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EVEREST GROUP, LTD. - Quarter Report: 2019 September (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

_X_ Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019

 

___ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Commission file number 1-15731

 

 

EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda

 

98-0365432

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

Seon Place – 4 Floor

141 Front Street

PO Box HM 845

HamiltonHM 19, Bermuda

441-295-0006

 

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,

of registrant’s principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes

X

 

No

 

 

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

 

Yes

X

 

No

 

 

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

X

 

Accelerated filer

 

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

 

 

Smaller reporting company

 

 

 

 

Emerging growth company

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is an emerging growth company and 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.

 

YES

 

 

NO

X

 

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

 

YES

 

 

NO

X

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Class

 

Trading Symbol

Name of Exchange where Registered

Number of Shares Outstanding

At November 1, 2019

 

Common Shares, $0.01 par value

 

RE

 

New York Stock Exchange

 

40,782,128

 

 


 

EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD

 

Table of Contents

Form 10-Q

 

 

Page

PART I

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

 

and December 31, 2018

1

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the

 

 

three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (unaudited)

2

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three and nine

 

 

months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (unaudited)

3

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine months ended

 

 

September 30, 2019 and 2018 (unaudited)

4

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited)

5

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and

 

 

Results of Operation

42

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

68

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

68

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

69

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

69

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

69

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

69

 

 

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

70

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

70

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

70

 

 

 

 

 


 

EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

(Dollars and share amounts in thousands, except par value per share)

2019

 

2018

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value

$

16,566,133

 

$

15,225,263

(amortized cost: 2019, $16,164,841; 2018, $15,406,572)

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value

 

-

 

 

2,337

Equity securities, at fair value

 

906,230

 

 

716,639

Short-term investments (cost: 2019, $458,915; 2018, $241,010)

 

458,954

 

 

240,987

Other invested assets (cost: 2019, $1,716,104; 2018, $1,591,745)

 

1,716,104

 

 

1,591,745

Cash

 

717,172

 

 

656,095

Total investments and cash

 

20,364,593

 

 

18,433,066

Accrued investment income

 

116,123

 

 

104,619

Premiums receivable

 

2,393,769

 

 

2,183,183

Reinsurance receivables

 

1,817,857

 

 

1,787,648

Funds held by reinsureds

 

450,539

 

 

435,031

Deferred acquisition costs

 

526,514

 

 

511,573

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

484,268

 

 

343,343

Income taxes

 

361,243

 

 

594,487

Other assets

 

508,835

 

 

358,042

TOTAL ASSETS

$

27,023,741

 

$

24,750,992

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses

$

13,637,639

 

$

13,119,090

Future policy benefit reserve

 

44,276

 

 

46,778

Unearned premium reserve

 

2,896,161

 

 

2,517,612

Funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

11,634

 

 

13,099

Other net payable to reinsurers

 

371,807

 

 

218,439

Senior notes due 06/01/2044

 

397,044

 

 

396,954

Long term notes due 05/01/2067

 

236,733

 

 

236,659

Accrued interest on debt and borrowings

 

7,821

 

 

3,093

Equity index put option liability

 

8,563

 

 

11,958

Unsettled securities payable

 

53,524

 

 

51,112

Other liabilities

 

375,281

 

 

275,401

Total liabilities

 

18,040,483

 

 

16,890,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred shares, par value: $0.01; 50,000 shares authorized;

 

 

 

 

 

no shares issued and outstanding

 

-

 

 

-

Common shares, par value: $0.01; 200,000 shares authorized; (2019) 69,406

 

 

 

 

 

and (2018) 69,202 outstanding before treasury shares

 

694

 

 

692

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,206,326

 

 

2,188,777

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income

 

 

 

 

 

tax expense (benefit) of $43,886 at 2019 and $(20,697) at 2018

 

46,272

 

 

(462,557)

Treasury shares, at cost; 28,665 shares (2019) and 28,551 shares (2018)

 

(3,422,152)

 

 

(3,397,548)

Retained earnings

 

10,152,118

 

 

9,531,433

Total shareholders' equity

 

8,983,258

 

 

7,860,797

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

$

27,023,741

 

$

24,750,992

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

1


 

EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

1,905,619

 

$

1,731,479

 

$

5,455,615

 

$

5,080,724

Net investment income

 

181,058

 

 

161,363

 

 

501,062

 

 

440,979

Net realized capital gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities

 

(7,314)

 

 

(3,825)

 

 

(15,404)

 

 

(4,783)

Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Other net realized capital gains (losses)

 

(5,629)

 

 

58,629

 

 

124,965

 

 

50,462

Total net realized capital gains (losses)

 

(12,943)

 

 

54,804

 

 

109,561

 

 

45,679

Net derivative gain (loss)

 

(189)

 

 

2,225

 

 

3,395

 

 

5,485

Other income (expense)

 

(31,025)

 

 

(13,408)

 

 

(52,550)

 

 

(2,948)

Total revenues

 

2,042,520

 

 

1,936,463

 

 

6,017,083

 

 

5,569,919

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

1,371,924

 

 

1,251,858

 

 

3,515,104

 

 

3,650,349

Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees

 

443,076

 

 

381,401

 

 

1,253,500

 

 

1,122,442

Other underwriting expenses

 

118,158

 

 

97,942

 

 

321,976

 

 

287,325

Corporate expenses

 

8,435

 

 

7,890

 

 

22,622

 

 

23,519

Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense

 

7,907

 

 

7,901

 

 

23,972

 

 

23,047

Total claims and expenses

 

1,949,500

 

 

1,746,992

 

 

5,137,174

 

 

5,106,682

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES

 

93,020

 

 

189,471

 

 

879,909

 

 

463,237

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(11,378)

 

 

(8,910)

 

 

88,092

 

 

(11,117)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

$

104,398

 

$

198,381

 

$

791,817

 

$

474,354

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period

 

93,765

 

 

(22,282)

 

 

524,589

 

 

(254,682)

Reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)

 

(529)

 

 

1,417

 

 

(4,220)

 

 

(7,106)

Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period

 

93,236

 

 

(20,865)

 

 

520,369

 

 

(261,788)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(3,426)

 

 

(5,930)

 

 

(15,206)

 

 

(51,883)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)

 

1,363

 

 

1,816

 

 

3,665

 

 

5,446

Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period

 

1,363

 

 

1,816

 

 

3,665

 

 

5,446

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

91,173

 

 

(24,979)

 

 

508,828

 

 

(308,225)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

$

195,571

 

$

173,402

 

$

1,300,645

 

$

166,129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

2.56

 

$

4.87

 

$

19.44

 

$

11.61

Diluted

 

2.56

 

 

4.84

 

 

19.38

 

 

11.55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

2


 

EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

(Dollars in thousands, except share and dividends per share amounts)

2019

 

2018

 

(unaudited)

COMMON SHARES (shares outstanding):

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 1

 

40,651,148

 

 

40,835,272

Issued during the period, net

 

194,584

 

 

143,362

Treasury shares acquired

 

(75,193)

 

 

-

Balance, March 31

 

40,770,539

 

 

40,978,634

Issued during the period, net

 

9,403

 

 

(5,718)

Treasury shares acquired

 

(39,440)

 

 

(112,747)

Balance, June 30

 

40,740,502

 

 

40,860,169

Issued during the period, net

 

39,967

 

 

16,388

Treasury shares acquired

 

-

 

 

(229,432)

Balance, September 30

 

40,780,469

 

 

40,647,125

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMON SHARES (par value):

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 1

$

692

 

$

691

Issued during the period, net

 

2

 

 

1

Balance, March 31

 

694

 

 

692

Issued during the period, net

 

-

 

 

-

Balance, June 30

 

694

 

 

692

Issued during the period, net

 

-

 

 

-

Balance, September 30

 

694

 

 

692

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 1

 

2,188,777

 

 

2,165,768

Share-based compensation plans

 

767

 

 

(2,249)

Balance, March 31

 

2,189,544

 

 

2,163,519

Share-based compensation plans

 

8,917

 

 

9,182

Balance, June 30

 

2,198,461

 

 

2,172,701

Share-based compensation plans

 

7,865

 

 

9,893

Balance, September 30

 

2,206,326

 

 

2,182,594

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),

 

 

 

 

 

NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 1

 

(462,557)

 

 

(160,891)

Change to beginning balance due to adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-01

 

-

 

 

(1,201)

Net increase (decrease) during the period

 

246,446

 

 

(179,882)

Balance, March 31

 

(216,111)

 

 

(341,974)

Net increase (decrease) during the period

 

171,209

 

 

(103,364)

Balance, June 30

 

(44,902)

 

 

(445,338)

Net increase (decrease) during the period

 

91,174

 

 

(24,979)

Balance, September 30

 

46,272

 

 

(470,317)

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETAINED EARNINGS:

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 1

 

9,531,433

 

 

9,657,412

Change to beginning balance due to adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-01

 

-

 

 

1,201

Net income (loss)

 

354,551

 

 

215,186

Dividends declared ($1.40 per share 2019 and $1.30 per share 2018)

 

(57,137)

 

 

(53,240)

Balance, March 31

 

9,828,847

 

 

9,820,559

Net income (loss)

 

332,868

 

 

60,787

Dividends declared ($1.40 per share 2019 and $1.30 per share 2018)

 

(56,999)

 

 

(53,240)

Balance, June 30

 

10,104,716

 

 

9,828,106

Net income (loss)

 

104,398

 

 

198,381

Dividends declared ($1.40 per share 2019 and $1.30 per share 2018)

 

(56,995)

 

 

(52,863)

Balance, September 30

 

10,152,118

 

 

9,973,624

 

 

 

 

 

 

TREASURY SHARES AT COST:

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 1

 

(3,397,548)

 

 

(3,322,244)

Purchase of treasury shares

 

(16,153)

 

 

-

Balance, March 31

 

(3,413,701)

 

 

(3,322,244)

Purchase of treasury shares

 

(8,451)

 

 

(25,304)

Balance, June 30

 

(3,422,152)

 

 

(3,347,548)

Purchase of treasury shares

 

-

 

 

(50,000)

Balance, September 30

 

(3,422,152)

 

 

(3,397,548)

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, September 30

$

8,983,258

 

$

8,289,045

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3


 

EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

(unaudited)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

791,817

 

$

474,354

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable

 

(219,637)

 

 

(257,291)

Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net

 

(17,961)

 

 

(73,189)

Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables

 

(42,891)

 

 

(430,839)

Decrease (increase) in income taxes

 

168,360

 

 

57,916

Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

(145,846)

 

 

(92,174)

Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

553,668

 

 

591,385

Increase (decrease) in future policy benefit reserve

 

(2,502)

 

 

(3,143)

Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums

 

388,597

 

 

364,299

Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers

 

160,306

 

 

79,219

Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment

 

(6,438)

 

 

98,947

Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships

 

(104,987)

 

 

(88,377)

Distribution of limited partnership income

 

62,359

 

 

69,078

Change in other assets and liabilities, net

 

(37,449)

 

 

(251,472)

Non-cash compensation expense

 

25,386

 

 

25,791

Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)

 

23,642

 

 

24,804

Net realized capital (gains) losses

 

(109,561)

 

 

(45,679)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

1,486,863

 

 

543,629

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value

 

1,631,298

 

 

1,444,452

Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value

 

2,589,232

 

 

1,756,139

Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value

 

2,706

 

 

1,751

Proceeds from equity securities sold, at fair value

 

185,157

 

 

785,819

Distributions from other invested assets

 

215,800

 

 

3,061,938

Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value

 

(5,039,728)

 

 

(3,358,333)

Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value

 

-

 

 

(4,381)

Cost of equity securities acquired, at fair value

 

(269,969)

 

 

(820,924)

Cost of other invested assets acquired

 

(299,480)

 

 

(3,244,817)

Net change in short-term investments

 

(213,048)

 

 

535

Net change in unsettled securities transactions

 

(13,770)

 

 

100,647

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

(1,211,802)

 

 

(277,174)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares issued during the period for share-based compensation, net of expense

 

(7,836)

 

 

(7,763)

Purchase of treasury shares

 

(24,604)

 

 

(75,304)

Dividends paid to shareholders

 

(171,131)

 

 

(159,343)

Cost of shares withheld on settlements of share-based compensation awards

 

(12,473)

 

 

(15,259)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(216,044)

 

 

(257,669)

 

 

 

 

 

 

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

 

2,060

 

 

(4,092)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

61,077

 

 

4,694

Cash, beginning of period

 

656,095

 

 

635,067

Cash, end of period

 

717,172

 

 

639,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes paid (recovered)

$

(80,544)

 

$

(67,941)

Interest paid

 

19,078

 

 

17,741

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification of investment balances due to prospective consolidation of private placement

 

 

 

 

 

liquidity sweep facility effective July 1, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value

$

-

 

$

143,656

Short-term investments

 

-

 

 

243,864

Other invested assets

 

-

 

 

(387,520)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

4


 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

 

1. GENERAL

 

Everest Re Group, Ltd. (“Group”), a Bermuda company, through its subsidiaries, principally provides reinsurance and insurance in the U.S., Bermuda and international markets. As used in this document, “Company” means Group and its subsidiaries.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company established a new Irish insurance subsidiary, Everest Insurance (Ireland), designated activity company (“Ireland Insurance”), which writes insurance business mainly in the European markets.

 

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results on an interim basis. Certain financial information, which is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), has been omitted since it is not required for interim reporting purposes. The December 31, 2018 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 included in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K filing.

 

The Company consolidates the results of operations and financial position of all voting interest entities ("VOE") in which the Company has a controlling financial interest and all variable interest entities ("VIE") in which the Company is considered to be the primary beneficiary. The consolidation assessment, including the determination as to whether an entity qualifies as a VIE or VOE, depends on the facts and circumstances surrounding each entity.

 

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 disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities) at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Ultimate actual results could differ, possibly materially, from those estimates.

 

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Certain reclassifications and format changes have been made to prior years’ amounts to conform to the 2019 presentation.

 

Application of Recently Issued Accounting Standard Changes.

 

5


 

Accounting for Cloud Computing Arrangement. In August 2018, The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2018-15, which outlines accounting for implementation costs of a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. This guidance requires that implementation costs of a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract must be capitalized and expensed in accordance with the existing provisions provided in Subtopic 350-40 regarding development of internal use software. In addition, any capitalized implementation costs should be amortized over the term of the hosting arrangement. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within that annual reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-15 on its financial statements.

 

Accounting for Long Duration Contracts. In August 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-12, which discusses changes to the recognition, measurement and presentation of long duration contracts. The main provisions of this guidance address the following: 1) In determining liability for future policy benefits, companies must review cash flow assumptions at least annually and the discount rate assumption at each reporting period date 2) Amortization of deferred acquisition costs has been simplified to be in constant level proportion to either premiums, gross profits or gross margins 3) Disaggregated roll forwards of beginning and ending liabilities for future policy benefits are required. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021 and interim periods within that annual reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-12 on its financial statements.

 

Accounting for Deferred Taxes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI). In February 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-02 which outlines guidance on the treatment of trapped deferred taxes contained within AOCI on the consolidated balance sheets. The new guidance allows the amount of trapped deferred taxes in AOCI, resulting from the change in the U.S. tax rate from 35% to 21% upon enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), to be reclassified as part of retained earnings in the consolidated balance sheets. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, but early adoption is allowed. The Company decided to early adopt the guidance as of December 31, 2017. The adoption resulted in a reclass of $1,250 thousand between AOCI and retained earnings during the fourth quarter of 2017. As an accounting policy, the Company has adopted the aggregate portfolio approach for releasing disproportionate income tax effects from AOCI.

 

Accounting for Impact on Income Taxes due to Tax Reform. In December 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118 which provides guidance on the application of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740, Income Taxes, due to the enactment of TCJA. SAB 118 became effective upon release. The Company has adopted the provisions of SAB 118 with respect to measuring the tax effects for the modifications to the determination of tax basis loss reserves. In 2018, the Company recorded adjustments to the amount of tax expense it recorded in 2017 with respect to the TCJA as estimated amounts were finalized, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Amortization of Bond Premium. In March 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-08 which outlines guidance on the amortization period for premium on callable debt securities. The new guidance requires that the premium on callable debt securities be amortized through the earliest call date rather than through the maturity date of the callable security. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2017-08 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Presentation and Disclosure of Net Periodic Benefit Costs. In March 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-07 which outlines guidance on the presentation of net periodic costs of benefit plans. The new guidance requires that the service cost component of net periodic benefit costs be reported within the same line item of the statements of operations as other compensation costs are reported. Other components of net periodic benefit costs should be reported separately. Footnote disclosure is required to state within which line items of the statements of operations the components are reported. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2017-07 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

6


 

 

Disclosure of Restricted Cash. In November 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-18 and in August 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-15 which outline guidance on the presentation in the statements of cash flows of changes in restricted cash. The new guidance requires that the statements of cash flows should reflect all changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in total and not segregated individually. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2016-18 and ASU 2016-15 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Intra-Entity Asset Transfers. In October 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-16 which outlines guidance on the tax accounting for intra-entity asset sales and transfers, other than inventory. The new guidance requires that reporting entities recognize tax expense from the intra-entity transfer of an asset in the seller’s tax jurisdiction at the time of transfer and recognize any deferred tax asset in the buyer’s tax jurisdiction at the time of transfer. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2016-16 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Valuation of Financial Instruments. In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13 which outlines guidance on the valuation of and accounting for assets measured at amortized cost and available for sale debt securities. The carrying value of assets measured at amortized cost will now be presented as the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset (amortized cost less an allowance for credit losses valuation account). Available for sale debt securities will now record credit losses through an allowance for credit losses, which will be limited to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on its financial statements.

 

Accounting for Share-Based Compensation. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, authoritative guidance regarding the accounting for share-based compensation. This guidance requires that the income tax effects resulting from the change in the value of share-based compensation awards between grant and settlement will be recorded as part of the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income/(loss). Previously, excess tax benefits have been recorded as part of the additional paid in capital within the consolidated balance sheets. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that annual reporting period. The Company has implemented this guidance prospectively as of January 1, 2017. The guidance also requires that the cost of employee taxes paid via shares withheld upon settlement of share-based compensation awards must be shown as a financing activity within the Statements of Cash Flows. The Company has implemented this guidance retrospectively as of January 1, 2017.

 

Leases. In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (and subsequently issued ASU 2018-11 in July, 2018) which outline new guidance on the accounting for leases. The new guidance requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheets for most leases that were previously deemed operating leases and required only lease expense presentation in the statements of operations. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019 and elected to utilize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for the year of adoption. Accordingly, the Company’s reporting for the comparative periods prior to adoption continue to be presented in the financial statements in accordance with previous lease accounting guidance. The Company also elected to apply the package of practical expedients applicable to the Company in the updated guidance for transition for leases in effect at adoption. The Company did not elect the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term of existing leases (e.g. The Company did not re-assess lease renewals, termination options nor purchase options in determining lease terms). The adoption of the updated guidance resulted in the Company recognizing a right-of-use asset of $69,869 thousand as part of other assets and a lease liability of $77,270 thousand as part of other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at the time of adoption, as well as de-recognizing the liability for deferred rent that was required under the

7


 

previous guidance. The cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings was zero. The adoption of the updated guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or liquidity.

 

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Instruments. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 which outlines revised guidance on the accounting for equity investments. The new guidance states that all equity investments in unconsolidated entities will be measured at fair value, with the change in value being recorded through the income statement rather than being recorded within other comprehensive income. The updated guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 resulted in a cumulative change adjustment of $1,201 thousand between AOCI and retained earnings, which is disclosed separately within the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.

 

Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 and in August 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which outline revised guidance on the recognition of revenue arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance states that reporting entities should apply certain steps to determine when revenue should be recognized, based upon fulfillment of performance obligations to complete contracts. The updated guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2015-14 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Any issued guidance and pronouncements, other than those directly referenced above, are deemed by the Company to be either not applicable or immaterial to its financial statements.

 

3. REVISIONS TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

In preparing its current period financial statements, the Company identified errors in the handling of foreign exchange related to premium funds held from reinsureds. Although management determined that the impact of the foreign exchange differences were not material to prior period financial statements, the impact of recording the cumulative difference would have significantly impacted results within the current period. As a result, prior period balances have been revised in the applicable financial statements and corresponding footnotes to correct the foreign exchange adjustments.

 

Management assessed the materiality of this change within prior period financial statements based upon SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Number 99, Materiality, which is since codified in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. The prior period comparative financial statements that are presented herein have been revised.

