists of industrial operations,
non-industrial
operations and corporate operations at the Alleghany Capital level. Industrial operations are conducted through PCT, Kentucky Trailer, W&W|AFCO Steel and a 45 percent equity interest in Wilbert.
Non-industrial 
operations are conducted through IPS, Jazwares and Concord.
On
October 1, 2018
, Alleghany Capital acquired approximately
85
 percent of the equity in Concord for $136.6 million, consisting of $68.6 million in cash paid on
October 1, 2018
, $
38.2
 million of potential contingent consideration based on future profitability and $29.8 million of incremental debt. In connection with the acquisition, Alleghany recorded $
83.0
 million of goodwill and $70.8 million of finite-lived intangible assets related primarily to customer relationships.
On
February 7, 2018
, W&W|AFCO Steel acquired the outstanding equity of Hirschfeld Holdings, LP 
(“Hirschfeld”),
 a fabricator of steel bridges and structural steel for stadiums, airports and other large commercial and industrial projects, for $109.1 million, consisting of $94.4 million in cash and $14.7 million of incremental debt. The $94.4 million paid by W&W|AFCO Steel was funded by capital contributions from Alleghany and noncontrolling interests of $75.5 million and $18.9 million, respectively. In connection with the acquisition, Alleghany recorded $3.0 million of goodwill and $9.4 million of finite-lived intangible assets related primarily to customer relationships.
Corporate activities are not classified as a segment. The primary components of corporate activities are Alleghany Properties, SORC and activities at the Alleghany parent company.
In addition, corporate activities include interest expense associated with the senior notes issued by Alleghany, whereas interest expense associated with senior notes issued by TransRe is included in “Total Segments” and interest expense associated with other debt is included in Alleghany Capital. Information related to the senior notes and other debt can be found in Note 8 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
 10-K.
  
22
 
 
Table of Contents
 
 
(b) Results
The following tables present segment results for Alleghany’s three reportable segments and for corporate activities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
                                                                                         
 
Reinsurance Segment
   
Insurance Segment
   
   
   
   
   
   
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 
Property
   
Casualty
other
(1)
   
Total
   
RSUI
   
Cap
Specialty
   
Total
   
Subtotal
   
Alleghany

Capital
(2)
   
Total
Segments
   
Corporate

Activities
(3)
   
Consolidated
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
381.6
   
$
829.1
   
$
1,210.7
   
$
372.4
   
$
93.8
   
$
466.2
   
$
1,676.9
   
$
-
   
$
1,676.9
   
$
(6.1
)
 
$
1,670.8
 
Net premiums written
   
305.9
     
807.0
     
1,112.9
     
246.9
     
86.7
     
333.6
     
1,446.5
     
-
     
1,446.5
     
-
     
1,446.5
 
Net premiums earned
   
303.2
     
771.7
     
1,074.9
     
202.4
     
78.7
     
281.1
     
1,356.0
     
-
     
1,356.0
     
-
     
1,356.0
 
Net loss and LAE
   
136.2
     
508.9
     
645.1
     
105.6
     
46.1
     
151.7
     
796.8
     
-
     
796.8
     
-
     
796.8
 
Commissions, brokerage and other
underwriting expenses
   
103.8
     
250.1
     
353.9
     
57.9
     
32.5
     
90.4
     
444.3
     
-
     
444.3
     
-
     
444.3
 
Underwriting profit
(4)
 
$  
63.2
   
$  
12.7
   
$
75.9
   
$  
38.9
   
$  
0.1
   
$  
39.0
     
114.9
     
-
     
114.9
     
-
     
114.9
 
Net investment income
   
138.3
     
0.9
     
139.2
     
3.5
     
142.7
   
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
143.3
     
-
     
143.3
     
0.4
     
143.7
   
Net realized capital gains
   
12.2
     
0.2
     
12.4
     
-
     
12.4
   
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
   
Noninsurance revenue
   
6.6
     
593.7
     
600.3
     
3.6
     
603.9
   
Other operating expenses
   
26.2
     
548.3
     
574.5
     
7.0
     
581.5
   
Corporate administration
   
1.8
     
-
     
1.8
     
24.2
     
26.0
   
Amortization of intangible assets
   
0.4
     
8.4
     
8.8
     
-
     
8.8
   
Interest expense
   
6.8
     
4.7
     
11.5
     
13.6
     
25.1
   
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
 
$  
380.1
   
$  
33.4
   
$  
413.5
   
$  
(37.3
)
 
$  
376.2
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                         
 
Reinsurance Segment
   
Insurance Segment
   
   
   
   
   
   
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 
Property
   
Casualty
other
(1)
   
Total
   
RSUI
   
Cap
Specialty
   
Total
   
Subtotal
   
Alleghany

Capital
(2)
   
Total
Segments
   
Corporate

Activities
(3)
   
Consolidated
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
345.1
   
$
726.6
   
$
1,071.7
   
$
318.8
   
$
88.7
   
$
407.5
   
$
1,479.2
   
$
-
   
$
1,479.2
   
$
(6.5
)
 
$
1,472.7
 
Net premiums written
   
275.9
     
700.7
     
976.6
     
216.9
     
82.3
     
299.2
     
1,275.8
     
-
     
1,275.8
     
-
     
1,275.8
 
Net premiums earned
   
292.1
     
689.2
     
981.3
     
184.7
     
71.0
     
255.7
     
1,237.0
     
-
     
1,237.0
     
-
     
1,237.0
 
Net loss and LAE
   
153.5
     
440.0
     
593.5
     
105.7
     
39.0
     
144.7
     
738.2
     
-
     
738.2
     
-
     
738.2
 
Commissions, brokerage and other
underwriting expenses
   
94.8
     
223.2
     
318.0
     
53.7
     
30.4
     
84.1
     
402.1
     
-
     
402.1
     
-
     
402.1
 
Underwriting profit
(4)
 
$
43.8
   
$
26.0
   
$
69.8
   
$
25.3
   
$
1.6
   
$
26.9
     
96.7
     
-
     
96.7
     
-
     
96.7
 
Net investment income
   
121.1
     
1.4
     
122.5
     
3.8
     
126.3
   
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
146.8
     
-
     
146.8
     
38.4
     
185.2
   
Net realized capital gains
   
6.8
     
(0.1
)
   
6.7
     
(0.2
)
   
6.5
   
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
   
Noninsurance revenue
   
4.7
     
329.0
     
333.7
     
9.0
     
342.7
   
Other operating expenses
   
19.9
     
314.5
     
334.4
     
8.8
     
343.2
   
Corporate administration
   
0.8
     
-
     
0.8
     
13.3
     
14.1
   
Amortization of intangible assets
   
0.2
     
5.8
     
6.0
     
-
     
6.0
   
Interest expense
   
6.9
     
2.3
     
9.2
     
13.1
     
22.3
   
Earnings before income taxes
 
$
348.3
   
$
7.7
   
$
356.0
   
$
15.8
   
$
371.8
   
                                           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                         
 
Reinsurance Segment
   
Insurance Segment
   
   
   
   
   
   
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 
Property
   
Casualty
other
(1)
   
Total
   
RSUI
   
Cap
Specialty
   
Total
   
Subtotal
   
Alleghany

Capital
(2)
   
Total
Segments
   
Corporate
Activities
(3)
   
Consolidated
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
796.7
   
$
1,645.6
   
$
2,442.3
   
$
671.4
   
$
176.6
   
$
848.0
   
$
3,290.3
   
$
-
   
$
3,290.3
   
$
(12.9
)
 
$
3,277.4
 
Net premiums written
   
622.1
     
1,598.4
     
2,220.5
     
448.3
     
163.3
     
611.6
     
2,832.1
     
-
     
2,832.1
     
-
     
2,832.1
 
Net premiums earned
   
612.1
     
1,492.0
     
2,104.1
     
394.8
     
154.4
     
549.2
     
2,653.3
     
-
     
2,653.3
     
-
     
2,653.3
 
Net loss and LAE
   
298.8
     
999.5
     
1,298.3
     
199.9
     
91.1
     
291.0
     
1,589.3
     
-
     
1,589.3
     
-
     
1,589.3
 
Commissions, brokerage and other
underwriting expenses
   
207.5
     
482.4
     
689.9
     
111.4
     
63.1
     
174.5
     
864.4
     
-
     
864.4
     
-
     
864.4
 
Underwriting profit
(4)
 
$
105.8
   
$
10.1
   
$
115.9
   
$
83.5
   
$
0.2
   
$
83.7
     
199.6
     
-
     
199.6
     
-
     
199.6
 
Net investment income
   
256.3
     
2.2
     
258.5
     
7.3
     
265.8
   
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
532.4
     
-
     
532.4
     
3.6
     
536.0
   
Net realized capital gains
   
16.2
     
0.6
     
16.8
     
-
     
16.8
   
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
(10.0
)
   
-
     
(10.0
)
   
-
     
(10.0
)
 
Noninsurance revenue
   
12.0
     
1,098.7
     
1,110.7
     
7.3
     
1,118.0
   
Other operating expenses
   
55.8
     
1,013.8
     
1,069.6
     
14.3
     
1,083.9
   
Corporate administration
   
2.8
     
-
     
2.8
     
42.5
     
45.3
   
Amortization of intangible assets
   
0.6
     
15.1
     
15.7
     
-
     
15.7
   
Interest expense
   
13.6
     
9.0
     
22.6
     
26.1
     
48.7
   
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
 
$
933.7
   
$
63.6
   
$
997.3
   
$
(64.7
)
 
$
932.6
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23
 
Table of Contents
 
                                                                                         
 
Reinsurance Segment
   
Insurance Segment
   
   
   
   
   
   
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 
Property
   
Casualty 
other
(1)
   
Total
   
RSUI
   
Cap
Specialty
   
Total
   
Subtotal
   
Alleghany

Capital
(2)
   
Total
Segments
   
Corporate

Activities
(3)
   
Consolidated
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
742.3
   
$
1,445.0
   
$
2,187.3
   
$
593.4
   
$
163.2
   
$
756.6
   
$
2,943.9
   
$
-
   
$
2,943.9
   
$
(12.4
)
 
$
2,931.5
 
Net premiums written
   
581.0
     
1,392.7
     
1,973.7
     
403.8
     
151.7
     
555.5
     
2,529.2
     
-
     
2,529.2
     
-
     
2,529.2
 
Net premiums earned
   
567.2
     
1,374.3
     
1,941.5
     
365.6
     
137.7
     
503.3
     
2,444.8
     
-
     
2,444.8
     
-
     
2,444.8
 
Net loss and LAE
   
250.1
     
882.8
     
1,132.9
     
202.6
     
73.3
     
275.9
     
1,408.8
     
-
     
1,408.8
     
-
     
1,408.8
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
187.9
     
452.1
     
640.0
     
107.2
     
61.2
     
168.4
     
808.4
     
-
     
808.4
     
-
     
808.4
 
Underwriting profit
(4)
 
$
129.2
   
$
39.4
   
$
168.6
   
$
55.8
   
$
3.2
   
$
59.0
     
227.6
     
-
     
227.6
     
-
     
227.6
 
Net investment income
   
239.4
     
3.0
     
242.4
     
8.0
     
250.4
   
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
132.7
     
-
     
132.7
     
9.9
     
142.6
   
Net realized capital gains
   
50.7
     
0.5
     
51.2
     
(0.2
)
   
51.0
   
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
(0.5
)
   
-
     
(0.5
)
   
-
     
(0.5
)
 
Noninsurance revenue
   
10.4
     
571.7
     
582.1
     
12.3
     
594.4
   
Other operating expenses
   
37.0
     
554.4
     
591.4
     
16.7
     
608.1
   
Corporate administration
   
0.5
     
-
     
0.5
     
21.4
     
21.9
   
Amortization of intangible assets
   
-
     
11.2
     
11.2
     
-
     
11.2
   
Interest expense
   
13.6
     
3.6
     
17.2
     
26.6
     
43.8
   
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
 
$
609.2
   
$
6.0
   
$
615.2
   
$
(34.7
)
 
$
580.5
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Primarily consists of the following reinsurance lines of business: directors’ and officers’ liability; errors and omissions liability; general liability; medical malpractice; ocean marine and aviation; auto liability; accident and health; mortgage reinsurance; surety; and credit.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2) Excludes certain minor, legacy investments that were previously reflected in Alleghany Capital in 2018 and prior periods, to align with management’s view of reportable segments.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3) Includes elimination of minor reinsurance activity between segments. Also, includes certain minor, legacy investments that were previously reflected in Alleghany Capital in 2018 and prior periods.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4) Underwriting profit represents net premiums earned less net loss and LAE and commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses, all as determined in accordance with GAAP, and does not include net investment income, change in the fair value of equity securities, net realized capital gains, OTTI losses, noninsurance revenue, other operating expenses, corporate administration, amortization of intangible assets or interest expense. Underwriting profit does not replace earnings before income taxes determined in accordance with GAAP as a measure of profitability. Rather, Alleghany believes that underwriting profit enhances the understanding of its reinsurance and insurance segments’ operating results by highlighting net earnings attributable to their underwriting performance. Earnings before income taxes (a GAAP measure) may show a profit despite an underlying underwriting loss. Where underwriting losses persist over extended periods, a reinsurance or an insurance company’s ability to continue as an ongoing concern may be at risk. Therefore, Alleghany views underwriting profit as an important measure in the overall evaluation of performance.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c) Identifiable Assets and Equity
The following table presents identifiable assets, the portion of identifiable assets related to cash and invested assets and equity attributable to Alleghany for Alleghany’s reportable segments and for corporate activities as of June 30, 2019:
                         
 
Identifiable
Assets
   
Invested Assets
and Cash
   
Equity
Attributable to
Alleghany
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Reinsurance segment
  $
16,874.0
    $
13,462.7
    $
5,321.7
 
Insurance segment
   
7,122.3
     
5,535.2
     
3,096.5
 
Subtotal
   
23,996.3
     
18,997.9
     
8,418.2
 
Alleghany Capital
   
1,880.5
     
134.7
     
879.9
 
Total segments
   
25,876.8
     
19,132.6
     
9,298.1
 
Corporate activities
   
479.6
     
439.8
     
(612.2
)
Consolidated
  $
26,356.4
    $
19,572.4
    $
8,685.9
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The debt associated with Alleghany Capital’s operating subsidiaries totaled $330.6 million and $284.5 million as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, and is generally used to support working capital needs and to help finance acquisitions. As of June 30, 2019, the $
330.6
 million includes:
  $
113.1 
million of borrowings by W&W|AFCO Steel under its available credit facilities and term loans (including borrowings incurred and assumed from its acquisition of Hirschfeld);
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  $
64.0 
million of term loans at Kentucky Trailer primarily related to borrowings to finance small acquisitions, including its acquisition of a controlling interest in a certain manufacturer of aluminum feed transportation equipment in December 2018, and borrowings under its available credit facilities;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  $
51.5 
million of borrowings by IPS under its available credit facility and term loans, in part to finance a small acquisition in May 2019;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24
 
 
 
  $35.4 million of borrowings by Jazwares under its available credit facility;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  $33.4 million of term loans at Concord primarily related to borrowings to finance Alleghany Capital’s acquisition of Concord; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  $33.2 million of term loans at PCT primarily related to borrowings to finance the acquisition of a waterjet orifice and nozzle manufacturer in 2016 and the acquisition of a consumable cutting tool manufacturer in June 2019.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
None of these liabilities are guaranteed by Alleghany or Alleghany Capital.
(d) Alleghany Capital Noninsurance Revenue
For Alleghany Capital’s industrial and non-industrial operations, noninsurance revenue consists of the sale of manufactured goods and services. The following table presents noninsurance revenue for the Alleghany Capital segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
2019
   
2018
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Industrial
(1)
   $
      318.3  
     $
      221.9  
     $
      578.4  
     $
      367.4  
 
Non-Industrial
(2)
   
275.1  
     
107.1  
     
520.0  
     
204.2  
 
Corporate & other
   
0.3  
     
-    
     
0.3  
     
0.1  
 
                                 
Alleghany Capital
   $
      593.7  
     $
      329.0  
     $
      1,098.7  
     $
      571.7  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, the vast majority of noninsurance revenue was recognized as goods and services transferred to customers over time. See Note 1(c) of this Form 10-Q for additional information on Alleghany’s adoption of new revenue recognition accounting guidance effective in the first quarter of 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, approximately 77 percent and 72 percent, respectively, of noninsurance revenue was recognized as services transferred to customers over time, with the remainder recognized as goods transferred at a point in time. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, approximately 70 percent of noninsurance revenue was recognized as services transferred to customers over time, with the remainder recognized as goods transferred at a point in time. See Note 1(c) of this Form 10-Q for additional information on Alleghany’s adoption of new revenue recognition accounting guidance effective in the first quarter of 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Table of Contents
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q
for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, or this “Form
10-Q,”
and our audited consolidated financial statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the Annual Report on Form
10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2018, or the “2018 Form
10-K.”
This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed below and particularly under the headings “Risk Factors,” “Business” and “Note on Forward-Looking Statements” contained in Item 1A, Item 1, and Part I of the 2018 Form
10-K,
respectively.
References in this Form
10-Q
to the “Company,” “Alleghany,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Alleghany Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires. In addition, unless the context otherwise requires, references to
  “TransRe” are to our wholly-owned reinsurance holding company subsidiary Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  “AIHL” are to our wholly-owned insurance holding company subsidiary Alleghany Insurance Holdings LLC;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  “RSUI” are to our wholly-owned subsidiary RSUI Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  “CapSpecialty” are to our wholly-owned subsidiary CapSpecialty, Inc. and its subsidiaries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  “AIHL Re” are to our wholly-owned subsidiary AIHL Re LLC;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  “Roundwood” are to our wholly-owned subsidiary Roundwood Asset Management LLC;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  “SORC” are to our wholly-owned subsidiary Stranded Oil Resources Corporation and its subsidiaries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  “Alleghany Capital” are to our wholly-owned subsidiary Alleghany Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“PCT” are to our wholly-owned subsidiary Precision Cutting Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries (including Bourn & Koch, Inc.);
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  “Kentucky Trailer” are to our majority-owned subsidiary R.C. Tway Company, LLC and its subsidiaries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  “IPS” are to our majority-owned subsidiary
IPS-Integrated
Project Services, LLC and its subsidiaries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  “Jazwares” are to our majority-owned subsidiary Jazwares, LLC and its subsidiaries and affiliates;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  “W&W|AFCO Steel” are to our majority-owned subsidiary WWSC Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  “Concord” are to our majority-owned subsidiary CHECO Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  “Alleghany Properties” are to our wholly-owned subsidiary Alleghany Properties Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
26
  

 
Table of Contents
 
Note on Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this Form
10-Q
may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “should” or the negative versions of those words or other comparable words. Forward-looking statements do not relate solely to historical or current facts, rather they are based on management’s expectations as well as certain assumptions and estimates made by, and information available to, management at the time. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements are based upon Alleghany’s current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect current plans, anticipated actions and Alleghany’s future financial condition and results. Factors that could cause these forward-looking statements to differ, possibly materially, from that currently contemplated include:
  significant weather-related or other natural or
man-made
catastrophes and disasters;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  the cyclical nature of the property and casualty reinsurance and insurance industries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  changes in market prices of our significant equity investments and changes in value of our debt securities portfolio;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  adverse loss development for events insured by our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries in either the current year or prior years;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  the long-tail and potentially volatile nature of certain casualty lines of business written by our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  the cost and availability of reinsurance;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  the reliance by our reinsurance and insurance operating subsidiaries on a limited number of brokers;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  legal, political, judicial and regulatory changes;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  increases in the levels of risk retention by our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  changes in the ratings assigned to our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  claims development and the process of estimating reserves;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  exposure to terrorist acts and acts of war;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  the willingness and ability of our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries’ reinsurers to pay reinsurance recoverables owed to our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  the uncertain nature of damage theories and loss amounts;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  the loss of key personnel of our reinsurance or insurance operating subsidiaries;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  the failure to comply with the restrictive covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  the ability to make payments on, or repay or refinance, our debt;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  risks inherent in international operations; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  difficult and volatile conditions in the global market.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional risks and uncertainties include general economic and political conditions, including the effects of a prolonged U.S. or global economic downturn or recession; changes in costs; variations in political, economic or other factors; risks relating to conducting operations in a competitive environment; effects of acquisition and disposition activities, inflation rates, or recessionary or expansive trends; changes in interest rates; extended labor disruptions, civil unrest, or other external factors over which we have no control; changes in our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, or intentions, which may happen at any time at our discretion; and other factors discussed in the 2018 Form
10-K
and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “SEC.” All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available at that time. Alleghany does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent circumstances or events. See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the 2018 Form
10-K
for additional information. 
 
