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REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA INC - Quarter Report: 2014 June (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
 
 
 
 
(Mark One)
  
 
  
 
 x
  
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
  
 
  
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
 
 
  
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014
  
 
 
  
 
OR
 
  
 
 ¨
  
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
  
 
  
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
 
 
  
 
Commission File Number 1-11848
  
 
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
MISSOURI                        
  
43-1627032
(State or other jurisdiction                  
  
(IRS employer
of incorporation or organization)  
  
identification number)
1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway
Chesterfield, Missouri 63017
(Address of principal executive offices)
(636) 736-7000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes   X    No       
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer   X        Accelerated filer                Non-accelerated filer                Smaller reporting company          
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes         No   X
As of July 31, 2014, 68,562,030 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.


Table of Contents

REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Item
  
 
  
Page
 
 
 
 
  
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  
 
 
 
 
1
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
2
  
  
 
 
 
3
  
  
 
 
 
4
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
  
 
 
 
 
1
  
  
 
 
 
1A
  
  
 
 
 
2
  
  
 
 
 
6
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  

2

Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION


REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale at fair value (amortized cost of $22,373,346 and $20,270,734)
 
$
24,480,396

 
$
21,474,136

Mortgage loans on real estate (net of allowances of $9,692 and $10,106)
 
2,555,800

 
2,486,680

Policy loans
 
1,250,635

 
1,244,469

Funds withheld at interest
 
5,940,521

 
5,771,467

Short-term investments
 
45,596

 
139,395

Other invested assets
 
1,128,375

 
1,324,960

Total investments
 
35,401,323

 
32,441,107

Cash and cash equivalents
 
1,378,117

 
923,647

Accrued investment income
 
279,368

 
267,908

Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances
 
1,559,526

 
1,439,528

Reinsurance ceded receivables
 
614,203

 
594,515

Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
3,368,343

 
3,517,796

Other assets
 
570,171

 
489,972

Total assets
 
$
43,171,051

 
$
39,674,473

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
 
$
13,785,532

 
$
11,866,776

Interest-sensitive contract liabilities
 
12,686,025

 
12,947,557

Other policy claims and benefits
 
3,996,737

 
3,571,761

Other reinsurance balances
 
258,023

 
275,138

Deferred income taxes
 
2,232,821

 
1,837,577

Other liabilities
 
716,157

 
541,035

Short-term debt
 
110,000

 

Long-term debt
 
2,214,705

 
2,214,350

Collateral finance facility
 
482,092

 
484,752

Total liabilities
 
36,482,092

 
33,738,946

Commitments and contingent liabilities (See Note 8)
 


 


Stockholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock - par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
 

 

Common stock - par value $.01 per share, 140,000,000 shares authorized, 79,137,758 shares issued at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013
 
791

 
791

Additional paid-in-capital
 
1,783,856

 
1,777,906

Retained earnings
 
3,941,777

 
3,659,938

Treasury stock, at cost - 10,327,655 and 8,369,540 shares
 
(666,125
)
 
(508,715
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
1,628,660

 
1,005,607

Total stockholders’ equity
 
6,688,959

 
5,935,527

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
43,171,051

 
$
39,674,473

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

3

Table of Contents

REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues:
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net premiums
 
$
2,183,160

 
$
2,035,156

 
$
4,283,797

 
$
4,014,849

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
410,607

 
444,234

 
814,982

 
869,365

Investment related gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
 
(870
)
 
(9,803
)
 
(1,173
)
 
(10,005
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 
(306
)
 

 
(306
)
Other investment related gains (losses), net
 
119,397

 
58,352

 
204,271

 
152,925

Total investment related gains (losses), net
 
118,527

 
48,243

 
203,098

 
142,614

Other revenues
 
120,726

 
63,009

 
188,316

 
164,916

Total revenues
 
2,833,020

 
2,590,642

 
5,490,193

 
5,191,744

 
 
Benefits and Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
1,841,885

 
2,030,574

 
3,685,562

 
3,719,484

Interest credited
 
115,962

 
118,345

 
226,556

 
243,828

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 
409,374

 
370,505

 
764,247

 
727,862

Other operating expenses
 
127,462

 
113,408

 
238,398

 
232,909

Interest expense
 
35,211

 
29,918

 
70,295

 
58,404

Collateral finance facility expense
 
2,591

 
2,650

 
5,160

 
5,188

Total benefits and expenses
 
2,532,485

 
2,665,400

 
4,990,218

 
4,987,675

 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
300,535

 
(74,758
)
 
499,975

 
204,069

Provision for income taxes
 
102,239

 
(25,146
)
 
165,015

 
68,146

Net income (loss)
 
$
198,296

 
$
(49,612
)
 
$
334,960

 
$
135,923

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
2.87

 
$
(0.69
)
 
$
4.80

 
$
1.86

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
2.84

 
$
(0.69
)
 
$
4.75

 
$
1.85

Dividends declared per share
 
$
0.30

 
$
0.24

 
$
0.60

 
$
0.48

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

4

Table of Contents

REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss)
 
$
198,296

 
$
(49,612
)
 
$
334,960

 
$
135,923

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments
 
42,643

 
(88,832
)
 
(40
)
 
(102,937
)
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on investments
 
304,997

 
(706,848
)
 
620,381

 
(826,181
)
Change in other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities
 
1,248

 
199

 
1,698

 
650

Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments
 
273

 
875

 
1,014

 
1,700

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
349,161

 
(794,606
)
 
623,053

 
(926,768
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
547,457

 
$
(844,218
)
 
$
958,013

 
$
(790,845
)
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

5

Table of Contents

REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
334,960

 
$
135,923

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accrued investment income
 
(9,588
)
 
(35,457
)
Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances
 
(104,002
)
 
(5,100
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
165,257

 
104,002

Reinsurance ceded receivable balances
 
(27,310
)
 
64,814

Future policy benefits, other policy claims and benefits, and other reinsurance balances
 
581,812

 
806,172

Deferred income taxes
 
111,735

 
69,071

Other assets and other liabilities, net
 
34,577

 
(165,129
)
Amortization of net investment premiums, discounts and other
 
(51,521
)
 
(43,662
)
Investment related gains, net
 
(203,098
)
 
(142,614
)
Gain on repurchase of collateral finance facility securities
 

 
(46,506
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement
 
(1,268
)
 
(2,420
)
Other, net
 
76,256

 
66,027

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
907,810

 
805,121

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 
2,756,942

 
1,898,833

Maturities of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 
239,279

 
62,734

Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 
(3,302,047
)
 
(2,487,016
)
Cash invested in mortgage loans
 
(266,002
)
 
(244,939
)
Cash invested in policy loans
 
(52,913
)
 
(17
)
Cash invested in funds withheld at interest
 
(39,856
)
 
(60,156
)
Principal payments on mortgage loans on real estate
 
200,601

 
150,098

Principal payments on policy loans
 
46,747

 
32,940

Purchases of property and equipment
 
(43,295
)
 

Change in short-term investments
 
93,798

 
241,136

Change in other invested assets
 
271,373

 
(1,591
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(95,373
)
 
(407,978
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
Dividends to stockholders
 
(41,955
)
 
(35,169
)
Repurchase and repayment of collateral finance facility securities
 

 
(112,000
)
Net change in short-term debt
 
110,000

 
120,000

Purchases of treasury stock
 
(179,592
)
 
(234,690
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement
 
1,268

 
2,420

Exercise of stock options, net
 
9,578

 
11,439

Change in cash collateral for derivatives and other arrangements
 
47,561

 
(31,858
)
Deposits on universal life and other investment type policies and contracts
 
51,257

 
39,706

Withdrawals on universal life and other investment type policies and contracts
 
(374,567
)
 
(397,033
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(376,450
)
 
(637,185
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
18,483

 
(46,231
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
 
454,470

 
(286,273
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
923,647

 
1,259,892

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
1,378,117

 
$
973,619

Supplementary information:
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
 
$
67,248

 
$
58,387

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
 
$
26,732

 
$
105,401

 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash supplementary information - see Note 4 - "Investments"
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

6

Table of Contents

REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
1.
Business and Basis of Presentation
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (“RGA”) is an insurance holding company that was formed on December 31, 1992. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of RGA and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. There were no subsequent events that would require disclosure or adjustments to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements through the date the financial statements were issued. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RGA and its subsidiaries, all intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior-period information to conform to the current presentation. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 27, 2014, as updated by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 13, 2014 (the "2013 Annual Report").
Effective January 1, 2014 (and as filed with the SEC in the Current Report on Form 8-K referenced above), the Company realigned certain operations and management responsibilities to better fit within its geographic-based segments. Operations in Mexico and Latin America have been moved from Europe & South Africa to the U.S. segment, which has been renamed U.S. and Latin America. Operations in India have been moved from Europe & South Africa to the Asia Pacific segment. The Europe & South Africa segment has been renamed Europe, Middle East and Africa.
2.
Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share on net income (loss) (in thousands, except per share information):
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) (numerator for basic and diluted calculations)
 
$
198,296

 
$
(49,612
)
 
$
334,960

 
$
135,923

Shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculation)
 
69,076

 
72,350

 
69,823

 
73,089

Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options
 
642

 

 
666

 
484

Denominator for diluted calculation
 
69,718

 
72,350

 
70,489

 
73,573

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
2.87

 
$
(0.69
)
 
$
4.80

 
$
1.86

Diluted
 
$
2.84

 
$
(0.69
)
 
$
4.75

 
$
1.85

As a result of the net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2013, the Company was required to use basic weighted average common shares outstanding in the calculation of diluted loss per share, since the inclusion of shares for outstanding stock options of 0.4 million would have been antidilutive to the earnings (loss) per share calculations. In the absence of the losses, weighted average common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares would have totaled 72.8 million.
The calculation of common equivalent shares does not include the impact of options having a strike or conversion price that exceeds the average stock price for the earnings period, as the result would be antidilutive. The calculation of common equivalent shares also excludes the impact of outstanding performance contingent shares, as the conditions necessary for their issuance have not been satisfied as of the end of the reporting period. For the three months ended June 30, 2014, 0.3 million stock options and approximately 0.8 million performance contingent shares were excluded from the calculation. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, no stock options and approximately 0.7 million performance contingent shares were excluded from the calculation. Year-to-date amounts for equivalent shares from outstanding stock options and performance contingent shares are the weighted average of the individual quarterly amounts.

7

Table of Contents

3.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The balance of and changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Tax
 
 
Accumulated
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
of Investments(1)
 
Pension and
Postretirement
Benefits
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
$
207,083

 
$
820,245

 
$
(21,721
)
 
$
1,005,607

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
(40
)
 
646,777

 
(6
)
 
646,731

Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI
 

 
(24,698
)
 
1,020

 
(23,678
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(40
)
 
622,079

 
1,014

 
623,053

Balance, June 30, 2014
 
$
207,043

 
$
1,442,324

 
$
(20,707
)
 
$
1,628,660

 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Tax
 
 
Accumulated
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
of Investments(1)
 
Pension and
Postretirement
Benefits
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2012
 
$
267,475

 
$
1,877,657

 
$
(36,230
)
 
$
2,108,902

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
(102,937
)
 
(819,019
)
 
206

 
(921,750
)
Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI
 

 
(6,512
)
 
1,494

 
(5,018
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(102,937
)
 
(825,531
)
 
1,700

 
(926,768
)
Balance, June 30, 2013
 
$
164,538

 
$
1,052,126

 
$
(34,530
)
 
$
1,182,134

 
(1)
Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.
The following table presents the amounts of AOCI reclassifications for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Amount Reclassified from AOCI
 
 
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
Details about AOCI Components
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Affected Line Item in Statement of Income         
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
 
$
27,142

 
$
13,510

 
 
$
28,331

 
$
23,858

 
Investment related gains (losses), net
Gains and losses on cash flow hedge - interest rate swap
 
321

 
201

 
 
539

 
506

 
Investment income
Deferred policy acquisition costs attributed to unrealized gains and losses(1)
 
4,370

 
(13,283
)
 
 
8,791

 
(14,831
)
 
 
Total
 
31,833

 
428

 
 
37,661

 
9,533

 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
(11,059
)
 
(87
)
 
 
(12,963
)
 
(3,021
)
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax
 
$
20,774

 
$
341

 
 
$
24,698

 
$
6,512

 
 
Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost(2)
 
$
(216
)
 
$
(213
)
 
 
$
(218
)
 
$
(307
)
 
 
Actuarial gains/(losses)(2)
 
(462
)
 
(968
)
 
 
(1,352
)
 
(1,991
)
 
 
Total
 
(678
)
 
(1,181
)
 
 
(1,570
)
 
(2,298
)
 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
238

 
413

 
 
550

 
804

 
 
Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax
 
$
(440
)
 
$
(768
)
 
 
$
(1,020
)
 
$
(1,494
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications, net of tax
 
$
20,334

 
$
(427
)
 
 
$
23,678

 
$
5,018

 
 

(1)
This AOCI component is included in the computation of the deferred policy acquisition cost. See Note 8 – “Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs” of the 2013 Annual Report for additional details.
(2)
These AOCI components are included in the computation of the net periodic pension cost. See Note 9 – “Employee Benefit Plans” for additional details.

8

Table of Contents

4.
Investments
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
The following tables provide information relating to investments in fixed maturity and equity securities by sector as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
June 30, 2014:
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated Fair
 
% of
 
Other-than-
temporary impairments
 
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Total
 
in AOCI
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
13,280,721

 
$
932,793

 
$
62,103

 
$
14,151,411

 
57.8
%
 
$

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
2,786,873

 
964,710

 
3,945

 
3,747,638

 
15.3

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
946,431

 
49,676

 
9,968

 
986,139

 
4.1

 
(300
)
Asset-backed securities
 
993,116

 
24,314

 
9,055

 
1,008,375

 
4.1

 
354

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,380,622

 
103,032

 
9,034

 
1,474,620

 
6.0

 
(1,609
)
U.S. government and agencies
 
429,215

 
20,987

 
1,696

 
448,506

 
1.8

 

State and political subdivisions
 
369,515

 
42,553

 
4,581

 
407,487

 
1.7

 

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
2,186,853

 
78,730

 
9,363

 
2,256,220

 
9.2

 

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
22,373,346

 
$
2,216,795

 
$
109,745

 
$
24,480,396

 
100.0
%
 
$
(1,555
)
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
$
81,240

 
$
7,165

 
$
1,567

 
$
86,838

 
61.7
%
 
 
Other equity securities
 
53,833

 
1,063

 
990

 
53,906

 
38.3

 
 
Total equity securities
 
$
135,073

 
$
8,228

 
$
2,557

 
$
140,744

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
December 31, 2013:
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated Fair
 
% of
 
Other-than-
temporary impairments
 
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Total
 
in AOCI
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
11,697,394

 
$
616,147

 
$
202,786

 
$
12,110,755

 
56.4
%
 
$

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
2,728,111

 
669,762

 
16,848

 
3,381,025

 
15.7

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
970,434

 
38,126

 
18,917

 
989,643

 
4.6

 
(300
)
Asset-backed securities
 
891,751

 
18,893

 
15,812

 
894,832

 
4.2

 
(2,259
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,314,782

 
91,651

 
17,487

 
1,388,946

 
6.5

 
(1,609
)
U.S. government and agencies
 
489,631

 
16,468

 
4,748

 
501,351

 
2.3

 

State and political subdivisions
 
313,252

 
21,907

 
14,339

 
320,820

 
1.5

 

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
1,865,379

 
45,347

 
23,962

 
1,886,764

 
8.8

 

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
20,270,734

 
$
1,518,301

 
$
314,899

 
$
21,474,136

 
100.0
%
 
$
(4,168
)
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
$
81,993

 
$
5,342

 
$
5,481

 
$
81,854

 
20.2
%
 
 
Other equity securities
 
327,479

 
618

 
4,220

 
323,877

 
79.8

 
 
Total equity securities
 
$
409,472

 
$
5,960

 
$
9,701

 
$
405,731

 
100.0
%
 
 
The Company enters into various collateral arrangements that require both the pledging and acceptance of fixed maturity securities as collateral. The Company pledged fixed maturity securities as collateral to derivative and reinsurance counterparties with an amortized cost of $70.0 million and $57.2 million, and an estimated fair value of $71.8 million and $58.0 million, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 respectively. The pledged fixed maturity securities are included in fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Securities with an amortized cost of $9,600.7 million and $7,842.9 million, and an estimated fair value of $10,188.1 million and $8,125.4 million, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, were held in trust to satisfy collateral requirements under certain third-party reinsurance treaties.
The Company received fixed maturity securities as collateral from derivative and reinsurance counterparties with an estimated fair value of $111.8 million and $94.1 million, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The collateral is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral; however, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged.

9

Table of Contents

As of June 30, 2014, the Company held securities with a fair value of $1,336.5 million that were guaranteed or issued by the Canadian province of Ontario and $1,553.8 million that were guaranteed or issued by the Canadian province of Quebec, both of which exceeded 10% of total stockholders’ equity. As of December 31, 2013, the Company held securities with a fair value of $1,222.3 million that were guaranteed or issued by the Canadian province of Ontario and $1,389.1 million that were guaranteed or issued by the Canadian province of Quebec, both of which exceeded 10% of total stockholders’ equity.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale at June 30, 2014 are shown by contractual maturity in the table below (dollars in thousands). Actual maturities can differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Asset and mortgage-backed securities are shown separately in the table below, as they are not due at a single maturity date.

 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
637,052

 
$
644,928

Due after one year through five years
 
4,116,731

 
4,358,370

Due after five years through ten years
 
7,415,405

 
7,871,893

Due after ten years
 
6,883,989

 
8,136,071

Asset and mortgage-backed securities
 
3,320,169

 
3,469,134

Total
 
$
22,373,346

 
$
24,480,396

Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities
The tables below show the major industry types of the Company’s corporate fixed maturity holdings as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
June 30, 2014:
 
 
 
Estimated
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost    
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total           
Finance
 
$
4,512,831

 
$
4,788,259

 
33.8
%
Industrial
 
7,240,086

 
7,729,309

 
54.6

Utility
 
1,516,641

 
1,622,357

 
11.5

Other
 
11,163

 
11,486

 
0.1

Total
 
$
13,280,721

 
$
14,151,411

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
Estimated
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
Finance
 
$
3,838,716

 
$
3,983,623

 
32.9
%
Industrial
 
6,607,100

 
6,824,063

 
56.3

Utility
 
1,240,353

 
1,292,305

 
10.7

Other
 
11,225

 
10,764

 
0.1

Total
 
$
11,697,394

 
$
12,110,755

 
100.0
%

10

Table of Contents

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments - Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
As discussed in Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the 2013 Annual Report, a portion of certain other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses on fixed maturity securities are recognized in AOCI. For these securities the net amount recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income (“credit loss impairments”) represents the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. Any remaining difference between the fair value and amortized cost is recognized in AOCI. The following table sets forth the amount of pre-tax credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company as of the dates indicated, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in AOCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
11,696

 
$
14,773

Credit loss OTTI previously recognized on securities impaired to fair value during the period
 

 
(1,449
)
Credit loss OTTI previously recognized on securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period
 
(4,412
)
 

Balance, end of period
 
$
7,284

 
$
13,324

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
11,696

 
$
16,675

Credit loss OTTI previously recognized on securities impaired to fair value during the period
 

 
(1,449
)
Credit loss OTTI previously recognized on securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period
 
(4,412
)
 
(1,902
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
7,284

 
$
13,324

Purchased Credit Impaired Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale
Securities acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination and for which it is probable at the acquisition date that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments are classified as purchased credit impaired securities. For each security, the excess of the cash flows expected to be collected as of the acquisition date over its acquisition date fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized as net investment income on an effective yield basis. At the date of acquisition, the timing and amount of the cash flows expected to be collected was determined based on a best estimate using key assumptions, such as interest rates, default rates and prepayment speeds. If subsequently, based on current information and events, it is probable that there is a significant increase in cash flows previously expected to be collected or if actual cash flows are significantly greater than cash flows previously expected to be collected, the accretable yield is adjusted prospectively. The excess of the contractually required payments (including interest) as of the acquisition date over the cash flows expected to be collected as of the acquisition date is referred to as the nonaccretable difference, and this amount is not expected to be realized as net investment income. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected can result in OTTI.
The following tables present information on the Company’s purchased credit impaired securities, which are included in fixed maturity securities available-for-sale (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Outstanding principal and interest balance(1)
 
$
213,901

 
$
192,644

Carrying value, including accrued interest(2)
 
175,604

 
148,822

 
(1)
Represents the contractually required payments which is the sum of contractual principal, whether or not currently due, and accrued interest.
(2)
Estimated fair value plus accrued interest.

11

Table of Contents

The following table presents information about purchased credit impaired investments acquired during the periods, as of the acquisition dates (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Contractually required payments (including interest)
$
55,671

 
$
109,931

Cash flows expected to be collected(1)
44,799

 
88,422

Fair value of investments acquired
31,544

 
58,471

 
(1)
Represents undiscounted principal and interest cash flow expectations at the date of acquisition.
The following table presents activity for the accretable yield on purchased credit impaired securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Balance, beginning of period
$
73,367

 
$
59,915

 
$
69,469

 
$
39,239

Investments purchased
5,684

 
7,885

 
13,255

 
29,951

Accretion
(2,357
)
 
(1,879
)
 
(4,496
)
 
(3,822
)
Disposals

 
(832
)
 
(379
)
 
(832
)
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference
(13,477
)
 
1,180

 
(14,632
)
 
1,733

Balance, end of period
$
63,217

 
$
66,269

 
$
63,217

 
$
66,269

Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
The following table presents the total gross unrealized losses for the 939 and 1,396 fixed maturity and equity securities as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by the indicated amount (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of Total    
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of Total    
Less than 20%
 
$
98,885

 
88.1
%
 
$
296,731

 
91.4
%
20% or more for less than six months
 
2,479

 
2.2

 
6,444

 
2.0

20% or more for six months or greater
 
10,938

 
9.7

 
21,425

 
6.6

Total
 
$
112,302

 
100.0
%
 
$
324,600

 
100.0
%
The Company’s determination of whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary includes analysis of the underlying credit and the extent and duration of a decline in value. The Company’s credit analysis of an investment includes determining whether the issuer is current on its contractual payments, evaluating whether it is probable that the Company will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security and analyzing the overall ability of the Company to recover the amortized cost of the investment. In the Company’s impairment review process, the duration and severity of an unrealized loss position for equity securities are given greater weight and consideration given the lack of contractual cash flows or deferability features.
The following tables present the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses, including other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in AOCI, for 939 and 1,396 fixed maturity and equity securities that have estimated fair values below amortized cost as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively (dollars in thousands). These investments are presented by class and grade of security, as well as the length of time the related fair value has remained below amortized cost.
 

12

Table of Contents

 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or greater
 
Total
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Gross
June 30, 2014:
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
Investment grade securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
1,624,031

 
$
21,638

 
$
1,062,513

 
$
36,925

 
$
2,686,544

 
$
58,563

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
20,728

 
413

 
74,864

 
3,532

 
95,592

 
3,945

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
74,009

 
2,365

 
122,444

 
7,337

 
196,453

 
9,702

Asset-backed securities
 
133,606

 
1,137

 
130,015

 
5,083

 
263,621

 
6,220

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
28,099

 
206

 
39,222

 
4,191

 
67,321

 
4,397

U.S. government and agencies
 
10,819

 
9

 
75,730

 
1,687

 
86,549

 
1,696

State and political subdivisions
 
13,426

 
600

 
45,879

 
3,981

 
59,305

 
4,581

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
367,176

 
2,339

 
187,073

 
7,023

 
554,249

 
9,362

Total investment grade securities
 
2,271,894

 
28,707

 
1,737,740

 
69,759

 
4,009,634

 
98,466

 
Non-investment grade securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
165,552

 
2,181

 
19,206

 
1,359

 
184,758

 
3,540

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
16,411

 
137

 
3,576

 
129

 
19,987

 
266

Asset-backed securities
 
11,334

 
183

 
10,747

 
2,652

 
22,081

 
2,835

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 

 

 
6,406

 
4,637

 
6,406

 
4,637

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
2,261

 
1

 

 

 
2,261

 
1

Total non-investment grade securities
 
195,558

 
2,502

 
39,935

 
8,777

 
235,493

 
11,279

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
2,467,452

 
$
31,209

 
$
1,777,675

 
$
78,536

 
$
4,245,127

 
$
109,745

Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
$
6,705

 
$
487

 
$
14,902

 
$
1,080

 
$
21,607

 
$
1,567

Other equity securities
 

 

 
32,463

 
990

 
32,463

 
990

Total equity securities
 
$
6,705

 
$
487

 
$
47,365

 
$
2,070

 
$
54,070

 
$
2,557

 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or greater
 
Total
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Gross
December 31, 2013:
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
Investment grade securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
3,141,179

 
$
148,895

 
$
301,303

 
$
40,548

 
$
3,442,482

 
$
189,443

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
188,491

 
14,419

 
12,029

 
2,429

 
200,520

 
16,848

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
283,967

 
15,900

 
23,068

 
1,688

 
307,035

 
17,588

Asset-backed securities
 
255,656

 
4,916

 
56,668

 
4,983

 
312,324

 
9,899

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
219,110

 
3,725

 
20,068

 
5,745

 
239,178

 
9,470

U.S. government and agencies
 
133,697

 
4,469

 
4,406

 
279

 
138,103

 
4,748

State and political subdivisions
 
120,193

 
9,723

 
15,202

 
4,616

 
135,395

 
14,339

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
665,313

 
21,075

 
36,212

 
2,847

 
701,525

 
23,922

Total investment grade securities
 
5,007,606

 
223,122

 
468,956

 
63,135

 
5,476,562

 
286,257

 
Non-investment grade securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
283,603

 
9,451

 
38,256

 
3,892

 
321,859

 
13,343

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
62,146

 
1,075

 
3,945

 
254

 
66,091

 
1,329

Asset-backed securities
 
28,670

 
415

 
32,392

 
5,498

 
61,062

 
5,913

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
15,762

 
81

 
10,980

 
7,936

 
26,742

 
8,017

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
9,403

 
40

 

 

 
9,403

 
40

Total non-investment grade securities
 
399,584

 
11,062

 
85,573

 
17,580

 
485,157

 
28,642

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
5,407,190

 
$
234,184

 
$
554,529


$
80,715

 
$
5,961,719

 
$
314,899

Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
$
51,386

 
$
5,479

 
$
1

 
$
2

 
$
51,387

 
$
5,481

Other equity securities
 
218,834

 
1,748

 
32,550

 
2,472

 
251,384

 
4,220

Total equity securities
 
$
270,220

 
$
7,227

 
$
32,551


$
2,474

 
$
302,771

 
$
9,701


13

Table of Contents

As of June 30, 2014, the Company does not intend to sell these fixed maturity securities and does not believe it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell these fixed maturity securities before the recovery of the fair value up to the current amortized cost of the investment, which may be maturity. As of June 30, 2014, the Company has the ability and intent to hold the equity securities until the recovery of the fair value up to the current cost of the investment. However, unforeseen facts and circumstances may cause the Company to sell fixed maturity and equity securities in the ordinary course of managing its portfolio to meet certain diversification, credit quality, asset-liability management and liquidity guidelines.
Unrealized losses on non-investment grade securities as of June 30, 2014 are primarily related to high-yield corporate securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities. Unrealized losses decreased across all security types as interest rates decreased during the first six months of 2014.

