Annual Statements Open main menu

BERKLEY W R CORP - Quarter Report: 2018 September (Form 10-Q)



 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q
(Mark one)
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2018
or
o
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
For the Transition Period from                      to                     .
Commission File Number 1-15202

W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
22-1867895
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
 
 
475 Steamboat Road, Greenwich, Connecticut
 
06830
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(203) 629-3000
 
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
 
 
 
None
 
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ     No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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 þ     No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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 þ
 
 
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
 
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
 
Emerging growth company o
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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o     No þ
Number of shares of common stock, $.20 par value, outstanding as of November 5, 2018: 122,124,243
 




TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32.1
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT




Part I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.     Financial Statements

W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Audited)
Assets
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
$
13,572,402

 
$
13,551,250

Real estate
1,917,250

 
1,469,601

Investment funds
1,251,748

 
1,155,677

Arbitrage trading account
678,321

 
617,649

Equity securities
325,254

 
576,647

Loans receivable
96,590

 
79,684

Total investments
17,841,565

 
17,450,508

Cash and cash equivalents
819,366

 
950,471

Premiums and fees receivable
1,872,460

 
1,773,844

Due from reinsurers
1,859,917

 
1,783,200

Deferred policy acquisition costs
513,092

 
507,549

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
497,285

 
472,009

Trading account receivables from brokers and clearing organizations
191,394

 
189,280

Property, furniture and equipment
424,754

 
422,960

Goodwill
171,095

 
178,945

Accrued investment income
148,646

 
136,597

Federal and foreign income taxes
37,196

 

Other assets
478,879

 
434,554

Total assets
$
24,855,649

 
$
24,299,917

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Reserves for losses and loss expenses
$
11,872,162

 
$
11,670,408

Unearned premiums
3,454,955

 
3,290,180

Due to reinsurers
231,197

 
246,460

Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased
112,355

 
64,358

Federal and foreign income taxes

 
98,091

Other liabilities
1,008,145

 
981,987

Senior notes and other debt
1,790,498

 
1,769,052

Subordinated debentures
907,304

 
728,218

Total liabilities
19,376,616

 
18,848,754

Equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $.20 per share:
 
 
 
Authorized 500,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding, net of treasury shares, 122,117,763 and 121,514,852 shares, respectively
47,024

 
47,024

Additional paid-in capital
1,058,074

 
1,048,283

Retained earnings
7,505,706

 
6,956,882

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(474,938
)
 
68,541

Treasury stock, at cost, 113,000,155 and 113,603,066 shares, respectively
(2,698,018
)
 
(2,709,386
)
Total stockholders’ equity
5,437,848

 
5,411,344

Noncontrolling interests
41,185

 
39,819

Total equity
5,479,033

 
5,451,163

Total liabilities and equity
$
24,855,649

 
$
24,299,917

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

1




W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written
$
1,624,214

 
$
1,571,183

 
$
4,913,656

 
$
4,782,272

Change in net unearned premiums
(20,729
)
 
10,317

 
(161,709
)
 
(62,028
)
Net premiums earned
1,603,485

 
1,581,500

 
4,751,947

 
4,720,244

Net investment income
186,124

 
142,479

 
514,419

 
426,601

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
22,334

 
183,959

 
140,429

 
276,760

Revenues from non-insurance businesses
95,168

 
89,786

 
242,037

 
225,033

Insurance service fees
30,782

 
33,612

 
91,175

 
100,475

Other income
9

 
6

 
59

 
695

Total revenues
1,937,902

 
2,031,342

 
5,740,066

 
5,749,808

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
1,017,720

 
1,081,174

 
2,954,575

 
3,025,475

Other operating costs and expenses
577,648

 
600,822

 
1,781,230

 
1,821,155

Expenses from non-insurance businesses
93,463

 
86,412

 
238,198

 
221,389

Interest expense
39,848

 
36,821

 
116,608

 
110,419

Total operating costs and expenses
1,728,679

 
1,805,229

 
5,090,611

 
5,178,438

Income before income taxes
209,223

 
226,113

 
649,455

 
571,370

Income tax expense
(44,780
)
 
(63,295
)
 
(136,661
)
 
(174,305
)
Net income before noncontrolling interests
164,443

 
162,818

 
512,794

 
397,065

Noncontrolling interests
(2,523
)
 
(764
)
 
(4,402
)
 
(2,560
)
Net income to common stockholders
$
161,920

 
$
162,054

 
$
508,392

 
$
394,505

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME PER SHARE:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.28

 
$
1.29

 
$
4.02

 
$
3.17

Diluted
$
1.26

 
$
1.26

 
$
3.96

 
$
3.05


See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.






2



W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
 
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income before noncontrolling interests
$
164,443

 
$
162,818

 
$
512,794

 
$
397,065

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unrealized currency translation adjustments
15,686

 
28,592

 
(75,970
)
 
71,574

Change in unrealized investment (losses) gains, net of taxes
(94,842
)
 
(8,168
)
 
(253,056
)
 
26,598

Other comprehensive (loss) income
(79,156
)
 
20,424

 
(329,026
)
 
98,172

Comprehensive income
85,287

 
183,242

 
183,768

 
495,237

Noncontrolling interests
(2,463
)
 
(731
)
 
(4,316
)
 
(2,541
)
Comprehensive income to common stockholders
$
82,824

 
$
182,511

 
$
179,452

 
$
492,696


See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

3



W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
2018

2017
COMMON STOCK:
 
 
 
Beginning and end of period
$
47,024

 
$
47,024

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
1,048,283

 
$
1,037,446

Restricted stock units issued
(16,690
)
 
(27,047
)
Restricted stock units expensed
26,481

 
30,176

End of period
$
1,058,074

 
$
1,040,575

RETAINED EARNINGS:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
6,956,882

 
$
6,595,987

Cumulative effect adjustment resulting from changes in accounting principles
215,939

 

Net income to common stockholders
508,392

 
394,505

Dividends
(175,507
)
 
(110,430
)
End of period
$
7,505,706

 
$
6,880,062

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME:
 
 
 
Unrealized investment (losses) gains:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
375,421

 
$
427,154

Cumulative effect adjustment resulting from changes in accounting principles
(214,539
)
 

Change in unrealized (losses) gains on securities not other-than-temporarily impaired
(252,974
)
 
25,712

Change in unrealized gains on other-than-temporarily impaired securities
4

 
905

End of period
(92,088
)
 
453,771

Currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
(306,880
)
 
(371,586
)
Net change in period
(75,970
)
 
71,574

End of period
(382,850
)
 
(300,012
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
$
(474,938
)
 
$
153,759

TREASURY STOCK:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
(2,709,386
)
 
$
(2,688,817
)
Stock exercised/vested
17,478

 
25,584

Stock repurchased
(6,799
)
 
(28,378
)
Stock issued
689

 
727

End of period
$
(2,698,018
)
 
$
(2,690,884
)
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
39,819

 
$
33,926

(Distributions) contributions
(2,950
)
 
3,646

Net income
4,402

 
2,560

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(86
)
 
(19
)
End of period
$
41,185

 
$
40,113

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

4



W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income to common stockholders
$
508,392

 
$
394,505

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
(140,429
)
 
(276,760
)
Depreciation and amortization
76,541

 
78,137

Noncontrolling interests
4,402

 
2,560

Investment funds
(94,075
)
 
(51,907
)
Stock incentive plans
28,528

 
31,883

Change in:
 
 
 
Arbitrage trading account
(14,795
)
 
(2,835
)
Premiums and fees receivable
(107,347
)
 
(112,420
)
Reinsurance accounts
(114,298
)
 
(42,319
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
(7,466
)
 
4,483

Income taxes
(99,945
)
 
(15,451
)
Reserves for losses and loss expenses
230,112

 
422,657

Unearned premiums
176,736

 
121,583

Other
(103,832
)
 
(32,258
)
Net cash from operating activities
342,524

 
521,858

CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities
2,841,642

 
3,081,619

Proceeds from sale of equity securities
449,388

 
137,062

(Contributions to) distributions from investment funds
(3,505
)
 
265,371

Proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed maturity securities
1,957,724

 
2,860,678

Purchase of fixed maturity securities
(5,187,501
)
 
(6,530,466
)
Purchase of equity securities
(87,059
)
 
(17,049
)
Real estate purchased
(454,410
)
 
(159,006
)
Change in loans receivable
(14,345
)
 
32,574

Net additions to property, furniture and equipment
(35,582
)
 
(74,268
)
Change in balances due to security brokers
5,601

 
39,978

Cash received in connection with business disposition
8,664

 

Payment for business purchased net of cash acquired
(6,637
)
 
(70,570
)
Other
(443
)
 

Net cash used in investing activities
(526,463
)
 
(434,077
)
CASH FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Repayment of senior notes and other debt
(23
)
 
(1,788
)
Net proceeds from issuance of debt
198,905

 

Cash dividends to common stockholders
(96,131
)
 
(93,371
)
Purchase of common treasury shares
(6,799
)
 
(28,378
)
Other, net
(4,238
)
 
(3,835
)
Net cash from (used in) financing activities
91,714

 
(127,372
)
Net impact on cash due to change in foreign exchange rates
(38,880
)
 
18,303

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(131,105
)
 
(21,288
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
950,471

 
795,285

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
819,366

 
$
773,997

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

5




W. R. Berkley Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(1) General
The unaudited consolidated financial statements, which include the accounts of W. R. Berkley Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and notes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. The unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, which are necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and results of operations on a basis consistent with the prior audited consolidated financial statements. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the revenues and expenses reflected during the reporting period. For further information related to a description of areas of judgment and estimates and other information necessary to understand the Company’s financial position and results of operations, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Reclassifications have been made in the 2017 financial statements as originally reported to conform to the presentation of the 2018 financial statements.
The income tax provision has been computed based on the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for the quarter differs from the federal income tax rate of 21% principally because of tax-exempt investment income, as well as tax on income from foreign jurisdictions with different tax rates.

(2) Per Share Data
The Company presents both basic and diluted net income per share (“EPS”) amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period (including 4,847,303 and 4,087,731 common shares held in a grantor trust as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively). The common shares held in the grantor trust are for delivery upon settlement of vested but mandatorily deferred restricted stock units ("RSUs"). Shares held by the grantor trust do not affect diluted shares outstanding since the shares deliverable under vested RSUs were already included in diluted shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of basic and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period and is calculated using the treasury stock method for stock incentive plans. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect.
The weighted average number of common shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share was as follows:
 
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Basic
126,827

 
125,818

 
126,575

 
124,363

Diluted
128,561

 
128,944

 
128,404

 
129,289


(3) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements:
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Customers. ASU 2014-09 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue. While insurance contracts are not within the scope of this updated guidance, the Company’s insurance service fee revenue and non-insurance business revenue are subject to this updated guidance. The updated guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue as performance obligations are met, in order to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity is entitled to receive for those goods or services. The updated guidance, as amended by ASU 2015-14, was effective for public business entities for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018 on a prospective basis. The impact of applying this guidance prospectively was a cumulative effect adjustment that increased retained earnings, a component of stockholders' equity, by $1 million after-tax.


6



In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments.  ASU 2016-01 amends the accounting guidance for financial instruments to require all equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized in net income (other than those accounted for under equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee).  The updated guidance was effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted this updated guidance on January 1, 2018 on a prospective basis. The impact of applying this guidance prospectively was a cumulative effect adjustment that increased retained earnings and decreased accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") by offsetting amounts of $291 million, resulting in no net impact to total stockholders' equity. Following the adoption, the Company reports changes in fair value related to equity securities within net realized and unrealized gains on investments.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which amends previous guidance to allow a reclassification to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”). The amount of the reclassification includes the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate on the gross deferred tax amounts and related valuation allowances, if any, at the date of the enactment of the Tax Act related to items in AOCI. The updated guidance will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and is eligible for early adoption. The Company adopted this updated guidance on January 1, 2018. The impact of applying this guidance was a cumulative effect adjustment that decreased retained earnings and increased AOCI by offsetting amounts of $76 million, resulting in no net impact to total stockholders' equity.

All other accounting and reporting standards that have become effective in 2018 were either not applicable to the Company or their adoption did not have a material impact on the Company. 
Accounting and reporting standards that are not yet effective:
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which amends the accounting and disclosure guidance for leases.  This guidance retains the two classifications of a lease, as either an operating or finance lease, both of which will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for leases with terms of more than 12 months. The right-of-use asset and the lease liability will be determined based upon the present value of cash flows. Finance leases will reflect the financial arrangement by recognizing interest expense on the lease liability separately from the amortization expense of the right-of-use asset. Operating leases will recognize lease expense (with no separate recognition of interest expense) on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The accounting by lessors is not significantly changed by the updated guidance.  The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and can be adopted prospectively or will require that the earliest comparative period presented include the measurement and recognition of existing leases with an adjustment to equity as if the updated guidance had always been applied. The Company will adopt the new guidance prospectively as of January 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, which amends the accounting guidance for credit losses on financial instruments. The updated guidance amends the current other-than-temporary impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities by requiring the recognition of impairments relating to credit losses through an allowance account and limits the amount of credit loss to the difference between a security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. This guidance also applies a new current expected credit loss model for determining credit-related impairments for financial instruments measured at amortized cost.  The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company will not be able to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity until the year the guidance becomes effective.

All other recently issued but not yet effective accounting and reporting standards are either not applicable to the Company or are not expected to have a material impact on the Company.



