SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED: March 31, 20152016 | | Commission file number: 1-14527 |
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | | 22-3263609 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
477 Martinsville Road
Post Office Box 830
Liberty Corner, New Jersey 07938-0830
(908) 604-3000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of registrant’sregistrant's principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large"large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”" "accelerated filer" and “smaller"smaller reporting company”company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | | | Accelerated filer | |
Non-accelerated filer | X | | Smaller reporting company | |
(Do not check if smaller reporting company) | | |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’sissuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
| | Number of Shares Outstanding |
Class | | At May 1, 20152016 |
Common Shares, $0.01 par value | | 1,000 |
The Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H (1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction H of Form 10-Q.
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
Table of Contents
Form 10-Q
Page
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
| | | | |
Item 1. | | Financial Statements | |
| | | | |
| | Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 20152016 (unaudited) and | |
| | | December 31, 20142015 | 1 |
| | | |
| | Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the | |
| | | three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015 (unaudited) | 2 |
| | | | |
| | Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’sStockholder's Equity for the three | |
| | | months ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015 (unaudited) | 3 |
| | | | |
| | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended | |
| | | March 31, 20152016 and 20142015 (unaudited) | 4 |
| | | | |
| | Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited) | 5 |
| | | | |
Item 2. | | Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and | |
| | | Results of Operation | 2627 |
| | | |
Item 3. | | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 3839 |
| | | | |
Item 4. | | Controls and Procedures | 3839 |
| | | | |
PART II
PART IIOTHER INFORMATION
OTHER INFORMATION
| | | | |
Item 1. | | Legal Proceedings | 3940 |
| | | | |
Item 1A. | | Risk Factors | 3940 |
| | | |
Item 2. | | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 3940 |
| | | |
Item 3. | | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 3940 |
| | | |
Item 4. | | Mine Safety Disclosures | 3940 |
| | | |
Item 5. | | Other Information | 3940 |
| | | |
Item 6. | | Exhibits | 4041 |
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| | March 31, | | | December 31, | | | March 31, | | | December 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | (unaudited) | | | | | | (unaudited) | | | | |
ASSETS: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value | | $ | 5,226,919 | | | $ | 5,293,411 | | | $ | 5,579,911 | | | $ | 5,356,477 | |
(amortized cost: 2015, $5,108,085; 2014, $5,235,523) | | | | | | | | | |
(amortized cost: 2016, $5,488,882; 2015, $5,335,472) | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value | | | 363 | | | | 1,509 | | | | 1,870 | | | | 2,102 | |
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2015, $15; 2014, $15) | | | 16 | | | | 16 | | |
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value | | | 1,350,070 | | | | 1,299,037 | | | | 1,194,972 | | | | 1,215,377 | |
Short-term investments | | | 559,947 | | | | 564,364 | | | | 329,190 | | | | 563,536 | |
Other invested assets (cost: 2015, $440,616; 2014, $435,010) | | | 440,616 | | | | 435,010 | | |
Other invested assets (cost: 2016, $595,114; 2015, $450,154) | | | | 595,114 | | | | 450,154 | |
Other invested assets, at fair value | | | 1,691,275 | | | | 1,655,311 | | | | 1,773,214 | | | | 1,773,214 | |
Cash | | | 267,487 | | | | 323,975 | | | | 148,439 | | | | 155,429 | |
Total investments and cash | | | 9,536,693 | | | | 9,572,633 | | | | 9,622,710 | | | | 9,516,289 | |
Note receivable - affiliated | | | 250,000 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 250,000 | |
Accrued investment income | | | 47,856 | | | | 45,386 | | | | 46,810 | | | | 41,727 | |
Premiums receivable | | | 1,161,029 | | | | 1,086,203 | | | | 1,092,277 | | | | 1,129,656 | |
Reinsurance receivables - unaffiliated | | | 690,641 | | | | 659,303 | | | | 848,919 | | | | 716,982 | |
Reinsurance receivables - affiliated | | | 3,386,137 | | | | 3,372,715 | | | | 3,675,168 | | | | 3,742,105 | |
Funds held by reinsureds | | | 192,108 | | | | 182,159 | | | | 172,271 | | | | 176,712 | |
Deferred acquisition costs | | | 94,703 | | | | 109,262 | | | | 80,270 | | | | 92,651 | |