Investment Income, Net of Related Expenses
Major categories of investment income, net of related expenses, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 
$
253,456

 
$
240,590

 
$
497,418

 
$
479,834

Mortgage loans on real estate
 
30,373

 
28,362

 
63,465

 
56,605

Policy loans
 
13,751

 
15,450

 
27,189

 
33,360

Funds withheld at interest
 
108,059

 
159,212

 
220,798

 
296,471

Short-term investments
 
80

 
422

 
1,045

 
1,235

Other invested assets
 
19,021

 
13,379

 
33,522

 
27,301

Investment income
 
424,740

 
457,415

 
843,437

 
894,806

Investment expense
 
(14,133
)
 
(13,181
)
 
(28,455
)
 
(25,441
)
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
410,607

 
$
444,234

 
$
814,982

 
$
869,365

Investment Related Gains (Losses), Net
Investment related gains (losses), net consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Fixed maturities and equity securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities
$
(870
)
 
$
(9,803
)
 
$
(1,173
)
 
$
(10,005
)
Portion of loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)

 
(306
)
 

 
(306
)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings
(870
)
 
(10,109
)
 
(1,173
)
 
(10,311
)
Impairment losses on equity securities

 

 

 

Gain on investment activity
34,887

 
26,845

 
42,954

 
48,525

Loss on investment activity
(6,877
)
 
(6,760
)
 
(13,460
)
 
(17,972
)
Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision
(5,309
)
 
125

 
(3,645
)
 
(1,501
)
Derivatives and other, net
96,696

 
38,142

 
178,422

 
123,873

Total investment related gains (losses), net
$
118,527

 
$
48,243

 
$
203,098

 
$
142,614

During the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company sold fixed maturity and equity securities with fair values of $222.8 million and $257.6 million at losses of $6.9 million and $6.8 million, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company sold fixed maturity and equity securities with fair values of $457.9 million and $461.9 million at losses of $13.5 million and $18.0 million, respectively. The Company generally does not engage in short-term buying and selling of securities.




14

Table of Contents

Securities Borrowing and Other
The Company participates in a securities borrowing program whereby securities, which are not reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, are borrowed from a third party. The Company is required to maintain a minimum of 100% of the fair value of the borrowed securities as collateral, which consists of rights to reinsurance treaty cash flows. The Company had borrowed securities with an amortized cost of $187.7 million and $93.0 million, and an estimated fair value of $191.1 million and $93.0 million, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The borrowed securities are used to provide collateral under an affiliated reinsurance transaction.
The Company also participates in a repurchase/reverse repurchase program in which securities, reflected as investments on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, are pledged to a third party. In return, the Company receives securities from the third party with an estimated fair value equal to a minimum of 100% of the securities pledged. The securities received are not reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2014 the Company had pledged securities with an amortized cost of $300.7 million and an estimated fair value of $315.2 million, in return the Company received securities with an estimated fair value of $354.9 million. As of December 31, 2013 the Company had pledged securities with an amortized cost of $300.3 million and an estimated fair value of $310.8 million, in return the Company received securities with an estimated fair value of $344.2 million.

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans represented approximately 7.2% and 7.7% of the Company’s total investments as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company makes mortgage loans on income producing properties, such as apartments, retail and office buildings, light warehouses and light industrial facilities. Loan-to-value ratios at the time of loan approval are 75% or less. The distribution of mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, by property type is as follows as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
Apartment
 
$
358,152

 
14.0
%
 
$
289,394

 
11.6
%
Retail
 
740,374

 
28.9

 
748,731

 
30.0

Office building
 
910,375

 
35.5

 
917,284

 
36.7

Industrial
 
437,605

 
17.0

 
439,890

 
17.6

Other commercial
 
118,986

 
4.6

 
101,487

 
4.1

Total
 
$
2,565,492

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,496,786

 
100.0
%
As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, were distributed throughout the United States as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
Pacific
 
$
700,541

 
27.3
%
 
$
671,822

 
26.9
%
South Atlantic
 
504,450

 
19.7

 
543,658

 
21.8

Mountain
 
420,661

 
16.4

 
334,446

 
13.4

Middle Atlantic
 
245,746

 
9.6

 
266,802

 
10.7

West North Central
 
171,018

 
6.7

 
138,442

 
5.5

East North Central
 
232,235

 
9.0

 
236,766

 
9.5

West South Central
 
159,300

 
6.2

 
168,246

 
6.7

East South Central
 
58,986

 
2.3

 
59,625

 
2.4

New England
 
72,555

 
2.8

 
76,979

 
3.1

Total
 
$
2,565,492

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,496,786

 
100.0
%

15

Table of Contents

The maturities of the mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
Due within five years
 
$
899,909

 
35.1
%
 
$
987,109

 
39.5
%
Due after five years through ten years
 
1,088,987

 
42.4

 
984,289

 
39.4

Due after ten years
 
576,596

 
22.5

 
525,388

 
21.1

Total
 
$
2,565,492

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,496,786

 
100.0
%
Information regarding the Company’s credit quality indicators, as determined by the Company's internal evaluation methodology for its recorded investment in mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Internal credit quality grade:
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
High investment grade
 
$
1,349,486

 
52.6
%
 
$
1,437,244

 
57.5
%
Investment grade
 
1,026,129

 
40.0

 
827,993

 
33.2

Average
 
134,736

 
5.3

 
155,914

 
6.2

Watch list
 
26,597

 
1.0

 
49,404

 
2.0

In or near default
 
28,544

 
1.1

 
26,231

 
1.1

Total
 
$
2,565,492

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,496,786

 
100.0
%
The age analysis of the Company’s past due recorded investment in mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
31-60 days past due
 
$

 
$

 
61-90 days past due
 

 

 
Greater than 90 days
 
7,087

 

 
Total past due
 
7,087

 

 
Current
 
2,558,405

 
2,496,786

 
Total
 
$
2,565,492

 
$
2,496,786

The following table presents the recorded investment in mortgage loans, by method of measuring impairment, and the related valuation allowances as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Mortgage loans:
 
 
 
 
Individually measured for impairment
 
$
28,544

 
$
37,841

Collectively measured for impairment
 
2,536,948

 
2,458,945

Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances
 
2,565,492

 
2,496,786

Valuation allowances:
 
 
 
 
Individually measured for impairment
 
3,714

 
3,211

Collectively measured for impairment
 
5,978

 
6,895

Total valuation allowances
 
9,692

 
10,106

 
Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowances
 
$
2,555,800

 
$
2,486,680


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Table of Contents

Information regarding the Company’s loan valuation allowances for mortgage loans for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
8,466

 
$
9,924

Charge-offs
 

 
(1,296
)
Provision (release)
 
1,226

 
(725
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
9,692

 
$
7,903

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
10,106

 
$
11,580

Recoveries
 
24

 

Charge-offs
 

 
(2,148
)
Provision (release)
 
(438
)
 
(1,529
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
9,692

 
$
7,903

Information regarding the portion of the Company’s mortgage loans that were impaired as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
 
Carrying
Value
June 30, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded
 
$
9,773

 
$
9,170

 
$

 
$
9,170

Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
 
19,346

 
19,374

 
3,714

 
15,660

Total impaired mortgage loans
 
$
29,119

 
$
28,544

 
$
3,714

 
$
24,830

December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded
 
$
21,698

 
$
21,100

 
$

 
$
21,100

Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
 
16,772

 
16,741

 
3,211

 
13,530

Total impaired mortgage loans
 
$
38,470

 
$
37,841

 
$
3,211

 
$
34,630

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company’s average investment in impaired mortgage loans and the related interest income are reflected in the table below for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
(1)
 
Interest
Income
 
Average
Recorded
  Investment(1)
 
Interest
Income
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded
 
$
14,589

 
$
71

 
$
15,181

 
$
49

 
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
 
15,855

 
259

 
24,211

 
294

Total
 
$
30,444

 
$
330

 
$
39,392

 
$
343

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
(1)
 
Interest
Income
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
(1)
 
Interest
Income
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded
 
$
16,759

 
$
389

 
$
14,286

 
$
184

 
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
 
16,151

 
452

 
25,294

 
534

Total
 
$
32,910

 
$
841

 
$
39,580

 
$
718

(1) Average recorded investment represents the average loan balances as of the beginning of period and all subsequent quarterly end of period balances.

The Company did not acquire any impaired mortgage loans during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. The Company had $7.1 million of mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, that were on nonaccrual status at June 30, 2014. The Company had no mortgage loans that were on a nonaccrual status at December 31, 2013.

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Table of Contents

Policy Loans
Policy loans comprised approximately 3.5% and 3.8% of the Company’s total investments as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, substantially all of which are associated with one client. These policy loans present no credit risk because the amount of the loan cannot exceed the obligation due to the ceding company upon the death of the insured or surrender of the underlying policy. The provisions of the treaties in force and the underlying policies determine the policy loan interest rates. As policy loans represent premature distributions of policy liabilities, they have the effect of reducing future disintermediation risk. In addition, the Company earns a spread between the interest rate earned on policy loans and the interest rate credited to corresponding liabilities.
Funds Withheld at Interest
Funds withheld at interest comprised approximately 16.8% and 17.8% of the Company’s total investments as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Of the $5.9 billion funds withheld at interest balance, net of embedded derivatives, as of June 30, 2014, $4.2 billion of the balance is associated with one client. For reinsurance agreements written on a modified coinsurance basis and certain agreements written on a coinsurance funds withheld basis, assets equal to the net statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned and managed by the ceding company and are reflected as funds withheld at interest on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. In the event of a ceding company’s insolvency, the Company would need to assert a claim on the assets supporting its reserve liabilities. However, the risk of loss to the Company is mitigated by its ability to offset amounts it owes the ceding company for claims or allowances with amounts owed to the Company from the ceding company. The Company is subject to the investment performance on the withheld assets, although it does not directly control them. These assets are primarily fixed maturity investment securities and pose risks similar to the fixed maturity securities the Company owns. To mitigate this risk, the Company helps set the investment guidelines followed by the ceding company and monitors compliance.
Other Invested Assets
Other invested assets include equity securities, limited partnership interests, real estate joint ventures, structured loans, derivative contracts, fair value option ("FVO") contractholder-directed unit-linked investments, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines ("FHLB") common stock (included in other), and real estate held-for-investment (included in other). The fair value option was elected for contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities which do not qualify for presentation and reporting as separate accounts. Other invested assets represented approximately 3.2% and 4.1% of the Company’s total investments as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Carrying values of these assets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Equity securities
 
$
140,744

 
$
405,731

Limited partnerships and real estate joint ventures
 
425,100

 
411,456

Structured loans
 
193,462

 
223,549

Derivatives
 
135,771

 
75,227

FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
 
151,726

 
138,892

Other
 
81,572

 
70,105

Total other invested assets
 
$
1,128,375

 
$
1,324,960

Investments Transferred to the Company
During the six months ended June 30, 2014 the Company executed reinsurance transactions that resulted in the transfer of securities with an estimated fair value of $1,580.1 million at the date of transfer. The securities transferred to the Company are considered non-cash transactions in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.

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Table of Contents

5.
Derivative Instruments
Derivatives, except embedded derivatives, are carried on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets in other invested assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Embedded derivative liabilities on modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in funds withheld at interest, at fair value. Embedded derivative liabilities on indexed annuity and variable annuity products are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in interest-sensitive contract liabilities, at fair value. The following table presents the notional amounts and gross fair value of derivative instruments prior to taking into account the netting effects of master netting agreements as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Notional
 
Carrying Value/Fair Value
 
Notional
 
Carrying Value/Fair Value
 
 
Amount
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Amount
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
1,314,868

 
$
62,348

 
$
7,413

 
$
1,592,943

 
$
32,555

 
$
21,873

Interest rate options
 
240,000

 
5,840

 

 
240,000

 
2,554

 

Financial futures
 
231,297

 

 

 
123,780

 

 

Foreign currency forwards
 
94,003

 
313

 
7,992

 
79,618

 

 
12,772

Consumer price index swaps
 
63,390

 
69

 

 
59,922

 

 
309

Credit default swaps
 
723,700

 
12,390

 
1,624

 
682,700

 
10,438

 
2,156

Equity options
 
598,564

 
39,948

 

 
757,352

 
33,902

 

Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts
 
5,192,798

 

 

 
4,629,859

 

 

Embedded derivatives in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements
 

 

 
20,194

 

 

 
176,270

Indexed annuity products
 

 

 
881,337

 

 

 
838,670

Variable annuity products
 

 

 
58,899

 

 

 
30,055

Total non-hedging derivatives
 
8,458,620

 
120,908

 
977,459

 
8,166,174

 
79,449

 
1,082,105

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
109,918

 
1,537

 
1,108

 
49,131

 

 
4,606

Foreign currency swaps
 
682,206

 
23,059

 

 
728,674

 
21,903

 
620

Total hedging derivatives
 
792,124

 
24,596

 
1,108

 
777,805

 
21,903

 
5,226

Total derivatives
 
$
9,250,744

 
$
145,504

 
$
978,567

 
$
8,943,979

 
$
101,352

 
$
1,087,331

Netting Arrangements
Certain of the Company’s derivatives are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and reported as a net asset or liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company nets all derivatives that are subject to such arrangements.
The Company has elected to include all derivatives, except embedded derivatives, in the tables below, irrespective of whether they are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or a similar agreement. See Note 4 – "Investments" for information regarding the Company’s securities borrowing and repurchase/reverse repurchase programs. See “Embedded Derivatives” below for information regarding the Company’s bifurcated embedded derivatives.
The following table provides information relating to the Company’s derivative instruments as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not
Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts   
Recognized
 
Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Balance Sheet   
 
Net Amounts
Presented in the
Balance Sheet   
 
Financial
Instruments     
 
Cash Collateral   
Pledged/
Received
 
Net Amount   
June 30, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets
 
$
145,504

 
$
(9,733
)
 
$
135,771

 
$
(19,532
)
 
$
(103,981
)
 
$
12,258

Derivative liabilities
 
18,137

 
(9,733
)
 
8,404

 
(23,004
)
 

 
(14,600
)
December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets
 
$
101,352

 
$
(26,125
)
 
$
75,227

 
$
(11,095
)
 
$
(51,006
)
 
$
13,126

Derivative liabilities
 
42,336

 
(26,125
)
 
16,211

 
(18,081
)
 
(8,033
)
 
(9,903
)


19

Table of Contents

Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. As discussed below under “Non-qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging,” the Company uses various derivative instruments for risk management purposes that either do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting treatment, including derivatives used to economically hedge changes in the fair value of liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company held interest rate swaps that were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, held foreign currency swaps that were designated and qualified as hedges of a portion of its net investment in its foreign operations and had derivative instruments that were not designated as hedging instruments. See Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company’s 2013 Annual Report for a detailed discussion of the accounting treatment for derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives. Derivative instruments are carried at fair value and generally require an insignificant amount of cash at inception of the contracts.
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company designates and accounts for certain interest rate swaps, in which the cash flows are denominated in different currencies, commonly referred to as cross-currency swaps, as cash flow hedges when they meet the requirements of the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging.
The following table presents the components of AOCI, before income tax, and the condensed consolidated income statement classification where the gain or loss is recognized related to cash flow hedges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance beginning of period
 
$
(4,020
)
 
$
1,961

Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges
 
4,798

 
(6,797
)
Amounts reclassified to investment income
 
(321
)
 
(201
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance end of period
 
$
457

 
$
(5,037
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance beginning of period
 
$
(4,578
)
 
$
403

Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges
 
5,574

 
(4,934
)
Amounts reclassified to investment income
 
(539
)
 
(506
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance end of period
 
$
457

 
$
(5,037
)
As of June 30, 2014, the before-tax deferred net gains on derivative instruments recorded in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are $1.6 million. This expectation is based on the anticipated interest payments on hedged investments in fixed maturity securities that will occur over the next twelve months, at which time the Company will recognize the deferred net gains (losses) as an adjustment to investment income over the term of the investment cash flows. There were no hedged forecasted transactions, other than the receipt or payment of variable interest payments on existing financial instruments, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

20

Table of Contents

The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the condensed consolidated statements of income and AOCI for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
Derivatives in Cash Flow
Hedging Relationships
 
Amount of Gains
(Losses) Deferred in
AOCI on Derivatives
 
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses)
Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)
 
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses)
Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives
 
 
(Effective Portion)   
 
(Effective Portion)
 
(Ineffective Portion and Amounts Excluded
from Effectiveness Testing)
 
 
 
 
   Investment Related   
Gains (Losses)
 
Investment Income   
 
   Investment Related   
Gains (Losses)
 
Investment Income   
For the three months ended June 30, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
4,798

 
$

 
$
321

 
$
7

 
$

For the three months ended June 30, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
(6,797
)
 
$

 
$
201

 
$
31

 
$

For the six months ended June 30, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
5,574

 
$

 
$
539

 
$
1

 
$

For the six months ended June 30, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
(4,934
)
 
$

 
$
506

 
$
14

 
$

Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations
The Company uses foreign currency swaps to hedge a portion of its net investment in certain foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The following table illustrates the Company’s net investments in foreign operations (“NIFO”) hedges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Derivative Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI     
 
For the three months ended June 30,
 
For the six months ended June 30,
Type of NIFO Hedge (1) (2)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Foreign currency swaps
$
(22,335
)
 
$
23,913

 
$
744

 
$
34,835

 
(1)
There were no sales or substantial liquidations of net investments in foreign operations that would have required the reclassification of gains or losses from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into investment income during the periods presented.
(2)
There was no ineffectiveness recognized for the Company’s hedges of net investments in foreign operations.

The cumulative foreign currency translation gain recorded in AOCI related to these hedges was $24.7 million and $23.9 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. If a foreign operation was sold or substantially liquidated, the amounts in AOCI would be reclassified to the condensed consolidated statements of income. A pro rata portion would be reclassified upon partial sale of a foreign operation.
Non-qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging
The Company uses various other derivative instruments for risk management purposes that either do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting treatment, including derivatives used to economically hedge changes in the fair value of liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits. The gain or loss related to the change in fair value for these derivative instruments is recognized in investment related gains (losses), in the condensed consolidated statements of income, except where otherwise noted. The Company recognized investment related gains (losses) of $13.8 million and $(52.4) million for the three months, and $33.6 million and $(112.8) million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to derivatives (not including embedded derivatives) that do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting.

21

Table of Contents

A summary of the effect of non-hedging derivatives, including embedded derivatives, on the Company’s income statement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
Gain (Loss) for the three months ended        
June 30,
Type of Non-hedging Derivative
 
Income Statement Location of Gain (Loss)
 
2014
 
2013
Interest rate swaps
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
$
22,251

 
$
(38,415
)
Interest rate options
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
2,004

 
(7,981
)
Financial futures
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(7,684
)
 
714

Foreign currency forwards
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
1,178

 
(2,958
)
CPI swaps
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
114

 
(1,117
)
Credit default swaps
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
4,783

 
2,427

Equity options
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(8,800
)
 
(5,049
)
Embedded derivatives in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
78,835

 
47,717

Indexed annuity products
 
Interest credited
 
(27,285
)
 
(28,019
)
Variable annuity products
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(5,183
)
 
35,809

Total non-hedging derivatives
 
 
 
$
60,213

 
$
3,128

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain (Loss) for the six months ended        
June 30,
Type of Non-hedging Derivative
 
Income Statement Location of Gain (Loss)
 
2014
 
2013
Interest rate swaps
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
$
51,904

 
$
(60,679
)
Interest rate options
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
3,286

 
(5,998
)
Financial futures
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(9,268
)
 
(6,167
)
Foreign currency forwards
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
2,332

 
(8,617
)
CPI swaps
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
467

 
(1,988
)
Credit default swaps
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
2,669

 
6,332

Equity options
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(17,765
)
 
(35,672
)
Embedded derivatives in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
156,076

 
137,974

Indexed annuity products
 
Interest credited
 
(51,125
)
 
(61,015
)
Variable annuity products
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(28,844
)
 
87,123

Total non-hedging derivatives
 
 
 
$
109,732

 
$
51,293

Types of Derivatives Used by the Company
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). With an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between two rates, which can be either fixed-rate or floating-rate interest amounts, tied to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. These transactions are executed pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment or individual gross payments at each due date.
Interest Rate Options
Interest rate options, commonly referred to as swaptions, are used by the Company primarily to hedge living benefit guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products. A swaption, used to hedge against adverse changes in interest rates, is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. The Company pays an upfront premium for the right to exercise this option in the future.

22

Table of Contents

Financial Futures
Exchange-traded futures are used primarily to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products. With exchange-traded futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the relevant indices, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference between the daily estimated fair values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange.
Equity Options
Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices volatility, the Company buys put options. The contracts are net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price.
Consumer Price Index Swaps
Consumer price index (“CPI”) swaps are used by the Company primarily to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain insurance products where value is directly affected by changes in a designated benchmark consumer price index. With a CPI swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange the actual amount of inflation realized over a specified period of time for a fixed amount of inflation determined at inception. These transactions are executed pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment or individual gross payments to be made by the counterparty at each due date. Most of these swaps will require a single payment to be made by one counterparty at the maturity date of the swap.
Foreign Currency Swaps
Foreign currency swaps are used by the Company to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. With a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a forward exchange rate calculated by reference to an agreed upon principal amount. The principal amount of each currency is exchanged at the termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company uses foreign currency swaps to hedge a portion of its net investment in certain foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates.
Foreign Currency Forwards
Foreign currency forwards are used by the Company to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. With a foreign currency forward transaction, the Company agrees with another party to deliver a specified amount of an identified currency at a specified future date. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made in a different currency at the specified future date.
Credit Default Swaps
The Company sells protection under single name credit default swaps and credit default swap index tranches to diversify its credit risk exposure in certain portfolios and, in combination with purchasing securities, to replicate characteristics of similar investments based on the credit quality and term of the credit default swap. Credit default triggers for indexed reference entities and single name reference entities are defined in the contracts. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit loss equals the notional value for credit default swaps. In the event of default of a referencing entity, the Company is typically required to pay the protection holder the full notional value less a recovery amount determined at auction.