27
 

 
Table of Contents
 
Comment on
Non-GAAP
Financial Measures
Throughout this Form
10-Q,
our analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., or “GAAP.” Our results of operations have been presented in the way that we believe will be the most meaningful and useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and others who use financial information in evaluating our performance. This presentation includes the use of underwriting profit and operating earnings before income taxes, which are
“non-GAAP
financial measures,” as such term is defined in Item 10(e) of Regulation
S-K
promulgated by the SEC. The presentation of these financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. These measures may also be different from
non-GAAP
financial measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes. A discussion of our calculation and use of these financial measures is provided below.
Underwriting profit is a
non-GAAP
financial measure for our reinsurance and insurance segments. Underwriting profit represents net premiums earned less net loss and loss adjustment expenses, or “LAE,” and commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses, all as determined in accordance with GAAP and does not include: (i) net investment income; (ii) change in the fair value of equity securities; (iii) net realized capital gains; (iv) other than temporary impairment, or “OTTI” losses; (v) noninsurance revenue; (vi) other operating expenses; (vii) corporate administration; (viii) amortization of intangible assets; and (ix) interest expense. We use underwriting profit as a supplement to earnings before income taxes, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, to evaluate the performance of our reinsurance and insurance segments and believe that underwriting profit provides useful additional information to investors because it highlights net earnings attributable to our reinsurance and insurance segments’ underwriting performance. Earnings before income taxes may show a profit despite an underlying underwriting loss, and when underwriting losses persist over extended periods, a reinsurance or an insurance company’s ability to continue as an ongoing concern may be at risk. A reconciliation of underwriting profit to earnings before income taxes is presented within “Consolidated Results of Operations.”
Operating earnings before income taxes is a
non-GAAP
financial measure for our Alleghany Capital segment. Operating earnings before income taxes represents noninsurance revenue and net investment income less other operating expenses and interest expense, and does not include: (i) amortization of intangible assets; (ii) change in the fair value of equity securities; (iii) net realized capital gains; (iv) OTTI losses; and (v) income taxes. Because operating earnings before income taxes excludes amortization of intangible assets, change in the fair value of equity securities, net realized capital gains, OTTI losses and income taxes, it provides an indication of economic performance that is not affected by levels of effective tax rates or levels of amortization resulting from acquisition accounting. We use operating earnings before income taxes as a supplement to earnings before income taxes, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, to evaluate the performance of certain of our noninsurance operating subsidiaries and investments. A reconciliation of operating earnings before income taxes to earnings before income taxes is presented within “Consolidated Results of Operations.”
 
28
 

 
Table of Contents
 
Overview
The following overview does not address all of the matters covered in the other sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations or contain all of the information that may be important to our stockholders or the investing public. This overview should be read in conjunction with the other sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
  Net earnings attributable to Alleghany stockholders were $295.5 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared with $295.1 million in the second quarter of 2018, and were $735.7 million in the first six months of 2019, compared with $466.7 million in the first six months of 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Net investment income increased by 13.0 percent and 6.2 percent in the second quarter and first six months of 2019, respectively, from the corresponding 2018 periods.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Net premiums written increased by 13.4 percent and 12.0 percent in the second quarter and first six months of 2019, respectively, from the corresponding 2018 periods.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Underwriting profit was $114.9 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared with $96.7 million in the second quarter of 2018, and $199.6 million in the first six months of 2019, compared with $227.6 million in the first six months of 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  The combined ratio for our reinsurance and insurance segments was 91.6 percent in the second quarter of 2019, compared with 92.2 percent in the second quarter of 2018, and 92.5 percent in the first six months of 2019, compared with 90.7 percent in the first six months of 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance, were $16.3 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared with $14.3 million in the second quarter of 2018, and $19.6 million in the first six months of 2019, compared with $18.4 million in the first six months of 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Net favorable prior accident year loss reserve development was $56.6 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared with $52.2 million in the second quarter of 2018, and $94.0 million in the first six months of 2019, compared with $137.9 million in the first six months of 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Noninsurance revenue for Alleghany Capital was $593.7 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared with $329.0 million in the second quarter of 2018, and $1,098.7 million in the first six months of 2019, compared with $571.7 million in the first six months of 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Earnings before income taxes for Alleghany Capital were $33.4 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared with $7.7 million in the second quarter of 2018, and $63.6 million in the first six months of 2019, compared with $6.0 million in the first six months of 2018. Operating earnings before income taxes were $41.6 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared with $13.6 million in the second quarter of 2018, and $78.1 million in the first six months of 2019, compared with $16.7 million in the first six months of 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of June 30, 2019, we had total assets of $26.4 billion and total stockholders’ equity attributable to Alleghany stockholders of $8.7 billion. As of June 30, 2019, we had consolidated total investments of approximately $18.7 billion, consisting of $14.1 billion invested in debt securities, $2.3 billion invested in equity securities, $1.0 billion invested in short-term investments, $0.7 billion invested in commercial mortgage loans and $0.6 billion invested in other invested assets.
 
29
 

 
 
Table of Contents
 
Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table presents our consolidated revenues, costs and expenses and earnings:
                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
2019
   
2018
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Revenues
   
     
     
     
 
Net premiums earned
   $
  1,356.0  
     $
  1,237.0  
     $
  2,653.3  
     $
  2,444.8  
 
Net investment income
   
142.7  
     
126.3  
     
265.8  
     
250.4  
 
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
143.7  
     
185.2  
     
536.0  
     
142.6  
 
Net realized capital gains
   
12.4  
     
6.5  
     
16.8  
     
51.0  
 
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
-      
     
-      
     
(10.0) 
     
(0.5) 
 
Noninsurance revenue
   
603.9  
     
342.7  
     
1,118.0  
     
594.4  
 
                                 
Total revenues
   
2,258.7  
     
1,897.7  
     
4,579.9  
     
3,482.7  
 
                                 
                                 
Costs and Expenses
   
     
     
     
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
796.8  
     
738.2  
     
1,589.3  
     
1,408.8  
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
444.3  
     
402.1  
     
864.4  
     
808.4  
 
Other operating expenses
   
581.5  
     
343.2  
     
1,083.9  
     
608.1  
 
Corporate administration
   
26.0  
     
14.1  
     
45.3  
     
21.9  
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
8.8  
     
6.0  
     
15.7  
     
11.2  
 
Interest expense
   
25.1  
     
22.3  
     
48.7  
     
43.8  
 
                                 
Total costs and expenses
   
1,882.5  
     
1,525.9  
     
3,647.3  
     
2,902.2  
 
                                 
                                 
Earnings before income taxes
   
376.2  
     
371.8  
     
932.6  
     
580.5  
 
Income taxes
   
71.3  
     
73.4  
     
179.9  
     
110.9  
 
                                 
Net earnings
   
304.9  
     
298.4  
     
752.7  
     
469.6  
 
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
9.4  
     
3.3  
     
17.0  
     
2.9  
 
                                 
Net earnings attributable to Alleghany stockholders
   $
295.5  
     $
295.1  
     $
735.7  
     $
466.7  
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Table of Contents
 
Alleghany’s segments are reported in a manner consistent with the way management evaluates the businesses. As such, Alleghany classifies its businesses into three reportable segments – reinsurance, insurance and Alleghany Capital. Alleghany determined that Alleghany Capital qualified as a reportable segment in the first quarter of 2018, reflecting the increased significance of Alleghany Capital’s business to Alleghany and its projected growth. Corporate activities are not classified as a segment.
See Note 10 to Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q for additional detail on our segments and corporate activities. The tables below present the results for our segments and for corporate activities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
                                                         
 
Segments
 
 
 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Reinsurance
Segment
 
Insurance
Segment
 
Subtotal
 
  Alleghany  
Capital
(1)
 
Total
Segments
 
Corporate
  Activities
(2)
  
 
  Consolidated  
 
 
($ in millions)
Gross premiums written
    $
     1,210.7
      $
     466.2
      $
     1,676.9
      $
-    
      $
     1,676.9
      $
(6.1
)     $
     1,670.8
 
Net premiums written
   
1,112.9
     
333.6
     
1,446.5
     
-    
     
1,446.5
     
-    
     
1,446.5
 
                                                         
Net premiums earned
   
1,074.9
     
281.1
     
1,356.0
     
-    
     
1,356.0
     
-    
     
1,356.0
 
                                                         
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
689.9
     
147.2
     
837.1
     
-    
     
837.1
     
-    
     
837.1
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    
     
16.3
     
16.3
     
-    
     
16.3
     
-    
     
16.3
 
Prior years
   
(44.8
)    
(11.8
)    
(56.6
)    
-    
     
(56.6
)    
-    
     
(56.6
)
                                                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
645.1
     
151.7
     
796.8
     
-    
     
796.8
     
-    
     
796.8
 
Commissions, brokerage and other
underwriting expenses
   
353.9
     
90.4
     
444.3
     
-    
     
444.3
     
-    
     
444.3
 
                                                         
Underwriting profit
(3)
    $
75.9
      $
39.0
     
114.9
     
-    
     
114.9
     
-    
     
114.9
 
                                                         
Net investment income
   
138.3
     
0.9
     
139.2
     
3.5
     
142.7
 
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
143.3
     
-    
     
143.3
     
0.4
     
143.7
 
Net realized capital gains
   
12.2
     
0.2
     
12.4
     
-    
     
12.4
 
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
 
Noninsurance revenue
   
6.6
     
593.7
     
600.3
     
3.6
     
603.9
 
Other operating expenses
   
26.2
     
548.3
     
574.5
     
7.0
     
581.5
 
Corporate administration
   
1.8
     
-    
     
1.8
     
24.2
     
26.0
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
0.4
     
8.4
     
8.8
     
-    
     
8.8
 
Interest expense
   
6.8
     
4.7
     
11.5
     
13.6
     
25.1
 
                                         
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
    $
380.1
      $
     33.4
      $
413.5
      $
(37.3
)     $
376.2
 
                                         
                                                         
Loss ratio
(4)
:
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
64.2
%    
52.4
%    
61.8
%    
     
     
     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    
%    
5.8
%    
1.2
%    
     
     
     
 
Prior years
   
(4.2
%)    
(4.2
%)    
(4.2
%)    
     
     
     
 
                                                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
60.0
%    
54.0
%    
58.8
%    
     
     
     
 
Expense ratio
(5)
   
32.9
%    
32.2
%    
32.8
%    
     
     
     
 
                                                         
Combined ratio
(6)
   
92.9
%    
86.2
%    
91.6
%    
     
     
     
 
                                                         
 
 
 
 
 
 
31
 

 
Table of Contents
 
                                                         
 
Segments
 
 
 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Reinsurance
Segment
 
Insurance
Segment
 
Subtotal
 
  Alleghany  
Capital
(1)
 
Total
Segments
 
Corporate
  Activities
(2)
  
 
  Consolidated  
 
 
($ in millions)
Gross premiums written
    $
     1,071.7
      $
     407.5
      $
     1,479.2
      $
-    
      $
     1,479.2
      $
(6.5
)     $
     1,472.7
 
Net premiums written
   
976.6
     
299.2
     
1,275.8
     
-    
     
1,275.8
     
-    
     
1,275.8
 
                                                         
Net premiums earned
   
981.3
     
255.7
     
1,237.0
     
-    
     
1,237.0
     
-    
     
1,237.0
 
                                                         
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
644.2
     
131.9
     
776.1
     
-    
     
776.1
     
-    
     
776.1
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    
     
14.3
     
14.3
     
-    
     
14.3
     
-    
     
14.3
 
Prior years
   
(50.7
)    
(1.5
)    
(52.2
)    
-    
     
(52.2
)    
-    
     
(52.2
)
                                                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
593.5
     
144.7
     
738.2
     
-    
     
738.2
     
-    
     
738.2
 
Commissions, brokerage and other
underwriting expenses
   
318.0
     
84.1
     
402.1
     
-    
     
402.1
     
-    
     
402.1
 
                                                         
Underwriting profit
(3)
    $
69.8
      $
26.9
     
96.7
     
-    
     
96.7
     
-    
     
96.7
 
                                                         
Net investment income
   
121.1
     
1.4
     
122.5
     
3.8
     
126.3
 
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
146.8
     
-    
     
146.8
     
38.4
     
185.2
 
Net realized capital gains
   
6.8
     
(0.1
)    
6.7
     
(0.2
)    
6.5
 
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
     
-    
 
Noninsurance revenue
   
4.7
     
329.0
     
333.7
     
9.0
     
342.7
 
Other operating expenses
   
19.9
     
314.5
     
334.4
     
8.8
     
343.2
 
Corporate administration
   
0.8
     
-    
     
0.8
     
13.3
     
14.1
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
0.2
     
5.8
     
6.0
     
-    
     
6.0
 
Interest expense
   
6.9
     
2.3
     
9.2
     
13.1
     
22.3
 
                                         
Earnings before income taxes
    $
348.3
      $
7.7
      $
356.0
      $
     15.8
      $
371.8
 
                                         
                                                         
Loss ratio
(4)
:
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
65.6
%    
51.6
%    
62.7
%    
     
     
     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    
%    
5.6
%    
1.2
%    
     
     
     
 
Prior years
   
(5.2
%)    
(0.6
%)    
(4.2
%)    
     
     
     
 
                                                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
60.4
%    
56.6
%    
59.7
%    
     
     
     
 
Expense ratio
(5)
   
32.4
%    
32.9
%    
32.5
%    
     
     
     
 
                                                         
Combined ratio
(6)
   
92.8
%    
89.5
%    
92.2
%    
     
     
     
 
                                                         
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Table of Contents
 
                                                         
 
Segments
 
 
 
  Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Reinsurance
Segment
 
Insurance
Segment
 
Subtotal
 
  Alleghany  
Capital
(1)
 
Total
Segments
 
Corporate
  Activities
(2)
  
 
  Consolidated  
 
 
($ in millions)
Gross premiums written
    $
     2,442.3
      $
     848.0
      $
     3,290.3
      $
-    
      $
     3,290.3
      $
(12.9
)     $
     3,277.4
 
Net premiums written
   
2,220.5
     
611.6
     
2,832.1
     
-    
     
2,832.1
     
-    
     
2,832.1
 
                                                         
Net premiums earned
   
2,104.1
     
549.2
     
2,653.3
     
-    
     
2,653.3
     
-    
     
2,653.3
 
                                                         
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
1,379.5
     
284.2
     
1,663.7
     
-    
     
1,663.7
     
-    
     
1,663.7
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    
     
19.6
     
19.6
     
-    
     
19.6
     
-    
     
19.6
 
Prior years
   
(81.2
)    
(12.8
)    
(94.0
)    
-    
     
(94.0
)    
-    
     
(94.0
)
                                                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
1,298.3
     
291.0
     
1,589.3
     
-    
     
1,589.3
     
-    
     
1,589.3
 
Commissions, brokerage and other
underwriting expenses
   
689.9
     
174.5
     
864.4
     
-    
     
864.4
     
-    
     
864.4
 
                                                         
Underwriting profit
(3)
    $
115.9
      $
83.7
     
199.6
     
-    
     
199.6
     
-    
     
199.6
 
                                                         
Net investment income
   
256.3
     
2.2
     
258.5
     
7.3
     
265.8
 
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
532.4
     
-    
     
532.4
     
3.6
     
536.0
 
Net realized capital gains
   
16.2
     
0.6
     
16.8
     
-    
     
16.8
 
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
(10.0
)    
-    
     
(10.0
)    
-    
     
(10.0
)
Noninsurance revenue
   
12.0
     
1,098.7
     
1,110.7
     
7.3
     
1,118.0
 
Other operating expenses
   
55.8
     
1,013.8
     
1,069.6
     
14.3
     
1,083.9
 
Corporate administration
   
2.8
     
-    
     
2.8
     
42.5
     
45.3
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
0.6
     
15.1
     
15.7
     
-    
     
15.7
 
Interest expense
   
13.6
     
9.0
     
22.6
     
26.1
     
48.7
 
                                         
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
    $
933.7
      $
63.6
      $
997.3
      $
(64.7
)     $
932.6
 
                                         
                                                         
Loss ratio
(4)
:
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
65.6
%    
51.7
%    
62.7
%    
     
     
     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    
%    
3.6
%    
0.7
%    
     
     
     
 
Prior years
   
(3.9
%)    
(2.3
%)    
(3.5
%)    
     
     
     
 
                                                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
61.7
%    
53.0
%    
59.9
%    
     
     
     
 
Expense ratio
(5)
   
32.8
%    
31.8
%    
32.6
%    
     
     
     
 
                                                         
Combined ratio
(6)
   
94.5
%    
84.8
%    
92.5
%    
     
     
     
 
                                                         
 
 
 
 
 
 
33
 

 
Table of Contents
 
                                                         
 
Segments
 
 
 
  Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Reinsurance
Segment
 
Insurance
Segment
 
Subtotal
 
  Alleghany  
Capital
(1)
 
Total
Segments
 
Corporate
  Activities
(2)
  
 
  Consolidated  
 
 
($ in millions)
Gross premiums written
    $
     2,187.3
      $
     756.6
      $
     2,943.9
      $
-    
      $
     2,943.9
      $
(12.4
)     $
     2,931.5
 
Net premiums written
   
1,973.7
     
555.5
     
2,529.2
     
-    
     
2,529.2
     
-    
     
2,529.2
 
                                                         
Net premiums earned
   
1,941.5
     
503.3
     
2,444.8
     
-    
     
2,444.8
     
-    
     
2,444.8
 
                                                         
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
1,255.2
     
273.1
     
1,528.3
     
-    
     
1,528.3
     
-    
     
1,528.3
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    
     
18.4
     
18.4
     
-    
     
18.4
     
-    
     
18.4
 
Prior years
   
(122.3
)    
(15.6
)    
(137.9
)    
-    
     
(137.9
)    
-    
     
(137.9
)
                                                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
1,132.9
     
275.9
     
1,408.8
     
-    
     
1,408.8
     
-    
     
1,408.8
 
Commissions, brokerage and other
underwriting expenses
   
640.0
     
168.4
     
808.4
     
-    
     
808.4
     
-    
     
808.4
 
                                                         
Underwriting profit
(3)
    $
168.6
      $
59.0
     
227.6
     
-    
     
227.6
     
-    
     
227.6
 
                                                         
Net investment income
   
239.4
     
3.0
     
242.4
     
8.0
     
250.4
 
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
132.7
     
-    
     
132.7
     
9.9
     
142.6
 
Net realized capital gains
   
50.7
     
0.5
     
51.2
     
(0.2
)    
51.0
 
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
(0.5
)    
-    
     
(0.5
)    
-    
     
(0.5
)
Noninsurance revenue
   
10.4
     
571.7
     
582.1
     
12.3
     
594.4
 
Other operating expenses
   
37.0
     
554.4
     
591.4
     
16.7
     
608.1
 
Corporate administration
   
0.5
     
-    
     
0.5
     
21.4
     
21.9
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
-    
     
11.2
     
11.2
     
-    
     
11.2
 
Interest expense
   
13.6
     
3.6
     
17.2
     
26.6
     
43.8
 
                                         
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
    $
609.2
      $
6.0
      $
615.2
      $
(34.7
)     $
580.5
 
                                         
                                                         
Loss ratio
(4)
:
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
64.7
%    
54.3
%    
62.5
%    
     
     
     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    
%    
3.6
%    
0.8
%    
     
     
     
 
Prior years
   
(6.3
%)    
(3.1
%)    
(5.7
%)    
     
     
     
 
                                                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
58.4
%    
54.8
%    
57.6
%    
     
     
     
 
Expense ratio
(5)
   
33.0
%    
33.5
%    
33.1
%    
     
     
     
 
                                                         
Combined ratio
(6)
   
91.4
%    
88.3
%    
90.7
%    
     
     
     
 
                                                         
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Excludes certain minor, legacy investments that were previously reflected in Alleghany Capital in 2018 and prior periods.
 
 
 
 
 
(2) Includes elimination of minor reinsurance activity between segments. Also, includes certain minor, legacy investments that were previously reflected in Alleghany Capital in 2018 and prior periods.
 