Prepaid reinsurance premiums | | | 791,245 | | | | 809,083 | | | | 757,777 | | | | 772,686 | |
Other assets | | | 257,876 | | | | 235,576 | | | | 247,742 | | | | 261,805 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | | $ | 16,408,288 | | | $ | 16,322,320 | | | $ | 16,793,944 | | | $ | 16,700,613 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses | | $ | 7,805,030 | | | $ | 7,843,856 | | | $ | 7,992,273 | | | $ | 7,940,720 | |
Unearned premium reserve | | | 1,408,321 | | | | 1,442,122 | | | | 1,318,229 | | | | 1,349,799 | |
Funds held under reinsurance treaties | | | 107,444 | | | | 101,743 | | | | 100,755 | | | | 101,531 | |
Losses in the course of payment | | | 237,919 | | | | 178,521 | | | | 143,296 | | | | 125,592 | |
Commission reserves | | | 66,461 | | | | 63,110 | | | | 45,880 | | | | 51,873 | |
Other net payable to reinsurers | | | 972,196 | | | | 1,028,549 | | | | 1,120,917 | | | | 1,225,260 | |
4.868% Senior notes due 6/1/2044 | | | 400,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 400,000 | |
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067 | | | 238,365 | | | | 238,364 | | | | 238,369 | | | | 238,368 | |
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings | | | 12,341 | | | | 3,537 | | | | 12,341 | | | | 3,537 | |
Income taxes | | | 81,928 | | | | 46,835 | | | | 107,488 | | | | 68,024 | |
Unsettled securities payable | | | 27,206 | | | | 41,092 | | | | 29,525 | | | | 15,040 | |
Other liabilities | | | 350,540 | | | | 361,874 | | | | 248,154 | | | | 249,658 | |
Total liabilities | | | 11,707,751 | | | | 11,749,603 | | | | 11,757,227 | | | | 11,769,402 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6) | | | | | | | | | |
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5) | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock, par value: $0.01; 3,000 shares authorized; | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2015 and 2014) | | | - | | | | - | | |
1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2016 and 2015) | | | | - | | | | - | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 366,258 | | | | 362,293 | | | | 379,582 | | | | 374,789 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(benefit) of $6,693 at 2015 and $2,434 at 2014 | | | 12,430 | | | | 4,519 | | |
(benefit) of $(182) at 2016 and ($33,458) at 2015 | | | | (349 | ) | | | (62,136 | ) |
Retained earnings | | | 4,321,849 | | | | 4,205,905 | | | | 4,657,484 | | | | 4,618,558 | |
Total stockholder's equity | | | 4,700,537 | | | | 4,572,717 | | | | 5,036,717 | | | | 4,931,211 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY | | $ | 16,408,288 | | | $ | 16,322,320 | | | $ | 16,793,944 | | | $ | 16,700,613 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
| | Three Months Ended | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | (unaudited) | | (unaudited) | |
REVENUES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 521,062 | | | $ | 470,445 | | | $ | 481,925 | | | $ | 521,062 | |
Net investment income | | | 72,581 | | | | 63,787 | | | | 58,445 | | | | 72,581 | |
Net realized capital gains (losses): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities | | | (24,121 | ) | | | - | | | | (23,015 | ) | | | (24,121 | ) |
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Other net realized capital gains (losses) | | | 45,417 | | | | (4,050 | ) | | | (43,362 | ) | | | 45,417 | |
Total net realized capital gains (losses) | | | 21,296 | | | | (4,050 | ) | | | (66,377 | ) | | | 21,296 | |
Other income (expense) | | | 15,833 | | | | (3,055 | ) | | | 13,102 | | | | 15,833 | |
Total revenues | | | 630,772 | | | | 527,127 | | | | 487,095 | | | | 630,772 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | 308,880 | | | | 278,046 | | | | 296,062 | | | | 308,880 | |
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees | | | 96,531 | | | | 76,094 | | | | 68,822 | | | | 96,531 | |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 48,543 | | | | 39,251 | | | | 59,227 | | | | 48,543 | |
Corporate expenses | | | 1,609 | | | | 1,302 | | | | 2,336 | | | | 1,609 | |
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense | | | 8,859 | | | | 7,436 | | | | 8,859 | | | | 8,859 | |
Total claims and expenses | | | 464,422 | | | | 402,129 | | | | 435,306 | | | | 464,422 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES | | | 166,350 | | | | 124,998 | | | | 51,789 | | | | 166,350 | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | | 50,406 | | | | 38,532 | | | | 12,863 | | | | 50,406 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME (LOSS) | | $ | 115,944 | | | $ | 86,466 | | | $ | 38,926 | | | $ | 115,944 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax : | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period | | | 15,950 | | | | 20,797 | | | | 19,600 | | | | 15,950 | |
Less: reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss) | | | 23,665 | | | | 1,298 | | | | 25,915 | | | | 23,665 | |