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The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of credit default swaps sold by the Company at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations(1)
 
Estimated Fair
Value of Credit  
Default Swaps
 
Maximum
Amount of Future
Payments under
Credit Default
Swaps(2)
 
Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity(3)
 
Estimated Fair
Value of Credit  
Default Swaps
 
Maximum
Amount of Future
Payments under
Credit Default
Swaps(2)
 
Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity(3)  
AAA/AA-/A+/A/A-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single name credit default swaps
 
$
1,995

 
$
132,500

 
4.9

 
$
614

 
$
117,500

 
5.1

Credit default swaps referencing indices
 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal
 
1,995

 
132,500

 
4.9

 
614

 
117,500

 
5.1

BBB+/BBB/BBB-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single name credit default swaps
 
1,218

 
195,200

 
5.4

 
656

 
142,200

 
4.9

Credit default swaps referencing indices
 
7,717

 
391,000

 
5.0

 
7,295

 
405,000

 
5.0

Subtotal
 
8,935

 
586,200

 
5.1

 
7,951

 
547,200

 
5.0

BB+
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single name credit default swaps
 
(163
)
 
5,000

 
5.0

 

 

 

Credit default swaps referencing indices
 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal
 
(163
)
 
5,000

 
5.0

 

 

 

Total
 
$
10,767

 
$
723,700

 
5.1

 
$
8,565

 
$
664,700

 
4.4

 
(1)
The rating agency designations are based on ratings from Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”).
(2)
Assumes the value of the referenced credit obligations is zero.
(3)
The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average notional amounts.
The Company also purchases credit default swaps to reduce its risk against a drop in bond prices due to credit concerns of certain bond issuers. If a credit event, as defined by the contract, occurs, the Company is able to put the bond back to the counterparty at par.
Synthetic Guaranteed Investment Contracts
The Company sells fee-based synthetic guaranteed investment contracts which include investment-only, stable value contracts, to retirement plans. The assets are owned by the trustees of such plans, who invest the assets under the terms of investment guidelines agreed to with the Company. The contracts contain a guarantee of a minimum rate of return on participant balances supported by the underlying assets, and a guarantee of liquidity to meet certain participant-initiated plan cash flow requirements. These contracts are reported as derivatives, recorded at fair value and classified as interest rate derivatives.
Embedded Derivatives
The Company has certain embedded derivatives which are required to be separated from their host contracts and reported as derivatives. Host contracts include reinsurance treaties structured on a modified coinsurance (“modco”) or funds withheld basis. Changes in fair values of embedded derivatives on modco or funds withheld treaties are net of a decrease in investment related gains (losses), net of $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the three months, and $1.3 million and $2.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, associated with the Company’s own credit risk. Changes in fair values of embedded derivatives on variable annuity contracts are net of an increase (decrease) in investment related gains (losses), net of $0.1 million and $(0.2) million for the three months, and $0.5 million and $(4.9) million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, associated with the Company’s own credit risk. Additionally, the Company reinsures equity-indexed annuity and variable annuity contracts with benefits that are considered embedded derivatives, including guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits, guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits, and guaranteed minimum income benefits. The related gains (losses) and the effect on net income after amortization of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):

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Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Embedded derivatives in modco or funds withheld arrangements included in investment related gains
$
78,835

 
$
47,717

 
$
156,076

 
$
137,974

After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income
17,962

 
13,911

 
36,042

 
35,535

Embedded derivatives in variable annuity contracts included in investment related gains
(5,183
)
 
35,809

 
(28,844
)
 
87,123

After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income
(6,486
)
 
29,082

 
(20,154
)
 
41,274

Amounts related to embedded derivatives in equity-indexed annuities included in benefits and expenses
(27,285
)
 
(28,019
)
 
(51,125
)
 
(61,015
)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income
(15,600
)
 
(30,845
)
 
(33,976
)
 
(60,395
)
Credit Risk
The Company manages its credit risk related to over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master netting agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination.
The credit exposure of the Company's OTC derivative transactions is represented by the contracts with a positive fair value (market value) at the reporting date. To reduce credit exposures, the Company seeks to (i) enter into OTC derivative transactions pursuant to master netting agreements that provide for a netting of payments and receipts with a single counterparty, and (ii) enter into agreements that allow the use of credit support annexes, which are bilateral rating-sensitive agreements that require collateral postings at established threshold levels. Certain of the Company's OTC derivatives are cleared derivatives, which are bilateral transactions between the Company and a counterparty where the transactions are cleared through a clearinghouse, such that each derivative counterparty is only exposed to the default of the clearinghouse. These cleared transactions require initial and daily variation margin collateral postings and include certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps entered into on or after June 10, 2013, related to new guidelines implemented under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Also, the Company enters into exchange-traded futures through regulated exchanges and these transactions are settled on a daily basis, thereby reducing credit risk exposure in the event of non-performance by counterparties to such financial instruments.
The Company enters into various collateral arrangements, which require both the posting and accepting of collateral in connection with its derivative instruments. Collateral agreements contain attachment thresholds that may vary depending on the posting party’s ratings. Additionally, a decline in the Company’s or the counterparty’s credit ratings to specified levels could result in potential settlement of the derivative positions under the Company’s agreements with its counterparties. The Company also has exchange-traded futures, which require the maintenance of a margin account. As exchange-traded futures are affected through regulated exchanges, and positions are marked to market on a daily basis, the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties.
The Company’s credit exposure related to derivative contracts is generally limited to the fair value at the reporting date plus or minus any collateral posted or held by the Company. Information regarding the Company’s credit exposure related to its over-the-counter derivative contracts, centrally cleared derivative contracts and margin account for exchange-traded futures at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset position
 
$
127,367

 
$
59,016

Cash provided as collateral(1)
 

 
8,033

Securities pledged to counterparties as collateral(2)
 
23,004

 
18,081

Cash pledged from counterparties as collateral(3)
 
(103,981
)
 
(51,006
)
Securities pledged from counterparties as collateral(4)
 
(19,532
)
 
(11,095
)
Initial margin for cleared derivatives
 
(13,854
)
 
(13,350
)
Net credit exposure
 
$
13,004

 
$
9,679

Margin account related to exchange-traded futures(5)
 
$
6,524

 
$
2,566

 
(1)
Consists of receivable from counterparty, included in other assets.
(2)
Included in other invested assets, primarily consists of U.S. Treasury securities.
(3)
Included in cash and cash equivalents, with obligation to return cash collateral recorded in other liabilities.
(4)
Consists of U.S. Treasury securities.
(5)
Included in cash and cash equivalents.

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6.
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
Fair Value Measurement
General accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. These principles also establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value and describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Active markets are defined as having the following characteristics for the measured asset/liability: (i) many transactions, (ii) current prices, (iii) price quotes not varying substantially among market makers, (iv) narrow bid/ask spreads and (v) most information publicly available. The Company’s Level 1 assets include investment securities that are traded in exchange markets.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or market standard valuation techniques and assumptions with significant inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Such observable inputs include benchmarking prices for similar assets in active, liquid markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market. The Company’s Level 2 assets and liabilities include investment securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose values are determined using market standard valuation techniques. This category primarily includes corporate securities, Canadian and Canadian provincial government securities, and residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, among others. Level 2 valuations are generally obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or liabilities or through the use of valuation methodologies using observable market inputs. Prices from servicers are validated through analytical reviews and assessment of current market activity.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the related assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using market standard valuation techniques described above. When observable inputs are not available, the market standard techniques for determining the estimated fair value of certain securities that trade infrequently, and therefore have little transparency, rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value and that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though unobservable, management believes these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing similar assets and liabilities. For the Company’s invested assets, this category generally includes corporate securities (primarily private placements and bank loans), asset-backed securities (including collateralized debt obligations and those with exposure to subprime mortgages), and to a lesser extent, certain residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, among others. Prices are determined using valuation methodologies such as discounted cash flow models and other similar techniques. Non-binding broker quotes, which are utilized when pricing service information is not available, are reviewed for reasonableness based on the Company’s understanding of the market, and are generally considered Level 3. Under certain circumstances, based on its observations of transactions in active markets, the Company may conclude the prices received from independent third party pricing services or brokers are not reasonable or reflective of market activity. In those instances, the Company would apply internally developed valuation techniques to the related assets or liabilities. Additionally, the Company’s embedded derivatives, all of which are associated with reinsurance treaties, are classified in Level 3 since their values include significant unobservable inputs.
When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore, gains and losses for such assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3).

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Table of Contents

Assets and Liabilities by Hierarchy Level
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
June 30, 2014:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using:
 
 
Total    
 
Level 1        
 
Level 2    
 
Level 3    
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
14,151,411

 
$
107,831

 
$
12,755,640

 
$
1,287,940

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
3,747,638

 

 
3,747,638

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
986,139

 

 
800,592

 
185,547

Asset-backed securities
 
1,008,375

 

 
452,215

 
556,160

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,474,620

 

 
1,376,706

 
97,914

U.S. government and agencies securities
 
448,506

 
350,852

 
64,660

 
32,994

State and political subdivision securities
 
407,487

 

 
361,720

 
45,767

Other foreign government supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
2,256,220

 
306,505

 
1,938,827

 
10,888

Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale
 
24,480,396

 
765,188

 
21,497,998

 
2,217,210

Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives
 
(20,194
)
 

 

 
(20,194
)
Cash equivalents
 
516,798

 
516,798

 

 

Short-term investments
 
21,702

 
10,085

 
11,617

 

Other invested assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
86,838

 
86,838

 

 

Other equity securities
 
53,906

 
53,906

 

 

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
56,229

 

 
56,229

 

Interest rate options
 
5,840

 

 
5,840

 

CPI swaps
 
69

 

 
69

 

Credit default swaps
 
10,626

 

 
10,626

 

Equity options
 
39,948

 

 
39,948

 

Foreign currency swaps
 
23,059

 

 
23,059

 

FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
 
151,726

 
145,252

 
6,474

 

Other
 
17,407

 
17,407

 

 

Total other invested assets
 
445,648

 
303,403

 
142,245

 

Total
 
$
25,444,350

 
$
1,595,474

 
$
21,651,860

 
$
2,197,016

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives
 
$
940,236

 
$

 
$

 
$
940,236

Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
865

 

 
865

 

Foreign currency forwards
 
7,679

 

 
7,679

 

Credit default swaps
 
(140
)
 

 
(140
)
 

Total
 
$
948,640

 
$

 
$
8,404

 
$
940,236


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December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using:
 
 
Total    
 
Level 1        
 
Level 2    
 
Level 3    
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
12,110,755

 
$
68,934

 
$
10,696,532

 
$
1,345,289

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
3,381,025

 

 
3,381,025

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
989,643

 

 
836,138

 
153,505

Asset-backed securities
 
894,832

 

 
422,984

 
471,848

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,388,946

 

 
1,287,161

 
101,785

U.S. government and agencies securities
 
501,351

 
396,092

 
64,340

 
40,919

State and political subdivision securities
 
320,820

 

 
277,044

 
43,776

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
1,886,764

 
304,487

 
1,544,280

 
37,997

Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale
 
21,474,136

 
769,513

 
18,509,504

 
2,195,119

Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives
 
(176,270
)
 

 

 
(176,270
)
Cash equivalents
 
371,345

 
371,345

 

 

Short-term investments
 
111,572

 
105,649

 
5,923

 

Other invested assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
81,854

 
74,220

 
2,672

 
4,962

Other equity securities
 
323,877

 
323,877

 

 

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
9,904

 

 
9,904

 

Interest rate options
 
2,554

 

 
2,554

 

CPI swaps
 
(309
)
 

 
(309
)
 

Credit default swaps
 
7,926

 

 
7,926

 

Equity options
 
33,869

 

 
33,869

 

Foreign currency swaps
 
21,283

 

 
21,283

 

FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
 
138,892

 
132,643

 
6,249

 

Other
 
9,142

 
9,142

 

 

Total other invested assets
 
628,992

 
539,882

 
84,148

 
4,962

Total
 
$
22,409,775

 
$
1,786,389

 
$
18,599,575

 
$
2,023,811

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives
 
$
868,725

 
$

 
$

 
$
868,725

Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
3,828

 

 
3,828

 

Foreign currency forwards
 
12,772

 

 
12,772

 

Credit default swaps
 
(356
)
 

 
(356
)
 

Equity options
 
(33
)
 

 
(33
)
 

Total
 
$
884,936

 
$

 
$
16,211

 
$
868,725

The Company may utilize information from third parties, such as pricing services and brokers, to assist in determining the fair value for certain assets and liabilities; however, management is ultimately responsible for all fair values presented in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. This includes responsibility for monitoring the fair value process, ensuring objective and reliable valuation practices and pricing of financial instruments, and approving changes to valuation methodologies and pricing sources. The selection of the valuation technique(s) to apply considers the definition of an exit price and the nature of the asset or liability being valued and significant expertise and judgment is required.

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The Company performs initial and ongoing analysis and review of the various techniques utilized in determining fair value to ensure that the valuation approaches utilized are appropriate and consistently applied, and that the various assumptions are reasonable. The Company also performs ongoing analysis and review of the information and prices received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value and to monitor controls around pricing, which includes quantitative and qualitative analysis and is overseen by the Company’s investment and accounting personnel. Examples of procedures performed include, but are not limited to, review of pricing trends, comparison of a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, comparison of fair value estimates to management’s knowledge of the current market, and ongoing confirmation that third party pricing services use, wherever possible, market-based parameters for valuation. In addition, the Company utilizes both internal and external cash flow models to analyze the reasonableness of fair values utilizing credit spread and other market assumptions, where appropriate. As a result of the analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly. The Company also determines if the inputs used in estimated fair values received from pricing services are observable by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data.

The fair value of embedded derivative liabilities, including those calculated by third parties, are monitored through the use of attribution reports to quantify the effect of underlying sources of fair value change, including capital market inputs based on policyholder account values, interest rates and short-term and long-term implied volatilities, from period to period. Actuarial assumptions are based on experience studies performed internally in combination with available industry information and are reviewed on a periodic basis, at least annually.
For assets and liabilities reported at fair value, the Company utilizes, when available, fair values based on quoted prices in active markets that are regularly and readily obtainable. Generally, these are very liquid investments and the valuation does not require management judgment. When quoted prices in active markets are not available, fair value is based on market valuation techniques, market comparable pricing and the income approach. The use of different techniques, assumptions and inputs may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s securities holdings. For the periods presented, the application of market standard valuation techniques applied to similar assets and liabilities has been consistent.
The methods and assumptions the Company uses to estimate the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.
Fixed Maturity Securities – The fair values of the Company’s publicly-traded fixed maturity securities are generally based on prices obtained from independent pricing services. Prices from pricing services are sourced from multiple vendors, and a vendor hierarchy is maintained by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. The Company generally receives prices from multiple pricing services for each security, but ultimately uses the price from the pricing service highest in the vendor hierarchy based on the respective asset type. To validate reasonableness, prices are periodically reviewed as explained above. Consistent with the fair value hierarchy described above, securities with validated quotes from pricing services are generally reflected within Level 2, as they are primarily based on observable pricing for similar assets and/or other market observable inputs. If the pricing information received from third party pricing services is not reflective of market activity or other inputs observable in the market, the Company may challenge the price through a formal process with the pricing service.
If the Company ultimately concludes that pricing information received from the independent pricing service is not reflective of market activity, non-binding broker quotes are used, if available. If the Company concludes the values from both pricing services and brokers are not reflective of market activity, it may override the information from the pricing service or broker with an internally developed valuation; however, this occurs infrequently. Internally developed valuations or non-binding broker quotes are also used to determine fair value in circumstances where vendor pricing is not available. These estimates may use significant unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company’s assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset. Circumstances where observable market data are not available may include events such as market illiquidity and credit events related to the security. Pricing service overrides, internally developed valuations and non-binding broker quotes are generally based on significant unobservable inputs and are reflected as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy.
The inputs used in the valuation of corporate and government securities include, but are not limited to standard market observable inputs which are derived from, or corroborated by, market observable data including market yield curve, duration, call provisions, observable prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer. For structured securities, valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques using standard market inputs including spreads for actively traded securities, spreads off benchmark yields, expected prepayment speeds and volumes, current and forecasted loss severity, rating, weighted average coupon, weighted average maturity, average delinquency rates, geographic region, debt-service coverage ratios and issuance-specific information including, but not limited to: collateral type, payment terms of the underlying assets, payment priority within the tranche, structure of the security, deal performance and vintage of loans.

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When observable inputs are not available, the market standard valuation techniques for determining the estimated fair value of certain types of securities that trade infrequently, and therefore have little or no price transparency, rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management judgment or estimation, and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and are believed to be consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities.
The fair values of private placement securities are primarily determined using a discounted cash flow model. In certain cases these models primarily use observable inputs with a discount rate based upon the average of spread surveys collected from private market intermediaries who are active in both primary and secondary transactions, taking into account, among other factors, the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer and the reduced liquidity associated with private placements. Generally, these securities have been reflected within Level 3. For certain private fixed maturities, the discounted cash flow model may also incorporate significant unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the security. To the extent management determines that such unobservable inputs are not significant to the price of a security, a Level 2 classification is made. Otherwise, a Level 3 classification is used.
Embedded Derivatives – For embedded derivative liabilities associated with the underlying products in reinsurance treaties, primarily equity-indexed and variable annuity treaties, the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model, which includes an estimate of future equity option purchases and an adjustment for the Company’s own credit risk. The variable annuity embedded derivative calculations are performed by third parties based on methodology and input assumptions provided by the Company. To validate the reasonableness of the resulting fair value, the Company’s internal actuaries perform reviews and analytical procedures on the results. The capital market inputs to the model, such as equity indexes, short-term equity volatility and interest rates, are generally observable. The valuation also requires certain significant inputs, which are generally not observable and accordingly, the valuation is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, see “Level 3 Measurements and Transfers” below for a description.
The fair value of embedded derivatives associated with funds withheld reinsurance treaties is determined based upon a total return swap technique with reference to the fair value of the investments held by the ceding company that support the Company’s funds withheld at interest asset with an adjustment for the Company’s own credit risk. The fair value of the underlying assets is generally based on market observable inputs using industry standard valuation techniques. The valuation also requires certain significant inputs, which are generally not observable and accordingly, the valuation is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, see “Level 3 Measurements and Transfers” below for a description.
Company’s Own Credit Risk – The Company uses a structural default risk model to estimate its own credit risk. The input assumptions are a combination of externally derived and published values (default threshold and uncertainty), market inputs (interest rate, Company equity price per share, Company debt per share, Company equity price volatility) and insurance industry data (Loss Given Default), adjusted for market recoverability.
Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments – Cash equivalents and short-term investments include money market instruments, commercial paper and other highly liquid debt instruments. Money market instruments are generally valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible for identical assets and are primarily classified as Level 1. The fair value of certain other short-term investments, such as floating rate notes and bonds with original maturities less than twelve months, are based upon other market observable data and are typically classified as Level 2. However, certain short-term investments may incorporate significant unobservable inputs resulting in a Level 3 classification. Various time deposits carried as cash equivalents or short-term investments are not measured at estimated fair value and therefore are excluded from the tables presented.
Equity Securities – Equity securities consist principally of exchange-traded funds and preferred stock of publicly and privately traded companies. The fair values of publicly traded equity securities are primarily based on quoted market prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of preferred equity securities, for which quoted market prices are not readily available, are based on prices obtained from independent pricing services and these securities are generally classified within Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Non-binding broker quotes for equity securities are generally based on significant unobservable inputs and are reflected as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
FVO Contractholder-Directed Unit-Linked Investments - FVO contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities primarily consist of exchange-traded funds and, to a lesser extent, fixed maturity securities and cash and cash equivalents. The fair values of the exchange-traded securities are primarily based on quoted market prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1 of the hierarchy. The fair value of the fixed maturity contractholder-directed securities is determined on a basis consistent with the methodologies described above for fixed maturity securities and are classified within Level 2 of the hierarchy.

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Table of Contents

Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities – All of the derivative instruments utilized by the Company are classified within Level 2 on the fair value hierarchy. These derivatives are principally valued using an income approach. Valuations of interest rate contracts are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, and repurchase rates. Valuations of foreign currency contracts, are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, currency spot rates, and cross currency basis curves. Valuations of credit contracts are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, credit curves, and recovery rates. Valuations of equity market contracts, non-option-based, are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels, and dividend yield curves. Valuations of equity market contracts, option-based, are based on option pricing models, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels, dividend yield curves, and equity volatility. The Company does not currently have derivatives included in Level 3 measurement.
Level 3 Measurements and Transfers
As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, the Company classified approximately 9.1% and 10.2% of its fixed maturity securities in the Level 3 category. These securities primarily consist of private placement corporate securities and bank loans with inactive trading markets. Additionally, the Company has included asset-backed securities with subprime exposure and mortgage-backed securities with below investment grade ratings in the Level 3 category due to market uncertainty associated with these securities and the Company’s utilization of unobservable information from third parties for the valuation of these securities.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s corporate, sovereign, government-backed, and other political subdivision investments are probability of default, liquidity premium and subordination premium. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumptions used for the liquidity premium and subordination premium. For securities with a fair value derived using the market comparable pricing valuation technique, liquidity premium is the only significant unobservable input.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s asset and mortgage-backed securities are prepayment rates, probability of default, liquidity premium and loss severity in the event of default. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the liquidity premium and loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates.
The actuarial assumptions used in the fair value of embedded derivatives which include assumptions related to lapses, withdrawals, and mortality, are based on experience studies performed by the Company in combination with available industry information and are reviewed on a periodic basis, at least annually. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of embedded derivatives are assumptions associated with policyholder experience and selected capital market assumptions for equity-indexed and variable annuities. The selected capital market assumptions, which include long-term implied volatilities, are projections based on short-term historical information. Changes in interest rates, equity indices, equity volatility, the Company’s own credit risk, and actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder experience may result in significant fluctuations in the value of embedded derivatives.
Fair value measurements associated with funds withheld reinsurance treaties are generally not materially sensitive to changes in unobservable inputs associated with policyholder experience. The primary drivers of change in these fair values are related to movements of credit spreads, which are generally observable. Increases (decreases) in market credit spreads tend to decrease (increase) the fair value of embedded derivatives. Increases (decreases) in the own credit assumption tend to decrease (increase) the magnitude of the fair value of embedded derivatives.
Fair value measurements associated with variable annuity treaties are sensitive to both capital markets inputs and policyholder experience inputs. Increases (decreases) in lapse rates tend to decrease (increase) the value of the embedded derivatives associated with variable annuity treaties. Increases (decreases) in the long-term volatility assumption tend to increase (decrease) the fair value of embedded derivatives. Increases (decreases) in the own credit assumption tend to decrease (increase) the magnitude of the fair value of embedded derivatives.

31

Table of Contents

The following table presents quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements that are developed by the Company, which does not include unobservable Level 3 asset and liability measurements provided by third parties, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
June 30, 2014:
 
 
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range (Weighted Average) 
 
Fair Value      
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and political subdivision securities
 
$
16,951

 
Market comparable securities    
 
Liquidity premium
 
1
%
Corporate securities
 
256,581

 
Market comparable securities
 
Liquidity premium
 
0-2% (1%)

U.S. government and agencies
 
32,994

 
Market comparable securities
 
Liquidity premium
 
0-1% (1%)

Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives
 
(20,194
)
 
Total return swap
 
Mortality
 
0-100%  (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-35%  (7%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-5%  (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Own Credit
 
0-1%  (1%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Crediting rate
 
2-4%  (3%)

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities
 
881,337

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Mortality
 
0-100%  (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-35%  (7%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-5%  (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Option budget projection
 
2-4%  (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- variable annuities
 
58,899

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Mortality
 
0-100% (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-25% (8%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-7% (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Own Credit
 
0-1% (1%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term volatility
 
0-27% (15%)



32

Table of Contents

 
December 31, 2013:
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range (Weighted Average) 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and political subdivision securities
 
$
29,024

 
Market comparable securities  
 
Liquidity premium
 
1
%
 
Corporate securities
 
312,887

 
Market comparable securities  
 
Liquidity premium
 
0-2%  (1%)

 
U.S. government and agencies
 
37,539

 
Market comparable securities  
 
Liquidity premium
 
0-1%  (1%)

 
Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives
 
(176,270
)
 
Total return swap
 
Mortality
 
0-100%  (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-35%  (7%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-5%  (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Own Credit
 
0-1%  (1%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crediting Rate
 
2-4%  (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities
 
838,670

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Mortality
 
0-100% (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-35% (7%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-5% (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option budget projection
 
2-4% (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- variable annuities
 
30,055

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Mortality
 
0-100% (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-25% (6%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-7% (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Own Credit
 
0-1% (1%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term volatility
 
0-27% (10%)

The Company recognizes transfers of financial instruments into and out of levels within the fair value hierarchy at the beginning of the quarter in which the actual event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer occurs. Financial instruments transferred into Level 3 are due to a lack of observable market transactions and price information. Financial instruments are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that significant inputs can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity for the financial instrument, a specific event, one or more significant input(s) becoming observable. Transfers out of Level 3 were primarily the result of the Company using observable pricing information or a third party pricing quotation that appropriately reflects the fair value of those financial instruments, without the need for adjustment based on the Company’s own assumptions regarding the characteristics of a specific financial instrument or the current liquidity in the market. In addition, certain transfers out of Level 3 were also due to increased observations of market transactions and price information for those financial instruments.

33

Table of Contents

Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 are due to the lack of observable market data when pricing these securities, while transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 are due to an increase in the availability of market observable data in an active market. The following tables present the transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Transfers from    
Level 1 to
Level 2
 
Transfers from    
Level 2 to
Level 1
 
Transfers from    
Level 1 to
Level 2
 
Transfers from    
Level 2 to
Level 1
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$

 
$
10,058

 
$

 
$

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$

 
$
10,058

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Transfers from    
Level 1 to
Level 2
 
Transfers from    
Level 2 to
Level 1
 
Transfers from    
Level 1 to
Level 2
 
Transfers from    
Level 2 to
Level 1
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$

 
$
10,058

 
$

 
$
14,012

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$

 
$
10,058

 
$

 
$
14,012

The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended June 30, 2014:
 
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
 
 
Corporate
securities
 
Residential
mortgage-
backed
securities
 
Asset-backed
securities
 
Commercial    
mortgage-
backed
securities
 
U.S. Government
and agencies
securities
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
1,291,701

 
$
177,927

 
$
502,675

 
$
90,373

 
$
38,031

Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
(1,273
)
 
42

 
2,055

 
447

 
(185
)
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
165

 
31

 
942

 
6

 
(55
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
6,086

 
368

 
514

 
1,639

 
572

Purchases(1)
 
52,549

 
13,398

 
64,884

 

 
165

Sales(1)
 
(8,929
)
 

 
(14,258
)
 

 

Settlements(1)
 
(49,002
)
 
(6,401
)
 
(6,318
)
 
(263
)
 
(5,534
)
Transfers into Level 3
 

 
901

 
5,666

 
5,712

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 
(3,357
)
 
(719
)
 

 

 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
1,287,940

 
$
185,547

 
$
556,160

 
$
97,914

 
$
32,994

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
(1,274
)
 
$
42

 
$
2,005

 
$
447

 
$
(185
)
Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 

 

 

 

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 

34

Table of Contents

For the three months ended June 30, 2014 (continued):
 
Fixed maturity securities
available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
State
and political
subdivision
securities
 
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
Funds withheld
at interest-
embedded
derivative
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
43,833

 
$
11,157

 
$
(99,029
)
 
$
(911,987
)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
10

 

 

 

Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(4
)
 

 
78,835

 
(5,182
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 
(27,285
)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
2,330

 
33

 

 

Purchases(1)
 

 

 

 
(14,215
)
Sales(1)
 

 

 

 

Settlements(1)
 
(402
)
 
(302
)
 

 
18,433

Transfers into Level 3
 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 

 

 

 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
45,767

 
$
10,888

 
$
(20,194
)
 
$
(940,236
)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
10

 
$

 
$

 
$

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 

 
78,835

 
(5,946
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 
(45,718
)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2014:
 
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
 
 
Corporate
securities
 
Residential
mortgage-
backed
securities
 
Asset-backed
securities
 
Commercial    
mortgage-
backed
securities
 
U.S. Government
and agencies
securities
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
1,345,289

 
$
153,505

 
$
471,848

 
$
101,785

 
$
40,919

Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
(2,385
)
 
98

 
4,112

 
819

 
(282
)
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
5

 
137

 
1,247

 
92

 
(250
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
8,536

 
3,255

 
6,014

 
4,674

 
877

Purchases(1)
 
132,061

 
32,148

 
124,108

 

 
293

Sales(1)
 
(47,676
)
 
(744
)
 
(20,870
)
 
(14,626
)
 

Settlements(1)
 
(100,946
)
 
(12,573
)
 
(12,633
)
 
(542
)
 
(8,563
)
Transfers into Level 3
 
6,930

 
11,464

 
11,614

 
5,712

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 
(53,874
)
 
(1,743
)
 
(29,280
)
 

 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
1,287,940

 
$
185,547

 
$
556,160

 
$
97,914

 
$
32,994

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
(2,336
)
 
$
94

 
$
2,005

 
$
875

 
$
(282
)
Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 

 

 

 

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 


35

Table of Contents

For the six months ended June 30, 2014 (continued):
 
Fixed maturity securities
available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State
and political
subdivision
securities
 
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
Funds withheld
at interest-
embedded
derivative
 
Other invested assets- non-redeemable preferred stock
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
43,776

 
$
37,997

 
$
(176,270
)
 
$
4,962

 
$
(868,725
)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
21

 

 

 

 

Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(8
)
 

 
156,076

 

 
(28,844
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 
(51,125
)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
2,443

 
33

 

 

 

Purchases(1)
 

 

 

 

 
(29,408
)
Sales(1)
 

 

 

 

 

Settlements(1)
 
(465
)
 
(599
)
 

 

 
37,866

Transfers into Level 3
 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 

 
(26,543
)
 

 
(4,962
)
 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
45,767

 
$
10,888

 
$
(20,194
)
 
$

 
$
(940,236
)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
21

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 

 
156,076

 

 
(30,156
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 
(88,991
)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 


(1)
The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.