 
 
 
 
(3) Underwriting profit represents net premiums earned less net loss and LAE and commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses, all as determined in accordance with GAAP, and does not include net investment income, change in the fair value of equity securities, net realized capital gains, OTTI losses, noninsurance revenue, other operating expenses, corporate administration, amortization of intangible assets and interest expense. Underwriting profit is a
non-GAAP
financial measure and does not replace earnings before income taxes determined in accordance with GAAP as a measure of profitability. See “Comment on
Non-GAAP
Financial Measures” herein for additional detail on the presentation of our results of operations.
 
 
 
 
 
(4) The loss ratio is derived by dividing the amount of net loss and LAE by net premiums earned, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
 
 
 
 
(5) The expense ratio is derived by dividing the amount of commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses by net premiums earned, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
 
 
 
 
(6) The combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio, all as determined in accordance with GAAP. The combined ratio represents the percentage of each premium dollar a reinsurance or an insurance company has to spend on net loss and LAE, and commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses.
 
 
 
 
 
 
34
 

  
 
Table of Contents
 
Comparison of the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018
Premiums.
The following table presents our consolidated premiums:
                                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
      Percent      
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
      Percent      
 
 
    2019    
   
    2018    
   
      Change      
   
    2019    
   
    2018    
   
      Change      
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Premiums written:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Gross premiums written
    $
      1,670.8  
      $
      1,472.7  
     
13.5%  
      $
      3,277.4  
      $
      2,931.5  
     
11.8%  
 
Net premiums written
   
1,446.5  
     
1,275.8  
     
13.4%  
     
2,832.1  
     
2,529.2  
     
12.0%  
 
                                                 
Net premiums earned
   
1,356.0  
     
1,237.0  
     
9.6%  
     
2,653.3  
     
2,444.8  
     
8.5%  
 
 
The increases in gross premiums written in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods is attributable to increases at our reinsurance segment and, to a lesser extent, growth at RSUI and CapSpecialty. The increases at our reinsurance segment primarily reflect the impact of TransRe’s purchase on August 29, 2018 of certain renewal rights to a block of U.S. treaty reinsurance business focused on regional property and casualty, accident and health and personal auto lines of business, or the “Renewal Rights Purchase.” The increases in gross premiums written at our reinsurance segment was partially offset by a decrease in gross premiums written related to a certain large whole account quota share treaty, or the “Quota Share Treaty,” and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Gross premiums written related to the Quota Share Treaty decreased to $163.7 million and $327.7 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2019, respectively, from $187.7 million and $371.7 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2018, respectively, reflecting a reduction of TransRe’s quota share participation.
 
The increases in net premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods reflect increases at our reinsurance segment and, to a lesser extent, RSUI and CapSpecialty, due to increases in gross premiums written in recent quarters.
 
A detailed comparison of premiums by segment for the second quarter and first six months of 2019 and 2018 is contained in the following pages.
 
Net loss and LAE.
The following table presents our consolidated net loss and LAE:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
      Percent      
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
      Percent      
 
 
    2019    
   
    2018    
   
      Change      
   
    2019    
   
    2018    
   
      Change      
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
    $
     837.1     
      $
  776.1     
     
7.9% 
      $
  1,663.7     
      $
  1,528.3     
     
8.9%  
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
16.3     
     
14.3     
     
14.0% 
     
19.6     
     
18.4     
     
6.5%  
 
Prior years
   
(56.6)    
     
(52.2)    
     
8.4% 
     
(94.0)    
     
(137.9)    
     
(31.8%) 
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
    $
796.8     
      $
     738.2     
     
7.9% 
      $
     1,589.3     
      $
     1,408.8     
     
12.8%  
 
                                                 
                                                 
Loss ratio:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
    61.8%  
     
    62.7%  
     
     
    62.7%  
     
    62.5%  
     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
1.2%  
     
1.2%  
     
     
0.7%  
     
0.8%  
     
 
Prior years
   
(4.2%) 
     
(4.2%) 
     
     
(3.5%) 
     
(5.7%) 
     
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
   
58.8%  
     
59.7%  
     
     
59.9%  
     
57.6%  
     
 
                                                 
 
 
 
 
The increases in net loss and LAE in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods reflect the impact of higher net premiums earned and lower favorable prior accident year loss reserve development at our reinsurance segment, partially offset by higher favorable prior accident year loss reserve development at RSUI.
A detailed comparison of net loss and LAE by segment for the second quarter and first six months of 2019 and 2018 is contained in the following pages.
 
35
 

 
Table of Contents
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses.
The following table presents our consolidated commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses:
                                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
 
                                     
 
    2019    
   
    2018    
   
     Change     
   
    2019    
   
    2018    
   
     Change     
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
    $
     444.3     
      $
     402.1   
     
10.5%  
      $
     864.4     
      $
     808.4     
     
6.9%  
 
                                                 
Expense ratio
   
      32.8%
     
32.5%
     
     
      32.6%
     
      33.1%
     
 
 
The increases in commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect the impact of higher net premiums earned.
 
A detailed comparison of commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses by segment for the second quarter and first six months of 2019 and 2018 is contained in the following pages.
 
Underwriting profit.
The following table presents our consolidated underwriting profit:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
     Percent     
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
     Percent     
 
                                     
 
    2019    
   
    2018    
   
     Change     
   
    2019    
   
    2018    
   
     Change     
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Underwriting profit
    $
     114.9     
      $
     96.7   
     
18.8%  
      $
     199.6     
      $
     227.6     
     
(12.3%)
 
                                                 
Combined ratio
   
      91.6%
     
92.2%
     
     
      92.5%
     
      90.7%
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
The increase in underwriting profit in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 reflects an increase at our insurance segment and, to a lesser extent, an increase at our reinsurance segment. The increase at our insurance segment primarily reflects the impact of higher net premiums earned and an increase in favorable prior accident year loss reserve development at RSUI, all as discussed above. The increase at our reinsurance segment primarily reflects the impact of higher net premiums earned, partially offset by lower favorable prior accident year loss reserve development, all as discussed above.
The decrease in underwriting profit in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 reflects a decrease at our reinsurance segment, partially offset by an increase at our insurance segment. The decrease at our reinsurance segment primarily reflects lower favorable prior accident year loss reserve development, partially offset by the impact of higher net premiums earned, all as discussed above. The increase at our insurance segment primarily reflects the impact of higher net premiums earned and an increase in favorable prior accident year loss reserve development at RSUI, all as discussed above.
A detailed comparison of underwriting profit by segment for the second quarter and first six months of 2019 and 2018 is contained in the following pages.
Investment results.
The following table presents our consolidated investment results:
                                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
     Percent     
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
     Percent     
 
                                     
 
    2019    
   
    2018    
   
     Change     
   
    2019    
   
    2018    
   
     Change     
 
 
($ in millions)
 
                                                 
Net investment income
    $
     142.7  
      $
     126.3  
     
13.0%  
      $
     265.8  
      $
     250.4  
     
6.2%  
 
                                                 
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
143.7  
     
185.2  
     
(22.4%) 
     
536.0  
     
142.6  
     
275.9%  
 
                                                 
Net realized capital gains
   
12.4  
     
6.5  
     
90.8%  
     
16.8  
     
51.0  
     
(67.1%) 
 
                                                 
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
-      
     
-      
     
-         
     
(10.0) 
     
(0.5) 
     
    1,900.0%  
 
 
 
 
 
 
The increase in net investment income in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 primarily reflects higher interest income and, to a lesser extent, higher partnership income, partially offset by lower dividend income.
The increase in net investment income in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects higher interest income and, to a lesser extent, lower performance-based investment fees from our outside investment advisors, partially offset by lower partnership income and dividend income.
The increase in interest income and the decrease in dividend income primarily relate to a reallocation of a significant portion of our investment portfolio from equity securities to debt securities in the first quarter of 2019.
Partnership income in the first six months of 2018 included a $12.9 million increase in the carrying value of AIHL’s limited partnership interests in certain subsidiaries of Ares Management LLC, or “Ares.” See Note 3(h) to Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Form
10-Q
for additional information.
 
36
 
 
Table of Contents
 
The changes in the fair value of equity securities in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 reflect appreciation in the value of our equity securities portfolio, primarily from our holdings in the technology, industrial and financial sectors. The changes in the fair value of equity securities in the second quarter and first six months of 2018 reflected appreciation in the value of our equity securities portfolio, primarily from our holdings in the technology, industrial and energy sectors.
The increase in net realized capital gains in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 reflects higher realized capital gains from the sale of debt securities.
The decrease in net realized capital gains in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects a $45.7 million gain on AIHL’s conversion of its limited partnership interests in certain subsidiaries of Ares into Ares common units in the first six months of 2018. See Note 3(h) to Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Form
10-Q
for additional information.
The increase in OTTI losses in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects higher impairments of debt securities. OTTI losses in the first six months of 2019 reflect the deterioration of creditworthiness of certain issuers in the energy sector.
A detailed comparison of investment results for the second quarter and first six months of 2019 and 2018 is contained in the following pages.
Noninsurance revenue and expenses.
The following table presents our consolidated noninsurance revenue and expenses:
                                                 
 
    Three Months Ended    
    June 30,    
   
      Percent      
   
    Six Months Ended    
    June 30,    
   
      Percent      
 
 
      2019      
   
      2018      
   
      Change      
   
      2019      
   
      2018      
   
      Change      
 
 
   
   
($ in millions)
   
   
 
Noninsurance revenue
    $
     603.9  
      $
     342.7  
     
76.2%  
      $
     1,118.0  
      $
     594.4  
     
88.1%  
 
                                                 
Other operating expenses
   
581.5  
     
343.2  
     
69.4%  
     
1,083.9  
     
608.1  
     
78.2%  
 
Corporate administration
   
26.0  
     
14.1  
     
84.4%  
     
45.3  
     
21.9  
     
106.8%  
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
8.8  
     
6.0  
     
46.7%  
     
15.7  
     
11.2  
     
40.2%  
 
Interest expense
   
25.1  
     
22.3  
     
12.6%  
     
48.7  
     
43.8  
     
11.2%  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninsurance revenue and Other operating expenses.
Noninsurance revenue and other operating expenses primarily include sales and expenses associated with our Alleghany Capital segment. Other operating expenses also include the long-term incentive compensation of our reinsurance and insurance segments, which totaled $23.6 million and $18.1 million in the second quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $50.5 million and $32.4 million in the first six months of 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increases in long-term incentive compensation at our reinsurance and insurance segments in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect appreciation in the value of our debt portfolio in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 compared with the impact of a decline in appreciation of our debt portfolio in the corresponding 2018 periods. The increases in long-term incentive compensation at our reinsurance and insurance segments in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 also reflect higher appreciation in the value of our equity portfolio.
On February 7, 2018, W&W|AFCO Steel acquired the outstanding equity of Hirschfeld Holdings, LP, or “Hirschfeld.” On October 1, 2018, Alleghany Capital acquired approximately 85 percent of the equity in Concord.
The increases in noninsurance revenue and other operating expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect higher sales at W&W|AFCO Steel, IPS and Jazwares, as well as the acquisition of Concord. The increase in noninsurance revenue and other operating expenses in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 further reflect the acquisition of Hirschfeld. The increases in other operating expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods also reflect increases in long-term incentive compensation at our reinsurance and insurance segments, as discussed above.
Corporate administration.
The increase in corporate administration expense in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 reflects higher Alleghany parent-company long-term incentive compensation accruals due primarily to the impact of appreciation in the value of our debt securities portfolio in the second quarter of 2019 compared with depreciation in the second quarter of 2018, as well as a rise in the price per share of our common stock during the second quarter of 2019.
The increase in corporate administration expense in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 reflects higher Alleghany parent-company long-term incentive compensation accruals due primarily to the impact of appreciation in the value of our debt securities portfolio in the first six months of 2019 compared with depreciation in the first six months of 2018, higher appreciation in the value of our equity securities portfolio and a rise in the price per share of our common stock during the first six months of 2019.
 
37
  
   
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Amortization of intangible assets.
The increases in amortization expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect the Concord acquisition and the acquisition by Kentucky Trailer of a manufacturer of aluminum feed transportation equipment based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on December 28, 2018.
Interest expense.
The increases in interest expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect increased borrowings at Kentucky Trailer, W&W|AFCO Steel and Jazwares to support working capital needs and acquisitions made during 2018, as well as borrowings at Concord (primarily used to finance Alleghany Capital’s acquisition of Concord).
A detailed comparison of noninsurance revenue and expenses for the second quarter and first six months of 2019 and 2018 is contained in the following pages.
Income taxes.
The following table presents our consolidated income tax expense:
                                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
Change
   
2019
   
2018
   
Change
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Income taxes
    $
         71.3  
      $
         73.4  
     
        (2.9%) 
      $
       179.9    
      $
       110.9    
     
        62.2%  
 
                                                 
Effective tax rate
   
     
     
     
19.3% 
     
19.1% 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
The slight decrease in income taxes in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 primarily reflects an increase in federal income tax credits. The increase in income taxes in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects an increase in earnings before income taxes and, to a lesser extent, a slight increase in the effective tax rate. The slight increase in the effective tax rate in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects lower
tax-exempt
interest income arising from municipal bond securities, lower dividends received-deductions and higher state income taxes.
Net earnings.
The following table presents our consolidated earnings:
                                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
Change
   
2019
   
2018
   
Change
 
 
   
   
($ in millions)
   
   
 
Earnings before income taxes
    $
       376.2  
      $
       371.8  
     
        1.2%  
      $
       932.6  
      $
         580.5  
     
        60.7%  
 
Net earnings attributable to Alleghany stockholders
   
295.5  
     
295.1  
     
0.1%  
     
735.7  
     
466.7  
     
57.6%  
 
 
 
 
 
 
The slight increase in earnings before income taxes in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 primarily reflects the impact of growth at Alleghany Capital, higher underwriting profits and higher investment income, partially offset by lower appreciation in the value of our equity securities portfolio and higher corporate administration expenses, all as discussed above.
The increases in earnings before income taxes and net earnings attributable to Alleghany stockholders in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflect an increase in appreciation in the value of our equity securities portfolio, as discussed above.
 
38
 
   
   
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Reinsurance Segment Underwriting Results
The reinsurance segment is comprised of TransRe’s property and casualty & other lines of business. TransRe writes a modest amount of property and casualty insurance business, which is included in the reinsurance segment. For a more detailed description of our reinsurance segment, see Part I, Item 1, “Business—Segment Information—Reinsurance Segment” of the 2018 Form
10-K.
The following tables present the underwriting results of the reinsurance segment:
                         
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
    Property    
   
   Casualty &   
other
(1)
   
    Total    
 
       
 
($ in millions)
 
Gross premiums written
    $
381.6     
      $
       829.1     
      $
     1,210.7     
 
Net premiums written
   
305.9     
     
807.0     
     
1,112.9     
 
                         
Net premiums earned
   
303.2     
     
771.7     
     
1,074.9     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
152.4     
     
537.5     
     
689.9     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-         
     
-         
     
-         
 
Prior years
   
(16.2)    
     
(28.6)    
     
(44.8)    
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
136.2     
     
508.9     
     
645.1     
 
                         
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
103.8     
     
250.1     
     
353.9     
 
                         
                         
Underwriting profit
(2)
    $
         63.2     
      $
12.7     
      $
75.9     
 
                         
                         
Loss ratio
(3)
:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
50.3%  
     
69.7%  
     
64.2%  
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    %  
     
-    %  
     
-    %  
 
Prior years
   
(5.3%) 
     
(3.7%) 
     
(4.2%) 
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
45.0%  
     
66.0%  
     
60.0%  
 
                         
Expense ratio
 
(4)
   
34.2%  
     
32.4%  
     
32.9%  
 
                         
                         
Combined ratio
(5)
   
79.2%  
     
98.4%  
     
92.9%  
 
                         
 
 
 
 
 
 
39
  
 
 
 
 
                         
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
    Property    
   
    Casualty &    
other
(1)
   
    Total    
 
       
 
($ in millions)
 
Gross premiums written
    $
345.1     
      $
     726.6     
      $
     1,071.7     
 
Net premiums written
   
275.9     
     
700.7     
     
976.6     
 
                         
Net premiums earned
   
292.1     
     
689.2     
     
981.3     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
167.2     
     
477.0     
     
644.2     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-         
     
-         
     
-         
 
Prior years
   
(13.7)    
     
(37.0)    
     
(50.7)    
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
153.5     
     
440.0     
     
593.5     
 
                         
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
94.8     
     
223.2     
     
318.0     
 
                         
                         
Underwriting profit
(2)
    $
         43.8     
      $
26.0     
      $
69.8     
 
                         
                         
Loss ratio
(3)
:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
57.2%  
     
69.2%  
     
65.6%  
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    %  
     
  -
    %  
     
  -    %  
 
Prior years
   
(4.7%) 
     
(5.4%) 
     
(5.2%) 
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
52.5%  
     
63.8%  
     
60.4%  
 
                         
Expense ratio
(4)
   
32.5%  
     
32.4%  
     
32.4%  
 
                         
                         
Combined ratio
(5)
   
85.0%  
     
96.2%  
     
92.8%  
 
                         
                   
  Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
    Property    
   
    Casualty &    
other
(1)
   
    Total    
 
       
 
($ in millions)
 
Gross premiums written
    $
     796.7     
      $
     1,645.6     
      $
2,442.3     
 
Net premiums written
   
622.1     
     
1,598.4     
     
2,220.5     
 
                         
Net premiums earned
   
612.1     
     
1,492.0     
     
2,104.1     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
325.7     
     
1,053.8     
     
1,379.5     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-         
     
-         
     
-         
 
Prior years
   
(26.9)    
     
(54.3)    
     
(81.2)    
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
298.8     
     
999.5     
     
1,298.3     
 
                         
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
207.5     
     
482.4     
     
689.9     
 
                         
                         
Underwriting profit
(2)
    $
105.8     
      $
10.1     
      $
115.9     
 
                         
                         
Loss ratio
(3)
:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
53.2%  
     
70.6%  
     
65.6%  
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    %  
     
-    %  
     
-    %  
 
Prior years
   
(4.4%) 
     
(3.6%) 
     
(3.9%) 
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
48.8%  
     
67.0%  
     
61.7%  
 
                         
Expense ratio
(4)
   
33.9%  
     
32.3%  
     
32.8%  
 
                         
                         
Combined ratio
(5)
   
82.7%  
     
99.3%  
     
94.5%  
 
                         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40
 

 
Table of Contents
 
                         
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Property  
   
Casualty & 
other
(1)
   
Total
 
 
   
($ in millions)
   
 
Gross premiums written
    $
     742.3     
      $
   1,445.0     
      $
   2,187.3     
 
Net premiums written
   
581.0     
     
1,392.7     
     
1,973.7     
 
                         
Net premiums earned
   
567.2     
     
1,374.3     
     
1,941.5     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
 
   Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
305.2     
     
950.0     
     
1,255.2     
 
   Current year catastrophe losses
   
-         
     
-         
     
-         
 
   Prior years
   
(55.1)    
     
(67.2)    
     
(122.3)    
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
250.1
  
   
     
882.8     
     
1,132.9     
 
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
187.9     
     
452.1     
     
640.0     
 
                         
Underwriting profit
(2)
    $
  129.2     
      $
39.4     
      $
168.6     
 
                         
                         
Loss ratio
(3)
:
   
     
     
 
   Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
53.8%  
     
69.1%  
     
64.7%  
 
   Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    %  
     
-    %  
     
-    %  
 
   Prior years
   
(9.7%) 
     
(4.9%) 
     
(6.3%) 
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
44.1%  
     
64.2%  
     
58.4%  
 
 
Expense ratio
(4)
   
33.1%  
     
32.9%  
     
33.0%  
 
                         
 
Combined ratio
(5)
   
77.2%  
     
97.1%  
     
91.4%  
 
                         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Primarily consists of the following reinsurance lines of business: directors’ and officers’ liability; errors and omissions liability; general liability; medical malpractice; ocean marine and aviation; auto liability; accident and health; mortgage reinsurance; surety; and credit.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2) Underwriting profit represents net premiums earned less net loss and LAE and commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses, all as determined in accordance with GAAP, and does not include net investment income, change in the fair value of equity securities, net realized capital gains, OTTI losses, noninsurance revenue, other operating expenses, corporate administration, amortization of intangible assets and interest expense. Underwriting profit is a
non-GAAP
financial measure and does not replace earnings before income taxes determined in accordance with GAAP as a measure of profitability. See “Comment on
Non-GAAP
Financial Measures” herein for additional detail on the presentation of our results of operations.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3) The loss ratio is derived by dividing the amount of net loss and LAE by net premiums earned, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4) The expense ratio is derived by dividing the amount of commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses by net premiums earned, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5) The combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio, all as determined in accordance with GAAP. The combined ratio represents the percentage of each premium dollar a reinsurance or an insurance company has to spend on net loss and LAE, and commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Table of Contents
 