 

8


 

The following tables present line items for prior period financial statements that have been affected by the revision. For these line items, the tables detail the amounts as previously reported, the impact upon those line items due to the revision, and the amounts as currently revised within the financial statements.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

December 31, 2018

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums Receivable

 

$

2,218,283

 

$

(35,100)

 

$

2,183,183

 

$

1,844,881

 

$

(25,106)

 

$

1,819,775

Funds held by reinsureds

 

 

445,040

 

 

(10,009)

 

 

435,031

 

 

292,927

 

 

(4,292)

 

 

288,635

Income taxes

 

 

592,385

 

 

2,102

 

 

594,487

 

 

299,438

 

 

902

 

 

300,340

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

24,793,999

 

$

(43,007)

 

$

24,750,992

 

$

23,591,792

 

$

(28,496)

 

$

23,563,296

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings

 

 

9,574,440

 

 

(43,007)

 

 

9,531,433

 

 

9,685,908

 

 

(28,496)

 

 

9,657,412

Total shareholders' equity

 

 

7,903,804

 

 

(43,007)

 

 

7,860,797

 

 

8,369,232

 

 

(28,496)

 

 

8,340,736

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

$

24,793,999

 

$

(43,007)

 

$

24,750,992

 

$

23,591,792

 

$

(28,496)

 

$

23,563,296

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

June 30, 2019

 

March 31, 2019

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums Receivable

 

$

2,389,943

 

$

(38,836)

 

$

2,351,107

 

$

2,392,094

 

$

(29,831)

 

$

2,362,263

Funds held by reinsureds

 

 

498,043

 

 

(10,768)

 

 

487,275

 

 

432,736

 

 

(9,525)

 

 

423,211

Income taxes

 

 

358,457

 

 

2,261

 

 

360,718

 

 

475,851

 

 

2,000

 

 

477,851

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

26,387,791

 

$

(47,343)

 

$

26,340,448

 

$

25,630,507

 

$

(37,356)

 

$

25,593,151

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings

 

 

10,152,059

 

 

(47,343)

 

 

10,104,716

 

 

9,866,203

 

 

(37,356)

 

 

9,828,847

Total stockholder's equity

 

 

8,884,160

 

 

(47,343)

 

 

8,836,817

 

 

8,426,629

 

 

(37,356)

 

 

8,389,273

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

$

26,387,791

 

$

(47,343)

 

$

26,340,448

 

$

25,630,507

 

$

(37,356)

 

$

25,593,151

 

9


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE

 

Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017

INCOME (LOSS):

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

 

$

(9,060)

 

$

(15,711)

 

$

(24,771)

 

$

(35,442)

 

$

14,227

 

$

(21,215)

Total revenues

 

$

7,377,206

 

$

(15,711)

 

$

7,361,495

 

$

6,608,071

 

$

14,227

 

$

6,622,298

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES

 

$

(226,471)

 

$

(15,711)

 

$

(242,182)

 

$

405,184

 

$

14,227

 

$

419,411

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

(330,023)

 

 

(1,200)

 

 

(331,223)

 

 

(63,784)

 

 

444

 

 

(63,340)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

103,552

 

$

(14,511)

 

$

89,041

 

$

468,968

 

$

13,783

 

$

482,751

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

(196,913)

 

$

(14,511)

 

$

(211,424)

 

$

526,091

 

$

13,783

 

$

539,874

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

2.54

 

$

(0.36)

 

$

2.18

 

$

11.43

 

$

0.34

 

$

11.77

Diluted

 

$

2.53

 

$

(0.36)

 

$

2.17

 

$

11.36

 

$

0.34

 

$

11.70

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2019

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

INCOME (LOSS):

 

 

As Previously

 

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

As Previously

 

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

 

Revisions

 

 

As Revised

 

 

Reported

 

 

Revisions

 

 

As Revised

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

 

$

(7,977)

 

$

(10,248)

 

$

(18,225)

 

$

(17,030)

 

$

(4,495)

 

$

(21,525)

Total revenues

 

$

2,018,975

 

$

(10,248)

 

$

2,008,727

 

$

3,979,058

 

$

(4,495)

 

$

3,974,563

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES

 

$

382,593

 

$

(10,248)

 

$

372,345

 

$

791,384

 

$

(4,495)

 

$

786,889

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

39,738

 

 

(261)

 

 

39,477

 

 

99,629

 

 

(159)

 

 

99,470

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

342,855

 

$

(9,987)

 

$

332,868

 

$

691,755

 

$

(4,336)

 

$

687,419

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

514,064

 

$

(9,987)

 

$

504,077

 

$

1,109,410

 

$

(4,336)

 

$

1,105,074

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

8.42

 

$

(0.25)

 

$

8.17

 

$

16.98

 

$

(0.10)

 

$

16.88

Diluted

 

$

8.39

 

$

(0.24)

 

$

8.15

 

$

16.93

 

$

(0.11)

 

$

16.82

 

10


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

 

$

(9,053)

 

$

5,753

 

$

(3,300)

Total revenues

 

$

1,960,083

 

$

5,753

 

$

1,965,836

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES

 

$

408,791

 

$

5,753

 

$

414,544

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

59,891

 

 

102

 

 

59,993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

348,900

 

$

5,651

 

$

354,551

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

595,346

 

$

5,651

 

$

600,997

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

8.57

 

$

0.13

 

$

8.70

Diluted

 

$

8.54

 

$

0.13

 

$

8.67

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

INCOME (LOSS):

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

 

$

(5,458)

 

$

(7,950)

 

$

(13,408)

 

$

9,642

 

$

(12,590)

 

$

(2,948)

Total revenues

 

$

1,944,413

 

$

(7,950)

 

$

1,936,463

 

$

5,582,509

 

$

(12,590)

 

$

5,569,919

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES

 

$

197,421

 

$

(7,950)

 

$

189,471

 

$

475,827

 

$

(12,590)

 

$

463,237

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

(8,192)

 

 

(718)

 

 

(8,910)

 

 

(9,999)

 

 

(1,118)

 

 

(11,117)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

205,613

 

$

(7,232)

 

$

198,381

 

$

485,826

 

$

(11,472)

 

$

474,354

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

180,634

 

$

(7,232)

 

$

173,402

 

$

177,601

 

$

(11,472)

 

$

166,129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

5.04

 

$

(0.17)

 

$

4.87

 

$

11.89

 

$

(0.28)

 

$

11.61

Diluted

 

$

5.02

 

$

(0.18)

 

$

4.84

 

$

11.83

 

$

(0.28)

 

$

11.55

 

11


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2018

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

INCOME (LOSS):

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

 

$

3,036

 

$

(9,609)

 

$

(6,573)

 

$

15,100

 

$

(4,640)

 

$

10,460

Total revenues

 

$

1,892,939

 

$

(9,609)

 

$

1,883,330

 

$

3,638,096

 

$

(4,640)

 

$

3,633,456

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES

 

$

60,763

 

$

(9,609)

 

$

51,154

 

$

278,406

 

$

(4,640)

 

$

273,766

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

(9,132)

 

 

(501)

 

 

(9,633)

 

 

(1,807)

 

 

(400)

 

 

(2,207)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

69,895

 

$

(9,108)

 

$

60,787

 

$

280,213

 

$

(4,240)

 

$

275,973

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

(33,469)

 

$

(9,108)

 

$

(42,577)

 

$

(3,033)

 

$

(4,240)

 

$

(7,273)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

1.71

 

$

(0.22)

 

$

1.49

 

$

6.85

 

$

(0.10)

 

$

6.75

Diluted

 

$

1.70

 

$

(0.22)

 

$

1.48

 

$

6.81

 

$

(0.10)

 

$

6.71

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

 

$

12,064

 

$

4,969

 

$

17,033

Total revenues

 

$

1,745,157

 

$

4,969

 

$

1,750,126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES

 

$

217,643

 

$

4,969

 

$

222,612

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

7,325

 

 

101

 

 

7,426

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

210,318

 

$

4,868

 

$

215,186

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

30,436

 

$

4,868

 

$

35,304

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

5.14

 

$

0.12

 

$

5.26

Diluted

 

$

5.11

 

$

0.12

 

$

5.23

 

12


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

 

Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017

CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETAINED EARNINGS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

9,685,908

 

$

(28,496)

 

$

9,657,412

 

$

9,422,932

 

$

(42,279)

 

$

9,380,653

Net income (loss)

 

 

103,552

 

 

(14,511)

 

 

89,041

 

 

468,968

 

 

13,783

 

 

482,751

Balance, end of period

 

 

9,574,440

 

 

(43,007)

 

 

9,531,433

 

 

9,685,908

 

 

(28,496)

 

 

9,657,412

TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD

 

$

7,903,804

 

$

(43,007)

 

$

7,860,797

 

$

8,369,232

 

$

(28,496)

 

$

8,340,736

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETAINED EARNINGS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 1

 

$

9,574,440

 

$

(43,007)

 

$

9,531,433

 

$

9,574,440

 

$

(43,007)

 

$

9,531,433

Net income (loss)

 

 

348,900

 

 

5,651

 

 

354,551

 

 

348,900

 

 

5,651

 

 

354,551

Balance, March 31

 

 

9,866,203

 

 

(37,356)

 

 

9,828,847

 

 

9,866,203

 

 

(37,356)

 

 

9,828,847

Net income (loss)

 

 

342,855

 

 

(9,987)

 

 

332,868

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, June 30,

 

 

10,152,059

 

 

(47,343)

 

 

10,104,716

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, June 30

 

$

8,884,160

 

$

(47,343)

 

$

8,836,817

 

$

8,426,629

 

$

(37,356)

 

$

8,389,273

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETAINED EARNINGS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

9,860,842

 

$

(32,736)

 

$

9,828,106

 

$

9,685,908

 

$

(28,496)

 

$

9,657,412

Net income (loss)

 

 

205,613

 

 

(7,232)

 

 

198,381

 

 

485,826

 

 

(11,472)

 

 

474,354

Balance, end of period

 

 

10,013,592

 

 

(39,968)

 

 

9,973,624

 

 

10,013,592

 

 

(39,968)

 

 

9,973,624

TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD

 

$

8,329,013

 

$

(39,968)

 

$

8,289,045

 

$

8,329,013

 

$

(39,968)

 

$

8,289,045

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2018

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETAINED EARNINGS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

9,844,187

 

$

(23,628)

 

$

9,820,559

 

$

9,685,908

 

$

(28,496)

 

$

9,657,412

Net income (loss)

 

 

69,895

 

 

(9,108)

 

 

60,787

 

 

280,213

 

 

(4,240)

 

 

275,973

Balance, end of period

 

 

9,860,842

 

 

(32,736)

 

 

9,828,106

 

 

9,860,842

 

 

(32,736)

 

 

9,828,106

TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD

 

$

8,241,349

 

$

(32,736)

 

$

8,208,613

 

$

8,241,349

 

$

(32,736)

 

$

8,208,613

 

13


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETAINED EARNINGS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

9,685,908

 

$

(28,496)

 

$

9,657,412

Net income (loss)

 

 

210,318

 

 

4,868

 

 

215,186

Balance, end of period

 

 

9,844,187

 

 

(23,628)

 

 

9,820,559

TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD

 

$

8,344,180

 

$

(23,628)

 

$

8,320,552

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

103,552

 

$

(14,511)

 

$

89,041

 

$

468,968

 

$

13,783

 

$

482,751

Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable

 

 

(392,981)

 

 

9,994

 

 

(382,987)

 

 

(338,335)

 

 

(12,111)

 

 

(350,446)

Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net

 

 

(159,344)

 

 

5,717

 

 

(153,627)

 

 

(31,104)

 

 

(2,116)

 

 

(33,220)

Decrease (increase) in income taxes

 

 

(263,865)

 

 

(1,200)

 

 

(265,065)

 

 

(114,521)

 

 

444

 

 

(114,077)

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

691,755

 

$

(4,336)

 

$

687,419

 

$

348,900

 

$

5,651

 

$

354,551

Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable

 

 

(178,319)

 

 

3,736

 

 

(174,583)

 

 

(163,108)

 

 

(5,269)

 

 

(168,377)

Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net

 

 

(56,180)

 

 

759

 

 

(55,421)

 

 

9,837

 

 

(484)

 

 

9,353

Decrease (increase) in income taxes

 

 

180,285

 

 

(159)

 

 

180,126

 

 

91,754

 

 

102

 

 

91,856

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

485,826

 

$

(11,472)

 

$

474,354

 

$

280,213

 

$

(4,240)

 

$

275,973

Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable

 

 

(264,556)

 

 

7,265

 

 

(257,291)

 

 

(126,355)

 

 

2,733

 

 

(123,622)

Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net

 

 

(78,514)

 

 

5,325

 

 

(73,189)

 

 

(77,794)

 

 

1,907

 

 

(75,887)

Decrease (increase) in income taxes

 

 

59,034

 

 

(1,118)

 

 

57,916

 

 

43,516

 

 

(400)

 

 

43,116

 

14


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

 

 

As Previously

 

Impact of

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Revisions

 

As Revised

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

210,318

 

$

4,868

 

$

215,186

Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable

 

 

(56,826)

 

 

(4,489)

 

 

(61,315)

Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net

 

 

95,416

 

 

(480)

 

 

94,936

Decrease (increase) in income taxes

 

 

55,905

 

 

101

 

 

56,006

 

4. INVESTMENTS

 

The amortized cost, market value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of available for sale, fixed maturity, equity security investments, carried at market value and other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) are as follows for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

At September 30, 2019

 

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Market

 

OTTI in AOCI

(Dollars in thousands)

Cost

 

Appreciation

 

Depreciation

 

Value

 

(a)

Fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government agencies and corporations

$

1,202,171

 

$

39,053

 

$

(1,824)

 

$

1,239,400

 

$

-

 

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

506,860

 

 

30,609

 

 

(98)

 

 

537,371

 

 

-

 

Corporate securities

 

6,315,184

 

 

199,078

 

 

(38,925)

 

 

6,475,337

 

 

409

 

Asset-backed securities

 

864,311

 

 

3,293

 

 

(2,718)

 

 

864,886

 

 

-

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

728,348

 

 

39,643

 

 

(699)

 

 

767,292

 

 

-

 

Agency residential

 

2,367,704

 

 

40,888

 

 

(6,976)

 

 

2,401,616

 

 

-

 

Non-agency residential

 

8,047

 

 

38

 

 

(18)

 

 

8,067

 

 

-

 

Foreign government securities

 

1,325,153

 

 

54,419

 

 

(36,009)

 

 

1,343,563

 

 

-

 

Foreign corporate securities

 

2,847,063

 

 

129,449

 

 

(47,911)

 

 

2,928,601

 

 

465

Total fixed maturity securities

$

16,164,841

 

$

536,470

 

$

(135,178)

 

$

16,566,133

 

$

874

 

 

 

At December 31, 2018

 

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Market

 

OTTI in AOCI

(Dollars in thousands)

Cost

 

Appreciation

 

Depreciation

 

Value

 

(a)

Fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government agencies and corporations

$

2,629,454

 

$

16,781

 

$

(15,101)

 

$

2,631,134

 

$

-

 

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

490,018

 

 

12,915

 

 

(2,839)

 

 

500,094

 

 

439

 

Corporate securities

 

5,538,582

 

 

48,465

 

 

(141,515)

 

 

5,445,532

 

 

1,688

 

Asset-backed securities

 

545,427

 

 

162

 

 

(5,492)

 

 

540,097

 

 

-

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

329,883

 

 

2,167

 

 

(5,340)

 

 

326,710

 

 

-

 

Agency residential

 

1,832,760

 

 

7,325

 

 

(43,821)

 

 

1,796,264

 

 

-

 

Non-agency residential

 

10,198

 

 

37

 

 

(26)

 

 

10,209

 

 

-

 

Foreign government securities

 

1,335,328

 

 

34,743

 

 

(55,906)

 

 

1,314,165

 

 

98

 

Foreign corporate securities

 

2,694,922

 

 

63,994

 

 

(97,858)

 

 

2,661,058

 

 

320

Total fixed maturity securities

$

15,406,572

 

$

186,589

 

$

(367,898)

 

$

15,225,263

 

$

2,545

 

(a) Represents the amount of OTTI recognized in AOCI. Amount includes unrealized gains and losses on impaired securities relating to changes in the value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-01, which requires equity investments in unconsolidated entities to be measured at fair value, with any change in value being recorded within net realized capital gains/(losses) as part of the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Previously, changes in the market value had been recorded within AOCI as part of the consolidated

15


 

balance sheets. Therefore, effective January 1, 2018, equity security investments no longer have an impact upon the AOCI balance.

 

The amortized cost and market value of fixed maturity securities are shown in the following table by contractual maturity. Mortgage-backed securities are generally more likely to be prepaid than other fixed maturity securities. As the stated maturity of such securities may not be indicative of actual maturities, the totals for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are shown separately.

 

 

At September 30, 2019

 

At December 31, 2018

 

Amortized

 

Market

 

Amortized

 

Market

(Dollars in thousands)

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Value

Fixed maturity securities – available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

$

1,430,361

 

$

1,444,393

 

$

1,328,571

 

$

1,330,534

Due after one year through five years

 

6,639,678

 

 

6,750,145

 

 

8,114,247

 

 

8,016,490

Due after five years through ten years

 

3,117,529

 

 

3,274,937

 

 

2,455,911

 

 

2,413,846

Due after ten years

 

1,008,863

 

 

1,054,797

 

 

789,575

 

 

791,113

Asset-backed securities

 

864,311

 

 

864,886

 

 

545,427

 

 

540,097

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

728,348

 

 

767,292

 

 

329,883

 

 

326,710

Agency residential

 

2,367,704

 

 

2,401,616

 

 

1,832,760

 

 

1,796,264

Non-agency residential

 

8,047

 

 

8,067

 

 

10,198

 

 

10,209

Total fixed maturity securities

$.

16,164,841

 

$.

16,566,133

 

$.

15,406,572

 

$.

15,225,263

 

The changes in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the Company’s investments are derived from the following sources for the periods indicated:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

$

103,173

 

$

(22,073)

 

$

584,333

 

$

(282,479)

Fixed maturity securities, other-than-temporary impairment

 

72

 

 

72

 

 

(1,671)

 

 

339

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax

 

103,245

 

 

(22,001)

 

 

582,662

 

 

(282,140)

Deferred tax benefit (expense)

 

(9,984)

 

 

1,205

 

 

(62,415)

 

 

20,497

Deferred tax benefit (expense), other-than-temporary impairment

 

(25)

 

 

(69)

 

 

122

 

 

(145)

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation),

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of deferred taxes, included in shareholders’ equity

$

93,236

 

$

(20,865)

 

$

520,369

 

$

(261,788)

 

The Company frequently reviews all of its fixed maturity, available for sale securities for declines in market value and focuses its attention on securities whose fair value has fallen below 80% of their amortized cost at the time of review. The Company then assesses whether the decline in value is temporary or other-than-temporary. In making its assessment, the Company evaluates the current market and interest rate environment as well as specific issuer information. Generally, a change in a security’s value caused by a change in the market, interest rate or foreign exchange environment does not constitute an other-than-temporary impairment, but rather a temporary decline in market value. Temporary declines in market value are recorded as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If the Company determines that the decline is other-than-temporary and the Company does not have the intent to sell the security; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value. The fair value adjustment that is credit or foreign exchange related is recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The fair value adjustment that is non-credit related is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Company’s assessments are based on the issuers’ current and expected future financial position, timeliness with respect to interest and/or principal payments, speed of repayments and any applicable credit

16


 

enhancements or breakeven constant default rates on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, as well as relevant information provided by rating agencies, investment advisors and analysts.

 

Upon the adoption of ASU 2016-01 as of January 1, 2018, all equity investments in unconsolidated entities are recorded at fair value. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, the Company presented certain equity securities at market value. The majority of the Company’s equity securities presented at market value prior to January 1, 2018 were primarily comprised of mutual fund investments whose underlying securities consisted of fixed maturity securities. When a fund’s value reflected an unrealized loss, the Company assessed whether the decline in value was temporary or other-than-temporary. In making its assessment, the Company considered the composition of its portfolios and their related markets, reports received from the portfolio managers and discussions with portfolio managers. If the Company determined that the declines were temporary and it had the ability and intent to continue to hold the investments, then the declines were recorded as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If declines were deemed to be other-than-temporary, then the carrying value of the investment was written down to fair value and recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

 

Retrospective adjustments are employed to recalculate the values of asset-backed securities. All of the Company’s asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities have a pass-through structure. Each acquisition lot is reviewed to recalculate the effective yield. The recalculated effective yield is used to derive a book value as if the new yield were applied at the time of acquisition. Outstanding principal factors from the time of acquisition to the adjustment date are used to calculate the prepayment history for all applicable securities. Conditional prepayment rates, computed with life to date factor histories and weighted average maturities, are used in the calculation of projected prepayments for pass-through security types.

 

The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, in each case subdivided according to length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Duration of Unrealized Loss at September 30, 2019 By Security Type

 

Less than 12 months

 

Greater than 12 months

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

(Dollars in thousands)

Market Value

 

Depreciation

 

Market Value

 

Depreciation

 

Market Value

 

Depreciation

Fixed maturity securities - available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government agencies and corporations

$

23,964

 

$

(20)

 

$

316,601

 

$

(1,804)

 

$

340,565

 

$

(1,824)

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

6,672

 

 

(52)

 

 

3,518

 

 

(46)

 

 

10,190

 

 

(98)

Corporate securities

 

524,855

 

 

(11,045)

 

 

526,975

 

 

(27,880)

 

 

1,051,830

 

 

(38,925)

Asset-backed securities

 

337,232

 

 

(2,029)

 

 

175,138

 

 

(689)

 

 

512,370

 

 

(2,718)

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

4,944

 

 

-

 

 

47,201

 

 

(699)

 

 

52,145

 

 

(699)

Agency residential

 

32,779

 

 

(95)

 

 

617,460

 

 

(6,881)

 

 

650,239

 

 

(6,976)

Non-agency residential

 

3,200

 

 

(16)

 

 

2,381

 

 

(2)

 

 

5,581

 

 

(18)

Foreign government securities

 

163,595

 

 

(4,794)

 

 

304,079

 

 

(31,215)

 

 

467,674

 

 

(36,009)

Foreign corporate securities

 

235,652

 

 

(5,728)

 

 

491,150

 

 

(42,183)

 

 

726,802

 

 

(47,911)

Total fixed maturity securities

$

1,332,893

 

$

(23,779)

 

$

2,484,503

 

$

(111,399)

 

$

3,817,396

 

$

(135,178)

 

17


 

 

 

Duration of Unrealized Loss at September 30, 2019 By Maturity

 

Less than 12 months

 

Greater than 12 months

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

(Dollars in thousands)

Market Value

 

Depreciation

 

Market Value

 

Depreciation

 

Market Value

 

Depreciation

Fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

$

76,571

 

$

(1,341)

 

$

446,039

 

$

(22,077)

 

$

522,610

 

$

(23,418)

Due in one year through five years

 

354,417

 

 

(6,986)

 

 

982,505

 

 

(55,581)

 

 

1,336,922

 

 

(62,567)

Due in five years through ten years

 

330,090

 

 

(10,236)

 

 

118,854

 

 

(14,860)

 

 

448,944

 

 

(25,096)

Due after ten years

 

193,660

 

 

(3,076)

 

 

94,925

 

 

(10,610)

 

 

288,585

 

 

(13,686)

Asset-backed securities

 

337,232

 

 

(2,029)

 

 

175,138

 

 

(689)

 

 

512,370

 

 

(2,718)

Mortgage-backed securities

 

40,923

 

 

(111)

 

 

667,042

 

 

(7,582)

 

 

707,965

 

 

(7,693)

Total fixed maturity securities

$

1,332,893

 

$

(23,779)

 

$

2,484,503

 

$

(111,399)

 

$

3,817,396

 

$

(135,178)

 

The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2019 were $3,817,396 thousand and $135,178 thousand, respectively. The market value of securities for the single issuer whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at September 30, 2019, did not exceed 0.9% of the overall market value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities. In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector. The $23,779 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were generally comprised of domestic and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and asset-backed securities. Of these unrealized losses, $15,284 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency. The $111,399 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to foreign and domestic corporate securities, foreign government securities, agency residential mortgage-backed securities and U.S. government agencies and corporations. Of these unrealized losses, $89,726 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency. There was no gross unrealized depreciation for mortgage-backed securities related to sub-prime and alt-A loans. In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations. The mortgage-backed securities still have excess credit coverage and are current on interest and principal payments.

 

The Company, given the size of its investment portfolio and capital position, does not have the intent to sell these securities; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. In addition, all securities currently in an unrealized loss position are current with respect to principal and interest payments.