7



(4) Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the components of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income ("AOCI"):
(In thousands)
Unrealized Investment
Gains (Losses)
 
Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
Changes in AOCI
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
375,421

 
$
(306,880
)
 
$
68,541

Cumulative effect adjustment resulting from changes in accounting principles
(214,539
)
 

 
(214,539
)
Restated beginning of period
160,882

 
(306,880
)
 
(145,998
)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
(242,944
)
 
(75,970
)
 
(318,914
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(10,112
)
 

 
(10,112
)
Other comprehensive loss
(253,056
)
 
(75,970
)
 
(329,026
)
Unrealized investment loss related to noncontrolling interest
86

 

 
86

End of period
$
(92,088
)
 
$
(382,850
)
 
$
(474,938
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax
$
(12,800
)
(1)
$

 
$
(12,800
)
Tax effect
2,688

(2)

 
2,688

After-tax amounts reclassified
$
(10,112
)
 
$

 
$
(10,112
)
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax
$
(298,164
)
 
$
(75,970
)
 
$
(374,134
)
Tax effect
45,108

 

 
45,108

Other comprehensive loss
$
(253,056
)
 
$
(75,970
)
 
$
(329,026
)
As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
Changes in AOCI
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
2,694

 
$
(398,536
)
 
$
(395,842
)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
(95,312
)
 
15,686

 
(79,626
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
470

 

 
470

Other comprehensive loss
(94,842
)
 
15,686

 
(79,156
)
Unrealized investment loss related to noncontrolling interest
60

 

 
60

End of period
$
(92,088
)
 
$
(382,850
)
 
$
(474,938
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax
$
595

(1)
$

 
$
595

Tax effect
(125
)
(2)

 
(125
)
After-tax amounts reclassified
$
470

 
$

 
$
470

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax
$
(96,828
)
 
$
15,686

 
$
(81,142
)
Tax effect
1,986

 

 
1,986

Other comprehensive loss
$
(94,842
)
 
$
15,686

 
$
(79,156
)
_________________________
(1) Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in the consolidated statements of income.
(2) Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.

8



(In thousands)
Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
 
           Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
Changes in AOCI
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
427,154

 
$
(371,586
)
 
$
55,568

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
109,277

 
71,574

 
180,851

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(82,679
)
 

 
(82,679
)
Other comprehensive income
26,598

 
71,574

 
98,172

Unrealized investment gain related to noncontrolling interest
19

 

 
19

End of period
$
453,771

 
$
(300,012
)
 
$
153,759

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
 
 
 

Pre-tax
$
(127,198
)
(1)
$

 
$
(127,198
)
Tax effect
44,519

(2)

 
44,519

After-tax amounts reclassified
$
(82,679
)
 
$

 
$
(82,679
)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 

Pre-tax
$
50,148

 
$
71,574

 
$
121,722

Tax effect
(23,550
)
 

 
(23,550
)
Other comprehensive income
$
26,598

 
$
71,574

 
$
98,172

As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
Changes in AOCI
 
 
 


Beginning of period
$
461,906

 
$
(328,604
)
 
$
133,302

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
19,968

 
28,592

 
48,560

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(28,136
)
 

 
(28,136
)
Other comprehensive income
(8,168
)
 
28,592

 
20,424

Unrealized investment gain related to noncontrolling interest
33

 

 
33

End of period
$
453,771

 
$
(300,012
)
 
$
153,759

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
 
 
 

Pre-tax
$
(43,286
)
(1)
$

 
$
(43,286
)
Tax effect
15,150

(2)

 
15,150

After-tax amounts reclassified
$
(28,136
)
 
$

 
$
(28,136
)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 

Pre-tax
$
(8,563
)
 
$
28,592

 
$
20,029

Tax effect
395

 

 
395

Other comprehensive income
$
(8,168
)
 
$
28,592

 
$
20,424

_________________________
(1) Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in the consolidated statements of income.
(2) Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.



9



(5) Statements of Cash Flow
Interest payments were $137,789,000 and $134,291,000 and income taxes paid were $173,000,000 and $182,487,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

(6) Investments in Fixed Maturity Securities
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, investments in fixed maturity securities were as follows:
 
(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Gains
 
Losses
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and municipal
$
67,513

 
$
11,081

 
$

 
$
78,594

 
$
67,513

Residential mortgage-backed
11,276

 
1,171

 

 
12,447

 
11,276

Total held to maturity
78,789

 
12,252

 

 
91,041

 
78,789

Available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agency
490,679

 
4,258

 
(7,895
)
 
487,042

 
487,042

State and municipal:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Special revenue
2,486,490

 
23,982

 
(32,046
)
 
2,478,426

 
2,478,426

State general obligation
380,200

 
8,917

 
(2,742
)
 
386,375

 
386,375

Pre-refunded
427,429

 
15,213

 
(55
)
 
442,587

 
442,587

Corporate backed
294,243

 
4,833

 
(2,596
)
 
296,480

 
296,480

Local general obligation
403,879

 
13,988

 
(3,841
)
 
414,026

 
414,026

Total state and municipal
3,992,241

 
66,933

 
(41,280
)
 
4,017,894

 
4,017,894

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential (1)
1,237,787

 
4,400

 
(33,896
)
 
1,208,291

 
1,208,291

Commercial
345,826

 
670

 
(6,565
)
 
339,931

 
339,931

Total mortgage-backed securities
1,583,613

 
5,070

 
(40,461
)
 
1,548,222

 
1,548,222

Asset-backed
2,556,499

 
10,753

 
(17,378
)
 
2,549,874

 
2,549,874

Corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial
2,303,206

 
16,555

 
(41,783
)
 
2,277,978

 
2,277,978

Financial
1,436,530

 
16,786

 
(21,688
)
 
1,431,628

 
1,431,628

Utilities
303,260

 
2,222

 
(6,010
)
 
299,472

 
299,472

Other
56,474

 
6

 
(389
)
 
56,091

 
56,091

Total corporate
4,099,470

 
35,569

 
(69,870
)
 
4,065,169

 
4,065,169

Foreign
838,834

 
10,427

 
(23,849
)
 
825,412

 
825,412

Total available for sale
13,561,336

 
133,010

 
(200,733
)
 
13,493,613

 
13,493,613

Total investments in fixed maturity securities
$
13,640,125

 
$
145,262

 
$
(200,733
)
 
$
13,584,654

 
$
13,572,402


10



(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Gains
 
Losses
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and municipal
$
65,882

 
$
14,499

 
$

 
$
80,381

 
$
65,882

Residential mortgage-backed
13,450

 
1,227

 

 
14,677

 
13,450

Total held to maturity
79,332

 
15,726

 

 
95,058

 
79,332

Available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agency
372,748

 
8,824

 
(3,832
)
 
377,740

 
377,740

State and municipal:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Special revenue
2,663,245

 
53,512

 
(10,027
)
 
2,706,730

 
2,706,730

State general obligation
439,358

 
16,087

 
(711
)
 
454,734

 
454,734

Pre-refunded
436,241

 
22,701

 
(9
)
 
458,933

 
458,933

Corporate backed
375,268

 
10,059

 
(860
)
 
384,467

 
384,467

Local general obligation
417,955

 
23,242

 
(967
)
 
440,230

 
440,230

Total state and municipal
4,332,067

 
125,601

 
(12,574
)
 
4,445,094

 
4,445,094

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential (1)
1,043,629

 
9,304

 
(13,547
)
 
1,039,386

 
1,039,386

Commercial
261,652

 
1,521

 
(2,628
)
 
260,545

 
260,545

Total mortgage-backed securities
1,305,281

 
10,825

 
(16,175
)
 
1,299,931

 
1,299,931

Asset-backed
2,111,132

 
11,024

 
(10,612
)
 
2,111,544

 
2,111,544

Corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial
2,574,400

 
52,210

 
(7,718
)
 
2,618,892

 
2,618,892

Financial
1,402,161

 
37,744

 
(5,138
)
 
1,434,767

 
1,434,767

Utilities
284,886

 
11,316

 
(1,248
)
 
294,954

 
294,954

Other
40,560

 
5

 
(66
)
 
40,499

 
40,499

Total corporate
4,302,007

 
101,275

 
(14,170
)
 
4,389,112

 
4,389,112

Foreign
819,345

 
32,018

 
(2,866
)
 
848,497

 
848,497

Total available for sale
13,242,580

 
289,567

 
(60,229
)
 
13,471,918

 
13,471,918

Total investments in fixed maturity securities
$
13,321,912


$
305,293

 
$
(60,229
)
 
$
13,566,976

 
$
13,551,250

____________
(1) Gross unrealized gains for residential mortgage-backed securities include $81,006 and $76,467 as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, related to securities with the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2018, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
 
(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Due in one year or less
$
948,532

 
$
948,471

Due after one year through five years
4,526,907

 
4,523,008

Due after five years through ten years
2,958,685

 
2,959,406

Due after ten years
3,611,112

 
3,593,100

Mortgage-backed securities
1,594,889

 
1,560,669

Total
$
13,640,125

 
$
13,584,654

At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no investments that exceeded 10% of common stockholders' equity, other than investments in United States government and government agency securities.



11



(7) Investments in Equity Securities
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, investments in equity securities were as follows:
 
(In thousands)
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized (1)
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Gains
 
Losses
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
$
117,880

 
$
56,869

 
$
(7,811
)
 
$
166,938

 
$
166,938

Preferred stocks
117,101

 
44,262

 
(3,047
)
 
158,316

 
158,316

Total
$
234,981

 
$
101,131

 
$
(10,858
)
 
$
325,254

 
$
325,254

December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
$
81,855

 
$
272,309

 
$
(1,960
)
 
$
352,204

 
$
352,204

Preferred stocks
124,150

 
102,890

 
(2,597
)
 
224,443

 
224,443

Total
$
206,005

 
$
375,199

 
$
(4,557
)
 
$
576,647

 
$
576,647

______________________
(1) Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new accounting guidance that requires all equity investments with readily determinable fair values (subject to certain exceptions) to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. Refer to Note 3 for additional information.


(8) Arbitrage Trading Account
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the fair and carrying values of the arbitrage trading account were $678 million and $618 million, respectively. The primary focus of the trading account is merger arbitrage. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies which are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers. Arbitrage investing differs from other types of investing in its focus on transactions and events believed likely to bring about a change in value over a relatively short time period (usually four months or less).
The Company uses put options, call options and swap contracts in order to mitigate the impact of potential changes in market conditions on the merger arbitrage trading account. These options and contracts are reported at fair value. As of September 30, 2018, the fair value of long option contracts outstanding was $89 thousand (notional amount of $16.4 million) and the fair value of short option contracts outstanding was $278 thousand (notional amount of $28.8 million). Other than with respect to the use of these trading account securities, the Company does not make use of derivatives.


(9) Net Investment Income
Net investment income consists of the following: 
 
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Investment income earned on:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable
$
131,836

 
$
118,834

 
$
384,748

 
$
347,976

Investment funds
41,005

 
15,200

 
94,075

 
50,744

Arbitrage trading account
7,632

 
4,418

 
21,156

 
16,235

Real estate
5,597

 
5,042

 
15,339

 
14,894

Equity securities
1,004

 
604

 
2,208

 
1,845

Gross investment income
187,074

 
144,098

 
517,526

 
431,694

Investment expense
(950
)
 
(1,619
)
 
(3,107
)
 
(5,093
)
Net investment income
$
186,124

 
$
142,479

 
$
514,419

 
$
426,601




12



(10) Investment Funds
The Company evaluates whether it is an investor in a variable interest entity ("VIE"). Such entities do not have sufficient equity at risk to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support, or the equity investors, as a group, do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest (primary beneficiary).  The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of an entity subject to consolidation based on a qualitative assessment of the VIE's capital structure, contractual terms, nature of the VIE's operations and purpose, and the Company's relative exposure to the related risks of the VIE on the date it becomes initially involved in the VIE and on an ongoing basis. The Company is not the primary beneficiary in any of its investment funds, and accordingly, carries its interests in investment funds under the equity method of accounting.
    
The Company’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the carrying amount reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and its unfunded commitments, which were $324 million as of September 30, 2018.
Investment funds consisted of the following:
 
Carrying Value as of
 
Income (Loss) from
Investment Funds
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Real estate
$
632,618

 
$
606,995

 
$
50,044

 
$
30,661

Energy
79,559

 
82,882

 
408

 
(12,763
)
Other funds
539,571

 
465,800

 
43,623

 
32,846

Total
$
1,251,748

 
$
1,155,677

 
$
94,075


$
50,744


The Company's share of the earnings or losses of investment funds is generally reported on a one-quarter lag in order to facilitate the timely completion of the Company's consolidated financial statements.

(11) Real Estate
Investment in real estate represents directly owned property held for investment, as follows:
 
Carrying Value
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
Properties in operation
$
757,573

 
$
451,691

Properties under development
1,159,677

 
1,017,910

Total
$
1,917,250

 
$
1,469,601


In 2018, properties in operation included a long-term ground lease in Washington, D.C., a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, two office complexes in New York City and office buildings in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, Florida. Properties in operation are net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $40,623,000 and $25,646,000 as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Related depreciation expense was $15,175,000 and $5,382,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Future minimum rental income expected on operating leases relating to properties in operation is $12,632,005 in 2018, $52,014,542 in 2019, $50,145,388 in 2020, $49,267,711 in 2021, $51,048,893 in 2022, $42,435,018 in 2023 and $501,089,126 thereafter.

Properties under development include an office building in London and a mixed-use project in Washington, D.C.