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period | | | 39,615 | | | | 22,095 | | | | 45,515 | | | | 39,615 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | | (33,308 | ) | | | (7,836 | ) | | | 14,932 | | | | (33,308 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) for the period | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss) | | | 1,604 | | | | 771 | | | | 1,340 | | | | 1,604 | |
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period | | | 1,604 | | | | 771 | | | | 1,340 | | | | 1,604 | |
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | | | 7,911 | | | | 15,030 | | | | 61,787 | | | | 7,911 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | | $ | 123,855 | | | $ | 101,496 | | | $ | 100,713 | | | $ | 123,855 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER’SSTOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
| | Three Months Ended | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts) | | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | (unaudited) | | (unaudited) | |
COMMON STOCK (shares outstanding): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | | 1,000 | | | | 1,000 | | | | 1,000 | | | | 1,000 | |
Balance, end of period | | | 1,000 | | | | 1,000 | | | | 1,000 | | | | 1,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | $ | 362,293 | | | $ | 351,051 | | | $ | 374,789 | | | $ | 362,293 | |
Share-based compensation plans | | | 3,965 | | | | 3,394 | | | | 4,793 | | | | 3,965 | |
Balance, end of period | | | 366,258 | | | | 354,445 | | | | 379,582 | | | | 366,258 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | | 4,519 | | | | 87,648 | | | | (62,136 | ) | | | 4,519 | |
Net increase (decrease) during the period | | | 7,911 | | | | 15,030 | | | | 61,787 | | | | 7,911 | |
Balance, end of period | | | 12,430 | | | | 102,678 | | | | (349 | ) | | | 12,430 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
RETAINED EARNINGS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | | 4,205,905 | | | | 3,751,779 | | | | 4,618,558 | | | | 4,205,905 | |
Net income (loss) | | | 115,944 | | | | 86,466 | | | | 38,926 | | | | 115,944 | |
Balance, end of period | | | 4,321,849 | | | | 3,838,245 | | | | 4,657,484 | | | | 4,321,849 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD | | $ | 4,700,537 | | | $ | 4,295,368 | | | $ | 5,036,717 | | | $ | 4,700,537 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| | Three Months Ended | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | (unaudited) | | (unaudited) | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 115,944 | | | $ | 86,466 | | | $ | 38,926 | | | $ | 115,944 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable | | | (78,969 | ) | | | 12,611 | | | | 38,549 | | | | (78,969 | ) |
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net | | | (4,707 | ) | | | 2,877 | | | | 3,817 | | | | (4,707 | ) |
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables | | | (68,311 | ) | | | (279,364 | ) | | | (56,106 | ) | | | (68,311 | ) |
Decrease (increase) in income taxes | | | 31,408 | | | | 24,447 | | | | 6,546 | | | | 31,408 | |
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums | | | 15,016 | | | | (47,040 | ) | | | 15,994 | | | | 15,016 | |
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | 20,927 | | | | (58,410 | ) | | | 29,962 | | | | 20,927 | |
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums | | | (28,224 | ) | | | 76,126 | | | | (33,573 | ) | | | (28,224 | ) |
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers | | | (52,400 | ) | | | 130,527 | | | | (106,588 | ) | | | (52,400 | ) |
Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment | | | 60,419 | | | | 101,869 | | | | 17,456 | | | | 60,419 | |
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships | | | (7,173 | ) | | | 3,143 | | | | 2,514 | | | | (7,173 | ) |
Distribution of limited partnership income | | | 7,369 | | | | 5,824 | | | | 9,859 | | | | 7,369 | |
Change in other assets and liabilities, net | | | 35,494 | | | | (16,618 | ) | | | 24,496 | | | | 35,494 | |
Non-cash compensation expense | | | 1,946 | | | | 1,729 | | | | 3,117 | | | | 1,946 | |
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount) | | | 4,955 | | | | 6,004 | | | | 4,541 | | | | 4,955 | |
Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes | | | 1 | | | | 14 | | | | 1 | | | | 1 | |
Net realized capital (gains) losses | | | (21,296 | ) | | | 4,050 | | | | 66,377 | | | | (21,296 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | 32,399 | | | | 54,255 | | | | 65,888 | | | | 32,399 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value | | | 188,815 | | | | 207,534 | | | | 154,378 | | | | 188,815 | |
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at fair value | | | - | | | | 875 | | |