36

Table of Contents

The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2013:
 
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
 
 
Corporate
securities
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
Asset-backed securities
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
State and political subdivision securities
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
1,646,903

 
$
140,717

 
$
288,231

 
$
175,294

 
$
42,639

Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
(2,313
)
 
(111
)
 
1,526

 
581

 
9

Investment related gains (losses), net
 
350

 
198

 
226

 
(8,992
)
 
(4
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
(37,672
)
 
(2,714
)
 
2,601

 
15,445

 
(1,087
)
Purchases (1)
 
100,690

 
11,383

 
72,542

 

 

Sales(1)
 
(39,793
)
 
(1,018
)
 
(7,995
)
 
(1,118
)
 

Settlements(1)
 
(80,533
)
 
(7,367
)
 
(5,559
)
 
(228
)
 
(282
)
Transfers into Level 3
 
4,373

 
4,306

 
5,340

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 

 
(5,340
)
 
(4,306
)
 

 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
1,592,005

 
$
140,054

 
$
352,606

 
$
180,982

 
$
41,275

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
(2,191
)
 
$
(112
)
 
$
1,515

 
$
580

 
$
9

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 

 

 
(10,109
)
 

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 

37

Table of Contents

 
 
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2013 (continued):
 
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
Funds withheld
at interest-
embedded
derivatives
 
Short-term
investments
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
27,865

 
$
(156,189
)
 
$
22,001

 
$
(890,476
)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
(76
)
 

 

 

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 
47,716

 

 
35,809

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 
(28,020
)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
(959
)
 

 
(1
)
 

Purchases(1)
 

 

 

 
(14,764
)
Sales(1)
 

 

 

 

Settlements(1)
 

 

 
(22,000
)
 
18,883

Transfers into Level 3
 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 

 

 

 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
26,830

 
$
(108,473
)
 
$

 
$
(878,568
)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
(76
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 
47,717

 

 
34,788

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 
(46,902
)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2013:
 
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
 
 
Corporate
securities
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
Asset-backed securities
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
U.S. Government and agencies securities
 
State and political subdivision securities
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
1,668,563

 
$
93,931

 
$
232,391

 
$
167,006

 
$
4,538

 
$
43,212

Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
(4,339
)
 
(6
)
 
2,405

 
1,083

 

 
18

Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(913
)
 
25

 
(1,521
)
 
(9,862
)
 

 
(8
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
(36,710
)
 
(200
)
 
14,638

 
27,945

 

 
(1,639
)
Purchases (1)
 
175,362

 
51,920

 
128,423

 

 

 

Sales(1)
 
(56,071
)
 
(2,617
)
 
(16,293
)
 
(2,722
)
 

 

Settlements(1)
 
(145,899
)
 
(12,289
)
 
(11,436
)
 
(2,468
)
 

 
(308
)
Transfers into Level 3
 
8,146

 
14,630

 
8,305

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 
(16,134
)
 
(5,340
)
 
(4,306
)
 

 
(4,538
)
 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
1,592,005

 
$
140,054

 
$
352,606

 
$
180,982

 
$

 
$
41,275

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
(4,218
)
 
$
(7
)
 
$
2,397

 
$
1,081

 
$

 
$
18

Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(202
)
 

 

 
(10,109
)
 

 

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 


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Table of Contents

 
 
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2013 (continued):
 
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
Funds withheld
at interest-
embedded
derivatives
 
Short-term
investments
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
28,280

 
$
(243,177
)
 
$
22,031

 
$
(912,361
)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
(150
)
 

 
(3
)
 

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 
134,704

 

 
87,123

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 
(61,016
)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
(1,300
)
 

 
(28
)
 

Purchases(1)
 

 

 

 
(28,624
)
Sales(1)
 

 

 

 

Settlements(1)
 

 

 
(22,000
)
 
36,310

Transfers into Level 3
 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 

 

 

 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
26,830

 
$
(108,473
)
 
$

 
$
(878,568
)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
(150
)
 
$

 
$
(4
)
 
$

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 
134,705

 

 
84,911

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 
(97,326
)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 
(1)
The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents information for assets measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the periods presented; that is, they are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The estimated fair values for these assets were determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
 
 
Carrying Value After Measurement
 
Net Investment Gains (Losses)  
 
 
At June 30,
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Mortgage loans(1)
 
$
15,660

 
$
13,575

 
$
(2,037
)
 
$
(27
)
 
$
(1,656
)
 
$
93

Limited partnership interests(2)
 
8,889

 
9,161

 
(4,171
)
 

 
(4,171
)
 
(2,429
)
Real estate investments(3)
 

 
4,136

 

 
(600
)
 

 
(600
)
 
(1)
Mortgage loans — The impaired mortgage loans presented above were written down to their estimated fair values at the date the impairments were recognized and are reported as losses above. Subsequent improvements in estimated fair value on previously impaired loans recorded through a reduction in the previously established valuation allowance are reported as gains above. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments on mortgage loans are based on the fair value of underlying collateral or discounted cash flows.
(2)
Limited partnership interests — The impaired limited partnership interests presented above were accounted for using the cost method. Impairments on these cost method investments were recognized at estimated fair value determined using the net asset values of the Company’s ownership interest as provided in the financial statements of the investees. The market for these investments has limited activity and price transparency.
(3)
Real estate investments — The impaired real estate investments presented above were written down to their estimated fair value at the date of impairment and are reported as losses above. The impairments were based on third-party appraisal values obtained and reviewed by the Company.


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Table of Contents

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company is required by general accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures to disclose the fair value of certain financial instruments including those that are not carried at fair value. The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which were not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
June 30, 2014:
 
Carrying Value    
 
Estimated 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Measurement Using:
Level 1           
 
Level 2           
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans on real estate
 
$
2,555,800

 
$
2,654,439

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,654,439

Policy loans
 
1,250,635

 
1,250,635

 

 
1,250,635

 

Funds withheld at interest(1)
 
5,958,657

 
6,377,951

 

 

 
6,377,951

Cash and cash equivalents(2)
 
861,319

 
861,319

 
861,319

 

 

Short-term investments(2)
 
23,894

 
23,894

 
23,894

 

 

Other invested assets(2)
 
460,905

 
509,067

 
5,216

 
38,446

 
465,405

Accrued investment income
 
279,368

 
279,368

 

 
279,368

 

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)
 
$
9,890,923

 
$
9,818,666

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,818,666

Short-term debt
 
110,000

 
110,000

 

 
110,000

 

Long-term debt
 
2,214,705

 
2,438,495

 

 

 
2,438,495

Collateral finance facility
 
482,092

 
377,403

 

 

 
377,403

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013:
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Measurement Using:
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans on real estate
 
$
2,486,680

 
$
2,489,721

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,489,721

Policy loans
 
1,244,469

 
1,244,469

 

 
1,244,469

 

Funds withheld at interest(1)
 
5,948,374

 
6,207,342

 

 

 
6,207,342

Cash and cash equivalents(2)
 
552,302

 
552,302

 
552,302

 

 

Short-term investments(2)
 
27,823

 
27,823

 
27,823

 

 

Other invested assets(2)
 
491,545

 
534,442

 
5,070

 
33,886

 
495,486

Accrued investment income
 
267,908

 
267,908

 

 
267,908

 

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)
 
$
10,228,120

 
$
9,989,514

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,989,514

Long-term debt
 
2,214,350

 
2,333,023

 

 

 
2,333,023

Collateral finance facility
 
484,752

 
374,984

 

 

 
374,984

 
(1)
Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are embedded derivatives and are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
(2)
Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate – The fair value of mortgage loans on real estate is estimated by discounting cash flows, both principal and interest, using current interest rates for mortgage loans with similar credit ratings and similar remaining maturities. As such, inputs include current treasury yields and spreads, which are based on the credit rating and average life of the loan, corresponding to the market spreads. The valuation of mortgage loans on real estate is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Policy Loans – Policy loans typically carry an interest rate that is adjusted annually based on an observable market index and therefore carrying value approximates fair value. The valuation of policy loans is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Funds Withheld at Interest – The carrying value of funds withheld at interest approximates fair value except where the funds withheld are specifically identified in the agreement. When funds withheld are specifically identified in the agreement, the fair value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets which are held by the ceding company. Ceding companies use a variety of sources and pricing methodologies, which are not transparent to the Company and may include significant unobservable inputs, to value the securities that are held in distinct portfolios, therefore the valuation of these funds withheld assets are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

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Table of Contents

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments – The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments approximates fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments and are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
Other Invested Assets – This primarily includes limited partnership interests accounted for using the cost method, structured loans, FHLB common stock and cash collateral. The fair value of limited partnerships and other investments accounted for using the cost method is determined using the net asset values of the Company’s ownership interest as provided in the financial statements of the investees. The valuation of these investments is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy due to the limited activity and price transparency inherent in the market for such investments. The fair value of structured loans is estimated based on a discounted cash flow analysis using discount rates applicable to each structured loan, this is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Company’s common stock investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is considered to be the carrying value and it is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Company's cash collateral is considered to be the carrying value and considered to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
Accrued Investment Income – The carrying value for accrued investment income approximates fair value as there are no adjustments made to the carrying value. This is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Interest-Sensitive Contract Liabilities – The carrying and fair values of interest-sensitive contract liabilities reflected in the table above exclude contracts with significant mortality risk. The fair value of the Company’s interest-sensitive contract liabilities utilizes a market standard technique with both capital market inputs and policyholder behavior assumptions, as well as cash values adjusted for recapture fees. The capital market inputs to the model, such as interest rates, are generally observable. Policyholder behavior assumptions are generally not observable and may require use of significant management judgment. The valuation of interest-sensitive contract liabilities is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Short-term Debt – The carrying amount of short-term debt approximates its fair value because of the relatively short time between origination of the debt instrument and its maturity, which is reflected in Level 2.
Long-term Debt and Collateral Finance Facility – The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt and collateral finance facility is generally estimated by discounting future cash flows using market rates currently available for debt with similar remaining maturities and reflecting the credit risk of the Company, including inputs when available, from actively traded debt of the Company or other companies with similar credit quality. The valuation of long-term debt and collateral finance facility are generally obtained from brokers and are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
 
7.
Segment Information
Effective January 1, 2014, the Company realigned certain operations and management responsibilities to better fit within its geographic-based segments. Operations in Mexico and Latin America have been moved from Europe & South Africa to the U.S. segment, which has been renamed U.S. and Latin America. Operations in India have been moved from Europe & South Africa to the Asia Pacific segment. The Europe & South Africa segment has been renamed Europe, Middle East and Africa. Prior-period amounts have been adjusted to conform to the new segment reporting structure.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements accompanying the 2013 Annual Report. The Company measures segment performance primarily based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes. There are no intersegment reinsurance transactions and the Company does not have any material long-lived assets. Investment income is allocated to the segments based upon average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes.
The Company allocates capital to its segments based on an internally developed economic capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model considers the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company’s businesses. As a result of the economic capital allocation process, a portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are attributed to the segments based on the level of allocated capital. In addition, the segments are charged for excess capital utilized above the allocated economic capital basis. This charge is included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.






41

Table of Contents

The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that are primarily segregated by geographic region. Information related to revenues, income (loss) before income taxes and total assets of the Company for each reportable segment are summarized below (dollars in thousands).
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
Total revenues:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
U.S. and Latin America:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
$
1,333,027

 
$
1,275,331

 
$
2,611,719

 
$
2,472,255

Non-Traditional
 
293,448

 
301,991

 
582,069

 
616,091

Canada
 
309,113

 
295,325

 
586,862

 
592,414

Europe, Middle East and Africa
 
391,318

 
310,169

 
757,175

 
617,756

Asia Pacific
 
483,171

 
383,978

 
898,200

 
793,829

Corporate and Other
 
22,943

 
23,848

 
54,168

 
99,399

Total
 
$
2,833,020

 
$
2,590,642

 
$
5,490,193

 
$
5,191,744

 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
Income (loss) before income taxes:
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
U.S. and Latin America:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
$
93,988

 
$
90,213

 
$
144,960

 
$
169,756

Non-Traditional
 
95,474

 
80,996

 
178,598

 
178,560

Canada
 
35,020

 
35,659

 
55,084

 
71,967

Europe, Middle East and Africa
 
61,322

 
11,949

 
76,527

 
22,912

Asia Pacific
 
34,928

 
(287,345
)
 
61,239

 
(269,103
)
Corporate and Other
 
(20,197
)
 
(6,230
)
 
(16,433
)
 
29,977

Total
 
$
300,535

 
$
(74,758
)
 
$
499,975

 
$
204,069

Total Assets:
 
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2013
U.S. and Latin America:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
$
13,659,119

 
$
13,285,423

Non-Traditional
 
11,706,053

 
11,716,908

Canada
 
4,074,727

 
4,103,730

Europe, Middle East and Africa
 
4,407,325

 
2,230,568

Asia Pacific
 
3,817,197

 
3,597,456

Corporate and Other
 
5,506,630

 
4,740,388

Total
 
$
43,171,051

 
$
39,674,473

 
8.
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
The Company's commitments to fund investments as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are presented in the following table (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Limited partnerships
$
291.1

 
$
239.5

Commercial mortgage loans
61.6

 
4.6

Private placements
14.0

 
22.0

Bank loans and revolving credit agreements
57.8

 
37.0

The Company anticipates that the majority of its current commitments will be invested over the next five years; however, these commitments could become due any time at the request of the counterparties. Investments in limited partnerships and private placements are carried at cost or reported using the equity method and included in other invested assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Bank loans are carried at fair value and included in fixed maturities available-for-sale.
The Company is subject to litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company currently has no material litigation. A legal reserve is established when the Company is notified of an arbitration demand or litigation or is notified that an arbitration demand or litigation is imminent, it is probable that the Company will incur a loss as a result and the amount of the probable loss is reasonably capable of being estimated.

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Table of Contents

The Company has obtained bank letters of credit in favor of various affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies from which the Company assumes business. These letters of credit represent guarantees of performance under the reinsurance agreements and allow ceding companies to take statutory reserve credits. Certain of these letters of credit contain financial covenant restrictions. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were approximately $212.5 million and $210.3 million, respectively, of undrawn outstanding bank letters of credit in favor of third parties. Additionally, the Company utilizes letters of credit primarily to secure reserve credits when it retrocedes business to its subsidiaries, including Parkway Reinsurance Company (“Parkway Re”), Rockwood Reinsurance Company (“Rockwood Re”), Timberlake Financial L.L.C. (“Timberlake Financial”), RGA Americas Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“RGA Americas”), RGA Reinsurance Company (Barbados) Ltd. (“RGA Barbados”) and RGA Atlantic Reinsurance Company Ltd. (“RGA Atlantic”). The Company cedes business to its affiliates to help reduce the amount of regulatory capital required in certain jurisdictions such as the U.S. and the United Kingdom. The capital required to support the business in the affiliates reflects more realistic expectations than the original jurisdiction of the business, where capital requirements are often considered to be quite conservative. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $1,137.7 million and $995.5 million, respectively, in undrawn letters of credit from various banks were outstanding, primarily backing reinsurance between the various subsidiaries of the Company. The banks providing letters of credit to the Company are included on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) list of approved banks.
The Company maintains nine credit facilities, a syndicated revolving credit facility with a capacity of $850.0 million and eight letter of credit facilities with a combined capacity of $1,080.5 million. The Company may borrow cash and obtain letters of credit in multiple currencies under its syndicated revolving credit facility. The following table provides additional information on the Company’s credit facilities as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
Amount Utilized(1)
 
 
Facility Capacity    
 
Maturity Date        
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Basis of Fees
$
850.0

 
December 2015
 
$
230.6

 
$
67.6

 
Senior unsecured long-term debt rating
200.0

 
September 2019
 
200.0

 
200.0

 
Fixed
120.0

 
May 2016
 
80.0

 
85.1

 
Fixed
270.0

 
November 2017
 
270.0

 
270.0

 
Fixed
100.0

 
June 2017
 
89.0

 
89.4

 
Fixed
88.2(2)

 
November 2014
 
88.2

 
58.4

 
Fixed
105.1(2)

 
March 2019
 
105.1

 
132.5

 
Fixed
150.0

 
June 2016
 

 

 
Fixed
47.2(2)

 
May 2016
 

 

 
Fixed
 
(1)
Represents issued but undrawn letters of credit. There was no cash borrowed for the periods presented.
(2)
Foreign currency facility, U.S. dollar amount may vary.
RGA has issued guarantees to third parties on behalf of its subsidiaries for the payment of amounts due under certain reinsurance treaties, securities borrowing arrangements, financing arrangements and office lease obligations, whereby, if a subsidiary fails to meet an obligation, RGA or one of its other subsidiaries will make a payment to fulfill the obligation. In limited circumstances, treaty guarantees are granted to ceding companies in order to provide them additional security, particularly in cases where RGA’s subsidiary is relatively new, unrated, or not of a significant size, relative to the ceding company. Liabilities supported by the treaty guarantees, before consideration for any legally offsetting amounts due from the guaranteed party are reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets in future policy benefits. Potential guaranteed amounts of future payments will vary depending on production levels and underwriting results. Guarantees related to borrowed securities provide additional security to third parties should a subsidiary fail to return the borrowed securities when due. RGA’s guarantees issued as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are reflected in the following table (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Treaty guarantees
$
966.9

 
$
826.9

Treaty guarantees, net of assets in trust
776.7

 
647.9

Borrowed securities
187.7

 
93.0

Financing arrangements

 

Lease obligations
7.6

 
8.3



43

Table of Contents

Manor Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Manor Re”), a subsidiary of RGA, has obtained $300.0 million of collateral financing through 2020 from an international bank which enabled Manor Re to deposit assets in trust to support statutory reserve credits for an affiliated reinsurance transaction. The bank has recourse to RGA should Manor Re fail to make payments or otherwise not perform its obligations under this financing.
RGA, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, has committed to provide statutory reserve support to third-parties, in exchange for a fee, by funding loans if certain defined events occur. Such statutory reserves are required under the U.S. Valuation of Life Policies Model Regulation (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX for term life insurance policies and Regulation A-XXX for universal life secondary guarantees). The third-parties have recourse to RGA should the subsidiary fail to provide the required funding, however, as of June 30, 2014, the Company does not believe that it will be required to provide any funding under these commitments as the occurrence of the defined events is considered remote. The following table presents information about these commitments (dollars in millions):
 
 
Maximum Potential Obligation
Commitment Period
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
2026
 
$
500.0

 
$
500.0

2033
 
1,850.0

 
1,350.0

2034
 
2,000.0

 

2036
 
1,250.0

 
1,250.0

In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Since this indemnity generally is not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount due under this indemnity in the future.

9.
Employee Benefit Plans
The components of net periodic benefit costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Service cost
 
$
2,489

 
$
2,129

 
$
470

 
$
410

Interest Cost
 
1,487

 
1,020

 
339

 
311

Expected return on plan assets
 
(1,302
)
 
(1,100
)
 

 

Amortization of prior service cost
 
216

 
213

 

 

Amortization of prior actuarial loss
 
245

 
782

 
217

 
186

Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
3,135

 
$
3,044

 
$
1,026

 
$
907

 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Service cost
 
$
3,990

 
$
4,012

 
$
940

 
$
820

Interest Cost
 
2,295

 
2,038

 
677

 
623

Expected return on plan assets
 
(2,235
)
 
(1,867
)
 

 

Amortization of prior service cost
 
218

 
307

 

 

Amortization of prior actuarial loss
 
918

 
1,619

 
434

 
372

Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
5,186

 
$
6,109

 
$
2,051

 
$
1,815

The Company has made pension contributions of $3.3 million during the first six months of 2014, and expects to make total pension contributions of $6.5 million in 2014.
 

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Table of Contents

10.
Equity Based Compensation
Equity compensation expense was $6.4 million and $6.0 million in the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively. In the first quarter of 2014, the Company granted 0.3 million stock appreciation rights at $78.48 weighted average exercise price per share and 0.2 million performance contingent units to employees. Additionally, non-employee directors were granted a total of 15,925 shares of common stock. As of June 30, 2014, 1.9 million share options at $50.82 weighted average per share were vested and exercisable with a remaining weighted average exercise period of 5.1 years. As of June 30, 2014, the total compensation cost of non-vested awards not yet recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements was $36.5 million. It is estimated that these costs will vest over a weighted average period of 2.1 years.
Effective with the 2014 grants, certain eligible associates were granted a greater portion of equity awards in performance contingent units, while others were granted a greater portion of awards settled in cash. This change increases the performance based nature of the awards while reducing share issuance.
11.
Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables
The Company generally reports retrocession activity on a gross basis. Amounts paid or deemed to have been paid for reinsurance are reflected in reinsurance ceded receivables. The cost of reinsurance related to long-duration contracts is recognized over the terms of the reinsured policies on a basis consistent with the reporting of those policies.
Retrocession reinsurance treaties do not relieve the Company from its obligations to direct writing companies. Failure of retrocessionaires to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. Consequently, allowances would be established for amounts deemed uncollectible. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, no allowances were deemed necessary. The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of the insurance companies from which it assumes and to which it cedes reinsurance.
Retrocessions are arranged through the Company’s retrocession pools for amounts in excess of the Company’s retention limit. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, all rated retrocession pool participants followed by the A.M. Best Company were rated “A- (excellent)” or better. The Company verifies retrocession pool participants’ ratings on a quarterly basis. For a majority of the retrocessionaires that were not rated, security in the form of letters of credit or trust assets has been given as additional security. In addition, the Company performs annual financial reviews of its retrocessionaires to evaluate financial stability and performance. In addition to its third party retrocessionaires, various RGA reinsurance subsidiaries retrocede amounts in excess of their retention to RGA Reinsurance Company ("RGA Reinsurance"), Parkway Re, RGA Barbados, RGA Americas, Rockwood Re, Manor Re, RGA Worldwide Reinsurance Company, Ltd. ("RGA Worldwide") or RGA Atlantic.
At June 30, 2014, the Company had $614.2 million of ceded reinsurance receivables, of which $367.3 million, or 59.8%, were with the Company’s four largest retrocessionaires. Included in the June 30, 2014 total ceded reinsurance receivables balance were $155.1 million of claims recoverable, of which $7.4 million were in excess of 90 days past due. At December 31, 2013, the Company had $594.5 million of ceded reinsurance receivables, of which $359.2 million, or 60.4%, were with the Company’s four largest retrocessionaires. Included in the December 31, 2013 total ceded reinsurance receivables balance were $134.1 million of claims recoverable, of which $4.2 million were in excess of 90 days past due.
12.
Stock Transactions
On February 20, 2014, RGA’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $300.0 million of RGA’s outstanding common stock. The authorization was effective immediately and does not have an expiration date. Repurchases are made in accordance with applicable securities laws through market transactions, block trades, privately negotiated transactions or other means or a combination of these methods, with the timing and number of shares repurchased dependent on a variety of factors, including share price, corporate and regulatory requirements and market and business conditions. Repurchases may be commenced or suspended from time to time without prior notice. In connection with this new authorization, the board of directors terminated the stock repurchase authority granted in 2013.
During the first quarter of 2014, RGA repurchased 1,449,293 shares of common stock under this program for $112.6 million. The common shares repurchased have been placed into treasury to be used for general corporate purposes. During the second quarter of 2014, RGA repurchased 818,515 shares of common stock under this program for $64.1 million. The common shares repurchased have been placed into treasury to be used for general corporate purposes. As of June 30, 2014 there was $123.3 million remaining under the board of directors authorized share repurchase program.

13.
New Accounting Standards
Changes to the general accounting principles are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") in the form of accounting standards updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™. Accounting standards updates not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Basis of Presentation
In December 2011, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Balance Sheet as it relates to the disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The amendment requires disclosures about the Company’s rights of offset and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. This amendment also requires the disclosure of both gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the balance sheet and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. In January 2013, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Balance Sheet as it relates to the disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. This amendment clarifies that the scope of the Balance Sheet amendment made in December 2011 applies only to derivatives, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions that are either offset or subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or a similar agreement. These amendments are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company adopted these amendments and the required disclosures are provided in Note 5 — “Derivative Instruments”.
Income Taxes
In July 2013, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Income Taxes as it relates to the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This amendment clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. However, to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and not combined with deferred tax assets.  These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
Comprehensive Income
In February 2013, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Comprehensive Income as it relates to the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendment requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. This amendment also requires entities to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. However, this is only necessary if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. The amendment is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this amendment and the required disclosures are provided in Note 3 — “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.”
Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Compensation
In June 2014, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Compensation as it relates to the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. This amendment requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The amendment further clarifies that the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award and that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved. These amendments are effective for annual years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Transfers and Servicing
In June 2014, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Transfers and Servicing as it relates to the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions, repurchase financings, and disclosures. This amendment requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings, eliminates guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets that are accounted for as sales and certain transfers accounted for as secured borrowings. These amendments are effective for annual years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014.The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its condensed consolidated financial statements.