13



(12) Loans Receivable
Loans receivable are as follows:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Amortized cost (net of valuation allowance):
 
 
 
Real estate loans
$
62,775

 
$
66,057

Commercial loans
33,815

 
13,627

Total
$
96,590

 
$
79,684

 
 
 
 
Fair value:
 
 
 
Real estate loans
$
63,561

 
$
66,917

Commercial loans
35,317

 
15,130

Total
$
98,878

 
$
82,047

 
 
 
 
Valuation allowance:
 
 
 
Specific
$
1,200

 
$
1,200

General
2,183

 
2,183

Total
$
3,383

 
$
3,383

 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
  Change in valuation allowance
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
  Decrease in valuation allowance
$

 
$
(14
)
Loans receivable in non-accrual status were $1.5 million and $4.3 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable and assesses the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest based upon loan structure, underlying property values, cash flow and related financial and operating performance of the property and market conditions. Loans receivable with a potential for default are further assessed using discounted cash flow analysis and comparable cost and sales methodologies, if appropriate.
The real estate loans are secured by commercial real estate primarily located in New York. These loans generally earn interest at floating LIBOR-based interest rates and have maturities (inclusive of extension options) through August 2025. The commercial loans are with small business owners who have secured the related financing with the assets of the business. Commercial loans primarily earn interest on a fixed basis and have varying maturities generally not exceeding 10 years.
In evaluating the real estate loans, the Company considers their credit quality indicators, including loan to value ratios, which compare the outstanding loan amount to the estimated value of the property, the borrower’s financial condition and performance with respect to loan terms, the position in the capital structure, the overall leverage in the capital structure and other market conditions. Based on these considerations, none of the real estate loans were considered to be impaired at September 30, 2018, and accordingly, the Company determined that a specific valuation allowance was not required.


14



(13) Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are as follows:
 
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments in earnings
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Gains
$
2,152

 
$
8,763

 
$
23,412

 
$
21,795

Losses
(2,747
)
 
(197
)
 
(10,612
)
 
(4,162
)
Equity securities (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains on investment sales
149,562

 
34,720

 
391,305

 
109,566

Change in unrealized gains
(131,513
)
 

 
(280,370
)
 

Investment funds (2)
(30
)
 
124,228

 
(264
)
 
125,383

Real estate
4,518

 
1,956

 
12,114

 
4,892

Loans receivable
449

 

 
2,508

 

Other
(57
)
 
14,489

 
2,336

 
19,286

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in earnings before OTTI
22,334

 
183,959

 
140,429

 
276,760

Other-than-temporary impairments

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in earnings
22,334

 
183,959

 
140,429

 
276,760

Income tax expense
(4,690
)
 
(64,386
)
 
(29,490
)
 
(96,866
)
After-tax net realized and unrealized gains on investments in earnings
$
17,644

 
$
119,573

 
$
110,939

 
$
179,894

Change in unrealized investment (losses) gains of available for sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities
$
(100,490
)
 
$
(10,627
)
 
$
(297,065
)
 
$
84,214

Previously impaired fixed maturity securities
(7
)
 
61

 
4

 
905

Equity securities available for sale (3)

 
(2,126
)
 

 
(44,812
)
Investment funds
3,669

 
4,129

 
(1,103
)
 
9,841

Total change in unrealized investment (losses) gains
(96,828
)
 
(8,563
)
 
(298,164
)
 
50,148

Income tax benefit (expense)
2,086

 
423

 
45,280

 
(23,550
)
Noncontrolling interests
60

 
5

 
86

 
19

After-tax change in unrealized investment (losses) gains of available for sale securities
$
(94,682
)
 
$
(8,135
)
 
$
(252,798
)
 
$
26,617

______________________
(1) The net realized gains or losses on investment sales represent the total gains or losses from the purchase dates of the equity securities. The change in unrealized gains consists of two components: (i) the reversal of the gain or loss recognized in previous periods on equity securities sold and (ii) the change in unrealized gain or loss resulting from mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities still held.
(2) Investment funds includes a gain of $124 million from the sale of an investment in an office building located in Washington, D.C. for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.
(3) Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new accounting guidance that requires all equity investments with readily determinable fair values (subject to certain exceptions) to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized in net income. The Company recorded an adjustment of $291 million to opening AOCI net of tax as a result of this guidance. Refer to Note 3 for further information.


15



(14) Fixed Maturity Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position
The following tables summarize all fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 by the length of time those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position:
  
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Total
(In thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized Losses
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agency
$
241,467

 
$
2,712

 
$
118,054

 
$
5,183

 
$
359,521

 
$
7,895

State and municipal
1,553,827

 
25,957

 
423,785

 
15,323

 
1,977,612

 
41,280

Mortgage-backed securities
834,782

 
15,777

 
541,015

 
24,684

 
1,375,797

 
40,461

Asset-backed securities
1,740,632

 
14,562

 
300,633

 
2,816

 
2,041,265

 
17,378

Corporate
2,045,819

 
50,487

 
369,248

 
19,383

 
2,415,067

 
69,870

Foreign government
299,444

 
21,830

 
111,195

 
2,019

 
410,639

 
23,849

Fixed maturity securities
$
6,715,971

 
$
131,325

 
$
1,863,930

 
$
69,408

 
$
8,579,901

 
$
200,733

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agency
$
92,167

 
$
1,491

 
$
72,055

 
$
2,341

 
$
164,222

 
$
3,832

State and municipal
735,972

 
5,944

 
345,755

 
6,630

 
1,081,727

 
12,574

Mortgage-backed securities
480,435

 
5,110

 
373,956

 
11,065

 
854,391

 
16,175

Asset-backed securities
1,127,309

 
8,298

 
167,412

 
2,314

 
1,294,721

 
10,612

Corporate
1,103,747

 
8,224

 
170,858

 
5,946

 
1,274,605

 
14,170

Foreign government
244,139

 
2,615

 
25,824

 
251

 
269,963

 
2,866

Fixed maturity securities
$
3,783,769

 
$
31,682

 
$
1,155,860

 
$
28,547

 
$
4,939,629

 
$
60,229

A summary of the Company’s non-investment grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2018 is presented in the table below:
($ in thousands)
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized Loss
Foreign government
20

 
$
172,462

 
$
20,688

Corporate
14

 
80,945

 
6,547

Asset-backed securities
7

 
10,930

 
156

Mortgage-backed securities
4

 
3,270

 
30

Total
45

 
$
267,607

 
$
27,421

For OTTI of fixed maturity securities that management does not intend to sell or to be required to sell, the portion of the decline in value that is considered to be due to credit factors is recognized in earnings, and the portion of the decline in value that is considered to be due to non-credit factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.
     The Company has evaluated its fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and believes the unrealized losses are due primarily to temporary market and sector-related factors rather than to issuer-specific factors. None of these securities are delinquent or in default under financial covenants. Based on its assessment of these issuers, the Company expects them to continue to meet their contractual payment obligations as they become due and does not consider any of these securities to be OTTI.

(15) Fair Value Measurements
The Company’s fixed maturity securities, equity securities and arbitrage trading account securities are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels, as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

16



Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or valuations based on inputs that are observable.
Level 3 - Estimates of fair value based on internal pricing methodologies using unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs are only used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available.
Substantially all of the Company’s fixed maturity securities were priced by independent pricing services. The prices provided by the independent pricing services are estimated based on observable market data in active markets utilizing pricing models and processes, which may include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, sector groupings, matrix pricing and reference data. The pricing services may prioritize inputs differently on any given day for any security based on market conditions, and not all inputs are available for each security evaluation on any given day. The pricing services used by the Company have indicated that they will only produce an estimate of fair value if objectively verifiable information is available. The determination of whether markets are active or inactive is based upon the volume and level of activity for a particular asset class. The Company reviews the prices provided by pricing services for reasonableness and periodically performs independent price tests of a sample of securities to ensure proper valuation.
If prices from independent pricing services are not available for fixed maturity securities, the Company estimates the fair value. For Level 2 securities, the Company utilizes pricing models and processes which may include benchmark yields, sector groupings, matrix pricing, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, bids, offers and reference data. Where broker quotes are used, the Company generally requests two or more quotes and sets a price within the range of quotes received based on its assessment of the credibility of the quote and its own evaluation of the security. The Company generally does not adjust quotes received from brokers. For securities traded only in private negotiations, the Company determines fair value based primarily on the cost of such securities, which is adjusted to reflect prices of recent placements of securities of the same issuer, financial projections, credit quality and business developments of the issuer and other relevant information.
For Level 3 securities, the Company generally uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of fixed maturity securities. The cash flow models are based upon assumptions as to prevailing credit spreads, interest rate and interest rate volatility, time to maturity and subordination levels. Projected cash flows are discounted at rates that are adjusted to reflect illiquidity, where appropriate.
    

17



The following tables present the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 by level:
(In thousands)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agency
$
487,042

 
$

 
$
487,042

 
$

State and municipal
4,017,894

 

 
4,017,894

 

Mortgage-backed securities
1,548,222

 

 
1,548,222

 

Asset-backed securities
2,549,874

 

 
2,549,773

 
101

Corporate
4,065,169

 

 
4,065,169

 

Foreign government
825,412

 

 
825,412

 

Total fixed maturity securities available for sale
13,493,613

 

 
13,493,512

 
101

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
166,938

 
157,855

 

 
9,083

Preferred stocks
158,316

 

 
154,521

 
3,795

Total equity securities
325,254

 
157,855

 
154,521

 
12,878

Arbitrage trading account
678,321

 
475,684

 
202,637

 

Total
$
14,497,188

 
$
633,539

 
$
13,850,670

 
$
12,979

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased
$
112,355

 
$
112,355

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agency
$
377,740

 
$

 
$
377,740

 
$

State and municipal
4,445,094

 

 
4,445,094

 

Mortgage-backed securities
1,299,931

 

 
1,299,931

 

Asset-backed securities
2,111,544

 

 
2,111,372

 
172

Corporate
4,389,112

 

 
4,389,112

 

Foreign government
848,497

 

 
848,497

 

Total fixed maturity securities available for sale
13,471,918

 

 
13,471,746

 
172

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
352,204

 
342,834

 

 
9,370

Preferred stocks
224,443

 

 
213,600

 
10,843

Total equity securities
576,647

 
342,834

 
213,600

 
20,213

Arbitrage trading account
617,649

 
471,420

 
146,229

 

Total
$
14,666,214

 
$
814,254

 
$
13,831,575

 
$
20,385

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased
$
64,358

 
$
64,358

 
$

 
$

There were no significant transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 or during the year ended December 31, 2017.

18



The following tables summarize changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and for the year ended December 31, 2017:
 
  
                        Gains (Losses) Included in:
 
(In thousands)
Beginning
Balance
 
Earnings (Losses)
 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Impairments
 
Purchases
 
(Sales)
 
Paydowns / Maturities
 
Transfers In / (Out)
 
Ending
Balance
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$
172

 
$
(2
)
 
$
46

 
$

 
$
10

 
$
(125
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
101

 
Total
172

 
(2
)
 
46

 

 
10

 
(125
)
 

 

 
101

 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
9,370

 
(288
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 
9,083

 
Preferred stocks
10,843

 
(50
)
 

 

 

 
(6,998
)
 

 

 
3,795

 
Total
20,213

 
(338
)
 

 

 

 
(6,998
)
 

 
1

 
12,878

 
Arbitrage trading account

 
(29
)
 

 

 
3,882

 
(11
)
 

 
(3,842
)
 

 
Total
$
20,385

 
$
(369
)
 
$
46

 
$

 
$
3,892

 
$
(7,134
)
 
$

 
$
(3,841
)
 
$
12,979

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$
183

 
$
3

 
$
34

 
$

 
$

 
$
(48
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
172

 
Total
183

 
3

 
34

 

 

 
(48
)
 

 

 
172

 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
8,754

 

 
616

 

 

 

 

 

 
9,370

 
Preferred stocks
3,662

 
8

 

 

 
7,173

 

 

 

 
10,843

 
Total
12,416

 
8

 
616

 

 
7,173

 

 

 

 
20,213

 
Arbitrage trading account

 
8

 

 

 

 
(8
)
 

 

 

 
Total
$
12,599

 
$
19

 
$
650

 
$

 
$
7,173

 
$
(56
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
20,385

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, one common stock in the arbitrage trading account was transferred out of Level 3 as the security became publicly traded on a stock exchange. For the year ended December 31, 2017, there were no transfers out of Level 3.