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value | | | 112,846 | | | | 149,578 | | | | 188,046 | | | | 112,846 | |
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value | | | 1,236 | | | | 20,763 | | | | - | | | | 1,236 | |
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value | | | 133,960 | | | | 176,116 | | | | 86,149 | | | | 133,960 | |
Distributions from other invested assets | | | 10,797 | | | | 9,828 | | | | 255,889 | | | | 10,797 | |
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value | | | (293,848 | ) | | | (689,205 | ) | | | (506,085 | ) | | | (293,848 | ) |
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value | | | - | | | | (1,309 | ) | |
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value | | | (164,112 | ) | | | (77,427 | ) | | | (92,019 | ) | | | (164,112 | ) |
Cost of other invested assets acquired | | | (16,600 | ) | | | (4,961 | ) | | | (413,223 | ) | | | (16,600 | ) |
Net change in short-term investments | | | (860 | ) | | | 113,571 | | | | 235,895 | | | | (860 | ) |
Net change in unsettled securities transactions | | | (31,296 | ) | | | (8,812 | ) | | | 5,870 | | | | (31,296 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | | | (59,062 | ) | | | (103,449 | ) | | | (85,100 | ) | | | (59,062 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tax benefit from share-based compensation | | | 2,020 | | | | 1,665 | | | | 1,676 | | | | 2,020 | |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | 2,020 | | | | 1,665 | | | | 1,676 | | | | 2,020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH | | | (31,845 | ) | | | 3,987 | | | | 10,546 | | | | (31,845 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash | | | (56,488 | ) | | | (43,542 | ) | | | (6,990 | ) | | | (56,488 | ) |
Cash, beginning of period | | | 323,975 | | | | 316,807 | | | | 155,429 | | | | 323,975 | |
Cash, end of period | | $ | 267,487 | | | $ | 273,265 | | | $ | 148,439 | | | $ | 267,487 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income taxes paid (recovered) | | $ | 18,077 | | | $ | 12,474 | | | $ | 4,558 | | | $ | 18,077 | |
Interest paid | | | - | | | | 42 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015
1.GENERAL
As used in this document, “Holdings”"Holdings" means Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., a Delaware company and direct subsidiary of Everest Underwriting Group (Ireland) Limited (“("Holdings Ireland”Ireland"); “Group”"Group" means Everest Re Group, Ltd. (Holdings Ireland’sIreland's parent); “Bermuda Re”"Bermuda Re" means Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd., a subsidiary of Group; “Everest Re”"Everest Re" means Everest Reinsurance Company and its subsidiaries, a subsidiary of Holdings (unless the context otherwise requires); “Mt. Logan Re” means Mt. Logan Re Ltd., a subsidiary of Group; and the “Company”"Company" means Holdings and its subsidiaries.
Effective July 13, 2015, the Company sold all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of a wholly-owned subsidiary entity, Mt. McKinley Insurance Company ("Mt. McKinley"), to Clearwater Insurance Company. The operating results of Mt. McKinley for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are included within the Company's financial statements.
2.BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015 include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results on an interim basis. Certain financial information, which is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”("GAAP"), has been omitted since it is not required for interim reporting purposes. The December 31, 20142015 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The results for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 20142015 are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 2013 and 20122013 included in the Company’sCompany's most recent Form 10-K filing.
All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Certain reclassifications and format changes have been made to prior years' amounts to conform to the 2016 presentation.
Application of Recently Issued Accounting Standard ChangesChanges.
No accounting standards orDisclosures about Short-Duration Contracts. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, authoritative guidance regarding required disclosures associated with short duration insurance contracts. The new disclosure requirements focus on information about initial claim estimates and subsequent claim estimate adjustment, methodologies in estimating claims and the timing, frequency and severity of claims related to short duration insurance contracts. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Therefore, the initial presentation of this guidance in the Company's financial statements and footnotes will be for its 10-K filing as of December 31, 2016. The Company does not anticipate that it will have beena significant impact on its financial statements.
Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, The FASB issued recentlyASU 2015–03, authoritative guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs. This guidance requires that woulddebt issuance costs be presented within the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying value of the debt liability, rather than as a separate asset. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and related interim reporting periods. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’sits financial statements or financial reporting process.
Consolidation. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, authoritative guidance regarding consolidation of reporting entities. The new guidance focuses on the required evaluation of whether certain legal entities should be consolidated. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company has determined that the guidance will not have a significant impact on its financial statements.
3. INVESTMENTS
The amortized cost, market value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of available for sale, fixed maturity, equity security investments, carried at market value and other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”("OTTI") in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”("AOCI") are as follows for the periods indicated:
| | At March 31, 2015 | | At March 31, 2016 | |
| | Amortized | | | Unrealized | | | Unrealized | | | Market | | | OTTI in AOCI | | | Amortized | | | Unrealized | | | Unrealized | | | Market | | | OTTI in AOCI | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Cost | | | Appreciation | | | Depreciation | | | Value | | | (a) | | | Cost | | | Appreciation | | | Depreciation | | | Value | | | (a) | |
Fixed maturity securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government agencies and corporations | | $ | 174,065 | | | $ | 3,541 | | | $ | (83 | ) | | $ | 177,523 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 363,705 | | | $ | 6,407 | | | $ | (66 | ) | | $ | 370,046 | | | $ | - | |
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions | | | 750,672 | | | | 39,084 | | | | (914 | ) | | | 788,842 | | | | - | | | | 664,481 | | | | 38,438 | | | | (843 | ) | | | 702,076 | | | | - | |
Corporate securities | | | 1,941,982 | | | | 53,670 | | | | (24,416 | ) | | | 1,971,236 | | | | - | | | | 2,003,827 | | | | 38,795 | | | | (39,602 | ) | | | 2,003,020 | | | | 128 | |
Asset-backed securities | | | 115,357 | | | | 826 | | | | (96 | ) | | | 116,087 | | | | - | | | | 167,757 | | | | 765 | | | | (287 | ) | | | 168,235 | | | | - | |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 55,527 | | | | 2,752 | | | | - | | | | 58,279 | | | | - | | | | 62,415 | | | | 1,201 | | | | (188 | ) | | | 63,428 | | | | - | |
Agency residential | | | 568,152 | | | | 8,658 | | | | (1,449 | ) | | | 575,361 | | | | - | | | | 777,460 | | | | 9,178 | | | | (1,925 | ) | | | 784,713 | | | | - | |
Non-agency residential | | | 240 | | | | 37 | | | | - | | | | 277 | | | | - | | | | 113 | | | | 19 | | | | - | | | | 132 | | | | - | |
Foreign government securities | | | 459,079 | | | | 30,882 | | | | (7,684 | ) | | | 482,277 | | | | - | | | | 472,081 | | | | 27,162 | | | | (7,782 | ) | | | 491,461 | | | | - | |
Foreign corporate securities | | | 1,043,011 | | | | 41,601 | | | | (27,575 | ) | | | 1,057,037 | | | | - | | | | 977,043 | | | | 29,693 | | | | (9,936 | ) | | | 996,800 | | | | - | |
Total fixed maturity securities | | $ | 5,108,085 | | | $ | 181,051 | | | $ | (62,217 | ) | | $ | 5,226,919 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 5,488,882 | | | $ | 151,658 | | | $ | (60,629 | ) | | $ | 5,579,911 | | | $ | 128 | |
Equity securities | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | - | | |
| | At December 31, 2015 | |
| | Amortized | | | Unrealized | | | Unrealized | | | Market | | | OTTI in AOCI | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Cost | | | Appreciation | | | Depreciation | | | Value | | | (a) | |
Fixed maturity securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government agencies and corporations | | $ | 329,281 | | | $ | 2,422 | | | $ | (718 | ) | | $ | 330,985 | | | $ | - | |
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions | | | 669,945 | | | | 34,020 | | | | (890 | ) | | | 703,075 | | | | - | |
Corporate securities | | | 2,011,997 | | | | 27,286 | | | | (70,725 | ) | | | 1,968,558 | | | | (86 | ) |
Asset-backed securities | | | 145,755 | | | | 290 | | | | (1,063 | ) | | | 144,982 | | | | - | |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 61,527 | | | | 1,430 | | | | (511 | ) | | | 62,446 | | | | - | |