 

18


 

The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, in each case subdivided according to length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2018 By Security Type

 

Less than 12 months

 

Greater than 12 months

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

(Dollars in thousands)

Market Value

 

Depreciation

 

Market Value

 

Depreciation

 

Market Value

 

Depreciation

Fixed maturity securities - available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government agencies and corporations

$

76,226

 

$

(158)

 

$

777,409

 

$

(14,943)

 

$

853,635

 

$

(15,101)

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

71,559

 

 

(1,444)

 

 

38,105

 

 

(1,395)

 

 

109,664

 

 

(2,839)

Corporate securities

 

2,513,463

 

 

(69,619)

 

 

1,683,729

 

 

(71,896)

 

 

4,197,192

 

 

(141,515)

Asset-backed securities

 

230,285

 

 

(2,746)

 

 

245,300

 

 

(2,746)

 

 

475,585

 

 

(5,492)

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

71,167

 

 

(1,128)

 

 

154,201

 

 

(4,212)

 

 

225,368

 

 

(5,340)

Agency residential

 

156,930

 

 

(975)

 

 

1,373,629

 

 

(42,846)

 

 

1,530,559

 

 

(43,821)

Non-agency residential

 

10,174

 

 

(26)

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

10,174

 

 

(26)

Foreign government securities

 

196,303

 

 

(9,719)

 

 

494,156

 

 

(46,187)

 

 

690,459

 

 

(55,906)

Foreign corporate securities

 

939,808

 

 

(35,023)

 

 

782,405

 

 

(62,835)

 

 

1,722,213

 

 

(97,858)

Total fixed maturity securities

$

4,265,915

 

$

(120,838)

 

$

5,548,934

 

$

(247,060)

 

$

9,814,849

 

$

(367,898)

 

 

 

Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2018 By Maturity

 

Less than 12 months

 

Greater than 12 months

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

(Dollars in thousands)

Market Value

 

Depreciation

 

Market Value

 

Depreciation

 

Market Value

 

Depreciation

Fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

$

454,239

 

$

(2,558)

 

$

427,513

 

$

(20,675)

 

$

881,752

 

$

(23,233)

Due in one year through five years

 

2,014,704

 

 

(45,148)

 

 

2,764,981

 

 

(129,940)

 

 

4,779,685

 

 

(175,088)

Due in five years through ten years

 

1,082,568

 

 

(51,300)

 

 

492,216

 

 

(34,210)

 

 

1,574,784

 

 

(85,510)

Due after ten years

 

245,848

 

 

(16,957)

 

 

91,094

 

 

(12,431)

 

 

336,942

 

 

(29,388)

Asset-backed securities

 

230,285

 

 

(2,746)

 

 

245,300

 

 

(2,746)

 

 

475,585

 

 

(5,492)

Mortgage-backed securities

 

238,271

 

 

(2,129)

 

 

1,527,830

 

 

(47,058)

 

 

1,766,101

 

 

(49,187)

Total fixed maturity securities

$

4,265,915

 

$

(120,838)

 

$

5,548,934

 

$

(247,060)

 

$

9,814,849

 

$

(367,898)

 

The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2018 were $9,814,849 thousand and $367,898 thousand, respectively. The market value of securities for the single issuer (the United States government) whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at December 31, 2018, did not exceed 5.7% of the overall market value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities. The market value of the securities for the issuer with the second largest unrealized loss comprised less than 1.0% of the Company’s fixed maturity securities. In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector. The $120,838 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were generally comprised of domestic and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and asset-backed securities. Of these unrealized losses, $74,729 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency. The $247,060 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to domestic and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities, agency residential mortgage-backed securities and U.S. government agencies and corporations. Of these unrealized losses, $230,560 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency. There was no gross unrealized depreciation for mortgage-backed securities related to sub-prime and alt-A loans. In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations. The mortgage-backed securities still have excess credit coverage and are current on interest and principal payments.

 

19


 

The components of net investment income are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

Fixed maturities

$

130,139

 

$

119,513

 

$

383,440

 

$

343,019

Equity securities

 

4,147

 

 

5,380

 

 

12,250

 

 

18,879

Short-term investments and cash

 

3,899

 

 

5,005

 

 

13,497

 

 

8,829

Other invested assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Limited partnerships

 

43,758

 

 

38,342

 

 

100,298

 

 

83,719

Other

 

7,286

 

 

2,980

 

 

13,565

 

 

9,964

Gross investment income before adjustments

 

189,229

 

 

171,220

 

 

523,050

 

 

464,410

Funds held interest income (expense)

 

2,325

 

 

1,003

 

 

9,715

 

 

6,572

Future policy benefit reserve income (expense)

 

(372)

 

 

(431)

 

 

(965)

 

 

(999)

Gross investment income

 

191,182

 

 

171,792

 

 

531,800

 

 

469,983

Investment expenses

 

(10,124)

 

 

(10,429)

 

 

(30,738)

 

 

(29,004)

Net investment income

$

181,058

 

$

161,363

 

$

501,062

 

$

440,979

 

The Company records results from limited partnership investments on the equity method of accounting with changes in value reported through net investment income. Due to the timing of receiving financial information from these partnerships, the results are generally reported on a one month or quarter lag. If the Company determines there has been a significant decline in value of a limited partnership during this lag period, a loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.

 

The Company had contractual commitments to invest up to an additional $934,290 thousand in limited partnerships and private placement loans at September 30, 2019. These commitments will be funded when called in accordance with the partnership and loan agreements, which have investment periods that expire, unless extended, through 2026.

 

Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the Company participated in a private placement liquidity sweep facility (“the facility”). The primary purpose of the facility is to enhance the Company’s return on its short-term investments and cash positions. The facility invests in high quality, short-duration securities and permits daily liquidity. Through the second quarter of 2018, the Company’s participation in the facility was classified within other invested assets on the Company’s Balance Sheets.

 

Starting in the third quarter of 2018, the Company has consolidated its participation in the facility. As a result of the consolidation of the underlying investments of the facility, effective July 1, 2018, the Company has reclassified $143,656 thousand from other invested assets to fixed maturity securities, available for sale, at market value and has reclassified $243,864 thousand from other invested assets to short-term investments. As of September 30, 2019, the market value of investments in the facility consolidated within the Company’s balance sheets was $441,567 thousand.

 

20


 

The components of net realized capital gains (losses) are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Fixed maturity securities, market value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairments

$

(7,314)

 

$

(3,825)

 

$

(15,404)

 

$

(4,783)

Gains (losses) from sales

 

5,290

 

 

738

 

 

16,660

 

 

11,087

Fixed maturity securities, fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) from sales

 

-

 

 

(717)

 

 

356

 

 

(1,799)

Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments

 

-

 

 

584

 

 

13

 

 

1,542

Equity securities, fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) from sales

 

(1,192)

 

 

9,507

 

 

2,541

 

 

7,984

Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments

 

(12,008)

 

 

47,653

 

 

102,795

 

 

30,200

Other invested assets

 

2,098

 

 

913

 

 

2,341

 

 

1,497

Short-term investments gain (loss)

 

183

 

 

(49)

 

 

259

 

 

(49)

Total net realized capital gains (losses)

$

(12,943)

 

$

54,804

 

$

109,561

 

$

45,679

 

The Company recorded as net realized capital gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) both fair value re-measurements and write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis as displayed in the table above. The Company had no other-than-temporary impaired securities where the impairment had both a credit and non-credit component.

 

The proceeds and split between gross gains and losses, from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities

$

271,025

 

$

531,452

 

$

2,591,938

 

$

1,757,890

Gross gains from sales

 

14,270

 

 

5,653

 

 

42,316

 

 

25,479

Gross losses from sales

 

(8,980)

 

 

(5,632)

 

 

(25,300)

 

 

(16,191)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of equity securities

$

35,924

 

$

209,437

 

$

185,157

 

$

785,819

Gross gains from sales

 

1,035

 

 

14,182

 

 

9,286

 

 

28,228

Gross losses from sales

 

(2,227)

 

 

(4,675)

 

 

(6,745)

 

 

(20,244)

 

21


 

5. RESERVE FOR LOSSES, LAE AND FUTURE POLICY BENEFIT RESERVE

 

Activity in the reserve for losses and LAE is summarized for the periods indicated:

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

Gross reserves beginning of period

$

13,119,090

 

$

11,884,321

Less reinsurance recoverables

 

(1,619,641)

 

 

(1,212,649)

Net reserves beginning of period

 

11,499,449

 

 

10,671,672

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incurred related to:

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

3,559,505

 

 

3,218,162

Prior years

 

(44,401)

 

 

432,187

Total incurred losses and LAE

 

3,515,104

 

 

3,650,349

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid related to:

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

550,724

 

 

724,791

Prior years

 

2,406,753

 

 

2,730,015

Total paid losses and LAE

 

2,957,477

 

 

3,454,806

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange/translation adjustment

 

(52,125)

 

 

(78,103)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net reserves end of period

 

12,004,952

 

 

10,789,112

Plus reinsurance recoverables

 

1,632,687

 

 

1,601,041

Gross reserves end of period

$

13,637,639

 

$

12,390,153

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

Incurred prior years losses decreased by $44,401 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and increased by $432,187 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The $44,401 thousand decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily related to reserve reductions associated with the early commutation of a multi-year contract. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was mainly due to $532,156 thousand of adverse development on prior years catastrophe losses, primarily related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as the 2017 California wildfires. The increase in loss estimates for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria was mostly driven by re-opened claims, loss inflation from higher than expected loss adjustment expenses and in particular, their impact on aggregate covers. This reserve increase was partially offset by $99,968 thousand of favorable development on prior years attritional losses which mainly related to U.S. and international property and casualty reinsurance business.

 

6. DERIVATIVES

 

The Company sold seven equity index put option contracts, based on two indices, in 2001 and 2005. The Company sold these equity index put options as insurance products with the intent of achieving a profit. These equity index put option contracts meet the definition of a derivative under FASB guidance and the Company’s position in these equity index put option contracts is unhedged. Accordingly, these equity index put option contracts are carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Four of these contracts had expired prior to September 30, 2019 with no liabilities due under the terms of the expired contracts.

 

The Company had two remaining equity index put option contracts at September 30, 2019, based on the Standard & Poor’s 500 (“S&P 500”) index. Based on historical index volatilities and trends and the September 30, 2019 S&P 500 index value, the Company estimates the probability that each equity index put option contract of the S&P 500 index falling below the strike price on the exercise date to be less than 1%. The theoretical maximum payouts under these equity index put option contracts would occur if on each of the

22


 

exercise dates the S&P 500 index value were zero. At September 30, 2019, the present value of these theoretical maximum payouts using a 3% discount factor was $206,755 thousand. Conversely, if the contracts had all expired on September 30, 2019, with the S&P index at $2,976.74, there would have been no settlement amount.

 

The Company has one equity index put option contract based on the FTSE 100 index. Based on historical index volatilities and trends and the September 30, 2019 FTSE 100 index value, the Company estimates the probability that the equity index put option contract of the FTSE 100 index will fall below the strike price on the exercise date to be less than 7%. The theoretical maximum payout under the equity index put option contract would occur if on the exercise date the FTSE 100 index value was zero. At September 30, 2019, the present value of the theoretical maximum payout using a 3% discount factor and current exchange rate was $40,130 thousand. Conversely, if the contract had expired on September 30, 2019, with the FTSE index at ₤,7408.21, there would have been no settlement amount.

 

At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the fair value for these equity put options was $,8563 thousand and $11,958 thousand, respectively.

 

The fair value of the equity index put options can be found in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as

 

Location of fair value

 

At

 

At

hedging instruments

 

in balance sheets

 

September 30, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

Equity index put option contracts

 

Equity index put option liability

 

$

8,563

 

$

11,958

Total

 

 

 

$

8,563

 

$

11,958

 

The change in fair value of the equity index put option contracts can be found in the Company’s statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

For Nine Months Ended

Derivatives not designated as

 

Location of gain (loss) in statements of

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

hedging instruments

 

operations and comprehensive income (loss)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Equity index put option contracts

 

Net derivative gain (loss)

 

$

(189)

 

$

2,225

 

$

3,395

 

$

5,485

Total

 

 

 

$

(189)

 

$

2,225

 

$

3,395

 

$

5,485

 

7. FAIR VALUE

 

GAAP guidance regarding fair value measurements address how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use fair value measures for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP. It defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly fashion between market participants at the measurement date. In addition, it establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for the disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. The level in the hierarchy within which a given fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement, with Level 1 being the highest priority and Level 3 being the lowest priority.

 

23


 

The levels in the hierarchy are defined as follows:

 

Level 1:Inputs to the valuation methodology are observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market;

 

Level 2:Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument;

 

Level 3:Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities are primarily managed by third party investment asset managers. The investment asset managers obtain prices from nationally recognized pricing services. These services seek to utilize market data and observations in their evaluation process. They use pricing applications that vary by asset class and incorporate available market information and when fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis the services will apply available information through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. In addition, they use model processes, such as the Option Adjusted Spread model to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios for securities that have prepayment features.

 

In limited instances where prices are not provided by pricing services or in rare instances when a manager may not agree with the pricing service, price quotes on a non-binding basis are obtained from investment brokers. The investment asset managers do not make any changes to prices received from either the pricing services or the investment brokers. In addition, the investment asset managers have procedures in place to review the reasonableness of the prices from the service providers and may request verification of the prices. In addition, the Company continually performs analytical reviews of price changes and tests the prices on a random basis to an independent pricing source. No material variances were noted during these price validation procedures. In limited situations, where financial markets are inactive or illiquid, the Company may use its own assumptions about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates to determine fair value. At September 30, 2019, $630,784 thousand of fixed maturities, market value were fair valued using unobservable inputs. The majority of the fixed maturities, market value, $480,181 thousand, were valued by investment managers’ valuation committees and a majority of these fair values were substantiated by valuations from independent third parties. The Company has procedures in place to review and evaluate these independent third party valuations. The remaining Level 3 fixed maturities of $150,603 thousand were valued at either par or amortized cost, which the Company believes approximates fair value. At December 31, 2018, $435,959 thousand of fixed maturities, market value and $2,337 thousand of fixed maturities, fair value were fair valued using unobservable inputs. The majority of the fixed maturities, market value, $354,143 thousand and all of the $2,337 thousand of fixed maturities, fair value were valued by investment managers’ valuation committees and a majority of these fair values were substantiated by valuations from independent third parties. The remaining Level 3 fixed maturities of $80,663 thousand were fair valued by the Company at either par or amortized cost and $1,153 thousand were priced using a non-binding broker quote.

 

The Company internally manages a public equity portfolio which had a fair value at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 of $154,693 thousand and $124,228 thousand, respectively, and all prices were obtained from publicly published sources.

 

Equity securities denominated in U.S. currency with quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are categorized as level 1 since the quoted prices are directly observable. Equity securities traded on foreign exchanges are categorized as level 2 due to the added input of a foreign exchange conversion rate to determine fair or market value. The Company uses foreign currency exchange rates published by nationally recognized sources.

 

24


 

All categories of fixed maturity securities listed in the tables below are generally categorized as level 2, since a particular security may not have traded but the pricing services are able to use valuation models with observable market inputs such as interest rate yield curves and prices for similar fixed maturity securities in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. For foreign government securities and foreign corporate securities, the fair values provided by the third party pricing services in local currencies, and where applicable, are converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates from nationally recognized sources.

 

The fixed maturities with fair values categorized as level 3 result when prices are not available from the nationally recognized pricing services. The asset managers will then obtain non-binding price quotes for the securities from brokers. The single broker quotes are provided by market makers or broker-dealers who are recognized as market participants in the markets in which they are providing the quotes. The prices received from brokers are reviewed for reasonableness by the third party asset managers and the Company. If the broker quotes are for foreign denominated securities, the quotes are converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates from nationally recognized sources. In limited circumstances when broker prices are not available for private placements, the Company will value the securities using comparable market information or receive fair values from investment managers.

 

The composition and valuation inputs for the presented fixed maturities categories are as follows:

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations are primarily comprised of U.S. Treasury bonds and the fair value is based on observable market inputs such as quoted prices, reported trades, quoted prices for similar issuances or benchmark yields;

 

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions are comprised of state and municipal bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities, benchmark yields and credit spreads;

 

Corporate securities are primarily comprised of U.S. corporate and public utility bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities, benchmark yields and credit spreads;

 

Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities fair values are based on observable inputs such as quoted prices, reported trades, quoted prices for similar issuances or benchmark yields and cash flow models using observable inputs such as prepayment speeds, collateral performance and default spreads;

 

Foreign government securities are comprised of global non-U.S. sovereign bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities and models with observable inputs such as benchmark yields and credit spreads and then, where applicable, converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate from a nationally recognized source;

 

Foreign corporate securities are comprised of global non-U.S. corporate bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities and models with observable inputs such as benchmark yields and credit spreads and then, where applicable, converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate from a nationally recognized source.

 

The Company’s liability for equity index put options is categorized as level 3 since there is no active market for these equity put options. The fair values for these options are calculated by the Company using an industry accepted pricing model, Black-Scholes. The model inputs and assumptions are: risk free interest rates, equity market indexes values, volatilities and dividend yields and duration. The model results are then adjusted for the Company’s credit default swap rate. All of these inputs and assumptions are updated quarterly. One of the option contacts is in British Pound Sterling so the fair value for this contract is converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate from a nationally recognized source.

 

25


 

The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets and liabilities, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement Using:

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in Active

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets for

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

Identical

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

(Dollars in thousands)

 

September 30, 2019

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, market value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government agencies and corporations

 

$

1,239,400

 

$

-

 

$

1,239,400

 

$

-

Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions

 

 

537,371

 

 

-

 

 

537,371

 

 

-

Corporate securities

 

 

6,475,337

 

 

-

 

 

5,887,290

 

 

588,047

Asset-backed securities

 

 

864,886

 

 

-

 

 

824,242

 

 

40,644

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

 

767,292

 

 

-

 

 

767,292

 

 

-

Agency residential

 

 

2,401,616

 

 

-

 

 

2,401,616

 

 

-

Non-agency residential

 

 

8,067

 

 

-

 

 

8,067

 

 

-

Foreign government securities

 

 

1,343,563

 

 

-

 

 

1,343,563

 

 

-

Foreign corporate securities

 

 

2,928,601

 

 

-

 

 

2,926,508

 

 

2,093

Total fixed maturities, market value

 

 

16,566,133

 

 

-

 

 

15,935,349

 

 

630,784

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, fair value

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Equity securities, fair value

 

 

906,230

 

 

814,833

 

 

91,397

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity index put option contracts

 

$

8,563

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

8,563

 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

26


 

The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets and liabilities, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement Using:

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in Active

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets for

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

Identical

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2018

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, market value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government agencies and corporations

 

$

2,631,134

 

$

-

 

$

2,631,134

 

$

-

Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions

 

 

500,094

 

 

-

 

 

500,094

 

 

-

Corporate securities

 

 

5,445,532

 

 

-

 

 

5,017,317

 

 

428,215

Asset-backed securities

 

 

540,097

 

 

-

 

 

540,097

 

 

-

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

 

326,710

 

 

-

 

 

326,710

 

 

-

Agency residential

 

 

1,796,264

 

 

-

 

 

1,796,264

 

 

-

Non-agency residential

 

 

10,209

 

 

-

 

 

10,209

 

 

-

Foreign government securities

 

 

1,314,165

 

 

-

 

 

1,314,165

 

 

-

Foreign corporate securities

 

 

2,661,058

 

 

-

 

 

2,653,314

 

 

7,744

Total fixed maturities, market value

 

 

15,225,263

 

 

-

 

 

14,789,304

 

 

435,959

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, fair value

 

 

2,337

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

2,337

Equity securities, fair value

 

 

716,639

 

 

674,433

 

 

42,206

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity index put option contracts

 

$

11,958

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

11,958

 

In addition, $160,264 thousand and $117,662 thousand of investments within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets as September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, are not included within the fair value hierarchy tables as the assets are measured at NAV as a practical expedient to determine fair value.

 

The following tables present the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs by asset type, for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

Total Fixed Maturities, Market Value

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

 

 

Corporate

 

Asset-Backed

 

Foreign

 

 

 

 

Corporate

 

Asset-Backed

 

Foreign

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Securities

 

Securities

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

Securities

 

Securities

 

Corporate

 

Total

Beginning balance fixed maturities at market value

 

$

542,878

 

$

-

 

$

2,093

 

$

544,971

 

$

428,215

 

$

-

 

$

7,744

 

$

435,959

Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in earnings

 

 

1,018

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,018

 

 

3,348

 

 

-

 

 

(119)

 

 

3,229

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

(1,314)

 

 

644

 

 

-

 

 

(670)

 

 

1,130

 

 

644

 

 

-

 

 

1,774

Purchases, issuances and settlements

 

 

42,289

 

 

40,000

 

 

-

 

 

82,289

 

 

150,659

 

 

40,000

 

 

(5,532)

 

 

185,127

Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3

 

 

3,176

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

3,176

 

 

4,695

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

4,695

Ending balance

 

$

588,047

 

$

40,644

 

$

2,093

 

$

630,784

 

$

588,047

 

$

40,644

 

$

2,093

 

$

630,784

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amount of total gains or losses for the period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

included in earnings (or changes in net assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

attributable to the change in unrealized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or losses relating to assets still held

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

at the reporting date

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27


 

 

 

 

Total Fixed Maturities, Market Value

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

Corporate

 

Foreign

 

 

 

 

Corporate

 

Foreign

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Securities

 

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

Securities

 

Corporate

 

Total

Beginning balance fixed maturities at market value

 

$

381,215

 

$

12,615

 

$

393,830

 

$

210,186

 

$

6,952

 

$

217,138

Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in earnings

 

 

(1,937)

 

 

(472)

 

 

(2,409)

 

 

(591)

 

 

(882)

 

 

(1,473)

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

(449)

 

 

-

 

 

(449)

 

 

(24)

 

 

-

 

 

(24)

Purchases, issuances and settlements

 

 

50,290

 

 

18

 

 

50,308

 

 

219,548

 

 

4,341

 

 

223,889

Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,750

 

 

1,750

Ending balance

 

$

429,119

 

$

12,161

 

$

441,280

 

$

429,119

 

$

12,161

 

$

441,280

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amount of total gains or losses for the period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

included in earnings (or changes in net assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

attributable to the change in unrealized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or losses relating to assets still held

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

at the reporting date

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

Total Fixed Maturities, Fair Value

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

 

 

Foreign

 

 

 

 

Foreign

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

Corporate

 

Total

Beginning balance fixed maturities at market value

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

2,337

 

$

2,337

Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in earnings

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

369

 

 

369

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Purchases, issuances and settlements

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(2,706)

 

 

(2,706)

Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Ending balance

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amount of total gains or losses for the period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

included in earnings (or changes in net assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

attributable to the change in unrealized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or losses relating to assets still held

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

at the reporting date

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

Total Fixed Maturities, Fair Value

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

Foreign

 

 

 

 

Foreign

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

Corporate

 

Total

Beginning balance fixed maturities at market value

 

$

3,192

 

$

3,192

 

$

-

 

$

-

Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in earnings

 

 

(101)

 

 

(101)

 

 

(257)

 

 

(257)

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

(32)

 

 

(32)

 

 

-

 

 

-

Purchases, issuances and settlements

 

 

(686)

 

 

(686)

 

 

2,630

 

 

2,630

Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Ending balance

 

$

2,373

 

$

2,373

 

$

2,373

 

$

2,373

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amount of total gains or losses for the period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

included in earnings (or changes in net assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

attributable to the change in unrealized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or losses relating to assets still held

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

at the reporting date

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

28


 

The net transfers to/(from) level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs for fixed maturities, market value were $3,176 thousand and $4,695 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The transfers during 2019 were related to securities that were priced using a recognized pricing service as of December 31, 2018. These securities were subsequently priced by investment managers as of September 30, 2019.