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ITEM 2.        MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, among others, statements relating to projections of the strategies, earnings, revenues, income or loss, ratios, future financial performance, and growth potential of the Company. The words “intend,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe,” and other similar expressions also are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results, performance, and achievements could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements.
Numerous important factors could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements including, without limitation, (1) adverse capital and credit market conditions and their impact on the Company’s liquidity, access to capital and cost of capital, (2) the impairment of other financial institutions and its effect on the Company’s business, (3) requirements to post collateral or make payments due to declines in market value of assets subject to the Company’s collateral arrangements, (4) the fact that the determination of allowances and impairments taken on the Company’s investments is highly subjective, (5) adverse changes in mortality, morbidity, lapsation or claims experience, (6) changes in the Company’s financial strength and credit ratings and the effect of such changes on the Company’s future results of operations and financial condition, (7) inadequate risk analysis and underwriting, (8) general economic conditions or a prolonged economic downturn affecting the demand for insurance and reinsurance in the Company’s current and planned markets, (9) the availability and cost of collateral necessary for regulatory reserves and capital, (10) market or economic conditions that adversely affect the value of the Company’s investment securities or result in the impairment of all or a portion of the value of certain of the Company’s investment securities, that in turn could affect regulatory capital, (11) market or economic conditions that adversely affect the Company’s ability to make timely sales of investment securities, (12) risks inherent in the Company’s risk management and investment strategy, including changes in investment portfolio yields due to interest rate or credit quality changes, (13) fluctuations in U.S. or foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, or securities and real estate markets, (14) adverse litigation or arbitration results, (15) the adequacy of reserves, resources and accurate information relating to settlements, awards and terminated and discontinued lines of business, (16) the stability of and actions by governments and economies in the markets in which the Company operates, including ongoing uncertainties regarding the amount of United States sovereign debt and the credit ratings thereof, (17) competitive factors and competitors’ responses to the Company’s initiatives, (18) the success of the Company’s clients, (19) successful execution of the Company’s entry into new markets, (20) successful development and introduction of new products and distribution opportunities, (21) the Company’s ability to successfully integrate and operate reinsurance business that the Company acquires, (22) action by regulators who have authority over the Company’s reinsurance operations in the jurisdictions in which it operates, (23) the Company’s dependence on third parties, including those insurance companies and reinsurers to which the Company cedes some reinsurance, third-party investment managers and others, (24) the threat of natural disasters, catastrophes, terrorist attacks, epidemics or pandemics anywhere in the world where the Company or its clients do business, (25) interruption or failure of the Company's telecommunication, information technology or other operational systems, or the Company's failure to maintain adequate security to protect the confidentiality or privacy of personal or sensitive data stored on such systems, (26) changes in laws, regulations, and accounting standards applicable to the Company, its subsidiaries, or its business, (27) the effect of the Company’s status as an insurance holding company and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay principal of and interest on its debt obligations, and (28) other risks and uncertainties described in this document and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC.
Forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect the Company’s business, including those mentioned in this document and the cautionary statements described in the periodic reports the Company files with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company does not undertake any obligations to update these forward-looking statements, even though the Company’s situation may change in the future. The Company qualifies all of its forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, you are advised to see Item 1A – “Risk Factors” in the 2013 Annual Report.
Overview
RGA is an insurance holding company that was formed on December 31, 1992. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of RGA, RGA Reinsurance, Reinsurance Company of Missouri, Incorporated, RGA Barbados, RGA Americas, RGA Atlantic, RGA Life Reinsurance Company of Canada (“RGA Canada”), RGA Reinsurance Company of Australia, Limited and RGA International Reinsurance Company Limited as well as other subsidiaries, which are primarily wholly owned (collectively, the Company).

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The Company is primarily engaged in the reinsurance of individual and group coverages for traditional life and health, longevity, disability, annuity and critical illness products, and financial reinsurance. RGA and its predecessor, the Reinsurance Division of General American Life Insurance Company, a Missouri life insurance company, have been engaged in the business of life reinsurance since 1973. The Company derives revenues primarily from renewal premiums from existing reinsurance treaties, new business premiums from existing or new reinsurance treaties and income earned on invested assets.
The Company’s primary business is life and health reinsurance, which involves reinsuring life insurance policies that are often in force for the remaining lifetime of the underlying individuals insured, with premiums earned typically over a period of 10 to 30 years. Each year, however, a portion of the business under existing treaties terminates due to, among other things, lapses or voluntary surrenders of underlying policies, deaths of insureds, and the exercise of recapture options by ceding companies.
As is customary in the reinsurance business, clients continually update, refine, and revise reinsurance information provided to the Company. Such revised information is used by the Company in preparation of its financial statements and the financial effects resulting from the incorporation of revised data are reflected in the current period.
The Company’s long-term profitability primarily depends on the volume and amount of death and health-related claims incurred and the ability to adequately price the risks assumed. While death claims are reasonably predictable over a period of many years, claims become less predictable over shorter periods and are subject to significant fluctuation from quarter to quarter and year to year. The maximum amount of individual life coverage the Company retains per life varies by market and can be as high as $8.0 million. In certain limited situations the Company has retained more than $8.0 million per individual life. Exposures in excess of these retention amounts are typically retroceded to retrocessionaires; however, the Company remains fully liable to the ceding company for the entire amount of risk it assumes. The Company believes its sources of liquidity are sufficient to cover potential claims payments on both a short-term and long-term basis.
Effective January 1, 2014, the Company realigned certain operations and management responsibilities to better fit within its geographic-based segments. Operations in Mexico and Latin America have been moved from Europe & South Africa to the U.S. segment, which has been renamed U.S. and Latin America. Operations in India have been moved from Europe & South Africa to the Asia Pacific segment. The Europe & South Africa segment has been renamed Europe, Middle East and Africa. Prior-period amounts have been adjusted to conform to the new segment reporting structure.
The Company has five geographic-based or function-based operational segments, each of which is a distinct reportable segment: U.S. and Latin America; Canada; Europe, Middle East and Africa; Asia Pacific; and Corporate and Other. The U.S. and Latin America operations are further segmented into traditional and non-traditional businesses. The U.S. and Latin America operations provide individual life, long-term care, group life and health reinsurance, annuity and financial reinsurance products. The U.S. and Latin America operations non-traditional business also issues fee-based synthetic guaranteed investment contracts, which include investment-only, stable value contracts, to retirement plans. The Canada operations reinsure traditional life products as well as creditor reinsurance, group life and health reinsurance, non-guaranteed critical illness products and longevity reinsurance. Europe, Middle East and Africa operations include a variety of life and health products, critical illness and longevity business throughout Europe and in South Africa, in addition to other markets the Company is developing. The principle types of reinsurance in Asia Pacific include life, critical illness, health, disability, superannuation and financial reinsurance. Corporate and Other includes results from, among others, RGA Technology Partners, Inc. (“RTP”), a wholly-owned subsidiary that develops and markets technology solutions for the insurance industry, interest expense related to debt and the investment income and expense associated with the Company’s collateral finance facility. The Company measures segment performance based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes.
The Company allocates capital to its segments based on an internally developed economic capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a consistent basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model considers the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in RGA’s businesses. As a result of the economic capital allocation process, a portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses is credited to the segments based on the level of allocated capital. In addition, the segments are charged for excess capital utilized above the allocated economic capital basis. This charge is included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.
Results of Operations
Consolidated
Consolidated income before income taxes increased $375.3 million, or 502.0%, and $295.9 million, or 145.0%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increase in income before income taxes for the second quarter and first six months of 2014 was primarily due to the effects of a significant loss recognized in second quarter of 2013 in the Asia Pacific segment, partially offset by higher premiums, an increase in other revenues and increased investment related gains. The loss in the Asia Pacific segment in 2013 reflects an increase in Australian group claims liabilities related to total and permanent disability coverage and disability income benefits as well as poor claims experience in the Australian operation’s individual lump sum and individual disability businesses. The increase in other revenues for the second quarter and first six months

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is primarily due to a recapture fee of $39.3 million in the Asia Pacific segment. The increase in other revenues for the first six months is reduced somewhat by the recognition in other revenues of gains on the repurchase of collateral finance facility securities of $46.5 million in 2013. Foreign currency fluctuations relative to the prior year favorably affected income before income taxes by approximately $0.3 million for the second quarter of 2014 and unfavorably by approximately $6.4 million in the first six months of 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2013.
The Company recognizes in consolidated income, any changes in the value of embedded derivatives on modco or funds withheld treaties, equity-indexed annuity treaties (“EIAs”) and variable annuity products. The combined changes in these three types of embedded derivatives, after adjustment for deferred acquisition costs and retrocession, resulted in a reduction of approximately $64.8 million and $114.8 million in consolidated income before income taxes in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2013. These fluctuations do not affect current cash flows, crediting rates or spread performance on the underlying treaties. Therefore, management believes it is helpful to distinguish between the effects of changes in these embedded derivatives, net of related hedging activity, and the primary factors that drive profitability of the underlying treaties, namely investment income, fee income, and interest credited. The individual effect on income before income taxes for these three types of embedded derivatives is as follows:
The change in the value of embedded derivatives related to reinsurance treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis are subject to the general accounting principles for derivatives and hedging related to embedded derivatives. The unrealized gains and losses associated with these embedded derivatives, after adjustment for deferred acquisition costs, increased income before income taxes by $6.2 million and $0.8 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2013.
Changes in risk-free rates used in the fair value estimates of embedded derivatives associated with EIAs affect the amount of unrealized gains and losses the Company recognizes. The unrealized gains and losses associated with EIAs, after adjustment for deferred acquisition costs and retrocession, reduced income before income taxes by $16.4 million and $21.1 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2013.
The change in the Company’s liability for variable annuities associated with guaranteed minimum living benefits affects the amount of unrealized gains and losses the Company recognizes. The unrealized gains and losses associated with guaranteed minimum living benefits, after adjustment for deferred acquisition costs, reduced income before income taxes by $54.7 million and $94.5 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2013.
Consolidated net premiums increased $148.0 million, or 7.3%, and $268.9 million, or 6.7%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013, primarily due to growth in life reinsurance partially offset by foreign currency fluctuations. Foreign currency fluctuations unfavorably affected net premiums by approximately $5.1 million and $55.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. Consolidated assumed insurance in force increased to $3,034.4 billion as of June 30, 2014 from $2,823.8 billion as of June 30, 2013 due to new business production. Foreign currency fluctuations contributed $57.6 billion to the increase in assumed life insurance in force from June 30, 2013. The Company added new business production, measured by face amount of insurance in force, of $118.4 billion and $104.0 billion during the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $217.3 billion and $199.9 billion during the first six months of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Management believes industry consolidation and the established practice of reinsuring mortality risks should continue to provide opportunities for growth, albeit at rates less than historically experienced in some markets.
Consolidated investment income, net of related expenses, decreased $33.6 million, or 7.6%, and $54.4 million, or 6.3%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The decreases are primarily due to the decrease in market value changes related to the Company’s funds withheld at interest investment associated with the reinsurance of certain EIAs which contributed to the decreases in investment income by $45.1 million and $65.7 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively. The effect on investment income of the EIA's market value changes is substantially offset by a corresponding change in interest credited to policyholder account balances resulting in an insignificant effect on net income. The decrease in the first six months also reflects a lower effective investment portfolio yield somewhat offset by a larger average invested asset base, excluding spread business. Average invested assets at amortized cost, excluding spread business, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 totaled $19.8 billion, a 10.4% increase over June 30, 2013. The average yield earned on investments, excluding funds withheld and other spread business, was 4.79% and 4.77% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 4.76% and 4.80% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The average yield will vary from quarter to quarter and year to year depending on a number of variables, including the prevailing interest rate and credit spread environment, changes in the mix of the underlying investments and cash balances, and the timing of dividends and distributions on certain investments. While there has recently been some improvement, a continued low interest rate environment in the U.S. and Canada is expected to put downward pressure on this yield in future reporting periods.
Total investment related gains (losses), net increased by $70.3 million and $60.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increases are primarily due to an increase in the fair value of derivatives used to hedge the embedded derivative liabilities associated with guaranteed minimum living benefits of $55.3 million and $131.5

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million, and a favorable change in the embedded derivatives related to reinsurance treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis of $31.1 million and $18.1 million, in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively. Offsetting these increases was an unfavorable change in the embedded derivatives related to guaranteed minimum living benefits of $41.0 million and $116.0 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively. In addition, investment related gains from asset repositioning related to a payout annuity reinsurance transaction, executed in the second quarter of 2014, contributed $12.2 million to the increase in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, and investment impairments on fixed maturity and equity securities decreased by $9.2 million and $9.1 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively. See Note 4 - “Investments” and Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the impairment losses and derivatives. Investment income and investment related gains and losses are allocated to the operating segments based upon average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment operations.
The effective tax rate on a consolidated basis was 34.0% and 33.6% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 33.0% and 33.4% for the first six months of 2014 and 2013, respectively. The second quarter and first six months of 2014 effective tax rates were lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35.0% primarily as a result of income in non-U.S. jurisdictions with lower tax rates than the U.S., and the release of a valuation allowance in the first quarter on tax benefits associated with claims experience on certain treaties, which were partially offset by a tax accrual related to the Active Financing Exception business extender provision that the U.S. Congress did not pass prior to the end of the quarter. The second quarter and first six months of 2013 effective tax rates were lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35.0% primarily as a result of income in non-U.S. jurisdictions with lower tax rates than the U.S., and differences in tax basis in foreign jurisdictions, which was partially offset by the establishment of a valuation allowance on a portion of Australia’s deferred tax asset.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the application of accounting policies that often involve a significant degree of judgment. Management, on an ongoing basis, reviews estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of financial statements. If management determines that modifications in assumptions and estimates are appropriate given current facts and circumstances, results of operations and financial position as reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements could change significantly.
Management believes the critical accounting policies relating to the following areas are most dependent on the application of estimates and assumptions:
Premiums receivable;
Deferred acquisition costs;
Liabilities for future policy benefits and incurred but not reported claims;
Valuation of investments and other-than-temporary impairments to specific investments;
Valuation of embedded derivatives; and
Income taxes.
A discussion of each of the critical accounting policies may be found in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies.”
Further discussion and analysis of the results for 2014 compared to 2013 are presented by segment.


















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U.S. and Latin America Operations
U.S. and Latin America operations consist of two segments: Traditional and Non-Traditional. The Traditional segment primarily specializes in individual mortality-risk reinsurance and to a lesser extent, group, health and long-term care reinsurance. The Non-Traditional segment consists of Asset-Intensive and Financial Reinsurance. Asset-Intensive within the Non-Traditional segment also issues fee-based synthetic guaranteed investment contracts which include investment-only, stable value contracts, to retirement plans.
For the three months ended June 30, 2014:
 
 
 
Non-Traditional
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Asset-Intensive
 
Financial
Reinsurance
 
Total U.S. and Latin America
 
 
Traditional
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
 
$
1,189,822

 
$
4,984

 
$

 
$
1,194,806

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
137,404

 
149,159

 
1,086

 
287,649

Investment related gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
 
(871
)
 

 

 
(871
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 

Other investment related gains (losses), net
 
5,905

 
86,998

 
68

 
92,971

Total investment related gains (losses), net
 
5,034

 
86,998

 
68

 
92,100

Other revenues
 
767

 
29,376

 
21,777

 
51,920

Total revenues
 
1,333,027

 
270,517

 
22,931

 
1,626,475

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
1,045,030

 
4,713

 

 
1,049,743

Interest credited
 
12,818

 
96,953

 

 
109,771

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 
156,270

 
83,241

 
6,944

 
246,455

Other operating expenses
 
24,921

 
3,813

 
2,310

 
31,044

Total benefits and expenses
 
1,239,039

 
188,720

 
9,254

 
1,437,013

Income before income taxes
 
$
93,988

 
$
81,797

 
$
13,677


$
189,462

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2013:
 
 
 
Non-Traditional
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Asset-Intensive
 
Financial
Reinsurance
 
Total U.S. and Latin America
 
 
Traditional
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
 
$
1,136,742

 
$
11,129

 
$

 
$
1,147,871

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
133,544

 
200,837

 
819

 
335,200

Investment related gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
 
(8,085
)
 

 

 
(8,085
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income
 
(253
)
 

 

 
(253
)
Other investment related gains (losses), net
 
12,049

 
43,063

 
(100
)
 
55,012

Total investment related gains (losses), net
 
3,711

 
43,063

 
(100
)
 
46,674

Other revenues
 
1,334

 
29,937

 
16,306

 
47,577

Total revenues
 
1,275,331

 
284,966

 
17,025

 
1,577,322

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
981,768

 
11,083

 

 
992,851

Interest credited
 
13,590

 
104,263

 

 
117,853

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 
166,742

 
97,533

 
3,602

 
267,877

Other operating expenses
 
23,018

 
2,878

 
1,636

 
27,532

Total benefits and expenses
 
1,185,118

 
215,757

 
5,238

 
1,406,113

Income before income taxes
 
$
90,213

 
$
69,209

 
$
11,787


$
171,209



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For the six months ended June 30, 2014:
 
 
 
Non-Traditional
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Asset-Intensive
 
Financial
Reinsurance
 
Total U.S. and Latin America
 
 
Traditional
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
 
$
2,331,727

 
$
10,164

 
$

 
$
2,341,891

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
270,780

 
307,561

 
2,333

 
580,674

Investment related gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
 
(918
)
 

 

 
(918
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 

Other investment related gains (losses), net
 
8,721

 
163,333

 
151

 
172,205

Total investment related gains (losses), net
 
7,803

 
163,333

 
151

 
171,287

Other revenues
 
1,409

 
57,652

 
40,875

 
99,936

Total revenues
 
2,611,719

 
538,710

 
43,359

 
3,193,788

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
2,078,737

 
8,973

 

 
2,087,710

Interest credited
 
25,090

 
192,037

 

 
217,127

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 
312,270

 
177,381

 
12,686

 
502,337

Other operating expenses
 
50,662

 
7,907

 
4,487

 
63,056

Total benefits and expenses
 
2,466,759

 
386,298

 
17,173

 
2,870,230

Income before income taxes
 
$
144,960

 
$
152,412

 
$
26,186


$
323,558

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2013:
 
 
 
Non-Traditional
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Asset-Intensive
 
Financial
Reinsurance
 
Total U.S. and Latin America
 
 
Traditional
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
 
$
2,193,170

 
$
14,967

 
$

 
$
2,208,137

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
266,079

 
380,206

 
1,416

 
647,701

Investment related gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
 
(8,247
)
 

 

 
(8,247
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income
 
(253
)
 

 

 
(253
)
Other investment related gains (losses), net
 
19,520

 
131,647

 
(66
)
 
151,101

Total investment related gains (losses), net
 
11,020

 
131,647

 
(66
)
 
142,601

Other revenues
 
1,986

 
58,818

 
29,103

 
89,907

Total revenues
 
2,472,255

 
585,638

 
30,453

 
3,088,346

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
1,918,649

 
14,671

 

 
1,933,320

Interest credited
 
29,740

 
213,048

 

 
242,788

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 
306,814

 
192,196

 
7,042

 
506,052

Other operating expenses
 
47,296

 
6,991

 
3,583

 
57,870

Total benefits and expenses
 
2,302,499

 
426,906

 
10,625

 
2,740,030

Income before income taxes
 
$
169,756

 
$
158,732

 
$
19,828


$
348,316


Income before income taxes for the U.S. and Latin America operations segment increased by $18.3 million, or 10.7%, and decreased by $24.8 million, or 7.1%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increase in income before income taxes in the second quarter was primarily driven by the Asset-Intensive segment and related in part to an increase in investment related gains, net of deferred acquisition expenses and favorable changes in credit spreads on the fair value of embedded derivatives associated with treaties written on a modified coinsurance or funds withheld basis. The decrease in the first six months can be largely attributed to the Traditional segment. Unfavorable mortality experience resulted in an increase in the loss ratio to 89.2% for the first six months of 2014 compared to 87.5% in the same period in 2013.

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Traditional Reinsurance
The U.S. and Latin America Traditional segment provides life and health reinsurance to domestic clients for a variety of products through yearly renewable term, coinsurance and modco agreements. These reinsurance arrangements may involve either facultative or automatic agreements.
Income before income taxes for the U.S. and Latin America Traditional segment increased by $3.8 million, or 4.2% and decreased by $24.8 million, or 14.6%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. Quarter over quarter underwriting experience is relatively in line with management's expectations. However, the unfavorable mortality experience seen in the first quarter of 2014 continues to drive down year over year results for the six months ended June 30, 2014.
Net premiums increased $53.1 million, or 4.7% and $138.6 million, or 6.3%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increase in net premiums was driven in part by growth in the health and group related coverages which contributed $31.0 million and $59.4 million to the increase for the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively. In addition, the segment added new individual life business production, measured by face amount of insurance in force of $21.8 billion and $22.8 billion during the second quarters, and $42.2 billion and $52.2 billion during the first six months of 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Net investment income increased $3.9 million, or 2.9%, and $4.7 million, or 1.8%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increases are due to an increase in the average invested asset base offset by lower yield rates. Investment related gains (losses), net increased $1.3 million and decreased $3.2 million, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. A portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are allocated to the various operating segments based on average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes. Investment performance varies with the composition of investments and the relative allocation of capital to the operating segments.
Claims and other policy benefits as a percentage of net premiums (“loss ratios”) were 87.8% and 86.4% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 89.2% and 87.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in the loss ratios for the second quarter and first six months was due, in part, to higher than normal volatility in large facultative individual mortality claims. Although reasonably predictable over a period of years, claims can be volatile over short-term periods.
Interest credited expense decreased $0.8 million, or 5.7%, and $4.7 million, or 15.6%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. This expense relates primarily to one treaty in which the related investment income decreased proportionately. Interest credited in this segment relates to amounts credited on cash value products which also have a significant mortality component. Income before income taxes is affected by the spread between the investment income and the interest credited on the underlying products. A treaty amendment in the fourth quarter of 2013 reduced the spread earned on this treaty by 25 basis points. Interest earned rates and related interest crediting rates are index driven.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 13.1% and 14.7% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 13.4% and 14.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Overall, while these ratios are expected to remain in a predictable range, they may fluctuate from period to period due to varying allowance levels within coinsurance-type arrangements. In addition, the amortization pattern of previously capitalized amounts, which are subject to the form of the reinsurance agreement and the underlying insurance policies, may vary. Also, the mix of first year coinsurance business versus yearly renewable term business can cause the percentage to fluctuate from period to period.
Other operating expenses increased $1.9 million, or 8.3%, and $3.4 million, or 7.1%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. Other operating expenses, as a percentage of net premiums were 2.1% and 2.0% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013 and 2.2% for both six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Non-Traditional - Asset-Intensive Reinsurance
Non-Traditional Asset-Intensive Reinsurance primarily assumes investment risk within underlying annuities and corporate-owned life insurance policies. Most of these reinsurance agreements are coinsurance, coinsurance with funds withheld or modco whereby the Company recognizes profits or losses primarily from the spread between the investment income earned and the interest credited on the underlying deposit liabilities, as well as fees associated with variable annuity account values.

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Impact of certain derivatives:
Income for the asset-intensive business tends to be volatile due to changes in the fair value of certain derivatives, including embedded derivatives associated with reinsurance treaties structured on a modco basis or funds withheld basis, as well as embedded derivatives associated with the Company’s reinsurance of equity-indexed annuities and variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefit riders. Fluctuations occur period to period primarily due to changing investment conditions including, but not limited to, interest rate movements (including risk-free rates and credit spreads), implied volatility and equity market performance, all of which are factors in the calculations of fair value. Therefore, management believes it is helpful to distinguish between the effects of changes in these derivatives, net of related hedging activity, and the primary factors that drive profitability of the underlying treaties, namely investment income, fee income (included in other revenues), and interest credited. These fluctuations are considered unrealized by management and do not affect current cash flows, crediting rates or spread performance on the underlying treaties.
The following table summarizes the asset-intensive results and quantifies the impact of these embedded derivatives for the periods presented. Revenues before certain derivatives, benefits and expenses before certain derivatives, and income before income taxes and certain derivatives, should not be viewed as substitutes for GAAP revenues, GAAP benefits and expenses, and GAAP income before income taxes.
(dollars in thousands)
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
 
$
270,517

 
$
284,966

 
$
538,710

 
$
585,638

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties
 
79,769

 
46,326

 
158,465

 
136,527

Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives
 
6,815

 
(7,473
)
 
7,052

 
(8,513
)
Revenues before certain derivatives
 
183,933

 
246,113

 
373,193

 
457,624

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total benefits and expenses
 
188,720

 
215,757

 
386,298

 
426,906

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties
 
51,201

 
26,316

 
100,628

 
83,306

Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives
 
2,129

 
(3,034
)
 
2,768

 
(4,446
)
Equity-indexed annuities
 
3,631

 
(12,727
)
 
1,501

 
(19,573
)
Benefits and expenses before certain derivatives
 
131,759

 
205,202

 
281,401

 
367,619

Income before income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
 
81,797

 
69,209

 
152,412

 
158,732

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties
 
28,568

 
20,010

 
57,837

 
53,221

Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives
 
4,686

 
(4,439
)
 
4,284

 
(4,067
)
Equity-indexed annuities
 
(3,631
)
 
12,727

 
(1,501
)
 
19,573

Income before income taxes and certain derivatives
 
$
52,174

 
$
40,911

 
$
91,792

 
$
90,005

Embedded Derivatives - Modco/Funds Withheld Treaties - Represents the change in the fair value of embedded derivatives on funds withheld at interest associated with treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis. The fair value changes of embedded derivatives on funds withheld at interest associated with treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis are reflected in revenues, while the related impact on deferred acquisition expenses is reflected in benefits and expenses. Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative are driven by changes in investment credit spreads, including the Company’s own credit risk. Generally, an increase in investment credit spreads, ignoring changes in the Company’s own credit risk, will have a negative impact on the fair value of the embedded derivative (decrease in income). Changes in fair values of these embedded derivatives are net of a decrease in revenues of $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the second quarter, and $1.3 million and $2.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, associated with the Company’s own credit risk. A 10% increase in the Company’s own credit risk rate would have increased revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014 by approximately $0.1 million. Conversely, a 10% decrease in the Company’s own credit risk rate would have decreased revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014 by approximately $0.1 million.