Agency residential | | | 714,907 | | | | 3,994 | | | | (6,603 | ) | | | 712,298 | | | | - | |
Non-agency residential | | | 126 | | | | 24 | | | | - | | | | 150 | | | | - | |
Foreign government securities | | | 447,244 | | | | 24,255 | | | | (8,425 | ) | | | 463,074 | | | | - | |
Foreign corporate securities | | | 954,690 | | | | 27,616 | | | | (11,397 | ) | | | 970,909 | | | | 17 | |
Total fixed maturity securities | | $ | 5,335,472 | | | $ | 121,337 | | | $ | (100,332 | ) | | $ | 5,356,477 | | | $ | (69 | ) |
| | At December 31, 2014 |
| | Amortized | | | Unrealized | | | Unrealized | | | Market | | | OTTI in AOCI | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Cost | | | Appreciation | | | Depreciation | | | Value | | | (a) | |
Fixed maturity securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government agencies and corporations | | $ | 135,724 | | | $ | 1,416 | | | $ | (304 | ) | | $ | 136,836 | | | $ | - | |
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions | | | 783,129 | | | | 41,969 | | | | (626 | ) | | | 824,472 | | | | - | |
Corporate securities | | | 1,992,200 | | | | 39,954 | | | | (53,219 | ) | | | 1,978,935 | | | | (9,735 | ) |
Asset-backed securities | | | 94,470 | | | | 727 | | | | (374 | ) | | | 94,823 | | | | - | |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 57,027 | | | | 2,292 | | | | (51 | ) | | | 59,268 | | | | - | |
Agency residential | | | 596,140 | | | | 6,697 | | | | (4,720 | ) | | | 598,117 | | | | - | |
Non-agency residential | | | 271 | | | | 44 | | | | - | | | | 315 | | | | - | |
Foreign government securities | | | 515,016 | | | | 27,415 | | | | (5,344 | ) | | | 537,087 | | | | - | |
Foreign corporate securities | | | 1,061,546 | | | | 27,832 | | | | (25,820 | ) | | | 1,063,558 | | | | - | |
Total fixed maturity securities | | $ | 5,235,523 | | | $ | 148,346 | | | $ | (90,458 | ) | | $ | 5,293,411 | | | $ | (9,735 | ) |
Equity securities | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | - | |
(a)(a)Represents the amount of OTTI recognized in AOCI. Amount includes unrealized gains and losses on impaired securities relating to changes in the value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date. |
The amortized cost and market value of fixed maturity securities are shown in the following tabletables by contractual maturity. Mortgage-backed securities are generally more likely to be prepaid than other fixed maturity securities. As the stated maturity of such securities may not be indicative of actual maturities, the totals for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are shown separately.
| | At March 31, 2015 | | | At December 31, 2014 | | | At March 31, 2016 | | | At December 31, 2015 | |
| | Amortized | | | Market | | | Amortized | | | Market | | | Amortized | | | Market | | | Amortized | | | Market | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Cost | | | Value | | | Cost | | | Value | | | Cost | | | Value | | | Cost | | | Value | |
Fixed maturity securities – available for sale | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Due in one year or less | | $ | 353,025 | | | $ | 352,544 | | | $ | 385,721 | | | $ | 384,022 | | | $ | 371,332 | | | $ | 370,026 | | | $ | 330,029 | | | $ | 330,509 | |
Due after one year through five years | | | 2,447,447 | | | | 2,468,119 | | | | 2,387,533 | | | | 2,369,917 | | | | 2,702,980 | | | | 2,739,917 | | | | 2,617,079 | | | | 2,618,056 | |
Due after five years through ten years | | | 921,195 | | | | 943,216 | | | | 1,025,221 | | | | 1,029,077 | | | | 779,848 | | | | 783,570 | | | | 870,266 | | | | 856,230 | |
Due after ten years | | | 647,142 | | | | 713,036 | | | | 689,140 | | | | 757,872 | | | | 626,977 | | | | 669,890 | | | | 595,783 | | | | 631,806 | |
Asset-backed securities | | | 115,357 | | | | 116,087 | | | | 94,470 | | | | 94,823 | | | | 167,757 | | | | 168,235 | | | | 145,755 | | | | 144,982 | |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 55,527 | | | | 58,279 | | | | 57,027 | | | | 59,268 | | | | 62,415 | | | | 63,428 | | | | 61,527 | | | | 62,446 | |
Agency residential | | | 568,152 | | | | 575,361 | | | | 596,140 | | | | 598,117 | | | | 777,460 | | | | 784,713 | | | | 714,907 | | | | 712,298 | |
Non-agency residential | | | 240 | | | | 277 | | | | 271 | | | | 315 | | | | 113 | | | | 132 | | | | 126 | | | | 150 | |
Total fixed maturity securities | | $ | 5,108,085 | | | $ | 5,226,919 | | | $ | 5,235,523 | | | $ | 5,293,411 | | | $ | 5,488,882 | | | $ | 5,579,911 | | | $ | 5,335,472 | | | $ | 5,356,477 | |