19



(16) Reserves for Loss and Loss Expenses
The Company's reserves for losses and loss expenses are comprised of case reserves and incurred but not reported liabilities ("IBNR"). When a claim is reported, a case reserve is established for the estimated ultimate payment based upon known information about the claim. As more information about the claim becomes available over time, case reserves are adjusted up or down as appropriate. Reserves are also established on an aggregate basis to provide for IBNR liabilities and expected loss reserve development on reported claims.
Loss reserves included in the Company’s financial statements represent management’s best estimates based upon an actuarially derived point estimate and other considerations. The Company uses a variety of actuarial techniques and methods to derive an actuarial point estimate for each operating unit. These methods include paid loss development, incurred loss development, paid and incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods and frequency and severity methods. In circumstances where one actuarial method is considered more credible than the others, that method is used to set the point estimate. The actuarial point estimate may also be based on a judgmental weighting of estimates produced from each of the methods considered. Industry loss experience is used to supplement the Company’s own data in selecting “tail factors” in areas where the Company’s own data is limited. The actuarial data is analyzed by line of business, coverage and accident or policy year, as appropriate, for each operating unit.
The establishment of the actuarially derived loss reserve point estimate also includes consideration of qualitative factors that may affect the ultimate losses. These qualitative considerations include, among others, the impact of re-underwriting initiatives, changes in the mix of business, changes in distribution sources and changes in policy terms and conditions.
The key assumptions used to arrive at the best estimate of loss reserves are the expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation, and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Expected loss ratios represent management’s expectation of losses at the time the business is priced and written, before any actual claims experience has emerged. This expectation is a significant determinant of the estimate of loss reserves for recently written business where there is little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Expected loss ratios are generally derived from historical loss ratios adjusted for the impact of rate changes, loss cost trends and known changes in the type of risks underwritten. Expected loss ratios are estimated for each key line of business within each operating unit. Expected loss cost inflation is particularly important for the long-tail lines, such as excess casualty, and claims with a high medical component, such as workers’ compensation. Reported and paid loss emergence patterns are used to project current reported or paid loss amounts to their ultimate settlement value. Loss development factors are based on the historical emergence patterns of paid and incurred losses, and are derived from the Company’s own experience and industry data. The paid loss emergence pattern is also significant to excess and assumed workers’ compensation reserves because those reserves are discounted to their estimated present value based upon such estimated payout patterns.
Loss frequency and severity are measures of loss activity that are considered in determining the key assumptions described in our discussion of loss and loss expense reserves, including expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Loss frequency is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss controls and safety programs and changes in economic activity or weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.
Another factor affecting estimates of loss frequency and severity is the loss reporting lag, which is the period of time between the occurrence of a loss and the date the loss is reported to the Company. The length of the loss reporting lag affects our ability to accurately predict loss frequency (loss frequencies are more predictable for lines with short reporting lags) as well as the amount of reserves needed for incurred but not reported losses (less IBNR is required for lines with short reporting lags). As a result, loss reserves for lines with short reporting lags are likely to have less variation from initial loss estimates. For lines with short reporting lags, which include commercial automobile, primary workers’ compensation, other liability (claims-made) and property business, the key assumption is the loss emergence pattern used to project ultimate loss estimates from known losses paid or reported to date. For lines of business with long reporting lags, which include other liability (occurrence), products liability, excess workers’ compensation and liability reinsurance, the key assumption is the expected loss ratio since there is often little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Historically, the Company has experienced less variation from its initial loss estimates for lines of businesses with short reporting lags than for lines of business with long reporting lags.
The key assumptions used in calculating the most recent estimate of the loss reserves are reviewed each quarter and adjusted, to the extent necessary, to reflect the latest reported loss data, current trends and other factors observed.

20



The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve balances:
 
September 30,
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
Net reserves at beginning of year
$
10,056,914

 
$
9,590,265

Net provision for losses and loss expenses:
 
 
 
Claims occurring during the current year (1)
2,917,231

 
2,998,687

Increase (decrease) in estimates for claims occurring in prior years (2) (3)
5,262

 
(7,648
)
Loss reserve discount accretion
32,082

 
34,436

Total
2,954,575

 
3,025,475

Net payments for claims:
 

 
 

Current year
597,859

 
628,078

Prior year
2,106,394

 
1,996,977

Total
2,704,253

 
2,625,055

Foreign currency translation
(101,071
)
 
57,789

Net reserves at end of period
10,206,165

 
10,048,474

Ceded reserves at end of period
1,665,997

 
1,605,872

Gross reserves at end of period
$
11,872,162

 
$
11,654,346

_______________________________________
(1) Claims occurring during the current year are net of loss reserve discounts of $19 million and $17 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(2) The increase (decrease) in estimates for claims occurring in prior years is net of loss reserve discount. On an undiscounted basis, the estimates for claims occurring in prior years decreased by $2 million and $31 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(3) For certain retrospectively rated insurance policies and reinsurance agreements, reserve development is offset by additional or return premiums. Favorable development, net of additional and return premiums, was $27 million and $31 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $27 million included $35 million of favorable development for the Insurance segment, partially offset by $8 million of adverse development for the Reinsurance segment. The favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to workers' compensation business. The favorable workers' compensation development was spread across many accident years, including prior to 2008, but was most significant in accident years 2015 through 2017. The favorable workers' compensation development reflects a continuation of the benign loss cost trends experienced during recent years, particularly the favorable claim frequency trends (i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure). It also reflects claims management initiatives implemented during the past few years. The adverse development for the Reinsurance segment was mainly driven by US casualty facultative business from accident years 2008 and prior related to construction projects.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $31 million included $62 million of favorable development for the Insurance segment, partially offset by $31 million of adverse development for the Reinsurance segment. The favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to workers' compensation business (including excess workers' compensation). The favorable workers' compensation development was spread across many accident years, including prior to 2008, but was most significant in accident years 2014 and 2015. The favorable workers' compensation development reflects a continuation of the benign loss cost trends experienced during 2016, particularly the favorable claim frequency trends (i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure). The adverse development for the Reinsurance segment was due to reserve strengthening associated with claims impacted by the change in the Ogden discount rate in the U.K., as well as adverse development in the U.S. facultative casualty excess of loss business. The Ogden rate is the discount rate used to calculate lump-sum bodily injury payouts in the U.K., and was reduced by the U.K. Ministry of Justice from +2.5% to -0.75%. The adverse development mostly related to U.K. motor bodily injury claims which we reinsured on an excess of loss basis in accident years 2012 through 2016. The adverse development on U.S. facultative casualty business related to construction-related risks in accident years 2008 and prior.


21



(17) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments:
  
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In thousands)
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
$
13,572,402

 
$
13,584,654

 
$
13,551,250

 
$
13,566,976

Equity securities
325,254

 
325,254

 
576,647

 
576,647

Arbitrage trading account
678,321

 
678,321

 
617,649

 
617,649

Loans receivable
96,590

 
98,878

 
79,684

 
82,047

Cash and cash equivalents
819,366

 
819,366

 
950,471

 
950,471

Trading account receivables from brokers and clearing organizations
191,394

 
191,394

 
189,280

 
189,280

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to broker
21,478

 
21,478

 
15,920

 
15,920

Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased
112,355

 
112,355

 
64,358

 
64,358

Subordinated debentures
907,304

 
913,344

 
728,218

 
769,060

Senior notes and other debt
1,790,498

 
1,876,579

 
1,769,052

 
1,945,313

The estimated fair values of the Company’s fixed maturity securities, equity securities and arbitrage trading account securities are based on various valuation techniques that rely on fair value measurements as described in Note 15. The fair value of loans receivable are estimated by using current institutional purchaser yield requirements for loans with similar credit characteristics, which is considered a Level 2 input. The fair value of the senior notes and other debt and the subordinated debentures is based on spreads for similar securities, which is considered a Level 2 input.

(18) Reinsurance
The following is a summary of reinsurance financial information:
 
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Written premiums:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct
$
1,746,197

 
$
1,679,389

 
$
5,318,698

 
$
5,127,465

Assumed
181,587

 
194,769

 
536,582

 
570,052

Ceded
(303,570
)
 
(302,975
)
 
(941,624
)
 
(915,245
)
Total net premiums written
$
1,624,214

 
$
1,571,183

 
$
4,913,656

 
$
4,782,272

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earned premiums:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct
$
1,735,576

 
$
1,692,453

 
$
5,115,403

 
$
4,972,755

Assumed
177,996

 
202,972

 
547,372

 
605,281

Ceded
(310,087
)
 
(313,925
)
 
(910,828
)
 
(857,792
)
Total net premiums earned
$
1,603,485

 
$
1,581,500

 
$
4,751,947

 
$
4,720,244

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred
$
186,538

 
$
247,104

 
$
586,607

 
$
424,905

Ceded commissions earned
$
68,938

 
$
63,222

 
$
201,216

 
$
177,524

The Company reinsures a portion of its insurance exposures in order to reduce its net liability on individual risks and catastrophe losses. The Company also cedes premiums to state assigned risk plans and captive insurance companies. Estimated amounts due from reinsurers are reported net of reserves for uncollectible reinsurance of $1 million as of both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.


22



(19) Restricted Stock Units
Pursuant to its stock incentive plan, the Company may issue restricted stock units ("RSUs") to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The RSUs generally vest three to five years from the award date and are subject to other vesting and forfeiture provisions contained in the award agreement. RSUs are expensed pro-ratably over the vesting period. RSU expenses were $26 million and $30 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. A summary of RSUs issued in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 follows:
($ in thousands)
Units
 
Fair Value
2018
757,294

 
$
57,796

2017
855,051

 
$
58,712


(20) Litigation and Contingent Liabilities
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to disputes, litigation and arbitration arising from its insurance and reinsurance businesses. These matters are generally related to insurance and reinsurance claims and are considered in the establishment of loss and loss expense reserves. In addition, the Company may also become involved in legal actions which seek extra-contractual damages, punitive damages or penalties, including claims alleging bad faith in handling of insurance claims. The Company expects its ultimate liability with respect to such matters will not be material to its financial condition. However, adverse outcomes on such matters are possible, from time to time, and could be material to the Company’s results of operations in any particular financial reporting period.

(21) Business Segments
The Company’s reportable segments include the following two business segments, plus a corporate segment:
Insurance - predominantly commercial insurance business, including excess and surplus lines, admitted lines and specialty personal lines throughout the United States, as well as insurance business in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, South America, Canada, Mexico, Scandinavia, Asia and Australia.
Reinsurance - reinsurance business on a facultative and treaty basis, primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, the Asia-Pacific Region and South Africa.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Income tax expense and benefits are calculated based upon the Company's overall effective tax rate.
Summary financial information about the Company's reporting segments is presented in the following tables. Income (loss) before income taxes by segment includes allocated investment income. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in or allocated to the operation of each segment.


23



  
Revenues
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Earned
Premiums
 
Investment
Income 
 
Other
 
Total (1)
 
Pre-Tax
Income
(Loss)
 
Net Income
(Loss) to Common Stockholders
Three months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance
$
1,488,658

 
$
146,319

 
$
19,447

 
$
1,654,424

 
$
226,856

 
$
178,571

Reinsurance
114,827

 
23,826

 

 
138,653

 
14,792

 
11,567

Corporate, other and eliminations (2)

 
15,979

 
106,512

 
122,491

 
(54,759
)
 
(45,862
)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

 

 
22,334

 
22,334

 
22,334

 
17,644

Total
$
1,603,485

 
$
186,124

 
$
148,293

 
$
1,937,902

 
$
209,223

 
$
161,920

Three months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance
$
1,433,729

 
$
105,924

 
$

 
$
1,539,653

 
$
171,478

 
$
123,240

Reinsurance
147,771

 
21,528

 

 
169,299

 
(57,643
)
 
(35,074
)
Corporate, other and eliminations (2)

 
15,027

 
123,404

 
138,431

 
(71,681
)
 
(45,685
)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

 

 
183,959

 
183,959

 
183,959

 
119,573

Total
$
1,581,500

 
$
142,479

 
$
307,363

 
$
2,031,342

 
$
226,113

 
$
162,054

Nine months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance
$
4,377,003

 
$
396,514

 
$
57,123

 
$
4,830,640

 
$
653,936

 
$
516,397

Reinsurance
374,944

 
70,599

 

 
445,543

 
50,687

 
40,005

Corporate, other and eliminations (2)

 
47,306

 
276,148

 
323,454

 
(195,597
)
 
(158,949
)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

 

 
140,429

 
140,429

 
140,429

 
110,939

Total
$
4,751,947

 
$
514,419

 
$
473,700

 
$
5,740,066

 
$
649,455

 
$
508,392

Nine months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance
$
4,262,485

 
$
320,552

 
$

 
$
4,583,037

 
$
557,605

 
$
381,736

Reinsurance
457,759

 
67,798

 

 
525,557

 
(38,279
)
 
(20,801
)
Corporate, other and eliminations (2)

 
38,251

 
326,203

 
364,454

 
(224,716
)
 
(146,324
)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

 

 
276,760

 
276,760

 
276,760

 
179,894

Total
$
4,720,244

 
$
426,601

 
$
602,963

 
$
5,749,808

 
$
571,370

 
$
394,505

_________________
(1)Revenues for Insurance from foreign countries for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $176 million and $166 million, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $535 million and $513 million, respectively. Revenues for Reinsurance from foreign countries for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $51 million and $49 million, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $163 million and $150 million, respectively.
(2)
Corporate, other and eliminations represent corporate revenues and expenses that are not allocated to business segments.
Identifiable Assets
(In thousands)
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Insurance
$
19,511,126

 
$
19,263,193

Reinsurance
2,940,606

 
3,169,731

Corporate, other and eliminations
2,403,917

 
1,866,993

Consolidated
$
24,855,649

 
$
24,299,917



24



Net premiums earned by major line of business are as follows:
 
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liability
$
482,255

 
$
466,616

 
$
1,421,144

 
$
1,378,505

Workers’ compensation
378,922

 
378,529

 
1,122,217

 
1,106,616

Short-tail lines (1)
299,856

 
276,737

 
883,359

 
856,150

Commercial automobile
185,069

 
174,400

 
536,079

 
514,570

Professional liability
142,556

 
137,447

 
414,204

 
406,644

Total Insurance
1,488,658

 
1,433,729

 
4,377,003

 
4,262,485

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casualty
87,039

 
94,478

 
264,450

 
282,430

Property
27,788

 
53,293

 
110,494

 
175,329

Total Reinsurance
114,827

 
147,771

 
374,944

 
457,759

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
1,603,485

 
$
1,581,500

 
$
4,751,947

 
$
4,720,244

______________
(1) Short-tail lines include commercial multi-peril (non-liability), inland marine, accident and health, fidelity and surety, boiler and machinery and other lines.


