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

Form 10-Q
(Mark one)
þQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31,June 30, 2018
or
oTransition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
For the Transition Period from                     to                     .
Commission File Number 1-15202

W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 22-1867895
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
   
475 Steamboat Road, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 (203) 629-3000 
 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 
   
 None 
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ     No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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 þ     No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o     No þ
Number of shares of common stock, $.20 par value, outstanding as of May 1,July 31, 2018: 121,669,098121,809,298
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EX-10.1
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32.1
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT


Part I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Item 1.     Financial Statements

Financial Statements
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
(Unaudited) (Audited)(Unaudited) (Audited)
Assets      
Investments:      
Fixed maturity securities$13,343,132
 $13,551,250
$13,218,729
 $13,551,250
Investment funds1,161,127
 1,155,677
1,208,586
 1,155,677
Real estate1,833,337
 1,469,601
1,883,622
 1,469,601
Arbitrage trading account744,859
 617,649
721,088
 617,649
Equity securities

496,034
 576,647
472,389
 576,647
Loans receivable75,902
 79,684
98,088
 79,684
Total investments17,654,391
 17,450,508
17,602,502
 17,450,508
Cash and cash equivalents956,603
 950,471
911,202
 950,471
Premiums and fees receivable1,845,723
 1,773,844
1,902,336
 1,773,844
Due from reinsurers1,868,667
 1,783,200
1,841,056
 1,783,200
Deferred policy acquisition costs513,586
 507,549
514,499
 507,549
Prepaid reinsurance premiums490,582
 472,009
503,292
 472,009
Trading account receivables from brokers and clearing organizations26,667
 189,280
119,628
 189,280
Property, furniture and equipment424,751
 422,960
427,619
 422,960
Goodwill178,945
 178,945
178,975
 178,945
Accrued investment income143,974
 136,597
141,902
 136,597
Federal and foreign income taxes576
 
Other assets483,943
 434,554
477,557
 434,554
Total assets$24,587,832
 $24,299,917
$24,621,144
 $24,299,917
      
Liabilities and Equity      
Liabilities:      
Reserves for losses and loss expenses$11,784,895
 $11,670,408
$11,736,575
 $11,670,408
Unearned premiums3,404,003
 3,290,180
3,441,774
 3,290,180
Due to reinsurers248,746
 246,460
252,358
 246,460
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased29,453
 64,358
90,281
 64,358
Federal and foreign income taxes96,735
 98,091

 98,091
Other liabilities852,255
 981,987
935,356
 981,987
Senior notes and other debt1,782,139
 1,769,052
1,792,055
 1,769,052
Subordinated debentures897,426
 728,218
907,117
 728,218
Total liabilities19,095,652
 18,848,754
19,155,516
 18,848,754
Equity:      
Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share:   
Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - none
 
Common stock, par value $.20 per share:      
Authorized 500,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding, net of treasury shares, 121,543,951 and 121,514,852 shares, respectively47,024
 47,024
Authorized 500,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding, net of treasury shares, 121,716,402 and 121,514,852 shares, respectively47,024
 47,024
Additional paid-in capital1,057,230
 1,048,283
1,060,308
 1,048,283
Retained earnings7,322,201
 6,956,882
7,423,162
 6,956,882
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income(258,982) 68,541
(395,842) 68,541
Treasury stock, at cost, 113,573,967 and 113,603,066 shares, respectively(2,715,697) (2,709,386)
Treasury stock, at cost, 113,401,516 and 113,603,066 shares, respectively(2,708,534) (2,709,386)
Total stockholders’ equity5,451,776
 5,411,344
5,426,118
 5,411,344
Noncontrolling interests40,404
 39,819
39,510
 39,819
Total equity5,492,180
 5,451,163
5,465,628
 5,451,163
Total liabilities and equity$24,587,832
 $24,299,917
$24,621,144
 $24,299,917
See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.



W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)

For the Three Months Ended March 31,For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
REVENUES:          
Net premiums written$1,665,338
 $1,646,838
$1,624,104
 $1,564,251
 $3,289,442
 $3,211,089
Change in net unearned premiums(97,930) (76,796)(43,051) 4,452
 (140,981) (72,345)
Net premiums earned1,567,408
 1,570,042
1,581,053
 1,568,703
 3,148,461
 3,138,744
Net investment income174,518
 148,858
153,777
 135,264
 328,295
 284,123
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments48,464
 52,348
69,631
 40,453
 118,095
 92,801
Revenues from non-insurance businesses70,171
 65,390
76,698
 69,857
 146,869
 135,247
Insurance service fees30,675
 33,280
29,719
 33,584
 60,393
 66,864
Other income11
 500
38
 188
 50
 688
Total revenues1,891,247
 1,870,418
1,910,916
 1,848,049
 3,802,163
 3,718,467
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:          
Losses and loss expenses963,219
 979,603
973,636
 964,698
 1,936,856
 1,944,302
Other operating costs and expenses610,439
 603,700
593,142
 616,632
 1,203,581
 1,220,332
Expenses from non-insurance businesses69,543
 66,019
75,191
 68,959
 144,734
 134,978
Interest expense37,056
 36,799
39,705
 36,799
 76,760
 73,597
Total operating costs and expenses1,680,257
 1,686,121
1,681,674
 1,687,088
 3,361,931
 3,373,209
Income before income taxes210,990
 184,297
229,242
 160,961
 440,232
 345,258
Income tax expense(43,417) (59,623)(48,464) (51,388) (91,881) (111,011)
Net income before noncontrolling interests167,573
 124,674
180,778
 109,573
 348,351
 234,247
Noncontrolling interests(1,177) (1,227)(703) (569) (1,879) (1,796)
Net income to common stockholders$166,396
 $123,447
$180,075
 $109,004
 $346,472
 $232,451
          
NET INCOME PER SHARE:          
Basic$1.32
 $1.01
$1.42
 $0.87
 $2.74
 $1.88
Diluted$1.30
 $0.96
$1.40
 $0.85
 $2.70
 $1.81

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.







W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
For the Three Months Ended March 31,For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Net income before noncontrolling interests$167,573
 $124,674
$180,778
 $109,573
 $348,351
 $234,247
Other comprehensive (loss) income:          
Change in unrealized currency translation adjustments12,799
 22,735
(104,455) 20,247
 (91,656) 42,982
Change in unrealized investment gains, net of taxes(125,772) (8,831)(32,442) 43,597
 (158,214) 34,766
Other comprehensive (loss) income(112,973) 13,904
(136,897) 63,844
 (249,870) 77,748
Comprehensive income54,600
 138,578
43,881
 173,417
 98,481
 311,995
Noncontrolling interests(1,188) (1,208)(666) (602) (1,853) (1,810)
Comprehensive income to common stockholders$53,412
 $137,370
$43,215
 $172,815
 $96,628
 $310,185

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.


W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
For the Three Months Ended March 31,For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
2018
20172018
2017
COMMON STOCK:      
Beginning and end of period$47,024
 $47,024
$47,024
 $47,024
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:      
Beginning of period$1,048,283
 $1,037,446
$1,048,283
 $1,037,446
Restricted stock units issued(487) (667)(5,642) (295)
Restricted stock units expensed9,434
 10,810
17,667
 20,788
End of period$1,057,230
 $1,047,589
$1,060,308
 $1,057,939
RETAINED EARNINGS:      
Beginning of period$6,956,882
 $6,595,987
$6,956,882
 $6,595,987
Cumulative effect adjustment resulting from changes in accounting principles215,939
 
215,939
 
Net income to common stockholders166,396
 123,447
346,472
 232,451
Dividends(17,016) (15,759)(96,131) (93,372)
End of period$7,322,201
 $6,703,675
$7,423,162
 $6,735,066
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME:      
Unrealized investment gains:      
Beginning of period$375,421
 $427,154
$375,421
 $427,154
Cumulative effect adjustment resulting from changes in accounting principles(214,539) 
(214,539) 
Unrealized losses on securities not other-than-temporarily impaired(125,796) (8,913)
Unrealized gains on other-than-temporarily impaired securities13
 101
Change in unrealized gains on securities not other-than-temporarily impaired(158,199) 33,908
Change in unrealized gains on other-than-temporarily impaired securities11
 844
End of period35,099
 418,342
2,694
 461,906
Currency translation adjustments:      
Beginning of period(306,880) (371,586)(306,880) (371,586)
Net change in period12,799
 22,735
(91,656) 42,982
End of period(294,081) (348,851)(398,536) (328,604)
Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income$(258,982) $69,491
$(395,842) $133,302
TREASURY STOCK:      
Beginning of period$(2,709,386) $(2,688,817)$(2,709,386) $(2,688,817)
Stock exercised/vested488
 644
6,963
 1,276
Stock repurchased(6,799) 
(6,799) 
Stock issued688
 728
End of period$(2,715,697) $(2,688,173)$(2,708,534) $(2,686,813)
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:      
Beginning of period$39,819
 $33,926
$39,819
 $33,926
(Distributions) contributions(603) 3,801
(2,162) 3,695
Net income1,177
 1,227
1,879
 1,796
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax11
 (19)(26) 14
End of period$40,404
 $38,935
$39,510
 $39,431
See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.


W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
For the Three Months Ended March 31,For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
2018 20172018 2017
CASH (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:   
CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:   
Net income to common stockholders$166,396
 $123,447
$346,472
 $232,451
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:      
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments(48,464) (52,348)(118,095) (92,801)
Depreciation and amortization29,027
 18,133
56,372
 44,679
Noncontrolling interests1,177
 1,227
1,879
 1,796
Investment funds(40,354) (26,649)(53,070) (35,544)
Stock incentive plans9,434
 10,780
19,722
 22,508
Change in:      
Arbitrage trading account497
 2,350
(7,871) (2,440)
Premiums and fees receivable(74,492) (59,244)(152,832) (159,827)
Reinsurance accounts(100,379) 67,205
(77,140) 34,985
Deferred policy acquisition costs(6,851) (6,126)(11,152) (2,236)
Income taxes50,505
 50,595
(39,069) (42,626)
Reserves for losses and loss expenses120,063
 10,424
123,582
 101,781
Unearned premiums116,627
 113,483
171,468
 140,399
Other(243,221) (177,805)(140,904) (18,267)
Net cash (used in) from operating activities(20,035) 75,472
Net cash from operating activities119,362
 224,858
CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities2,004,008
 719,969
2,773,554
 2,069,718
Proceeds from sale of equity securities152,949
 51,854
284,204
 89,340
Distributions from (contributions to) investment funds33,695
 (11,290)
(Contributions to) distributions from investment funds(4,996) 49,594
Proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed maturity securities97,911
 888,423
1,305,805
 888,423
Purchase of fixed maturity securities(2,085,683) (1,767,208)(4,062,901) (3,164,892)
Purchase of equity securities(44,219) (103)(87,059) (787)
Real estate purchased(336,601) (48,710)(419,021) (109,846)
Change in loans receivable2,058
 3,147
(16,310) 10,734
Net additions to property, furniture and equipment(14,102) (12,457)(29,704) (89,715)
Change in balances due to security brokers58,500
 (22,034)46,641
 104,463
Payment for business purchased net of cash acquired
 (71,346)(6,637) (71,346)
Net cash used in investing activities(131,484) (269,755)(216,424) (224,314)
CASH FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Repayment of senior notes and other debt(23) (1,475)(23) (1,475)
Net proceeds from issuance of debt181,792
 
200,838
 
Cash dividends to common stockholders(17,016) 
(77,873) (15,758)
Purchase of common treasury shares(6,799) 
(6,799) 
Other, net(544) (1,281)(1,763) (1,260)
Net cash from (used in) financing activities157,410
 (2,756)114,380
 (18,493)
Net impact on cash due to change in foreign exchange rates241
 10,147
(56,587) 11,018
Net change in cash and cash equivalents6,132
 (186,892)(39,269) (6,931)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year950,471
 795,285
950,471
 795,285
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$956,603
 $608,393
$911,202
 $788,354
See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.



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

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

(2) Per Share Data
The Company presents both basic and diluted net income per share (“EPS”) amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period (including 4,847,303 and 4,087,731 common shares held in a grantor trust as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively). The common shares held in the grantor trust are for delivery upon settlement of vested but mandatorily deferred restricted stock units ("RSUs"). Shares held by the grantor trust do not affect diluted shares outstanding since the shares deliverable under vested RSUs were already included in diluted shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of basic and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period and is calculated using the treasury stock method for stock incentive plans. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect.
The weighted average number of common shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share was as follows:
For the Three Months Ended March 31,For the Three Months Ended
June 30,
 For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(In thousands)2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Basic126,375
 121,893
126,517
 125,334
 126,446
 123,623
Diluted128,125
 128,453
128,339
 128,601
 128,189
 128,546

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



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

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

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

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

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





(4) Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The following table presents the components of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income ("AOCI"):
(In thousands)Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)                              Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Unrealized Investment
Gains (Losses)
 Currency Translation Adjustments 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018    
As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2018As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2018    
Changes in AOCIChanges in AOCI    Changes in AOCI    
Beginning of period$375,421
 $(306,880) $68,541
$375,421
 $(306,880) $68,541
Cumulative effect adjustment resulting from changes in accounting principles(214,539) 
 (214,539)(214,539) 
 (214,539)
Restated beginning of period160,882
 (306,880) (145,998)160,882
 (306,880) (145,998)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(118,189) 12,799
 (105,390)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(147,632) (91,656) (239,288)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(7,583) 
 (7,583)(10,582) 
 (10,582)
Other comprehensive (loss) income(125,772) 12,799
 (112,973)
Unrealized investment gain related to noncontrolling interest(11) 
 (11)
End of period$35,099
 $(294,081) $(258,982)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI     
Pre-tax$(9,599)(1)$
 $(9,599)
Tax effect2,016
(2)
 2,016
After-tax amounts reclassified$(7,583) $
 $(7,583)
Other comprehensive (loss) income     
Pre-tax$(160,848) $12,799
 $(148,049)
Tax effect35,076
 
 35,076
Other comprehensive (loss) income$(125,772) $12,799
 $(112,973)
     
As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2017:    
Changes in AOCI    
Beginning of period$427,154
 $(371,586) $55,568
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications19,994
 22,735
 42,729
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(28,825) 
 (28,825)
Other comprehensive (loss) income(8,831) 22,735
 13,904
Other comprehensive loss(158,214) (91,656) (249,870)
Unrealized investment loss related to noncontrolling interest19
 
 19
26
 
 26
End of period$418,342
 $(348,851) $69,491
$2,694
 $(398,536) $(395,842)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI          
Pre-tax$(44,346)(1)$
 $(44,346)$(13,395)(1)$
 $(13,395)
Tax effect15,521
(2)
 15,521
2,813
(2)
 2,813
After-tax amounts reclassified$(28,825) $
 $(28,825)$(10,582) $
 $(10,582)
Other comprehensive (loss) income     
Other comprehensive loss     
Pre-tax$(9,571) $22,735
 $13,164
$(201,336) $(91,656) $(292,992)
Tax effect740
 
 740
43,122
 
 43,122
Other comprehensive (loss) income$(8,831) $22,735
 $13,904
     
Other comprehensive loss$(158,214) $(91,656) $(249,870)
As of and for the three months ended June 30, 2018As of and for the three months ended June 30, 2018    
Changes in AOCIChanges in AOCI    
Beginning of period$35,099
 $(294,081) $(258,982)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(29,443) (104,455) (133,898)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(2,999) 
 (2,999)
Other comprehensive loss(32,442) (104,455) (136,897)
Unrealized investment loss related to noncontrolling interest37
 
 37
End of period$2,694
 $(398,536) $(395,842)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI     
Pre-tax$(3,796)(1)$
 $(3,796)
Tax effect797
(2)
 797
After-tax amounts reclassified$(2,999) $
 $(2,999)
Other comprehensive loss     
Pre-tax$(40,488) $(104,455) $(144,943)
Tax effect8,046
 
 8,046
Other comprehensive loss$(32,442) $(104,455) $(136,897)
_________________________
(1) Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in the consolidated statements of income.
(2) Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.