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In the second quarter of 2014, the change in fair value of the embedded derivative increased revenues by $79.8 million and related deferred acquisition expenses increased benefits and expenses by $51.2 million, for a positive pre-tax income impact of $28.6 million. During the second quarter of 2013, the change in fair value of the embedded derivative increased revenues by $46.3 million and related deferred acquisition expenses increased benefits and expenses by $26.3 million, for a positive pre-tax income impact of $20.0 million. In the first six months of 2014, the change in fair value of the embedded derivative increased revenues by $158.5 million and related deferred acquisition expenses increased benefits and expenses by $100.6 million, for a positive pre-tax income impact of $57.8 million. During the first six months of 2013, the change in fair value of the embedded derivative increased revenues by $136.5 million and related deferred acquisition expenses increased benefits and expenses by $83.3 million, for a positive pre-tax income impact of $53.2 million.
Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Riders - Represents the impact related to guaranteed minimum benefits associated with the Company’s reinsurance of variable annuities. The fair value changes of the guaranteed minimum benefits along with the changes in fair value of the free standing derivatives purchased by the Company to partially hedge the liability are reflected in revenues, while the related impact on deferred acquisition expenses is reflected in expenses. Changes in fair values of these embedded derivatives are net of an increase (decrease) in revenues of $0.1 million and $(0.2) million for the three months, and $0.5 million and $(4.9) million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, associated with the Company’s own credit risk. A 10% increase in the Company’s own credit risk rate would have increased revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014 by approximately $0.5 million. Conversely, a 10% decrease in the Company’s own credit risk rate would have decreased revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014 by approximately $0.5 million.
In the second quarter of 2014, the change in the fair value of the guaranteed minimum benefits, after allowing for changes in the associated free standing derivatives, increased revenues by $6.8 million and deferred acquisition expenses increased benefits and expenses by $2.1 million for a positive pre-tax income impact of $4.7 million. In the second quarter of 2013, the change in the fair value of the guaranteed minimum benefits after allowing for changes in the associated free standing derivatives decreased revenues by $7.5 million and deferred acquisition expenses decreased benefits and expenses by $3.0 million for a negative pre-tax income impact of $4.4 million. In the first six months of 2014, the change in the fair value of the guaranteed minimum benefits, after allowing for changes in the associated free standing derivatives, increased revenues by $7.1 million and deferred acquisition expenses increased benefits and expenses by $2.8 million for a positive pre-tax income impact of $4.3 million. In the first six months of 2013, the change in the fair value of the guaranteed minimum benefits after allowing for changes in the associated free standing derivatives decreased revenues by $8.5 million and deferred acquisition expenses decreased benefits and expenses by $4.4 million for a negative pre-tax income impact of $4.1 million.
Equity-Indexed Annuities - Represents the impact of changes of the fair value of embedded derivative liabilities associated with equity-indexed annuities, after adjustments for related deferred acquisition expenses. In the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, expenses increased $3.6 million and decreased $12.7 million, respectively. In the first six months of 2014 and 2013, expenses increased $1.5 million and decreased $19.6 million, respectively.
The changes in derivatives discussed above are considered unrealized by management and do not affect current cash flows, crediting rates or spread performance on the underlying treaties. Fluctuations occur period to period primarily due to changing investment conditions including, but not limited to, interest rate movements (including benchmark rates and credit spreads), implied volatility and equity market performance, all of which are factors in the calculations of fair value. Therefore, management believes it is helpful to distinguish between the effects of changes in these derivatives and the primary factors that drive profitability of the underlying treaties, namely investment income, fee income (included in other revenues) and interest credited.
Discussion and analysis before certain derivatives:
Income before income taxes and certain derivatives increased by $11.3 million and $1.8 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increase in the second quarter was primarily due to favorable interest margin related to a large fixed deferred annuity transaction, coupled with a favorable variable and fixed equity annuities results, in large part due to the favorable equity market experience during the second quarter of 2014 compared to the second quarter of 2013. Also contributing to the increase in income during the second quarter and first six months of 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 were deferred acquisition expenses related to investment related gains and losses associated with funds withheld and coinsurance portfolios. Funds withheld capital gains and losses are reported through investment income while coinsurance activity is reflected in investment related gains (losses), net.
Revenue before certain derivatives decreased by $62.2 million and $84.4 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2014 compared to 2013. The negative variance was primarily a result of changes in investment income related to equity options held in a funds withheld portfolio associated with equity-indexed annuity treaties, coupled with net changes in investment related gains and losses associated with funds withheld and coinsurance portfolios. The effect on investment income related to equity options is substantially offset by a corresponding change in interest credited expense.

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Benefits and expenses before certain derivatives decreased by $73.4 million and $86.2 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The variance is primarily related to a decrease in interest credited related to equity options held in funds withheld portfolio associated with equity-indexed annuity treaties. The effect on interest credited related to equity options is substantially offset by a corresponding change in investment income. Additionally, deferred acquisition expenses related to investment related gains and losses associated with funds withheld and coinsurance portfolios decreased, for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.
The invested asset base supporting this segment decreased to $11.0 billion in the second quarter of 2014 from $11.2 billion in the second quarter of 2013. The decrease in the asset base was due primarily to one large closed-block transaction in which the business continues to run-off, as anticipated. As of June 30, 2014, $4.3 billion of the invested assets were funds withheld at interest, of which greater than 90% is associated with one client.
Non-Traditional - Financial Reinsurance
Non-Traditional Financial Reinsurance income before income taxes consists primarily of net fees earned on financial reinsurance transactions. Financial reinsurance risks are assumed by the U.S. and Latin America segment and a portion is retroceded to other insurance companies or brokered business in which the Company does not participate in the assumption of risk. The fees earned from financial reinsurance contracts and brokered business are reflected in other revenues, and the fees paid to retrocessionaires are reflected in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.
Income before income taxes increased $1.9 million, or 16.0%, and $6.4 million, or 32.1%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increase in 2014 was the result of additional surplus relief provided as compared to the same periods in 2013. At June 30, 2014 and 2013, the amount of reinsurance assumed from client companies, as measured by pre-tax statutory surplus, risk based capital and other financial structures was $5.6 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively. The increase was primarily due to a number of new transactions entered into since June 30, 2013, as well as organic growth on existing transactions. Fees earned from this business can vary significantly depending on the size of the transactions and the timing of their completion and therefore can fluctuate from period to period.
Canada Operations
The Company conducts reinsurance business in Canada primarily through RGA Canada, a wholly-owned subsidiary. RGA Canada assists clients with capital management activity and mortality and morbidity risk management, and is primarily engaged in traditional individual life reinsurance, as well as creditor, group life and health, critical illness, and longevity reinsurance. Creditor insurance covers the outstanding balance on personal, mortgage or commercial loans in the event of death, disability or critical illness and is generally shorter in duration than traditional life insurance.
(dollars in thousands)
For the three months ended June 30,
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
$
253,577

 
$
239,633

 
$
484,421

 
$
482,904

Investment income, net of related expenses
50,080

 
51,642

 
97,683

 
102,197

Investment related gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

 

Other investment related gains (losses), net
4,193

 
3,748

 
2,534

 
6,803

Total investment related gains (losses), net
4,193

 
3,748

 
2,534

 
6,803

Other revenues
1,263

 
302

 
2,224

 
510

Total revenues
309,113

 
295,325

 
586,862

 
592,414

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
203,293

 
196,584

 
398,049

 
386,282

Interest credited
9

 
6

 
9

 
18

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
60,837

 
52,134

 
113,941

 
112,966

Other operating expenses
9,954

 
10,942

 
19,779

 
21,181

Total benefits and expenses
274,093

 
259,666

 
531,778

 
520,447

Income before income taxes
$
35,020

 
$
35,659

 
$
55,084

 
$
71,967


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Income before income taxes decreased by $0.6 million, or 1.8%, and $16.9 million, or 23.5%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The decrease in income in the first six months was primarily due to unfavorable traditional individual life mortality experience compared to the prior year and a decline of $4.3 million in net investment related gains, (losses), net. Additionally, a weaker Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $2.2 million and $4.4 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013.
Net premiums increased $13.9 million, or 5.8%, and $1.5 million, or 0.3%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in net premiums of approximately $16.4 million and $38.2 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2013. Ignoring foreign currency exchange, premiums increased 12.7% and 8.2% in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively, due to new business from both new and existing treaties. Also contributing to the increase in net premiums is an increase from creditor treaties of $15.3 million and $6.0 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2013. Excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange, reinsurance in force at June 30, 2014 increased 6.7% over June 30, 2013. Premium levels can be significantly influenced by currency fluctuations, large transactions, mix of business and reporting practices of ceding companies and therefore may fluctuate from period to period.
Net investment income decreased $1.6 million, or 3.0%, and $4.5 million, or 4.4%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in net investment income of approximately $3.3 million and $7.8 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. A portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are allocated to the segments based upon average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes. Investment performance varies with the composition of investments and the relative allocation of capital to the operating segments.
Other revenues increased $1.0 million, or 318.2%, and $1.7 million or 336.1%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increase in other revenues in the second quarter and the first six months is primarily due to fees associated with financial reinsurance.
Loss ratios for this segment were 80.2% and 82.0% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, and 82.2% and 80.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Loss ratios for the traditional individual life mortality business were 97.5% and 94.1% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, and 98.6% and 94.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Excluding creditor business, claims as a percentage of net premiums for this segment were 96.5% and 94.5% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, and 97.2% and 93.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Historically, the loss ratio increased primarily as the result of several large permanent level premium in force blocks assumed in 1997 and 1998. These blocks are mature blocks of long-term permanent level premium business in which mortality as a percentage of net premiums is expected to be higher than historical ratios. The nature of permanent level premium policies requires the Company to set up actuarial liabilities and invest the amounts received in excess of early-year claims costs to fund claims in later years when premiums, by design, continue to be level as compared to expected increasing mortality or claim costs. Excluding creditor business, claims and other policy benefits, as a percentage of net premiums and investment income were 76.7% and 74.4% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, and 77.2% and 73.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 24.0% and 21.8% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, and 23.5% and 23.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums for traditional individual life business were 11.2% and 12.3% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, and 12.9% and 12.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Overall, while these ratios are expected to remain in a predictable range, they may fluctuate from period to period due to varying allowance levels and product mix. In addition, the amortization patterns of previously capitalized amounts, which are subject to the form of the reinsurance agreement and the underlying insurance policies, may vary.

Other operating expenses decreased by $1.0 million, or 9.0%, and $1.4 million, or 6.6%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in operating expenses of approximately $0.5 million and $1.2 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 3.9% and 4.6% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, and 4.1% and 4.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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Europe, Middle East and Africa Operations
The Europe, Middle East and Africa segment includes operations in the United Kingdom (“UK”), South Africa, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The segment provides reinsurance for a variety of life and health products through yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements, critical illness coverage and longevity risk related to payout annuities. Reinsurance agreements may be facultative or automatic agreements covering primarily individual risks and, in some markets, group risks.
(dollars in thousands)
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
 
$
340,884

 
$
292,180

 
$
681,627

 
$
584,989

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
20,671

 
13,623

 
34,040

 
25,052

Investment related gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
 

 

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 

Other investment related gains (losses), net
 
21,824

 
440

 
25,646

 
2,212

Total investment related gains (losses), net
 
21,824

 
440

 
25,646

 
2,212

Other revenues
 
7,939

 
3,926

 
15,862

 
5,503

Total revenues
 
391,318

 
310,169

 
757,175

 
617,756

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
282,546

 
262,443

 
589,887

 
522,701

Interest credited
 
5,750

 

 
8,536

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 
11,492

 
9,396

 
24,757

 
21,003

Other operating expenses
 
30,208

 
26,381

 
57,468

 
51,140

Total benefits and expenses
 
329,996

 
298,220

 
680,648

 
594,844

Income before income taxes
 
$
61,322

 
$
11,949

 
$
76,527

 
$
22,912

Income before income taxes increased by $49.4 million, or 413.2%, and $53.6 million, or 234.0%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increase in income before income taxes for the second quarter and first six months was primarily due to increased business volumes, most notably in fee income treaties, and by favorable claims experience. In addition, investment related gains increased $21.4 million and $23.4 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively, largely due to asset repositioning related to a payout annuity reinsurance transaction executed in the second quarter of 2014. Favorable foreign currency exchange fluctuations contributed to the increase in income before income taxes totaling $5.2 million and $5.7 million for the second quarter and first six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013.
Net premiums increased $48.7 million, or 16.7%, and $96.6 million, or 16.5%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. Net premiums increased as a result of new business from both new and existing treaties including an increase associated with reinsurance of longevity risk in the UK of $26.2 million and $46.7 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively. Favorable foreign currency exchange fluctuations, particularly with the British pound and the Euro strengthening against the U.S. dollar, increased net premiums by approximately $21.2 million and $29.9 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013.
A portion of the net premiums for the segment, in each period presented, relates to reinsurance of critical illness coverage, primarily in the UK. This coverage provides a benefit in the event of the diagnosis of a pre-defined critical illness. Net premiums earned from this coverage totaled $66.3 million and $63.7 million for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013 and $131.9 million and $126.9 million for the first six months of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Premium levels can be significantly influenced by currency fluctuations, large transactions and reporting practices of ceding companies and therefore can fluctuate from period to period.
Net investment income increased $7.0 million, or 51.7%, and $9.0 million, or 35.9%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. These increases were primarily due to an increase in the invested asset base, of which $1.6 billion is related an invested asset transfer associated with a new payout annuity reinsurance transaction in the UK in the second quarter of 2014, partially offset by a decrease in investment yield. A portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are allocated to the various operating segments based on average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes. Investment performance varies with the composition of investments and the relative allocation of capital to the operating segments.
Other revenues increased by $4.0 million, or 102.2%, and $10.4 million, or 188.2%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increase in other revenues relates to an increased number of fee income treaties. At June 30, 2014 and 2013, the amount of reinsurance assumed from client companies, as measured by pre-tax statutory

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surplus, risk based capital and other financial reinsurance structures was $0.9 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively. The increase was primarily due to a transaction in Continental Europe executed in the last half of 2013. Fees earned from this business can vary significantly depending on the size of the transactions and the timing of their completion and, therefore, can fluctuate from period to period.
Loss ratios for this segment were 82.9% and 89.8% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013 and 86.5% and 89.4%, for the first six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in the loss ratios is attributable to favorable individual life claims experience over the prior year, primarily in the UK market. Although reasonably predictable over a period of years, claims can be volatile over shorter periods. Management views recent experience as normal short-term volatility that is inherent in the business.
Interest credited expense increased by $5.8 million and $8.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. Interest credited in this segment relates to amounts credited to the contractholders of unit-linked products associated with the Company’s acquisition of Leidsche Verzekeringen Maatschappij N.V. in the third quarter of 2013. The effect on interest credited related to unit-linked products is substantially offset by a corresponding change in investment income and investment related gains (losses), net.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 3.4% and 3.2% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013 and 3.6% for both six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These percentages fluctuate due to timing of client company reporting, variations in the mixture of business and the relative maturity of the business. In addition, as the segment grows, renewal premiums, which have lower allowances than first-year premiums, represent a greater percentage of the total net premiums.
Other operating expenses increased $3.8 million, or 14.5%, and $6.3 million, or 12.4%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums totaled 8.9% and 9.0% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 8.4% and 8.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Asia Pacific Operations
The Asia Pacific segment includes operations in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and mainland China. The principal types of reinsurance include life, critical illness, disability, superannuation, and financial reinsurance. Superannuation is the Australian government mandated compulsory retirement savings program. Superannuation funds accumulate retirement funds for employees, and, in addition, offer life and disability insurance coverage. Reinsurance agreements may be facultative or automatic agreements covering primarily individual risks and in some markets, group risks.
(dollars in thousands)
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
 
$
393,687

 
$
355,211

 
$
775,437

 
$
739,535

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
26,325

 
21,951

 
50,967

 
44,581

Investment related gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
 

 

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 

Other investment related gains (losses), net
 
6,285

 
(4,137
)
 
8,799

 
(8,576
)
Total investment related gains (losses), net
 
6,285

 
(4,137
)
 
8,799

 
(8,576
)
Other revenues
 
56,874

 
10,953

 
62,997

 
18,289

Total revenues
 
483,171

 
383,978

 
898,200

 
793,829

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
306,320

 
578,808

 
609,916

 
877,209

Interest credited
 
234

 
274

 
480

 
585

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 
107,909

 
60,171

 
162,198

 
122,257

Other operating expenses
 
33,780

 
32,070

 
64,367

 
62,881

Total benefits and expenses
 
448,243

 
671,323

 
836,961

 
1,062,932

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
34,928

 
$
(287,345
)
 
$
61,239

 
$
(269,103
)

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Income before income taxes increased by $322.3 million and $330.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increase in income before income taxes for the second quarter and first six months is primarily due to an increase of $274.1 million in Australian group claims liabilities related to total and permanent disability coverage and disability income benefits recognized in the second quarter of 2013. Also contributing to the increase in income before taxes for the second quarter and first six months was income associated with the recapture of a previously assumed individual lump sum treaty in Australia. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease to income before income taxes totaling approximately $1.4 million and $4.6 million for the three and six months of 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013.
Net premiums increased $38.5 million, or 10.8%, and $35.9 million, or 4.9% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increase was driven by both new and existing business written throughout the segment. A portion of the net premiums for the segment, in each period presented, relates to reinsurance of critical illness coverage. This coverage provides a benefit in the event of the diagnosis of a pre-defined critical illness. Reinsurance of critical illness in the Asia Pacific segment is offered primarily in South Korea, Australia and Hong Kong. Net premiums earned from this coverage totaled $71.9 million and $51.5 million in the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, and $132.3 million and $106.4 million for the first six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Premium levels can be significantly influenced by currency fluctuations, large transactions and reporting practices of ceding companies and can fluctuate from period to period.
Net investment income increased $4.4 million, or 19.9%, and $6.4 million, or 14.3%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the invested asset base offset slightly by lower investment yields. The increase was also offset by an unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange fluctuations of $1.2 million and $4.1 million for the three and six months of 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. A portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are allocated to the various operating segments based on average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes. Investment performance varies with the composition of investments and the relative allocation of capital to the operating segments.
Other revenues increased by $45.9 million, or 419.3%, and $44.7 million, or 244.5%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increase in other revenues is primarily due to a recapture fee associated with an individual lump sum treaty in Australia along with fees associated with the reinstatement and conversion of an existing treaty in Japan. At June 30, 2014 and 2013, the amount of reinsurance assumed from client companies, as measured by pre-tax statutory surplus, risk based capital and other financial reinsurance structures was $1.1 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to several financial reinsurance agreements, which are performing as expected, where the amount of reinsurance assumed from the client decreases over time. Fees earned from this business can vary significantly depending on the size of the transactions and the timing of their completion and, therefore, can fluctuate from period to period.
Loss ratios for this segment were 77.8% and 162.9% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013 and 78.7% and 118.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in the loss ratios is primarily due to a $274.1 million increase in Australian group claims liabilities as well as poor claims experience in the Australian operation’s individual lump sum and individual disability businesses recognized in the second quarter of 2013. The decrease in liabilities is reflected in the table above in claims and other policy benefits. Excluding the Australia operation, loss ratios for this segment were 76.5% and 78.1% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 27.4% and 16.9% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, and 20.9% and 16.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in the ratios was primarily attributable to the recognition of the DAC relating to the aforementioned individual lump sum treaty recapture in Australia. The ratio of policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums should generally decline as the business matures; however, the percentage does fluctuate periodically due to timing of client company reporting and variations in the mixture of business.
Other operating expenses increased $1.7 million, or 5.3%, and $1.5 million, or 2.4%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums totaled 8.6% and 9.0% for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, and 8.3% and 8.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The timing of premium flows and the level of costs associated with the entrance into and development of new markets in the growing Asia Pacific segment may cause other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums to fluctuate over periods of time.

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Corporate and Other
Corporate and Other revenues include primarily investment income and investment related gains and losses from unallocated invested assets. Corporate and Other benefits and expenses consist of the offset to capital charges allocated to the operating segments within the policy acquisition costs and other insurance income line item, unallocated overhead and executive costs, interest expense related to debt, and the investment income and expense associated with the Company’s collateral finance facility. Additionally, Corporate and Other includes results from, among others, RTP, a wholly-owned subsidiary that develops and markets technology solutions for the insurance industry.
(dollars in thousands)
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
 
$
206

 
$
261

 
$
421

 
$
(716
)
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
25,882

 
21,818

 
51,618

 
49,834

Investment related gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
 
1

 
(1,718
)
 
(255
)
 
(1,758
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 
(53
)
 

 
(53
)
Other investment related gains (losses), net
 
(5,876
)
 
3,289

 
(4,913
)
 
1,385

Total investment related gains (losses), net
 
(5,875
)
 
1,518

 
(5,168
)
 
(426
)
Other revenues
 
2,730

 
251

 
7,297

 
50,707

Total revenues
 
22,943

 
23,848

 
54,168

 
99,399

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
(17
)
 
(112
)
 

 
(28
)
Interest credited
 
198

 
212

 
404

 
437

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance income
 
(17,319
)
 
(19,073
)
 
(38,986
)
 
(34,416
)
Other operating expenses
 
22,476

 
16,483

 
33,728

 
39,837

Interest expense
 
35,211

 
29,918

 
70,295

 
58,404

Collateral finance facility expense
 
2,591

 
2,650

 
5,160

 
5,188

Total benefits and expenses
 
43,140

 
30,078

 
70,601

 
69,422

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
(20,197
)
 
$
(6,230
)
 
$
(16,433
)
 
$
29,977

Income (loss) before income taxes decreased by $14.0 million, or 224.2%, and $46.4 million, or 154.8%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The decrease for the second quarter is primarily due to a decrease of $7.4 million in investment related gains (losses), net, an increase of a $6.0 million in other operating expenses and a $5.3 million increase in interest expense, slightly offset by an increase in investment income, net of related expenses of $4.1 million. The decrease in the first six months is primarily due to a $43.4 million decrease to other revenues and an increase of $11.9 million in interest expense, slightly offset by a decrease in other operating expenses of $6.1 million.
Total revenues decreased by $0.9 million, or 3.8%, and $45.2 million, or 45.5%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The decrease for the second quarter is primarily due to a decrease of $7.4 million in investment related gains (losses), net due to a decrease in investment related gains on other invested assets, partially offset by a $4.1 million increase in investment income, net of related expenses due to higher investment yields. The decrease in the first six months is primarily due to a decrease in other revenues of $43.4 million related to a $46.5 million gain on repurchase of collateral finance facility securities recognized in the first quarter of 2013.
Total benefits and expenses increased by $13.1 million, or 43.4%, and $1.2 million, or 1.7%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in 2013. The increase in the second quarter is primarily due to a $6.0 million increase in other operating expenses primarily relating to employee incentive compensation and a $5.3 million increase in interest expense due to a higher level of outstanding debt. The increase in the first six months is primarily due to an increase of $11.9 million in interest expense due to a higher level of outstanding debt, offset by a decrease in other operating expenses of $6.1 million primarily relating to employee incentive compensation and an increase of $4.6 million in policy acquisition costs and other insurance income primarily related to the offset to capital charges allocated to the operating segments.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Current Market Environment
The average investment yield, excluding spread business, decreased 4 basis points for the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013. In addition, the Company’s insurance liabilities, in particular its annuity products, are sensitive to changing market factors. Lower interest rates and tightening credit spreads have increased gross unrealized gains on fixed maturity and equity securities available-for-sale, which were $2,225.0 million and $1,838.2 million at June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Gross unrealized losses totaled $112.3 million and $310.7 million at June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The Company continues to be in a position to hold any investment security showing an unrealized loss until recovery, provided it remains comfortable with the credit of the issuer. As indicated above, gross unrealized gains on investment securities of $2,225.0 million are well in excess of gross unrealized losses of $112.3 million as of June 30, 2014. Historically low interest rates continued to put pressure on the Company’s investment yield. The Company does not rely on short-term funding or commercial paper and to date it has experienced no liquidity pressure, nor does it anticipate such pressure in the foreseeable future.
The Company projects its reserves to be sufficient and it would not expect to write down deferred acquisition costs or be required to take any actions to augment capital, even if interest rates remain at current levels for the next five years, assuming all other factors remain constant. While the Company has felt the pressures of sustained low interest rates and volatile equity markets and may continue to do so, its business operations are not overly sensitive to these risks. Although management believes the Company’s current capital base is adequate to support its business at current operating levels, it continues to monitor new business opportunities and any associated new capital needs that could arise from the changing financial landscape.
The Holding Company
RGA is an insurance holding company whose primary uses of liquidity include, but are not limited to, the immediate capital needs of its operating companies, dividends paid to its shareholders, repurchase of common stock and interest payments on its indebtedness. RGA recognized interest expense of $89.2 million and $77.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. RGA made capital contributions to subsidiaries of $115.0 million and $17.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Dividends to shareholders were $42.0 million and $35.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There were no principal payments on RGA’s debt for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. The primary sources of RGA’s liquidity include proceeds from its capital raising efforts, interest income on undeployed corporate investments, interest income received on surplus notes issued by its subsidiaries and dividends from subsidiaries. RGA recognized interest and dividend income of $49.1 million and $51.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There was no issuance of unaffiliated or affiliated long-term debt for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. As the Company continues its business operations, RGA will continue to be dependent upon these sources of liquidity. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, RGA held $564.9 million and $788.4 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents, short-term and other investments and fixed maturity investments.
RGA, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, has committed to provide statutory reserve support to third-parties, in exchange for a fee, by funding loans if certain defined events occur. Such statutory reserves are required under the U.S. Valuation of Life Policies Model Regulation (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX for term life insurance policies and Regulation A-XXX for universal life secondary guarantees). The third-parties have recourse to RGA should the subsidiary fail to provide the required funding, however, as of June 30, 2014, the Company does not believe that it will be required to provide any funding under these commitments as the occurrence of the defined events is considered remote. See Note 8 - "Commitments and Contingent Liabilities" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the commitments by period and maximum obligation.
RGA has established an intercompany revolving credit facility where certain subsidiaries can lend to or borrow from each other and from RGA in order to manage capital and liquidity more efficiently. The intercompany revolving credit facility, which is a series of demand loans among RGA and its affiliates, is permitted under applicable insurance laws. This facility reduces overall borrowing costs by allowing RGA and its operating companies to access internal cash resources instead of incurring third-party transaction costs. The statutory borrowing and lending limit for RGA’s Missouri-domiciled insurance subsidiaries is currently 3% of the insurance company’s admitted assets as of its most recent year-end. There was $91.0 million and $50.0 million outstanding under the intercompany revolving credit facility as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. In addition to loans associated with the intercompany revolving credit facility, RGA and its subsidiary, RGA Capital LLC, each provided a loan to RGA Australian Holdings Pty Limited, another RGA subsidiary, with both loans having an outstanding balance of $56.6 million and $26.8 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