25



SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
    
This is a “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including statements related to our outlook for the industry and for our performance for the year 2018 and beyond, are based upon the Company’s historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. They are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: the cyclical nature of the property casualty industry; the impact of significant competition, including new alternative entrants to the industry; the long-tail and potentially volatile nature of the insurance and reinsurance business; product demand and pricing; claims development and the process of estimating reserves; investment risks, including those of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities and investments in equity securities, including investments in financial institutions, municipal bonds, mortgage-backed securities, loans receivable, investment funds, including real estate, merger arbitrage, energy related and private equity investments; the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues; the uncertain nature of damage theories and loss amounts; natural and man-made catastrophic losses, including as a result of terrorist activities; general economic and market activities, including inflation, interest rates, and volatility in the credit and capital markets; the impact of the conditions in the financial markets and the global economy, and the potential effect of legislative, regulatory, accounting or other initiatives taken in response, on our results and financial condition; foreign currency and political risks (including those associated with the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, or "Brexit") relating to our international operations; our ability to attract and retain key personnel and qualified employees; continued availability of capital and financing; the success of our new ventures or acquisitions and the availability of other opportunities; the availability of reinsurance; our retention under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015; the ability of our reinsurers to pay reinsurance recoverables owed to us; other legislative and regulatory developments, including those related to business practices in the insurance industry; credit risk related to our policyholders, independent agents and brokers; changes in the ratings assigned to us or our insurance company subsidiaries by rating agencies; the availability of dividends from our insurance company subsidiaries; potential difficulties with technology and/or data security; the effectiveness of our controls to ensure compliance with guidelines, policies and legal and regulatory standards; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results for the year 2018 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement we make. Any projections of growth in our revenues would not necessarily result in commensurate levels of earnings. Our future financial performance is dependent upon factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and our other SEC filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except to the extent required by applicable laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

26



Item 2.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview
W. R. Berkley Corporation is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates worldwide in two segments of the property and casualty business: Insurance and Reinsurance. Our decentralized structure provides us with the flexibility to respond quickly and efficiently to local or specific market conditions and to pursue specialty business niches. It also allows us to be closer to our customers in order to better understand their individual needs and risk characteristics. While providing our business units with certain operating autonomy, our structure allows us to capitalize on the benefits of economies of scale through centralized capital, investment, reinsurance, enterprise risk management, and actuarial, financial and corporate legal staff support. The Company’s primary sources of revenues and earnings are its insurance operations and its investments.
An important part of our strategy is to form new operating units to capitalize on various business opportunities. Over the years, the Company has formed numerous operating units that are focused on important parts of the economy in the U.S., including healthcare, cyber security, energy and agriculture, and on growing international markets, including the Asia-Pacific region, South America and Mexico.
The profitability of the Company’s insurance business is affected primarily by the adequacy of premium rates. The ultimate adequacy of premium rates is not known with certainty at the time an insurance policy is issued because premiums are determined before claims are reported. The ultimate adequacy of premium rates is affected mainly by the severity and frequency of claims, which are influenced by many factors, including natural and other disasters, regulatory measures and court decisions that define and change the extent of coverage and the effects of economic inflation on the amount of compensation for injuries or losses. General insurance prices are also influenced by available insurance capacity, i.e., the level of statutory capital and surplus employed in the industry, and the industry’s willingness to deploy that capital.
The Company’s profitability is also affected by its investment income and investment gains. The Company’s invested assets are invested principally in fixed maturity securities. The return on fixed maturity securities is affected primarily by general interest rates, as well as the credit quality and duration of the securities. Returns available on fixed maturity investments have been at historically low levels for an extended period, although recently interest rates have increased.
The Company invests in equity securities, merger arbitrage securities, investment funds (including energy related funds), private equity, loans and real estate related assets. The Company's investments in investment funds and its other alternative investments have experienced, and the Company expects to continue to experience, greater fluctuations in investment income.
Through the second quarter of 2018, the Company used the Argentine peso (“ARS”) as its functional currency for its business in Argentina and translated the financial statements of its Argentine operations into U.S. dollars ("USD"). Exchange rate movements through the second quarter of 2018 between the ARS and USD had been recorded as a currency translation gain or loss, which is a component of AOCI. Based on recent ARS inflation rate movements, the Company concluded that, effective July 1, 2018, the Argentine economy is considered highly inflationary under GAAP. This conclusion required the Company to change the functional currency of its Argentine operations to USD commencing July 1, 2018, and accordingly, the Company recognized foreign exchange gains and losses in earnings for any transactions in the Argentine operations that are not USD denominated.
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new accounting standards including ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Customers, ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments and ASU 2018-02, Reporting Comprehensive Income. Refer to Note 3 in the financial statements for further information on the accounting guidance and impact of their adoption on the Company's results and financial position.

Critical Accounting Estimates
The following presents a discussion of accounting policies and estimates relating to reserves for losses and loss expenses, assumed premiums and other-than-temporary impairments of investments. Management believes these policies and estimates are the most critical to its operations and require the most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses. To recognize liabilities for unpaid losses, either known or unknown, insurers establish reserves, which is a balance sheet account representing estimates of future amounts needed to pay claims and related expenses with respect to insured events which have occurred. Estimates and assumptions relating to reserves for losses and loss expenses are based on complex and subjective judgments, often including the interplay of specific uncertainties with related accounting and actuarial measurements. Such estimates are also susceptible to change as significant periods of time may

27



elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the report of the loss to the insurer, the ultimate determination of the cost of the loss and the insurer’s payment of that loss.
In general, when a claim is reported, claims personnel establish a “case reserve” for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment based upon known information about the claim at that time. The estimate represents an informed judgment based on general reserving practices and reflects the experience and knowledge of the claims personnel regarding the nature and value of the specific type of claim. Reserves are also established on an aggregate basis to provide for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) to the insurer, potential inadequacy of case reserves and the estimated expenses of settling claims, including legal and other fees and general expenses of administrating the claims adjustment process. Reserves are established based upon the then current legal interpretation of coverage provided.
In examining reserve adequacy, several factors are considered in estimating the ultimate economic value of losses. These factors include, among other things, historical data, legal developments, changes in social attitudes and economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. The actuarial process relies on the basic assumption that past experience, adjusted judgmentally for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future outcomes. Reserve amounts are based on management’s informed estimates and judgments using currently available data. As additional experience and other data become available and are reviewed, these estimates and judgments may be revised. This may result in reserve increases or decreases that would be reflected in our results in periods in which such estimates and assumptions are changed.
Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Rather, reserves represent an estimate of what management expects the ultimate settlement and claim administration will cost. While the methods for establishing reserves are well tested over time, some of the major assumptions about anticipated loss emergence patterns are subject to uncertainty. These estimates, which generally involve actuarial projections, are based on management’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, as well as estimates of trends in claims severity and frequency, judicial theories of liability and other factors, including the actions of third parties which are beyond the Company’s control. These variables are affected by external and internal events, such as inflation and economic volatility, judicial and litigation trends, reinsurance coverage, legislative changes and claim handling and reserving practices, which make it more difficult to accurately predict claim costs. The inherent uncertainties of estimating reserves are greater for certain types of liabilities where long periods of time elapse before a definitive determination of liability is made. Because setting reserves is inherently uncertain, the Company cannot provide assurance that its current reserves will prove adequate in light of subsequent events.
Loss reserves included in the Company’s financial statements represent management’s best estimates based upon an actuarially derived point estimate and other considerations. The Company uses a variety of actuarial techniques and methods to derive an actuarial point estimate for each operating unit. These methods include paid loss development, incurred loss development, paid and incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods and frequency and severity methods. In circumstances where one actuarial method is considered more credible than the others, that method is used to set the point estimate. For example, the paid loss and incurred loss development methods rely on historical paid and incurred loss data. For new lines of business, where there is insufficient history of paid and incurred claims data, or in circumstances where there have been significant changes in claim practices, the paid and incurred loss development methods would be less credible than other actuarial methods. The actuarial point estimate may also be based on a judgmental weighting of estimates produced from each of the methods considered. Industry loss experience is used to supplement the Company’s own data in selecting “tail factors” and in areas where the Company’s own data is limited. The actuarial data is analyzed by line of business, coverage and accident or policy year, as appropriate, for each operating unit.
The establishment of the actuarially derived loss reserve point estimate also includes consideration of qualitative factors that may affect the ultimate losses. These qualitative considerations include, among others, the impact of re-underwriting initiatives, changes in the mix of business, changes in distribution sources and changes in policy terms and conditions. Examples of changes in terms and conditions that can have a significant impact on reserve levels are the use of aggregate policy limits, the expansion of coverage exclusions, whether or not defense costs are within policy limits, and changes in deductibles and attachment points.
The key assumptions used to arrive at the best estimate of loss reserves are the expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation, and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Expected loss ratios represent management’s expectation of losses at the time the business is written, before any actual claims experience has emerged. This expectation is a significant determinant of the estimate of loss reserves for recently written business where there is little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Expected loss ratios are generally derived from historical loss ratios adjusted for the impact of rate changes, loss cost trends and known changes in the type of risks underwritten. Expected loss ratios are estimated for each key line of business within each operating unit. Expected loss cost inflation is particularly important for the long-tail lines, such as excess casualty, and claims with a high medical component, such as workers’ compensation. Reported and paid loss emergence patterns are used to project current

28



reported or paid loss amounts to their ultimate settlement value. Loss development factors are based on the historical emergence patterns of paid and incurred losses, and are derived from the Company’s own experience and industry data. The paid loss emergence pattern is also significant to excess and assumed workers’ compensation reserves because those reserves are discounted to their estimated present value based upon such estimated payout patterns. Management believes the estimates and assumptions it makes in the reserving process provide the best estimate of the ultimate cost of settling claims and related expenses with respect to insured events which have occurred; however, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different reserve estimates.
Loss frequency and severity are measures of loss activity that are considered in determining the key assumptions described in our discussion of loss and loss expense reserves, including expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Loss frequency is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss controls and safety programs and changes in economic activity or weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.
Another factor affecting estimates of loss frequency and severity is the loss reporting lag, which is the period of time between the occurrence of a loss and the date the loss is reported to the Company. The length of the loss reporting lag affects our ability to accurately predict loss frequency (loss frequencies are more predictable for lines with short reporting lags) as well as the amount of reserves needed for incurred but not reported losses (less IBNR is required for lines with short reporting lags). As a result, loss reserves for lines with short reporting lags are likely to have less variation from initial loss estimates. For lines with short reporting lags, which include commercial automobile, primary workers’ compensation, other liability (claims-made) and property business, the key assumption is the loss emergence pattern used to project ultimate loss estimates from known losses paid or reported to date. For lines of business with long reporting lags, which include other liability (occurrence), products liability, excess workers’ compensation and liability reinsurance, the key assumption is the expected loss ratio since there is often little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Historically, the Company has experienced less variation from its initial loss estimates for lines of businesses with short reporting lags than for lines of business with long reporting lags.
The key assumptions used in calculating the most recent estimate of the loss reserves are reviewed each quarter and adjusted, to the extent necessary, to reflect the latest reported loss data, current trends and other factors observed. If the actual level of loss frequency and severity are higher or lower than expected, the ultimate losses will be different than management’s estimate. The following table reflects the impact of changes (which could be favorable or unfavorable) in frequency and severity, relative to our assumptions, on our loss estimate for claims occurring in 2017:
(In thousands)
Frequency (+/-)
Severity (+/-)
1%
 
5%
 
10%
1%
$
79,667

 
$
239,794

 
$
439,953

5%
239,794

 
406,263

 
614,349

10%
439,953

 
614,349

 
832,344

Our net reserves for losses and loss expenses of approximately $10.2 billion as of September 30, 2018 relate to multiple accident years. Therefore, the impact of changes in frequency or severity for more than one accident year could be higher or lower than the amounts reflected above. The impact of such changes would likely be manifested gradually over the course of many years, as the magnitude of the changes became evident.
Approximately $1.6 billion, or 16%, of the Company’s net loss reserves as of September 30, 2018 relate to the Reinsurance segment. There is a higher degree of uncertainty and greater variability regarding estimates of assumed loss reserves because those estimates are based, in part, upon information received from ceding companies. If information received from ceding companies is not timely or correct, the Company’s estimate of ultimate losses may not be accurate. Furthermore, due to delayed reporting of claim information by ceding companies, the claim settlement tail for assumed reinsurance is extended. Management considers the impact of delayed reporting in its selection of assumed loss development factors.
Information received from ceding companies is used to set initial expected loss ratios, to establish case reserves and to estimate reserves for incurred but not reported losses on assumed reinsurance business. This information, which is generally provided through reinsurance intermediaries, is gathered through the underwriting process and from periodic claim reports and other correspondence with ceding companies. The Company performs underwriting and claim audits of selected ceding companies to determine the accuracy and completeness of information provided to the Company. The information received from the ceding companies is supplemented by the Company’s own loss development experience with similar lines of business as well as industry loss trends and loss development benchmarks.