(In thousands)Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)            Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2017    
Changes in AOCI    
Beginning of period$427,154
 $(371,586) $55,568
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications89,309
 42,982
 132,291
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(54,543) 
 (54,543)
Other comprehensive income34,766
 42,982
 77,748
Unrealized investment gain related to noncontrolling interest(14) 
 (14)
End of period$461,906
 $(328,604) $133,302
Amounts reclassified from AOCI    
Pre-tax$(83,912)(1)$
 $(83,912)
Tax effect29,369
(2)
 29,369
After-tax amounts reclassified$(54,543) $
 $(54,543)
Other comprehensive income    
Pre-tax$58,711
 $42,982
 $101,693
Tax effect(23,945) 
 (23,945)
Other comprehensive income$34,766
 $42,982
 $77,748
As of and for the three months ended June 30, 2017    
Changes in AOCI   

Beginning of period$418,342
 $(348,851) $69,491
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications69,315
 20,247
 89,562
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(25,718) 
 (25,718)
Other comprehensive income43,597
 20,247
 63,844
Unrealized investment gain related to noncontrolling interest(33) 
 (33)
End of period$461,906
 $(328,604) $133,302
Amounts reclassified from AOCI    
Pre-tax$(39,566)(1)$
 $(39,566)
Tax effect13,848
(2)
 13,848
After-tax amounts reclassified$(25,718) $
 $(25,718)
Other comprehensive income    
Pre-tax$68,282
 $20,247
 $88,529
Tax effect(24,685) 
 (24,685)
Other comprehensive income$43,597
 $20,247
 $63,844
_________________________
(1) Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in the consolidated statements of income.
(2) Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.




(5) Statements of Cash Flow
Interest payments were $61,890,000$72,878,000 and $61,782,000$72,528,000 and income taxes paid were none$111,000,000 and $1,610,000$145,123,000 in the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017,, respectively.

(6) Investments in Fixed Maturity Securities
At March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017,, investments in fixed maturity securities were as follows:
 
(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Gains Losses Gains Losses 
March 31, 2018         
June 30, 2018         
Held to maturity:                  
State and municipal$66,459
 $12,185
 $
 $78,644
 $66,459
$67,049
 $11,828
 $
 $78,877
 $67,049
Residential mortgage-backed12,772
 988
 
 13,760
 12,772
12,037
 835
 
 12,872
 12,037
Total held to maturity79,231
 13,173
 
 92,404
 79,231
79,086
 12,663
 
 91,749
 79,086
Available for sale:                  
U.S. government and government agency479,330
 6,692
 (6,113) 479,909
 479,909
482,639
 5,257
 (6,263) 481,633
 481,633
State and municipal:                  
Special revenue2,644,248
 36,059
 (22,675) 2,657,632
 2,657,632
2,529,100
 32,331
 (25,828) 2,535,603
 2,535,603
State general obligation404,710
 12,113
 (2,610) 414,213
 414,213
339,685
 10,749
 (1,814) 348,620
 348,620
Pre-refunded443,852
 18,131
 (87) 461,896
 461,896
429,119
 18,829
 (103) 447,845
 447,845
Corporate backed368,073
 7,415
 (1,610) 373,878
 373,878
325,752
 7,278
 (1,643) 331,387
 331,387
Local general obligation389,887
 17,227
 (3,209) 403,905
 403,905
387,745
 16,485
 (2,831) 401,399
 401,399
Total state and municipal4,250,770
 90,945
 (30,191) 4,311,524
 4,311,524
4,011,401
 85,672
 (32,219) 4,064,854
 4,064,854
Mortgage-backed securities:                  
Residential (1)1,067,814
 6,233
 (22,334) 1,051,713
 1,051,713
1,116,207
 5,206
 (26,083) 1,095,330
 1,095,330
Commercial338,683
 1,164
 (4,563) 335,284
 335,284
368,000
 969
 (5,787) 363,182
 363,182
Total mortgage-backed securities1,406,497
 7,397
 (26,897) 1,386,997
 1,386,997
1,484,207
 6,175
 (31,870) 1,458,512
 1,458,512
Asset-backed2,101,896
 11,435
 (11,640) 2,101,691
 2,101,691
2,356,736
 11,263
 (13,084) 2,354,915
 2,354,915
Corporate:                  
Industrial2,378,793
 27,145
 (31,817) 2,374,121
 2,374,121
2,333,914
 19,159
 (44,380) 2,308,693
 2,308,693
Financial1,411,529
 22,100
 (15,031) 1,418,598
 1,418,598
1,355,554
 16,775
 (19,375) 1,352,954
 1,352,954
Utilities270,915
 8,163
 (4,546) 274,532
 274,532
273,223
 8,004
 (6,201) 275,026
 275,026
Other43,682
 1
 (233) 43,450
 43,450
41,779
 2
 (265) 41,516
 41,516
Total corporate4,104,919
 57,409
 (51,627) 4,110,701
 4,110,701
4,004,470
 43,940
 (70,221) 3,978,189
 3,978,189
Foreign850,866
 25,791
 (3,578) 873,079
 873,079
767,417
 39,993
 (5,870) 801,540
 801,540
Total available for sale13,194,278
 199,669
 (130,046) 13,263,901
 13,263,901
13,106,870
 192,300
 (159,527) 13,139,643
 13,139,643
Total investments in fixed maturity securities$13,273,509
 $212,842
 $(130,046) $13,356,305
 $13,343,132
$13,185,956
 $204,963
 $(159,527) $13,231,392
 $13,218,729


(In thousands)Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized Fair
Value
 Carrying
Value
Gains Losses
December 31, 2017         
Held to maturity:         
State and municipal$65,882
 $14,499
 $
 $80,381
 $65,882
Residential mortgage-backed13,450
 1,227
 
 14,677
 13,450
Total held to maturity79,332
 15,726
 
 95,058
 79,332
Available for sale:         
U.S. government and government agency372,748
 8,824
 (3,832) 377,740
 377,740
State and municipal:         
Special revenue2,663,245
 53,512
 (10,027) 2,706,730
 2,706,730
State general obligation439,358
 16,087
 (711) 454,734
 454,734
Pre-refunded436,241
 22,701
 (9) 458,933
 458,933
Corporate backed375,268
 10,059
 (860) 384,467
 384,467
Local general obligation417,955
 23,242
 (967) 440,230
 440,230
Total state and municipal4,332,067
 125,601
 (12,574) 4,445,094
 4,445,094
Mortgage-backed securities:         
Residential (1)1,043,629
 9,304
 (13,547) 1,039,386
 1,039,386
Commercial261,652
 1,521
 (2,628) 260,545
 260,545
Total mortgage-backed securities1,305,281
 10,825
 (16,175) 1,299,931
 1,299,931
Asset-backed2,111,132
 11,024
 (10,612) 2,111,544
 2,111,544
Corporate:         
Industrial2,574,400
 52,210
 (7,718) 2,618,892
 2,618,892
Financial1,402,161
 37,744
 (5,138) 1,434,767
 1,434,767
Utilities284,886
 11,316
 (1,248) 294,954
 294,954
Other40,560
 5
 (66) 40,499
 40,499
Total corporate4,302,007
 101,275
 (14,170) 4,389,112
 4,389,112
Foreign819,345
 32,018
 (2,866) 848,497
 848,497
Total available for sale13,242,580
 289,567
 (60,229) 13,471,918
 13,471,918
Total investments in fixed maturity securities$13,321,912

$305,293
 $(60,229) $13,566,976
 $13,551,250
____________
(1)
Gross unrealized gains (losses) for residential mortgage-backed securities include $89,704 and $76,467 as of March 31,
(1) Gross unrealized gains for residential mortgage-backed securities include $87,647 and $76,467 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017,, respectively, related to securities with the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at March 31,June 30, 2018, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
 
(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Due in one year or less$813,191
 $816,313
$841,253
 $849,860
Due after one year through five years4,580,074
 4,621,880
4,392,395
 4,428,769
Due after five years through ten years3,110,432
 3,158,810
3,042,177
 3,074,332
Due after ten years3,350,543
 3,358,545
3,413,887
 3,407,047
Mortgage-backed securities1,419,269
 1,400,757
1,496,244
 1,471,384
Total$13,273,509
 $13,356,305
$13,185,956
 $13,231,392
At March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no investments that exceeded 10% of common stockholders' equity, other than investments in United States government and government agency securities.




(7) Investments in Equity Securities
At March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, investments in equity securities were as follows:
 
(In thousands)Cost Gross Unrealized (1) 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Cost Gross Unrealized (1) 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Gains Losses Gains Losses 
March 31, 2018         
June 30, 2018         
Common stocks$95,447
 $232,206
 $(7,218) $320,435
 $320,435
$126,453
 $170,313
 $(8,739) $288,027
 $288,027
Preferred stocks124,150
 53,423
 (1,974) 175,599
 175,599
124,150
 61,807
 (1,595) 184,362
 184,362
Total$219,597
 $285,629
 $(9,192) $496,034
 $496,034
$250,603
 $232,120
 $(10,334) $472,389
 $472,389
December 31, 2017                  
Common stocks$81,855
 $272,309
 $(1,960) $352,204
 $352,204
$81,855
 $272,309
 $(1,960) $352,204
 $352,204
Preferred stocks124,150
 102,890
 (2,597) 224,443
 224,443
124,150
 102,890
 (2,597) 224,443
 224,443
Total$206,005
 $375,199
 $(4,557) $576,647
 $576,647
$206,005
 $375,199
 $(4,557) $576,647
 $576,647
______________________
(1) Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new accounting guidance that requires all equity investments with readily determinable fair values (subject to certain exceptions) to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. Refer to Note 3 for additional information.


(8) Arbitrage Trading Account
At March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the fair and carrying values of the arbitrage trading account were $745$721 million and $618 million, respectively. The primary focus of the trading account is merger arbitrage. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies which are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers. Arbitrage investing differs from other types of investing in its focus on transactions and events believed likely to bring about a change in value over a relatively short time period (usually four months or less).
The Company uses put options, call options and swap contracts in order to mitigate the impact of potential changes in market conditions on the merger arbitrage trading account. These options and contracts are reported at fair value. As of March 31,June 30, 2018, the fair value of long option contracts outstanding was $1.0$0.2 million (notional amount of $17.6$15.0 million) and the fair value of short option contracts outstanding was $0.2$0.3 million (notional amount of $27.0$16.4 million). Other than with respect to the use of these trading account securities, the Company does not make use of derivatives.


(9) Net Investment Income
Net investment income consists of the following: 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
(In thousands)2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Investment income earned on:          
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable$123,246
 $112,346
$129,665
 $116,796
 $252,911
 $229,142
Investment funds40,354
 26,649
12,716
 8,895
 53,070
 35,544
Arbitrage trading account5,191
 6,360
8,333
 5,457
 13,524
 11,817
Real estate6,568
 4,566
3,174
 5,286
 9,742
 9,852
Equity securities646
 639
559
 602
 1,205
 1,241
Gross investment income176,005
 150,560
154,447
 137,036
 330,452
 287,596
Investment expense(1,487) (1,702)(670) (1,772) (2,157) (3,473)
Net investment income$174,518
 $148,858
$153,777
 $135,264
 $328,295
 $284,123




(10) Investment Funds
The Company evaluates whether it is an investor in a variable interest entity ("VIE"). Such entities do not have sufficient equity at risk to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support, or the equity investors, as a group, do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest (primary beneficiary).  The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of an entity subject to consolidation based on a qualitative assessment of the VIE's capital structure, contractual terms, nature of the VIE's operations and purpose, and the Company's relative exposure to the related risks of the VIE on the date it becomes initially involved in the VIE and on an ongoing basis. The Company is not the primary beneficiary in any of its investment funds, and accordingly, carries its interests in investment funds under the equity method of accounting.
    