 

The following table presents the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs for equity index put option contracts, for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$

8,374

 

$

9,218

 

$

11,958

 

$

12,477

Total (gains) or losses (realized/unrealized)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in earnings

 

189

 

 

(2,225)

 

 

(3,395)

 

 

(5,485)

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Purchases, issuances and settlements

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Balance, end of period

$

8,563

 

$

6,993

 

$

8,563

 

$

6,993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

gains or losses relating to liabilities still held at the reporting date

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

8. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that would occur if options granted under various share-based compensation plans were exercised resulting in the issuance of common shares that would participate in the earnings of the entity.

 

29


 

Net income (loss) per common share has been computed as per below, based upon weighted average common basic and dilutive shares outstanding.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

Net income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

104,398

 

 

$

198,381

 

 

$

791,817

 

 

$

474,354

 

 

Less: dividends declared-common shares and nonvested common shares

 

(56,995)

 

 

 

(52,863)

 

 

 

(171,131)

 

 

 

(159,343)

 

 

Undistributed earnings

 

47,403

 

 

 

145,519

 

 

 

620,687

 

 

 

315,012

 

 

Percentage allocated to common shareholders (1)

 

98.9

%

 

 

99.0

%

 

 

98.9

%

 

 

98.9

%

 

 

 

46,869

 

 

 

144,024

 

 

 

613,847

 

 

 

311,695

 

 

Add: dividends declared-common shareholders

 

56,403

 

 

 

52,356

 

 

 

169,329

 

 

 

157,759

 

 

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share

$

103,273

 

 

$

196,379

 

 

$

783,176

 

 

$

469,454

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings per weighted-average common shares

 

40,287

 

 

 

40,350

 

 

 

40,289

 

 

 

40,441

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

125

 

 

 

192

 

 

 

131

 

 

 

206

 

 

Denominator for diluted earnings per adjusted weighted-average common shares

 

40,411

 

 

 

40,542

 

 

 

40,421

 

 

 

40,646

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per common share net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

2.56

 

 

$

4.87

 

 

$

19.44

 

 

$

11.61

 

 

Diluted

$

2.56

 

 

$

4.84

 

 

$

19.38

 

 

$

11.55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

40,287

 

 

 

40,350

 

 

 

40,289

 

 

 

40,441

 

 

Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and nonvested common shares expected to vest

 

40,746

 

 

 

40,769

 

 

 

40,738

 

 

 

40,871

 

 

Percentage allocated to common shareholders

 

98.9

%

 

 

99.0

%

 

 

98.9

%

 

 

98.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

There were no anti-diluted options outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

 

All outstanding options expire on or between February 24, 2020 and September 19, 2022.

 

 

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine the Company’s rights and obligations under insurance and reinsurance agreements. In some disputes, the Company seeks to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it. In other matters, the Company is resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation. In all such matters, the Company believes that its positions are legally and commercially reasonable. The Company considers the statuses of these proceedings when determining its reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.

 

Aside from litigation and arbitrations related to these insurance and reinsurance agreements, the Company is not a party to any other material litigation or arbitration.

 

The Company has entered into separate annuity agreements with The Prudential Insurance of America (“The Prudential”) and an additional unaffiliated life insurance company in which the Company has either purchased annuity contracts or become the assignee of annuity proceeds that are meant to settle claim payment

30


 

obligations in the future. In both instances, the Company would become contingently liable if either The Prudential or the unaffiliated life insurance company were unable to make payments related to the respective annuity contract.

 

The table below presents the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable for the periods indicated:

 

 

At September 30,

 

At December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

The Prudential

$

141,608

 

$

142,754

Unaffiliated life insurance company

 

34,394

 

 

34,717

 

10. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

The following table presents the components of comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

(Dollars in thousands)

Before Tax

 

Tax Effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Before Tax

 

Tax Effect

 

Net of Tax

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary

$

103,247

 

$

(9,529)

 

$

93,718

 

$

587,930

 

$

(61,792)

 

$

526,138

URA(D) on securities - OTTI

 

72

 

 

(25)

 

 

47

 

 

(1,671)

 

 

122

 

 

(1,549)

Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)

 

(74)

 

 

(455)

 

 

(529)

 

 

(3,597)

 

 

(623)

 

 

(4,220)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(2,665)

 

 

(761)

 

 

(3,426)

 

 

(13,890)

 

 

(1,316)

 

 

(15,206)

Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Reclassification of benefit plan liability amortization included in net income (loss)

 

1,726

 

 

(363)

 

 

1,363

 

 

4,640

 

 

(975)

 

 

3,665

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

$

102,306

 

$

(11,133)

 

$

91,173

 

$

573,412

 

$

(64,584)

 

$

508,828

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

(Dollars in thousands)

Before Tax

 

Tax Effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Before Tax

 

Tax Effect

 

Net of Tax

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary

$

(24,248)

 

$

1,963

 

$

(22,285)

 

$

(274,679)

 

$

19,803

 

$

(254,876)

URA(D) on securities - OTTI

 

72

 

 

(69)

 

 

3

 

 

339

 

 

(145)

 

 

194

Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)

 

2,175

 

 

(758)

 

 

1,417

 

 

(7,800)

 

 

694

 

 

(7,106)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(6,723)

 

 

793

 

 

(5,930)

 

 

(58,580)

 

 

6,697

 

 

(51,883)

Reclassification of benefit plan liability amortization included in net income (loss)

 

2,298

 

 

(482)

 

 

1,816

 

 

6,893

 

 

(1,447)

 

 

5,446

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

$

(26,426)

 

$

1,447

 

$

(24,979)

 

$

(333,827)

 

$

25,602

 

$

(308,225)

 

The following table presents details of the amounts reclassified from AOCI for the periods indicated:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

Affected line item within the statements of

AOCI component

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

operations and comprehensive income (loss)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

URA(D) on securities

$

(74)

 

$

2,175

 

$

(3,597)

 

$

(7,800)

 

Other net realized capital gains (losses)

 

 

(455)

 

 

(758)

 

 

(623)

 

 

694

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

$

(529)

 

$

1,417

 

$

(4,220)

 

$

(7,106)

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit plan net gain (loss)

$

1,726

 

$

2,298

 

$

4,640

 

$

6,893

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

 

(363)

 

 

(482)

 

 

(975)

 

 

(1,447)

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

$

1,363

 

$

1,816

 

$

3,665

 

$

5,446

 

Net income (loss)

 

31


 

The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Beginning balance of URA (D) on securities

$

247,741

 

$

(192,155)

 

$

(179,392)

 

$

49,969

Change to beginning balance due to adoption of ASU 2016-01

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,201)

Current period change in URA (D) of investments - temporary

 

93,190

 

 

(20,868)

 

 

521,919

 

 

(261,982)

Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI

 

47

 

 

3

 

 

(1,549)

 

 

194

Ending balance of URA (D) on securities

 

340,978

 

 

(213,020)

 

 

340,978

 

 

(213,020)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance of foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(227,527)

 

 

(184,884)

 

 

(215,747)

 

 

(138,931)

Current period change in foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(3,426)

 

 

(5,930)

 

 

(15,206)

 

 

(51,883)

Ending balance of foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(230,953)

 

 

(190,814)

 

 

(230,953)

 

 

(190,814)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)

 

(65,116)

 

 

(68,299)

 

 

(67,418)

 

 

(71,929)

Current period change in benefit plan net gain (loss)

 

1,363

 

 

1,816

 

 

3,665

 

 

5,446

Ending balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)

 

(63,753)

 

 

(66,483)

 

 

(63,753)

 

 

(66,483)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

$

46,272

 

$

(470,317)

 

$

46,272

 

$

(470,317)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

11. CREDIT FACILITIES

 

The Company has two active credit facilities for a total commitment of up to $1,000,000 thousand and an additional credit facility for a total commitment of up to £30,000 thousand, providing for the issuance of letters of credit and/or unsecured revolving credit lines. The following table presents the interest and fees incurred in connection with the two credit facilities for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Credit facility interest and fees incurred

$

105

 

$

105

 

$

315

 

$

315

 

The terms and outstanding amounts for each facility are discussed below:

 

Group Credit Facility

 

Effective May 26, 2016, Group, Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd. (“Bermuda Re”) and Everest International Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Everest International”), both direct subsidiaries of Group, entered into a five year, $800,000 thousand senior credit facility with a syndicate of lenders, which amended and restated in its entirety the June 22, 2012, four year, $800,000 thousand senior credit facility. Both the May 26, 2016 and June 22, 2012 senior credit facilities, which have similar terms, are referred to as the “Group Credit Facility”. Wells Fargo Corporation (“Wells Fargo Bank”) is the administrative agent for the Group Credit Facility, which consists of two tranches. Tranche one provides up to $200,000 thousand of unsecured revolving credit for liquidity and general corporate purposes, and for the issuance of unsecured standby letters of credit. The interest on the revolving loans shall, at the Company’s option, be either (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) an adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin. The Base Rate is the higher of (a) the prime commercial lending rate established by Wells Fargo Bank, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% per annum or (c) the one month LIBOR Rate plus 1.0% per annum. The amount of margin and the fees payable for the Group Credit Facility depends on Group’s senior unsecured debt rating. Tranche two exclusively provides up to $600,000 thousand for the issuance of standby letters of credit on a collateralized basis.

 

The Group Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and to maintain a minimum net worth. Minimum net worth is an amount equal to the sum of $5,370,979 thousand plus

32


 

25% of consolidated net income for each of Group’s fiscal quarters, for which statements are available ending on or after March 31, 2016 and for which consolidated net income is positive, plus 25% of any increase in consolidated net worth during such period attributable to the issuance of ordinary and preferred shares, which at September 30, 2019, was $6,198,350 thousand. As of September 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all Group Credit Facility covenants.

 

The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit and/or borrowings for the periods indicated:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

At September 30, 2019

 

 

At December 31, 2018

Bank

 

 

 

Commitment

 

In Use

 

Date of Expiry

 

Commitment

 

In Use

 

Date of Expiry

Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility

 

Tranche One

 

$

200,000

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

200,000

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

Tranche Two

 

 

600,000

 

 

595,575

 

12/31/2019

 

 

600,000

 

 

558,818

 

12/31/2019

Total Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility

 

 

 

$

800,000

 

$

595,575

 

 

 

$

800,000

 

$

558,818

 

 

 

Bermuda Re Letter of Credit Facility

 

Effective December 10, 2018, Bermuda Re renewed its letter of credit issuance facility with Citibank N.A. referred to as the “Bermuda Re Letter of Credit Facility”, which commitment is reconfirmed annually with updated fees. The current renewal of the Bermuda Re Letter of Credit Facility provides for the issuance of up to $200,000 thousand of secured letters of credit to collateralize reinsurance obligations as a non-admitted reinsurer. The interest on drawn letters of credit shall be (A) 0.35% per annum of the principal amount of issued standard letters of credit (expiry of 15 months or less) and (B) 0.45% per annum of the principal amount of issued extended tenor letters of credit (expiry maximum of up to 60 months). The commitment fee on undrawn credit shall be 0.15% per annum.

 

The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit for the periods indicated:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

At September 30, 2019

 

At December 31, 2018

Bank

 

Commitment

 

In Use

 

Date of Expiry

 

Commitment

 

In Use

 

Date of Expiry

Citibank Bilateral Letter of Credit Agreement

 

$

200,000

 

$

3,672

 

11/24/2019

 

$

200,000

 

$

3,482

 

02/28/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

74,243

 

12/31/2019

 

 

 

 

 

3,672

 

11/24/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,482

 

02/29/2020

 

 

 

 

 

72,443

 

12/31/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

173

 

12/16/2020

 

 

 

 

 

296

 

08/15/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

122

 

12/20/2020

 

 

 

 

 

177

 

12/16/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,993

 

12/31/2020

 

 

 

 

 

125

 

12/20/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

547

 

08/15/2021

 

 

 

 

 

1,851

 

11/04/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

39,027

 

09/30/2023

 

 

 

 

 

407

 

11/13/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

59,293

 

12/30/2022

Total Citibank Bilateral Agreement

 

$

200,000

 

$

124,259

 

 

 

$

200,000

 

$

141,746

 

 

 

Everest International Credit Facility

 

Effective November 9, 2018, Everest International renewed its credit facility with Lloyds Bank plc (“Everest International Credit Facility”). The current renewal of the Everest International Credit Facility has a four year term and provides up to £30,000 thousand for the issuance of standby letters of credit on a collateralized basis. The Company pays a commitment fee of 0.1% per annum on the average daily amount of the remainder of (1) the aggregate amount available under the facility and (2) the aggregate amount of drawings outstanding under the facility. The Company pays a credit commission fee of 0.35% per annum on drawings outstanding under the facility.

 

The Everest International Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and to maintain a minimum net worth. Minimum net worth is an amount equal to the sum of $5,326,009 thousand (70% of consolidated net worth as of December 31, 2015), plus 25% of consolidated net income for each of Group’s fiscal quarters, for which statements are available ending on or after January 1, 2015 and for which net income is positive, plus 25% of any increase in consolidated net worth of Group during such period attributable to the issuance of ordinary and preferred shares, which at September 30, 2019, was

33


 

$,6189,098 thousand. As of September 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all Everest International Credit Facility requirements.

 

The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit for the periods indicated:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

At September 30, 2019

 

At December 31, 2018

Bank

 

Commitment

 

In Use

 

Date of Expiry

 

Commitment

 

In Use

 

Date of Expiry

Lloyd's Bank plc

 

£

30,000

 

£

24,845

 

12/31/2022

 

£

30,000

 

£

26,000

 

12/31/2022

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

Total Lloyd's Bank Credit Facility

 

£

30,000

 

£

24,845

 

 

 

£

30,000

 

£

26,000

 

 

 

Federal Home Loan Bank Membership

 

Effective August 15, 2019, Everest Reinsurance Company (“Everest Re”) became a member of the Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLB”) organization, which allows Everest Re to borrow up to 10% of its statutory admitted assets. As of June 30, 2019, Everest Re had admitted assets of $12,310,510 thousand which provides borrowing capacity of up to $1,231,051 thousand. Through September 30, 2019, Everest had no borrowings through the FLHB.

 

12. COLLATERALIZED REINSURANCE AND TRUST AGREEMENTS

 

Certain subsidiaries of Group have established trust agreements, which effectively use the Company’s investments as collateral, as security for assumed losses payable to certain non-affiliated ceding companies. At September 30, 2019, the total amount on deposit in trust accounts was $867,357 thousand.

 

The Company reinsures some of its catastrophe exposures with the segregated accounts of Mt. Logan Re. Mt. Logan Re is a Class 3 insurer registered in Bermuda effective February 27, 2013 under The Segregated Accounts Companies Act 2000 and 100% of the voting common shares are owned by Group. Separate segregated accounts for Mt. Logan Re began being established effective July 1, 2013 and non-voting, redeemable preferred shares have been issued to capitalize the segregated accounts. Each segregated account invests predominantly in a diversified set of catastrophe exposures, diversified by risk/peril and across different geographic regions globally.

 

The following table summarizes the premiums and losses that are ceded by the Company to Mt. Logan Re segregated accounts and assumed by the Company from Mt. Logan Re segregated accounts.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

Mt. Logan Re Segregated Accounts

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ceded written premiums

 

97,391

 

73,015

 

237,841

 

203,445

Ceded earned premiums

 

79,560

 

65,982

 

220,200

 

192,820

Ceded losses and LAE

 

79,499

 

28,982

 

164,914

 

189,505

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed written premiums

 

9,867

 

4,793

 

14,900

 

9,440

Assumed earned premiums

 

9,867

 

4,793

 

14,900

 

9,440

Assumed losses and LAE

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Each segregated account is permitted to assume net risk exposures equal to the amount of its available posted collateral, which in the aggregate was $993,036 thousand and $1,156,853 thousand at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Of this amount, Group had investments recorded at $45,748 thousand and $45,625 thousand at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, in the segregated accounts.

 

Effective April 1, 2018, the Company entered into a retroactive reinsurance transaction with one of the Mt. Logan Re segregated accounts to retrocede $269,198 thousand of casualty reserves held by Bermuda Re

34


 

related to accident years 2002 through 2015. As consideration for entering the agreement, the Company transferred cash of $252,000 thousand to the Mt. Logan Re segregated account. The maximum liability to be retroceded under the agreement will be $319,000 thousand. The Company will retain liability for any amounts exceeding the maximum liability.

 

On April 24, 2014, the Company entered into two collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro Re Limited (“Kilimanjaro”), a Bermuda based special purpose reinsurer, to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage. These agreements are multi-year reinsurance contracts which cover specified named storm and earthquake events. The first agreement provides up to $250,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms in specified states of the Southeastern United States. The second agreement provides up to $200,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms in specified states of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the United States and Puerto Rico as well as reinsurance coverage from earthquakes in specified states of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and West regions of the United States, Puerto Rico and British Columbia. These reinsurance agreements expired in April, 2018.

 

On November 18, 2014, the Company entered into a collateralized reinsurance agreement with Kilimanjaro to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage. This agreement is a multi-year reinsurance contract which covers specified earthquake events. The agreement provides up to $500,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

 

On December 1, 2015 the Company entered into two collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage. These agreements are multi-year reinsurance contracts which cover named storm and earthquake events. The first agreement provides up to $300,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. The second agreement provides up to $325,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

 

On April 13, 2017 the Company entered into six collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro to provide the Company with annual aggregate catastrophe reinsurance coverage. The initial three agreements are four year reinsurance contracts which cover named storm and earthquake events. These agreements provide up to $225,000 thousand, $400,000 thousand and $325,000 thousand, respectively, of annual aggregate reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. The subsequent three agreements are five year reinsurance contracts which cover named storm and earthquake events. These agreements provide up to $50,000 thousand, $75,000 thousand and $175,000 thousand, respectively, of annual aggregate reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

 

On April 30, 2018 the Company entered into four collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage. These agreements are multi-year reinsurance contracts which cover named storm and earthquake events. The first two agreements are four year reinsurance contracts which provide up to $62,500 thousand and $200,000 thousand, respectively, of annual aggregate reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. The remaining two agreements are five year reinsurance contracts which provide up to $62,500 thousand and $200,000 thousand, respectively, of annual aggregate reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.

 

Recoveries under these collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro are primarily dependent on estimated industry level insured losses from covered events, as well as, the geographic location of the events. The estimated industry level of insured losses is obtained from published estimates by an independent recognized authority on insured property losses. Currently, none of the published insured loss estimates for the 2017 catastrophe events have exceeded the single event retentions under the terms of the agreements that would result in a recovery. In addition, the aggregation of the to-date published insured loss estimates for the 2017 covered events have not exceeded the aggregated retentions for recovery.

35


 

 

Kilimanjaro has financed the various property catastrophe reinsurance coverages by issuing catastrophe bonds to unrelated, external investors. On April 24, 2014, Kilimanjaro issued $450,000 thousand of notes (“Series 2014-1 Notes”). The $450,000 thousand of Series 2014-1 Notes were fully redeemed on April 30, 2018 and are no longer outstanding. On November 18, 2014, Kilimanjaro issued $500,000 thousand of notes (“Series 2014-2 Notes”). On December 1, 2015, Kilimanjaro issued $625,000 thousand of notes (“Series 2015-1 Notes). On April 13, 2017, Kilimanjaro issued $950,000 thousand of notes (“Series 2017-1 Notes) and $300,000 thousand of notes (“Series 2017-2 Notes). On April 30, 2018, Kilimanjaro issued $262,500 thousand of notes (“Series 2018-1 Notes”) and $262,500 thousand of notes (“Series 2018-2 Notes”). The proceeds from the issuance of the Notes listed above are held in reinsurance trust throughout the duration of the applicable reinsurance agreements and invested solely in US government money market funds with a rating of at least “AAAm” by Standard & Poor’s.

 

13. SENIOR NOTES

 

The table below displays Holdings’ outstanding senior notes. Market value is based on quoted market prices, but due to limited trading activity, these senior notes are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Date Issued

 

Date Due

 

Principal Amounts

 

Sheet Amount

 

Market Value

 

Sheet Amount

 

Market Value

Senior notes

06-05-2014

 

06-01-2044

 

400,000

 

$

397,044

 

$

450,984

 

$

396,954

 

$

396,968

 

On June 5, 2014, Holdings issued $400,000 thousand of 30 year senior notes at 4.868%, which will mature on June 1, 2044. Interest will be paid semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year.

 

Interest expense incurred in connection with these senior notes is as follows for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars In thousands

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Interest expense incurred

$

4,868

 

$

4,868

 

$

14,604

 

$

14,604

 

14. LONG TERM SUBORDINATED NOTES

 

The table below displays Holdings’ outstanding fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes. Market value is based on quoted market prices, but due to limited trading activity, these subordinated notes are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maturity Date

 

September 30, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

Original

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Date Issued

 

Principal Amount

 

Scheduled

 

Final

 

Sheet Amount

 

Market Value

 

Sheet Amount

 

Market Value

Long term subordinated notes

04-26-2007

 

$

400,000

 

05-15-2037

 

05-01-2067

 

$

236,733

 

$

214,853

 

$

236,659

 

$

200,390

 

During the fixed rate interest period from May 3, 2007 through May 14, 2017, interest was at the annual rate of 6.6%, payable semi-annually in arrears on November 15 and May 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2007. During the floating rate interest period from May 15, 2017 through maturity, interest will be based on the 3 month LIBOR plus 238.5 basis points, reset quarterly, payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, subject to Holdings’ right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years. Deferred interest will accumulate interest at the applicable rate compounded quarterly for periods from and including May 15, 2017. The reset quarterly interest rate for August 15, 2019 to November 14, 2019 is 4.54%.

 

Holdings may redeem the long term subordinated notes on or after May 15, 2017, in whole or in part at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest; however, redemption on or after the scheduled maturity date and prior to May 1, 2047 is subject to a replacement capital covenant. This covenant is for the benefit of certain senior note holders and it mandates that Holdings receive proceeds from the sale of another

36


 

subordinated debt issue, of at least similar size, before it may redeem the subordinated notes. Effective upon the maturity of the Company’s 5.40% senior notes on October 15, 2014, the Company’s 4.868% senior notes, due on June 1, 2044, have become the Company’s long term indebtedness that ranks senior to the long term subordinated notes.

 

On March 19, 2009, Group announced the commencement of a cash tender offer for any and all of the 6.60% fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes. Upon expiration of the tender offer, the Company had reduced its outstanding debt by $161,441 thousand.

 

Interest expense incurred in connection with these long term subordinated notes is as follows for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Interest expense incurred

$

2,881

 

$

2,875

 

$

8,892

 

$

7,968

 

15. LEASES

 

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02 and ASU 2018-11 which outline new guidance on the accounting for leases. The Company enters into lease agreements for real estate that is primarily used for office space in the ordinary course of business. These leases are accounted for as operating leases, whereby lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Most leases include an option to extend or renew the lease term. The exercise of the renewal is at the Company’s discretion. The operating lease liability includes lease payments related to options to extend or renew the lease term if the Company is reasonably certain of exercise those options. The Company, in determining the present value of lease payments utilizes either the rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily determinable or the Company’s incremental secured borrowing rate commensurate with terms of the underlying lease.