29



Following is a summary of the Company’s reserves for losses and loss expenses by business segment:
(In thousands)
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Insurance
$
8,613,278

 
$
8,341,622

Reinsurance
1,592,887

 
1,715,292

Net reserves for losses and loss expenses
10,206,165

 
10,056,914

Ceded reserves for losses and loss expenses
1,665,997

 
1,613,494

Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses
$
11,872,162

 
$
11,670,408

Following is a summary of the Company’s net reserves for losses and loss expenses by major line of business:
(In thousands)
Reported Case
Reserves
 
Incurred But
Not Reported
 
Total
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
Other liability
$
1,325,565

 
$
2,309,225

 
$
3,634,790

Workers’ compensation (1)
1,556,809

 
1,262,943

 
2,819,752

Professional liability
307,793

 
642,323

 
950,116

Commercial automobile
355,611

 
286,825

 
642,436

Short-tail lines (2)
275,180

 
291,004

 
566,184

Total Insurance
3,820,958

 
4,792,320

 
8,613,278

Reinsurance (1)
878,508

 
714,379

 
1,592,887

Total
$
4,699,466

 
$
5,506,699

 
$
10,206,165

 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
Other liability
$
1,261,957

 
$
2,189,596

 
$
3,451,553

Workers’ compensation (1)
1,543,379

 
1,242,501

 
2,785,880

Professional liability
295,269

 
618,107

 
913,376

Commercial automobile
364,900

 
269,942

 
634,842

Short-tail lines (2)
297,777

 
258,194

 
555,971

Total Insurance
3,763,282

 
4,578,340

 
8,341,622

Reinsurance (1)
919,497

 
795,795

 
1,715,292

Total
$
4,682,779

 
$
5,374,135

 
$
10,056,914

___________
(1) Reserves for workers’ compensation and reinsurance are net of an aggregate net discount of $571 million and $591 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(2) Short-tail lines include commercial multi-peril (non-liability), inland marine, accident and health, fidelity and surety, boiler and machinery and other lines.
The Company evaluates reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses on a quarterly basis. Changes in estimates of prior year losses are reported when such changes are made. The changes in prior year loss reserve estimates are generally the result of ongoing analysis of recent loss development trends. Original estimates are increased or decreased as additional information becomes known regarding individual claims and aggregate claim trends.
Certain of the Company's insurance and reinsurance contracts are retrospectively rated, whereby the Company collects more or less premiums based on the level of loss activity. For those contracts, changes in loss and loss adjustment expenses for prior years may be fully or partially offset by additional or return premiums.
Net prior year development (i.e. the sum of prior year reserve changes and prior year earned premiums changes) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
Net (increase) decrease in prior year loss reserves
$
(5,262
)
 
$
7,648

Increase in prior year earned premiums
31,880

 
22,940

Net favorable prior year development
$
26,618

 
$
30,588

    

30



During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $27 million included $35 million of favorable development for the Insurance segment, partially offset by $8 million of adverse development for the Reinsurance segment. The favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to workers' compensation business. The favorable workers' compensation development was spread across many accident years, including prior to 2008, but was most significant in accident years 2015 through 2017. The favorable workers' compensation development reflects a continuation of the benign loss cost trends experienced during recent years, particularly the favorable claim frequency trends (i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure). It also reflects claims management initiatives implemented during the past few years. The adverse development for the Reinsurance segment was mainly driven by US casualty facultative business from accident years 2008 and prior related to construction projects.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $31 million included $62 million of favorable development for the Insurance segment, partially offset by $31 million of adverse development for the Reinsurance segment. The favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to workers' compensation business (including excess workers' compensation). The favorable workers' compensation development was spread across many accident years, including prior to 2008, but was most significant in accident years 2014 and 2015. The favorable workers' compensation development reflects a continuation of the benign loss cost trends experienced during 2016, particularly the favorable claim frequency trends (i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure). The adverse development for the Reinsurance segment was due to reserve strengthening associated with claims impacted by the change in the Ogden discount rate in the U.K., as well as adverse development in the U.S. facultative casualty excess of loss business. The Ogden rate is the discount rate used to calculate lump-sum bodily injury payouts in the U.K., and was reduced by the U.K. Ministry of Justice from +2.5% to -0.75%. The adverse development mostly related to U.K. motor bodily injury claims which we reinsured on an excess of loss basis in accident years 2012 through 2016. The adverse development on U.S. facultative casualty business related to construction-related risks in accident years 2008 and prior.
Reserve Discount. The Company discounts its liabilities for certain workers’ compensation reserves. The amount of workers’ compensation reserves that were discounted was $1,814 million and $1,855 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The aggregate net discount for those reserves, after reflecting the effects of ceded reinsurance, was $571 million and $591 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. At September 30, 2018, discount rates by year ranged from 2.0% to 6.5%, with a weighted average discount rate of 3.8%.
Substantially all of the workers’ compensation discount (97% of total discounted reserves at September 30, 2018) relates to excess workers’ compensation reserves. In order to properly match loss expenses with income earned on investment securities supporting the liabilities, reserves for excess workers’ compensation business are discounted using risk-free discount rates determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve. These rates are determined annually based on the weighted average rate for the period. Once established, no adjustments are made to the discount rate for that period, and any increases or decreases in loss reserves in subsequent years are discounted at the same rate, without regard to when any such adjustments are recognized. The expected loss and loss expense payout patterns subject to discounting are derived from the Company’s loss payout experience.
The Company also discounts reserves for certain other long-duration workers’ compensation reserves (representing approximately 3% of total discounted reserves at September 30, 2018), including reserves for quota share reinsurance and reserves related to losses regarding occupational lung disease. These reserves are discounted at statutory rates permitted by the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware.
Assumed Reinsurance Premiums. The Company estimates the amount of assumed reinsurance premiums that it will receive under treaty reinsurance agreements at the inception of the contracts. These premium estimates are revised as the actual amount of assumed premiums is reported to the Company by the ceding companies. As estimates of assumed premiums are made or revised, the related amount of earned premiums, commissions and incurred losses associated with those premiums are recorded. Estimated assumed premiums receivable were approximately $45 million at September 30, 2018 and $56 million at December 31, 2017. The assumed premium estimates are based upon terms set forth in reinsurance agreements, information received from ceding companies during the underwriting and negotiation of agreements, reports received from ceding companies and discussions and correspondence with reinsurance intermediaries. The Company also considers its own view of market conditions, economic trends and experience with similar lines of business. These premium estimates represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate amount of premiums to be received under its assumed reinsurance agreements.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (OTTI) of Investments. The cost of securities is adjusted where appropriate to include a provision for decline in value which is considered to be other-than-temporary. An other-than-temporary decline is

31



considered to occur in investments where there has been a sustained reduction in fair value and where the Company does not expect the fair value to recover prior to the time of sale or maturity.
The Company classifies its fixed maturity securities by credit rating, primarily based on ratings assigned by credit rating agencies. For purposes of classifying securities with different ratings, the Company uses the average of the credit ratings assigned, unless in limited situations the Company’s own analysis indicates an internal rating is more appropriate. Securities that are not rated by a rating agency are evaluated and classified by the Company on a case-by-case basis.
Fixed Maturity Securities – For securities that we intend to sell or, more likely than not, would be required to sell, a decline in value below amortized cost is considered to be OTTI. The amount of OTTI is equal to the difference between amortized cost and fair value at the balance sheet date. For securities that we do not intend to sell or expect to be required to sell, a decline in value below amortized cost is considered to be an OTTI if we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of a security (i.e., the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis of the security).
The portion of the decline in value considered to be a credit loss (i.e., the difference between the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the security) is recognized in earnings. The portion of the decline in value not considered to be a credit loss (i.e., the difference in the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the fair value of the security) is recognized in other comprehensive income.
Impairment assessments for structured securities, including mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and corporate debt, are generally evaluated based on the performance of the underlying collateral under various economic and default scenarios that may involve subjective judgments and estimates by management. Modeling these securities involves various factors, such as projected default rates, the nature and realizable value of the collateral, if any, the ability of the issuer to make scheduled payments, historical performance and other relevant economic and performance factors. If an OTTI determination is made, a discounted cash flow analysis is used to ascertain the amount of the credit impairment.
The following table provides a summary of fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2018:
($ in thousands)
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
 Gross Unrealized Loss
Unrealized loss less than 20% of amortized cost
1,175

 
$
8,547,309

 
$
187,215

Unrealized loss of 20% or greater of amortized cost:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months
17

 
32,589

 
13,514

Twelve months and longer
2

 
3

 
4

Total
1,194

 
$
8,579,901

 
$
200,733

A summary of the Company’s non-investment grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2018 is presented in the table below:
($ in thousands)
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
 Gross Unrealized Loss
Foreign government
20

 
$
172,462

 
$
20,688

Corporate
14

 
80,945

 
6,547

Asset-backed securities
7

 
10,930

 
156

Mortgage-backed securities
4

 
3,270

 
30

Total
45

 
$
267,607

 
$
27,421

The Company has evaluated its fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and believes the unrealized loss is due primarily to temporary market and sector-related factors rather than to issuer-specific factors. None of these securities are delinquent or in default under financial covenants. Based on its assessment of these issuers, the Company expects them to continue to meet their contractual payment obligations as they become due and does not consider any of these securities to be OTTI.
Loans Receivable – The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable, including current market conditions for each loan and the ability to collect principal and interest. For loans where the Company determines it is probable that the contractual terms will not be met, an analysis is performed and a valuation reserve is established, if necessary, with a

32



charge to earnings. Loans receivable are reported net of a valuation reserve of $3 million at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable and assesses the ability of each borrower to pay principal and interest based upon loan structure, underlying property values, cash flow and related financial and operating performance of the property and market conditions. Loans receivable with a potential for default are further assessed using discounted cash flow analysis and comparable cost and sales methodologies, if appropriate.
Fair Value Measurements. The Company’s fixed maturity available for sale securities, equity securities, and its trading account securities are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for similar assets in active markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs may only be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available. The fair value of the vast majority of the Company’s portfolio is based on observable data (other than quoted prices) and, accordingly, is classified as Level 2.
In classifying particular financial securities in the fair value hierarchy, the Company uses its judgment to determine whether the market for a security is active and whether significant pricing inputs are observable. The Company determines the existence of an active market by assessing whether transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information. The Company determines whether inputs are observable based on the use of such information by pricing services and external investment managers, the uninterrupted availability of such inputs, the need to make significant adjustments to such inputs and the volatility of such inputs over time. If the market for a security is determined to be inactive or if significant inputs used to price a security are determined to be unobservable, the security is categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Because many fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis, the Company utilizes pricing models and processes which may include benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. Market inputs used to evaluate securities include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. Quoted prices are often unavailable for recently issued securities that are infrequently traded or securities that are only traded in private transactions. For publicly traded securities for which quoted prices are unavailable, the Company determines fair value based on independent broker quotations and other observable market data. For securities traded only in private negotiations, the Company determines fair value based primarily on the cost of such securities, which is adjusted to reflect prices of recent placements of securities of the same issuer, financial data, projections and business developments of the issuer and other relevant information.
The following is a summary of pricing sources for the Company's fixed maturity securities available for sale as of September 30, 2018:
($ in thousands)
Carrying
Value
 
Percent
of Total
Pricing source:
 
 
 
Independent pricing services
$
13,324,779

 
98.8
%
Syndicate manager
34,846

 
0.2

Directly by the Company based on:
 
 
 
Observable data
133,887

 
1.0

Cash flow model
101

 

Total
$
13,493,613

 
100.0
%


33



Independent pricing services – Substantially all of the Company’s fixed maturity securities available for sale were priced by independent pricing services (generally one U.S. pricing service plus additional pricing services with respect to a limited number of foreign securities held by the Company). The prices provided by the independent pricing services are generally based on observable market data in active markets (e.g., broker quotes and prices observed for comparable securities). The determination of whether markets are active or inactive is based upon the volume and level of activity for a particular asset class. The Company reviews the prices provided by pricing services for reasonableness based upon current trading levels for similar securities. If the prices appear unusual to the Company, they are re-examined and the value is either confirmed or revised. In addition, the Company periodically performs independent price tests of a sample of securities to ensure proper valuation and to verify our understanding of how securities are priced. As of September 30, 2018, the Company did not make any adjustments to the prices provided by the pricing services. Based upon the Company’s review of the methodologies used by the independent pricing services, these securities were classified as Level 2.
Syndicate manager – The Company has a 15% participation in a Lloyd’s syndicate, and the Company’s share of the securities owned by the syndicate is priced by the syndicate’s manager. The majority of the securities are liquid, short duration fixed maturity securities. The Company reviews the syndicate manager’s pricing methodology and audited financial statements and holds discussions with the syndicate manager as necessary to confirm its understanding and agreement with security prices. Based upon the Company’s review of the methodologies used by the syndicate manager, these securities were classified as Level 2.
Observable data – If independent pricing is not available, the Company prices the securities directly. Prices are based on observable market data where available, including current trading levels for similar securities and non-binding quotations from brokers. The Company generally requests two or more quotes. If more than one quote is received, the Company sets a price within the range of quotes received based on its assessment of the credibility of the quote and its own evaluation of the security. The Company generally does not adjust quotes obtained from brokers. Since these securities were priced based on observable data, they were classified as Level 2.
Cash flow model – If the above methodologies are not available, the Company prices securities using a discounted cash flow model based upon assumptions as to prevailing credit spreads, interest rates and interest rate volatility, time to maturity and subordination levels. Discount rates are adjusted to reflect illiquidity where appropriate. These securities were classified as Level 3.