The Company’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the carrying amount reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and its unfunded commitments, which were $376$319 million as of March 31,June 30, 2018.
Investment funds consisted of the following:
Carrying Value as of 
Income from
Investment Funds
Carrying Value as of 
Income (Loss) from
Investment Funds
March 31, December 31, For the Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, December 31, For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
(In thousands)2018 2017 2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Real estate$624,716
 $606,995
 $26,051
 $4,532
$622,796
 $606,995
 $35,826
 $19,518
Energy80,833
 82,882
 74
 3,245
76,406
 82,882
 (1,256) (8,639)
Other funds455,578
 465,800
 14,229
 18,872
509,384
 465,800
 18,500
 24,665
Total$1,161,127
 $1,155,677
 $40,354

$26,649
$1,208,586
 $1,155,677
 $53,070

$35,544

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

(11) Real Estate

Investment in real estate represents directly owned property held for investment, as follows:
Carrying ValueCarrying Value
March 31, December 31,June 30, December 31,
(In thousands)2018 20172018 2017
Properties in operation$739,405
 $451,691
$767,882
 $451,691
Properties under development1,093,932
 1,017,910
1,115,740
 1,017,910
Total$1,833,337
 $1,469,601
$1,883,622
 $1,469,601

In 2018, properties in operation included a long-term ground lease in Washington, D.C., a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, two office complexes in New York City and office buildings in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, Florida. Properties in operation are net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $29,477,000$36,170,000 and $25,646,000 as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Related depreciation expense was $3,815,000$10,784,000 and $1,648,000$3,604,000 for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Future minimum rental income expected on operating leases relating to properties in operation is $38,716,924$26,207,569 in 2018, $54,741,633$54,753,308 in 2019, $53,127,758$53,482,025 in 2020, $52,210,617$52,568,588 in 2021, $48,472,505$48,834,325 in 2022, $41,829,736$42,215,085 in 2023 and $498,985,951$500,806,048 thereafter.

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



(12) Loans Receivable
Loans receivable are as follows:
(In thousands)March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Amortized cost (net of valuation allowance):      
Real estate loans$63,191
 $66,057
$62,986
 $66,057
Commercial loans12,711
 13,627
35,102
 13,627
Total$75,902
 $79,684
$98,088
 $79,684
      
Fair value:      
Real estate loans$64,026
 $66,917
$63,796
 $66,917
Commercial loans14,212
 15,130
36,604
 15,130
Total$78,238
 $82,047
$100,400
 $82,047
      
Valuation allowance:      
Specific$1,200
 $1,200
$1,200
 $1,200
General2,183
 2,183
2,183
 2,183
Total$3,383
 $3,383
$3,383
 $3,383
      
For the Three Months Ended March 31,For the Three Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017
Change in valuation allowance$
 $
   
For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 2017
Decrease in valuation allowance$
 $(14)$
 $(14)
Loans receivable in non-accrual status were $1.5 million and $4.3 million as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable and assesses the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest based upon loan structure, underlying property values, cash flow and related financial and operating performance of the property and market conditions. Loans receivable with a potential for default are further assessed using discounted cash flow analysis and comparable cost and sales methodologies, if appropriate.
The real estate loans are secured by commercial real estate primarily located in New York. These loans generally earn interest at floating LIBOR-based interest rates and have maturities (inclusive of extension options) through August 2025. The commercial loans are with small business owners who have secured the related financing with the assets of the business. Commercial loans primarily earn interest on a fixed basis and have varying maturities generally not exceeding 10 years.
In evaluating the real estate loans, the Company considers their credit quality indicators, including loan to value ratios, which compare the outstanding loan amount to the estimated value of the property, the borrower’s financial condition and performance with respect to loan terms, the position in the capital structure, the overall leverage in the capital structure and other market conditions. Based on these considerations, none of the real estate loans were considered to be impaired at March 31,June 30, 2018, and accordingly, the Company determined that a specific valuation allowance was not required.



(13) Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are as follows:
For the Three Months Ended March 31,For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
(In thousands)2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments in earnings        
  
Fixed maturity securities:        
  
Gains$13,339
 $5,605
$7,921
 $7,427
 $21,260
 $13,032
Losses(3,740) (3,965)(4,125) 
 (7,865) (3,965)
Equity securities (1):          
Net realized gains on investment sales122,321
 42,707
119,422
 32,139
 241,743
 74,846
Change in unrealized gains(94,205) 
(54,652) 
 (148,857) 
Investment funds119
 1,267
(353) (112) (234) 1,155
Real estate7,998
 3,300
(402) (364) 7,596
 2,936
Loans receivable2,058
 
1
 
 2,059
 
Other574
 3,434
1,819
 1,363
 2,393
 4,797
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in earnings before OTTI48,464
 52,348
69,631
 40,453
 118,095
 92,801
Other-than-temporary impairments (2)
 

 
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in earnings48,464
 52,348
69,631
 40,453
 118,095
 92,801
Income tax expense(10,177) (18,322)(14,623) (14,159) (24,800) (32,480)
After-tax net realized and unrealized gains on investments in earnings$38,287
 $34,026
$55,008
 $26,294
 $93,295
 $60,321
Change in unrealized investment gains of available for sale securities:        
  
Fixed maturity securities$(159,727) $37,984
$(36,848) $56,857
 $(196,575) $94,841
Previously impaired fixed maturity securities13
 101
(2) 743
 11
 844
Equity securities available for sale (3)(2)
 (48,862)
 6,176
 
 (42,686)
Investment funds(1,134) 1,206
(3,638) 4,506
 (4,772) 5,712
Total change in unrealized investment gains(160,848) (9,571)(40,488) 68,282
 (201,336) 58,711
Income tax benefit35,076
 740
Income tax benefit (expense)8,118
 (24,713) 43,194
 (23,973)
Noncontrolling interests(11) 19
37
 (5) 26
 14
After-tax change in unrealized investment gains of available for sale securities$(125,783) $(8,812)$(32,333) $43,564
 $(158,116) $34,752
______________________
(1) The net realized gains or losses on investment sales represent the total gains or losses from the purchase dates of the equity securities. The change in unrealized gains consists of two components: (i) the reversal of the gain or loss recognized in previous periods on equity securities sold and (ii) the change in unrealized gain or loss resulting from mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities still held.
(2) There were no other than temporary impairments (OTTI) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
(3) Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new accounting guidance that requires all equity investments with readily determinable fair values (subject to certain exceptions) to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized in net income. The Company recorded an adjustment of $291 million to opening AOCI net of tax as a result of this guidance. Refer to Note 3 for further information.







(14) Fixed Maturity Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position
The following tables summarize all fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 by the length of time those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position:
Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater TotalLess Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total
(In thousands)Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized Losses
March 31, 2018           
June 30, 2018           
U.S. government and government agency$138,917
 $2,978
 $71,224
 $3,135
 $210,141
 $6,113
$245,718
 $2,852
 $93,232
 $3,411
 $338,950
 $6,263
State and municipal1,514,028
 20,922
 303,246
 9,269
 1,817,274
 30,191
1,406,792
 22,540
 302,403
 9,679
 1,709,195
 32,219
Mortgage-backed securities754,800
 12,603
 362,331
 14,294
 1,117,131
 26,897
859,133
 17,171
 328,074
 14,699
 1,187,207
 31,870
Asset-backed securities1,271,743
 9,444
 160,263
 2,196
 1,432,006
 11,640
1,538,222
 12,216
 160,722
 868
 1,698,944
 13,084
Corporate1,912,850
 42,874
 168,813
 8,753
 2,081,663
 51,627
2,171,776
 61,233
 155,159
 8,988
 2,326,935
 70,221
Foreign government216,681
 3,301
 25,541
 277
 242,222
 3,578
181,036
 4,754
 67,869
 1,116
 248,905
 5,870
Fixed maturity securities$5,809,019
 $92,122
 $1,091,418
 $37,924
 $6,900,437
 $130,046
$6,402,677
 $120,766
 $1,107,459
 $38,761
 $7,510,136
 $159,527
                      
December 31, 2017                      
U.S. government and government agency$92,167
 $1,491
 $72,055
 $2,341
 $164,222
 $3,832
$92,167
 $1,491
 $72,055
 $2,341
 $164,222
 $3,832
State and municipal735,972
 5,944
 345,755
 6,630
 1,081,727
 12,574
735,972
 5,944
 345,755
 6,630
 1,081,727
 12,574
Mortgage-backed securities480,435
 5,110
 373,956
 11,065
 854,391
 16,175
480,435
 5,110
 373,956
 11,065
 854,391
 16,175
Asset-backed securities1,127,309
 8,298
 167,412
 2,314
 1,294,721
 10,612
1,127,309
 8,298
 167,412
 2,314
 1,294,721
 10,612
Corporate1,103,747
 8,224
 170,858
 5,946
 1,274,605
 14,170
1,103,747
 8,224
 170,858
 5,946
 1,274,605
 14,170
Foreign government244,139
 2,615
 25,824
 251
 269,963
 2,866
244,139
 2,615
 25,824
 251
 269,963
 2,866
Fixed maturity securities$3,783,769
 $31,682
 $1,155,860
 $28,547
 $4,939,629
 $60,229
$3,783,769
 $31,682
 $1,155,860
 $28,547
 $4,939,629
 $60,229
A summary of the Company’s non-investment grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31,June 30, 2018 is presented in the table below:
($ in thousands)
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized Loss
Corporate10
 $86,345
 $4,429
13
 $97,985
 $4,199
Foreign government8
 $30,997
 $739
12
 51,383
 2,773
Asset-backed securities3
 370
 140
3
 268
 104
Mortgage-backed securities5
 4,532
 117
4
 3,477
 28
State and municipal1
 3,641
 3
1
 3,622
 2
Total27
 $125,885
 $5,428
33
 $156,735
 $7,106
For OTTI of fixed maturity securities that management does not intend to sell or to be required to sell, the portion of the decline in value that is considered to be due to credit factors is recognized in earnings, and the portion of the decline in value that is considered to be due to non-credit factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.
     The Company has evaluated its fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and believes the unrealized losses are due primarily to temporary market and sector-related factors rather than to issuer-specific factors. None of these securities are delinquent or in default under financial covenants. Based on its assessment of these issuers, the Company expects them to continue to meet their contractual payment obligations as they become due and does not consider any of these securities to be OTTI.



(15) Fair Value Measurements

The Company’s fixed maturity securities, equity securities and arbitrage trading account securities are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels, as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or valuations based on inputs that are observable.
Level 3 - Estimates of fair value based on internal pricing methodologies using unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs are only used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available.
Substantially, all of the Company’s fixed maturity securities were priced by independent pricing services. The prices provided by the independent pricing services are estimated based on observable market data in active markets utilizing pricing models and processes, which may include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, sector groupings, matrix pricing and reference data. The pricing services may prioritize inputs differently on any given day for any security based on market conditions, and not all inputs are available for each security evaluation on any given day. The pricing services used by the Company have indicated that they will only produce an estimate of fair value if objectively verifiable information is available. The determination of whether markets are active or inactive is based upon the volume and level of activity for a particular asset class. The Company reviews the prices provided by pricing services for reasonableness and periodically performs independent price tests of a sample of securities to ensure proper valuation.
If prices from independent pricing services are not available for fixed maturity securities, the Company estimates the fair value. For Level 2 securities, the Company utilizes pricing models and processes which may include benchmark yields, sector groupings, matrix pricing, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, bids, offers and reference data. Where broker quotes are used, the Company generally requests two or more quotes and sets a price within the range of quotes received based on its assessment of the credibility of the quote and its own evaluation of the security. The Company generally does not adjust quotes received from brokers. For securities traded only in private negotiations, the Company determines fair value based primarily on the cost of such securities, which is adjusted to reflect prices of recent placements of securities of the same issuer, financial projections, credit quality and business developments of the issuer and other relevant information.
For Level 3 securities, the Company generally uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of fixed maturity securities. The cash flow models are based upon assumptions as to prevailing credit spreads, interest rate and interest rate volatility, time to maturity and subordination levels. Projected cash flows are discounted at rates that are adjusted to reflect illiquidity, where appropriate.

    


The following tables present the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 by level:
(In thousands)Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
March 31, 2018       
June 30, 2018       
Assets:              
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:              
U.S. government and government agency$479,909
 $
 $479,909
 $
$481,633
 $
 $481,633
 $
State and municipal4,311,524
 
 4,311,524
 
4,064,854
 
 4,064,854
 
Mortgage-backed securities1,386,997
 
 1,386,997
 
1,458,512
 
 1,458,512
 
Asset-backed securities2,101,691
 
 2,101,528
 163
2,354,915
 
 2,354,814
 101
Corporate4,110,701
 
 4,110,701
 
3,978,189
 
 3,978,189
 
Foreign government873,079
 
 873,079
 
801,540
 
 801,540
 
Total fixed maturity securities available for sale13,263,901
 
 13,263,738
 163
13,139,643
 
 13,139,542
 101
Equity securities:              
Common stocks320,435
 311,329
 
 9,106
288,027
 279,102
 
 8,925
Preferred stocks175,599
 
 164,756
 10,843
184,362
 
 173,518
 10,844
Total equity securities496,034
 311,329
 164,756
 19,949
472,389
 279,102
 173,518
 19,769
Arbitrage trading account744,859
 434,470
 306,547
 3,842
721,088
 446,901
 274,187
 
Total$14,504,794
 $745,799
 $13,735,041
 $23,954
$14,333,120
 $726,003
 $13,587,247
 $19,870
Liabilities:              
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased$29,453
 $29,444
 $9
 $
$90,281
 $90,281
 $
 $
       
              
December 31, 2017              
Assets:              
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:              
U.S. government and government agency$377,740
 $
 $377,740
 $
$377,740
 $
 $377,740
 $
State and municipal4,445,094
 
 4,445,094
 
4,445,094
 
 4,445,094
 
Mortgage-backed securities1,299,931
 
 1,299,931
 
1,299,931
 
 1,299,931
 
Asset-backed securities2,111,544
 
 2,111,372
 172
2,111,544
 
 2,111,372
 172
Corporate4,389,112
 
 4,389,112
 
4,389,112
 
 4,389,112
 
Foreign government848,497
 
 848,497
 
848,497
 
 848,497
 
Total fixed maturity securities available for sale13,471,918
 
 13,471,746
 172
13,471,918
 
 13,471,746
 172
Equity securities:              
Common stocks352,204
 342,834
 
 9,370
352,204
 342,834
 
 9,370
Preferred stocks224,443
 
 213,600
 10,843
224,443
 
 213,600
 10,843
Total equity securities576,647
 342,834
 213,600
 20,213
576,647
 342,834
 213,600
 20,213
Arbitrage trading account617,649
 471,420
 146,229
 
617,649
 471,420
 146,229
 
Total$14,666,214
 $814,254
 $13,831,575
 $20,385
$14,666,214
 $814,254
 $13,831,575
 $20,385
Liabilities:              
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased$64,358
 $64,358
 $
 $
$64,358
 $64,358
 $
 $
There were no significant transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 or during the year ended December 31, 2017.