 

Supplemental information related to operating leases is as follows for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

September 30,

 

September 30,

Lease expense incurred:

 

2019

 

 

2019

Operating lease cost

$

5,384

 

$

16,602

 

 

At September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

Operating lease right of use assets

$

58,754

Operating lease liabilities

 

65,138

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

Operating cash flows from operating leases

$

(14,665)

 

 

At September 30,

 

2019

Weighted average remaining operating lease term

6.0 years

 

Weighted average discount rate on operating leases

4.48

%

 

37


 

Maturities of the existing lease liabilities are expected to occur as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

Remainder of 2019

$

4,869

2020

 

19,383

2021

 

10,648

2022

 

10,390

2023

 

9,937

2024

 

9,549

Thereafter

 

17,037

Undiscounted lease payments

 

81,813

Less: present value adjustment

 

16,675

Total operating lease liability

$

65,138

 

On July 2, 2019, the Company entered into a lease agreement to relocate its corporate offices from Liberty Corner, New Jersey to a corporate complex in Warren, New Jersey. The new lease, which covers approximately 315,000 square feet of office space, will be effective October 1, 2019 and runs through 2036. The initial base rent payment of the lease will be approximately $650 thousand per month or $7,800 thousand per year. The Company expects to relocate the existing operations and employees of the Liberty Corner, New Jersey facility to the new corporate complex during 2021.

 

The amount of operating lease liabilities is not separately presented in the consolidated financial statements but is included in other liabilities. Disclosures regarding minimum lease payments under previous lease accounting guidance can be found in the Company’s 2018 Form 10-K.

 

16. SEGMENT REPORTING

 

The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including Marine, Aviation, Surety and Accident and Health (“A&H”) business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies primarily within the U.S. The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’s branches in Canada and Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey. The Bermuda operation provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets through brokers and directly with ceding companies from its Bermuda office and reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets through its UK branch and Ireland Re. The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance directly and through brokers, surplus lines brokers and general agents within the U.S., Canada and Europe.

 

These segments are managed independently, but conform with corporate guidelines with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations. Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results.

 

Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses. We measure our underwriting results using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which, respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned.

 

For inter-affiliate reinsurance and business written through the Lloyd’s Syndicate, business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced, consistent with how the business is managed.

 

The Company does not maintain separate balance sheet data for its operating segments. Accordingly, the Company does not review and evaluate the financial results of its operating segments based upon balance sheet data.

 

38


 

The following tables present the underwriting results for the operating segments for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

U.S. Reinsurance

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Gross written premiums

$

852,679

 

$

940,839

 

$

2,258,589

 

$

2,237,170

Net written premiums

 

754,477

 

 

845,743

 

 

1,931,024

 

 

1,957,877

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

646,265

 

$

670,663

 

$

1,893,516

 

$

1,837,932

Incurred losses and LAE

 

380,960

 

 

440,070

 

 

1,052,789

 

 

1,494,916

Commission and brokerage

 

215,813

 

 

156,500

 

 

555,517

 

 

432,532

Other underwriting expenses

 

19,150

 

 

16,250

 

 

50,468

 

 

48,608

Underwriting gain (loss)

$

30,342

 

$

57,843

 

$

234,742

 

$

(138,124)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

International

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Gross written premiums

$

442,294

 

$

362,651

 

$

1,215,209

 

$

1,128,399

Net written premiums

 

407,897

 

 

348,785

 

 

1,141,319

 

 

1,049,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

372,344

 

$

342,238

 

$

1,083,354

 

$

1,049,637

Incurred losses and LAE

 

411,011

 

 

310,400

 

 

878,118

 

 

738,830

Commission and brokerage

 

83,420

 

 

81,439

 

 

253,015

 

 

255,704

Other underwriting expenses

 

11,331

 

 

10,191

 

 

29,847

 

 

31,116

Underwriting gain (loss)

$

(133,418)

 

$

(59,792)

 

$

(77,626)

 

$

23,987

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

Bermuda

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Gross written premiums

$

441,699

 

$

377,916

 

$

1,204,512

 

$

1,163,042

Net written premiums

 

421,339

 

 

358,758

 

 

1,140,609

 

 

1,108,962

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

402,190

 

$

299,815

 

$

1,095,208

 

$

972,647

Incurred losses and LAE

 

258,650

 

 

211,718

 

 

674,994

 

 

591,328

Commission and brokerage

 

71,865

 

 

76,611

 

 

230,581

 

 

238,416

Other underwriting expenses

 

13,351

 

 

10,752

 

 

36,716

 

 

31,647

Underwriting gain (loss)

$

58,324

 

$

734

 

$

152,917

 

$

111,256

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

Insurance

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Gross written premiums

$

666,602

 

$

517,258

 

$

2,018,727

 

$

1,668,181

Net written premiums

 

484,844

 

 

385,487

 

 

1,491,286

 

 

1,241,269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

484,820

 

$

418,763

 

$

1,383,537

 

$

1,220,508

Incurred losses and LAE

 

321,303

 

 

289,670

 

 

909,203

 

 

825,275

Commission and brokerage

 

71,978

 

 

66,851

 

 

214,387

 

 

195,790

Other underwriting expenses

 

74,326

 

 

60,749

 

 

204,945

 

 

175,954

Underwriting gain (loss)

$

17,213

 

$

1,493

 

$

55,002

 

$

23,489

 

The following table reconciles the underwriting results for the operating segments to income before taxes as reported in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:

 

 

39


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Underwriting gain (loss)

$

(27,539)

 

$

278

 

$

365,035

 

$

20,608

Net investment income

 

181,058

 

 

161,363

 

 

501,062

 

 

440,979

Net realized capital gains (losses)

 

(12,943)

 

 

54,804

 

 

109,561

 

 

45,679

Net derivative gain (loss)

 

(189)

 

 

2,225

 

 

3,395

 

 

5,485

Corporate expenses

 

(8,435)

 

 

(7,890)

 

 

(22,622)

 

 

(23,519)

Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense

 

(7,907)

 

 

(7,901)

 

 

(23,972)

 

 

(23,047)

Other income (expense)

 

(31,025)

 

 

(13,408)

 

 

(52,550)

 

 

(2,948)

Income (loss) before taxes

$

93,020

 

$

189,471

 

$

879,909

 

$

463,237

 

The Company produces business in the U.S., Bermuda and internationally. The net income deriving from and assets residing in the individual foreign countries in which the Company writes business are not identifiable in the Company’s financial records. Based on gross written premium, the table below presents the largest country, other than the U.S., in which the Company writes business, for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

United Kingdom gross written premium

$

272,297

 

$

246,580

 

$

743,294

 

$

681,911

 

No other country represented more than 5% of the Company’s revenues.

 

17. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2019, 40,345 share-based compensation awards were granted on September 18, 2019, with a fair value of $260.555 per share.

 

 

18. RETIREMENT BENEFITS

 

The Company maintains both qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans for its U.S. employees employed prior to April 1, 2010. Generally, the Company computes the benefits based on average earnings over a period prescribed by the plans and credited length of service. The Company’s non-qualified defined benefit pension plan provided compensating pension benefits for participants whose benefits have been curtailed under the qualified plan due to Internal Revenue Code limitations. Effective January 1, 2018, participants of the Company’s non-qualified defined benefit pension plan may no longer accrue additional service benefits.

 

Net periodic benefit cost for U.S. employees included the following components for the periods indicated:

 

Pension Benefits

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Service cost

$

2,064

 

$

2,977

 

$

6,616

 

$

8,931

Interest cost

 

2,928

 

 

2,585

 

 

8,788

 

 

7,754

Expected return on plan assets

 

(4,492)

 

 

(3,670)

 

 

(14,523)

 

 

(11,011)

Amortization of net (income) loss

 

1,909

 

 

2,237

 

 

5,111

 

 

6,710

FAS 88 settlement charge

 

102

 

 

-

 

 

309

 

 

-

Net periodic benefit cost

$

2,511

 

$

4,129

 

$

6,301

 

$

12,384

 

40


 

Other Benefits

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Service cost

$

245

 

$

446

 

$

818

 

$

1,339

Interest cost

 

245

 

 

307

 

 

835

 

 

920

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(144)

 

 

(33)

 

 

(433)

 

 

(98)

Amortization of net (income) loss

 

(39)

 

 

94

 

 

(39)

 

 

282

Net periodic benefit cost

$

307

 

$

814

 

$

1,181

 

$

2,443

 

The service cost component of net periodic benefit costs is included within other underwriting expenses on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). In accordance with ASU 2017-07, other staff compensation costs are also primarily recorded within this line item.

 

The Company did not make any contributions to the qualified pension benefit plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company contributed $77,000 thousand to the qualified pension benefit plan.

 

19. INCOME TAXES

 

The Company is domiciled in Bermuda and has significant subsidiaries and/or branches in Canada, Ireland, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Company’s Bermuda domiciled subsidiaries are exempt from income taxation under Bermuda law until 2035. The Company’s non-Bermudian subsidiaries and branches are subject to income taxation at varying rates in their respective domiciles.

 

The Company generally applies the estimated Annualized Effective Tax Rate (“AETR”) approach for calculating its tax provision for interim periods as prescribed by ASC 740-270, Interim Reporting. Under the AETR approach, the estimated annualized effective tax rate is applied to the interim year-to-date pre-tax income/loss to determine the income tax expense or benefit for the year-to-date period. If the AETR approach produces a year-to-date tax benefit which exceeds the amount which is estimated to be recoverable for the full year, then the tax benefit for the interim reporting period will be limited as prescribed under ASC 740-270 to the estimated recoverable based on the year-to-date result. The tax expense or benefit for the quarter represents the difference between the year-to-date tax expense or benefit for the current year-to-date period less such amount for the immediately preceding year-to-date period. Management considers the impact of all known events in its estimation of the Company’s annual pre-tax income/loss and annualized effective tax rate.

 

20. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The Company has evaluated known recognized and non-recognized subsequent events. In October 2019, Typhoon Hagibis made landfall in Japan. Additionally, wildfires are currently impacting California. Due to the recentness of these events, the Company is unable to estimate the amount of losses at this time. However, the Company anticipates that the losses from these events will adversely impact fourth quarter 2019 financial statements.

41


 

ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

 

Industry Conditions.

The worldwide reinsurance and insurance businesses are highly competitive, as well as cyclical by product and market. As such, financial results tend to fluctuate with periods of constrained availability, higher rates and stronger profits followed by periods of abundant capacity, lower rates and constrained profitability. Competition in the types of reinsurance and insurance business that we underwrite is based on many factors, including the perceived overall financial strength of the reinsurer or insurer, ratings of the reinsurer or insurer by A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor’s, underwriting expertise, the jurisdictions where the reinsurer or insurer is licensed or otherwise authorized, capacity and coverages offered, premiums charged, other terms and conditions of the reinsurance and insurance business offered, services offered, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in lines written. Furthermore, the market impact from these competitive factors related to reinsurance and insurance is generally not consistent across lines of business, domestic and international geographical areas and distribution channels.

 

We compete in the U.S., Bermuda and international reinsurance and insurance markets with numerous global competitors. Our competitors include independent reinsurance and insurance companies, subsidiaries or affiliates of established worldwide insurance companies, reinsurance departments of certain insurance companies, domestic and international underwriting operations, including underwriting syndicates at Lloyd’s of London and certain government sponsored risk transfer vehicles. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do and have established long term and continuing business relationships, which can be a significant competitive advantage. In addition, the lack of strong barriers to entry into the reinsurance business and recently, the securitization of reinsurance and insurance risks through capital markets provide additional sources of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.

 

Worldwide insurance and reinsurance market conditions continued to be very competitive, particularly in the property catastrophe and casualty reinsurance lines of business. Generally, there was ample insurance and reinsurance capacity relative to demand, as well as, additional capital from the capital markets through insurance linked financial instruments. These financial instruments such as side cars, catastrophe bonds and collateralized reinsurance funds, provide capital markets with access to insurance and reinsurance risk exposure. The capital markets demand for these products is being primarily driven by the current low interest environment and the desire to achieve greater risk diversification and potentially higher returns on their investments. This increased competition is generally having a negative impact on rates, terms and conditions; however, the impact varies widely by market and coverage.

 

Rates tend to fluctuate by specific region and products, particularly areas recently impacted by large catastrophic events. There were numerous natural catastrophes in 2018 with total industry losses estimated to be $90 billion. The costliest event was the Camp Wildfire in California, the deadliest and most destructive California fire on record. These 2018 catastrophe losses followed another record year of catastrophes in 2017 where total industry losses for the worldwide events were estimated at $140 billion. These catastrophe losses included an unprecedented series of catastrophes in the third quarter of 2017 with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as a significant earthquake in Mexico City. Additional catastrophe events occurred in the fourth quarter of 2017 with the wild fires in California and Hurricanes Nate and Ophelia. During 2016, catastrophe losses included the Fort McMurray Canadian wildfire, Hurricane Matthew which affected a large area of the Caribbean and southeastern United States, storms and an earthquake in Ecuador. While the future impact on market conditions from these catastrophes cannot be determined at this time, there has been some firming in the markets impacted by the catastrophes, as well as improvements in rate in some other reinsurance lines, including casualty lines, and also improvements in the insurance property and casualty lines.

 

Commencing in 2015, we initiated a strategic build out of our insurance platform through the investment in key leadership hires which in turn has brought significant underwriting talent and stronger direction in achieving our insurance program strategic goals of increased premium volume and improved underwriting results. Recent

42


 

growth is coming from highly diversified areas including newly launched lines of business, as well as, product and geographic expansion in existing lines of business. We are building a world-class insurance platform capable of offering products across lines and geographies, complementing our leading global reinsurance franchise. As part of this initiative, we launched a new syndicate through Lloyd’s of London and formed Ireland Insurance, providing us access to additional international business and new product opportunities to further diversify and broaden our insurance portfolio.

 

Overall, we believe that given our size, strong ratings, distribution system, reputation, expertise and capital market vehicle activity the current marketplace conditions provide profit opportunities. We continue to employ our strategy of targeting business that offers the greatest profit potential, while maintaining balance and diversification in our overall portfolio.

 

Financial Summary.

We monitor and evaluate our overall performance based upon financial results. The following table displays a summary of the consolidated net income (loss), ratios and shareholders’ equity for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Percentage

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Percentage

 

September 30,

 

Increase/

 

September 30,

 

Increase/

(Dollars in millions)

2019

 

2018

 

(Decrease)

 

2019

 

2018

 

(Decrease)

Gross written premiums

$

2,403.3

 

 

$

2,198.7

 

 

 

9.3

%

$

6,697.0

 

 

$

6,196.8

 

 

8.1

%

Net written premiums

 

2,068.6

 

 

 

1,938.8

 

 

 

6.7

%

 

5,704.2

 

 

 

5,357.4

 

 

6.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

1,905.6

 

 

$

1,731.5

 

 

 

10.1

%

$

5,455.6

 

 

$

5,080.7

 

 

7.4

%

Net investment income

 

181.1

 

 

 

161.4

 

 

 

12.2

%

 

501.1

 

 

 

441.0

 

 

13.6

%

Net realized capital gains (losses)

 

(12.9)

 

 

 

54.8

 

 

 

(123.6)

%

 

109.6

 

 

 

45.7

 

 

139.9

%

Net derivative gain (loss)

 

(0.2)

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

(108.5)

%

 

3.4

 

 

 

5.5

 

 

(38.1)

%

Other income (expense)

 

(31.0)

 

 

 

(13.4)

 

 

 

131.4

%

 

(52.6)

 

 

 

(2.9)

 

 

NM

 

Total revenues

 

2,042.5

 

 

 

1,936.5

 

 

 

5.5

%

 

6,017.1

 

 

 

5,569.9

 

 

8.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

1,371.9

 

 

 

1,251.9

 

 

 

9.6

%

 

3,515.1

 

 

 

3,650.3

 

 

(3.7)

%

Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees

 

443.1

 

 

 

381.4

 

 

 

16.2

%

 

1,253.5

 

 

 

1,122.4

 

 

11.7

%

Other underwriting expenses

 

118.2

 

 

 

97.9

 

 

 

20.6

%

 

322.0

 

 

 

287.3

 

 

12.1

%

Corporate expenses

 

8.4

 

 

 

7.9

 

 

 

6.9

%

 

22.6

 

 

 

23.5

 

 

(3.8)

%

Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense

 

7.9

 

 

 

7.9

 

 

 

0.1

%

 

24.0

 

 

 

23.0

 

 

4.0

%

Total claims and expenses

 

1,949.5

 

 

 

1,747.0

 

 

 

11.6

%

 

5,137.2

 

 

 

5,106.7

 

 

0.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES

 

93.0

 

 

 

189.5

 

 

 

(50.9)

%

 

879.9

 

 

 

463.2

 

 

89.9

%

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(11.4)

 

 

 

(8.9)

 

 

 

27.7

%

 

88.1

 

 

 

(11.1)

 

 

NM

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

$

104.4

 

 

$

198.4

 

 

 

(47.4)

%

$

791.8

 

 

$

474.4

 

 

66.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RATIOS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Change

Loss ratio

 

72.0

%

 

 

72.3

%

 

 

(0.3)

 

 

64.4

%

 

 

71.8

%

 

(7.4)

 

Commission and brokerage ratio

 

23.3

%

 

 

22.0

%

 

 

1.3

 

 

23.0

%

 

 

22.1

%

 

0.9

 

Other underwriting expense ratio

 

6.1

%

 

 

5.7

%

 

 

0.4

 

 

5.9

%

 

 

5.7

%

 

0.2

 

Combined ratio

 

101.4

%

 

 

100.0

%

 

 

1.4

 

 

93.3

%

 

 

99.6

%

 

(6.3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At

 

At

 

Percentage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Septeber 30,

 

December 31,

 

Increase/

(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

(Decrease)

Balance sheet data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments and cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

20,364.6

 

 

$

18,433.1

 

 

10.5

%

Total assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27,023.7

 

 

 

24,751.0

 

 

9.2

%

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,637.6

 

 

 

13,119.1

 

 

4.0

%

Total debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

633.8

 

 

 

633.6

 

 

0.0

%

Total liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,040.5

 

 

 

16,890.2

 

 

6.8

%

Shareholders' equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,983.3

 

 

 

7,860.8

 

 

14.3

%

Book value per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

220.28

 

 

 

193.37

 

 

13.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(NM, not meaningful)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

43


 

Revenues.

Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 9.3% to $2,403.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $2,198.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, reflecting a $149.3 million, or 28.9%, increase in our insurance business and a $55.3 million, or 3.3%, increase in our reinsurance business. The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to increases in many lines of business, including property, casualty and specialty lines. The increase in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to increases in casualty writings, facultative business and proportional business, partially offset by a decrease in treaty property business. Gross written premiums increased by 8.1% to $6,697.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $6,196.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, reflecting a $350.5 million, or 21.0%, increase in our insurance business and a $149.7 million, or 3.3%, increase in our reinsurance business. The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to increases in many lines of business, including property, casualty, energy, specialty lines, accident and health and business written through the Lloyd’s Syndicate. The increase in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to increases in treaty casualty writings, facultative business and proportional business, partially offset by a decline in treaty property business.

 

Net written premiums increased by 6.7% to $2,068.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $1,938.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Net written premiums increased by 6.5% to $5,704.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $5,357.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. These changes are consistent with the changes in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased by 10.1% to $1,905.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $1,731.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Premiums earned increased by 7.4% to $5,455.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $5,080.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

 

Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased by 12.2% to $181.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared with investment income of $161.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Net investment income increased by 13.6% to $501.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared with investment income of $441.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Net pre-tax investment income, as a percentage of average invested assets, was 3.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to 3.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Net pre-tax investment income, as a percentage of average invested assets, was 3.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to 3.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increases in income and yield were primarily the result of higher income from our growing fixed maturity portfolio and from our limited partnerships, partially offset by lower dividend income from our equity portfolio.

 

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses). Net realized capital losses were $12.9 million and net realized capital gains were $54.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The net realized capital losses of $12.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were comprised of $12.0 million of net losses from fair value re-measurements and $7.3 million of other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by $6.5 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments. The net realized capital gains of $54.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 were comprised of $48.2 million of net gains from fair value re-measurements and $10.4 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $3.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments.

 

Net realized capital gains were $109.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to net realized capital gains of $45.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The net realized capital gains of $109.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were comprised of $102.8 million of net gains from fair value re-measurements and $22.3 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $15.4 million of other-than-temporary impairments. The net realized capital gains of $45.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were comprised of $31.7 million of net gains from fair

44


 

value re-measurements and $18.8 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $4.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments.

 

Net Derivative Gain (Loss). In 2005 and prior, we sold seven equity index put option contracts, three of which remained outstanding at September 30, 2019. These contracts meet the definition of a derivative in accordance with FASB guidance and as such, are fair valued each quarter with the change recorded as net derivative gain or loss in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). As a result of these adjustments in value, we recognized net derivative losses of $0.2 million and net derivative gains of $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and net derivative gains of $3.4 million and $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The change in the fair value of these equity index put option contracts is generally indicative of the change in the equity markets and interest rates over the same periods.

 

Other Income (Expense). We recorded other expense of $31.0 million and $13.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We recorded other expense of $52.6 million and $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The changes were primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, income related to Mt. Logan Re and changes in deferred gains related to any retroactive reinsurance transactions. We incurred foreign currency exchange expense of $26.0 million and $14.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We incurred foreign currency exchange expense of $44.5 million and foreign currency exchange income of $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Claims and Expenses.

Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. The following tables present our incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

Ratio %/

(Dollar in millions)

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

Pt Change

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

1,128.7

 

59.2

%

 

$

(52.2)

 

-2.7

%

 

$

1,076.4

 

56.5

%

Catastrophes

 

295.5

 

15.5

%

 

 

-

 

-

%

 

 

295.5

 

15.5

%

Total

$

1,424.2

 

74.7

%

 

$

(52.2)

 

-2.7

%

 

$

1,371.9

 

72.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

1,014.4

 

58.5

%

 

$

(2.5)

 

-0.1

%

 

$

1,011.9

 

58.4

%

Catastrophes

 

240.0

 

13.9

%

 

 

-

 

-

%

 

 

240.0

 

13.9

%

Total

$

1,254.4

 

72.4

%

 

$

(2.5)

 

-0.1

%

 

$

1,251.9

 

72.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2019/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

114.3

 

0.7

pts

 

$

(49.7)

 

(2.6)

pts

 

$

64.5

 

(1.9)

pts

Catastrophes

 

55.5

 

1.6

pts

 

 

-

 

-

pts

 

 

55.5

 

1.6

pts

Total

$

169.8

 

2.3

pts

 

$

(49.7)

 

(2.6)

pts

 

$

120.0

 

(0.3)

pts

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

Ratio %/

(Dollar in millions)

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

Pt Change

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

3,239.0

 

59.4

%

 

$

(74.4)

 

-1.4

%

 

$

3,164.6

 

58.0

%

Catastrophes

 

320.5

 

5.9

%

 

 

30.0

 

0.5

%

 

 

350.5

 

6.4

%

Total

$

3,559.5

 

65.3

%

 

$

(44.4)

 

-0.9

%

 

$

3,515.1

 

64.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

2,913.2

 

57.3

%

 

$

(100.0)

 

-2.0

%

 

$

2,813.1

 

55.3

%

Catastrophes

 

305.0

 

6.0

%

 

 

532.2

 

10.5

%

 

 

837.2

 

16.5

%

Total

$

3,218.2

 

63.3

%

 

$

432.2

 

8.5

%

 

$

3,650.3

 

71.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2019/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

325.8

 

2.1

pts

 

$

25.6

 

0.6

pts

 

$

351.5

 

2.7

pts

Catastrophes

 

15.5

 

(0.1)

pts

 

 

(502.2)

 

(10.0)

pts

 

 

(486.7)

 

(10.1)

pts

Total

$

341.3

 

2.0

pts

 

$

(476.6)

 

(9.4)

pts

 

$

(135.2)

 

(7.4)

pts

 

45


 

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 9.6% to $1,371.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $1,251.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to an Increase of $114.3 million in current year attritional losses, mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and an increase of $55.5 million in current year catastrophe losses, partially offset by $49.7 million of additional favorable development in prior years attritional losses in 2019 compared to 2018. The favorable development was mainly due to the impact of the early commutation of a multi-year contract. The current year catastrophe losses of $295.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 related to Hurricane Dorian ($164.5 million) and Typhoon Faxai ($131.0 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $240.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 related to Hurricane Florence ($90.0 million), Typhoon Jebi ($80.0 million), Typhoon Trami ($25.0 million), the 2018 California wildfires ($25.0 million) and Japan Floods ($20.0 million).

 

Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 3.7% to $3,515.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $3,650.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to a $502.2 million reduction in unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2019 compared to 2018, partially offset by an increase of $325.8 million in current year attritional losses, an increase in current year catastrophe losses of $15.5 million and less favorable development on prior years attritional losses of $25.6 million. The current year catastrophe losses of $320.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 related to Hurricane Dorian ($164.5 million), Typhoon Faxai ($131.0 million) and the Townsville monsoon in Australia ($25.0 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $305.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related to Hurricane Florence ($90.0 million), Typhoon Jebi ($80.0 million), Cyclone Mekunu ($47.7 million), Typhoon Trami ($25.0 million), the 2018 California wildfires ($25.0 million), Japan Floods ($20.0 million) and the U.S. winter storms ($17.3 million).

 

Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by 16.2% to $443.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $381.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by 11.7% to $1,253.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $1,122.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increases were primarily due to the impact of the increases in premiums earned, fluctuations in contingent commissions and changes in the mix of business.

 

Other Underwriting Expenses. Other underwriting expenses were $118.2 million and $97.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Other underwriting expenses were $322.0 million and $287.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increases in other underwriting expenses were mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned.

 

Corporate Expenses. Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, remained relatively flat at $8.4 million and $7.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $22.6 million and $23.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense. Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $7.9 million and $7.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $24.0 million and $23.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The change in expense was primarily due to the movements in the floating interest rate related to the long term subordinated notes, which is reset quarterly per the note agreement. The floating rate was 4.54% as of September 30, 2019.

 

Income Tax Expense (Benefit). We had an income tax benefit of $11.4 million and income tax expense of $88.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. We had an income tax benefit of $8.9 million and $11.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. Income tax expense is primarily a function of the geographic location of the Company’s pre-tax income and the statutory tax rates in those jurisdictions, as affected primarily by tax-exempt investment income and foreign tax credits. Variations in the AETR generally result from changes in the relative levels of pre-tax income, including

46


 

the impact of catastrophe losses, net capital gains (losses) and foreign exchange gains (losses), among jurisdictions with different income tax rates. The change in income tax expense (benefit) for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to an increase in losses incurred and commission expense. The change in income tax expense (benefit) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to an increase in earned premiums, investment income and net realized capital gains (losses).

 

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service and Department of the Treasury issued proposed regulations on July 10, 2019 relating to the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). The proposed regulations provide guidance on various PFIC rules, including changes resulting from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Management is still in the process of evaluating the impact to its shareholders and business operations, if any.

 

Net Income (Loss).

Our net income was $104.4 million and $198.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our net income was $791.8 million and $474.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The changes were primarily driven by the financial component fluctuations explained above.

 

Ratios.

Our combined ratio increased by 1.4 points to 101.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to 100.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, and decreased by 6.3 points to 93.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to 99.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The loss ratio component decreased 0.3 points and 7.4 points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 over the same periods last year mainly due to lower unfavorable development on prior year catastrophe losses in 2019 compared to 2018. The commission and brokerage ratio component increased to 23.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to 22.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, and increased to 23.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to 22.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase was mainly due to the impact of the early commutation of a multi-year contract and changes in the mix of business. The other underwriting expense ratios increased slightly to 6.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2019 from 5.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The other underwriting expense ratios increased slightly to 5.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from 5.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

 

Shareholders’ Equity.

Shareholders’ equity increased by $1,122.5 million to $8,983.3 million at September 30, 2019 from $7,860.8 million at December 31, 2018, principally as a result of $791.8 million of net income, $520.4 million of unrealized appreciation on investments net of tax, $17.5 million of share-based compensation transactions and $3.7 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments, partially offset by $171.1 million of shareholder dividends, the repurchase of 114,633 common shares for $24.6 million and $15.2 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

Consolidated Investment Results

 

Net Investment Income.

Net investment income increased by 12.2% to $181.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared with investment income of $161.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Net investment income increased by 13.6% to $501.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared with investment income of $441.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increases were primarily the result of higher income from our growing fixed maturity portfolio and from our limited partnerships, partially offset by lower dividend income from our equity portfolio.

 

47


 

The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(Dollars in millions)

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Fixed maturities

$

130.1

 

$

119.5

 

$

383.4

 

$

343.0

Equity securities

 

4.2

 

 

5.4

 

 

12.3

 

 

18.9

Short-term investments and cash

 

3.9

 

 

5.0

 

 

13.5

 

 

8.8

Other invested assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Limited partnerships

 

43.8

 

 

38.3

 

 

100.3

 

 

83.7

Other

 

7.3

 

 

3.0

 

 

13.6

 

 

10.0

Gross investment income before adjustments

 

189.3

 

 

171.2

 

 

523.1

 

 

464.4

Funds held interest income (expense)

 

2.3

 

 

1.0

 

 

9.7

 

 

6.6

Future policy benefit reserve income (expense)

 

(0.4)

 

 

(0.4)

 

 

(1.0)

 

 

(1.0)

Gross investment income

 

191.2

 

 

171.8

 

 

531.8

 

 

470.0

Investment expenses

 

(10.1)

 

 

(10.4)

 

 

(30.7)

 

 

(29.0)

Net investment income

$

181.1

 

$

161.4

 

$

501.1

 

$

441.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

The following tables show a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated.

 

 

At

 

At

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

2019

 

2018

Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets

3.4

%

 

3.4

%

Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets

3.0

%

 

3.0

%

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets

3.7

%

 

3.5

%

 

3.5

%

 

3.2

%

Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets

3.3

%

 

3.1

%

 

3.1

%

 

2.8

%

 

48


 

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).

The following table presents the composition of our net realized capital gains (losses) for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(Dollars in millions)

2019

 

2018

 

Variance

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Variance

Gains (losses) from sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, market value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

$

14.3

 

$

5.7

 

$

8.6

 

$

42.0

 

$

25.5

 

$

16.5

Losses

 

(9.0)

 

 

(4.9)

 

 

(4.1)

 

 

(25.3)

 

 

(14.4)

 

 

(10.9)

Total

 

5.3

 

 

0.8

 

 

4.5

 

 

16.7

 

 

11.1

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

0.4

 

 

-

 

 

0.4

Losses

 

-

 

 

(0.7)

 

 

0.7

 

 

-

 

 

(1.8)

 

 

1.8

Total

 

-

 

 

(0.7)

 

 

0.7

 

 

0.4

 

 

(1.8)

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities, fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

1.0

 

 

14.2

 

 

(13.2)

 

 

9.3

 

 

28.2

 

 

(18.9)

Losses

 

(2.2)

 

 

(4.6)

 

 

2.4

 

 

(6.7)

 

 

(20.2)

 

 

13.5

Total

 

(1.1)

 

 

9.5

 

 

(10.7)

 

 

2.6

 

 

8.0

 

 

(5.4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Invested Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

2.6

 

 

0.9

 

 

1.7

 

 

2.9

 

 

1.5

 

 

1.4

Losses

 

(0.5)

 

 

-

 

 

(0.5)

 

 

(0.6)

 

 

-

 

 

(0.6)

Total

 

2.1

 

 

0.9

 

 

1.2

 

 

2.3

 

 

1.5

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short Term Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

0.2

 

 

-

 

 

0.2

 

 

0.3

 

 

-

 

 

0.3

Losses

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Total

 

0.2

 

 

-

 

 

0.2

 

 

0.3

 

 

-

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net realized gains (losses) from sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

18.2

 

 

20.7

 

 

(2.6)

 

 

54.9

 

 

55.2

 

 

(0.3)

Losses

 

(11.7)

 

 

(10.3)

 

 

(1.5)

 

 

(32.6)

 

 

(36.4)

 

 

3.8

Total

 

6.5

 

 

10.4

 

 

(3.9)

 

 

22.3

 

 

18.8

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairments:

 

(7.3)

 

 

(3.8)

 

 

(3.5)

 

 

(15.4)

 

 

(4.8)

 

 

(10.6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, fair value

 

-

 

 

0.5

 

 

(0.5)

 

 

-

 

 

1.5

 

 

(1.5)

Equity securities, fair value

 

(12.0)

 

 

47.7

 

 

(59.7)

 

 

102.8

 

 

30.2

 

 

72.6

Total

 

(12.0)

 

 

48.2

 

 

(60.2)

 

 

102.8

 

 

31.7

 

 

71.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net realized capital gains (losses)

$

(12.9)

 

$

54.8

 

$

(67.6)

 

$

109.6

 

$

45.7

 

$

64.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized capital losses were $12.9 million and net realized capital gains were $54.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded $12.0 million of net losses from fair value re-measurements and $7.3 million of other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by $6.5 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, we recorded $48.2 million of net gains from fair value re-measurements and $10.4 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $3.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments. The fixed maturity and equity sales for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts.

 

 

49


 

Net realized capital gains were $109.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and net realized capital gains were $45.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded $102.8 million of net gains from fair value re-measurements and $22.3 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $15.4 million of other-than-temporary impairments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we recorded $31.7 million of net gains from fair value re-measurements and $18.8 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $4.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments. The fixed maturity and equity sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts.

 

Segment Results.

The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including Marine, Aviation, Surety and Accident and Health (“A&H”) business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies primarily within the U.S. The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’s branches in Canada and Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey. The Bermuda operation provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets through brokers and directly with ceding companies from its Bermuda office and reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets through its UK branch and Ireland Re. The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance directly and through brokers, surplus lines brokers and general agents within the U.S., Canada and Europe.

 

These segments are managed independently, but conform with corporate guidelines with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations. Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results.

 

Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses. We measure our underwriting results using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which, respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned.

 

For inter-affiliate reinsurance and business written through the Lloyd’s Syndicate, business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced, consistent with how the business is managed.

 

The Company does not maintain separate balance sheet data for its operating segments. Accordingly, the Company does not review and evaluate the financial results of its operating segments based upon balance sheet data.

 

Our loss and LAE reserves are management’s best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims. We re-evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including all prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, recently reported loss claim experience and trends related to prior periods. Such re-evaluations are recorded in incurred losses in the period in which re-evaluation is made.

 

The following discusses the underwriting results for each of our segments for the periods indicated.

 

50


 

U.S. Reinsurance.

The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(Dollars in millions)

2019

 

2018

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

2019

 

2018

 

Variance

 

% Change

Gross written premiums

$

852.7

 

 

$

940.8

 

 

$

(88.1)

 

-9.4

%

 

$

2,258.6

 

 

$

2,237.2

 

 

$

21.4

 

1.0

%

Net written premiums

 

754.5

 

 

 

845.7

 

 

 

(91.2)

 

-10.8

%

 

 

1,931.0

 

 

 

1,957.9

 

 

 

(26.9)

 

-1.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

646.3

 

 

$

670.7

 

 

$

(24.4)

 

-3.6

%

 

$

1,893.5

 

 

$

1,837.9

 

 

$

55.6

 

3.0

%

Incurred losses and LAE

 

381.0

 

 

 

440.1

 

 

 

(59.1)

 

-13.4

%

 

 

1,052.8

 

 

 

1,494.9

 

 

 

(442.1)

 

-29.6

%

Commission and brokerage

 

215.8

 

 

 

156.5

 

 

 

59.3

 

37.9

%

 

 

555.5

 

 

 

432.5

 

 

 

123.0

 

28.4

%

Other underwriting expenses

 

19.2

 

 

 

16.3

 

 

 

2.9

 

17.8

%

 

 

50.5

 

 

 

48.6

 

 

 

1.9

 

3.9

%

Underwriting gain (loss)

$

30.3

 

 

$

57.8

 

 

$

(27.5)

 

-47.6

%

 

$

234.7

 

 

$

(138.1)

 

 

$

372.8

 

NM

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

Loss ratio

 

58.9

%

 

 

65.6

%

 

 

 

 

(6.7)

 

 

 

55.6

%

 

 

81.4

%

 

 

 

 

(25.8)

 

Commission and brokerage ratio

 

33.4

%

 

 

23.3

%

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

 

 

29.3

%

 

 

23.5

%

 

 

 

 

5.8

 

Other underwriting expense ratio

 

3.0

%

 

 

2.5

%

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

2.7

%

 

 

2.6

%

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

Combined ratio

 

95.3

%

 

 

91.4

%

 

 

 

 

3.9

 

 

 

87.6

%

 

 

107.5

%

 

 

 

 

(19.9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(NM, Not Meaningful)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

Premiums. Gross written premiums decreased by 9.4% to $852.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 from $940.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to a decrease in treaty property writings, partially offset by an increase in treaty casualty business. Net written premiums decreased by 10.8% to $754.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $845.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned decreased by 3.6% to $646.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $670.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

 

Gross written premiums increased by 1.0% to $2,258.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from $2,237.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to increases in treaty casualty writings, partially offset by a decline in treaty property business. Net written premiums decreased by 1.4% to $1,931.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $1,957.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to varying utilization of reinsurance. Premiums earned increased by 3.0% to $1,893.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $1,837.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

 

51


 

Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

 

Ratio %/

(Dollars in millions)

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

 

Pt Change

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

379.4

 

58.7

%

 

$

(50.1)

 

-7.8

%

 

$

329.3

 

 

50.9

%

Catastrophes

 

50.5

 

7.8

%

 

 

1.2

 

0.2

%

 

 

51.7

 

 

8.0

%

Total Segment

$

429.9

 

66.5

%

 

$

(49.0)

 

-7.6

%

 

$

381.0

 

 

58.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

374.2

 

55.8

%

 

$

(0.1)

 

-

%

 

$

374.1

 

 

55.8

%

Catastrophes

 

97.5

 

14.5

%

 

 

(31.5)

 

-4.7

%

 

 

66.0

 

 

9.8

%

Total Segment

$

471.7

 

70.3

%

 

$

(31.6)

 

-4.7

%

 

$

440.1

 

 

65.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2019/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

5.2

 

2.9

pts

 

$

(50.0)

 

(7.8)

pts

 

$

(44.8)

 

 

(4.9)

pts

Catastrophes

 

(47.0)

 

(6.7)

pts

 

 

32.7

 

4.9

pts

 

 

(14.3)

 

 

(1.8)

pts

Total Segment

$

(41.8)

 

(3.8)

pts

 

$

(17.4)

 

(2.9)

pts

 

$

(59.1)

 

 

(6.7)

pts

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

 

Ratio %/

(Dollars in millions)

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

 

Pt Change

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

1,100.2

 

58.1

%

 

$

(70.0)

 

-3.7

%

 

$

1,030.3

 

 

54.4

%

Catastrophes

 

50.4

 

2.7

%

 

 

(27.9)

 

-1.5

%

 

 

22.5

 

 

1.2

%

Total Segment

$

1,150.7

 

60.8

%

 

$

(97.9)

 

-5.2

%

 

$

1,052.8

 

 

55.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

994.3

 

54.1

%

 

$

(69.3)

 

-3.8

%

 

$

925.1

 

 

50.3

%

Catastrophes

 

102.0

 

5.6

%

 

 

467.8

 

25.5

%

 

 

569.8

 

 

31.1

%

Total Segment

$

1,096.3

 

59.7

%

 

$

398.5

 

21.7

%

 

$

1,494.9

 

 

81.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2019/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

105.9

 

4.0

pts

 

$

(0.7)

 

0.1

pts

 

$

105.2

 

 

4.1

pts

Catastrophes

 

(51.6)

 

(2.9)

pts

 

 

(495.7)

 

(27.0)

pts

 

 

(547.3)

 

 

(29.9)

pts

Total Segment

$

54.4

 

1.1

pts

 

$

(496.4)

 

(26.9)

pts

 

$

(442.1)

 

 

(25.8)

pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incurred losses decreased by 13.4% to $381.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $440.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease was primarily due to $50.0 million of additional favorable development on prior years attritional losses in 2019 compared to 2018, mainly due to the early commutation of a multi-year contract, and a decrease of $47.0 million on current year catastrophe losses. This decline was partially offset by an increase of $32.7 million on prior year catastrophe losses. The current year catastrophe losses of $50.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 related primarily to Typhoon Faxai ($26.5 million) and Hurricane Dorian ($24.0 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $97.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Hurricane Florence ($58.0 million), the 2018 California wildfires ($23.2 million), Typhoon Jebi ($6.5 million), Japan Floods ($5.5 million), the U.S. winter storms ($2.3 million) and Typhoon Trami ($2.0 million).

 

Incurred losses decreased by 29.6% to $1,052.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $1,494.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease was primarily due to $27.9 million of favorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2019 compared to $467.8 million of unfavorable development in 2018, mainly related to Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria and the 2017 California wildfires, as well as a decrease of $51.6 million on current year catastrophe losses. These declines were partially offset by an increase of $105.9 million in current year attritional losses, mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business. The current year catastrophe losses of $50.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 related primarily to Typhoon Faxai ($26.5 million) and Hurricane Dorian ($24.0 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $102.0 million for the nine months

52


 

ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Hurricane Florence ($58.0 million), the 2018 California wildfires ($23.2 million), the U.S. winter storms ($6.8 million), Typhoon Jebi ($6.5 million), Japan Floods ($5.5 million) and Typhoon Trami ($2.0 million).  

 

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses increased by 37.9% to $215.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $156.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Commission and brokerage expenses increased by 28.4% to $555.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $432.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increases are mainly due to increases in contingent commissions and changes in the mix of business.

 

Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $19.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 from $16.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $50.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from $48.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increases were mainly due to the impact of the increases in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business.

 

International.

The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the International segment for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(Dollars in millions)

2019

 

2018

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

2019

 

2018

 

Variance

 

% Change

Gross written premiums

$

442.3

 

 

$

362.7

 

 

$

79.6

 

21.9

%

 

$

1,215.2

 

 

$

1,128.4

 

 

$

86.8

 

7.7

%

Net written premiums

 

407.9

 

 

 

348.8

 

 

 

59.1

 

16.9

%

 

 

1,141.3

 

 

 

1,049.2

 

 

 

92.1

 

8.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

372.3

 

 

$

342.2

 

 

$

30.1

 

8.8

%

 

$

1,083.4

 

 

$

1,049.6

 

 

$

33.8

 

3.2

%

Incurred losses and LAE

 

411.0

 

 

 

310.4

 

 

 

100.6

 

32.4

%

 

 

878.1

 

 

 

738.8

 

 

 

139.3

 

18.9

%

Commission and brokerage

 

83.4

 

 

 

81.4

 

 

 

2.0

 

2.5

%

 

 

253.0

 

 

 

255.7

 

 

 

(2.7)

 

-1.1

%

Other underwriting expenses

 

11.3

 

 

 

10.2

 

 

 

1.1

 

10.8

%

 

 

29.8

 

 

 

31.1

 

 

 

(1.3)

 

-4.2

%

Underwriting gain (loss)

$

(133.4)

 

 

$

(59.8)

 

 

$

(73.6)

 

123.1

%

 

$

(77.6)

 

 

$

24.0

 

 

$

(101.6)

 

NM

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

Loss ratio

 

110.3

%

 

 

90.6

%

 

 

 

 

19.7

 

 

 

81.1

%

 

 

70.4

%

 

 

 

 

10.7

 

Commission and brokerage ratio

 

22.4

%

 

 

23.8

%

 

 

 

 

(1.4)

 

 

 

23.4

%

 

 

24.4

%

 

 

 

 

(1.0)

 

Other underwriting expense ratio

 

3.1

%

 

 

3.1

%

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2.7

%

 

 

2.9

%

 

 

 

 

(0.2)

 

Combined ratio

 

135.8

%

 

 

117.5

%

 

 

 

 

18.3

 

 

 

107.2

%

 

 

97.7

%

 

 

 

 

9.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(NM, Not Meaningful)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 21.9% to $442.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $362.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to increases in Latin American business, Canadian business and facultative writings. Net written premiums increased by 16.9% to $407.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $348.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to varying utilization of reinsurance. Premiums earned increased 8.8% to $372.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $342.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

 

Gross written premiums increased by 7.7% to $1,215.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $1,128.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to the increases in Middle East and Africa business, facultative business and Asian business written through our Singapore branch, partially offset by a decline in Latin American business and a negative impact of $26.0 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates. Net written premiums increased by 8.8% to $1,141.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $1,049.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased 3.2% to $1,083.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $1,049.6 million for the nine

53


 

months ended September 30, 2018. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

 

Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the International segment for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

 

Ratio %/

(Dollars in millions)

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

 

Pt Change

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

188.4

 

50.6

%

 

$

(2.1)

 

-0.6

%

 

$

186.3

 

 

50.0

%

Catastrophes

 

225.0

 

60.4

%

 

 

(0.3)

 

-0.1

%

 

 

224.7

 

 

60.3

%

Total Segment

$

413.4

 

111.0

%

 

$

(2.4)

 

-0.7

%

 

$

411.0

 

 

110.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

182.8

 

53.4

%

 

$

(2.4)

 

-0.7

%

 

$

180.4

 

 

52.7

%

Catastrophes

 

96.3

 

28.1

%

 

 

33.7

 

9.8

%

 

 

130.0

 

 

37.9

%

Total Segment

$

279.1

 

81.5

%

 

$

31.3

 

9.1

%

 

$

310.4

 

 

90.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2019/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

5.6

 

(2.8)

pts

 

$

0.3

 

0.1

pts

 

$

5.9

 

 

(2.7)

pts

Catastrophes

 

128.7

 

32.3

pts

 

 

(34.0)

 

(9.9)

pts

 

 

94.7

 

 

22.4

pts

Total Segment

$

134.3

 

29.5

pts

 

$

(33.7)

 

(9.8)

pts

 

$

100.6

 

 

19.7

pts

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

 

Ratio %/

(Dollars in millions)

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

 

Pt Change

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

570.4

 

52.7

%

 

$

(4.5)

 

-0.4

%

 

$

566.0

 

 

52.3

%

Catastrophes

 

249.9

 

23.1

%

 

 

62.2

 

5.7

%

 

 

312.2

 

 

28.8

%

Total Segment

$

820.4

 

75.8

%

 

$

57.8

 

5.3

%

 

$

878.1

 

 

81.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

539.4

 

51.4

%

 

$

(29.6)

 

-2.8

%

 

$

509.7

 

 

48.6

%

Catastrophes

 

146.3

 

13.9

%

 

 

82.8

 

7.9

%

 

 

229.1

 

 

21.8

%

Total Segment

$

685.7

 

65.3

%

 

$

53.2

 

5.1

%

 

$

738.8

 

 

70.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2019/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

31.0

 

1.3

pts

 

$

25.1

 

2.4

pts

 

$

56.3

 

 

3.7

pts

Catastrophes

 

103.6

 

9.2

pts

 

 

(20.6)

 

(2.2)

pts

 

 

83.1

 

 

7.0

pts

Total Segment

$

134.7

 

10.5

pts

 

$

4.6

 

0.2

pts

 

$

139.3

 

 

10.7

pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 32.4% to $411.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $310.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to a $128.7 million increase in current year catastrophe losses and $34.0 million of less unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2019 compared to 2018, mainly related to Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Irma and the Mexico City earthquake unfavorable development in 2018. The current year catastrophe losses of $225.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 related primarily to Hurricane Dorian ($126.5 million) and Typhoon Faxai ($99.5 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $96.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Typhoon Jebi ($60.1 million), Typhoon Trami ($23.0 million), Japan Floods ($9.5 million) and Hurricane Florence ($6.0 million).