Reinsurance Segment: Premiums.
The following table presents premiums for the reinsurance segment:
                                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
Change
   
2019
   
2018
   
Change
 
 
   
   
($ in millions)
   
   
 
Property
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Premiums written:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
  Gross premiums written
    $
381.6  
      $
345.1  
     
10.6%  
      $
796.7  
      $
742.3  
     
7.3%  
 
  Net premiums written
   
305.9  
     
275.9  
     
10.9%  
     
622.1  
     
581.0  
     
7.1%  
 
                                                 
Net premiums earned
   
303.2  
     
292.1  
     
3.8%  
     
612.1  
     
567.2  
     
7.9%  
 
                                                 
Casualty & other
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Premiums written:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
  Gross premiums written
    $
829.1  
      $
726.6  
     
14.1%  
      $
1,645.6  
      $
1,445.0  
     
13.9%  
 
  Net premiums written
   
807.0  
     
700.7  
     
15.2%  
     
1,598.4  
     
1,392.7  
     
14.8%  
 
                                                 
Net premiums earned
   
771.7  
     
689.2  
     
12.0%  
     
1,492.0  
     
1,374.3  
     
8.6%  
 
                                                 
Total
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Premiums written:
   
     
     
     
     
  
     
 
  Gross premiums written
    $
    1,210.7  
      $
    1,071.7  
     
   13.0%  
      $
    2,442.3  
      $
    2,187.3  
     
   11.7%  
 
  Net premiums written
   
1,112.9  
     
976.6  
     
14.0%  
     
2,220.5  
     
1,973.7  
     
12.5%  
 
                                                 
Net premiums earned
   
1,074.9  
     
981.3  
     
9.5%  
     
2,104.1  
     
1,941.5  
     
8.4%  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property.
The increases in gross premiums written in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect higher premiums written by the domestic operations, which include the impact of the Renewal Rights Purchase and higher premiums written related to the Quota Share Treaty, partially offset by the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The increase in gross premiums written in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 also reflects higher premiums written by the Asia-Pacific operations. Gross premiums written related to the Quota Share Treaty were $55.2 million and $41.3 million in the second quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, and were $119.4 million and $110.6 million in the first six months of 2019 and 2018, respectively, reflecting growth in property-related premiums, partially offset by a reduction of TransRe’s quota share participation. Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, gross premiums written increased by 11.8 percent in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018, and increased by 8.9 percent in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018.
The increases in net premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect the impact of higher gross premiums written in recent quarters, partially offset by the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, net premiums earned increased by 5.3 percent in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 and increased by 10.0 percent in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018.
Casualty
 & other.
The increases in gross premiums written in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect higher gross premiums written by the domestic operations, which include the impact of the Renewal Rights Purchase, and European operations, partially offset by a decrease in premiums written related to the Quota Share Treaty and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Gross premiums written related to the Quota Share Treaty were $108.5 million and $146.4 million in the second quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, and were $208.3 million and $261.1 million in the first six months of 2019 and 2018, respectively, reflecting a reduction of TransRe’s quota share participation. Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, gross premiums written increased by 15.2 percent in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018, and increased by 15.2 percent in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018.
The increases in net premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect the impact of higher gross premiums written in recent quarters, partially offset by the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, net premiums earned increased by 13.1 percent in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018, and increased by 9.9 percent in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018.
 
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Table of Contents
 
Reinsurance Segment: Net loss and LAE.
The following table presents net loss and LAE for the reinsurance segment:
                                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
Change
   
2019
   
2018
   
Change
 
 
   
   
($ in millions)
   
   
 
Property
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
   Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   $
      152.4     
      $
      167.2     
     
(8.9%) 
     $
     325.7     
     $
305.2     
     
6.7%  
 
   Current year catastrophe losses
   
-         
     
-         
     
-      
     
-         
     
-         
     
-      
 
   Prior years
   
(16.2)    
     
(13.7)    
     
18.2%  
     
(26.9)    
     
(55.1)    
     
    (51.2%) 
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
   $
136.2     
      $
153.5     
     
    (11.3%) 
     $
298.8     
     $
250.1     
     
19.5%  
 
                                                 
                                                 
Loss ratio:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
   Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
50.3%  
     
57.2%  
     
     
53.2%  
     
53.8%  
     
 
   Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    %  
     
-    %  
     
     
-    %  
     
-    %  
     
 
   Prior years
   
(5.3%) 
     
(4.7%) 
     
     
(4.4%) 
     
(9.7%) 
     
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
   
45.0%  
     
52.5%  
     
     
48.8%  
     
44.1%  
     
 
                                                 
                                                 
Casualty & other
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
   Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   $
537.5     
      $
477.0     
     
12.7%  
     $
1,053.8     
     $
950.0     
     
10.9%  
 
   Current year catastrophe losses
   
-         
     
-         
     
-      
     
-         
     
-         
     
-      
 
   Prior years
   
(28.6)    
     
(37.0)    
     
(22.7%) 
     
(54.3)    
     
(67.2)    
     
(19.2%) 
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
   $
508.9     
      $
440.0     
     
15.7%  
     $
999.5     
     $
882.8     
     
13.2%  
 
                                                 
                                                 
Loss ratio:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
   Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
69.7%  
     
69.2%  
     
     
70.6%  
     
69.1%  
     
 
   Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    %  
     
-    %  
     
     
-    %  
     
-    %  
     
 
   Prior years
   
(3.7%) 
     
(5.4%) 
     
     
(3.6%) 
     
(4.9%) 
     
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
   
66.0%  
     
63.8%  
     
     
67.0%  
     
64.2%  
     
 
                                                 
                                                 
Total
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
   Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   $
689.9     
      $
644.2     
     
7.1%  
     $
1,379.5     
     $
1,255.2     
     
9.9%  
 
   Current year catastrophe losses
   
-         
     
-         
     
-      
     
-         
     
-         
     
-      
 
   Prior years
   
(44.8)    
     
(50.7)    
     
(11.6%) 
     
(81.2)    
     
(122.3)    
     
(33.6%) 
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
   $
645.1     
      $
593.5     
     
8.7%  
     $
      1,298.3     
     $
      1,132.9     
     
14.6%  
 
                                                 
                                                 
Loss ratio:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
   Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
64.2%  
     
65.6%  
     
     
65.6%  
     
64.7%  
     
 
   Current year catastrophe losses
   
-    %  
     
-    %  
     
     
-    %  
     
-    %  
     
 
   Prior years
   
(4.2%) 
     
(5.2%) 
     
     
(3.9%) 
     
(6.3%) 
     
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
   
60.0%  
     
60.4%  
     
     
61.7%  
     
58.4%  
     
 
                                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property.
The decrease in net loss and LAE in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 primarily reflects lower
non-catastrophe
losses and, to a lesser extent, more favorable prior accident year loss reserve development, partially offset by the impact of higher net premiums earned. The increase in net loss and LAE in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects less favorable prior accident year loss reserve development and the impact of higher net premiums earned.
 
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Table of Contents
 
Net loss and LAE in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 and 2018 include (favorable) unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development as presented in the table below:
                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
          2019          
   
          2018          
   
          2019          
   
          2018          
 
 
($ in millions)
 
                                 
Catastrophe events
    $
(9.9)
(1)
 
    $
5.1 
(2)
 
    $
(1.5)
(3)
 
    $
(25.3)
(4)
 
                                 
Non-catastrophe
   
(6.3)
(5)
 
   
(18.8)
(6)
 
   
(25.4)
(7)
 
   
(29.8)
(6)
 
                                 
                                 
Total
    $
(16.2)
      $
(13.7)
      $
(26.9)
      $
(55.1)
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to wildfires in California in the 2018 accident year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2) Primarily reflects unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to Hurricane Maria in the 2017 accident year, partially offset by favorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to Hurricane Harvey in the 2017 accident year and catastrophes in the 2016 accident year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3) Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to wildfires in California in the 2018 accident year, partially offset by unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to Typhoon Jebi in the 2018 accident year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4) Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to Hurricanes Harvey and Maria in the 2017 accident year and catastrophes in the 2016 accident year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5) Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the 2018 accident year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6) Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the 2016 and 2017 accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7) Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the 2016 through 2018 accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
The favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 and 2018 reflects favorable loss emergence compared with loss emergence patterns assumed in earlier periods. The favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 did not impact assumptions used in estimating TransRe’s loss and LAE liabilities for business earned in the first six months of 2019.
Casualty
 & other.
The increase in net loss and LAE in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 primarily reflects the impact of higher net premiums earned and less favorable prior accident year loss reserve development. The increase in net loss and LAE in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects the impact of higher net premiums earned, less favorable prior accident year loss reserve development and several large
non-catastrophe
losses in early 2019.
Net loss and LAE in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 and 2018 include (favorable) unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development as presented in the table below:
                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
          2019          
   
          2018          
   
          2019          
   
          2018          
 
 
($ in millions)
 
                                 
Malpractice Treaties
(1)
    $
(1.4)
      $
(3.4)
      $
(1.4)
      $
(3.4)
 
                                 
Other
   
(27.2)
(2)
 
   
(33.6)
(3)
 
   
(52.9)
(4)
 
   
(63.8)
(5)
 
                                 
                                 
Total
    $
(28.6)
      $
(37.0)
      $
(54.3)
      $
(67.2)
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Represents certain malpractice treaties pursuant to which the increased underwriting profits created by the favorable prior accident year loss reserve development are largely retained by the cedants. As a result, the favorable prior accident year loss reserve development is largely offset by an increase in profit commission expense incurred when such favorable prior accident year loss reserve development occurs.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2) Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the longer-tailed lines of business in the 2013 and prior accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3) Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the shorter-tailed casualty lines of business in the 2015 and 2017 accident years and the longer-tailed lines of business in the 2008 through 2010 accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4) Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the longer-tailed lines of business in the 2013 and prior accident years and the shorter-tailed lines of business in the 2012 through 2014 accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5) Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the shorter-tailed casualty lines of business in the 2016 and 2017 accident years and the longer-tailed lines of business in the 2008 through 2010 accident years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
The favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 and 2018 reflects favorable loss emergence compared with loss emergence patterns assumed in earlier periods. The favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 did not impact assumptions used in estimating TransRe’s loss and LAE liabilities for business earned in the first six months of 2019.
 
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Table of Contents
 
Reinsurance Segment: Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses.
The following table presents commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses for the reinsurance segment:
                                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
Change
   
2019
   
2018
   
  Change   
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Property
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
$  103.8
     
$   94.8
     
9.5% 
     
$  207.5
     
$  187.9
     
10.4% 
 
                                                 
Expense ratio
   
34.2
%    
32.5
%    
     
33.9
%    
33.1
%    
 
                                                 
Casualty & other
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
$  250.1
     
$  223.2
     
12.1% 
     
$  482.4
     
$  452.1
     
6.7% 
 
                                                 
Expense ratio
   
32.4
%    
32.4
%    
     
32.3
%    
32.9
%    
 
                                                 
Total
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
$  353.9
     
$  318.0
     
11.3% 
     
$  689.9
     
$  640.0
     
7.8% 
 
                                                 
Expense ratio
   
32.9
%    
32.4
%    
     
32.8
%    
33.0
%    
 
   
Property.
The increases in commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect the impact of higher net premiums earned and higher overall commission rates.
 
Casualty
 & other.
The increases in commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect the impact of higher net premiums earned. The increase in commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 was partially offset by lower overall commission rates.
 
Reinsurance Segment: Underwriting profit.
The following table presents underwriting profit for the reinsurance segment:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
Change
   
2019
   
2018
   
  Change  
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Property
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Underwriting profit
  $
   63.2
    $
   43.8
     
44.3% 
    $
   105.8
    $
   129.2
     
  (18.1%)
 
                                                 
Combined ratio
   
79.2
%    
85.0
%    
     
82.7
%    
77.2
%    
 
                                                 
Casualty & other
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Underwriting profit
  $
   12.7
    $
   26.0
     
(51.2%)
    $
   10.1
    $
39.4
     
  (74.4%)
 
                                                 
Combined ratio
   
98.4
%    
96.2
%    
     
99.3
%    
97.1
%    
 
                                                 
Total
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Underwriting profit
  $
75.9
    $
69.8
     
8.7% 
    $
   115.9
    $
168.6
     
  (31.3%)
 
                                                 
Combined ratio
   
92.9
%    
92.8
%    
     
94.5
%    
91.4
%    
 
 
 
Property.
The increase in underwriting profit in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 primarily reflects lower
non-catastrophe
losses, more favorable prior accident year loss reserve development and the impact of higher net premiums earned, all as discussed above. The decrease in underwriting profit in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects less favorable prior accident year loss reserve development, partially offset by the impact of higher net premiums earned, all as discussed above.
Casualty
 & other.
The decrease in underwriting profit in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 primarily reflects less favorable prior accident year loss reserve development, as discussed above. The decrease in underwriting profit in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects several large
non-catastrophe
losses in early 2019 and less favorable prior accident year loss reserve development, all as discussed above.
 
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Table of Contents
 
Insurance Segment Underwriting Results
The insurance segment is comprised of AIHL’s RSUI and CapSpecialty operating subsidiaries. RSUI also writes a modest amount of assumed reinsurance business, which is included in the insurance segment. For a more detailed description of our insurance segment, see Part I, Item 1, “Business—Segment Information—Insurance Segment” of the 2018 Form
10-K.
The underwriting results of the insurance segment are presented below:
                         
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
RSUI
   
CapSpecialty
   
Total
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Gross premiums written
    $
       372.4     
      $
       93.8     
      $
    466.2     
 
Net premiums written
   
246.9     
     
86.7     
     
333.6     
 
                         
Net premiums earned
   
202.4     
     
78.7     
     
281.1     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
102.4     
     
44.8     
     
147.2     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
15.7     
     
0.6     
     
16.3     
 
Prior years
   
(12.5)    
     
0.7     
     
(11.8)    
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
105.6     
     
46.1     
     
151.7     
 
                         
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
57.9     
     
32.5     
     
90.4     
 
                         
                         
Underwriting profit
(1)
    $
38.9     
      $
0.1     
      $
39.0     
 
                         
                         
Loss ratio
(2)
:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
50.6%  
     
56.9%  
     
52.4%  
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
7.8%  
     
0.7%  
     
5.8%  
 
Prior years
   
(6.2%) 
     
1.0%  
     
(4.2%) 
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
52.2%  
     
58.6%  
     
54.0%  
 
                         
Expense ratio
(3)
   
28.6%  
     
41.3%  
     
32.2%  
 
                         
                         
Combined ratio
(4)
   
80.8%  
     
99.9%  
     
86.2%  
 
                         
 
 
 
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Table of Contents
                         
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
RSUI
   
  CapSpecialty  
   
Total
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Gross premiums written
    $
       318.8     
      $
       88.7     
      $
       407.5     
 
Net premiums written
   
216.9     
     
82.3     
     
299.2     
 
                         
Net premiums earned
   
184.7     
     
71.0     
     
255.7     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
93.4     
     
38.5     
     
131.9     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
13.7     
     
0.6     
     
14.3     
 
Prior years
   
(1.4)    
     
(0.1)    
     
(1.5)    
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
105.7     
     
39.0     
     
144.7     
 
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
53.7     
     
30.4     
     
84.1     
 
                         
 
Underwriting profit
(1)
    $
25.3     
      $
1.6     
      $
26.9     
 
                         
                         
Loss ratio
(2)
:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
50.6%  
     
54.2%  
     
51.6%  
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
7.4%  
     
0.8%  
     
5.6%  
 
Prior years
   
(0.8%) 
     
(0.1%) 
     
(0.6%) 
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
57.2%  
     
54.9%  
     
56.6%  
 
 
Expense ratio
(3)
   
29.1%  
     
42.8%  
     
32.9%  
 
                         
 
Combined ratio
(4)
   
86.3%  
     
97.7%  
     
89.5%  
 
                         
                   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
RSUI
   
  CapSpecialty  
   
Total
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Gross premiums written
    $
       671.4     
      $
     176.6     
      $
       848.0     
 
Net premiums written
   
448.3     
     
163.3     
     
611.6     
 
                         
Net premiums earned
   
394.8     
     
154.4     
     
549.2     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
197.3     
     
86.9     
     
284.2     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
18.8     
     
0.8     
     
19.6     
 
Prior years
   
(16.2)    
     
3.4     
     
(12.8)    
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
199.9     
     
91.1     
     
291.0     
 
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
111.4     
     
63.1     
     
174.5     
 
                         
 
Underwriting profit
(1)
    $
83.5     
      $
0.2     
      $
83.7     
 
                         
                         
Loss ratio
(2)
:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
49.9%  
     
56.3%  
     
51.7%  
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
4.8%  
     
0.5%  
     
3.6%  
 
Prior years
   
(4.1%) 
     
2.2%  
     
(2.3%) 
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
50.6%  
     
59.0%  
     
53.0%  
 
 
Expense ratio
(3)
   
28.2%  
     
40.8%  
     
31.8%  
 
                         
 
Combined ratio
(4)
   
78.8%  
     
99.8%  
     
84.8%  
 
                         
 
 
 
47
 

 
Table of Contents
                         
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
RSUI
   
 CapSpecialty 
   
Total
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Gross premiums written
    $
       593.4     
      $
     163.2     
      $
       756.6     
 
Net premiums written
   
403.8     
     
151.7     
     
555.5     
 
                         
Net premiums earned
   
365.6     
     
137.7     
     
503.3     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
197.5     
     
75.6     
     
273.1     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
17.6     
     
0.8     
     
18.4     
 
Prior years
   
(12.5)    
     
(3.1)    
     
(15.6)    
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
202.6     
     
73.3     
     
275.9     
 
                         
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
107.2     
     
61.2     
     
168.4     
 
                         
                         
Underwriting profit
(1)
    $
55.8     
      $
3.2     
      $
59.0     
 
                         
                         
Loss ratio
(2)
:
   
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
54.0%  
     
54.9%  
     
54.3%  
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
4.8%  
     
0.6%  
     
3.6%  
 
Prior years
   
(3.4%) 
     
(2.3%) 
     
(3.1%) 
 
                         
Total net loss and LAE
   
55.4%  
     
53.2%  
     
54.8%  
 
                         
Expense ratio
(3)
   
29.3%  
     
44.4%  
     
33.5%  
 
                         
                         
Combined ratio
(4)
   
84.7%  
     
97.6%  
     
88.3%  
 
                         
 
 
 
 (1) Underwriting profit represents net premiums earned less net loss and LAE and commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses, all as determined in accordance with GAAP, and does not include net investment income, change in the fair value of equity securities, net realized capital gains, OTTI losses, noninsurance revenue, other operating expenses, corporate administration, amortization of intangible assets and interest expense. Underwriting profit is a
non-GAAP
financial measure and does not replace earnings before income taxes determined in accordance with GAAP as a measure of profitability. See “Comment on
Non-GAAP
Financial Measures” herein for additional detail on the presentation of our results of operations.
 
 
 (2) The loss ratio is derived by dividing the amount of net loss and LAE by net premiums earned, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
 
 (3) The expense ratio is derived by dividing the amount of commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses by net premiums earned, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
 
 (4) The combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio, all as determined in accordance with GAAP. The combined ratio represents the percentage of each premium dollar a reinsurance or an insurance company has to spend on net loss and LAE, and commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses.
 