The following tables summarize changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and for the year ended December 31, 2017:
2017:
  Gains (Losses) Included in:
(In thousands)
Beginning
Balance
 Earnings (Losses) 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Impairments Purchases (Sales) Paydowns / Maturities Transfers 
Ending
Balance
In / (Out)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018                 
Assets:                 
Fixed maturities securities available for sale:                 
Asset-backed securities$172
 $2
 $4
 $
 $
 $(15) $
 $
 $163
Total172
 2
 4
 
 
 (15) 
 
 163
Equity securities:                 
Common stocks9,370
 (264) 
 
 
 
 
 
 9,106
Preferred stocks10,843
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 10,843
Total20,213
 (264) 
 
 
 
 
 
 19,949
Arbitrage trading account
 (40) 
 
 3,882
 
 
 
 3,842
Total$20,385
 $(302) $4
 $
 $3,882
 $(15) $
 $
 $23,954
                  
                  
Year ended December 31, 2017                 
Assets:                 
Fixed maturities securities available for sale:                 
Asset-backed securities$183
 $3
 $34
 $
 $
 $(48) $
 $
 $172
Total183
 3
 34
 
 
 (48) 
 
 172
Equity securities:                 
Common stocks8,754
 
 616
 
 
 
 
 
 9,370
Preferred stocks3,662
 8
 
 
 7,173
 
 
 
 10,843
Total12,416
 8
 616
 
 7,173
 
 
 
 20,213
Arbitrage trading account
 8
 
 
 
 (8) 
 
 
Total$12,599
 $19
 $650
 $
 $7,173
 $(56) $
 $
 $20,385
   
                        Gains (Losses) Included in:
 (In thousands)
Beginning
Balance
 Earnings (Losses) 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Impairments Purchases (Sales) Paydowns / Maturities Transfers In / (Out) 
Ending
Balance
 
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
                 
 Assets:                 
 Fixed maturities securities available for sale:                 
 Asset-backed securities$172
 $(2) $46
 $
 $
 $(115) $
 $
 $101
 Total172
 (2) 46
 
 
 (115) 
 
 101
 Equity securities:                 
 Common stocks9,370
 (445) 
 
 
 
 
 
 8,925
 Preferred stocks10,843
 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 10,844
 Total20,213
 (444) 
 
 
 
 
 
 19,769
 Arbitrage trading account
 (29) 
 
 3,882
 (11) 
 (3,842) 
 Total$20,385
 $(475) $46
 $
 $3,882
 $(126) $
 $(3,842) $19,870
                   
 Year Ended
December 31, 2017
                 
 Assets:                 
 Fixed maturities securities available for sale:                 
 Asset-backed securities$183
 $3
 $34
 $
 $
 $(48) $
 $
 $172
 Total183
 3
 34
 
 
 (48) 
 
 172
 Equity securities:                 
 Common stocks8,754
 
 616
 
 
 
 
 
 9,370
 Preferred stocks3,662
 8
 
 
 7,173
 
 
 
 10,843
 Total12,416
 8
 616
 
 7,173
 
 
 
 20,213
 Arbitrage trading account
 8
 
 
 
 (8) 
 
 
 Total$12,599
 $19
 $650
 $
 $7,173
 $(56) $
 $
 $20,385
During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, and forone common stock in the arbitrage trading account was transferred out of Level 3 as the security became publicly traded on a stock exchange. For the year ended December 31, 2017, there were no transfers out of Level 3.






(16) Reserves for Loss and Loss Expenses

The Company's reserves for losses and loss expenses are comprised of case reserves and incurred but not reported liabilities ("IBNR"). When a claim is reported, a case reserve is established for the estimated ultimate payment based upon known information about the claim. As more information about the claim becomes available over time, case reserves are adjusted up or down as appropriate. Reserves are also established on an aggregate basis to provide for IBNR liabilities and expected loss reserve development on reported claims.

Loss reserves included in the Company’s financial statements represent management’s best estimates based upon an actuarially derived point estimate and other considerations. The Company uses a variety of actuarial techniques and methods to derive an actuarial point estimate for each operating unit. These methods include paid loss development, incurred loss development, paid and incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods and frequency and severity methods. In circumstances where one actuarial method is considered more credible than the others, that method is used to set the point estimate. The actuarial point estimate may also be based on a judgmental weighting of estimates produced from each of the methods considered. Industry loss experience is used to supplement the Company’s own data in selecting “tail factors” in areas where the Company’s own data is limited. The actuarial data is analyzed by line of business, coverage and accident or policy year, as appropriate, for each operating unit.

The establishment of the actuarially derived loss reserve point estimate also includes consideration of qualitative factors that may affect the ultimate losses. These qualitative considerations include, among others, the impact of re-underwriting initiatives, changes in the mix of business, changes in distribution sources and changes in policy terms and conditions.

The key assumptions used to arrive at the best estimate of loss reserves are the expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation, and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Expected loss ratios represent management’s expectation of losses at the time the business is priced and written, before any actual claims experience has emerged. This expectation is a significant determinant of the estimate of loss reserves for recently written business where there is little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Expected loss ratios are generally derived from historical loss ratios adjusted for the impact of rate changes, loss cost trends and known changes in the type of risks underwritten. Expected loss ratios are estimated for each key line of business within each operating unit. Expected loss cost inflation is particularly important for the long-tail lines, such as excess casualty, and claims with a high medical component, such as workers’ compensation. Reported and paid loss emergence patterns are used to project current reported or paid loss amounts to their ultimate settlement value. Loss development factors are based on the historical emergence patterns of paid and incurred losses, and are derived from the Company’s own experience and industry data. The paid loss emergence pattern is also significant to excess and assumed workers’ compensation reserves because those reserves are discounted to their estimated present value based upon such estimated payout patterns.

Loss frequency and severity are measures of loss activity that are considered in determining the key assumptions described in our discussion of loss and loss expense reserves, including expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Loss frequency is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss controls and safety programs and changes in economic activity or weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.

Another factor affecting estimates of loss frequency and severity is the loss reporting lag, which is the period of time between the occurrence of a loss and the date the loss is reported to the Company. The length of the loss reporting lag affects our ability to accurately predict loss frequency (loss frequencies are more predictable for lines with short reporting lags) as well as the amount of reserves needed for incurred but not reported losses (less IBNR is required for lines with short reporting lags). As a result, loss reserves for lines with short reporting lags are likely to have less variation from initial loss estimates. For lines with short reporting lags, which include commercial automobile, primary workers’ compensation, other liability (claims-made) and property business, the key assumption is the loss emergence pattern used to project ultimate loss estimates from known losses paid or reported to date. For lines of business with long reporting lags, which include other liability (occurrence), products liability, excess workers’ compensation and liability reinsurance, the key assumption is the expected loss ratio since there is often little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Historically, the Company has experienced less variation from its initial loss estimates for lines of businesses with short reporting lags than for lines of business with long reporting lags.

The key assumptions used in calculating the most recent estimate of the loss reserves are reviewed each quarter and adjusted, to the extent necessary, to reflect the latest reported loss data, current trends and other factors observed.





The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve balances:
 March 31,
(In thousands)2018 2017
Net reserves at beginning of year$10,056,914
 $9,590,265
Net provision for losses and loss expenses:   
Claims occurring during the current year (1)956,181
 958,684
(Decrease) increase in estimates for claims occurring in prior years (2) (3)(3,582) 8,727
Loss reserve discount accretion10,620
 12,192
Total963,219
 979,603
Net payments for claims: 
  
Current year111,030
 97,461
Prior year810,709
 773,571
Total921,739
 871,032
Foreign currency translation2,501
 23,204
Net reserves at end of period10,100,895
 9,722,040
Ceded reserve at end of period1,684,000
 1,502,284
Gross reserves at end of period$11,784,895
 $11,224,324
 June 30,
(In thousands)2018 2017
Net reserves at beginning of year$10,056,914
 $9,590,265
Net provision for losses and loss expenses:   
Claims occurring during the current year (1)1,916,140
 1,926,394
Decrease in estimates for claims occurring in prior years (2) (3)(246) (6,459)
Loss reserve discount accretion20,962
 24,367
Total1,936,856
 1,944,302
Net payments for claims: 
  
Current year316,567
 315,437
Prior year1,527,522
 1,432,828
Total1,844,089
 1,748,265
Foreign currency translation(72,351) 37,097
Net reserves at end of period10,077,330
 9,823,399
Ceded reserves at end of period1,659,245
 1,500,868
Gross reserves at end of period$11,736,575
 $11,324,267

(1)Claims occurring during the current year are net of loss reserve discounts of $6,448,000 and $5,761,000 for the three months ended March 31,
(1) Claims occurring during the current year are net of loss reserve discounts of $12,818,000 and $11,349,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(2)The decrease or increase in estimates for claims occurring in prior years is net of loss reserve discount. On an undiscounted basis, the estimates for claims occurring in prior years decreased by $6,662,000 and increased by $4,841,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(3)For certain retrospectively rated insurance policies and reinsurance agreements, reserve development is offset by additional or return premiums. Favorable development, net of additional and return premiums, was $12 million and $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

(2) The decrease in estimates for claims occurring in prior years is net of loss reserve discount. On an undiscounted basis, the estimates for claims occurring in prior years decreased by $6,132,000 and $14,873,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(3) For certain retrospectively rated insurance policies and reinsurance agreements, reserve development is offset by additional or return premiums. Favorable development, net of additional and return premiums, was $19 million and $24 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $12.2$19.3 million included $16.3$26.5 million of favorable development for the Insurance segment, partially offset by $4.1$7.2 million of adverse development for the Reinsurance segment. The favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to workers’ compensation business. The favorable workers’ compensation development was spread across many accident years, including prior to 2008, but was most significant in accident years 2015 through 2017. The favorable workers’ compensation development reflects a continuation of the benign loss cost trends experienced duringin recent years, particularly the favorable claim frequency trends (i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure). The adverse development for the Reinsurance segment was mainly driven by USU.S. casualty facultative business from accident years 2008 and prior related to construction projects.

During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2017, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $2.4$23.6 million included $26.2$49.4 million of favorable development for the Insurance segment, largelypartially offset by $23.8$25.8 million of adverse development for the Reinsurance segment. The favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to workers' compensation business including(including excess workers' compensation.compensation) and excess & surplus lines casualty business. The favorable workers' compensation development was spread across many accident years, including prior to 2008, but was most significant in accident years 2014 and 2015. The favorable workers' compensation development reflects a continuation of the benign loss cost trends experienced during 2016, particularly the favorable claim frequency trends ( i.e.(i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure). The favorable development for excess & surplus lines casualty business resulted from loss cost trends emerging more favorably than our initial expectations, primarily in accident years 2014 through 2016. The adverse development for the Reinsurance segment was almost entirely due to reserve strengthening during the first quarter associated with claims impacted by the change in the Ogden discount rate in the U.K. The Ogden rate is the discount rate used to calculate lump-sum bodily injury payouts in the U.K., and was recently reduced by the U.K. Ministry of Justice from +2.5% to -0.75%. The adverse development mostly related to U.K. motor bodily injury claims which we reinsured on an excess of loss basis in accident years 2012 through 2016.



(17) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments:
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
(In thousands)Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair ValueCarrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Assets:              
Fixed maturity securities$13,343,132
 $13,356,305
 $13,551,250
 $13,566,976
$13,218,729
 $13,231,392
 $13,551,250
 $13,566,976
Equity securities496,034
 496,034
 576,647
 576,647
472,389
 472,389
 576,647
 576,647
Arbitrage trading account744,859
 744,859
 617,649
 617,649
721,088
 721,088
 617,649
 617,649
Loans receivable75,902
 78,238
 79,684
 82,047
98,088
 100,400
 79,684
 82,047
Cash and cash equivalents956,603
 956,603
 950,471
 950,471
911,202
 911,202
 950,471
 950,471
Trading account receivables from brokers and clearing organizations26,667
 26,667
 189,280
 189,280
119,628
 119,628
 189,280
 189,280
Liabilities:              
Due to broker74,450
 74,450
 15,920
 15,920
62,522
 62,522
 15,920
 15,920
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased29,453
 29,453
 64,358
 64,358
90,281
 90,281
 64,358
 64,358
Subordinated debentures897,426
 929,948
 728,218
 769,060
907,117
 929,297
 728,218
 769,060
Senior notes and other debt1,782,139
 1,921,635
 1,769,052
 1,945,313
1,792,055
 1,918,004
 1,769,052
 1,945,313
The estimated fair values of the Company’s fixed maturity securities, equity securities and arbitrage trading account securities are based on various valuation techniques that rely on fair value measurements as described in Note 15 above.15. The fair value of loans receivable are estimated by using current institutional purchaser yield requirements for loans with similar credit characteristics, which is considered a Level 2 input. The fair value of the senior notes and other debt and the subordinated debentures is based on spreads for similar securities, which is considered a Level 2 input.

(18) Reinsurance

The following is a summary of reinsurance financial information:
For the Three Months Ended March 31,For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
(In thousands)2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Written premiums:          
Direct$1,787,235
 $1,721,062
$1,785,266
 $1,727,014
 $3,572,501
 $3,448,076
Assumed192,187
 215,145
162,808
 160,139
 354,995
 375,283
Ceded(314,084) (289,369)(323,970) (322,902) (638,054) (612,270)
Total net premiums written$1,665,338
 $1,646,838
$1,624,104
 $1,564,251
 $3,289,442
 $3,211,089
          
Earned premiums:          
Direct$1,674,550
 $1,613,364
$1,705,277
 $1,666,938
 $3,379,827
 $3,280,302
Assumed188,866
 208,626
180,509
 193,683
 369,375
 402,310
Ceded(296,008) (251,948)(304,733) (291,918) (600,741) (543,868)
Total net premiums earned$1,567,408
 $1,570,042
$1,581,053
 $1,568,703
 $3,148,461
 $3,138,744
          
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred$238,995
 $35,192
$161,073
 $142,609
 $400,068
 $177,801
Ceded commissions earned$66,356
 $56,550
$65,922
 $57,752
 $132,278
 $114,302
The Company reinsures a portion of its insurance exposures in order to reduce its net liability on individual risks and catastrophe losses. The Company also cedes premiums to state assigned risk plans and captive insurance companies. Estimated amounts due from reinsurers are reported net of reserves for uncollectible reinsurance of $1 million as of both March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.