The changes in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the Company’sCompany's investments are derived from the following sources for the periods as indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Eded | |
| | March 31, | | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost | | | | | | | | | | | | |
of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturity securities | | $ | 51,211 | | | $ | 33,993 | | | $ | 69,826 | | | $ | 51,211 | |
Fixed maturity securities, other-than-temporary impairment | | | 9,735 | | | | - | | | | 197 | | | | 9,735 | |
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax | | | 60,946 | | | | 33,993 | | | | 70,023 | | | | 60,946 | |
Deferred tax benefit (expense) | | | (17,924 | ) | | | (11,898 | ) | | | (24,439 | ) | | | (17,924 | ) |
Deferred tax benefit (expense), other-than-temporary impairment | | | (3,407 | ) | | | - | | | | (69 | ) | | | (3,407 | ) |
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
net of deferred taxes, included in stockholder's equity | | $ | 39,615 | | | $ | 22,095 | | | $ | 45,515 | | | $ | 39,615 | |
The Company frequently reviews all of its fixed maturity, available for sale securities for declines in market value and focuses its attention on securities whose fair value has fallen below 80% of their amortized cost at the time of review. The Company then assesses whether the decline in value is temporary or other-than-temporary. In making its assessment, the Company evaluates the current market and interest rate environment as well as specific issuer information. Generally, a change in a security’ssecurity's value caused by a change in the market, interest rate or foreign exchange environment does not constitute an other-than-temporary impairment, but rather a temporary decline in market value. Temporary declines in market value are recorded as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If the Company determines that the decline is other-than-temporary and the Company does not have the intent to sell the security; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value. The fair value adjustment that is credit or foreign exchange related is recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the Company’sCompany's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The fair value adjustment that is non-credit related is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Company’sCompany's consolidated balance sheets. The Company’sCompany's assessments are based on the issuers current and expected future financial position, timeliness with respect to interest and/or principal payments, speed of repayments and any applicable credit enhancements or breakeven constant default rates on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, as well as relevant information provided by rating agencies, investment advisors and analysts.
The majority of the Company’s equity securities available for sale at market value are primarily comprised of mutual fund investments whose underlying securities consist of fixed maturity securities. When a fund’s value reflects an unrealized loss, the Company assesses whether the decline in value is temporary or other-than-temporary. In making its assessment, the Company considers the composition of its portfolios and their related markets, reports received from the portfolio managers and discussions with portfolio managers. If the Company determines that the declines are temporary and it has the ability and intent to continue to hold the investments, then the declines are recorded as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If declines are deemed to be other-than-temporary, then the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value and recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Retrospective adjustments are employed to recalculate the values of asset-backed securities. All of the Company’sCompany's asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities have a pass-through structure. Each acquisition lot is reviewed to recalculate the effective yield. The recalculated effective yield is used to derive a book value as if the new yield were applied at the time of acquisition. Outstanding principal factors from the time of acquisition to the adjustment date are used to calculate the prepayment history for all applicable securities. Conditional prepayment rates, computed with life to date factor histories and weighted average maturities, are used in the calculation of projected prepayments for pass-through security types.