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The Company believes that it has sufficient liquidity for the next 12 months to fund its cash needs under various scenarios that include the potential risk of early recapture of reinsurance treaties and higher than expected death claims. Historically, the Company has generated positive net cash flows from operations. However, in the event of significant unanticipated cash requirements beyond normal liquidity, the Company has multiple liquidity alternatives available based on market conditions and the amount and timing of the liquidity need. These options include borrowings under committed credit facilities, secured borrowings, the ability to issue long-term debt, preferred securities or common equity and, if necessary, the sale of invested assets subject to market conditions.
In July 2014, the Company’s quarterly dividend increased to $0.33 per share from $0.30 per share. All future payments of dividends are at the discretion of RGA’s board of directors and will depend on the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, insurance regulatory conditions, operating conditions, and other such factors as the board of directors may deem relevant. The amount of dividends that RGA can pay will depend in part on the operations of its reinsurance subsidiaries. See Note 12 - "Stock Transactions" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the Company's share repurchase program.
Cash Flows
The Company’s principal cash inflows from its reinsurance operations include premiums and deposit funds received from ceding companies. The primary liquidity concerns with respect to these cash flows are early recapture of the reinsurance contract by the ceding company and lapses of annuity products reinsured by the Company. The Company’s principal cash inflows from its invested assets result from investment income and the maturity and sales of invested assets. The primary liquidity concern with respect to these cash inflows relates to the risk of default by debtors and interest rate volatility. The Company manages these risks very closely. See “Investments” and “Interest Rate Risk” below.
Additional sources of liquidity to meet unexpected cash outflows in excess of operating cash inflows and current cash and equivalents on hand include selling short-term investments or fixed maturity securities and drawing funds under a revolving credit facility, under which the Company had availability of $619.4 million as of June 30, 2014. The Company also has $484.3 million of funds available through collateralized borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (“FHLB”).
The Company’s principal cash outflows relate to the payment of claims liabilities, interest credited, operating expenses, income taxes, and principal and interest under debt and other financing obligations. The Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers under excess coverage and coinsurance contracts (See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company's 2013 Annual Report). The Company performs annual financial reviews of its retrocessionaires to evaluate financial stability and performance. The Company has never experienced a material default in connection with retrocession arrangements, nor has it experienced any difficulty in collecting claims recoverable from retrocessionaires; however, no assurance can be given as to the future performance of such retrocessionaires nor to the recoverability of future claims. The Company’s management believes its current sources of liquidity are adequate to meet its cash requirements for the next 12 months.
Summary of Primary Sources and Uses of Liquidity and Capital
The Company's primary sources and uses of liquidity and capital are summarized as follows:
 
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Sources:
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
907,810

 
$
805,121

 
Net cash provided by short-term debt issuances
110,000

 
120,000

 
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement
1,268

 
2,420

 
Exercise of stock options, net
9,578

 
11,439

 
Change in securities sold under agreements to repurchase and cash
 
 
 
 
collateral for derivative positions
47,561

 

 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
18,483

 

 
Total sources
1,094,700

 
938,980

 
 
 
 
 
Uses:
 
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
95,373

 
407,978

 
Dividends to stockholders
41,955

 
35,169

 
Repurchase and repayment of collateral finance facility securities

 
112,000

 
Purchases of treasury stock
179,592

 
234,690

 
Change in securities sold under agreements to repurchase and cash
 
 
 
 
collateral for derivative positions

 
31,858

 
Cash used for changes in universal life and other
 
 
 
 
investment type policies and contracts
323,310

 
357,327

 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 
46,231

 
Total uses
640,230

 
1,225,253

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
454,470

 
$
(286,273
)

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Table of Contents

Cash Flows from Operations - The principal cash inflows from the Company’s insurance activities come from insurance premiums, annuity considerations and deposit funds. The principal cash outflows relate to the liabilities associated with various life and health insurance, annuity and disability products, operating expenses, income tax and interest on outstanding debt obligations. A primary liquidity concern with respect to these cash flows is the risk of early contractholder and policyholder withdrawal.
Cash Flows from Investments - The principal cash inflows from the Company’s investment activities come from repayments of principal on invested assets, proceeds from maturities of invested assets, sales of invested assets, settlements of freestanding derivatives and net investment income. The principal cash outflows relate to purchases of investments, issuances of policy loans and settlements of freestanding derivatives. The Company typically has a net cash outflow from investing activities because cash inflows from insurance operations are reinvested in accordance with its asset/liability management discipline to fund insurance liabilities. The Company closely monitors and manages these risks through its credit risk management process. The primary liquidity concerns with respect to these cash flows are the risk of default by debtors and market disruption.
Financing Cash Flows - The principal cash inflows from the Company’s financing activities come from issuances of RGA debt and equity securities, and deposit funds associated with universal life and other investment type policies and contracts. The principal cash outflows come from repayments of debt, payments of dividends to stockholders, purchases of treasury stock, and withdrawals associated with universal life and other investment type policies and contracts. A primary liquidity concern with respect to these cash flows is the risk of early contractholder and policyholder withdrawal.
Debt
Certain of the Company’s debt agreements contain financial covenant restrictions related to, among others, liens, the issuance and disposition of stock of restricted subsidiaries, minimum requirements of consolidated net worth, maximum ratios of debt to capitalization and change of control provisions. The Company is required to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, as defined in the debt agreements, of $2.8 billion, calculated as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. Also, consolidated indebtedness, calculated as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, cannot exceed 35% of the sum of the Company’s consolidated indebtedness plus adjusted consolidated net worth. A material ongoing covenant default could require immediate payment of the amount due, including principal, under the various agreements. Additionally, the Company’s debt agreements contain cross-default covenants, which would make outstanding borrowings immediately payable in the event of a material uncured covenant default under any of the agreements, including, but not limited to, non-payment of indebtedness when due for an amount in excess of $100.0 million, bankruptcy proceedings, or any other event which results in the acceleration of the maturity of indebtedness. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $2,324.7 million and $2,214.4 million, respectively, in outstanding borrowings under its debt agreements and was in compliance with all covenants under those agreements. The ability of the Company to make debt principal and interest payments depends on the earnings and surplus of subsidiaries, investment earnings on undeployed capital proceeds, available liquidity at the holding company, and the Company’s ability to raise additional funds. Scheduled repayments of debt over the next five years total $110.0 million in 2014 and $300.0 million in 2017.
The Company enters into derivative agreements with counterparties that reference either the Company’s debt rating or its financial strength rating. If either rating is downgraded in the future, it could trigger certain terms in the Company’s derivative agreements, which could negatively affect overall liquidity. For the majority of the Company’s derivative agreements, there is a termination event should the long-term senior debt ratings drop below either BBB+ (S&P) or Baa1 (Moody’s) or the financial strength ratings drop below either A- (S&P) or A3 (Moody’s).
The Company may borrow up to $850.0 million in cash and obtain letters of credit in multiple currencies on its revolving credit facility that expires in December 2015. As of June 30, 2014, the Company had no cash borrowings outstanding and $230.6 million in issued, but undrawn, letters of credit under this facility. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the average interest rate on short-term and long-term debt outstanding was 5.50% and 5.76%, respectively.
Based on the historic cash flows and the current financial results of the Company, management believes RGA’s cash flows will be sufficient to enable RGA to meet its obligations for at least the next 12 months.
Collateral Finance Facilities and Statutory Reserve Funding
The Company uses various internal and third-party reinsurance arrangements and funding sources to manage statutory reserve strain, including reserves associated with Regulation XXX, and collateral requirements. Assets in trust and letters of credit are often used as collateral in these arrangements.
Regulation XXX, implemented in the U.S. for various types of life insurance business beginning January 1, 2000, significantly increased the level of reserves that U.S. life insurance and life reinsurance companies must hold on their statutory financial statements for various types of life insurance business, primarily certain level premium term life products. The reserve levels required under Regulation XXX increase over time and are normally in excess of reserves required under GAAP. In situations where primary insurers have reinsured business to reinsurers that are unlicensed and unaccredited in the U.S., the reinsurer must

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Table of Contents

provide collateral equal to its reinsurance reserves in order for the ceding company to receive statutory financial statement credit. In order to manage the effect of Regulation XXX on its statutory financial statements, RGA Reinsurance has retroceded a majority of Regulation XXX reserves to unaffiliated and affiliated unlicensed reinsurers.
RGA Reinsurance’s statutory capital may be significantly reduced if the unaffiliated or affiliated reinsurer is unable to provide the required collateral to support RGA Reinsurance’s statutory reserve credits and RGA Reinsurance cannot find an alternative source for collateral.
In 2006, RGA’s subsidiary, Timberlake Financial L.L.C. (“Timberlake Financial”), issued $850.0 million of Series A Floating Rate Insured Notes due June 2036 in a private placement. The notes were issued to fund the collateral requirements for statutory reserves required by the U.S. Valuation of Life Policies Model Regulation (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX) on specified term life insurance policies reinsured by RGA Reinsurance and retroceded to Timberlake Reinsurance Company II (“Timberlake Re”). Proceeds from the notes, along with a $112.8 million direct investment by the Company, were deposited into a series of accounts that collateralize the notes and are not available to satisfy the general obligations of the Company. Interest on the notes accrues at an annual rate of 1-month LIBOR plus a base rate margin, payable monthly. The payment of interest and principal on the notes is insured through a financial guaranty insurance policy by a monoline insurance company whose parent company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2013. The notes represent senior, secured indebtedness of Timberlake Financial without legal recourse to RGA or its other subsidiaries.
Timberlake Financial relies primarily upon the receipt of interest and principal payments on a surplus note and dividend payments from its wholly-owned subsidiary, Timberlake Re, a South Carolina captive insurance company, to make payments of interest and principal on the notes. The ability of Timberlake Re to make interest and principal payments on the surplus note and dividend payments to Timberlake Financial is contingent upon the South Carolina Department of Insurance’s regulatory approval. Approval to pay interest on the surplus note was granted through March 30, 2015.
The Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets include the assets of Timberlake Financial, a wholly-owned subsidiary, recorded as fixed maturity investments and other invested assets, which consists of restricted cash and cash equivalents, with the liability for the notes recorded as collateral finance facility. The Company’s consolidated statements of income include the investment return of Timberlake Financial as investment income and the cost of the facility is reflected in collateral finance facility expense.
In order to enhance liquidity and capital efficiency within the group, various operating subsidiaries have purchased $500.0 million of RGA subordinated debt. Similarly, RGA also purchased $475.0 million of surplus notes issued by its subsidiary Rockwood Re. These intercompany debt securities are eliminated for consolidated financial reporting.
Based on the growth of the Company’s business and the pattern of reserve levels under Regulation XXX associated with term life business and other statutory reserve requirements, the amount of ceded reserve credits is expected to grow. This growth will require the Company to obtain additional letters of credit, put additional assets in trust, or utilize other funding mechanisms to support the reserve credits. If the Company is unable to support the reserve credits, the regulatory capital levels of several of its subsidiaries may be significantly reduced. The reduction in regulatory capital would not directly affect the Company’s consolidated shareholders’ equity under GAAP; however, it could affect the Company’s ability to write new business and retain existing business.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has been analyzing the insurance industry’s use of affiliated captive reinsurers to satisfy certain reserve requirements and considering ways to promote uniformity in both the approval and supervision of such reinsurers. Affiliated captives are commonly used in the insurance industry to help reduce statutory reserve and collateral requirements and are often domiciled in the same state as the insurance company that sponsors the captive. If a state insurance regulator that regulates any of the Company’s domestic insurance companies restricts the use of captive reinsurers or makes them less effective, the Company’s ability to reinsure certain products, maintain risk based capital ratios and deploy excess capital could be adversely affected. As a result, the Company may need to alter the type and volume of business it reinsures, increase prices on those products, raise additional capital to support higher regulatory reserves or implement higher cost strategies, all of which could adversely impact the Company’s competitive position and its results of operations.
No changes in the use or regulation of captives have been adopted and it is too early to predict the extent of any changes that may be made. Accordingly, the Company expects to continue its strategy of using captives to enhance its capital efficiency and competitive position while it monitors the regulations related to captives and any proposed changes in such regulations. The Company cannot estimate the impact of discontinuing or altering its captive strategy in response to potential regulatory changes due to many unknown variables such as the cost and availability of alternative capital, potential changes in regulatory reserving requirements under a principle-based reserving approach which would likely reduce required collateral, changes in acceptable collateral for statutory reserves, the potential introduction of the concept of a “certified reinsurer” in the laws and regulations in certain jurisdictions where the Company operates, the potential for increased pricing of products offered by the Company and the potential change in mix of products sold and/or offered by the Company and/or its clients.

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Asset / Liability Management
The Company actively manages its cash and invested assets using an approach that is intended to balance quality, diversification, asset/liability matching, liquidity and investment return. The goals of the investment process are to optimize after-tax, risk-adjusted investment income and after-tax, risk-adjusted total return while managing the assets and liabilities on a cash flow and duration basis.
The Company has established target asset portfolios for each major insurance product, which represent the investment strategies intended to profitably fund its liabilities within acceptable risk parameters. These strategies include objectives and limits for effective duration, yield curve sensitivity and convexity, liquidity, asset sector concentration and credit quality.
The Company’s asset-intensive products are primarily supported by investments in fixed maturity securities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet and under funds withheld arrangements with the ceding company. Investment guidelines are established to structure the investment portfolio based upon the type, duration and behavior of products in the liability portfolio so as to achieve targeted levels of profitability. The Company manages the asset-intensive business to provide a targeted spread between the interest rate earned on investments and the interest rate credited to the underlying interest-sensitive contract liabilities. The Company periodically reviews models projecting different interest rate scenarios and their effect on profitability. Certain of these asset-intensive agreements, primarily in the U.S. and Latin America operating segment, are generally funded by fixed maturity securities that are withheld by the ceding company.
The Company’s liquidity position (cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments) was $1,423.7 million and $1,063.0 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents includes cash collateral received from derivative counterparties of $104.0 million and $51.0 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. This unrestricted cash collateral is included in cash and cash equivalents and the obligation to return it is included in other liabilities in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Liquidity needs are determined from valuation analyses conducted by operational units and are driven by product portfolios. Periodic evaluations of demand liabilities and short-term liquid assets are designed to adjust specific portfolios, as well as their durations and maturities, in response to anticipated liquidity needs.
The Company also participates in a repurchase/reverse repurchase program in which securities, reflected as investments on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, are pledged to a third party. In return, the Company receives securities from the third party with an estimated fair value equal to a minimum of 100% of the securities pledged. The securities received are not reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. See “Securities Borrowing and Other” in Note 4 - “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the Company’s repurchase/reverse repurchase program. In addition to its security agreements with third parties, certain RGA’s subsidiaries have entered into intercompany securities lending agreements to more efficiently source securities for lending to third parties and to provide for more efficient regulatory capital management.
RGA Reinsurance is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (“FHLB”) and holds $38.4 million of FHLB common stock, which is included in other invested assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. Membership provides RGA Reinsurance access to borrowing arrangements (“advances”) and funding agreements, discussed below, with the FHLB. RGA Reinsurance had $110.0 million in outstanding advances with the FHLB at June 30, 2014 which is shown as short-term debt on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. RGA Reinsurance did not have advances at December 31, 2013. RGA Reinsurance’s average outstanding balance of advances was $106.4 million and $59.3 million during the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively, and $17.0 million and $8.5 million during the second quarter and first six months of 2013, respectively. Interest on advances is reflected in interest expense on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income.
In addition, RGA Reinsurance has also entered into funding agreements with the FHLB under guaranteed investment contracts whereby RGA Reinsurance has issued the funding agreements in exchange for cash and for which the FHLB has been granted a blanket lien on RGA Reinsurance's commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage loans used to collateralize RGA Reinsurance's obligations under the funding agreements. RGA Reinsurance maintains control over these pledged assets, and may use, commingle, encumber or dispose of any portion of the collateral as long as there is no event of default and the remaining qualified collateral is sufficient to satisfy the collateral maintenance level. The funding agreements and the related security agreements represented by this blanket lien provide that upon any event of default by RGA Reinsurance, the FHLB's recovery is limited to the amount of RGA Reinsurance's liability under the outstanding funding agreements. The amount of the RGA Reinsurance's liability for the funding agreements with the FHLB under guaranteed investment contracts was $601.1 million and $597.1 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which is included in interest sensitive contract liabilities on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. The advances on these agreements are collateralized primarily by commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage loans. The amount of collateral exceeds the liability and is dependent on the type of assets collateralizing the guaranteed investment contracts.


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Investments
Management of Investments
The Company’s investment and derivative strategies involve matching the characteristics of its reinsurance products and other obligations and to seek to closely approximate the interest rate sensitivity of the assets with estimated interest rate sensitivity of the reinsurance liabilities. The Company achieves its income objectives through strategic and tactical asset allocations, security and derivative strategies within an asset/liability management and disciplined risk management framework. Derivative strategies are employed within the Company’s risk management framework to help manage duration, currency, and other risks in assets and/or liabilities and to replicate the credit characteristics of certain assets. For a discussion of the Company’s risk management process see “Market Risk” in the “Enterprise Risk Management” section below.
The Company’s portfolio management groups work with the Enterprise Risk Management function to develop the investment policies for the assets of the Company’s domestic and international investment portfolios. All investments held by the Company, directly or in a funds withheld at interest reinsurance arrangement, are monitored for conformance with the Company’s stated investment policy limits as well as any limits prescribed by the applicable jurisdiction’s insurance laws and regulations. See Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company’s investments.
Portfolio Composition
The Company had total cash and invested assets of $36.8 billion and $33.4 billion at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, as illustrated below (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
% of Total
 
December 31, 2013
 
% of Total
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
 
$
24,480,396

 
66.6
%
 
$
21,474,136

 
64.4
%
Mortgage loans on real estate
 
2,555,800

 
6.9

 
2,486,680

 
7.4

Policy loans
 
1,250,635

 
3.4

 
1,244,469

 
3.7

Funds withheld at interest
 
5,940,521

 
16.2

 
5,771,467

 
17.3

Short-term investments
 
45,596

 
0.1

 
139,395

 
0.4

Other invested assets
 
1,128,375

 
3.1

 
1,324,960

 
4.0

Cash and cash equivalents
 
1,378,117

 
3.7

 
923,647

 
2.8

Total cash and invested assets
 
$
36,779,440

 
100.0
%
 
$
33,364,754

 
100.0
%
Investment Yield
The following table presents consolidated average invested assets at amortized cost, net investment income and investment yield, excluding spread related business. Spread related business is primarily associated with contracts on which the Company earns an interest rate spread between assets and liabilities. Fluctuations in the yield on spread related business is generally subject to varying degrees, by corresponding adjustments to the interest credited on the liabilities (dollars in thousands).
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
  Increase/  
  (Decrease)  
 
2014
 
2013
 
  Increase/  
  (Decrease)  
Average invested assets at amortized cost
$
20,121,261

 
$
18,112,841

 
11.1
%
 
$
19,807,087

 
$
17,946,154

 
10.4
%
Net investment income
236,604

 
212,047

 
11.6

 
466,248

 
425,369

 
9.6

Investment yield (ratio of net investment income to average invested assets)
4.79
%
 
4.77
%
 
2 bps

 
4.76
%
 
4.80
%
 
(4) bps

Investment yield increased for the three months ended June 30, 2014 in comparison to the same period in the prior year due to increased income from limited partnership investments. Investment yield decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2014 in comparison to the same period in the prior year due to lower yields upon reinvestment, primarily related to a lower interest rate environment on a historical basis, offset by the increased income from limited partnership investments as reflected in the second quarter yield increase.

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Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
See “Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables that provide the amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, estimated fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities, and the other-than-temporary impairments in AOCI by sector as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
The Company’s fixed maturity securities are invested primarily in corporate bonds, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and U.S. and Canadian government securities. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, approximately 94.9% and 93.7%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated investment portfolio of fixed maturity securities were investment grade.
Important factors in the selection of investments include diversification, quality, yield, call protection and total rate of return potential. The relative importance of these factors is determined by market conditions and the underlying reinsurance liability and existing portfolio characteristics. The largest asset class in which fixed maturity securities were invested was corporate securities, which represented approximately 57.8% and 56.4% of total fixed maturity securities as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. See “Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables showing the major industry types, which comprise the corporate fixed maturity holdings at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
As of June 30, 2014, the Company’s investments in Canadian and Canadian provincial government securities represented 15.3% of the fair value of total fixed maturity securities compared to 15.7% of the fair value of total fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013. These assets are primarily high quality, long duration provincial strips whose valuation is closely linked to the interest rate curve. These assets are longer in duration and held primarily for asset/liability management to meet Canadian regulatory requirements. See “Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables showing the various sectors as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
The Company references rating agency designations in some of its investment disclosures. These designations are based on the ratings from nationally recognized rating organizations, primarily those assigned by S&P. In instances where a S&P rating is not available, the Company will reference the rating provided by Moody’s and in the absence of both the Company will assign equivalent ratings based on information from the NAIC. The NAIC assigns securities quality ratings and uniform valuations called “NAIC Designations” which are used by insurers when preparing their U.S. statutory filings. Effective January 1, 2014, structured securities (mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities) held by the Company's insurance subsidiaries that maintain the NAIC statutory basis of accounting began utilizing the NAIC rating methodology. The NAIC assigns designations to publicly traded as well as privately placed securities. The designations assigned by the NAIC range from class 1 to class 6, with designations in classes 1 and 2 generally considered investment grade (BBB or higher rating agency designation). NAIC designations in classes 3 through 6 are generally considered below investment grade (BB or lower rating agency designation).
The quality of the Company’s available-for-sale fixed maturity securities portfolio, as measured at fair value and by the percentage of fixed maturity securities invested in various ratings categories, relative to the entire available-for-sale fixed maturity security portfolio, at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
NAIC
  Designation  
 
Rating Agency
Designation
 
Amortized Cost 
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
% of Total     
 
Amortized Cost 
 
Estimated
     Fair  Value     
 
% of Total     
1
 
AAA/AA/A
 
$
14,646,888

 
$
16,304,796

 
66.6
%
 
$
12,868,061

 
$
13,867,584

 
64.6
%
2
 
BBB
 
6,527,092

 
6,942,290

 
28.3

 
6,072,604

 
6,255,451

 
29.1

3
 
BB
 
669,569

 
706,926

 
2.9

 
725,733

 
740,465

 
3.4

4
 
B
 
362,960

 
364,395

 
1.5

 
387,687

 
400,775

 
1.9

5
 
CCC and lower
 
143,292

 
142,805

 
0.6

 
106,619

 
106,873

 
0.5

6
 
In or near default
 
23,545

 
19,184

 
0.1

 
110,030

 
102,988

 
0.5

 
 
Total
 
$
22,373,346

 
$
24,480,396

 
100.0
%
 
$
20,270,734

 
$
21,474,136

 
100.0
%








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The Company’s fixed maturity portfolio includes structured securities. The following table shows the types of structured securities the Company held at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands): 
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
 
$
564,397

 
$
594,042

 
$
567,113

 
$
580,855

Non-agency
 
382,034

 
392,097

 
403,321

 
408,788

Total residential mortgage-backed securities
 
946,431

 
986,139

 
970,434

 
989,643

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,380,622

 
1,474,620

 
1,314,782

 
1,388,946

Asset-backed securities
 
993,116

 
1,008,375

 
891,751

 
894,832

Total
 
$
3,320,169

 
$
3,469,134

 
$
3,176,967

 
$
3,273,421

The residential mortgage-backed securities include agency-issued pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. A majority of the agency-issued pass-through securities are guaranteed or otherwise supported by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal National Mortgage Association, or the Government National Mortgage Association. The principal risks inherent in holding mortgage-backed securities are prepayment and extension risks, which will affect the timing of when cash will be received and are dependent on the level of mortgage interest rates. Prepayment risk is the unexpected increase in principal payments from the expected, primarily as a result of owner refinancing. Extension risk relates to the unexpected slowdown in principal payments from the expected. In addition, non-agency mortgage-backed securities face credit risk should the borrower be unable to pay the contractual interest or principal on their obligation. The Company monitors its mortgage-backed securities to mitigate exposure to the cash flow uncertainties associated with these risks.
As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had exposure to commercial mortgage-backed securities with amortized costs totaling $1,380.6 million and $1,314.8 million, and estimated fair values of $1,474.6 million and $1,388.9 million, respectively.  Approximately 99.3% of the commercial mortgage-backed securities were considered investment-grade utilizing the rating methodology described above as of June 30, 2014.  Commercial mortgage-backed securities with a vintage year of 2007 or prior totaled $894.2 million, or 60.6%, of the June 30, 2014, commercial mortgage-backed securities' estimated fair value balance with the concentration within the 2005 through 2007 vintage years. The Company had no other-than-temporary impairments in its investments in commercial mortgage-backed securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. The Company recorded $10.1 million of other-than-temporary impairments in its investments in commercial mortgage-backed securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013.
Asset-backed securities include credit card and automobile receivables, subprime mortgage-backed securities, home equity loans, manufactured housing bonds and collateralized debt obligations (primarily collateralized loan obligations). The Company owns floating rate securities that represent approximately 13.8% and 14.0% of the total fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These investments have a higher degree of income variability than the other fixed income holdings in the portfolio due to the floating rate nature of the interest payments. The Company holds these investments to match specific floating rate liabilities primarily reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as collateral finance facility. In addition to the risks associated with floating rate securities, principal risks in holding asset-backed securities are structural, credit and capital market risks. Structural risks include the securities’ cash flow priority in the capital structure and the inherent prepayment sensitivity of the underlying collateral. Credit risks include the adequacy and ability to realize proceeds from the collateral. Credit risks are mitigated by credit enhancements which include excess spread, over-collateralization and subordination. Capital market risks include general level of interest rates and the liquidity for these securities in the marketplace.
The Company monitors its fixed maturity and equity securities to determine impairments in value and evaluates factors such as financial condition of the issuer, payment performance, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been below amortized cost, compliance with covenants, general market and industry sector conditions, current intent and ability to hold securities, and various other subjective factors. Based on management's judgment, securities determined to have an other-than-temporary impairment in value are written down to fair value. See “Investments – Other-than-Temporary Impairment” in Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2013 Annual Report for additional information. The table below summarizes other-than-temporary impairments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands).