(19) Restricted Stock Units
Pursuant to its stock incentive plan, the Company may issue restricted stock units ("RSUs") to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The RSUs generally vest three to five years from the award date and are subject to other vesting and forfeiture provisions contained in the award agreement. RSUs are expensed pro-ratably over the vesting period. RSU expenses were $9$18 million and $1121 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. A summary of RSUs issued in the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017 follows:
($ in thousands)Units Fair ValueUnits Fair Value
20184,174
 $290
13,025
 $963
20171,853
 $129
6,020
 $405

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

(21) Business Segments
The Company’s reportable segments include the following two business segments, plus a corporate segment:
Insurance - predominantly commercial insurance business, including excess and surplus lines, admitted lines and specialty personal lines throughout the United States, as well as insurance business in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, South America, Canada, Mexico, Scandinavia, Asia and Australia.
Reinsurance - reinsurance business on a facultative and treaty basis, primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, the Asia-Pacific Region and South Africa.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Income tax expense and benefits are calculated based upon the Company's overall effective tax rate.


Summary financial information about the Company's reporting segments is presented in the following tables. Income (loss) before income taxes by segment includes allocated investment income. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in or allocated to the operation of each segment.
  
Revenues    
(In thousands)
Earned
Premiums
 
Investment
Income 
 Other Total (1) 
Pre-Tax
Income
(Loss)
 
Net Income
(Loss) to Common Stockholders
Three months ended March 31, 2018          
Insurance$1,432,337
 $135,862
 $18,968
 $1,587,167
 $229,028
 $181,626
Reinsurance135,071
 24,650
 
 159,721
 14,592
 11,654
Corporate, other and eliminations (2)
 14,006
 81,889
 95,895
 (81,094) (65,170)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
 
 48,464
 48,464
 48,464
 38,286
  Total$1,567,408
 $174,518
 $149,321
 $1,891,247
 $210,990
 $166,396
Three months ended March 31, 2017          
Insurance$1,413,170
 $111,909
 $18,287
 $1,543,366
 $199,994
 $134,095
Reinsurance156,872
 24,778
 
 181,650
 4,594
 3,099
Corporate, other and eliminations (2)
 12,171
 80,883
 93,054
 (72,639) (47,773)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
 
 52,348
 52,348
 52,348
 34,026
  Total$1,570,042
 $148,858
 $151,518
 $1,870,418
 $184,297
 $123,447



  
Revenues    
(In thousands)
Earned
Premiums
 
Investment
Income 
 Other Total (1) 
Pre-Tax
Income
(Loss)
 
Net Income
(Loss) to Common Stockholders
Three months ended June 30, 2018          
Insurance$1,456,008
 $114,333
 $18,707
 $1,589,048
 $198,052
 $156,200
Reinsurance125,045
 22,123
 
 147,168
 21,303
 16,784
Corporate, other and eliminations (2)
 17,321
 87,748
 105,069
 (59,744) (47,918)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
 
 69,631
 69,631
 69,631
 55,009
Total$1,581,053
 $153,777
 $176,086
 $1,910,916
 $229,242
 $180,075
Three months ended June 30, 2017          
Insurance$1,415,586
 $102,719
 $22,984
 $1,541,289
 $186,134
 $124,442
Reinsurance153,117
 21,491
 
 174,608
 14,771
 10,324
Corporate, other and eliminations (2)
 11,054
 80,645
 91,699
 (80,397) (52,056)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
 
 40,453
 40,453
 40,453
 26,294
Total$1,568,703
 $135,264
 $144,082
 $1,848,049
 $160,961
 $109,004
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018          
Insurance$2,888,345
 $250,195
 $37,675
 $3,176,215
 $427,080
 $337,826
Reinsurance260,116
 46,773
 
 306,889
 35,895
 28,438
Corporate, other and eliminations (2)
 31,327
 169,637
 200,964
 (140,838) (113,087)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
 
 118,095
 118,095
 118,095
 93,295
Total$3,148,461
 $328,295
 $325,407
 $3,802,163
 $440,232
 $346,472
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017          
Insurance$2,828,755
 $214,628
 $41,271
 $3,084,654
 $386,127
 $257,458
Reinsurance309,989
 46,269
 
 356,258
 19,364
 13,983
Corporate, other and eliminations (2)
 23,226
 161,528
 184,754
 (153,034) (99,311)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
 
 92,801
 92,801
 92,801
 60,321
Total$3,138,744
 $284,123
 $295,600
 $3,718,467
 $345,258
 $232,451
_________________
(1)Revenues for Insurance from foreign countries for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017 were $183$176 million and $184$168 million, and for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 were $359 million and $347 million, respectively. Revenues for Reinsurance from foreign countries for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017 were $56$55 million and $49$50 million, respectively.
(2) Corporate, other and eliminations represent corporate revenuesfor the six months ended June 30, 2018 and expenses that are not allocated to business segments.2017 were $112 million and $101 million, respectively.
(2)Corporate, other and eliminations represent corporate revenues and expenses that are not allocated to business segments.
Identifiable Assets
(In thousands)March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Insurance$19,322,526
 $19,263,193
$19,219,312
 $19,263,193
Reinsurance3,093,808
 3,169,731
2,929,066
 3,169,731
Corporate, other and eliminations2,171,498
 1,866,993
2,472,766
 1,866,993
Consolidated$24,587,832
 $24,299,917
$24,621,144
 $24,299,917



Net premiums earned by major line of business are as follows:
For the Three Months Ended March 31,For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
(In thousands)2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Insurance:          
Other liability$464,167
 $451,830
$474,721
 $460,059
 $938,889
 $911,889
Workers’ compensation365,948
 361,136
377,346
 366,950
 743,295
 728,086
Short-tail lines (1)295,105
 296,790
288,398
 282,623
 583,503
 579,413
Commercial automobile175,199
 170,571
175,812
 169,599
 351,010
 340,170
Professional liability131,918
 132,843
139,731
 136,355
 271,648
 269,197
Total Insurance1,432,337
 1,413,170
1,456,008
 1,415,586
 2,888,345
 2,828,755
          
Reinsurance:          
Casualty90,570
 94,739
86,841
 93,212
 177,411
 187,952
Property44,501
 62,133
38,204
 59,905
 82,705
 122,037
Total Reinsurance135,071
 156,872
125,045
 153,117
 260,116
 309,989
          
Total$1,567,408
 $1,570,042
$1,581,053
 $1,568,703
 $3,148,461
 $3,138,744
______________
(1) Short-tail lines include commercial multi-peril (non-liability), inland marine, accident and health, fidelity and surety, boiler and machinery and other lines.





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


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

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

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


elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the report of the loss to the insurer, the ultimate determination of the cost of the loss and the insurer’s payment of that loss.
In general, when a claim is reported, claims personnel establish a “case reserve” for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment based upon known information about the claim at that time. The estimate represents an informed judgment based on general reserving practices and reflects the experience and knowledge of the claims personnel regarding the nature and value of the specific type of claim. Reserves are also established on an aggregate basis to provide for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) to the insurer, potential inadequacy of case reserves and the estimated expenses of settling claims, including legal and other fees and general expenses of administrating the claims adjustment process. Reserves are established based upon the then current legal interpretation of coverage provided.


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


reported or paid loss amounts to their ultimate settlement value. Loss development factors are based on the historical emergence patterns of paid and incurred losses, and are derived from the Company’s own experience and industry data. The paid loss emergence pattern is also significant to excess and assumed workers’ compensation reserves because those reserves are discounted to their estimated present value based upon such estimated payout patterns. Management believes the estimates and assumptions it makes in the reserving process provide the best estimate of the ultimate cost of settling claims and related expenses with respect to insured events which have occurred; however, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different reserve estimates.
Loss frequency and severity are measures of loss activity that are considered in determining the key assumptions described in our discussion of loss and loss expense reserves, including expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Loss frequency is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss


controls and safety programs and changes in economic activity or weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.
Another factor affecting estimates of loss frequency and severity is the loss reporting lag, which is the period of time between the occurrence of a loss and the date the loss is reported to the Company. The length of the loss reporting lag affects our ability to accurately predict loss frequency (loss frequencies are more predictable for lines with short reporting lags) as well as the amount of reserves needed for incurred but not reported losses (less IBNR is required for lines with short reporting lags). As a result, loss reserves for lines with short reporting lags are likely to have less variation from initial loss estimates. For lines with short reporting lags, which include commercial automobile, primary workers’ compensation, other liability (claims-made) and property business, the key assumption is the loss emergence pattern used to project ultimate loss estimates from known losses paid or reported to date. For lines of business with long reporting lags, which include other liability (occurrence), products liability, excess workers’ compensation and liability reinsurance, the key assumption is the expected loss ratio since there is often little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Historically, the Company has experienced less variation from its initial loss estimates for lines of businesses with short reporting lags than for lines of business with long reporting lags.
The key assumptions used in calculating the most recent estimate of the loss reserves are reviewed each quarter and adjusted, to the extent necessary, to reflect the latest reported loss data, current trends and other factors observed. If the actual level of loss frequency and severity are higher or lower than expected, the ultimate losses will be different than management’s estimate. The following table reflects the impact of changes (which could be favorable or unfavorable) in frequency and severity, relative to our assumptions, on our loss estimate for claims occurring in 2017:
(In thousands)Frequency (+/-)
Severity (+/-)1% 5% 10%
1%$79,667
 $239,794
 $439,953
5%239,794
 406,263
 614,349
10%439,953
 614,349
 832,344
Our net reserves for losses and loss expenses of approximately $10.1 billion as of March 31,June 30, 2018 relate to multiple accident years. Therefore, the impact of changes in frequency or severity for more than one accident year could be higher or lower than the amounts reflected above. The impact of such changes would likely be manifested gradually over the course of many years, as the magnitude of the changes became evident.
Approximately $1.7$1.6 billion, or 17%16%, of the Company’s net loss reserves as of March 31,June 30, 2018 relate to the Reinsurance segment. There is a higher degree of uncertainty and greater variability regarding estimates of assumed loss reserves because those estimates are based, in part, upon information received from ceding companies. If information received from ceding companies is not timely or correct, the Company’s estimate of ultimate losses may not be accurate. Furthermore, due to delayed reporting of claim information by ceding companies, the claim settlement tail for assumed reinsurance is extended. Management considers the impact of delayed reporting in its selection of assumed loss development factors.
Information received from ceding companies is used to set initial expected loss ratios, to establish case reserves and to estimate reserves for incurred but not reported losses on assumed reinsurance business. This information, which is generally provided through reinsurance intermediaries, is gathered through the underwriting process and from periodic claim reports and other correspondence with ceding companies. The Company performs underwriting and claim audits of selected ceding companies to determine the accuracy and completeness of information provided to the Company. The information received from the ceding companies is supplemented by the Company’s own loss development experience with similar lines of business as well as industry loss trends and loss development benchmarks.


Following is a summary of the Company’s reserves for losses and loss expenses by business segment:
(In thousands)March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Insurance$8,415,984
 $8,341,622
Reinsurance1,684,911
 1,715,292
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses10,100,895
 10,056,914
Ceded reserves for losses and loss expenses1,684,000
 1,613,494
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses$11,784,895
 $11,670,408



(In thousands)June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Insurance$8,460,866
 $8,341,622
Reinsurance1,616,464
 1,715,292
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses10,077,330
 10,056,914
Ceded reserves for losses and loss expenses1,659,245
 1,613,494
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses$11,736,575
 $11,670,408
Following is a summary of the Company’s net reserves for losses and loss expenses by major line of business:
(In thousands)
Reported Case
Reserves
 
Incurred But
Not Reported
 Total
June 30, 2018     
Other liability$1,283,692
 $2,285,039
 $3,568,731
Workers’ compensation (1)1,566,664
 1,234,109
 2,800,773
Professional liability299,439
 614,209
 913,648
Commercial automobile349,099
 281,772
 630,871
Short-tail lines (2)256,649
 290,194
 546,843
Total Insurance3,755,543
 4,705,323
 8,460,866
Reinsurance (1)873,376
 743,088
 1,616,464
Total$4,628,919
 $5,448,411
 $10,077,330
      
December 31, 2017     
Other liability$1,261,957
 $2,189,596
 $3,451,553
Workers’ compensation (1)1,543,379
 1,242,501
 2,785,880
Professional liability295,269
 618,107
 913,376
Commercial automobile364,900
 269,942
 634,842
Short-tail lines (2)297,777
 258,194
 555,971
Total Insurance3,763,282
 4,578,340
 8,341,622
Reinsurance (1)919,497
 795,795
 1,715,292
Total$4,682,779
 $5,374,135
 $10,056,914
(In thousands)
Reported Case
Reserves
 
Incurred But
Not Reported
 Total
March 31, 2018     
Other liability$1,289,211
 $2,235,130
 $3,524,341
Workers’ compensation (1)1,561,486
 1,242,754
 2,804,239
Professional liability294,457
 619,821
 914,277
Commercial automobile355,785
 277,551
 633,336
Short-tail lines (2)263,793
 275,997
 539,790
Total Insurance3,764,732
 4,651,252
 8,415,984
Reinsurance (1)908,358
 776,553
 1,684,911
Total$4,673,090
 $5,427,805
 $10,100,895
      
December 31, 2017     
Other liability$1,261,957
 $2,189,596
 $3,451,553
Workers’ compensation (1)1,543,379
 1,242,501
 2,785,880
Professional liability295,269
 618,107
 913,376
Commercial automobile364,900
 269,942
 634,842
Short-tail lines (2)297,777
 258,194
 555,971
Total Insurance3,763,282
 4,578,340
 8,341,622
Reinsurance (1)919,497
 795,795
 1,715,292
Total$4,682,779
 $5,374,135
 $10,056,914
___________
(1) Reserves for workers’ compensation and reinsurance are net of an aggregate net discount of $583$577 million and $591
million as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(2) Short-tail lines include commercial multi-peril (non-liability), inland marine, accident and health, fidelity and surety, boiler and machinery and other lines.

The Company evaluates reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses on a quarterly basis. Changes in estimates of prior year losses are reported when such changes are made. The changes in prior year loss reserve estimates are generally the result of ongoing analysis of recent loss development trends. Original estimates are increased or decreased as additional information becomes known regarding individual claims and aggregate claim trends.
Certain of the Company's insurance and reinsurance contracts are retrospectively rated, whereby the Company collects more or less premiums based on the level of loss activity. For those contracts, changes in loss and loss adjustment expenses for prior years may be fully or partially offset by additional or return premiums.