 
 
48
 

Table of Contents
Insurance Segment: Premiums.
The following table presents premiums for the insurance segment:
                                                 
 
Three Months Ended
   
   
Six Months Ended
   
        Percent        
 
 
June 30,
   
        Percent        
   
June 30,
   
 
        2019        
   
        2018        
   
        Change        
   
        2019        
   
        2018        
   
        Change        
 
 
   
   
($ in millions)
   
   
 
RSUI
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Premiums written:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Gross premiums written
    $
  372.4  
      $
  318.8  
     
16.8%  
      $
  671.4  
      $
  593.4  
     
13.1%  
 
Net premiums written
   
246.9  
     
216.9  
     
13.8%  
     
448.3  
     
403.8  
     
11.0%  
 
                                                 
Net premiums earned
   
202.4  
     
184.7  
     
9.6%  
     
394.8  
     
365.6  
     
8.0%  
 
                                                 
CapSpecialty
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Premiums written:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Gross premiums written
    $
93.8  
      $
88.7  
     
5.7%  
      $
  176.6  
      $
  163.2  
     
8.2%  
 
Net premiums written
   
86.7  
     
82.3  
     
5.3%  
     
163.3  
     
151.7  
     
7.6%  
 
                                                 
Net premiums earned
   
78.7  
     
71.0  
     
10.8%  
     
154.4  
     
137.7  
     
12.1%  
 
                                                 
Total
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Premiums written:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Gross premiums written
    $
  466.2  
      $
  407.5  
     
14.4%  
      $
  848.0  
      $
  756.6  
     
12.1%  
 
Net premiums written
   
333.6  
     
299.2  
     
11.5%  
     
611.6  
     
555.5  
     
10.1%  
 
                                                 
Net premiums earned
   
281.1  
     
255.7  
     
9.9%  
     
549.2  
     
503.3  
     
9.1%  
 
 
 
RSUI.
The increases in gross premiums written in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect growth in most lines of business due to increases in business opportunities and improved general market conditions, particularly in the property lines of business.
The increases in net premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect increases in gross premiums written in recent quarters, partially offset by higher ceded premiums earned related to the growth in the heavily-reinsured property lines of business.
CapSpecialty.
The increases in gross premiums written in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect growth in the healthcare and specialty casualty lines of business due to increases in business opportunities and CapSpecialty’s expanded product offerings. In addition, the increase in gross premiums written in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 periods reflects the impact of CapSpecialty’s purchase on February 20, 2018 of certain renewal rights to a small environmental block of business.
The increases in net premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect increases in gross premiums written in recent quarters.
 
49
 

 
Table of Contents
 
Insurance Segment: Net loss and LAE.
The following table presents net loss and LAE for the insurance segment:
                                                 
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
Percent
 
Change
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
 
Percent
 
Change
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
RSUI
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
    $
102.4    
      $
93.4    
     
9.6% 
      $
         197.3    
      $
         197.5    
     
(0.1%)
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
15.7    
     
13.7    
     
14.6% 
     
18.8    
     
17.6    
     
6.8% 
 
Prior years
   
(12.5)   
     
(1.4)   
     
792.9% 
     
(16.2)   
     
(12.5)   
     
29.6% 
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
    $
         105.6    
      $
         105.7    
     
(0.1%)
      $
199.9    
      $
202.6    
     
(1.3%)
 
                                                 
                                                 
Loss ratio:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
50.6% 
     
50.6% 
     
     
49.9% 
     
54.0% 
     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
7.8% 
     
7.4% 
     
     
4.8% 
     
4.8% 
     
 
Prior years
   
(6.2%)
     
(0.8%)
     
     
(4.1%)
     
(3.4%)
     
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
   
52.2% 
     
57.2% 
     
     
50.6% 
     
55.4% 
     
 
                                                 
                                                 
CapSpecialty
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
    $
44.8    
      $
38.5    
     
16.4% 
      $
86.9    
      $
75.6    
     
14.9% 
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
0.6    
     
0.6    
     
-   % 
     
0.8    
     
0.8    
     
-   % 
 
Prior years
   
0.7    
     
(0.1)   
     
(800.0%)
     
3.4    
     
(3.1)   
     
(209.7%)
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
    $
46.1    
      $
39.0    
     
18.2% 
      $
91.1    
      $
73.3    
     
24.3% 
 
                                                 
                                                 
Loss ratio:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
56.9% 
     
54.2% 
     
     
56.3% 
     
54.9% 
     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
0.7% 
     
0.8% 
     
     
0.5% 
     
0.6% 
     
 
Prior years
   
1.0% 
     
(0.1%)
     
     
2.2% 
     
(2.3%)
     
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
   
58.6% 
     
54.9% 
     
     
59.0% 
     
53.2% 
     
 
                                                 
                                                 
Total
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net loss and LAE:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
    $
147.2    
      $
131.9    
     
11.6% 
      $
284.2    
      $
273.1    
     
4.1% 
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
16.3    
     
14.3    
     
14.0% 
     
19.6    
     
18.4    
     
6.5% 
 
Prior years
   
(11.8)   
     
(1.5)   
     
686.7% 
     
(12.8)   
     
(15.6)   
     
(17.9%)
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
    $
151.7    
      $
144.7    
     
4.8% 
      $
291.0    
      $
275.9    
     
5.5% 
 
                                                 
                                                 
Loss ratio:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current year (excluding catastrophe losses)
   
52.4% 
     
51.6% 
     
     
51.7% 
     
54.3% 
     
 
Current year catastrophe losses
   
5.8% 
     
5.6% 
     
     
3.6% 
     
3.6% 
     
 
Prior years
   
(4.2%)
     
(0.6%)
     
     
(2.3%)
     
(3.1%)
     
 
                                                 
Total net loss and LAE
   
54.0% 
     
56.6% 
     
     
53.0% 
     
54.8% 
     
 
                                                 
 
 
 
RSUI.
Net loss and LAE in the second quarter of 2019 approximated those in the second quarter of 2018, primarily reflecting higher favorable prior accident year loss reserve development, offset by the impact of higher net premiums earned and higher catastrophe losses.
The slight decrease in net loss and LAE in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects lower
non-catastrophe
property losses incurred and higher favorable prior accident year loss reserve development, partially offset by the impact of higher net premiums earned and higher catastrophe losses.
Catastrophe losses in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 primarily relate to severe weather and flooding in the Midwestern U.S. Catastrophe losses in the second quarter and first six months of 2018 primarily related to flooding and severe weather in the Northeastern U.S. and the State of California.
 
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Table of Contents
 
Net loss and LAE in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 and 2018 include (favorable) unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development as presented in the table below:
                 
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
Casualty
 
 
 $    (12.1)
(1)
 
 
 $      (1.5)
(2)
 
 
 $      (17.7)
(1)
 
 
 $      (12.5)
(2)
 
                 
Property and other
 
(0.4)   
 
0.1     
 
1.5
(3)
 
-        
                 
Total
 
 
 $    (12.5)   
 
 
 $      (1.4)    
 
 
 $      (16.2)   
 
 
 $      (12.5)   
                 
 
 
 
 
 
 (1) Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the directors’ and officers’ liability and umbrella/excess lines of business in the 2011 through 2015 accident years, partially offset by unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the professional liability lines of business in recent accident years.
 
 
 
 
 (2) Primarily reflects favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the umbrella/excess lines of business in the 2005 through 2012 accident years, partially offset by unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the directors’ and officers’ liability lines of business in recent accident years.
 
 
 
 
 (3) Primarily reflects unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to the assumed property reinsurance lines of business from catastrophe losses in recent accident years, partially offset by favorable prior accident year loss reserve development related to Superstorm Sandy in the 2012 accident year and by Hurricane Harvey in the 2017 accident year.
 
 
 
 
The favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 and 2018 reflect favorable loss emergence compared with loss emergence patterns assumed in earlier periods. The favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 did not impact assumptions used in estimating RSUI’s loss and LAE liabilities for business earned in the first six months of 2019.
CapSpecialty.
The increases in net loss and LAE in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the second quarter and first six months of 2019, compared with favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the second quarter and first six months of 2018, the impact of higher net premiums earned and higher losses in the surety lines of business.
Net loss and LAE in the second quarter of 2019 includes unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development primarily related to the professional liability lines of business in the 2016 accident year. Net loss and LAE in the first six months of 2019 also includes unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development primarily related to certain specialty lines of business written through a program administrator in connection with a terminated program in the 2009 and 2010 accident years. The specific unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the first six months of 2019 related to the terminated program reflects the impact of a recent adverse court ruling related to a single claim. The unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 did not impact assumptions used in estimating CapSpecialty’s loss and LAE liabilities for business earned in the first six months of 2019. Net loss and LAE in the first six months of 2018 included favorable prior accident year loss reserve development primarily in the surety lines of business primarily in the 2016 and 2017 accident years.
 
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Table of Contents
 
Insurance Segment: Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses.
The following table presents commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses for the insurance segment:
                                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
      Change      
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
      Change      
 
 
      2019      
   
      2018      
 
      2019      
   
      2018      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
RSUI
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
  $
57.9
    $
53.7
     
7.8 
%    $
111.4
    $
107.2
     
3.9
%
                                                 
Expense ratio
   
28.6
%    
29.1
%    
     
28.2
%    
29.3
%    
 
                                                 
CapSpecialty
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
  $
32.5
    $
30.4
     
6.9 
%    $
63.1
    $
61.2
     
3.1
%
                                                 
Expense ratio
   
41.3
%    
42.8
%    
     
40.8
%    
44.4
%    
 
                                                 
Total
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
  $
90.4
    $
84.1
     
7.5 
%    $
174.5
    $
168.4
     
3.6
%
                                                 
Expense ratio
   
32.2
%    
32.9
%    
     
31.8
%    
33.5
%    
 
 
RSUI.
The increases in commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect the impact of higher net premiums earned, partially offset by slightly lower overall commission rates.
CapSpecialty.
The increases in commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect the impact of higher net premiums earned, partially offset by
one-time
acquisition expenses incurred in the first six months of 2018 arising from CapSpecialty’s purchase of certain renewal rights associated with a small environmental block of business and lower short-term incentive compensation expense accruals.
 
Insurance Segment: Underwriting profit.
The following table presents our underwriting profit (loss) for the insurance segment:
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
      Change      
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
      Change      
 
 
      2019      
   
      2018      
 
      2019      
   
      2018      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
RSUI
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Underwriting profit
  $
38.9
    $
25.3
     
53.8 
%    $
83.5
    $
55.8
     
49.6
%
                                                 
Combined ratio
   
80.8
%    
86.3
%    
     
78.8
%    
84.7
%    
 
                                                 
CapSpecialty
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Underwriting profit
  $
0.1
    $
1.6
     
(93.8 
%)    $
0.2
    $
3.2
     
(93.8
%)
                                                 
Combined ratio
   
99.9
%    
97.7
%    
     
99.8
%    
97.6
%    
 
                                                 
Total
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Underwriting profit
  $
39.0
    $
26.9
     
45.0 
%    $
83.7
    $
59.0
     
41.9
%
                                                 
Combined ratio
   
86.2
%    
89.5
%    
     
84.8
%    
88.3
%    
 
 
RSUI.
The increase in underwriting profit in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 primarily reflects higher favorable prior accident year loss reserve development and the impact of higher net premiums earned, all as discussed above. The increase in underwriting profit in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects lower
non-catastrophe
property losses incurred, the impact of higher net premiums earned and higher favorable prior accident year loss reserve development, all as discussed above.
 
52
 

 
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CapSpecialty.
The decreases in underwriting profit in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the second quarter and first six months of 2019, compared with favorable prior accident year loss reserve development in the second quarter and first six months of 2018, and higher losses in the surety lines of business, partially offset by the impact of higher net premiums earned, all as discussed above.
Investment Results for the Reinsurance and Insurance Segments
The following table presents the investment results for our reinsurance and insurance segments:
                                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
Percent
 
 
2019
   
2018
   
Change
   
2019
   
2018
   
Change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Net investment income
   
$     138.3  
     
$    121.1  
     
        14.2%   
     
$
 
 
256.3   
     
 
239.4   
     
7.1%   
 
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
143.3  
     
146.8  
     
(2.4%)  
     
532.4   
     
132.7   
     
301.2%   
 
Net realized capital gains
   
12.2  
     
6.8  
     
79.4%   
     
16.2   
     
50.7   
     
(68.0%)  
 
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
-      
     
-      
     
-          
     
(10.0)  
     
(0.5)  
     
    1,900.0%   
 
 
 
Net investment income.
The increase in net investment income in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 primarily reflects higher interest income and, to a lesser extent, higher partnership income, partially offset by lower dividend income.
The increase in net investment income in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects higher interest income and, to a lesser extent, lower performance-based investment fees from our outside investment advisors, partially offset by lower partnership income and dividend income.
The increase in interest income and the decrease in dividend income primarily relate to a reallocation of a significant portion of our investment portfolio from equity securities to debt securities in the first quarter of 2019.
Partnership income in the first six months of 2018 included a $12.9 million increase in the carrying value of AIHL’s limited partnership interests in certain subsidiaries of Ares. See Note 3(h) to Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Form
10-Q
for additional information.
Change in the fair value of equity securities.
The changes in the fair value of equity securities in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 reflect appreciation in the value of our equity securities portfolio, primarily from our holdings in the technology, industrial and financial sectors. The changes in the fair value of equity securities in the second quarter and first six months of 2018 reflected appreciation in the value of our equity securities portfolio, primarily from our holdings in the technology, industrial and energy sectors.
Net realized capital gains.
The increase in net realized capital gains in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 reflects higher realized capital gains from the sale of debt securities.
The decrease in net realized capital gains in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects a $45.7 million gain on AIHL’s conversion of its limited partnership interests in certain subsidiaries of Ares into Ares common units in the first six months of 2018. See Note 3(h) to Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Form
10-Q
for additional information.
Other than temporary impairment losses.
OTTI losses in the first six months of 2019 reflect $10.0 million of unrealized losses on debt securities, primarily in the energy sector, that were deemed to be other than temporary and, as such, were required to be charged against earnings. The determination that unrealized losses on debt securities were other than temporary was primarily due to the deterioration of creditworthiness of the issuer.
OTTI losses in the first six months of 2018 reflected $0.5 million of unrealized losses on debt securities that were deemed to be other than temporary and, as such, were required to be charged against earnings.
Upon the ultimate disposition of the securities for which OTTI losses have been recorded, a portion of the loss may be recoverable depending on market conditions at the time of disposition. After adjusting the cost basis of securities for the recognition of OTTI losses, the remaining gross unrealized investment losses for debt securities as of June 30, 2019 were deemed to be temporary, based on, among other factors: (i) the duration of time and the relative magnitude to which the fair values of these securities had been below cost were not indicative of an OTTI loss; (ii) the absence of compelling evidence that would cause us to call into question the financial condition or near-term business prospects of the issuers of the securities; and (iii) our ability and intent to hold the securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.
See Note 3 to Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Form
10-Q
for additional detail on gross unrealized investment losses for debt securities as of June 30, 2019.
 
53
 

 
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Alleghany Capital Segment Results
The Alleghany Capital segment consists of: (i) industrial operations conducted through PCT, Kentucky Trailer, W&W|AFCO Steel and a 45 percent equity interest in Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc., or “Wilbert;” (ii)
non-industrial
operations conducted through IPS, Jazwares and Concord; and (iii) corporate operations at the Alleghany Capital level. Wilbert is accounted for under the equity method of accounting and is included in other invested assets.
The following table presents the results of the Alleghany Capital segment for the second quarter and first six months of 2019 and 2018:
                                                                 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
 
Industrial
   
Non-
industrial
   
Corp. &
other
(1)
   
Total
(1)
   
Industrial
   
Non-
industrial
   
Corp. &
other
(1)
   
Total
(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Noninsurance revenue
(2)
    $
    318.3  
      $
   275.1  
      $
0.3  
      $
593.7  
      $
221.9  
      $
107.1  
      $
-      
      $
329.0  
 
Net investment income
   
1.4  
     
(0.2) 
     
(0.3) 
     
0.9  
     
1.3  
     
0.1  
     
-      
     
1.4  
 
Net realized capital gains
   
0.2  
     
-      
     
-      
     
0.2  
     
0.2  
     
(0.3) 
     
-      
     
(0.1) 
 
                                                                 
Total revenues
    $
319.9  
      $
274.9  
      $
-      
      $
594.8  
      $
223.4  
      $
106.9  
      $
-      
      $
330.3  
 
                                                                 
                                                                 
Other operating expenses
(2)
   
290.0  
     
252.2  
     
6.1  
     
548.3  
     
210.5  
     
101.0  
     
3.0  
     
314.5  
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
3.9  
     
4.5  
     
-      
     
8.4  
     
2.4  
     
3.4  
     
-      
     
5.8  
 
Interest expense
   
3.1  
     
1.6  
     
-      
     
4.7  
     
1.7  
     
0.6  
     
-      
     
2.3  
 
                                                                 
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
    $
22.9  
      $
16.6  
      $
(6.1) 
      $
33.4  
      $
8.8  
      $
1.9  
      $
(3.0) 
      $
7.7  
 
                                                                 
                                                                 
Operating earnings (losses) before income taxes
(3)
    $
26.6  
      $
21.1  
      $
(6.1) 
      $
41.6  
      $
11.0  
      $
5.6  
      $
(3.0) 
      $
13.6  
 
Add: net realized capital gains
   
0.2  
     
-      
     
-      
     
0.2  
     
0.2  
     
(0.3) 
     
-      
     
(0.1) 
 
Less: amortization of intangible assets
   
(3.9) 
     
(4.5) 
     
-      
     
(8.4) 
     
(2.4) 
     
(3.4) 
     
-      
     
(5.8) 
 
                                                                 
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
    $
22.9  
      $
16.6  
      $
(6.1) 
      $
33.4  
      $
8.8  
      $
1.9  
      $
(3.0) 
      $
7.7  
 
                                                                 
             
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
 
Industrial
   
Non-
industrial
   
Corp. &
other
(1)
   
Total
(1)
   
Industrial
   
Non-
industrial
   
Corp. &
other
(1)
   
Total
(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Noninsurance revenue
(2)
    $
578.4  
      $
520.0  
      $
0.3  
      $
1,098.7  
      $
   367.4  
      $
   204.2  
      $
0.1  
      $
571.7  
 
Net investment income
   
2.4  
     
(0.2) 
     
-      
     
2.2  
     
2.9  
     
0.1  
     
-      
     
3.0  
 
Net realized capital gains
   
0.6  
     
-      
     
-      
     
0.6  
     
0.5  
     
-      
     
-      
     
0.5  
 
                                                                 
Total revenues
    $
    581.4  
      $
   519.8  
      $
0.3  
      $
   1,101.5  
      $
370.8  
      $
204.3  
      $
0.1  
      $
    575.2  
 
                                                                 
                                                                 
Other operating expenses
(2)
   
534.4  
     
468.3  
     
11.1  
     
1,013.8  
     
353.0  
     
196.5  
     
4.9  
     
554.4  
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
6.4  
     
8.7  
     
-      
     
15.1  
     
4.4  
     
6.8  
     
-      
     
11.2  
 
Interest expense
   
6.0  
     
3.1  
     
(0.1) 
     
9.0  
     
2.5  
     
1.0  
     
0.1  
     
3.6  
 
                                                                 
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
    $
34.6  
      $
39.7  
      $
     (10.7) 
      $
63.6  
      $
10.9  
      $
-      
      $
(4.9) 
      $
6.0  
 
                                                                 
                                                                 
Operating earnings (losses) before income taxes
(3)
    $
40.4  
      $
48.4  
      $
(10.7) 
      $
78.1  
      $
14.8  
      $
6.8  
      $
(4.9) 
      $
16.7  
 
Add: net realized capital gains
   
0.6  
     
-      
     
-      
     
0.6  
     
0.5  
     
-      
     
-      
     
0.5  
 
Less: amortization of intangible assets
   
(6.4) 
     
(8.7) 
     
-      
     
(15.1) 
     
(4.4) 
     
(6.8) 
     
-      
     
(11.2) 
 
                                                                 
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
    $
34.6  
      $
39.7  
      $
(10.7) 
      $
63.6  
      $
10.9  
      $
-      
      $
     (4.9) 
      $
6.0  
 
                                                                 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Excludes certain minor, legacy investments that were previously reflected in Alleghany Capital in 2018 and prior periods.
 
 
 
 
(2) For industrial and
non-industrial
operations: (i) noninsurance revenue consists of the sale of manufactured goods and services; and (ii) other operating expenses consist of the cost of goods and services sold and selling, general and administrative expenses. Other operating expenses also include finders’ fees, legal and accounting costs and other transaction-related expenses of $1.0 million and $1.1 million for the second quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $1.4 million and $2.9 million for the first six months of 2019 and 2018, respectively.
 
 
 
 
(3) Operating earnings before income taxes is a
non-GAAP
financial measure and does not replace earnings before income taxes determined in accordance with GAAP as a measure of profitability. See “Comment on
Non-GAAP
Financial Measures” herein for additional detail on the presentation of our results of operations. Operating earnings before income taxes represents noninsurance revenue and net investment income less other operating expenses and interest expense and does not include: (i) amortization of intangible assets; (ii) change in the fair value of equity securities; (iii) net realized capital gains; (iv) OTTI impairment losses; and (v) income taxes.
 