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      Asset Class
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Structured securities
$

 
$
10,109

 
$

 
$
10,109

Corporate / Other fixed maturity securities
870

 

 
1,173

 
202

Equity securities

 

 

 

Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision
5,309

 
(125
)
 
3,645

 
1,501

Total
$
6,179

 
$
9,984

 
$
4,818

 
$
11,812

At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $112.3 million and $324.6 million, respectively, of gross unrealized losses related to its fixed maturity and equity securities. The distribution of the gross unrealized losses related to these securities is shown below.
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Sector:
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
57.6
%
 
65.4
%
Canadian and Canada provincial governments
 
3.5

 
5.2

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
8.9

 
5.8

Asset-backed securities
 
8.1

 
4.9

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
8.0

 
5.4

State and political subdivisions
 
4.1

 
4.4

U.S. government and agencies
 
1.5

 
1.5

Other foreign government supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
8.3

 
7.4

Total
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Industry:
 
 
 
 
Finance
 
20.5
%
 
20.3
%
Asset-backed
 
8.1

 
4.9

Industrial
 
29.5

 
38.8

Mortgage-backed
 
16.9

 
11.2

Government
 
17.4

 
18.5

Utility
 
7.6

 
6.3

Total
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
See “Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the total gross unrealized losses for fixed maturity and equity securities at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by less than 20% or more than 20%.
The Company’s determination of whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary includes analysis of the underlying credit and the extent and duration of a decline in value. The Company’s credit analysis of an investment includes determining whether the issuer is current on its contractual payments, evaluating whether it is probable that the Company will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security and analyzing the overall ability of the Company to recover the amortized cost of the investment. In the Company’s impairment review process, the duration and severity of an unrealized loss position for equity securities are given greater weight and consideration given the lack of contractual cash flows and the deferability features of these securities. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were immaterial gross unrealized losses on equity securities greater than 20 percent of the amortized cost for more than 12 months.
See “Purchased Credit Impaired Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale” in Note 4 - “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables that present information related to the Company’s purchases of credit impaired securities in 2014 and 2013.
See “Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables that present the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses, including other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in AOCI, for fixed maturity and equity securities that have estimated fair values below amortized cost, by class and grade security, as well as the length of and time the related market value has remained below amortized cost as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

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As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, the Company classified approximately 9.1% and 10.2% of its fixed maturity securities in the Level 3 category (refer to Note 6 – “Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information). These securities primarily consist of private placement corporate securities, bank loans, below investment grade commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities and subprime asset-backed securities with inactive trading markets.
See “Securities Borrowing and Other” in Note 4 - “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the Company’s securities borrowing program and its repurchase/reverse repurchase program.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans represented approximately 6.9% and 7.5% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company’s mortgage loan portfolio consists of U.S. based investments primarily in commercial offices, light industrial properties and retail locations. The mortgage loan portfolio is diversified by geographic region and property type as discussed further under "Mortgage Loans on Real Estate" in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Valuation allowances on mortgage loans are established based upon inherent losses expected by management to be realized in connection with future dispositions or settlement of mortgage loans, including foreclosures. The valuation allowances are established after management considers, among other things, the value of underlying collateral and payment capabilities of debtors. Any subsequent adjustments to the valuation allowances will be treated as investment gains or losses.
See “Mortgage Loans on Real Estate” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding valuation allowances and impairments.
Policy Loans
Policy loans comprised approximately 3.4% and 3.7% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, substantially all of which are associated with one client. These policy loans present no credit risk because the amount of the loan cannot exceed the obligation due the ceding company upon the death of the insured or surrender of the underlying policy. The provisions of the treaties in force and the underlying policies determine the policy loan interest rates. Because policy loans represent premature distributions of policy liabilities, they have the effect of reducing future disintermediation risk. In addition, the Company earns a spread between the interest rate earned on policy loans and the interest rate credited to corresponding liabilities.
Funds Withheld at Interest
Funds withheld at interest comprised approximately 16.2% and 17.3% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. For reinsurance agreements written on a modified coinsurance basis and certain agreements written on a coinsurance basis, assets equal to the net statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned and managed by the ceding company, and are reflected as funds withheld at interest on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. In the event of a ceding company’s insolvency, the Company would need to assert a claim on the assets supporting its reserve liabilities. However, the risk of loss to the Company is mitigated by its ability to offset amounts it owes the ceding company for claims or allowances with amounts owed by the ceding company. Interest accrues to these assets at rates defined by the treaty terms. Additionally, under certain treaties the Company is subject to the investment performance on the withheld assets, although it does not directly control them. These assets are primarily fixed maturity investment securities and pose risks similar to the fixed maturity securities the Company owns. To mitigate this risk, the Company helps set the investment guidelines followed by the ceding company and monitors compliance. Ceding companies with funds withheld at interest had an average rating of “A” at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Certain ceding companies maintain segregated portfolios for the benefit of the Company.
Other Invested Assets
Other invested assets include equity securities, limited partnership interests, joint ventures, structured loans, derivative contracts and contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities, which do not qualify as separate accounts. Other invested assets represented approximately 3.1% and 4.0% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. See “Other Invested Assets” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the carrying value of the Company’s other invested assets by type as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
The Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairments on equity securities in the first six months of 2014 or 2013. The Company recorded $4.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments on limited partnership interests in the second quarter and first six months of 2014. The Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairments on limited partnership interests in the second quarter of 2013 and recorded $2.4 million in the first six months of 2013.

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The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments. Generally, the credit exposure of the Company’s derivative contracts is limited to the fair value at the reporting date plus or minus any collateral posted or held by the Company. The Company had credit exposure related to its derivative contracts, excluding futures, of $13.0 million and $9.7 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. See “Credit Risk” in Note 5 – “Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Contractual Obligations
From December 31, 2013 to June 30, 2014, the Company’s obligation related to future policy benefits increased by $1,371.8 million due to a payout annuity reinsurance transaction, executed in the second quarter of 2014. The Company’s obligation related to other policy claims and benefits increased since December 31, 2013 by $425.0 million primarily due to an increase in claims pending and incurred claims not reported. The Company’s obligation for payables for collateral received under derivative transactions increased by $53.0 million due to an increase in cash received as collateral on derivative positions, its obligation to fund limited partnerships increased by $51.6 million and its obligation for other investment related commitments increased by $69.8 million since December 31, 2013. In addition, since December 31, 2013, the Company’s obligation for short-term debt, including interest, increased by $110.1 million due to advances from the FHLB as previously discussed. There were no other material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations from those reported in the 2013 Annual Report.
Enterprise Risk Management
RGA maintains an Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) program to consistently identify, assess, mitigate, monitor, and communicate all material risks facing the organization in order to effectively manage all risks, increasing protection of RGA’s clients, shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders. RGA’s ERM framework provides a platform to assess the risk / return profiles of risks throughout the organization, thereby enabling enhanced decision making. This includes development and implementation of mitigation strategies to reduce exposures to these risks to acceptable levels. Risk management is an integral part of the Company’s culture and is interwoven in day to day activities. It includes guidelines, risk appetites, risk targets, risk limits, and other controls in areas such as mortality, morbidity, longevity, pricing, underwriting, currency, administration, investments, asset liability management, counterparty exposure, geographic exposure, financing, asset leverage, regulatory change, business continuity planning, human resources, liquidity, collateral, sovereign risks and information technology development.
The Chief Risk Officer (“CRO”), aided by the Risk Management Steering Committee (“RMSC”), Business Unit Chief Risk Officers, Risk Management Officers and a dedicated ERM function, is responsible for ensuring, on an ongoing basis, that objectives of the ERM framework are met; this includes ensuring proper risk controls are in place, risks are effectively identified, assessed and managed, and key risks to which the Company is exposed are disclosed to appropriate stakeholders. For each Business Unit and key risk, a Risk Management Officer is assigned. A Risk Officer is also assigned to take overall responsibility of a specific risk across all markets to monitor and assess this risk consistently. In addition to this network of Risk Management Officers, the Company also has risk focused committees such as the Business Continuity and Information Governance Steering Committee, Consolidated Investment Committee, Derivatives Risk Oversight Committee, Asset and Liability Management Committee, Hedging Oversight Committee, Collateral and Liquidity Committee, and the Currency Risk Management Committee. These committees are comprised of various risk experts and have overlapping membership, enabling consistent and holistic management of risks. These committees report directly or indirectly to the RMSC. The RMSC, which includes senior management executives, including the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) and the CRO, is the primary risk management oversight for the Company.
The RMSC approves both targets and limits for each material risk and reviews these limits annually. Exposure to these risks is calculated and presented to the RMSC at least quarterly. Any exception to established risk limits or waiver needs to be approved by the RMSC.
The CRO, reports regularly to the Finance, Investment and Risk Management (“FIRM”) Committee, a sub-committee of the Board of Directors responsible, among other duties, for overseeing the management of RGA’s ERM programs and policies. An extensive ERM report is presented to the FIRM quarterly. The report contains information on all risks as well as qualitative and quantitative assessments. Breaches, exceptions and waivers are also included in the report. The Board of Directors has other committees, such as the Audit Committee, whose responsibilities include aspects of risk management. The CRO reports to the CFO and has direct access to the RGA Board of Directors, through the FIRM Committee.
The Company has devoted significant resources to develop its ERM program, and expects continuing to do so in the future. Nonetheless, the Company’s policies and procedures to identify, manage and monitor risks may not be fully effective. Many of the Company’s methods for managing risk are based on historical information, which may not be a good predictor of future risk exposures, such as the risk of a pandemic causing a large number of deaths. Management of operational, legal and regulatory risk rely on policies and procedures which may not be fully effective under all scenarios.

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The Company categorizes its main risks as follows:
Insurance Risk
 Market Risk
Credit Risk
Operational Risk
Specific risk assessments and descriptions can be found below and in Item 1A – “Risk Factors” of the 2013 Annual Report.
Insurance Risk
The risk of loss due to experience deviating adversely from expectations for mortality, morbidity, and policyholder behavior or lost future profits due to treaty recapture by clients. This category is further divided into mortality, morbidity, longevity, policyholder behavior, and client recapture. The Company uses multiple approaches to managing insurance risk: active insurance risk assessment and pricing appropriately for the risks assumed, transferring undesired risks, and managing the retained exposure prudently. These strategies are explained below.
Insurance Risk Assessment and Pricing
The Company has developed extensive expertise in assessing insurance risks which ultimately forms an integral part of ensuring that it is compensated commensurately for the risks it assumes and that it does not overpay for the risks it transfers to third parties. This expertise includes a vast array of market and product knowledge supported by a large information database of historical experience which is closely monitored. Analysis and experience studies derived from this database help form the basis for the Company’s pricing assumptions which are used in developing rates for new risks. If actual mortality or morbidity experience is materially adverse, some reinsurance treaties allow for increases to future premium rates.
Misestimation of any key risk can threaten the long term viability of the enterprise. Further, the pricing process is a key operational risk and significant effort is applied to ensuring the appropriateness of pricing assumptions. Some of the safeguards the Company uses to ensure proper pricing are: experience studies, strict underwriting, sensitivity and scenario testing, pricing guidelines and controls, authority limits and internal and external pricing reviews. In addition, the Global ERM function provides additional pricing oversight which includes periodic pricing audits.
Risk Transfer
To minimize volatility in financial results and reduce the impact of large losses, the Company transfers some of its insurance risk to third parties using vehicles such as retrocession and catastrophe coverage.
Retrocession
In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of claims paid by ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises (or retrocessionaires) under excess coverage and coinsurance contracts. In individual life markets, the Company retains a maximum of $8.0 million of coverage per individual life. In certain limited situations the Company has retained more than $8.0 million per individual life. The Company enters into agreements with other reinsurers to mitigate the residual risk related to the over-retained policies. Additionally, due to some lower face amount reinsurance coverages provided by the Company in addition to individual life, such as group life, disability and health, under certain circumstances, the Company could potentially incur claims totaling more than $8.0 million per individual life.
Catastrophe Coverage
The Company accesses the markets each year for annual catastrophic coverages and reviews current coverage and pricing of current and alternate designs. Purchases vary from year to year based on the Company’s perceived value of such coverages. The current policy covers events involving 10 or more insured deaths from a single occurrence and covers $100 million of claims in excess of the Company’s $50 million deductible.
Mitigation of Retained Exposure
The Company retains most of the inbound insurance risk. The Company manages the retained exposure proactively using various mitigating factors such as diversification and limits. Diversification is the primary mitigating factor of short term volatility risk, but it also mitigates adverse impacts of changes in long term trends and catastrophic events. The Company’s insured populations are dispersed globally, diversifying the insurance exposure because factors that cause actual experience to deviate materially from expectations do not affect all areas uniformly and synchronously or in close sequence. A variety of limits mitigate retained insurance risk. Examples of these limits include geographic exposure limits, which set the maximum amount of business that can be written in a given locale, and jumbo limits, which prevent excessive coverage on a given individual.

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In the event that mortality or morbidity experience develops in excess of expectations, some reinsurance treaties allow for increases to future premium rates. Other treaties include experience refund provisions, which may also help reduce RGA’s mortality risk.
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk that net asset and liability values or revenue will be affected adversely by changes in market conditions such as market prices, exchange rates, and nominal interest rates. The Company is primarily exposed to interest rate, foreign currency, inflation and equity risks.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the potential for loss, on a net asset and liability basis, due to changes in interest rates, including both normal rate changes and credit spread changes. This risk arises from many of the Company’s primary activities, as the Company invests substantial funds in interest-sensitive assets and also has certain interest-sensitive contract liabilities. The Company manages interest rate risk to maximize the return on the Company’s capital effectively and to preserve the value created by its business operations. As such, certain management monitoring processes are designed to minimize the effect of sudden and/or sustained changes in interest rates on fair value, cash flows, and net interest income. The Company manages its exposure to interest rates principally by matching floating rate liabilities with corresponding floating rate assets and by matching fixed rate liabilities with corresponding fixed rate assets. On a limited basis, the Company uses equity options to minimize its exposure to movements in equity markets that have a direct correlation with certain of its reinsurance products.
The Company’s exposure to interest rate price risk and interest rate cash flow risk is reviewed on a quarterly basis. Interest rate price risk exposure is measured using interest rate sensitivity analysis to determine the change in fair value of the Company’s financial instruments in the event of a hypothetical change in interest rates. Interest rate cash flow risk exposure is measured using interest rate sensitivity analysis to determine the Company’s variability in cash flows in the event of a hypothetical change in interest rates.
In order to reduce the exposure of changes in fair values from interest rate fluctuations, the Company has developed strategies to manage the interest rate sensitivity of its asset base. From time to time, the Company has utilized the swap market to manage the volatility of cash flows to interest rate fluctuations.
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company is subject to foreign currency translation, transaction, and net income exposure. The Company manages its exposure to currency principally by matching invested assets with the underlying liabilities to the extent possible. The Company has in place net investment hedges for a portion of its investments in its Canadian and Australian operations to reduce excess exposure to these currencies. Translation differences resulting from translating foreign subsidiary balances to U.S. dollars are reflected in stockholders’ equity on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The Company generally does not hedge the foreign currency exposure of its subsidiaries transacting business in currencies other than their functional currency (transaction exposure). However, the Company has entered into certain interest rate swaps in which the cash flows are denominated in different currencies, commonly referred to as cross currency swaps. Those interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges. The majority of the Company’s foreign currency transactions are denominated in Australian dollars, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Euros, Japanese yen, Korean won, and the South African rand. The maximum amount of assets held in a specific currency (with the exception of the U.S. Dollar) is measured relative to risk targets and is monitored regularly.
Inflation Risk
The primary direct effect on the Company of inflation is the increase in operating expenses. A large portion of the Company’s operating expenses consists of salaries, which are subject to wage increases at least partly affected by the rate of inflation. The rate of inflation also has an indirect effect on the Company. To the extent that a government’s policies to control the level of inflation result in changes in interest rates, the Company’s investment income is affected.
The Company reinsures annuities with benefits indexed to the cost of living. These benefits are hedged with a combination of CPI swaps and indexed government bonds.
Equity Risk
Equity risk is the risk that net asset and liability (e.g. variable annuities or other equity linked exposures) values or revenues will be affected adversely by changes in equity markets. The Company assumes equity risk from embedded derivatives in alternative investments, fixed indexed annuities and variable annuities.

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Alternative Investments
Alternative Investments are investments in non-traditional asset classes that are most commonly backing capital and surplus and not liabilities. The Company generally restricts the alternative investments portfolio to non-liability supporting assets: that is, free surplus. For (re)insurance companies, alternative investments generally encompass: hedge funds, owned commercial real estate, emerging markets debt, distressed debt, commodities, infrastructure, tax credits, and equities, both public and private. The Company mitigates its exposure to alternative investments by limiting the size of the alternative investments holding.
Fixed Indexed Annuities
Credits for fixed indexed annuities are affected by changes in equity markets. Thus the fair value of the benefit is a function of primarily index returns and volatility. The Company hedges some of the underlying equity exposure.
Variable Annuities
The Company reinsures variable annuities including those with guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”), guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”), guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”). Strong equity markets, increases in interest rates and decreases in volatility will generally decrease the fair value of the liabilities underlying the benefits. Conversely, a decrease in the equity markets along with a decrease in interest rates and an increase in volatility will generally result in an increase in the fair value of the liabilities underlying the benefits, which has the effect of increasing reserves and lowering earnings. The Company maintains a customized dynamic hedging program that is designed to substantially mitigate the risks associated with income volatility around the change in reserves on guaranteed benefits, ignoring the Company’s own credit risk assessment. However, the hedge positions may not fully offset the changes in the carrying value of the guarantees due to, among other things, time lags, high levels of volatility in the equity and derivative markets, extreme swings in interest rates, unexpected contract holder behavior, and divergence between the performance of the underlying funds and hedging indices. These factors, individually or collectively, may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s net income, financial condition or liquidity. The table below provides a summary of variable annuity account values and the fair value of the guaranteed benefits as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
 
(dollars in millions)
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
No guarantee minimum benefits
 
$
941

 
$
961

GMDB only
 
84

 
86

GMIB only
 
6

 
6

GMAB only
 
50

 
52

GMWB only
 
1,741

 
1,752

GMDB / WB
 
462

 
467

Other
 
30

 
31

Total variable annuity account values
 
$
3,314

 
$
3,355

Fair value of liabilities associated with living benefit riders
 
$
59

 
$
30

There has been no significant change in the Company’s quantitative or qualitative aspects of market risk during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 from that disclosed in the 2013 Annual Report.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of loss due to counterparty (obligor, client, retrocessionaire, or partner) credit deterioration or unwillingness to meet its obligations. Credit risk has two forms: investment credit risk (asset default and credit migration) and insurance counterparty risk.

Investment Credit Risk
Investment credit risk, which includes default risk, is risk of loss due to credit quality deterioration of an individual financial investment, derivative or non-derivative contract or instrument. Credit quality deterioration may or may not be accompanied by a ratings downgrade. Generally, the investment credit exposure is limited to the carrying value, net of any collateral received, at the reporting date.

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The Company manages investment credit risk using per-issuer investments limits. In addition to per-issuer limits, the Company also limits the total amounts of investments per rating category. An automated compliance system checks for compliance for all investment positions and sends warning messages when there is a breach. The Company manages its credit risk related to over-the-counter derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination. Because exchange-traded futures are affected through regulated exchanges, and positions are marked to market on a daily basis, the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivative instruments.
The Company enters into various collateral arrangements, which require both the posting and accepting of collateral in connection with its derivative instruments. Collateral agreements contain attachment thresholds that vary depending on the posting party’s financial strength ratings. Additionally, a decrease in the Company’s financial strength rating to a specified level results in potential settlement of the derivative positions under the Company’s agreements with its counterparties. The Collateral and Liquidity Committee sets rules, approves and oversees all deals requiring collateral. See “Credit Risk” in Note 5 – “Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on credit risk related to derivatives.
Insurance Counterparty Risk
Insurance counterparty risk is the potential for the Company to incur losses due to a client, retrocessionaire, or partner becoming distressed or insolvent. This includes run-on-the-bank risk and collection risk.
Run-on-the-Bank
The risk that a client’s in force block incurs substantial surrenders and/or lapses due to credit impairment, reputation damage or other market changes affecting the counterparty. Severely higher than expected surrenders and/or lapses could result in inadequate in force business to recover cash paid out for acquisition costs.
Collection Risk
For clients and retrocessionaires, this includes their inability to satisfy a reinsurance agreement because the right of offset is disallowed by the receivership court; the reinsurance contract is rejected by the receiver, resulting in a premature termination of the contract; and/or the security supporting the transaction becomes unavailable to RGA.
The Company manages insurance counterparty risk by limiting the total exposure to a single counterparty and by only initiating contracts with creditworthy counterparties. In addition, some of the counterparties have set up trusts and letters of credit, reducing the Company’s exposure to these counterparties.
Generally, RGA’s insurance subsidiaries retrocede amounts in excess of their retention to RGA Reinsurance, Parkway Re, RGA Barbados, RGA Americas, Rockwood Re, Manor Re, RGA Worldwide or RGA Atlantic. External retrocessions are arranged through the Company’s retrocession pools for amounts in excess of its retention. As of June 30, 2014, all retrocession pool members in this excess retention pool rated by the A.M. Best Company were rated “A-” or better. A rating of “A-” is the fourth highest rating out of fifteen possible ratings. For a majority of the retrocessionaires that were not rated, letters of credit or trust assets have been given as additional security. In addition, the Company performs annual financial and in force reviews of its retrocessionaires to evaluate financial stability and performance.
The Company has never experienced a material default in connection with retrocession arrangements, nor has it experienced any material difficulty in collecting claims recoverable from retrocessionaires; however, no assurance can be given as to the future performance of such retrocessionaires or as to the recoverability of any such claims.
Aggregate Counterparty Limits
In addition to investment credit limits and insurance counterparty limits, there are aggregate counterparty risk limits which include counterparty exposures from reinsurance, financing and investment activities at an aggregated level to control total exposure to a single counterparty. Counterparty risk aggregation is important because it enables the Company to capture risk exposures at a comprehensive level and under more extreme circumstances compared to analyzing the components individually.
All counterparty exposures are calculated on a quarterly basis, reviewed by management and monitored by the ERM function.




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Operational Risk
Operational risk is the risk of loss due to inadequate or failed internal processes, people or systems, or external events. These risks are sometimes residual risks after insurance, market and credit risks have been identified. Operational risk is further divided into: Process, Legal/Regulatory, Financial, and Intangibles. The Company's financial risk includes liquidity risk, which is risk that cash resources are insufficient to meet the Company's cash demands without incurring unacceptable costs. Liquidity demands come primarily from payment of claims, expenses and investment purchases, all of which are known or can be reasonably forecasted. Contingent liquidity demands exist and require the Company to inventory and estimate likely and potential liquidity demands stemming from stress scenarios.
The Company maintains cash, cash equivalents, credit facilities, and short-term liquid investments to support its current and future anticipated liquidity requirements. The Company may also borrow via the reverse repo market, and holds a large pool of unrestricted, FHLB-eligible collateral that may be pledged to support any FHLB advances needed to provide additional liquidity.
The amount of liquidity available both within 24 hours and within 72 hours is reviewed and reported at least weekly.
In order to effectively manage operational risks, management primarily relies on:
Risk Culture
Risk management is embedded in RGA’s business processes in accordance with RGA’s risk philosophy. As the cornerstone of the ERM framework, risk culture plays a preeminent role in the effective management of risks assumed by RGA. At the heart of RGA’s risk culture is prudent risk management. Senior management sets the tone for RGA risk culture, inculcating positive risk attitudes so as to entrench sound risk management practices into day-to-day activities.
Structural Controls
Structural controls provide additional safeguards against undesired risk exposures. Examples of structural controls include: pricing and underwriting reviews, standard treaty language, etc.
Risk Monitoring and Reporting
Proactive risk monitoring and reporting enable early detection and mitigation of emerging risks. For example, there is elevated regulatory activity in the wake of the global financial crisis and RGA is actively monitoring regulatory proposals in order to respond optimally. Risk escalation channels coupled with open communication lines enhance the mitigants explained above.
New Accounting Standards
See Note 13 — “New Accounting Standards” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
See “Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Market Risk” which is included herein.
ITEM 4.  Controls and Procedures
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) during the quarter ended June 30, 2014, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  Legal Proceedings
The Company is subject to litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company currently has no material litigation. A legal reserve is established when the Company is notified of an arbitration demand or litigation or is notified that an arbitration demand or litigation is imminent, it is probable that the Company will incur a loss as a result and the amount of the probable loss is reasonably capable of being estimated.
ITEM 1A.  Risk Factors
There were no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the 2013 Annual Report.
ITEM 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table summarizes RGA’s repurchase activity of its common stock during the quarter ended June 30, 2014:
 
 
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average Price Paid per   
Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced Plans
or Programs (1)
 
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased Under
the Plan or Program
April 1, 2014 -
April 30, 2014
 
479,096

 
$
78.08

 
478,917

 
$
150,000,050

May 1, 2014 -
May 30, 2014
 
38,228

 
$
77.58

 

 
$
150,000,050

June 1, 2014 -
June 30, 2014
 
339,968

 
$
78.76

 
339,598

 
$
123,253,397

 
(1)
RGA repurchased 478,917 and 339,598 shares of common stock under its share repurchase program for $37.4 million and $26.7 million during April and June 2014, respectively. The Company net settled - issuing 493, 109,271 and 1,790 shares from treasury and repurchasing from recipients 179, 38,228 and 370 shares in April, May and June 2014, respectively, in settlement of income tax withholding requirements incurred by the recipients of an equity incentive award.
On February 20, 2014, RGA’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $300.0 million of RGA’s outstanding common stock. The authorization was effective immediately and does not have an expiration date. Repurchases are made in accordance with applicable securities laws through market transactions, block trades, privately negotiated transactions or other means or a combination of these methods, with the timing and number of shares repurchased dependent on a variety of factors, including share price, corporate and regulatory requirements and market and business conditions. Repurchases may be commenced or suspended from time to time without prior notice. In connection with this new authorization, the board of directors terminated the stock repurchase authority granted in 2013.
ITEM 6.  Exhibits
See index to exhibits.

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SIGNATURES
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
 
 
Date: August 5, 2014
 
By: 
/s/ A. Greig Woodring
 
 
 
A. Greig Woodring
 
 
 
President & Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date: August 5, 2014
 
By:
/s/ Jack B. Lay
 
 
 
Jack B. Lay
 
 
 
Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
 
 
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 25, 2008.
 
 
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 18, 2014.
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

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