Net prior year development (i.e. the sum of prior year reserve changes and prior year earned premiums changes) for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:
(In thousands)2018 20172018 2017
Net decrease (increase) in prior year loss reserves$3,582
 $(8,727)
Net decrease in prior year loss reserves$246
 $6,459
Increase in prior year earned premiums8,622
 11,173
19,102
 17,111
Net favorable prior year development$12,204
 $2,446
$19,348
 $23,570
    


During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $12.2$19.3 million included $16.3$26.5 million of favorable development for the Insurance segment, partially offset by $4.1$7.2 million of adverse development for the Reinsurance segment. The favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to workers’ compensation business. The favorable workers’ compensation development was spread across many accident years, including prior to 2008, but was most significant in accident years 2015 through 2017. The favorable workers’ compensation development reflects a continuation of the benign loss cost trends experienced duringin recent years, particularly the favorable claim frequency trends (i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure). The adverse


development for the Reinsurance segment was mainly driven by USU.S. casualty facultative business from accident years 2008 and prior related to construction projects.

During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2017, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $2.4$23.6 million included $26.2$49.4 million of favorable development for the Insurance segment, largelypartially offset by $23.8$25.8 million of adverse development for the Reinsurance segment. The favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to workers' compensation business including(including excess workers' compensation.compensation) and excess & surplus lines casualty business. The favorable workers' compensation development was spread across many accident years, including prior to 2008, but was most significant in accident years 2014 and 2015. The favorable workers' compensation development reflects a continuation of the benign loss cost trends experienced during 2016, particularly the favorable claim frequency trends ( i.e.(i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure). The favorable development for excess & surplus lines casualty business resulted from loss cost trends emerging more favorably than our initial expectations, primarily in accident years 2014 through 2016. The adverse development for the Reinsurance segment was almost entirely due to reserve strengthening during the first quarter associated with claims impacted by the change in the Ogden discount rate in the U.K. The Ogden rate is the discount rate used to calculate lump-sum bodily injury payouts in the U.K., and was recently reduced by the U.K. Ministry of Justice from +2.5% to -0.75%. The adverse development mostly related to U.K. motor bodily injury claims which we reinsured on an excess of loss basis in accident years 2012 through 2016.

Reserve Discount. The Company discounts its liabilities for certain workers’ compensation reserves. The amount of workers’ compensation reserves that were discounted was $1,838$1,777 million and $1,855 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The aggregate net discount for those reserves, after reflecting the effects of ceded reinsurance, was $583$577 million and $591 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. At March 31,June 30, 2018, discount rates by year ranged from 2.0% to 6.5%, with a weighted average discount rate of 3.8%3.7%.

Substantially all of the workers’ compensation discount (97% of total discounted reserves at March 31,June 30, 2018) relates to excess workers’ compensation reserves. In order to properly match loss expenses with income earned on investment securities supporting the liabilities, reserves for excess workers’ compensation business are discounted using risk-free discount rates determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve. These rates are determined annually based on the weighted average rate for the period. Once established, no adjustments are made to the discount rate for that period, and any increases or decreases in loss reserves in subsequent years are discounted at the same rate, without regard to when any such adjustments are recognized. The expected loss and loss expense payout patterns subject to discounting are derived from the Company’s loss payout experience.

The Company also discounts reserves for certain other long-duration workers’ compensation reserves (representing approximately 3% of total discounted reserves at March 31,June 30, 2018), including reserves for quota share reinsurance and reserves related to losses regarding occupational lung disease. These reserves are discounted at statutory rates permitted by the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware.
Assumed Reinsurance Premiums. The Company estimates the amount of assumed reinsurance premiums that it will receive under treaty reinsurance agreements at the inception of the contracts. These premium estimates are revised as the actual amount of assumed premiums is reported to the Company by the ceding companies. As estimates of assumed premiums are made or revised, the related amount of earned premiums, commissions and incurred losses associated with those premiums are recorded. Estimated assumed premiums receivable were approximately $51$45 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 and $56 million at December 31, 2017. The assumed premium estimates are based upon terms set forth in reinsurance agreements, information received from ceding companies during the underwriting and negotiation of agreements, reports received from ceding companies and discussions and correspondence with reinsurance intermediaries. The Company also considers its own view of market conditions, economic trends and experience with similar lines of business. These premium estimates represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate amount of premiums to be received under its assumed reinsurance agreements.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (OTTI) of Investments. The cost of securities is adjusted where appropriate to include a provision for decline in value which is considered to be other-than-temporary. An other-than-temporary decline is considered to occur in investments where there has been a sustained reduction in fair value and where the Company does not expect the fair value to recover prior to the time of sale or maturity.


The Company classifies its fixed maturity securities by credit rating, primarily based on ratings assigned by credit rating agencies. For purposes of classifying securities with different ratings, the Company uses the average of the credit ratings assigned, unless in limited situations the Company’s own analysis indicates an internal rating is more appropriate. Securities that are not rated by a rating agency are evaluated and classified by the Company on a case-by-case basis.
Fixed Maturity Securities – For securities that we intend to sell or, more likely than not, would be required to sell, a decline in value below amortized cost is considered to be OTTI. The amount of OTTI is equal to the difference between amortized cost and fair value at the balance sheet date. For securities that we do not intend to sell or expect to be required to


sell, a decline in value below amortized cost is considered to be an OTTI if we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of a security (i.e., the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis of the security).
The portion of the decline in value considered to be a credit loss (i.e., the difference between the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the security) is recognized in earnings. The portion of the decline in value not considered to be a credit loss (i.e., the difference in the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the fair value of the security) is recognized in other comprehensive income.
Impairment assessments for structured securities, including mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and corporate debt, are generally evaluated based on the performance of the underlying collateral under various economic and default scenarios that may involve subjective judgments and estimates by management. Modeling these securities involves various factors, such as projected default rates, the nature and realizable value of the collateral, if any, the ability of the issuer to make scheduled payments, historical performance and other relevant economic and performance factors. If an OTTI determination is made, a discounted cash flow analysis is used to ascertain the amount of the credit impairment.

The following table provides a summary of fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31,June 30, 2018:
($ in thousands)
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
Unrealized loss less than 20% of amortized cost1,018
 $6,900,270
 $129,939
1,058
 $7,507,563
 $158,780
Unrealized loss of 20% or greater of amortized cost:          
Less than twelve months2
 2,570
 743
Twelve months and longer3
 167
 107
2
 3
 4
Total1,021
 $6,900,437
 $130,046
1,062
 $7,510,136
 $159,527
A summary of the Company’s non-investment grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31,June 30, 2018 is presented in the table below:
($ in thousands)
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 Gross Unrealized
Loss
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
Corporate10
 $86,345
 $4,429
13
 $97,985
 $4,199
Foreign government8
 $30,997
 $739
12
 51,383
 2,773
Asset-backed securities3
 370
 140
3
 268
 104
Mortgage-backed securities5
 4,532
 117
4
 3,477
 28
State and municipal1
 3,641
 3
1
 3,622
 2
Total27
 $125,885
 $5,428
33
 $156,735
 $7,106
The Company has evaluated its fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and believes the unrealized loss is due primarily to temporary market and sector-related factors rather than to issuer-specific factors. None of these securities are delinquent or in default under financial covenants. Based on its assessment of these issuers, the Company expects them to continue to meet their contractual payment obligations as they become due and does not consider any of these securities to be OTTI.
Loans Receivable – The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable, including current market conditions for each loan and the ability to collect principal and interest. For loans where the Company determines it is probable that the contractual terms will not be met, an analysis is performed and a valuation reserve is established, if necessary, with a charge to earnings. Loans receivable are reported net of a valuation reserve of $3 million atin both March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.


The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable and assesses the ability of each borrower to pay principal and interest based upon loan structure, underlying property values, cash flow and related financial and operating performance of the property and market conditions. Loans receivable with a potential for default are further assessed using discounted cash flow analysis and comparable cost and sales methodologies, if appropriate.


Fair Value Measurements.The Company’s fixed maturity available for sale securities, equity securities, and its trading account securities are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for similar assets in active markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs may only be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available. The fair value of the vast majority of the Company’s portfolio is based on observable data (other than quoted prices) and, accordingly, is classified as Level 2.

In classifying particular financial securities in the fair value hierarchy, the Company uses its judgment to determine whether the market for a security is active and whether significant pricing inputs are observable. The Company determines the existence of an active market by assessing whether transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information. The Company determines whether inputs are observable based on the use of such information by pricing services and external investment managers, the uninterrupted availability of such inputs, the need to make significant adjustments to such inputs and the volatility of such inputs over time. If the market for a security is determined to be inactive or if significant inputs used to price a security are determined to be unobservable, the security is categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Because many fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis, the Company utilizes pricing models and processes which may include benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. Market inputs used to evaluate securities include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. Quoted prices are often unavailable for recently issued securities that are infrequently traded or securities that are only traded in private transactions. For publicly traded securities for which quoted prices are unavailable, the Company determines fair value based on independent broker quotations and other observable market data. For securities traded only in private negotiations, the Company determines fair value based primarily on the cost of such securities, which is adjusted to reflect prices of recent placements of securities of the same issuer, financial data, projections and business developments of the issuer and other relevant information.
The following is a summary of pricing sources for the Company's fixed maturity securities available for sale as of March 31,June 30, 2018:
($ in thousands)
Carrying
Value
 
Percent
of Total
Carrying
Value
 
Percent
of Total
Pricing source:      
Independent pricing services$13,081,232
 98.6%$12,969,064
 98.7%
Syndicate manager41,523
 0.3
38,141
 0.3
Directly by the Company based on:      
Observable data140,983
 1.1
132,337
 1.0
Cash flow model163
 
101
 
Total$13,263,901
 100.0%$13,139,643
 100.0%



Independent pricing services – Substantially all of the Company’s fixed maturity securities available for sale were priced by independent pricing services (generally one U.S. pricing service plus additional pricing services with respect to a limited number of foreign securities held by the Company). The prices provided by the independent pricing services are generally based on observable market data in active markets (e.g., broker quotes and prices observed for comparable securities). The determination of whether markets are active or inactive is based upon the volume and level of activity for a particular asset class. The Company reviews the prices provided by pricing services for reasonableness based upon current trading levels for similar securities. If the prices appear unusual to the Company, they are re-examined and the value is either confirmed or revised. In addition, the Company periodically performs independent price tests of a sample of securities to ensure proper valuation and to verify our understanding of how securities are priced. As of March 31,June 30, 2018, the Company did not make any adjustments to the prices provided by the pricing services. Based upon the Company’s review of the methodologies used by the independent pricing services, these securities were classified as Level 2.
Syndicate manager – The Company has a 15% participation in a Lloyd’s syndicate, and the Company’s share of the securities owned by the syndicate is priced by the syndicate’s manager. The majority of the securities are liquid, short duration fixed maturity securities. The Company reviews the syndicate manager’s pricing methodology and audited financial statements


and holds discussions with the syndicate manager as necessary to confirm its understanding and agreement with security prices. Based upon the Company’s review of the methodologies used by the syndicate manager, these securities were classified as Level 2.
Observable data – If independent pricing is not available, the Company prices the securities directly. Prices are based on observable market data where available, including current trading levels for similar securities and non-binding quotations from brokers. The Company generally requests two or more quotes. If more than one quote is received, the Company sets a price within the range of quotes received based on its assessment of the credibility of the quote and its own evaluation of the security. The Company generally does not adjust quotes obtained from brokers. Since these securities were priced based on observable data, they were classified as Level 2.
Cash flow model – If the above methodologies are not available, the Company prices securities using a discounted cash flow model based upon assumptions as to prevailing credit spreads, interest rates and interest rate volatility, time to maturity and subordination levels. Discount rates are adjusted to reflect illiquidity where appropriate. These securities were classified as Level 3.




Results of Operations for the ThreeSix Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2018and 2017
Business Segment Results
Following is a summary of gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, loss ratios (losses and loss expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of premiums earned), expense ratios (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”)GAAP combined ratios (sum of loss ratio and expense ratio) for each of our business segments for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017. The GAAP combined ratio represents a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding investment income. A GAAP combined ratio in excess of 100 indicates an underwriting loss; a number below 100 indicates an underwriting profit.
($ in thousands)2018 20172018 2017
Insurance:      
Gross premiums written$1,837,971
 $1,769,405
$3,659,199
 $3,515,139
Net premiums written1,543,052
 1,494,135
3,056,578
 2,932,303
Net premiums earned1,432,337
 1,413,170
2,888,345
 2,828,755
Loss ratio60.6% 60.9%61.1% 61.0%
Expense ratio32.8% 32.9%32.8% 33.0%
GAAP combined ratio93.4% 93.8%93.9% 94.0%
Reinsurance:      
Gross premiums written$141,450
 $166,802
$268,296
 $308,220
Net premiums written122,286
 152,703
232,864
 278,786
Net premiums earned135,071
 156,872
260,116
 309,989
Loss ratio69.9% 75.9%66.1% 70.6%
Expense ratio37.5% 37.0%38.1% 38.1%
GAAP combined ratio107.4% 112.9%104.2% 108.7%
Consolidated:      
Gross premiums written$1,979,421
 $1,936,207
$3,927,495
 $3,823,359
Net premiums written1,665,338
 1,646,838
3,289,442
 3,211,089
Net premiums earned1,567,408
 1,570,042
3,148,461
 3,138,744
Loss ratio61.4% 62.4%61.5% 61.9%
Expense ratio33.2% 33.3%33.3% 33.5%
GAAP combined ratio94.6% 95.7%94.8% 95.4%
Net Income to Common Stockholders. The following table presents the Company’s net income to common stockholders and net income per diluted share for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
(In thousands, except per share data)2018 20172018 2017
Net income to common stockholders$166,396
 $123,447
$346,472
 $232,451
Weighted average diluted shares128,125
 128,453
128,189
 128,546
Net income per diluted share$1.30
 $0.96
$2.70
 $1.81
The Company reported net income to common stockholders of $166$346 million in 2018 compared to $123$232 million in 2017. The 35%49% increase in net income was primarily due to an after-tax increase in net investment income of $20$35 million mainly driven by growth in the fixed incomematurity security portfolio, higher interest rates and an increase in real estate investment funds, an increase in after-tax net investment gains of $20 million, an after-tax increase in underwriting income of $13$17 million, an increase in after-tax foreign currency gains (as compared to losses in 2017) of $14 million, and a $21$39 million decrease in tax expense primarily due to the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, partially offset by an increase in after-tax foreign currency losses of $6 million, an after-tax reduction in insurance service fee income of $4 million, an after-tax increase in corporate expenses of $4 million, and a decreasean after-tax increase in after-tax net investment gainsinterest expense of $3 million. The number of weighted average diluted shares decreased slightly primarily due to share repurchases.
Premiums. Gross premiums written were $1,979$3,927 million in 2018, an increase of 2%3% from $1,936$3,823 million in 2017. The increase was due to an increase in the Insurance segment of $68$144 million, partially offset by a decrease in the Reinsurance segment of $25$40 million. Approximately 78.3%75.9% of policies expiring in 2018 were renewed, compared with a 78.4%76.5% renewal retention rate for policies expiring in 2017.