34



Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Business Segment Results
Following is a summary of gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, loss ratios (losses and loss expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of premiums earned), expense ratios (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) and GAAP combined ratios (sum of loss ratio and expense ratio) for each of our business segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The GAAP combined ratio represents a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding investment income. A GAAP combined ratio in excess of 100 indicates an underwriting loss; a number below 100 indicates an underwriting profit.
($ in thousands)
2018
 
2017
Insurance:
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
5,453,303

 
$
5,233,692

Net premiums written
4,561,370

 
4,364,638

Net premiums earned
4,377,003

 
4,262,485

Loss ratio
61.8
%
 
61.7
%
Expense ratio
32.5
%
 
32.8
%
GAAP combined ratio
94.3
%
 
94.5
%
Reinsurance:
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
401,977

 
$
463,825

Net premiums written
352,286

 
417,634

Net premiums earned
374,944

 
457,759

Loss ratio
67.1
%
 
86.1
%
Expense ratio
38.2
%
 
37.1
%
GAAP combined ratio
105.3
%
 
123.2
%
Consolidated:
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
5,855,280

 
$
5,697,517

Net premiums written
4,913,656

 
4,782,272

Net premiums earned
4,751,947

 
4,720,244

Loss ratio
62.2
%
 
64.1
%
Expense ratio
33.0
%
 
33.2
%
GAAP combined ratio
95.2
%
 
97.3
%
Net Income to Common Stockholders. The following table presents the Company’s net income to common stockholders and net income per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
(In thousands, except per share data)
2018
 
2017
Net income to common stockholders
$
508,392

 
$
394,505

Weighted average diluted shares
128,404

 
129,289

Net income per diluted share
$
3.96

 
$
3.05

The Company reported net income to common stockholders of $508 million in 2018 compared to $395 million in 2017. The 29% increase in net income was primarily due to an after-tax increase in underwriting income of $82 million, an after-tax increase in net investment income of $69 million mainly driven by growth in the fixed maturity security portfolio, higher interest rates and an increase in investment funds, a $29 million increase in after-tax foreign currency gains, and a $52 million decrease in tax expense primarily due to the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, partially offset by a decrease in after-tax net investment gains of $108 million, an after-tax increase in interest expense of $5 million, an after-tax increase in corporate expenses of $3 million, and an after-tax reduction in insurance service fee income of $2 million. The number of weighted average diluted shares decreased slightly primarily due to share repurchases.
Premiums. Gross premiums written were $5,855 million in 2018, an increase of 3% from $5,698 million in 2017. The increase was due to an increase in the Insurance segment of $220 million, partially offset by a decrease in the Reinsurance segment of $62 million. The renewal retention rate was approximately 77.7% for policies expiring in 2018 and 2017.
Average renewal premium rates for insurance and facultative reinsurance increased 2.5% in 2018 when adjusted for change in exposures, and increased 4.1% excluding workers' compensation.

35



A summary of gross premiums written in 2018 compared with 2017 by line of business within each business segment follows:
Insurance - gross premiums increased 4% to $5,453 million in 2018 from $5,234 million in 2017. Gross premiums increased $106 million (7%) for other liability, $58 million (10%) for professional liability, $53 million (4%) for short-tail lines, and $46 million (8%) for commercial auto and decreased $44 million (3%) for workers' compensation.
Reinsurance - gross premiums decreased 13% to $402 million in 2018 from $464 million in 2017. Gross premiums decreased $35 million (22%) for property lines and $27 million (9%) for casualty lines.
Net premiums written were $4,914 million in 2018, an increase of 3% from $4,782 million in 2017. Ceded reinsurance premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums were 16% in both 2018 and 2017.
Premiums earned increased less than 1% to $4,752 million in 2018 from $4,720 million in 2017. Insurance premiums (including the impact of rate changes) are generally earned evenly over the policy term, and accordingly, recent rate increases will be earned over the upcoming quarters. Premiums earned in 2018 are related to business written during both 2018 and 2017. Audit premiums were $149 million in 2018 compared with $137 million in 2017.
Net Investment Income. Following is a summary of net investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
Amount
 
Average Annualized
Yield
($ in thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable
$
384,748

 
$
347,976

 
3.6
%
 
3.3
%
Investment funds
94,075

 
50,744

 
10.3

 
5.5

Arbitrage trading account
21,156

 
16,235

 
4.4

 
4.0

Real estate
15,339

 
14,894

 
1.1

 
1.6

Equity securities
2,208

 
1,845

 
1.3

 
1.2

Gross investment income
517,526

 
431,694

 
3.8

 
3.3

Investment expenses
(3,107
)
 
(5,093
)
 

 

Total
$
514,419

 
$
426,601

 
3.8
%
 
3.3
%
Net investment income increased 21% to $514 million in 2018 from $427 million in 2017 due primarily to a $43 million increase in income from investment funds mainly from real estate, energy and aviation funds, a $37 million increase in income from fixed maturity securities mainly driven by growth in the fixed maturity security portfolio and higher interest rates, a $5 million increase from the arbitrage trading account and a $2 million decrease in investment expenses. The Company has maintained a shortened duration of its fixed maturity security portfolio. This has reduced the potential impact of mark-to-market on the portfolio and positioned the Company to take advantage of rising interest rates. Average invested assets, at cost (including cash and cash equivalents), were $18.3 billion in 2018 and $17.4 billion in 2017.
Insurance Service Fees. The Company earns fees from an insurance distribution business, a third-party administrator and as a servicing carrier of workers' compensation assigned risk plans for certain states. Insurance service fees decreased to $91 million in 2018 from $100 million in 2017.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investments. The Company buys and sells securities and other investment assets on a regular basis in order to maximize its total return on investments. Decisions to sell securities and other investment assets are based on management’s view of the underlying fundamentals of specific investments as well as management’s expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads, currency values and general economic conditions. Net realized and unrealized gains on investments were $140 million in 2018 compared with $277 million in 2017. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new accounting guidance that requires all equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those equity securities accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). The gains of $140 million in 2018 reflect net realized gains on investment sales of $420 million reduced by a change in unrealized gains on equity securities of $280 million.
    

36



Revenues from Non-Insurance Businesses. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were derived from businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that provide services to aviation markets, including (i) the distribution, manufacturing, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and components, (ii) the sale of new and used aircraft, and (iii) avionics, fuel, maintenance, storage and charter services. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were $242 million in 2018 and $225 million in 2017. The increase mainly relates to revenues from the textile business purchased in March 2017.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses decreased to $2,955 million in 2018 from $3,025 million in 2017. The consolidated loss ratio was 62.2% in 2018 and 64.1% in 2017. Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums, were $60 million in 2018 and $167 million in 2017. The more significant 2017 catastrophe losses largely related to hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, along with two earthquakes in Mexico. Favorable prior year reserve development (net of premium offsets) was $27 million in 2018 and $31 million in 2017. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.3 points to 61.5% in 2018 from 61.2% in 2017.
A summary of loss ratios in 2018 compared with 2017 by business segment follows:
Insurance - The loss ratio was 61.8% in 2018 and 61.7% in 2017. Catastrophe losses were $50 million in 2018 compared with $94 million in 2017. Favorable prior year reserve development was $35 million in 2018 and $62 million in 2017. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.4 points to 61.4% in 2018 from 61.0% in 2017.
Reinsurance - The loss ratio of 67.1% in 2018 was 19 points lower than the loss ratio of 86.1% in 2017. Catastrophe losses were $10 million in 2018 compared with $73 million in 2017. Adverse prior year reserve development was $8 million in 2018 and $31 million in 2017. The 2017 adverse development largely related to the impact of the change in the Ogden discount rate in the U.K. and the U.S. facultative casualty excess of loss business. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development decreased 0.9 points to 62.4% in 2018 from 63.3% in 2017.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses. Following is a summary of other operating costs and expenses:
($ in thousands)
2018
 
2017
Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses
$
1,566,473

 
$
1,567,359

Insurance service expenses
90,970

 
97,308

Net foreign currency (gains) losses
(22,033
)
 
14,255

Other costs and expenses
145,820

 
142,233

Total
$
1,781,230

 
$
1,821,155

Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses are comprised of commissions paid to agents and brokers, premium taxes and other assessments and internal underwriting costs. The percentage change of policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses remained flat and net premiums earned increased less than 1% from 2017. The expense ratio (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) was 33.0% in 2018 and 33.2% in 2017.
Service expenses, which represent the costs associated with the fee-based businesses, decreased to $91 million in 2018 from $97 million in 2017.
Net foreign currency (gains) losses result from transactions denominated in a currency other than a company's operating functional currency. Net foreign currency gains were $22 million in 2018 compared to losses of $14 million in 2017, resulting from the strengthening U.S. dollar and the change of functional currency for the Company's Argentine operations to the U.S. dollar as of July 1, 2018. The Argentine economy was determined to be highly inflationary under GAAP requiring the change in functional currency beginning with the third quarter of 2018.
Other costs and expenses represent general and administrative expenses of the parent company and other expenses not allocated to business segments, including the cost of certain long-term incentive plans and new business ventures. Other costs and expenses increased to $146 million in 2018 from $142 million in 2017.
Expenses from Non-Insurance Businesses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses represent costs associated with businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that include (i) cost of goods sold related to aircraft and products sold and services provided, and (ii) general and administrative expenses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses were $238 million in 2018 compared to $221 million in 2017. The increase mainly relates to expenses from the textile business purchased in March 2017.

37



Interest Expense. Interest expense was $117 million in 2018 compared with $110 million in 2017. In March 2018, the Company issued $175 million aggregate principal amount of 5.70% subordinated debentures due 2058, and in April 2018, the Company issued another $10 million principal amount of such debentures. Additionally in 2018, the Company issued subsidiary debt of $20 million.
Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 21.0% in 2018 and 30.5% in 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate in 2018 from 2017 was primarily due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which reduced the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.
The Company has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of approximately $60 million of its non-U.S. subsidiaries since these earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested in the non-U.S. subsidiaries. In the future, if such earnings were distributed the Company projects that the incremental tax, if any, will be immaterial.


38



Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
 
Business Segment Results
Following is a summary of gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, loss ratios (losses and loss expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of premiums earned), expense ratios (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) and GAAP combined ratios (sum of loss ratio and expense ratio) for each of our business segments for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The GAAP combined ratio represents a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding investment income. A GAAP combined ratio in excess of 100 indicates an underwriting loss; a number below 100 indicates an underwriting profit.
($ in thousands)
2018
 
2017
Insurance:
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
1,794,104

 
$
1,718,552

Net premiums written
1,504,792

 
1,432,334

Net premiums earned
1,488,658

 
1,433,729

Loss ratio
63.0
%
 
63.2
%
Expense ratio
31.9
%
 
32.4
%
GAAP combined ratio
94.9
%
 
95.6
%
Reinsurance:
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
133,681

 
$
155,606

Net premiums written
119,422

 
138,849

Net premiums earned
114,827

 
147,771

Loss ratio
69.3
%
 
118.7
%
Expense ratio
38.6
%
 
34.9
%
GAAP combined ratio
107.9
%
 
153.6
%
Consolidated:
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
1,927,785

 
$
1,874,158

Net premiums written
1,624,214

 
1,571,183

Net premiums earned
1,603,485

 
1,581,500

Loss ratio
63.5
%
 
68.4
%
Expense ratio
32.4
%
 
32.6
%
GAAP combined ratio
95.9
%
 
101.0
%
Net Income to Common Stockholders. The following table presents the Company’s net income to common stockholders and net income per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
(In thousands, except per share data)
2018
 
2017
Net income to common stockholders
$
161,920

 
$
162,054

Weighted average diluted shares
128,561

 
128,944

Net income per diluted share
$
1.26

 
$
1.26

The Company reported net income to common stockholders of $162 million in both 2018 and 2017. The changes in net income were primarily due to an after-tax increase in underwriting income of $65 million, an after-tax increase in net investment income of $34 million mainly driven by growth in the fixed maturity security portfolio and higher interest rates as well as increased investment fund income, a $15 million increase in after-tax foreign currency gains, a $12 million decrease in tax expense due primarily to the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, and an after-tax decrease in corporate expenses of $2 million, offset by a decrease in after-tax net investment gains of $127 million and an after-tax increase in interest expense of $2 million. The number of weighted average diluted shares decreased slightly primarily due to share repurchases.
Premiums. Gross premiums written were $1,928 million in 2018, an increase of 3% from $1,874 million in 2017. The increase was due to an increase in the Insurance segment of $76 million, partially offset by a decrease in the Reinsurance segment of $22 million. Approximately 77.4% of policies expiring in 2018 were renewed, compared with a 77.5% renewal retention rate for policies expiring in 2017.
    Average renewal premium rates for insurance and facultative reinsurance increased 2.3% in 2018 when adjusted for change in exposures, and increased 3.9% excluding workers' compensation.

39




A summary of gross premiums written in 2018 compared with 2017 by line of business within each business segment follows:
Insurance - gross premiums increased 4% to $1,794 million in 2018 from $1,719 million in 2017. Gross premiums increased $40 million (7%) for other liability, $22 million (12%) for professional liability, $19 million (10%) for commercial auto and $12 million (3%) for short-tail lines and decreased $17 million (4%) for workers' compensation.
Reinsurance - gross premiums decreased 14% to $134 million in 2018 from $156 million in 2017. Gross premiums decreased $14 million (28%) for property lines and $8 million (7%) for casualty lines.
Net premiums written were $1,624 million in 2018, an increase of 3% from $1,571 million in 2017. Ceded reinsurance premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums were 16% in both 2018 and 2017.
Premiums earned increased 1% to $1,603 million in 2018 from $1,582 million in 2017. Insurance premiums (including the impact of rate changes) are generally earned evenly over the policy term, and accordingly, recent rate increases will be earned over the upcoming quarters. Premiums earned in 2018 are related to business written during both 2018 and 2017. Audit premiums were $51 million in 2018 compared with $46 million in 2017.
Net Investment Income. Following is a summary of net investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
 
Amount
 
Average Annualized
Yield
($ in thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable
$
131,836

 
$
118,834

 
3.6
%
 
3.4
%
Investment funds
41,005

 
15,200

 
13.1

 
5.2

Arbitrage trading account
7,632

 
4,418

 
5.1

 
3.5

Real estate
5,597

 
5,042

 
1.2

 
1.5

Equity securities
1,004

 
604

 
1.7

 
1.2

Gross investment income
187,074

 
144,098

 
4.0

 
3.3

Investment expenses
(950
)
 
(1,619
)
 

 

Total
$
186,124

 
$
142,479

 
4.0
%
 
3.2
%
Net investment income increased 31% to $186 million in 2018 from $142 million in 2017 due primarily to a $26 million increase in income from investment funds due to real estate, energy and aviation funds, a $13 million increase in income from fixed maturity securities mainly driven by growth in the fixed maturity security portfolio and higher interest rates, a $3 million increase from the arbitrage trading account and a $2 million increase from real estate and equity securities and decreased investment expenses. The Company has maintained a shortened duration of its fixed maturity security portfolio. This has reduced the potential impact of mark-to-market on the portfolio and positioned the Company to take advantage of rising interest rates. Average invested assets, at cost (including cash and cash equivalents), were $18.5 billion in 2018 and $17.6 billion in 2017.
Insurance Service Fees. The Company earns fees from an insurance distribution business, a third-party administrator and as a servicing carrier of workers' compensation assigned risk plans for certain states. Insurance service fees decreased to $31 million in 2018 from $34 million in 2017.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investments. The Company buys and sells securities and other investment assets on a regular basis in order to maximize its total return on investments. Decisions to sell securities and other investment assets are based on management’s view of the underlying fundamentals of specific investments as well as management’s expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads, currency values and general economic conditions. Net realized and unrealized gains on investments were $22 million in 2018 compared with $184 million in 2017. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new accounting guidance that requires all equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those equity securities accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). The gains of $22 million in 2018 reflect net realized gains on investment sales of $154 million reduced by a change in unrealized gains on equity securities of $132 million.