 
 
 
 
54
 

 
 
Table of Contents
 
The changes in Alleghany Capital’s equity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 are presented in the table below:
                                                                 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2019
   
2018
 
                                                 
 
  Industrial  
   
Non-
  industrial  
   
Corp. &
  other
(1)
  
   
  Total
(1)
  
   
  Industrial  
   
Non-
  industrial  
   
Corp. &
  other
(1)
  
   
  Total
(1)
  
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Equity, beginning of period
   
$ 467.0  
     
  $ 437.6  
     
  $  (42.4) 
     
  $  862.2  
     
  $  442.7  
     
  $ 319.5  
     
  $    15.7  
     
  $ 777.9  
 
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
   
22.9  
     
16.6  
     
(6.1) 
     
33.4  
     
8.8  
     
1.9  
     
(3.0) 
     
7.7  
 
Income taxes
(2)
   
(0.8) 
     
(0.4) 
     
(5.3) 
     
(6.5) 
     
(0.4) 
     
(0.2) 
     
(0.7) 
     
(1.3) 
 
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
(3)
   
(3.8) 
     
(5.6) 
     
-      
     
(9.4) 
     
(1.3) 
     
(2.0) 
     
-      
     
(3.3) 
 
Capital contributions (returns of capital) and other
(4)
   
30.7  
     
(37.6) 
     
7.1  
     
0.2  
     
(10.6) 
     
(7.1) 
     
(5.1) 
     
(22.8) 
 
                                                                 
Equity, end of period
   
  $  516.0  
     
  $ 410.6  
     
  $  (46.7) 
     
  $  879.9  
     
  $  439.2  
     
  $ 312.1  
     
  $     6.9  
     
  $ 758.2  
 
                                                                 
       
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2019
   
2018
 
                                                 
 
Industrial
   
Non-
industrial
   
Corp. &
other
(1)
   
Total
(1)
   
Industrial
   
Non-
industrial
   
Corp. &
other
(1)
   
Total
(1)
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Equity, beginning of period
   
  $  462.5  
     
  $ 443.3  
     
  $  (44.2) 
     
  $ 861.6  
     
  $  363.6  
     
  $ 331.3  
     
  $    (7.7) 
     
  $ 687.2  
 
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
   
34.6  
     
39.7  
     
(10.7) 
     
63.6  
     
10.9  
     
-      
     
(4.9) 
     
6.0  
 
Income taxes
(2)
   
(0.9) 
     
(1.7) 
     
(10.7) 
     
(13.3) 
     
(0.7) 
     
(0.6) 
     
(0.2) 
     
(1.5) 
 
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
(3)
   
(6.0) 
     
(11.0) 
     
-      
     
(17.0) 
     
(1.3) 
     
(1.6) 
     
-      
     
(2.9) 
 
Capital contributions (returns of capital) and other
(4)
   
25.8  
     
(59.7) 
     
18.9  
     
(15.0) 
     
66.7  
     
(17.0) 
     
19.7  
     
69.4  
 
                                                                 
Equity, end of period
   
  $  516.0  
     
  $ 410.6  
     
  $  (46.7) 
     
  $ 879.9  
     
  $  439.2  
     
  $ 312.1  
     
  $     6.9  
     
  $ 758.2  
 
                                                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Excludes certain minor, legacy investments that were previously reflected in Alleghany Capital in 2018 and prior periods.
 
 
 
 
 
(2) Federal income taxes for most Alleghany Capital subsidiaries are incurred at the Alleghany Capital corporate level. Estimated federal income tax (expense) benefit incurred at the Alleghany Capital corporate level attributable to industrial and
non-industrial
operations for the three months ended June 30, 2019 were ($5.0) million and ($3.5) million, respectively, and for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were ($1.9) million and ($0.4) million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 were ($7.3) million and ($8.3) million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were ($2.1) million and ($0.0) million, respectively.
 
 
 
 
 
(3) During the first six months of 2019, the noncontrolling interests outstanding were approximately as follows: Kentucky Trailer - 23 percent; W&W|AFCO Steel - 20 percent; IPS - 15 percent; Jazwares - 23 percent; and Concord - 15 percent. Prior to April 1, 2019, the noncontrolling interests of PCT was approximately 11 percent. Effective April 1, 2019, all noncontrolling interests of PCT have exercised their options and sold their ownership interests to Alleghany.
 
 
 
 
 
(4) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, capital contributions primarily reflect funding provided by Alleghany Capital to PCT for the acquisition of a consumable cutting tool manufacturer in June 2019. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, capital contributions primarily reflect funding provided by Alleghany Capital to W&W|AFCO Steel for the acquisition of Hirschfeld.
 
 
 
 
 
Noninsurance revenue.
The increases in noninsurance revenue in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods reflect increases in
non-industrial
and industrial operations. The increases in
non-industrial
noninsurance revenue reflect higher sales at IPS and Jazwares, as well as the acquisition of Concord. The increases in industrial noninsurance revenue primarily reflect higher sales at W&W|AFCO Steel. The increase in noninsurance revenue for industrial operations in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 further reflects W&W|AFCO Steel’s acquisition of Hirschfeld in 2018.
Net investment income.
The decrease in net investment income in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflects slightly lower Alleghany Capital earnings from its investment in Wilbert.
Other operating expenses.
The increases in other operating expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect increases in
non-industrial
and industrial operations. The increases in
non-industrial
other operating expenses primarily reflect higher costs related to higher sales at IPS and Jazwares, as well as the impact of the acquisition of Concord. The increases in industrial other operating expenses primarily reflect higher costs related to higher sales at W&W|AFCO Steel. The increase in other operating expenses for industrial operations in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 further reflects W&W|AFCO Steel’s acquisition of Hirschfeld in 2018.
Other operating expenses in the first six months of 2018 also reflect higher finders’ fees, legal and accounting costs and other transaction-related expenses, primarily related to W&W|AFCO Steel’s acquisition of Hirschfeld in 2018.
 
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Amortization of intangible assets.
The increases in amortization expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect the Concord acquisition and the acquisition by Kentucky Trailer of a manufacturer of aluminum feed transportation equipment based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on December 28, 2018.
Interest expense.
The increases in interest expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect increased borrowings at Kentucky Trailer, W&W|AFCO Steel and Jazwares to support working capital needs and acquisitions made during 2018, as well as borrowings at Concord (primarily used to finance Alleghany Capital’s acquisition of Concord).
Earnings (losses) before income taxes.
The increases in earnings before income taxes in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect increased earnings in the
non-industrial
and industrial operations. The increases in
non-industrial
earnings before income taxes primarily reflect the impact of higher sales and higher margins at Jazwares and, to a lesser extent, the acquisition of Concord and higher sales at IPS, all as discussed above. The increases in industrial earnings before income taxes primarily reflect higher sales and higher margins at W&W|AFCO Steel.
Corporate Activities Results
The primary components of corporate activities are Alleghany Properties, SORC and activities at the Alleghany parent company. The following table presents the results for corporate activities:
                                 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
        2019        
   
        2018        
   
        2019        
   
        2018        
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Net premiums earned
   $
-     
     $
-    
     $
-     
     $
-     
 
Net investment income
   
3.5  
     
3.8 
     
7.3  
     
8.0  
 
Change in the fair value of equity securities
   
0.4  
     
38.4 
     
3.6  
     
9.9  
 
Net realized capital gains
   
-     
     
(0.2)
     
-     
     
(0.2) 
 
Other than temporary impairment losses
   
-     
     
-    
     
-     
     
-     
 
Noninsurance revenue
   
3.6  
     
9.0 
     
7.3  
     
12.3  
 
                                 
    Total revenues
   
7.5  
     
51.0 
     
18.2  
     
30.0  
 
                                 
                                 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
-     
     
-    
     
-     
     
-     
 
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses
   
-     
     
-    
     
-     
     
-     
 
Other operating expenses
   
7.0  
     
8.8 
     
14.3  
     
16.7  
 
Corporate administration
   
24.2  
     
13.3 
     
42.5  
     
21.4  
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
-     
     
-    
     
-     
     
-     
 
Interest expense
   
13.6  
     
13.1 
     
26.1  
     
26.6  
 
                                 
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
   $
(37.3) 
     $
15.8 
     $
(64.7) 
     $
(34.7) 
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income.
The slight decreases in net investment income in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect lower dividend income resulting from the reallocation of a portion of our investment portfolio at the Alleghany parent company-level from equity securities to debt securities, partially offset by higher interest income.
Change in the fair value of equity securities.
The decreases in the change in the fair value of equity securities in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect the reallocation of a portion of our investment portfolio at the Alleghany parent company-level from equity securities to debt securities.
The change in the fair value of equity securities in the first six months of 2019 reflects appreciation in the value of the equity securities held at the Alleghany parent company-level, primarily from holdings in the technology sector in the first three months of 2019.
The changes in the fair value of equity securities in the second quarter and first six months of 2018 reflect increases in the value of the equity securities held at the Alleghany parent company-level, primarily from holdings in the energy sector.
Noninsurance revenue.
The decreases in noninsurance revenue in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect lower property sales at Alleghany Properties.
Other operating expenses.
The decreases in other operating expenses in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 from the corresponding 2018 periods primarily reflect reduced costs at SORC and, to a lesser extent, Alleghany Properties.
 
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Corporate administration.
The increase in corporate administration expense in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 reflects higher Alleghany parent-company long-term incentive compensation accruals due primarily to the impact of appreciation in the value of our debt securities portfolio in the second quarter of 2019, compared with depreciation in the second quarter of 2018, as well as a rise in the price per share of our common stock during the second quarter of 2019.
The increase in corporate administration expense in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 reflects higher Alleghany parent-company long-term incentive compensation accruals due primarily to the impact of appreciation in the value of our debt securities portfolio in the first six months of 2019, compared with depreciation in the first six months of 2018, higher appreciation in the value of our equity securities portfolio and a rise in the price per share of our common stock during the first six months of 2019.
Interest expense.
The slight increase in interest expense in the second quarter of 2019 from the second quarter of 2018 and the slight decrease in interest expense in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018 primarily reflect changes in interest credited on deferred compensation at Alleghany parent-company.
Earnings (losses) before income taxes.
The losses before income taxes in the second quarter of 2019, compared with earnings before income taxes in the second quarter of 2018 and the increase in losses before income taxes in the first six months of 2019 from the first six months of 2018, primarily reflect significantly lower appreciation in the value of equity securities held at the Alleghany parent company-level, higher corporate administration expense and lower property sales at Alleghany Properties, all as discussed above.
Reserve Review Process
Our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries analyze, at least quarterly, liabilities for unpaid loss and LAE established in prior years and adjust their expected ultimate cost, where necessary, to reflect favorable or unfavorable development in loss experience and new information, including, for certain catastrophe events, revised industry estimates of the magnitude of a catastrophe. Adjustments to previously recorded liabilities for unpaid loss and LAE, both favorable and unfavorable, are reflected in our financial results in the periods in which these adjustments are made and are referred to as prior accident year loss reserve development. The following table presents the reserves established in connection with the loss and LAE of our reinsurance and insurance segments on a gross and net basis by line of business. These reserve amounts represent the accumulation of estimates of ultimate loss (including for losses that have been incurred but not reported) and LAE.
                                                                     
   
   
As of June 30, 2019
   
   
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
                 
   
Gross Loss
and LAE Reserves
   
   
Reinsurance   Recoverables   on Unpaid
Losses
   
   
  Net Loss and   LAE
Reserves
   
   
Gross Loss
and LAE Reserves
   
   
Reinsurance 
  Recoverables  
on Unpaid
Losses
   
   
  Net Loss and   LAE
Reserves
 
                                                                     
   
   
   
   
 
($ in millions)
 
   
   
 
Reinsurance Segment
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
                                                                     
Property
    $
1,682.3  
   
    $
(540.6) 
   
    $
1,141.7  
   
    $
2,102.5  
   
    $
(701.8) 
   
    $
1,400.7  
 
                                                                     
Casualty & other
(1)
   
7,362.7  
   
   
(297.9) 
   
   
7,064.8  
   
   
7,339.7  
   
   
(261.9) 
   
   
7,077.8  
 
                                                                     
   
9,045.0  
   
   
(838.5) 
   
   
8,206.5  
   
   
9,442.2  
   
   
(963.7) 
   
   
8,478.5  
 
                                                                     
Insurance Segment
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
                                                                     
Property
   
410.4  
   
   
(143.6) 
   
   
266.8  
   
   
509.5  
   
   
(187.1) 
   
   
322.4  
 
                                                                     
Casualty
(2)
   
2,063.2  
   
   
(574.4) 
   
   
1,488.8  
   
   
2,181.6  
   
   
(700.3) 
   
   
1,481.3  
 
                                                                     
Workers’ Compensation
   
2.4  
   
   
-      
   
   
2.4  
   
   
2.5  
   
   
-      
   
   
2.5  
 
                                                                     
All other
(3)
   
172.6  
   
   
(62.4) 
   
   
110.2  
   
   
181.3  
   
   
(73.1) 
   
   
108.2  
 
                                                                     
   
2,648.6  
   
   
(780.4) 
   
   
1,868.2  
   
   
2,874.9  
   
   
(960.5) 
   
   
1,914.4  
 
                                                                     
Eliminations
   
(61.8) 
   
   
61.8  
   
   
-      
   
   
(66.8) 
   
   
66.8  
   
   
-      
 
                                                                     
Total
    $
   11,631.8  
   
    $
  (1,557.1) 
   
    $
   10,074.7  
   
    $
   12,250.3  
   
    $
  (1,857.4) 
   
    $
  10,392.9  
 
                                                                     
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Primarily consists of the following reinsurance lines of business: directors’ and officers’ liability; errors and omissions liability; general liability; medical malpractice; ocean marine and aviation; auto liability; accident and health; mortgage reinsurance; surety; asbestos-related illness and environmental impairment liability; and credit.
 
 
 
 
 
(2) Primarily consists of the following direct lines of business: umbrella/excess; directors’ and officers’ liability; professional liability; and general liability.
 
 
 
 
 
(3) Primarily consists of commercial multi-peril and surety lines of business, as well as loss and LAE reserves for terminated lines of business and loss reserves acquired in connection with prior acquisitions for which the sellers provided loss reserve guarantees.
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in Gross and Net Loss and LAE Reserves between June
30, 2019 and December
31, 2018
. Gross and net loss and LAE reserves as of June 30, 2019 decreased from December 31, 2018, primarily reflecting payments on catastrophe losses incurred in prior years and, to a lesser extent, favorable prior accident year loss reserve development.
 
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Reinsurance Recoverables
Our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries reinsure portions of the risks they underwrite in order to reduce the effect of individual or aggregate exposure to losses, manage capacity, protect capital resources, reduce volatility in specific lines of business, improve risk-adjusted portfolio returns and enable them to increase gross premiums writings and risk capacity without requiring additional capital. Our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries generally purchase reinsurance and retrocessional coverages from highly-rated third-party reinsurers. If the assuming reinsurers are unable or unwilling to meet the obligations assumed under the applicable reinsurance agreements, our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries would remain liable for such reinsurance portion not paid by these reinsurers. As such, funds, trust agreements and letters of credit are held to collateralize a portion of our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries’ reinsurance recoverables, and our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries reinsure portions of the risks they underwrite or assume with multiple reinsurance programs.
As of June 30, 2019, our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries had total reinsurance recoverables of $1,667.5 million, consisting of $1,557.1 million of ceded outstanding loss and LAE and $110.4 million of recoverables on paid losses. See Part I, Item 1, “Business — Reinsurance Protection” of the 2018 Form
10-K
for additional information on the reinsurance purchased by our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries.
The following table presents information regarding concentration of our reinsurance recoverables and the ratings profile of our reinsurers as of June 30, 2019:
                                 
Reinsurer
(1)
 
 
Rating
(2)
 
   
    Amount      
   
   
  Percentage  
 
                                 
 
 
 
   
($ in millions)
   
   
 
                                 
Syndicates at Lloyd’s of London
 
 
A (Excellent)     
 
    $
134.2  
   
   
8.0%  
 
                                 
PartnerRe Ltd
 
 
A (Excellent)     
 
   
97.2  
   
   
5.8%  
 
                                 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd
 
 
A+ (Superior)     
 
   
93.8  
   
   
5.6%  
 
                                 
Swiss Reinsurance Company
 
 
A+ (Superior)     
 
   
90.2  
   
   
5.4%  
 
                                 
Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd
 
 
A (Excellent)     
 
   
86.6  
   
   
5.2%  
 
                                 
Liberty Mutual
 
 
A (Excellent)     
 
   
77.9  
   
   
4.7%  
 
                                 
Third Point Reinsurance Group
 
 
A-
 (Excellent)     
 
   
73.9  
   
   
4.4%  
 
                                 
W.R. Berkley Corporation
 
 
A+ (Superior)     
 
   
72.7  
   
   
4.4%  
 
                                 
Kane SAC Ltd, Rondout Segregated Account
(3)
 
 
not rated
 
   
71.2  
   
   
4.3%  
 
                                 
Kane SAC Ltd, Bowery Segregated Account
(3)
 
 
not rated
 
   
61.9  
   
   
3.7%  
 
                                 
All other reinsurers
 
 
 
   
807.9  
   
   
48.5%  
 
                                 
                                 
Total reinsurance recoverables
(4)
 
 
 
    $
   1,667.5  
   
   
        100.0%  
 
                                 
                                 
Secured reinsurance recoverables
(3)
 
 
 
    $
599.4  
   
   
  35.9%  
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Reinsurance recoverables reflect amounts due from one or more reinsurance subsidiaries of the listed company.
 
 
 
 
 
(2) Represents the A.M. Best Company, Inc. financial strength rating for the applicable reinsurance subsidiary or subsidiaries from which the reinsurance recoverable is due.
 
 
 
 
 
(3) Represents reinsurance recoverables secured by funds held, trust agreements or letters of credit.
 
 
 
 
 
(4) Approximately 70 percent of our reinsurance recoverables balance as of June 30, 2019 was due from reinsurers having an A.M. Best Company, Inc. financial strength rating of A (Excellent) or higher, with a majority of the other reinsurance recoverables being secured by funds held, trust agreements or letters of credit.
 
 
 
 
 
We had no allowance for uncollectible reinsurance as of June 30, 2019.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that directly affect our reported financial condition and operating performance. More specifically, these estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We rely on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances to make judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities and reported revenues and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from reported results to the extent that estimates and assumptions prove to be inaccurate.
We believe our most critical accounting estimates are those with respect to the liability for unpaid loss and LAE reserves, fair value measurements of certain financial assets, OTTI losses on investments, goodwill and other intangible assets and reinsurance premium revenues, as they
 
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require management’s most significant exercise of judgment on both a quantitative and qualitative basis. The accounting estimates that result require the use of assumptions about certain matters that are highly uncertain at the time of estimation. To the extent actual experience differs from the assumptions used, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows would be affected, possibly materially.
See Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates” of the 2018 Form
10-K
for a more complete description of our critical accounting estimates.
Financial Condition
Parent Level
General.
In general, we follow a policy of maintaining a relatively liquid financial condition at our unrestricted holding companies. This policy has permitted us to expand our operations through internal growth at our subsidiaries and through acquisitions of, or substantial investments in, operating companies. As of June 30, 2019, we held total marketable securities and cash of $1,405.4 million compared with $1,122.3 million as of December 31, 2018. The increase in the six months ended June 30, 2019 primarily reflects appreciation in the value of the equity securities portfolio held at the holding company-level and the receipt of dividends from TransRe and RSUI, partially offset by repurchases of shares of our common stock, as discussed below. The $1,405.4 million is comprised of $430.0 million at the Alleghany parent company, $889.0 million at AIHL and $86.4 million at the TransRe holding company. We also hold certain
non-marketable
investments at our unrestricted holding companies. We believe that we have and will have adequate internally generated funds, cash resources and unused credit facilities to provide for the currently foreseeable needs of our business, and we had no material commitments for capital expenditures as of June 30, 2019.
Stockholders’ equity attributable to Alleghany stockholders was approximately $8.7 billion as of June 30, 2019, compared with approximately $7.7 billion as of December 31, 2018. The increase in stockholders’ equity in the first six months of 2019 primarily reflects net earnings and appreciation in the value of our debt securities portfolio due to a decrease in interest rates and credit spreads, partially offset by repurchases of our common stock, all as discussed below. As of June 30, 2019, we had 14,430,862 shares of our common stock outstanding, compared with 14,576,509 shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2018.
Debt.
On September 9, 2014, we completed a public offering of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.90% senior notes due on September 15, 2044. On June 26, 2012, we completed a public offering of $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.95% senior notes due on June 27, 2022. On September 20, 2010, we completed a public offering of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.625% senior notes due on September 15, 2020. See Note 8 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
10-K
for additional information on the senior notes.
Credit Agreement.
On July 31, 2017, we entered into a five-year credit agreement, or the “Credit Agreement,” with certain lenders party thereto, which provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $300.0 million. The credit facility is scheduled to expire on July 31, 2022, unless earlier terminated. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement will be available for working capital and general corporate purposes, including permitted acquisitions and repurchases of common stock. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear a floating rate of interest based in part on our credit rating, among other factors. The Credit Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants customary for bank loan facilities of this nature.
There were no borrowings under the Credit Agreement from inception through June 30, 2019.
Common Stock Repurchases.
In November 2015, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of shares of our common stock at such times and at prices as management determines to be advisable, up to an aggregate of $400.0 million, or the “2015 Repurchase Program.” In June 2018, our Board of Directors authorized, upon the completion of the 2015 Repurchase Program, the repurchase of additional shares of our common stock at such times and at prices as management determines to be advisable, up to an aggregate of $400.0 million, or the “2018 Repurchase Program.” In the fourth quarter of 2018, we completed the 2015 Repurchase Program and subsequent repurchases have been made pursuant to the 2018 Repurchase Program. As of June 30, 2019, we had $178.3 million remaining under our repurchase authorization.
The following table presents the shares of our common stock that we repurchased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
                                                         
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2019
     
     
2018
     
     
2019
     
     
2018
 
Shares repurchased
   
19,246  
     
     
368,551  
     
     
148,813  
     
     
403,623  
 
Cost of shares repurchased (in millions)
  $
12.7  
     
    $
214.8  
     
    $
93.2  
     
    $
236.1  
 
Average price per share repurchased
  $
     658.09  
     
    $
     582.92  
     
    $
     625.96  
     
    $
     584.96  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Dividend.
In February 2018, our Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $10.00 per share for stockholders of record on March 5, 2018. On March 15, 2018, we paid dividends to stockholders totaling $154.0 million.
 