Average renewal premium rates for insurance and facultative reinsurance increased 3.5%2.5% in 2018 when adjusted for change in exposures.


A summary of gross premiums written in 2018 compared with 2017 by line of business within each business segment follows:
Insurance - gross premiums increased 4% to $1,838$3,659 million in 2018 from $1,769$3,515 million in 2017. Gross premiums increased $36$67 million (7%(6%) for other liability, $20$41 million (11%(5%) for short-tail lines, $36 million (10%) for professional liability, $16and $27 million (4%) for short-tail lines, and $12 million (5%(7%) for commercial auto and decreased $15$27 million (3%) for workers' compensation.
Reinsurance - gross premiums decreased 15%13% to $142$268 million in 2018 from $167$308 million in 2017. Gross premiums decreased $14$21 million (22%(19%) for property lines and $11$19 million (11%(10%) for casualty lines.
Net premiums written were $1,665$3,289 million in 2018, an increase of 1%2% from $1,647$3,211 million in 2017. Ceded reinsurance premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums were 16% in both 2018 and 15% in 2017.
Premiums earned decreasedincreased less than 1% to $1,567$3,148 million in 2018 from $1,570$3,139 million in 2017. Insurance premiums (including the impact of rate changes) are generally earned evenly over the policy term, and accordingly, recent rate increases will be earned over the upcoming quarters. Premiums earned in 2018 are related to business written during both 2018 and 2017. Audit premiums were $49$98 million in 2018 compared with $40$91 million in 2017.
Net Investment Income. Following is a summary of net investment income for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Amount 
Average Annualized
Yield
Amount 
Average Annualized
Yield
($ in thousands)2018 2017 2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable$123,246
 $112,346
 3.5% 3.2%$252,911
 $229,142
 3.5% 3.3%
Investment funds40,354
 26,649
 13.7
 8.5
53,070
 35,544
 8.9
 5.7
Arbitrage trading account5,191
 6,360
 3.3
 5.4
13,524
 11,817
 4.1
 4.3
Real estate6,568
 4,566
 1.6
 1.5
9,742
 9,852
 1.1
 1.6
Equity securities646
 639
 1.2
 1.2
1,205
 1,241
 1.1
 1.2
Gross investment income176,005
 150,560
 3.9
 3.5
330,452
 287,596
 3.6
 3.3
Investment expenses(1,487) (1,702) 
 
(2,157) (3,473) 
 
Total$174,518
 $148,858
 3.9% 3.5%$328,295
 $284,123
 3.6% 3.3%
Net investment income increased 17%15% to $175$328 million in 2018 from $149$284 million in 2017 due primarily to a $14 million increase in income from investment funds mainly from real estate funds, an $11$24 million increase in income from fixed maturity securities mainly driven by growth in the fixed incomematurity security portfolio and higher interest rates, an $18 million increase in income from investment funds mainly from real estate funds, and a $2 million increase from real estate, partially offset by a $1 million decrease from the arbitrage trading account. The Company has maintained a shortened duration of its fixed maturity security portfolio. This has reduced the potential impact of mark-to-market on the portfolio and positioned the Company to take advantage of rising interest rates. Average invested assets, at cost (including cash and cash equivalents), were $18.1 billion in 2018 and $17.3 billion in 2017.
Insurance Service Fees. The Company earns fees from an insurance distribution business, a third-party administrator and as a servicing carrier of workers' compensation assigned risk plans for certain states. Insurance service fees decreased to $31$60 million in 2018 from $33$67 million in 2017.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investments. The Company buys and sells securities and other investment assets on a regular basis in order to maximize its total return on investments. Decisions to sell securities and other investment assets are based on management’s view of the underlying fundamentals of specific investments as well as management’s expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads, currency values and general economic conditions. Net realized and unrealized gains on investments were $48$118 million in 2018 compared with $52$93 million in 2017. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new accounting guidance that requires all equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those equity securities accounted for under equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, the gains of $48$118 million includereflect net realized gains on investment sales of $142$267 million reduced by a change in unrealized gains on equity securities of $94$149 million.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. There were no impairments for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

Revenues from Non-Insurance Businesses. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were derived from businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that


provide services to aviation markets, including (i) the distribution, manufacturing, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and components, (ii) the sale of new and used aircraft, and (iii) avionics, fuel, maintenance, storage and charter services. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were $70$147 million in 2018 and $65$135 million in 2017. The increase mainly relates to revenues from the textile business purchased in March 2017.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses decreased to $963$1,937 million in 2018 from $980$1,944 million in 2017. The consolidated loss ratio was 61.4%61.5% in 2018 and 62.4%61.9% in 2017. Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums, were $7$21 million in 2018 and $15$47 million in 2017. Favorable prior year reserve development (net of premium offsets) was $12$19 million in 2018 and $2$24 million in 2017. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development was 61.7%increased 0.2 points to 61.4% in both 2018 andfrom 61.2% in 2017.
A summary of loss ratios in 2018 compared with 2017 by business segment follows:
Insurance - The loss ratio was 60.6%61.1% in 2018 and 60.9%61.0% in 2017. Catastrophe losses were $7$20 million in 2018 compared with $14$47 million in 2017. Favorable prior year reserve development was $16$26 million in 2018 and $49 million in 2017. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.3 points to 61.3% in 2018 from 61.0% in 2017.
Reinsurance - The loss ratio of 66.1% in 2018 was 4.5 points lower than the loss ratio of 70.6% in 2017. Catastrophe losses were $1 million in both 2018 and 2017. Adverse prior year reserve development was $7 million in 2018 and $26 million in 2017. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development decreased 0.5increased 0.9 points to 61.3%63.0% in 2018 from 61.8% in 2017.
Reinsurance - The loss ratio of 69.9% in 2018 was 6 points lower than the loss ratio of 75.9% in 2017. Catastrophe losses were $0.3 million in 2018 compared with $0.2 million in 2017. Adverse prior year reserve development was $4 million in 2018 and $24 million in 2017. The 2017 adverse development was largely due to the impact of the change in the Ogden discount rate in the U.K. and adverse development related to U.S. facultative casualty excess of loss business. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 5.9 points to 66.6% in 2018 from 60.7%62.1% in 2017.
Other Operating Costs and ExpensesExpenses.. Following is a summary of other operating costs and expenses:
($ in thousands)2018 20172018 2017
Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses$520,231
 $523,409
$1,047,093
 $1,051,116
Insurance service expenses32,712
 29,933
63,702
 64,856
Net foreign currency losses13,484
 5,508
Net foreign currency (gains) losses(4,767) 12,477
Other costs and expenses44,012
 44,850
97,553
 91,883
Total$610,439
 $603,700
$1,203,581
 $1,220,332

Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses are comprised of commissions paid to agents and brokers, premium taxes and other assessments and internal underwriting costs. PolicyThe percentage change of policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses increased 1% compared with an increase inand net premiums earned of less than 1%.remained flat from 2017. The expense ratio (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) was 33.2%33.3% and 33.3%33.5% for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Service expenses, which represent the costs associated with the fee-based businesses, increaseddecreased to $33$64 million in 2018 from $30$65 million in 2017.
Net foreign currency (gains) losses result from transactions denominated in a currency other than a company's operating functional currency. Net foreign currency lossesgains were $13$5 million in 2018 compared to losses of $6$12 million in 2017.2017, resulting from the strengthening U.S. dollar.
Other costs and expenses represent general and administrative expenses of the parent company and other expenses not allocated to business segments, including the cost of certain long-term incentive plans and new business ventures. Other costs and expenses decreasedincreased to $44$98 million in 2018 from $45$92 million in 2017.
Expenses from Non-Insurance Businesses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses represent costs associated with businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that include (i) cost of goods sold related to aircraft and products sold and services provided, and (ii) general and administrative expenses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses were $70$145 million in 2018 compared to $66$135 million in 2017. The increase mainly relates to expenses from the textile business purchased in March 2017.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $37$77 million in both 2018 andcompared with $74 million in 2017. In March 2018, the Company issued $175 million aggregate principal amount of 5.70% subordinated debentures due 2058.2058, and in April 2018, the


Company issued another $10 million principal amount of such debentures. Additionally in 2018, the Company issued subsidiary debt of $13$22 million.


Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 20.6%20.9% in 2018 and 32.4%32.2% in 2017. The effective income tax rate differs from the federal income tax rate of 21% primarily because of tax-exempt investment income and tax on income from foreign jurisdictions with different tax rates. The decrease in the effective tax rate in 2018 from 2017 was due, in part, to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which reduced the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.
The Company has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of approximately $23$36 million of its non-U.S. subsidiaries since these earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested in the non-U.S. subsidiaries. In the future, if such earnings were distributed the Company projects that the incremental tax, if any, will be immaterial.



Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018and 2017
Business Segment Results
Following is a summary of gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, loss ratios (losses and loss expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of premiums earned), expense ratios (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) and GAAP combined ratios (sum of loss ratio and expense ratio) for each of our business segments for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. The GAAP combined ratio represents a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding investment income. A GAAP combined ratio in excess of 100 indicates an underwriting loss; a number below 100 indicates an underwriting profit.
($ in thousands)2018 2017
Insurance:   
Gross premiums written$1,821,228
 $1,745,734
Net premiums written1,513,526
 1,438,169
Net premiums earned1,456,008
 1,415,586
Loss ratio61.5% 61.1%
Expense ratio32.9% 33.0%
GAAP combined ratio94.4% 94.1%
Reinsurance:   
Gross premiums written$126,846
 $141,418
Net premiums written110,578
 126,082
Net premiums earned125,045
 153,117
Loss ratio62.0% 65.2%
Expense ratio38.7% 39.2%
GAAP combined ratio100.7% 104.4%
Consolidated:   
Gross premiums written$1,948,074
 $1,887,152
Net premiums written1,624,104
 1,564,251
Net premiums earned1,581,053
 1,568,703
Loss ratio61.6% 61.5%
Expense ratio33.3% 33.6%
GAAP combined ratio94.9% 95.1%
Net Income to Common Stockholders. The following table presents the Company’s net income to common stockholders and net income per diluted share for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
(In thousands, except per share data)2018 2017
Net income to common stockholders$180,075
 $109,004
Weighted average diluted shares128,339
 128,601
Net income per diluted share$1.40
 $0.85
The Company reported net income to common stockholders of $180 million in 2018 compared to $109 million in 2017. The 65% increase in net income was primarily due to an increase in after-tax net investment gains of $23 million, an increase in after-tax foreign currency gains (as compared to losses in 2017) of $20 million, an after-tax increase in net investment income of $15 million mainly driven by growth in the fixed maturity security portfolio and higher interest rates, an after-tax increase in underwriting income of $3 million, and a $17 million decrease in tax expense due primarily to the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, partially offset by an after-tax increase in corporate expenses of $5 million and an after-tax increase in interest expense of $2 million. The number of weighted average diluted shares decreased slightly primarily due to share repurchases.
Premiums. Gross premiums written were $1,948 million in 2018, an increase of 3% from $1,887 million in 2017. The increase was due to an increase in the Insurance segment of $76 million, partially offset by a decrease in the Reinsurance segment of $15 million. Approximately 76.6% of policies expiring in 2018 were renewed, compared with a 77.2% renewal retention rate for policies expiring in 2017.
    Average renewal premium rates for insurance and facultative reinsurance increased 1.5% in 2018 when adjusted for change in exposures.



A summary of gross premiums written in 2018 compared with 2017 by line of business within each business segment follows:
Insurance - gross premiums increased 4% to $1,821million in 2018 from $1,746 million in 2017. Gross premiums increased $31 million (6%) for other liability, $25 million (6%) for short-tail lines, $16 million (9%) for professional liability, and $15 million (9%) for commercial auto and decreased $12 million (3%) for workers' compensation.
Reinsurance - gross premiums decreased 10% to $127 million in 2018 from $141 million in 2017. Gross premiums decreased $8 million (8%) for casualty lines and $6 million (14%) for property lines.
Net premiums written were $1,624 million in 2018, an increase of 4% from $1,564 million in 2017. Ceded reinsurance premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums were 17% in both 2018 and 2017.
Premiums earned increased 1% to $1,581 million in 2018 from $1,569 million in 2017. Insurance premiums (including the impact of rate changes) are generally earned evenly over the policy term, and accordingly, recent rate increases will be earned over the upcoming quarters. Premiums earned in 2018 are related to business written during both 2018 and 2017. Audit premiums were $49 million in 2018 compared with $50 million in 2017.
Net Investment Income. Following is a summary of net investment income for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017: 
 Amount 
Average Annualized
Yield
($ in thousands)2018 2017 2018 2017
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable$129,665
 $116,796
 3.6% 3.3%
Investment funds12,716
 8,895
 4.2
 2.9
Arbitrage trading account8,333
 5,457
 5.0
 3.4
Real estate3,174
 5,286
 0.7
 1.7
Equity securities559
 602
 1.0
 1.2
Gross investment income154,447
 137,036
 3.4
 3.2
Investment expenses(670) (1,772) 
 
Total$153,777
 $135,264
 3.4% 3.1%
Net investment income increased 14% to $154 million in 2018 from $135 million in 2017 due primarily to a $13 million increase in income from fixed maturity securities mainly driven by growth in the fixed maturity security portfolio and higher interest rates, a $4 million increase in income from investment funds, and a $3 million increase from the arbitrage trading account, partially offset by a $2 million decrease from real estate. The Company has maintained a shortened duration of its fixed maturity security portfolio. This has reduced the potential impact of mark-to-market on the portfolio and positioned the Company to take advantage of rising interest rates. Average invested assets, at cost (including cash and cash equivalents), were $18.2 billion in 2018 and $17.4 billion in 2017.
Insurance Service Fees. The Company earns fees from an insurance distribution business, a third-party administrator and as a servicing carrier of workers' compensation assigned risk plans for certain states. Insurance service fees decreased to $30 million in 2018 from $34 million in 2017.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investments. The Company buys and sells securities and other investment assets on a regular basis in order to maximize its total return on investments. Decisions to sell securities and other investment assets are based on management’s view of the underlying fundamentals of specific investments as well as management’s expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads, currency values and general economic conditions. Net realized and unrealized gains on investments were $70 million in 2018 compared with $40 million in 2017. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new accounting guidance that requires all equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those equity securities accounted for under equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the gains of $70 million reflect net realized gains on investment sales of $124 million reduced by a change in unrealized gains on equity securities of $54 million.