 

 

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 18.9% to $878.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $738.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to an increase of $103.6 million on current year catastrophe losses, an increase of $31.0 million in current year attritional losses and $25.1 million less of favorable development on prior years attritional losses in 2019 compared to 2018. These increases were partially offset by $20.6 million less of unfavorable development on prior years

54


 

catastrophe losses. The current year catastrophe losses of $249.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 related to Hurricane Dorian ($126.5 million), Typhoon Faxai ($99.5 million) and the Townsville monsoon in Australia ($23.9 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $146.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Typhoon Jebi ($60.1 million), Cyclone Mekunu ($47.7 million), Typhoon Trami ($23.0 million), Japan Floods ($9.5 million) and Hurricane Florence ($6.0 million).

 

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage increased by 2.5% to $83.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $81.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. This increase was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned. Commission and brokerage decreased slightly to $253.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $255.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. This decrease is mainly due to changes in the mix of business and a decrease in contingent commissions.

 

Segment other underwriting expenses increased slightly to $11.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $10.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Segment other underwriting expenses decreased to $29.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $31.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The variances are mainly due to changes in the mix of business.

 

Bermuda.

The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Bermuda segment for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(Dollars in millions)

2019

 

2018

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

2019

 

2018

 

Variance

 

% Change

Gross written premiums

$

441.7

 

 

$

377.9

 

 

$

63.8

 

16.9

%

 

$

1,204.5

 

 

$

1,163.0

 

 

$

41.5

 

3.6

%

Net written premiums

 

421.3

 

 

 

358.8

 

 

 

62.5

 

17.4

%

 

 

1,140.6

 

 

 

1,109.0

 

 

 

31.6

 

2.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

402.2

 

 

$

299.8

 

 

$

102.4

 

34.2

%

 

$

1,095.2

 

 

$

972.6

 

 

$

122.6

 

12.6

%

Incurred losses and LAE

 

258.7

 

 

 

211.7

 

 

 

47.0

 

22.2

%

 

 

675.0

 

 

 

591.3

 

 

 

83.7

 

14.2

%

Commission and brokerage

 

71.9

 

 

 

76.6

 

 

 

(4.7)

 

-6.1

%

 

 

230.6

 

 

 

238.4

 

 

 

(7.8)

 

-3.3

%

Other underwriting expenses

 

13.4

 

 

 

10.8

 

 

 

2.6

 

24.1

%

 

 

36.7

 

 

 

31.6

 

 

 

5.1

 

16.1

%

Underwriting gain (loss)

$

58.3

 

 

$

0.7

 

 

$

57.6

 

NM

%

 

$

152.9

 

 

$

111.3

 

 

$

41.6

 

37.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

Loss ratio

 

64.3

%

 

 

70.7

%

 

 

 

 

(6.4)

 

 

 

61.6

%

 

 

60.9

%

 

 

 

 

0.7

 

Commission and brokerage ratio

 

17.9

%

 

 

25.6

%

 

 

 

 

(7.7)

 

 

 

21.1

%

 

 

24.5

%

 

 

 

 

(3.4)

 

Other underwriting expense ratio

 

3.3

%

 

 

3.5

%

 

 

 

 

(0.2)

 

 

 

3.3

%

 

 

3.2

%

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

Combined ratio

 

85.5

%

 

 

99.8

%

 

 

 

 

(14.3)

 

 

 

86.0

%

 

 

88.6

%

 

 

 

 

(2.6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(NM not meaningful)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 16.9% to $441.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $377.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to increased Bermuda casualty business. Net written premiums increased by 17.4% to $421.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $358.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased 34.2% to $402.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $299.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

 

Gross written premiums increased by 3.6% to $1,204.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $1,163.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to increased Bermuda casualty business and an increase in business written through our UK branch, partially offset by a negative impact of $26.0 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates. Net written premiums increased by 2.8% to $1,140.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $1,109.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, which is consistent with the change in gross written

55


 

premiums. Premiums earned increased 12.6% to $1,095.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $972.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

 

Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Bermuda segment for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

 

Ratio %/

(Dollars in millions)

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

 

Pt Change

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

240.2

 

59.7

%

 

$

-

 

0.0

%

 

$

240.2

 

 

59.7

%

Catastrophes

 

16.0

 

4.0

%

 

 

2.5

 

0.6

%

 

 

18.5

 

 

4.6

%

Total Segment

$

256.2

 

63.7

%

 

$

2.5

 

0.6

%

 

$

258.7

 

 

64.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

179.2

 

59.8

%

 

$

-

 

0.0

%

 

$

179.2

 

 

59.8

%

Catastrophes

 

31.7

 

10.6

%

 

 

0.8

 

0.3

%

 

 

32.5

 

 

10.9

%

Total Segment

$

210.9

 

70.4

%

 

$

0.8

 

0.3

%

 

$

211.7

 

 

70.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2019/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

61.0

 

(0.1)

pts

 

$

-

 

-

pts

 

$

61.0

 

 

(0.1)

pts

Catastrophes

 

(15.7)

 

(6.6)

pts

 

 

1.7

 

0.3

pts

 

 

(14.0)

 

 

(6.3)

pts

Total Segment

$

45.3

 

(6.7)

pts

 

$

1.7

 

0.3

pts

 

$

47.0

 

 

(6.4)

pts

 

 

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

 

Ratio %/

(Dollars in millions)

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

 

Pt Change

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

659.8

 

60.2

%

 

$

-

 

0.0

%

 

$

659.8

 

 

60.2

%

Catastrophes

 

16.1

 

1.5

%

 

 

(1.0)

 

-0.1

%

 

 

15.2

 

 

1.4

%

Total Segment

$

676.0

 

61.7

%

 

$

(1.0)

 

-0.1

%

 

$

675.0

 

 

61.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

 

570.5

 

58.7

%

 

 

-

 

0.0

%

 

 

570.5

 

 

58.7

%

Catastrophes

$

31.7

 

3.3

%

 

$

(10.9)

 

-1.1

%

 

$

20.8

 

 

2.2

%

Total Segment

$

602.2

 

62.0

%

 

$

(10.9)

 

-1.1

%

 

$

591.3

 

 

60.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2019/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

89.3

 

1.5

pts

 

$

-

 

-

pts

 

$

89.3

 

 

1.5

pts

Catastrophes

 

(15.6)

 

(1.8)

pts

 

 

9.9

 

1.0

pts

 

 

(5.6)

 

 

(0.8)

pts

Total Segment

$

73.8

 

(0.3)

pts

 

$

9.9

 

1.0

pts

 

$

83.7

 

 

0.7

pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 22.2% to $258.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $211.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to an increase of $61.0 million in current year attritional losses mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, partially offset by a decrease of $15.7 million on current year catastrophe losses. The current year catastrophe losses of $16.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 mainly related to Hurricane Dorian ($10.0 million) and Typhoon Faxai ($5.0 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $31.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Typhoon Jebi ($13.4 million), Hurricane Florence ($13.0 million) and Japan Floods ($5.0 million).

 

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 14.2% to $675.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $591.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to an increase of $89.3 million in current year attritional losses due mainly to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, partially offset by a decrease of $15.6 million on current year catastrophe losses. The current year catastrophe losses of $16.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 mainly related to Hurricane Dorian ($10.0 million), Typhoon Faxai ($5.0 million) and the Townsville monsoon in Australia ($1.1 million). The current year

56


 

catastrophe losses of $31.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Typhoon Jebi ($13.4 million), Hurricane Florence ($13.0 million) and Japan Floods ($5.0 million).

 

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage decreased by 6.1% to $71.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $76.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Commission and brokerage decreased by 3.3% to $230.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $238.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. These decreases were mainly due to changes in the mix of business.

 

Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $13.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $10.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $36.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $31.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. These increases were mainly due to the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business.

 

Insurance.

The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(Dollars in millions)

2019

 

2018

 

Variance

 

% Change

 

2019

 

2018

 

Variance

 

% Change

Gross written premiums

$

666.6

 

 

$

517.3

 

 

$

149.3

 

28.9

%

 

$

2,018.7

 

 

$

1,668.2

 

 

$

350.5

 

21.0

%

Net written premiums

 

484.8

 

 

 

385.5

 

 

 

99.3

 

25.8

%

 

 

1,491.3

 

 

 

1,241.3

 

 

 

250.0

 

20.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned

$

484.8

 

 

$

418.8

 

 

$

66.0

 

15.8

%

 

$

1,383.5

 

 

$

1,220.5

 

 

$

163.0

 

13.4

%

Incurred losses and LAE

 

321.3

 

 

 

289.7

 

 

 

31.6

 

10.9

%

 

 

909.2

 

 

 

825.3

 

 

 

83.9

 

10.2

%

Commission and brokerage

 

72.0

 

 

 

66.9

 

 

 

5.1

 

7.6

%

 

 

214.4

 

 

 

195.8

 

 

 

18.6

 

9.5

%

Other underwriting expenses

 

74.3

 

 

 

60.7

 

 

 

13.6

 

22.4

%

 

 

204.9

 

 

 

176.0

 

 

 

28.9

 

16.4

%

Underwriting gain (loss)

$

17.2

 

 

$

1.5

 

 

$

15.7

 

NM

%

 

$

55.0

 

 

$

23.5

 

 

$

31.6

 

134.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Point Chg

Loss ratio

 

66.2

%

 

 

69.2

%

 

 

 

 

(3.0)

 

 

 

65.8

%

 

 

67.6

%

 

 

 

 

(1.8)

 

Commission and brokerage ratio

 

14.8

%

 

 

16.0

%

 

 

 

 

(1.2)

 

 

 

15.5

%

 

 

16.0

%

 

 

 

 

(0.5)

 

Other underwriting expense ratio

 

15.4

%

 

 

14.4

%

 

 

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

14.7

%

 

 

14.5

%

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

Combined ratio

 

96.4

%

 

 

99.6

%

 

 

 

 

(3.2)

 

 

 

96.0

%

 

 

98.1

%

 

 

 

 

(2.1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(NM not meaningful)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 28.9% to $666.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $517.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. This increase was related to most lines of business including property, casualty and specialty lines. Net written premiums increased by 25.8% to $484.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $385.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased 15.8% to $484.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $418.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

 

Gross written premiums increased by 21.0% to $2,018.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $1,668.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. This increase was related to most lines of business including property, casualty, energy, specialty lines, accident and health and premiums written through the Lloyd’s Syndicate. Net written premiums increased by 20.1% to $1,491.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $1,241.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased 13.4% to $1,383.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $1,220.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the

57


 

result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

 

Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

 

Ratio %/

(Dollars in millions)

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

 

Pt Change

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

320.7

 

66.1

%

 

$

-

 

-

%

 

$

320.7

 

 

66.1

%

Catastrophes

 

4.0

 

0.8

%

 

 

(3.4)

 

(0.7)

%

 

 

0.6

 

 

0.1

%

Total Segment

$

324.7

 

66.9

%

 

$

(3.4)

 

(0.7)

%

 

$

321.3

 

 

66.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

278.2

 

66.4

%

 

$

-

 

-

%

 

$

278.2

 

 

66.4

%

Catastrophes

 

14.5

 

3.5

%

 

 

(3.0)

 

-0.7

%

 

 

11.5

 

 

2.8

%

Total Segment

$

292.7

 

69.9

%

 

$

(3.0)

 

-0.7

%

 

$

289.7

 

 

69.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2019/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

42.5

 

(0.3)

pts

 

$

-

 

-

pts

 

$

42.5

 

 

(0.3)

pts

Catastrophes

 

(10.5)

 

(2.7)

pts

 

 

(0.4)

 

-

pts

 

 

(10.9)

 

 

(2.7)

pts

Total Segment

$

32.0

 

(3.0)

pts

 

$

(0.4)

 

-

pts

 

$

31.6

 

 

(3.0)

pts

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Current

 

Ratio %/

 

Prior

 

Ratio %/

 

Total

 

 

Ratio %/

(Dollars in millions)

Year

 

Pt Change

 

Years

 

Pt Change

 

Incurred

 

 

Pt Change

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

908.5

 

65.7

%

 

$

0.0

 

0.0

%

 

$

908.6

 

 

65.7

%

Catastrophes

 

4.0

 

0.3

%

 

 

(3.4)

 

-0.2

%

 

 

0.6

 

 

0.1

%

Total Segment

$

912.5

 

66.0

%

 

$

(3.4)

 

-0.2

%

 

$

909.2

 

 

65.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

808.9

 

66.3

%

 

$

(1.1)

 

-0.1

%

 

$

807.9

 

 

66.2

%

Catastrophes

 

25.0

 

2.0

%

 

 

(7.6)

 

-0.6

%

 

 

17.4

 

 

1.4

%

Total Segment

$

833.9

 

68.3

%

 

$

(8.7)

 

-0.7

%

 

$

825.3

 

 

67.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance 2019/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attritional

$

99.6

 

(0.6)

pts

 

$

1.1

 

0.1

pts

 

$

100.7

 

 

(0.5)

pts

Catastrophes

 

(21.0)

 

(1.7)

pts

 

 

4.2

 

0.4

pts

 

 

(16.8)

 

 

(1.3)

pts

Total Segment

$

78.6

 

(2.3)

pts

 

$

5.4

 

0.5

pts

 

$

83.9

 

 

(1.8)

pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 10.9% to $321.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $289.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, mainly due to an increase of $42.5 million in current year attritional losses related to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, partially offset by a decrease of $10.5 million in current year catastrophe losses. The current year catastrophe losses of $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 related to Hurricane Dorian ($4.0 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $14.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Hurricane Florence ($13.0 million) and 2018 California wildfires ($1.5 million).

 

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 10.2% to $909.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $825.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, mainly due to an increase of $99.6 million in current year attritional losses related to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, partially offset by a decrease of $21.0 million in current year catastrophe losses. The current year catastrophe losses of $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 related to Hurricane Dorian ($4.0 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $25.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Hurricane Florence ($13.0 million), the U.S. winter storms ($10.5 million) and 2018 California wildfires ($1.5 million).

 

58


 

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage increased by 7.6% to $72.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $66.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Commission and brokerage increased by 9.5% to $214.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $195.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increases were mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned.

 

Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $74.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $60.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $204.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $176.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increases were mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and increased expenses related to the continued build out of the insurance business.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Cash and Invested Assets. Aggregate invested assets, including cash and short-term investments, were $20,364.6 million at September 30, 2019, an increase of $1,931.5 million compared to $18,433.1 million at December 31, 2018. This increase was primarily the result of $1,486.9 million of cash flows from operations, $582.7 million of pre-tax unrealized appreciation, $107.7 million in fair value re-measurements and $105.0 million in equity adjustments of our limited partnership investments, partially offset by $171.1 million paid out in dividends to shareholders, $36.7 million due to fluctuations in foreign currencies, the repurchase of 114,633 common shares for $24.6 million, $23.6 million of amortization bond premium, $15.4 million of other-than-temporary impairments and $13.8 million of unsettled securities.

 

Our principal investment objectives are to ensure funds are available to meet our insurance and reinsurance obligations and to maximize after-tax investment income while maintaining a high quality diversified investment portfolio. Considering these objectives, we view our investment portfolio as having two components: 1) the investments needed to satisfy outstanding liabilities (our core fixed maturities portfolio) and 2) investments funded by our shareholders’ equity.

 

For the portion needed to satisfy global outstanding liabilities, we generally invest in taxable and tax-preferenced fixed income securities with an average credit quality of A1. For the U.S. portion of this portfolio, our mix of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected U.S. operating results, market conditions and our tax position. This global fixed maturity securities portfolio is externally managed by independent, professional investment managers using portfolio guidelines approved by internal management.

 

Over the past several years, we have expanded the allocation of our investments funded by shareholders’ equity to include: 1) a greater percentage of publicly traded equity securities, 2) emerging market fixed maturities through mutual fund structures, as well as individual holdings, 3) high yield fixed maturities, 4) bank and private loan securities and 5) private equity limited partnership investments. The objective of this portfolio diversification is to enhance the risk-adjusted total return of the investment portfolio by allocating a prudent portion of the portfolio to higher return asset classes, which are also less subject to changes in value with movements in interest rates. We limit our allocation to these asset classes because of 1) the potential for volatility in their values and 2) the impact of these investments on regulatory and rating agency capital adequacy models. We use investment managers experienced in these markets and adjust our allocation to these investments based upon market conditions. At September 30, 2019, the market value of investments in these investment market sectors, carried at both market and fair value, approximated 52.2% of shareholders’ equity.

 

The Company’s limited partnership investments are comprised of limited partnerships that invest in private equities. Generally, the limited partnerships are reported on a quarter lag. We receive annual audited financial statements for all of the limited partnerships which are prepared using fair value accounting in accordance with

59


 

FASB guidance. For the quarterly reports, the Company’s staff performs reviews of the financial reports for any unusual changes in carrying value. If the Company becomes aware of a significant decline in value during the lag reporting period, the loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.

 

The tables below summarize the composition and characteristics of our investment portfolio as of the dates indicated.

 

(Dollars in millions)

At September 30, 2019

 

At December 31, 2018

Fixed maturities, market value

$

16,566.1

 

81.3

%

 

$

15,225.3

 

82.6

%

Fixed maturities, fair value

 

-

 

0.0

%

 

 

2.3

 

0.0

%

Equity securities, fair value

 

906.2

 

4.4

%

 

 

716.6

 

3.9

%

Short-term investments

 

459.0

 

2.3

%

 

 

241.0

 

1.3

%

Other invested assets

 

1,716.1

 

8.4

%

 

 

1,591.7

 

8.6

%

Cash

 

717.2

 

3.5

%

 

 

656.1

 

3.6

%

Total investments and cash

$

20,364.6

 

100.0

%

 

$

18,433.1

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

At

 

At

 

September 30, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

Fixed income portfolio duration (years)

3.2

 

 

3.0

 

Fixed income composite credit quality

A1

 

 

Aa3

 

Imbedded end of period yield, pre-tax

3.4

%

 

3.4

%

Imbedded end of period yield, after-tax

3.0

%

 

3.0

%

 

The following table provides a comparison of our total return by asset class relative to broadly accepted industry benchmarks for the periods indicated:

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

September 30, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

Fixed income portfolio total return

5.8

%

 

1.3

%

Barclay's Capital - U.S. aggregate index

8.5

%

 

0.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common equity portfolio total return

15.0

%

 

(5.2)

%

S&P 500 index

20.7

%

 

(4.4)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other invested asset portfolio total return

9.5

%

 

11.1

%

 

The pre-tax equivalent total return for the bond portfolio was approximately 5.8% and 2.9%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2018. The pre-tax equivalent return adjusts the yield on tax-exempt bonds to the fully taxable equivalent.

 

Our fixed income and equity portfolios have different compositions than the benchmark indexes. Our fixed income portfolios have a shorter duration because we align our investment portfolio with our liabilities. We also hold foreign securities to match our foreign liabilities while the index is comprised of only U.S. securities. Our equity portfolios reflect an emphasis on dividend yield and growth equities, while the index is comprised of the largest 500 equities by market capitalization.

 

Reinsurance Receivables.

Reinsurance receivables for both paid and recoverable on unpaid losses totaled $1,817.9 million and $1,787.6 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. At September 30, 2019, $710.7 million, or 39.1%, was receivable from Mt. Logan Re collateralized segregated accounts; $136.8 million, or 7.5%, was receivable from Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. (“Munich Re”); and $91.2 million, or 5.0%, was receivable from Resolution Group Reinsurance (Barbados) Limited (“Resolution Group”). The receivables from Resolution

60


 

Group are fully collateralized by an individual trust agreement. No other retrocessionaire accounted for more than 5% of our receivables.

 

Loss and LAE Reserves. Gross loss and LAE reserves totaled $13,637.6 million and $13,119.1 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

 

The following tables summarize gross outstanding loss and LAE reserves by segment, classified by case reserves and IBNR reserves, for the periods indicated.

 

 

At September 30, 2019

 

Case

 

IBNR

 

Total

 

% of

(Dollars in millions)

Reserves

 

 

Reserves

 

Reserves

 

Total

U.S. Reinsurance

$

2,470.0

 

$

2,075.4

 

$

4,545.4

 

33.3

%

International

 

1,220.7

 

 

1,228.7

 

 

2,449.4

 

18.0

%

Bermuda

 

1,252.2

 

 

1,710.9

 

 

2,963.1

 

21.7

%

Insurance

 

1,067.4

 

 

2,291.1

 

 

3,358.5

 

24.6

%

Total excluding A&E

 

6,010.3

 

 

7,306.2

 

 

13,316.5

 

97.6

%

A&E

 

262.0

 

 

59.2

 

 

321.2

 

2.4

%

Total including A&E

$

6,272.3

 

$

7,365.4

 

$

13,637.6

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2018

 

Case

 

IBNR

 

Total

 

% of

(Dollars in millions)

Reserves

 

Reserves

 

Reserves

 

Total

U.S. Reinsurance

$

2,191.5

 

$

2,498.7

 

$

4,690.2

 

35.8

%

International

 

1,194.3

 

 

1,010.4

 

 

2,204.7

 

16.8

%

Bermuda

 

1,163.5

 

 

1,592.4

 

 

2,755.9

 

21.0

%

Insurance

 

1,082.0

 

 

2,038.9

 

 

3,120.9

 

23.8

%

Total excluding A&E

 

5,631.2

 

 

7,140.4

 

 

12,771.6

 

97.4

%

A&E

 

270.6

 

 

76.9

 

 

347.5

 

2.6

%

Total including A&E

$

5,901.9

 

$

7,217.3

 

$

13,119.1

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in premiums earned and business mix, reserve re-estimations, catastrophe losses and changes in catastrophe loss reserves and claim settlement activity all impact loss and LAE reserves by segment and in total.