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Investments in Certain Other Invested Assets.
In December 2012, TransRe obtained an ownership interest in Pillar Capital Holdings, Limited, or “Pillar Holdings,” a Bermuda-based insurance asset manager focused on collateralized reinsurance and catastrophe insurance-linked securities. Additionally, TransRe invested $175.0 million and AIHL invested $25.0 million in limited partnership funds managed by Pillar Holdings, or the “Funds.” The objective of the Funds is to create portfolios with attractive risk- reward characteristics and low correlation with other asset classes, using the extensive reinsurance and capital market experience of the principals of Pillar Holdings. We have concluded that both Pillar Holdings and the Funds, or collectively, the “Pillar Investments,” represent variable interest entities and that we are not the primary beneficiary, as we do not have the ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact each entity’s economic performance. Therefore, the Pillar Investments are not consolidated and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Our potential maximum loss in the Pillar Investments is limited to our cumulative net investment. As of June 30, 2019, our carrying value in the Pillar Investments, as determined under the equity method of accounting, was $198.0 million, which is net of returns of capital received from the Pillar Investments.
In July 2013, AIHL invested $250.0 million in Ares, an asset manager, in exchange for a 6.25 percent equity stake in Ares, with an agreement to engage Ares to manage up to $1.0 billion in certain investment strategies. In May 2014, Ares completed an initial public offering of its common units. Upon completion of the initial public offering, our equity investment in Ares converted into limited partnership interests in certain Ares subsidiaries that were convertible into Ares common units. On March 15, 2018, most of AIHL’s limited partnership interests were converted into Ares common units. As a result of the conversion and with respect to the limited partnership interests that were converted into Ares common units, AIHL: (i) reclassified its converted interests from other invested assets to equity securities; (ii) increased its carrying value to $208.2 million to reflect the fair value of Ares common units; and (iii) recorded the $45.7 million increase in carrying value as a realized capital gain as of March 15, 2018. As a result of the conversion and with respect to the unconverted limited partnership interests, AIHL: (i) changed its accounting method from the equity method to fair value; (ii) increased its carrying value to $58.7 million to reflect the fair value of Ares limited partnership interests; and (iii) recorded the $12.9 million increase in carrying value as a component of net investment income as of March 15, 2018. On September 24, 2018, AIHL’s remaining Ares limited partnership interests were converted into Ares common units and, as a result, AIHL reclassified the remaining $56.9 million of its converted interests from other invested assets to equity securities. In the second quarter of 2019, AIHL sold all of its remaining holdings in Ares common units.
Investments in Commercial Mortgage Loans.
As of June 30, 2019, the carrying value of our commercial mortgage loan portfolio was $691.4 million, representing the unpaid principal balance on the loans. As of June 30, 2019, there was no allowance for loan losses. Our commercial mortgage loan portfolio consists primarily of first mortgages on commercial properties in major metropolitan areas in the U.S. The loans earn interest at fixed- and floating-rates, mature in two to ten years from loan origination and the principal amounts of the loans were no more than approximately
two-thirds
of the property’s appraised value at the time the loans were made.
Energy Holdings.
As of June 30, 2019, we had holdings in energy sector businesses of $416.1 million, comprised of $323.9 million of debt securities, $5.4 million of equity securities and $86.8 million of our equity attributable to SORC.
Subsidiaries
Financial strength is also a high priority of our subsidiaries, whose assets stand behind their financial commitments to their customers and vendors. We believe that our subsidiaries have and will have adequate internally generated funds, cash resources and unused credit facilities to provide for the currently foreseeable needs of their businesses. Our subsidiaries had no material commitments for capital expenditures as of June 30, 2019.
The obligations and cash outflow of our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries include claim settlements, commission expenses, administrative expenses, purchases of investments and interest and principal payments on TransRe’s 8.00% senior notes due on November 30, 2039. In addition to premium collections, cash inflow is obtained from interest and dividend income, maturities and sales of investments and reinsurance recoveries. Because cash inflow from premiums is received in advance of cash outflow required to settle claims, our reinsurance and insurance operating units accumulate funds which they invest pending the need for liquidity. As the cash needs of a reinsurance or an insurance company can be unpredictable due to the uncertainty of the claims settlement process, the portfolios of our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries consist primarily of debt securities and short-term investments to ensure the availability of funds and maintain a sufficient amount of liquid securities.
Included in Alleghany Capital is debt associated with its operating subsidiaries, which totaled $330.6 million as of June 30, 2019, which is generally used to support working capital needs and to help finance acquisitions. The $330.6 million includes:
  $113.1 million of borrowings by W&W|AFCO Steel under its available credit facilities and term loans (including borrowings incurred and assumed from its acquisition of Hirschfeld);
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  $64.0 million of term loans at Kentucky Trailer primarily related to borrowings to finance small acquisitions, including its acquisition of a controlling interest in a certain manufacturer of aluminum feed transportation equipment in December 2018, and borrowings under its available credit facilities;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  $51.5 million of borrowings by IPS under its available credit facility and term loans, in part to finance a small acquisition in May 2019;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  $35.4 million of borrowings by Jazwares under its available credit facility;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  $33.4 million of term loans at Concord primarily related to borrowings to finance Alleghany Capital’s acquisition of Concord; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  $33.2 million of term loans at PCT primarily related to borrowings to finance the acquisition of a waterjet orifice and nozzle manufacturer in 2016 and the acquisition of a consumable cutting tool manufacturer in June 2019.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With respect to corporate activities, SORC has relied on Alleghany almost entirely to support its operations. From its formation in 2011 through June 30, 2019, we have invested $271.5 million in SORC.
Consolidated Investment Holdings
Investment Strategy and Holdings.
Our investment strategy seeks to preserve principal and maintain liquidity while trying to maximize our risk-adjusted,
after-tax
rate of return. Our investment decisions are guided mainly by the nature and timing of expected liability payouts, management’s forecast of cash flows and the possibility of unexpected cash demands, such as, to satisfy claims due to catastrophe losses. Our consolidated investment portfolio consists mainly of highly rated and liquid debt and equity securities listed on national securities exchanges. The overall credit quality of the debt securities portfolio is measured using the lowest rating of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings, Inc. In this regard, the overall weighted-average credit quality rating of our debt securities portfolio as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was
AA-.
Although a portion of our debt securities, which consist predominantly of municipal bonds, are insured by third-party financial guaranty insurance companies, the impact of such insurance was not significant to the debt securities credit quality rating as of June 30, 2019. The following table presents the ratings of our debt securities as of June 30, 2019:
                                                 
 
Ratings as of June 30, 2019
 
 
AAA / Aaa
   
AA / Aa
   
A
   
BBB / Baa
   
Below
BBB / Baa
or Not
Rated
(1)
   
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
U.S. Government obligations
    $
-         
      $
1,256.5     
      $
-         
      $
-         
      $
-         
      $
1,256.5     
 
Municipal bonds
   
193.8     
     
1,630.9     
     
524.6     
     
98.1     
     
0.9     
     
2,448.3     
 
Foreign government obligations
   
493.8     
     
187.0     
     
94.9     
     
7.7     
     
-         
     
783.4     
 
U.S. corporate bonds
   
12.2     
     
145.5     
     
1,344.3     
     
1,228.5     
     
359.9     
     
3,090.4     
 
Foreign corporate bonds
   
258.7     
     
168.4     
     
651.4     
     
300.6     
     
58.0     
     
1,437.1     
 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”)
   
-         
     
1,909.3     
     
-         
     
0.6     
     
6.0     
     
1,915.9     
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)
   
276.1     
     
407.5     
     
104.1     
     
0.7     
     
-         
     
788.4     
 
Other asset-backed securities
   
991.0     
     
440.3     
     
495.2     
     
414.7     
     
68.4     
     
2,409.6     
 
                                                 
Total debt securities
    $
   2,225.6     
      $
   6,145.4     
      $
   3,214.5     
      $
   2,050.9     
      $
     493.2     
      $
14,129.6     
 
                                                 
                                                 
Percentage of debt securities
   
15.8%  
     
43.4%  
     
22.8%  
     
14.5%  
     
3.5%  
     
100.0%  
 
                                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Consists of $80.7 million of securities rated BB / Ba, $223.7 million of securities rated B, $33.4 million of securities rated CCC, $0.4 million of securities rated CC, $2.2 million rated below CC and $152.8 million of not rated securities.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our debt securities portfolio has been designed to enable management to react to investment opportunities created by changing interest rates, prepayments, tax and credit considerations or other factors, or to circumstances that could result in a mismatch between the desired duration of debt securities and the duration of liabilities and, as such, is classified as
available-for-sale,
or “AFS.”
Effective duration measures a portfolio’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In this regard, as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our debt securities portfolio had an effective duration of approximately 4.2 years. As of June 30, 2019, approximately $4.0 billion, or 28 percent, of our debt securities portfolio represented securities with maturities of five years or less. See Note 3(b) to Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Form
10-Q
for additional detail on the contractual maturities of our consolidated debt securities portfolio. We may increase the proportion of our debt securities portfolio held in securities with maturities of more than five years should the yields of these securities provide, in our judgment, sufficient compensation for their increased risk. We do not believe that this strategy would reduce our ability to meet ongoing claim payments or to respond to significant catastrophe losses.
In the event paid losses accelerate beyond the ability of our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries to fund these paid losses from current cash balances, current operating cash flow, dividend and interest receipts and security maturities, we would need to liquidate a portion of our investment
 
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portfolio, make capital contributions to our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries, and/or arrange for financing. Strains on liquidity could result from: (i) the occurrence of several significant catastrophe events in a relatively short period of time; (ii) the sale of investments into a depressed marketplace to fund these paid losses; (iii) the uncollectibility of reinsurance recoverables on these paid losses; (iv) the significant decrease in the value of collateral supporting reinsurance recoverables; or (v) a significant reduction in our net premium collections.
We may, from time to time, make significant investments in the common stock of a public company, subject to limitations imposed by applicable regulations.
On a consolidated basis, as of June 30, 2019, our invested assets increased to approximately $18.7 billion from approximately $17.5 billion as of December 31, 2018, primarily reflecting appreciation in the value of our equity and debt securities portfolios, partially offset by repurchases of shares of our common stock, all as discussed above. The appreciation in the value of our debt securities portfolio reflects a decrease in interest rates and credit spreads. During the first quarter of 2019, we reallocated a significant portion of our investment portfolio from equity securities to debt securities.
Fair Value.
The following table presents the carrying values and estimated fair values of our consolidated financial instruments as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
                                 
 
June 30, 2019
   
December 31, 2018
 
 
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
Assets
   
     
     
     
 
                                 
Investments (excluding equity method investments and loans)
(1)
    $
       17,477.7  
      $
       17,477.7  
      $
       16,291.3  
      $
       16,291.3  
 
                                 
Liabilities
   
     
     
     
 
                                 
Senior Notes and other debt
(2)
    $
1,714.7  
      $
1,882.2  
      $
1,669.0  
      $
1,795.5  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) This table includes debt and equity securities, as well as partnership and
non-marketable
equity investments accounted for at fair value that are included in other invested assets. This table excludes investments accounted for using the equity method and commercial mortgage loans that are accounted for at unpaid principal balance. The fair value of short-term investments approximates amortized cost. The fair value of all other categories of investments is discussed below.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2) See Note 8 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
10-K
for additional information on the senior notes and other debt.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing, able and knowledgeable market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. In addition, a three-tiered hierarchy for inputs is used in management’s determination of fair value of financial instruments that emphasizes the use of observable inputs over the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available under the circumstances. In assessing the appropriateness of using observable inputs in making our fair value determinations, we consider whether the market for a particular security is “active” or not based on all the relevant facts and circumstances. A market may be considered to be inactive if there are relatively few recent transactions or if there is a significant decrease in market volume. Furthermore, we consider whether observable transactions are “orderly” or not. We do not consider a transaction to be orderly if there is evidence of a forced liquidation or other distressed condition; as such, little or no weight is given to that transaction as an indicator of fair value.
Although we are responsible for the determination of the fair value of our financial assets and the supporting methodologies and assumptions, we employ third-party valuation service providers to gather, analyze and interpret market information and derive fair values based upon relevant methodologies and assumptions for individual instruments. When those providers are unable to obtain sufficient market observable information upon which to estimate the fair value for a particular security, fair value is determined either by requesting a quote, which is generally
non-binding,
from brokers who are knowledgeable about these securities or by employing widely accepted valuation models.
Valuation service providers typically obtain data about market transactions and other key valuation model inputs from multiple sources and, through the use of widely accepted valuation models, provide a single fair value measurement for individual securities for which a fair value has been requested under the terms of service agreements. The inputs used by the valuation service providers include, but are not limited to, market prices from recently completed transactions and transactions of comparable securities, interest rate yield curves, credit spreads, currency rates and other market observable information, as applicable. The valuation models take into account, among other things, market observable information as of the measurement date as well as the specific attributes of the security being valued including its term, interest rate, credit rating, industry sector and, when applicable, collateral quality and other issue or issuer specific information. When market transactions or other market observable data is limited, the extent to which judgment is applied in determining fair value is greatly increased.
 
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The three-tiered hierarchy used in management’s determination of fair value is broken down into three levels based on the reliability and observability of inputs as follows:
  Level 1: Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that we have the ability to access for identical, unrestricted assets and do not involve any meaningful degree of judgment. An active market is defined as a market where transactions for the financial instrument occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Our Level 1 assets include publicly traded common stocks and mutual funds (which are included on our Consolidated Balance Sheet in equity securities) where our valuations are based on quoted market prices.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Level 2: Valuations are based on direct and indirect observable inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset, such as the terms of the security and market-based inputs. Terms of the security include coupon, maturity date and any special provisions that may, for example, enable the investor, at its election, to redeem the security prior to its scheduled maturity date (such provisions may apply to all debt securities except U.S. Government obligations). Market-based inputs include interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals and current credit rating(s) of the security. Market-based inputs may also include credit spreads of all debt securities except U.S. Government obligations, and currency rates for certain foreign government obligations and foreign corporate bonds denominated in foreign currencies. Fair values are determined using a market approach that relies on the securities’ relationships to quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, as well as the other inputs described above. In determining the fair values for the vast majority of CMBS and other asset-backed securities, as well as a small portion of RMBS, an income approach is used to corroborate and further support the fair values determined by the market approach. The income approach primarily involves developing a discounted cash flow model using the future projected cash flows of the underlying collateral, and the terms of the security. Level 2 assets generally include short-term investments and most debt securities. Our Level 2 liabilities consist of the senior notes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Level 3: Valuations are based on techniques that use significant inputs that are unobservable. The valuation of Level 3 assets requires the greatest degree of judgment. These measurements may be made under circumstances in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment. In making the assessment, we consider factors specific to the asset. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is classified is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Assets classified as Level 3 principally include other asset-backed securities (primarily, collateralized loan obligations) and, to a lesser extent, U.S. and foreign corporate bonds (including privately issued securities), partnership investments,
non-marketable
equity investments, CMBS and commercial mortgage loans.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are initially valued at the transaction price. Subsequently, we use widely accepted valuation practices that produce a fair value measurement. The vast majority of fair values are determined using an income approach. The income approach primarily involves developing a discounted cash flow model using the future projected cash flows of the underlying collateral, as well as other inputs described below. A few Level 3 valuations are based entirely on
non-binding
broker quotes. These securities consist primarily of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities where reliable pool and loan level collateral information cannot be reasonably obtained, and as such, an income approach is not feasible.
Since Level 3 valuations are based on techniques that use significant inputs that are unobservable with little or no market activity, the fair values under the market approach for Level 3 securities are less credible than under the income approach; however, the market approach, where feasible, is used to corroborate the fair values determined by the income approach. The market approach primarily relies on the securities’ relationships to quoted transaction prices for similarly structured instruments. To the extent that transaction prices for similarly structured instruments are not available for a particular security, other market approaches are used to corroborate the fair values determined by the income approach, including option adjusted spread analyses.
Unobservable inputs, significant to the measurement and valuation of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, are generally used in the income approach, and include assumptions about prepayment speed and collateral performance, including default, delinquency and loss severity rates. Significant changes to any one of these inputs, or combination of inputs, could significantly change the fair value measurement for these securities.
The impact of prepayment speeds on fair value is dependent on a number of variables including whether the securities were purchased at a premium or discount. A decrease in interest rates generally increases the assumed rate of prepayments, and an increase in interest rates generally decreases the assumed speed of prepayments. Increased prepayments increase the yield on securities purchased at a discount and reduce the yield on securities purchased at a premium. In a decreasing prepayment environment, yields on securities purchased at a discount are reduced but are increased for securities purchased at a premium. Changes in default assumptions on underlying collateral are generally accompanied by directionally similar changes in other collateral performance factors, but generally result in a directionally opposite change in prepayment assumptions.
Our Level 3 liabilities consist of the debt of Alleghany Capital’s operating subsidiaries.
We employ specific control processes to determine the reasonableness of the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities. Our processes are designed to ensure that the values received or internally estimated are accurately recorded and that the data inputs and the valuation techniques used are appropriate, consistently applied and that the assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value. We assess the
 
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reasonableness of individual security values received from valuation service providers through various analytical techniques. In addition, we validate the reasonableness of fair values by comparing information obtained from our valuation service providers to other third-party valuation sources for selected securities. We also validate prices obtained from brokers for selected securities through reviews by those who have relevant expertise and who are independent of those charged with executing investing transactions.
In addition to such procedures, we review the reasonableness of our classification of securities within the three-tiered hierarchy to ensure that the classification is consistent with GAAP.    
The following tables present the estimated fair values of our financial instruments measured at fair value and the level of the fair value hierarchy of inputs used as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
                                 
 
      Level 1      
   
      Level 2      
   
      Level 3      
   
      Total      
 
 
($ in millions)
 
As of June 30, 2019
   
     
     
     
 
Equity securities:
   
     
     
     
 
Common stock
    $
2,285.4 
      $
3.3 
      $
-    
      $
2,288.7 
 
Preferred stock
   
-    
     
-    
     
4.1 
     
4.1 
 
                                 
Total equity securities
   
2,285.4 
     
3.3 
     
4.1 
     
2,292.8 
 
                                 
                                 
Debt securities:
   
     
     
     
 