Revenues from Non-Insurance Businesses. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were derived from businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that provide services to aviation markets, including (i) the distribution, manufacturing, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and components, (ii) the sale of new and used aircraft, and (iii) avionics, fuel, maintenance, storage and charter services. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were $77 million in 2018 and $70 million in 2017. The increase mainly relates to revenues from the textile business purchased in March 2017.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses increased to $974 million in 2018 from $965 million in 2017. The consolidated loss ratio was 61.6% in 2018 and 61.5% in 2017. Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums, were $14 million in 2018 and $33 million in 2017. Favorable prior year reserve development (net of premium offsets) was $7 million in 2018 and $21 million in 2017. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development was 61.2% in 2018 and 60.7% in 2017.
A summary of loss ratios in 2018 compared with 2017 by business segment follows:
Insurance - The loss ratio was 61.5% in 2018 and 61.1% in 2017. Catastrophe losses were $13 million in 2018 compared with $33 million in 2017. Favorable prior year reserve development was $10 million in 2018 and $23 million in 2017. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.9 points to 61.3% in 2018 from 60.4% in 2017.
Reinsurance - The loss ratio of 62.0% in 2018 was 3.2 points lower than the loss ratio of 65.2% in 2017. Catastrophe losses were $1 million in both 2018 and 2017. Adverse prior year reserve development was $3 million in 2018 and $2 million in 2017. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development decreased 4.5 points to 59.0% in 2018 from 63.5% in 2017.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses. Following is a summary of other operating costs and expenses:
($ in thousands)2018 2017
Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses$526,862
 $527,707
Insurance service expenses30,990
 34,923
Net foreign currency (gains) losses(18,251) 6,968
Other costs and expenses53,541
 47,034
Total$593,142
 $616,632
Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses are comprised of commissions paid to agents and brokers, premium taxes and other assessments and internal underwriting costs. Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses remained flat with an increase in net premiums earned of 1%. The expense ratio (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) was 33.3% and 33.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Service expenses, which represent the costs associated with the fee-based businesses, decreased to $31 million in 2018 from $35 million in 2017.
Net foreign currency (gains) losses result from transactions denominated in a currency other than a company's operating functional currency. Net foreign currency gains were $18 million in 2018 compared to losses of $7 million in 2017, resulting from the strengthening U.S. dollar.
Other costs and expenses represent general and administrative expenses of the parent company and other expenses not allocated to business segments, including the cost of certain long-term incentive plans and new business ventures. Other costs and expenses increased to $54 million in 2018 from $47 million in 2017.
Expenses from Non-Insurance Businesses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses represent costs associated with businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that include (i) cost of goods sold related to aircraft and products sold and services provided, and (ii) general and administrative expenses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses were $75 million in 2018 compared to $69 million in 2017. The increase mainly relates to expenses from the textile business purchased in March 2017.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $40 million in 2018 and $37 million in 2017. In March 2018, the Company issued $175 million aggregate principal amount of 5.70% subordinated debentures due 2058, and in April 2018, the Company issued another $10 million principal amount of such debentures. Additionally in 2018, the Company issued subsidiary debt of $22 million.


Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 21.1% in 2018 and 31.9% in 2017. The effective income tax rate differs from the federal income tax rate of 21% primarily because of tax-exempt investment income and tax on income from foreign jurisdictions with different tax rates. The decrease in the effective tax rate in 2018 from 2017 was due, in part, to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which reduced the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.
The Company has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of approximately $36 million of its non-U.S. subsidiaries since these earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested in the non-U.S. subsidiaries. In the future, if such earnings were distributed the Company projects that the incremental tax, if any, will be immaterial.





Investments
As part of its investment strategy, the Company establishes a level of cash and highly liquid short-term and intermediate-term securities that, combined with expected cash flow, it believes is adequate to meet its payment obligations. Due to the historically low fixed maturity investment returns, the Company invests in equity securities, merger arbitrage securities, investment funds, private equity, loans and real estate related assets. The Company's investments in investment funds and its other alternative investments have experienced, and the Company expects to continue to experience, greater fluctuations in investment income.
The Company also attempts to maintain an appropriate relationship between the average duration of the investment portfolio and the approximate duration of its liabilities (i.e., policy claims and debt obligations). The average duration of the fixed maturity portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, was 2.9 years at June 30, 2018 and 3.0 years atMarch 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio and investment-related assets as of March 31,June 30, 2018 were as follows:
($ in thousands)
Carrying
Value
 
Percent
of Total
Carrying
Value
 
Percent
of Total
Fixed maturity securities:      
U.S. government and government agencies$479,909
 2.6%$481,633
 2.6%
State and municipal:      
Special revenue2,676,724
 14.4
2,554,685
 13.8
Pre-refunded (1)467,758
 2.5
453,704
 2.5
Local general obligation406,327
 2.2
State general obligation450,878
 2.4
385,800
 2.1
Local general obligation408,745
 2.2
Corporate backed373,878
 2.0
331,387
 1.8
Total state and municipal4,377,983
 23.5
4,131,903
 22.4
Mortgage-backed securities:      
Agency827,309
 4.4
874,125
 4.7
Commercial335,284
 1.8
363,182
 2.0
Residential-Prime218,183
 1.2
205,996
 1.1
Residential-Alt A18,993
 0.1
27,246
 0.1
Total mortgage-backed securities1,399,769
 7.5
1,470,549
 7.9
Asset-backed securities2,101,691
 11.3
2,354,915
 12.7
Corporate:      
Industrial2,374,121
 12.8
2,308,693
 12.5
Financial1,418,598
 7.6
1,352,954
 7.3
Utilities274,532
 1.5
275,026
 1.5
Other43,450
 0.2
41,516
 0.2
Total corporate4,110,701
 22.1
3,978,189
 21.5
Foreign government and foreign government agencies873,079
 4.7
801,540
 4.3
Total fixed maturity securities13,343,132
 71.7
13,218,729
 71.4
Equity securities:      
Common stocks320,435
 1.7
288,027
 1.6
Preferred stocks175,599
 0.9
184,362
 1.0
Total equity securities496,034
 2.6
472,389
 2.6
Real estate1,833,337
 9.9
1,883,622
 10.2
Investment funds1,161,127
 6.2
1,208,586
 6.5
Cash and cash equivalents956,603
 5.1
911,202
 4.9
Arbitrage trading account744,859
 4.0
721,088
 3.9
Loans receivable75,902
 0.5
98,088
 0.5
Total investments$18,610,994
 100.0%$18,513,704
 100.0%
________________________
(1) Pre-refunded securities are securities for which an escrow account has been established to fund the remaining payments of principal and interest through maturity. Such escrow accounts are funded almost exclusively with U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agency securities.
Fixed Maturity Securities. The Company’s investment policy with respect to fixed maturity securities is generally to purchase instruments with the expectation of holding them to their maturity. However, management of the available for sale


portfolio is considered necessary to maintain an approximate matching of assets and liabilities as well as to adjust the portfolio


as a result of changes in financial market conditions and tax considerations.
The Company’s philosophy related to holding or selling fixed maturity securities is based on its objective of maximizing total return. The key factors that management considers in its investment decisions as to whether to hold or sell fixed maturity securities are its view of the underlying fundamentals of specific securities as well as its expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads and currency values. In a period in which management expects interest rates to rise, the Company may sell longer duration securities in order to mitigate the impact of an interest rate rise on the fair value of the portfolio. Similarly, in a period in which management expects credit spreads to widen, the Company may sell lower quality securities, and in a period in which management expects certain foreign currencies to decline in value, the Company may sell securities denominated in those foreign currencies. The sale of fixed maturity securities in order to achieve the objective of maximizing total return may result in realized gains; however, there is no reason to expect these gains to continue in future periods.
Equity Securities. Equity securities primarily represent investments in common and preferred stocks in companies with potential growth opportunities in different sectors, including healthcare and financial institutions.
Investment Funds. At March 31,June 30, 2018, the carrying value of investment funds was $1,161$1,209 million, including investments in real estate funds of $625$623 million, energy funds of $81$76 million, and other funds of $455$510 million. Investment funds are generally reported on a one-quarter lag.
Real Estate. Real estate is directly owned property held for investment. At March 31,June 30, 2018, real estate properties in operation included a long-term ground lease in Washington, D.C., a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, two office complexes in New York City and office buildings in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, Florida. In addition, there are two properties under development: an office building in London and a mixed-use project in Washington, D.C. The Company expects to fund further development costs for these projects with a combination of its own funds and external financing.
Arbitrage Trading Account. The arbitrage trading account is comprised of direct investments in arbitrage securities. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies that are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers.
Loans Receivable. Loans receivable, which are carried at amortized cost, had an aggregate cost of $76$98 million and an aggregate fair value of $78$100 million at March 31,June 30, 2018. The amortized cost of loans receivable is net of a valuation allowance of $3 million as of March 31,June 30, 2018. Loans receivable include real estate loans of $63 million that are secured by commercial real estate located primarily in New York. Real estate loans receivable generally earn interest at floating LIBOR-based interest rates and have maturities (inclusive of extension options) through August 2025. Loans receivable include commercial loans of $13$35 million that are secured by business assets and have fixed interest rates and floating LIBOR-based interest rates with varying maturities not exceeding 10 years.
Market Risk. The fair value of the Company’s investments is subject to risks of fluctuations in credit quality and interest rates. The Company uses various models and stress test scenarios to monitor and manage interest rate risk. The Company attempts to manage its interest rate risk by maintaining an appropriate relationship between the effective duration of the investment portfolio and the approximate duration of its liabilities (i.e., policy claims and debt obligations). The effective duration for the fixed maturity portfolio (including cash and cash equivalents) was 3.02.9 years at March 31,June 30, 2018 and 3.0 years at December 31, 2017.
In addition, the fair value of the Company’s international investments is subject to currency risk. The Company attempts to manage its currency risk by matching its foreign currency assets and liabilities where considered appropriate.




Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow. Cash flow used in operating activities was $20$119 million in the first threesix months of 2018 as compared to $75$225 million provided from operating activities in the first threesix months of 2017, primarily due to the timing of loss and loss expense payments, certain long-term incentive plan payments and payments to taxing authorities.
The Company's insurance subsidiaries' principal sources of cash are premiums, investment income, service fees and proceeds from sales and maturities of portfolio investments. The principal uses of cash are payments for claims, taxes, operating expenses and dividends. The Company expects its insurance subsidiaries to fund the payment of losses with cash received from premiums, investment income and fees. The Company targets an average duration for its investment portfolio that is within one year of the average duration of its liabilities so that portions of its investment portfolio mature throughout the claim cycle and are available for the payment of claims if necessary. In the event operating cash flow and proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed income securities are not sufficient to fund claim payments and other cash requirements, the remainder of the Company's cash and investments is available to pay claims and other obligations as they become due. The Company's investment portfolio is highly liquid, with approximately 77%76% invested in cash, cash equivalents and marketable fixed maturity securities as of March 31,June 30, 2018. If the sale of fixed maturity securities were to become necessary, a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the cost and sales price of securities sold would be recognized.
Debt. At March 31,June 30, 2018, the Company had senior notes, subordinated debentures and other debt outstanding with a carrying value of $2,680$2,699 million and a face amount of $2,718$2,737 million. The maturities of the outstanding debt are $452$453 million in 2019, $314$322 million in 2020, $427 million in 2022, $250 million in 2037, $350 million in 2044, $350 million in 2053, $400 million in 2056, and $175$185 million in 2058.
In MarchDuring 2018, the Company issued $175 million aggregate principal amount of 5.70% subordinated debentures due 2058.2058 in March 2018, and another $10 million principal amount of such debentures in April 2018. Additionally in 2018, the Company issued subsidiary debt of $13$22 million.
Equity. At March 31,June 30, 2018,, total common stockholders’ equity was $5.5$5.4 billion, common shares outstanding were 121,543,951121,716,402 and stockholders’ equity per outstanding share was $44.85.$44.58. The Company repurchased 101,000 common shares for $6.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018. During the three months ended March 31, 2018.June 30, 2018, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock. The number of common shares outstanding excludes shares held in a grantor trust established by the Company for delivery upon settlement of vested but mandatorily deferred RSUs.
Total Capital.Total capitalization (equity, debt and subordinated debentures) was $8.1 billion at March 31, 2018.June 30, 2018. The percentage of the Company’s capital attributable to senior notes, subordinated debentures and other debt was 33% at March 31,June 30, 2018 and 32% at December 31, 2017.


Item 3.3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
Reference is made to the information under “Investments - Market Risk” under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-Q.

Item 4.     Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and ProceduresProcedures.. The Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14 as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company has in place effective controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules thereunder, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial ReportingReporting.. During the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2018,, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.




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



Item 1A. Risk Factors


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


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

Set forth below is a summary of theThe Company repurchased 101,000 shares repurchased by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The Company did not repurchase any of its shares during the three months ended June 30, 2018, and accordingly the number of shares remaining authorized for purchase by the Company:
 Total number
of shares purchased
 Average price
paid per share
 Total number of shares purchased
as part of publicly announced plans or programs
 Maximum number of
shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
January 2018101,000
 $67.31
 101,000
 9,167,997
February 2018
 
 
 9,167,997
March 2018
 
 
 9,167,997
Company remains 9,167,997.

Item 6. Exhibits

Number
Form of 2018 Performance Unit Award Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
   
 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a).
   
 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a).
   
 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
  
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
 
Date:May 7,August 6, 2018/s/ W. Robert Berkley, Jr.
  W. Robert Berkley, Jr.
  President and Chief Executive Officer 
   
Date:May 7,August 6, 2018/s/ Richard M. Baio
  Richard M. Baio
  Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

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