 

Our loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims. We continuously re-evaluate our reserves, including re-estimates of prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, newly reported loss and claim experience. Changes in reserves resulting from such re-evaluations are reflected in incurred losses in the period when the re-evaluation is made. Our analytical methods and processes operate at multiple levels including individual contracts, groupings of like contracts, classes and lines of business, internal business units, segments, legal entities, and in the aggregate. In order to set appropriate reserves, we make qualitative and quantitative analyses and judgments at these various levels. Additionally, the attribution of reserves, changes in reserves and incurred losses among accident years requires qualitative and quantitative adjustments and allocations at these various levels. We utilize actuarial science, business expertise and management judgment in a manner intended to ensure the accuracy and consistency of our reserving practices. Nevertheless, our reserves are estimates, which are subject to variation, which may be significant.

 

There can be no assurance that reserves for, and losses from, claim obligations will not increase in the future, possibly by a material amount. However, we believe that our existing reserves and reserving methodologies lessen the probability that any such increase would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

61


 

 

Asbestos and Environmental Exposures. A&E exposures represent a separate exposure group for monitoring and evaluating reserve adequacy. The following table summarizes the outstanding loss reserves with respect to A&E reserves on both a gross and net of retrocessions basis for the periods indicated.

 

 

At

 

At

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

(Dollars in millions)

2019

 

2018

Gross reserves

$

321.2

 

$

347.5

Reinsurance receivable

 

(79.6)

 

 

(86.0)

Net reserves

$

241.6

 

$

261.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

With respect to asbestos only, at September 30, 2019, we had net asbestos loss reserves of $233.0 million, or 96.4%, of total net A&E reserves, all of which was for assumed business.

 

In 2015, we sold Mt. McKinley to Clearwater Insurance Company. Concurrently with the closing, we entered into a retrocession treaty with an affiliate of Clearwater. Per the retrocession treaty, we retroceded 100% of the liabilities associated with certain Mt. McKinley policies, which had been reinsured by Bermuda Re. As consideration for entering into the retrocession treaty, Bermuda Re transferred cash of $140.3 million, an amount equal to the net loss reserves as of the closing date. Of the $140.3 million of net loss reserves retroceded, $100.5 million were related to A&E business. The maximum liability retroceded under the retrocession treaty will be $440.3 million, equal to the retrocession payment plus $300.0 million. We will retain liability for any amounts exceeding the maximum liability retroceded under the retrocession treaty.

 

Ultimate loss projections for A&E liabilities cannot be accomplished using standard actuarial techniques. We believe that our A&E reserves represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate liability; however, there can be no assurance that ultimate loss payments will not exceed such reserves, perhaps by a significant amount.

 

Industry analysts use the “survival ratio” to compare the A&E reserves among companies with such liabilities. The survival ratio is typically calculated by dividing a company’s current net reserves by the three year average of annual paid losses. Hence, the survival ratio equals the number of years that it would take to exhaust the current reserves if future loss payments were to continue at historical levels. Using this measurement, our net three year asbestos survival ratio was 5.6 years at September 30, 2019. These metrics can be skewed by individual large settlements occurring in the prior three years and therefore, may not be indicative of the timing of future payments.

 

Shareholders’ Equity. Our shareholders’ equity increased to $8,983.3 million as of September 30, 2019 from $7,860.8 million as of December 31, 2018. This increase was the result of $791.8 million of net income, $520.4 million of unrealized appreciation on investments net of tax, $17.5 million of share-based compensation transactions and $3.7 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments, partially offset by $171.1 million of shareholder dividends, the repurchase of 114,633 common shares for $24.6 million and $15.2 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Capital. Shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $8,983.3 million and $7,860.8 million, respectively. Management’s objective in managing capital is to ensure its overall capital level, as well as the capital levels of its operating subsidiaries, exceed the amounts required by regulators, the amount needed to support our current financial strength ratings from rating agencies and our own economic capital models. The Company’s capital has historically exceeded these benchmark levels.

 

62


 

Our two main operating companies Bermuda Re and Everest Re are regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”) and the State of Delaware, Department of Insurance, respectively. Both regulatory bodies have their own capital adequacy models based on statutory capital as opposed to GAAP basis equity. Failure to meet the required statutory capital levels could result in various regulatory restrictions, including business activity and the payment of dividends to their parent companies.

 

The regulatory targeted capital and the actual statutory capital for Bermuda Re and Everest Re were as follows:

 

 

Bermuda Re (1)

 

Everest Re (2)

 

At December 31,

 

At December 31,

(Dollars in millions)

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

Regulatory targeted capital

$

1,753.2

 

$

2,368.6

 

$

2,173.0

 

$

2,076.9

Actual capital

$

3,068.5

 

$

3,085.9

 

$

3,650.6

 

$

3,391.9

 

(1) Regulatory targeted capital represents the target capital level from the applicable year's BSCR calculation.

(2) Regulatory targeted capital represents 200% of the RBC authorized control level calculation for the applicable year.

 

Our financial strength ratings as determined by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s are important as they provide our customers and investors with an independent assessment of our financial strength using a rating scale that provides for relative comparisons. We continue to possess significant financial flexibility and access to debt and equity markets as a result of our financial strength, as evidenced by the financial strength ratings as assigned by independent rating agencies.

 

We maintain our own economic capital models to monitor and project our overall capital, as well as, the capital at our operating subsidiaries. A key input to the economic models is projected income and this input is continually compared to actual results, which may require a change in the capital strategy.

 

As part of our capital strategy, we model our potential exposure to catastrophe losses arising from a single event. Projected catastrophe losses are generally summarized in term of probable maximum loss (“PML”). A full discussion on PMLs is included in our December 31, 2018 Form 10-K filing in PART 1, Item 1. Business, Risk Management of Underwriting and Reinsurance Arrangements. We focus on the projected net economic loss from a catastrophe in a given zone as compared to our shareholders’ equity. Economic loss is the PML exposure, net of third party reinsurance, reduced by estimated reinstatement premiums to renew coverage and estimated income taxes. In our December 31, 2018 Form 10-K, we reported that our projected net economic loss from our largest projected 100-year event represented approximately 10% of our December 31, 2018 shareholders’ equity. During the first half of 2019, we have reduced our exposure to catastrophes and concurrently, our shareholders’ equity has increased by 12.4% to $8,836.8 million as of June 30, 2019. As a result, our projected net economic loss from our largest 100-year event in a given zone represents approximately 6% of our June 30, 2019 shareholders’ equity.

 

The table below reflects the Company’s PLM exposure, net of third party reinsurance at various return periods for its top three zones/perils (as ranked by largest 1 in 100 year economic loss) based on projection data as of July 1, 2019.

 

Return Periods (in years)

1 in 20

 

1 in 50

 

1 in 100

 

1 in 250

 

1 in 500

 

1 in 1,000

Exceeding Probability

5.0%

 

2.0%

 

1.0%

 

0.4%

 

0.2%

 

0.1%

(Dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zone/ Peril

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southeast U.S., Wind

$

444

 

$

601

 

$

709

 

$

849

 

$

1,058

 

$

1,557

California, Earthquake

 

123

 

 

396

 

 

679

 

 

909

 

 

1,026

 

 

1,141

Texas, Wind

 

152

 

 

429

 

 

623

 

 

796

 

 

877

 

 

927

 

63


 

The projected economic losses, defined as PML exposures, net of third party reinsurance, reinstatement premiums and estimated income taxes, for the top three zones/perils scheduled are as follows:

 

Return Periods (in years)

1 in 20

 

1 in 50

 

1 in 100

 

1 in 250

 

1 in 500

 

1 in 1,000

 

Exceeding Probability

5.0%

 

2.0%

 

1.0%

 

0.4%

 

0.2%

 

0.1%

 

(Dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zone/ Peril

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southeast U.S., Wind

$

310

 

$

422

 

$

497

 

$

639

 

$

859

 

$

1,182

 

California, Earthquake

 

100

 

 

307

 

 

512

 

 

687

 

 

787

 

 

1,004

 

Texas, Wind

 

116

 

 

317

 

 

457

 

 

590

 

 

647

 

 

689

 

 

During the first three quarters of 2019, we repurchased 114,633 shares for $24.6 million in the open market and paid $171.1 million in dividends to adjust our capital position and enhance long term expected returns to our shareholders. In 2018, we repurchased 342,179 shares for $75.3 million in the open market and paid $216.2 million in dividends. We may at times enter into a Rule 10b5-1 repurchase plan agreement to facilitate the repurchase of shares. On November 19, 2014, our existing Board authorization to purchase up to 25 million of our shares was amended to authorize the purchase of up to 30 million shares. As of September 30, 2019, we had repurchased 28.7 million shares under this authorization.

 

Liquidity. Our liquidity requirements are generally met from positive cash flow from operations. Positive cash flow results from reinsurance and insurance premiums being collected prior to disbursements for claims, which disbursements generally take place over an extended period after the collection of premiums, sometimes a period of many years. Collected premiums are generally invested, prior to their use in such disbursements, and investment income provides additional funding for loss payments. Our net cash flows from operating activities were $1,486.9 million and $543.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Additionally, these cash flows reflected net tax recoverables of $80.5 million and $67.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and net catastrophe loss payments of $678.0 million and $754.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

If disbursements for claims and benefits, policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses were to exceed premium inflows, cash flow from reinsurance and insurance operations would be negative. The effect on cash flow from insurance operations would be partially offset by cash flow from investment income. Additionally, cash inflows from investment maturities and dispositions, both short-term investments and longer term maturities are available to supplement other operating cash flows.

 

As the timing of payments for claims and benefits cannot be predicted with certainty, we maintain portfolios of long term invested assets with varying maturities, along with short-term investments that provide additional liquidity for payment of claims. At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we held cash and short-term investments of $1,176.1 million and $897.1 million, respectively. Our short-term investments are generally readily marketable and can be converted to cash. In addition to these cash and short-term investments, at September 30, 2019, we had $1,444.4 million of available for sale fixed maturity securities maturing within one year or less, $6,750.2 million maturing within one to five years and $4,329.7 million maturing after five years. Our $906.2 million of equity securities are comprised primarily of publicly traded securities that can be easily liquidated. We believe that these fixed maturity and equity securities, in conjunction with the short-term investments and positive cash flow from operations, provide ample sources of liquidity for the expected payment of losses in the near future. We do not anticipate selling a significant amount of securities or using available credit facilities to pay losses and LAE but have the ability to do so. Sales of securities might result in realized capital gains or losses. At September 30, 2019 we had $401.3 million of net pre-tax unrealized appreciation related to fixed maturity securities, comprised of $536.5 million of pre-tax unrealized appreciation and $135.2 million of pre-tax unrealized depreciation.

 

Management generally expects annual positive cash flow from operations, which reflects the strength of overall pricing. However, given the recent set of catastrophic events, cash flow from operations may decline and could

64


 

become negative in the near term as significant claim payments are made related to the catastrophes. However, as indicated above, the Company has ample liquidity to settle its catastrophe claims.

 

In addition to our cash flows from operations and liquid investments, we also have multiple credit facilities that provide up to $200.0 million of unsecured revolving credit for liquidity but more importantly provide for up to $600.0 million and £30.0 million of collateralized standby letters of credit to support business written by our Bermuda operating subsidiaries.

 

Effective May 26, 2016, Group, Bermuda Re and Everest International entered into a five year, $800.0 million senior credit facility with a syndicate of lenders, which amended and restated in its entirety the June 22, 2012, four year, $800.0 million senior credit facility. Both the May 26, 2016 and June 22, 2012 senior credit facilities, which have similar terms, are referred to as the “Group Credit Facility”. Wells Fargo Corporation (“Wells Fargo Bank”) is the administrative agent for the Group Credit Facility, which consists of two tranches. Tranche one provides up to $200.0 million of unsecured revolving credit for liquidity and general corporate purposes, and for the issuance of unsecured standby letters of credit. The interest on the revolving loans shall, at the Company’s option, be either (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) an adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin. The Base Rate is the higher of (a) the prime commercial lending rate established by Wells Fargo Bank, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% per annum or (c) the one month LIBOR Rate plus 1.0% per annum. The amount of margin and the fees payable for the Group Credit Facility depends on Group’s senior unsecured debt rating. Tranche two exclusively provides up to $600.0 million for the issuance of standby letters of credit on a collateralized basis.

 

The Group Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and to maintain a minimum net worth. Minimum net worth is an amount equal to the sum of $5,371.0 million plus 25% of consolidated net income for each of Group’s fiscal quarters, for which statements are available ending on or after March 31, 2016 and for which consolidated net income is positive, plus 25% of any increase in consolidated net worth during such period attributable to the issuance of ordinary and preferred shares, which at September 30, 2019, was $6,198.4 million. As of September 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all Group Credit Facility covenants.

 

At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had no outstanding short-term borrowings from the Group Credit Facility revolving credit line. At September 30, 2019, the Group Credit Facility had no outstanding letters of credit under tranche one and $595.6 million outstanding letters of credit under tranche two. At December 31, 2018, the Group Credit Facility had no outstanding letters of credit under tranche one and $558.8 million outstanding letters of credit under tranche two.

 

Effective November 9, 2018, Everest International renewed its credit facility with Lloyds Bank plc (“Everest International Credit Facility”). The current renewal of the Everest International Credit Facility provides up to £30.0 million for the issuance of standby letters of credit on a collateralized basis. The Company pays a commitment fee of 0.1% per annum on the average daily amount of the remainder of (1) the aggregate amount available under the facility and (2) the aggregate amount of drawings outstanding under the facility. The Company pays a credit commission fee of 0.35% per annum on drawings outstanding under the facility.

 

The Everest International Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and to maintain a minimum net worth. Minimum net worth is an amount equal to the sum of $5,326.0 million (70% of consolidated net worth as of December 31, 2015), plus 25% of consolidated net income for each of Group’s fiscal quarters, for which statements are available ending on or after January 1, 2015 and for which net income is positive, plus 25% of any increase in consolidated net worth of Group during such period attributable to the issuance of ordinary and preferred shares, which at September 30, 2019, was $6,189.1 million. As of September 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all Everest International Credit Facility requirements.

 

65


 

At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, Everest International Credit Facility had £24.8 million and £26.0 million outstanding letters of credit, respectively.

 

Costs incurred in connection with the Group Credit Facility and Everest International Credit Facility were $0.1 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 and were $0.3 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

 

Market Sensitive Instruments.

The SEC’s Financial Reporting Release #48 requires registrants to clarify and expand upon the existing financial statement disclosure requirements for derivative financial instruments, derivative commodity instruments and other financial instruments (collectively, “market sensitive instruments”). We do not generally enter into market sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

 

Our current investment strategy seeks to maximize after-tax income through a high quality, diversified, taxable and tax-preferenced fixed maturity portfolio, while maintaining an adequate level of liquidity. Our mix of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected operating results, market conditions and our tax position. The fixed maturity securities in the investment portfolio are comprised of non-trading available for sale securities. Additionally, we have invested in equity securities.

 

The overall investment strategy considers the scope of present and anticipated Company operations. In particular, estimates of the financial impact resulting from non-investment asset and liability transactions, together with our capital structure and other factors, are used to develop a net liability analysis. This analysis includes estimated payout characteristics for which our investments provide liquidity. This analysis is considered in the development of specific investment strategies for asset allocation, duration and credit quality. The change in overall market sensitive risk exposure principally reflects the asset changes that took place during the period.

 

Interest Rate Risk. Our $20.4 billion investment portfolio, at September 30, 2019, is principally comprised of fixed maturity securities, which are generally subject to interest rate risk and some foreign currency exchange rate risk, and some equity securities, which are subject to price fluctuations and some foreign exchange rate risk. The overall economic impact of the foreign exchange risks on the investment portfolio is partially mitigated by changes in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated liabilities and their associated income statement impact.

 

Interest rate risk is the potential change in value of the fixed maturity securities portfolio, including short-term investments, from a change in market interest rates. In a declining interest rate environment, it includes prepayment risk on the $3,177.0 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $16,566.1 million fixed maturity portfolio. Prepayment risk results from potential accelerated principal payments that shorten the average life and thus the expected yield of the security.

 

The table below displays the potential impact of market value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity portfolio (including $459.0 million of short-term investments) for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates. For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually. To generate appropriate price estimates on mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account. For legal entities with a non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the market value change under the various interest rate change scenarios.

 

66


 

 

Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points

 

At September 30, 2019

 

-200

 

 

-100

 

0

 

 

100

 

200

(Dollars in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Market/Fair Value

$

18,178.2

 

 

$

17,591.7

 

 

$

17,025.1

 

 

$

16,438.4

 

 

 

15,842.3

 

Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)

 

6.8

%

 

 

3.3

%

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

(3.4)

%

 

 

(6.9)

%

Change in Unrealized Appreciation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After-tax from Base ($)

$

1,018.2

 

 

$

500.2

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

(519.4)

 

 

$

(1,048.3)

 

 

We had $13,637.6 million and $13,119.1 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. These amounts are recorded at their nominal value, as opposed to present value, which would reflect a discount adjustment to reflect the time value of money. Since losses are paid out over a period of time, the present value of the reserves is less than the nominal value. As interest rates rise, the present value of the reserves decreases and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the present value increases. These movements are the opposite of the interest rate impacts on the fair value of investments. While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will include investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid. Our loss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration of approximately 3.1 years, which is reasonably consistent with our fixed income portfolio. If we were to discount our loss and LAE reserves, net of ceded reserves, the discount would be approximately $1.4 billion resulting in a discounted reserve balance of approximately $10.6 billion, representing approximately 62.5% of the value of the fixed maturity investment portfolio funds.

 

Equity Risk. Equity risk is the potential change in fair and/or market value of the common stock, preferred stock and mutual fund portfolios arising from changing prices. Our equity investments consist of a diversified portfolio of individual securities and mutual funds, which invest principally in high quality common and preferred stocks that are traded on the major exchanges, and mutual fund investments in emerging market debt. The primary objective of the equity portfolio is to obtain greater total return relative to our core bonds over time through market appreciation and income.

 

The table below displays the impact on fair/market value and after-tax change in fair/market value of a 10% and 20% change in equity prices up and down for the period indicated.

 

 

Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values

 

At September 30, 2019

(Dollars in millions)

-20%

 

-10%

 

0%

 

10%

 

20%

Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio

$

725.0

 

$

815.6

 

$

906.2

 

$

996.9

 

$

1,087.5

After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value

$

(149.4)

 

$

(74.7)

 

$

-

 

$

74.7

 

$

149.4

 

Foreign Currency Risk. Foreign currency risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Each of our non-U.S./Bermuda (“foreign”) operations maintains capital in the currency of the country of its geographic location consistent with local regulatory guidelines. Each foreign operation may conduct business in its local currency, as well as the currency of other countries in which it operates. The primary foreign currency exposures for these foreign operations are the Canadian Dollar, the Singapore Dollar, the British Pound Sterling and the Euro. We mitigate foreign exchange exposure by generally matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresponding operating liabilities. In accordance with FASB guidance, the impact on the market value of available for sale fixed maturities due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, is reflected as part of other comprehensive income. Conversely, the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, on other assets and liabilities is reflected through net income as a component of other income (expense). In addition, we translate the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar. This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income.

 

67


 

In June 2016, the United Kingdom approved a referendum to exit the European Union (commonly referred to as "Brexit") which resulted in volatility in global stock markets and currency exchange rates, and has increased political, economic and global market uncertainty. The formal negotiation process for the United Kingdom to exit the European Union will determine the timing and terms of such an exit. The Company has a Lloyd’s of London Syndicate and Bermuda Re has a branch operation in the United Kingdom. The nature and extent of the impact of Brexit on regulation, interest rates, currency exchange rates and financial markets is still uncertain and may adversely affect our operations.

 

Safe Harbor Disclosure.

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the federal securities laws. In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “plan”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” and “intend”. Forward-looking statements contained in this report include information regarding our reserves for losses and LAE, the impact of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, the adequacy of capital in relation to regulatory required capital, the adequacy of our provision for uncollectible balances, estimates of our catastrophe exposure, the effects of catastrophic events on our financial statements, the ability of Everest Re, Holdings, Holdings Ireland, Dublin Holdings, Bermuda Re and Everest International to pay dividends and the settlement costs of our specialized equity index put option contracts. Forward-looking statements only reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual events or results may differ materially from our expectations. Important factors that could cause our actual events or results to be materially different from our expectations include those discussed under the caption ITEM 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent 10-K filing. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Market Risk Instruments. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources - Market Sensitive Instruments” in PART I – ITEM 2.



ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter covered by this report.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine the Company’s rights and obligations under insurance and reinsurance agreements. In some disputes, the Company seeks to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it. In other matters, the Company is resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation. In all such matters, the Company believes that its positions are legally and commercially reasonable. The Company considers the statuses of these proceedings when determining its reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.

 

Aside from litigation and arbitrations related to these insurance and reinsurance agreements, the Company is not a party to any other material litigation or arbitration.

 

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

 

No material changes.



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

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

 

 

 

 

Maximum Number (or

 

 

 

Total Number of

Approximate Dollar

 

 

 

Shares (or Units)

Value) of Shares (or

 

 

 

Purchased as Part

Units) that May Yet

 

Total Number of

 

of Publicly

Be Purchased Under

 

Shares (or Units)

Average Price Paid

Announced Plans or

the Plans or

Period

Purchased

per Share (or Unit)

Programs

Programs (1)

July 1 - 31, 2019

350

$248.9475

-

1,328,695

August 1 - 31, 2019

838

$242.1097

0

1,328,695

September 1 - 30, 2019

0

$250.8546

0

1,328,695

Total

2,570

$-

-

1,328,695

 

(1)On September 21, 2004, the Company’s board of directors approved an amended share repurchase program authorizing the Company and/or its subsidiary Holdings to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 of the Company’s common shares through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or both. On July 21, 2008; February 24, 2010; February 22, 2012; May 15, 2013; and November 19, 2014, the Company’s executive committee of the Board of Directors has approved subsequent amendments to the share repurchase program authorizing the Company and/or its subsidiary Holdings, to purchase up to a current aggregate of 30,000,000 of the Company’s shares (recognizing that the number of shares authorized for repurchase has been reduced by those shares that have already been purchased) in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or both.



ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.



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ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.



ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.



ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit Index

 

 

Exhibit No.

Description

 

 

31.1

Section 302 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso

 

 

31.2

Section 302 Certification of Craig Howie

 

 

32.1

Section 906 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso and Craig Howie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Everest Re Group, Ltd.

 

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.

 

 

 

Everest Re Group, Ltd.

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ CRAIG HOWIE

 

 

Craig Howie

 

 

Executive Vice President and

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

Dated: November 12, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

71