U.S. Government obligations
   
-    
     
1,256.5 
     
-    
     
1,256.5 
 
Municipal bonds
   
-    
     
2,448.3 
     
-    
     
2,448.3 
 
Foreign government obligations
   
-    
     
783.4 
     
-    
     
783.4 
 
U.S. corporate bonds
   
-    
     
2,555.8 
     
534.6 
     
3,090.4 
 
Foreign corporate bonds
   
-    
     
1,291.2 
     
145.9 
     
1,437.1 
 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
   
     
     
     
 
 
RMBS
(1)
   
-    
     
1,915.9 
     
-    
     
1,915.9 
 
CMBS
   
-    
     
788.4 
     
-    
     
788.4 
 
Other asset-backed securities
(2)
   
-    
     
1,449.9 
     
959.7 
     
2,409.6 
 
                                 
Total debt securities
   
-    
     
12,489.4 
     
1,640.2 
     
14,129.6 
 
                                 
                                 
Short-term investments
   
-    
     
1,054.8 
     
-    
     
1,054.8 
 
Other invested assets
(3)
   
-    
     
-    
     
0.5 
     
0.5 
 
                                 
Total investments (excluding equity method investments and loans)
    $
2,285.4 
      $
   13,547.5 
      $
1,644.8 
      $
   17,477.7 
 
                                 
                                 
Senior Notes and other debt
    $
-    
      $
1,551.6 
      $
330.6 
      $
1,882.2 
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Level 1
 
 
Level 2
 
 
Level 3
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2018
   
     
     
     
 
Equity securities:
   
     
     
     
 
Common stock
    $
3,563.9  
      $
3.5  
      $
-     
      $
3,567.4  
 
Preferred stock
   
-     
     
-     
     
5.4  
     
5.4  
 
                                 
Total equity securities
   
3,563.9  
     
3.5  
     
5.4  
     
3,572.8  
 
                                 
                                 
Debt securities:
   
     
     
     
 
U.S. Government obligations
   
-     
     
1,022.4  
     
-     
     
1,022.4  
 
Municipal bonds
   
-     
     
2,214.7  
     
-     
     
2,214.7  
 
Foreign government obligations
   
-     
     
947.9  
     
-     
     
947.9  
 
U.S. corporate bonds
   
-     
     
1,959.6  
     
425.7  
     
2,385.3  
 
Foreign corporate bonds
   
-     
     
1,226.4  
     
126.9  
     
1,353.3  
 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
   
     
     
     
 
RMBS
(1)
   
-     
     
1,387.9  
     
-     
     
1,387.9  
 
CMBS
   
-     
     
533.3  
     
-     
     
533.3  
 
Other asset-backed securities
(2)
   
-     
     
712.3  
     
1,266.9  
     
1,979.2  
 
                                 
Total debt securities
   
-     
     
10,004.5  
     
1,819.5  
     
11,824.0  
 
                                 
Short-term investments
   
-     
     
893.8  
     
-     
     
893.8  
 
Other invested assets
(3)
   
-     
     
-     
     
0.7  
     
0.7  
 
                                 
Total investments (excluding equity method investments and loans)
    $
3,563.9  
      $
10,901.8  
      $
1,825.6  
      $
16,291.3  
 
                                 
                                 
Senior Notes and other debt
    $
-     
      $
1,510.5  
      $
285.0  
      $
1,795.5  
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Primarily includes government agency pass-through securities guaranteed by a government agency or government sponsored enterprise, among other types of RMBS.
 
 
 
 
 
(2) Includes $952.5 million and $1,266.9 million of collateralized loan obligations as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
 
 
 
 
 
(3) Includes partnership and
non-marketable
equity investments accounted for at fair value, and excludes investments accounted for using the equity method.
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal Bonds.
The following table provides the fair value of our municipal bonds as of June 30, 2019, categorized by state and revenue source. Special revenue bonds are debt securities for which the payment of principal and interest is available solely from the cash flows of the related projects. As issuers of revenue bonds do not have the ability to draw from tax revenues or levy taxes to fund obligations, revenue bonds may carry a greater risk of default than general obligation bonds.
                                                                                         
 
Special Revenue
   
   
 
State
 
Education
   
Hospital
   
Housing
   
Lease
Revenue
   
Special Tax
   
Transit
   
Utilities
   
All Other
Sources
   
Total
Special
Revenue
   
Total
General
Obligation
   
Total Fair
Value
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
($ in millions)
 
   
   
   
   
 
New York
    $
9.5  
      $
-     
      $
1.8  
      $
-     
      $
108.7  
      $
73.0  
      $
26.9  
      $
7.6  
      $
227.5  
      $
9.3  
      $
236.8  
 
Texas
   
12.6  
     
-     
     
0.2  
     
6.7  
     
8.7  
     
39.1  
     
64.5  
     
2.4  
     
134.2  
     
62.5  
     
196.7  
 
Massachusetts
   
19.5  
     
5.6  
     
8.3  
     
-     
     
25.5  
     
24.1  
     
17.4  
     
0.3  
     
100.7  
     
75.0  
     
175.7  
 
California
   
11.2  
     
41.1  
     
-     
     
2.3  
     
1.3  
     
21.1  
     
54.5  
     
-     
     
131.5  
     
38.3  
     
169.8  
 
Pennsylvania
   
2.3  
     
1.4  
     
9.5  
     
-     
     
-     
     
34.5  
     
4.2  
     
17.9  
     
69.8  
     
38.2  
     
108.0  
 
Washington
   
-     
     
-     
     
1.7  
     
-     
     
7.0  
     
11.1  
     
28.4  
     
2.3  
     
50.5  
     
45.7  
     
96.2  
 
Ohio
   
42.9  
     
0.6  
     
0.1  
     
-     
     
2.2  
     
-     
     
19.3  
     
11.2  
     
76.3  
     
19.7  
     
96.0  
 
Colorado
   
22.5  
     
10.3  
     
-     
     
12.9  
     
-     
     
6.7  
     
12.0  
     
-     
     
64.4  
     
19.5  
     
83.9  
 
Utah
   
5.7  
     
-     
     
-     
     
-     
     
25.2  
     
18.9  
     
21.2  
     
-     
     
71.0  
     
6.6  
     
77.6  
 
Florida
   
-     
     
0.3  
     
3.8  
     
-     
     
11.4  
     
35.1  
     
6.7  
     
11.0  
     
68.3  
     
6.4  
     
74.7  
 
All other states
   
129.2  
     
92.0  
     
36.9  
     
59.7  
     
81.2  
     
72.4  
     
130.4  
     
129.8  
     
731.6  
     
190.9  
     
922.5  
 
                                                                                         
Total
    $
     255.4  
      $
     151.3  
      $
     62.3  
      $
     81.6  
      $
     271.2  
      $
     336.0  
      $
     385.5  
      $
     182.5  
      $
     1,725.8  
      $
     512.1  
     
2,237.9  
 
                                                                                         
Total advanced refunded / escrowed maturity funds
   
210.4  
 
         
Total municipal bonds
    $
     2,448.3  
 
         
 
 
 
 
 
Recent Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted
In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the “FASB,” issued guidance on certain tax effects caused by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, or the “Tax Act.” The Tax Act, among other things, reduced the U.S. corporate federal income tax rate for the 2018 tax year from 35.0 percent to 21.0 percent. Under such circumstances, GAAP requires that the value of deferred tax assets and liabilities be reduced through tax
 
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expense. The new guidance provides an option to reclassify any stranded tax amounts that remain in accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, either retrospectively or at the beginning of the period in which the adoption is elected. This guidance became effective in the first quarter of 2018 for public entities, with early adoption permitted in 2017. We adopted this new guidance in the first quarter of 2018 and have elected to reclassify stranded tax amounts that remain in accumulated other comprehensive income, in the amount of approximately $135 million, to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. See Note 7(b) to Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Form
10-Q
for additional information on accumulated other comprehensive income. See Note 9 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
10-K
for additional information on the Tax Act and its impact on us.
In August 2017, the FASB issued guidance that simplifies the requirements to achieve hedge accounting, better reflects the economic results of hedging in the financial statements and improves the alignment between hedge accounting and a company’s risk management activities. This guidance is effective in the first quarter of 2019 for public entities, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2019 and the implementation did not have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance on leases. Under this guidance, a lessee is required to recognize lease liabilities and corresponding
right-of-use
assets for leases with terms of more than one year, whereas under the prior guidance, a lessee is only required to recognize assets and liabilities for those leases qualifying as capital leases. This guidance also requires new disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The accounting by lessors remains largely unchanged. This guidance is effective in the first quarter of 2019 for public entities, with early adoption permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach was elected for all leases in existence as of, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2019 and the implementation did not have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition. As part of its implementation, we elected to not separate lease components from
non-lease
components (such as office cleanings, security and maintenance services provided by our lessors for certain of its leases). We also elected the package of practical expedients under the transition guidance, which allowed us to not reevaluate existing lease classifications, among others. As of January 1, 2019, our adoption of this guidance resulted in recognition of an additional
right-of-use
asset of approximately $0.2 billion and a corresponding lease liability of $0.2 billion. See Note 9(b) to Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Form
10-Q
for further information on our leases.
In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance that changes the recognition and measurement of certain financial instruments. This guidance requires investments in equity securities (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, but including partnership investments not accounted for under the equity method) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net earnings. For equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values, measurement may be at cost, adjusted for any impairment and changes resulting from observable price changes for a similar investment of the same issuer. This guidance also changes the presentation and disclosure of financial instruments by: (i) requiring that financial instrument disclosures of fair value use the exit price notion; (ii) requiring separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form, either on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; (iii) requiring separate presentation in other comprehensive income for the portion of the change in a liability’s fair value resulting from instrument-specific credit risk when an election has been made to measure the liability at fair value; and (iv) eliminating the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 for public entities, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Except for the change in presentation for instrument-specific credit risk, this guidance does not permit early adoption. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2018. As of January 1, 2018, approximately $736 million of net unrealized gains of equity securities, net of deferred taxes, were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. Subsequently, all changes in unrealized gains or losses of equity securities, net of deferred taxes, were presented in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings rather than the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, under the caption “change in the fair value of equity securities.” Results arising from partnership investments, whether accounted for under the equity method or at fair value, continue to be reported as a component of net investment income. The implementation did not have a material impact on our financial condition. See Note 3 to Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Form
10-Q
for further information on our equity securities, and Note 7(b) to Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Form
10-Q
for further information on accumulated other comprehensive income.
In May 2014, the FASB, together with the International Accounting Standards Board, issued guidance on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. Under this guidance, revenue is recognized as the transfer of goods and services to customers takes place and in amounts that reflect the payment or payments that are expected to be received from the customers for those goods and services. This guidance also requires new disclosures about revenue. Revenue related to insurance and reinsurance contracts and revenue from investments are not impacted by this guidance, whereas noninsurance revenue arising from the sale of manufactured goods and services is generally included within the scope of this guidance. This guidance, and all related amendments, became effective in the first quarter of 2018 for public entities, with early adoption permitted in 2017. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective transition approach and the implementation did not have a material
 
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impact on our results of operations and financial condition. See Note 10 to Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Form
10-Q
of this Form
10-Q
for further information on our noninsurance revenue.
Future Application of Accounting Standards
In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance on credit losses. Under this guidance, a company is required to measure all expected credit losses on loans, reinsurance recoverables and other financial assets accounted for at cost or amortized cost, as applicable. Estimates of expected credit losses are to be based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Credit losses for securities accounted for on an AFS basis are to be measured in a manner similar to GAAP as currently applied and cannot exceed the amount by which the fair value is less than the amortized cost, although the new guidance removes the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position as a possible indication of a credit impairment. Credit losses for all financial assets are to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. Subsequent reversals in credit loss estimates are permitted and are to be recognized in earnings. This guidance also requires new disclosures about the significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality of financial assets. This guidance is effective in the first quarter of 2020 for public entities, with early adoption permitted. We will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2020. Although we expect to initially record an increase in an allowance for credit losses on certain financial assets accounted for at cost or amortized cost, we do not currently believe that the implementation will have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition. See Note 3 to Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Form
10-Q
for further information on our investments. See Note 5(b) to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
10-K
for further information on our reinsurance recoverables.
In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill. Under this guidance, if an initial qualitative assessment indicates that the fair value of an operating subsidiary may be less than its carrying amount, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the operating subsidiary exceeds its estimated fair value. Any resulting impairment loss recognized cannot exceed the total amount of goodwill associated with the operating subsidiary. This guidance is effective in the first quarter of 2020 for public entities, with early adoption permitted. We will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2020 and do not currently believe that the implementation will have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition. See Note 2 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
10-K
for further information on our goodwill.
In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance that changes the financial statement disclosure requirements for measuring fair value. With respect to financial instruments classified as “Level 3” in the fair value disclosure hierarchy, the guidance requires certain additional disclosures for public entities related to amounts included in other comprehensive income and significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation, while removing disclosure requirements related to an entity’s overall valuation processes. The guidance also removes certain disclosure requirements related to transfers between financial instruments classified as “Level 1” and “Level 2” and provides clarification on certain other existing disclosure requirements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted with respect to any eliminated or modified disclosures. We will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2020 and do not currently believe that the implementation will have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. The primary market risk related to our debt securities is the risk of loss associated with adverse changes in interest rates. We hold our debt securities as AFS. Any changes in the fair value in these securities, net of tax, would be recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. However, if a decline in fair value relative to cost is believed to be other than temporary, a loss is generally recorded on our statement of earnings. We also invest in equity securities which are subject to fluctuations in market value. In addition, significant portions of our assets (principally investments) and liabilities (principally loss and LAE reserves and unearned premiums) are exposed to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The net change in the carrying value of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies is generally recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.
The sensitivity analyses presented below provide only a limited,
point-in-time
view of the market risk of our financial instruments. The actual impact of changes in market interest rates, equity market prices and foreign currency exchange rates may differ significantly from those shown in these sensitivity analyses. The sensitivity analyses are further limited because they do not consider any actions we could take in response to actual and/or anticipated changes in equity market prices, market interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, these sensitivity analyses do not provide weight to risks related to market issues such as liquidity and the credit worthiness of investments.
 
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Interest Rate Risk
The primary market risk for our debt securities is interest rate risk at the time of refinancing. We monitor the interest rate environment to evaluate reinvestment and refinancing opportunities. We generally do not use derivatives to manage market and interest rate risks. The table below presents a sensitivity analysis as of June 30, 2019 of our (i) consolidated debt securities and (ii) senior notes and other debt, which are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Sensitivity analysis is defined as the measurement of potential change in future earnings, fair values or cash flows of market sensitive instruments resulting from one or more selected hypothetical changes in interest rates over a selected time period. In the sensitivity analysis model below, we use a +/- 300 basis point range of change in interest rates to measure the hypothetical change in fair value of the financial instruments included in the analysis. The change in fair value is determined by calculating hypothetical June 30, 2019 ending prices based on yields adjusted to reflect a +/- 300 basis point range of change in interest rates, comparing these hypothetical ending prices to actual ending prices, and multiplying the difference by the par outstanding. The selected hypothetical changes in interest rates do not reflect what could be the potential best or worst case scenarios.
                                                         
 
-300
   
-200
   
-100
   
0
   
100
   
200
   
300
 
 
   
   
 
($ in millions)
 
   
   
 
Assets:
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
                                                         
Debt securities, fair value
    $
     15,435.2  
      $
15,238.8  
      $
14,718.8  
      $
14,129.6  
      $
13,522.0 
      $
12,924.3 
      $
     12,357.7 
 
                                                         
Estimated change in fair value
   
1,305.6  
     
1,109.2  
     
589.2  
     
-     
     
(607.6)
     
(1,205.3)
     
(1,771.9)
 
                                                         
Liabilities:
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
                                                         
Senior Notes and other debt, fair value
    $
2,336.0  
      $
2,158.1  
      $
2,008.5  
      $
1,882.2  
      $
1,774.5 
      $
1,682.3 
      $
1,603.0 
 
                                                         
Estimated change in fair value
   
453.8  
     
275.9  
     
126.3  
     
-     
     
(107.7)
     
(199.9)
     
(279.2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Risk
Our equity securities are subject to fluctuations in market value. The table below presents our equity market price risk and reflects the effect of a hypothetical increase or decrease in market prices as of June 30, 2019 on the estimated fair value of our consolidated equity portfolio. The selected hypothetical price changes do not reflect what could be the potential best or worst case scenarios.
                     
As of June 30, 2019
 
($ in millions)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Hypothetical Price
Change
 
Estimated Fair Value
After Hypothetical
Change in Price
   
Hypothetical
Percentage Increase
(Decrease) in
    Stockholders’ Equity    
 
  $             2,292.8
 
    20% Increase    
    $
                     2,751.4  
     
4.2% 
 
 
    20% Decrease    
   
1,834.2  
     
(4.2%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
In July 2019, we purchased an equity derivative to hedge the market risk on a significant portion of our consolidated equity portfolio.
In addition to debt and equity securities, we invest in several partnerships which are subject to fluctuations in market value. Our partnership investments are included in other invested assets and are accounted for at fair value or using the equity method, and had a carrying value of $392.6 million as of June 30, 2019.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Foreign currency exchange rate risk is the potential change in value arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our reinsurance operations located in foreign countries maintain some or all of their capital in their local currency and conduct business in their local currency, as well as the currencies of the other countries in which they operate. To mitigate this risk, we maintain investments denominated in certain foreign currencies in which the claims payments will be made. As of June 30, 2019, the largest foreign currency net asset exposures for these foreign operations were the Euro and the Canadian Dollar. The table below presents our foreign currency exchange rate risk and shows the effect of a hypothetical increase or decrease in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. Dollar as of June 30, 2019 on the estimated net carrying value of our foreign currency denominated assets, net of our foreign currency denominated liabilities. The selected hypothetical changes do not reflect what could be the potential best or worst case scenarios.
                     
As of June 30, 2019
 
($ in millions)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Hypothetical Price
Change
 
Estimated Fair Value
After Hypothetical
Change in Price
   
Hypothetical
Percentage Increase
(Decrease) in
    Stockholders’ Equity    
 
  $                 229.3
(1)
 
    20% Increase    
    $
                       275.2  
     
0.4% 
 
 
    20% Decrease    
   
183.4  
     
(0.4%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Denotes a net asset position as of June 30, 2019.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer, or “CEO,” and our chief financial officer, or “CFO,” of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Form
10-Q
pursuant to Rule
13a-15(e)
or
15d-15(e)
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act.” Based on that evaluation, our management, including our CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized, and timely reported as specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our disclosure controls and procedures were designed to provide such assurance; however, we note that the design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and we cannot assure you that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
No changes occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2019 in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
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Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
Certain of our subsidiaries are parties to pending litigation and claims in connection with the ordinary course of their businesses. Each such subsidiary makes provisions for estimated losses to be incurred in such litigation and claims, including legal costs. We believe such provisions are adequate and do not believe that any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. See Note 12(a) to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the 2018 Form
10-K.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
There are no material changes from the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the 2018 Form
10-K.
Please refer to that section for disclosures regarding what we believe are the more significant risks and uncertainties related to our businesses.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
The following table presents our common stock repurchases for the quarter ended June 30, 2019:
                                 
 
  Total Number of  
Shares
Repurchased
   
  Average Price  
  Paid per Share  
   
Total Number of
  Shares Purchased  
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
(1)
   
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares That May
  Yet be Purchased  
Under the Plans
or Programs
(1)

 (in millions)
 
April 1 to April 30
   
6,417  
      $
     620.07  
     
6,417  
      $
         187.0  
 
May 1 to May 31
   
6,644  
     
675.49  
     
6,644  
     
182.5  
 
June 1 to June 30
   
6,185  
     
678.84  
     
6,185  
     
178.3  
 
                                 
Total
   
19,246  
     
658.09  
     
19,246  
     
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) In June 2018, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of shares of our common stock, at such times and at prices as management determines to be advisable, up to an aggregate of $400.0 million.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Item 6. Exhibits.
     
         Exhibit
 

      Number
 
Description
     
31.1
 
     
31.2
 
     
32.1
 
     
32.2
 
     
101
 
Interactive Data Files formatted in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018; and (v) Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
     
104
 
Cover Page Interactive Data File, formatted in Inline XBRL.
 
 
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
             
     
ALLEGHANY CORPORATION
(Registrant)
             
Date: August 6, 2019
     
By:
 
/s/ Kerry J. Jacobs
     
 
Kerry J. Jacobs
     
 
Senior Vice President and chief financial officer
(principal financial officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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