40



Revenues from Non-Insurance Businesses. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were derived from businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that provide services to aviation markets, including (i) the distribution, manufacturing, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and components, (ii) the sale of new and used aircraft, and (iii) avionics, fuel, maintenance, storage and charter services. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were $95 million in 2018 and $90 million in 2017.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses decreased to $1,018 million in 2018 from $1,081 million in 2017. The consolidated loss ratio was 63.5% in 2018 and 68.4% in 2017. Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums, were $39 million in 2018 and $119 million in 2017. The more significant 2017 catastrophe losses largely related to hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, along with two earthquakes in Mexico. Favorable prior year reserve development (net of premium offsets) was $7 million in 2018 and 2017. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development was 61.5% in 2018 and 61.3% in 2017.
A summary of loss ratios in 2018 compared with 2017 by business segment follows:
Insurance - The loss ratio was 63.0% in 2018 and 63.2% in 2017. Catastrophe losses were $30 million in 2018 compared with $47 million in 2017. Favorable prior year reserve development was $8 million in 2018 and $13 million in 2017. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.8 points to 61.6% in 2018 from 60.8% in 2017.
Reinsurance - The loss ratio of 69.3% in 2018 was 49.4 points lower than the loss ratio of 118.7% in 2017. Catastrophe losses were $9 million in 2018 and $72 million in 2017. Adverse prior year reserve development was $1 million in 2018 and $6 million in 2017. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development decreased 5.2 points to 60.9% in 2018 from 66.1% in 2017.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses. Following is a summary of other operating costs and expenses:
($ in thousands)
2018
 
2017
Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses
$
519,380

 
$
516,243

Insurance service expenses
27,268

 
32,451

Net foreign currency (gains) losses
(17,267
)
 
1,779

Other costs and expenses
48,267

 
50,349

Total
$
577,648

 
$
600,822

Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses are comprised of commissions paid to agents and brokers, premium taxes and other assessments and internal underwriting costs. Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses and net premiums earned both increased 1%. The expense ratio (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) was 32.4% in 2018 and 32.6% in 2017.
Service expenses, which represent the costs associated with the fee-based businesses, decreased to $27 million in 2018 from $32 million in 2017.
Net foreign currency (gains) losses result from transactions denominated in a currency other than a company's operating functional currency. Net foreign currency gains were $17 million in 2018 compared to losses of $2 million in 2017, resulting from the strengthening U.S. dollar and the change of functional currency for the Company's Argentine operations to the U.S. dollar as of July 1, 2018. The Argentine economy was determined to be highly inflationary under GAAP requiring the change in functional currency beginning with the third quarter of 2018.
Other costs and expenses represent general and administrative expenses of the parent company and other expenses not allocated to business segments, including the cost of certain long-term incentive plans and new business ventures. Other costs and expenses decreased to $48 million in 2018 from $50 million in 2017.
Expenses from Non-Insurance Businesses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses represent costs associated with businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that include (i) cost of goods sold related to aircraft and products sold and services provided, and (ii) general and administrative expenses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses were $93 million in 2018 compared to $86 million in 2017.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $40 million in 2018 and $37 million in 2017. In March 2018, the Company issued $175 million aggregate principal amount of 5.70% subordinated debentures due 2058, and in April 2018, the Company issued another $10 million principal amount of such debentures. Additionally in 2018, the Company issued subsidiary debt of $20 million.

41



Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 21.4% in 2018 and 28.0% in 2017. The effective income tax rate differs from the federal income tax rate of 21% primarily because of tax-exempt investment income and tax on income from foreign jurisdictions with different tax rates. The decrease in the effective tax rate in 2018 from 2017 was primarily due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which reduced the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.
The Company has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of approximately $60 million of its non-U.S. subsidiaries since these earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested in the non-U.S. subsidiaries. In the future, if such earnings were distributed the Company projects that the incremental tax, if any, will be immaterial.




42



Investments
As part of its investment strategy, the Company establishes a level of cash and highly liquid short-term and intermediate-term securities that, combined with expected cash flow, it believes is adequate to meet its payment obligations. Due to the historically low fixed maturity investment returns, the Company invests in equity securities, merger arbitrage securities, investment funds, private equity, loans and real estate related assets. The Company's investments in investment funds and its other alternative investments have experienced, and the Company expects to continue to experience, greater fluctuations in investment income.
The Company also attempts to maintain an appropriate relationship between the average duration of the investment portfolio and the approximate duration of its liabilities (i.e., policy claims and debt obligations). The average duration of the fixed maturity portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, was 2.9 years at September 30, 2018 and 3.0 years at December 31, 2017. The Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio and investment-related assets as of September 30, 2018 were as follows:
($ in thousands)
Carrying
Value
 
Percent
of Total
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agencies
$
487,042

 
2.6
%
State and municipal:
 
 
 
Special revenue
2,497,499

 
13.4

Pre-refunded (1)
448,308

 
2.4

State general obligation
424,078

 
2.3

Local general obligation
419,042

 
2.2

Corporate backed
296,480

 
1.6

Total state and municipal
4,085,407

 
21.9

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
Agency
900,744

 
4.8

Commercial
339,931

 
1.8

Residential-Prime
278,614

 
1.5

Residential-Alt A
40,209

 
0.2

Total mortgage-backed securities
1,559,498

 
8.4

Asset-backed securities
2,549,874

 
13.7

Corporate:
 
 
 
Industrial
2,277,978

 
12.2

Financial
1,431,628

 
7.7

Utilities
299,472

 
1.6

Other
56,091

 
0.3

Total corporate
4,065,169

 
21.8

Foreign government and foreign government agencies
825,412

 
4.4

Total fixed maturity securities
13,572,402

 
72.6

Equity securities:
 
 
 
Common stocks
166,938

 
0.9

Preferred stocks
158,316

 
0.9

Total equity securities
325,254

 
1.8

Real estate
1,917,250

 
10.3

Investment funds
1,251,748

 
6.7

Cash and cash equivalents
819,366

 
4.4

Arbitrage trading account
678,321

 
3.6

Loans receivable
96,590

 
0.6

Total investments
$
18,660,931

 
100.0
%
________________________
(1) Pre-refunded securities are securities for which an escrow account has been established to fund the remaining payments of principal and interest through maturity. Such escrow accounts are funded almost exclusively with U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agency securities.
    

43



Fixed Maturity Securities. The Company’s investment policy with respect to fixed maturity securities is generally to purchase instruments with the expectation of holding them to their maturity. However, management of the available for sale portfolio is considered necessary to maintain an approximate matching of assets and liabilities as well as to adjust the portfolio as a result of changes in financial market conditions and tax considerations.
The Company’s philosophy related to holding or selling fixed maturity securities is based on its objective of maximizing total return. The key factors that management considers in its investment decisions as to whether to hold or sell fixed maturity securities are its view of the underlying fundamentals of specific securities as well as its expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads and currency values. In a period in which management expects interest rates to rise, the Company may sell longer duration securities in order to mitigate the impact of an interest rate rise on the fair value of the portfolio. Similarly, in a period in which management expects credit spreads to widen, the Company may sell lower quality securities, and in a period in which management expects certain foreign currencies to decline in value, the Company may sell securities denominated in those foreign currencies. The sale of fixed maturity securities in order to achieve the objective of maximizing total return may result in realized gains; however, there is no reason to expect these gains to continue in future periods.
Equity Securities. Equity securities primarily represent investments in common and preferred stocks in companies with potential growth opportunities in different sectors, including healthcare and financial institutions.
Investment Funds. At September 30, 2018, the carrying value of investment funds was $1,252 million, including investments in real estate funds of $633 million, other funds of $539 million and energy funds of $80 million. Investment funds are generally reported on a one-quarter lag.
Real Estate. Real estate is directly owned property held for investment. At September 30, 2018, real estate properties in operation included a long-term ground lease in Washington, D.C., a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, two office complexes in New York City and office buildings in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, Florida. In addition, there are two properties under development: an office building in London and a mixed-use project in Washington, D.C. The Company expects to fund further development costs for these projects with a combination of its own funds and external financing.
Arbitrage Trading Account. The arbitrage trading account is comprised of direct investments in arbitrage securities. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies that are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers.
Loans Receivable. Loans receivable, which are carried at amortized cost, had an aggregate cost of $97 million and an aggregate fair value of $99 million at September 30, 2018. The amortized cost of loans receivable is net of a valuation allowance of $3 million as of September 30, 2018. Loans receivable include real estate loans of $63 million that are secured by commercial real estate located primarily in New York. Real estate loans receivable generally earn interest at floating LIBOR-based interest rates and have maturities (inclusive of extension options) through August 2025. Loans receivable include commercial loans of $34 million that are secured by business assets and have fixed interest rates and floating LIBOR-based interest rates with varying maturities not exceeding 10 years.
Market Risk. The fair value of the Company’s investments is subject to risks of fluctuations in credit quality and interest rates. The Company uses various models and stress test scenarios to monitor and manage interest rate risk. The Company attempts to manage its interest rate risk by maintaining an appropriate relationship between the effective duration of the investment portfolio and the approximate duration of its liabilities (i.e., policy claims and debt obligations). The effective duration for the fixed maturity portfolio (including cash and cash equivalents) was 2.9 years at September 30, 2018 and 3.0 years at December 31, 2017.
In addition, the fair value of the Company’s international investments is subject to currency risk. The Company attempts to manage its currency risk by matching its foreign currency assets and liabilities where considered appropriate.


44




Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow. Cash flow provided from operating activities was $343 million in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $522 million provided from operating activities in the first nine months of 2017. The reduction is primarily due to the timing of loss and loss expense payments, certain long-term incentive plan payments and payments to taxing authorities.
The Company's insurance subsidiaries' principal sources of cash are premiums, investment income, service fees and proceeds from sales and maturities of portfolio investments. The principal uses of cash are payments for claims, taxes, operating expenses and dividends. The Company expects its insurance subsidiaries to fund the payment of losses with cash received from premiums, investment income and fees. The Company targets an average duration for its investment portfolio that is within one year of the average duration of its liabilities so that portions of its investment portfolio mature throughout the claim cycle and are available for the payment of claims if necessary. In the event operating cash flow and proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed income securities are not sufficient to fund claim payments and other cash requirements, the remainder of the Company's cash and investments is available to pay claims and other obligations as they become due. The Company's investment portfolio is highly liquid, with approximately 77% invested in cash, cash equivalents and marketable fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2018. If the sale of fixed maturity securities were to become necessary, a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the cost and sales price of securities sold would be recognized.
Debt. At September 30, 2018, the Company had senior notes, subordinated debentures and other debt outstanding with a carrying value of $2,698 million and a face amount of $2,735 million. The maturities of the outstanding debt are $453 million in 2019, $320 million in 2020, $427 million in 2022, $250 million in 2037, $350 million in 2044, $350 million in 2053, $400 million in 2056, and $185 million in 2058.
During 2018, the Company issued $175 million aggregate principal amount of 5.70% subordinated debentures due 2058 in March 2018, and another $10 million principal amount of such debentures in April 2018. Additionally in 2018, the Company issued subsidiary debt of $20 million.
Equity. At September 30, 2018, total common stockholders’ equity was $5.4 billion, common shares outstanding were 122,117,763 and stockholders’ equity per outstanding share was $44.53. The Company repurchased 101,000 common shares for $6.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock. The number of common shares outstanding excludes shares held in a grantor trust established by the Company for delivery upon settlement of vested but mandatorily deferred RSUs.
Total Capital. Total capitalization (equity, debt and subordinated debentures) was $8.1 billion at September 30, 2018. The percentage of the Company’s capital attributable to senior notes, subordinated debentures and other debt was 33% at September 30, 2018 and 32% at December 31, 2017.

Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
Reference is made to the information under “Investments - Market Risk” under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-Q.

Item 4.     Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14 as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company has in place effective controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules thereunder, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.



45



PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Please see Note 20 to the notes to the interim consolidated financial statements.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company's annual report on From 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    

The Company did not repurchase any of its shares during the three months ended September 30, 2018, and accordingly the number of shares authorized for purchase by the Company remains 9,167,997.

Item 6. Exhibits

Number 
 
 
 
Form of 2018 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement Under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2018 Stock Incentive Plan
.
 
 
 
 
W. R. Berkley Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers as amended and restated November 2, 2016
 
 
 
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a).
 
 
 
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a).
 
 
 
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

46



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.
 
 
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
 
Date:
November 8, 2018
/s/ W. Robert Berkley, Jr.
 
 
W. Robert Berkley, Jr.
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
 
 
 
Date:
November 8, 2018
/s/ Richard M. Baio
 
 
Richard M. Baio
 
 
Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

47