The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, in each case subdivided according to length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated:
| | Duration of Unrealized Loss at March 31, 2015 By Security Type | | | Duration of Unrealized Loss at March 31, 2016 By Security Type | |
| | Less than 12 months | | | Greater than 12 months | | | Total | | | Less than 12 months | | | Greater than 12 months | | | Total | |
| | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | |
| | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | |
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government agencies and corporations | | $ | 200 | | | $ | (1 | ) | | $ | 2,043 | | | $ | (82 | ) | | $ | 2,243 | | | $ | (83 | ) | | $ | 54,980 | | | $ | (66 | ) | | $ | 698 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 55,678 | | | $ | (66 | ) |
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions | | | 26,973 | | | | (579 | ) | | | 18,171 | | | | (335 | ) | | | 45,144 | | | | (914 | ) | | | 4,469 | | | | (16 | ) | | | 7,014 | | | | (827 | ) | | | 11,483 | | | | (843 | ) |
Corporate securities | | | 362,527 | | | | (22,140 | ) | | | 153,423 | | | | (2,276 | ) | | | 515,950 | | | | (24,416 | ) | | | 471,961 | | | | (20,832 | ) | | | 242,718 | | | | (18,770 | ) | | | 714,679 | | | | (39,602 | ) |
Asset-backed securities | | | 43,245 | | | | (96 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 43,245 | | | | (96 | ) | | | 20,482 | | | | (77 | ) | | | 31,533 | | | | (210 | ) | | | 52,015 | | | | (287 | ) |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 17,323 | | | | (188 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 17,323 | | | | (188 | ) |
Agency residential | | | 10,595 | | | | (33 | ) | | | 192,684 | | | | (1,416 | ) | | | 203,279 | | | | (1,449 | ) | | | 100,416 | | | | (901 | ) | | | 114,503 | | | | (1,024 | ) | | | 214,919 | | | | (1,925 | ) |
Non-agency residential | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Foreign government securities | | | 60,663 | | | | (3,273 | ) | | | 46,741 | | | | (4,411 | ) | | | 107,404 | | | | (7,684 | ) | | | 22,510 | | | | (638 | ) | | | 57,790 | | | | (7,144 | ) | | | 80,300 | | | | (7,782 | ) |
Foreign corporate securities | | | 133,917 | | | | (25,626 | ) | | | 47,221 | | | | (1,949 | ) | | | 181,138 | | | | (27,575 | ) | | | 202,263 | | | | (4,129 | ) | | | 66,205 | | | | (5,807 | ) | | | 268,468 | | | | (9,936 | ) |
Total fixed maturity securities | | $ | 638,120 | | | $ | (51,748 | ) | | $ | 460,283 | | | $ | (10,469 | ) | | $ | 1,098,403 | | | $ | (62,217 | ) | | $ | 894,404 | | | $ | (26,847 | ) | | $ | 520,461 | | | $ | (33,782 | ) | | $ | 1,414,865 | | | $ | (60,629 | ) |
Equity securities | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | |
Total | | $ | 638,120 | | | $ | (51,748 | ) | | $ | 460,283 | | | $ | (10,469 | ) | | $ | 1,098,403 | | | $ | (62,217 | ) | |
| | Duration of Unrealized Loss at March 31, 2016 By Maturity | |
| | Less than 12 months | | | Greater than 12 months | | | Total | |
| | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | |
| | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | |
Fixed maturity securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Due in one year or less | | $ | 39,889 | | | $ | (183 | ) | | $ | 32,078 | | | $ | (3,841 | ) | | $ | 71,967 | | | $ | (4,024 | ) |
Due in one year through five years | | | 422,494 | | | | (9,573 | ) | | | 276,367 | | | | (17,598 | ) | | | 698,861 | | | | (27,171 | ) |
Due in five years through ten years | | | 265,716 | | | | (14,274 | ) | | | 60,641 | | | | (10,681 | ) | | | 326,357 | | | | (24,955 | ) |
Due after ten years | | | 28,084 | | | | (1,651 | ) | | | 5,339 | | | | (428 | ) | | | 33,423 | | | | (2,079 | ) |
Asset-backed securities | | | 20,482 | | | | (77 | ) | | | 31,533 | | | | (210 | ) | | | 52,015 | | | | (287 | ) |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | 117,739 | | | | (1,089 | ) | | | 114,503 | | | | (1,024 | ) | | | 232,242 | | | | (2,113 | ) |
Total fixed maturity securities | | $ | 894,404 | | | $ | (26,847 | ) | | $ | 520,461 | | | $ | (33,782 | ) | | $ | 1,414,865 | | | $ | (60,629 | ) |
| | Duration of Unrealized Loss at March 31, 2015 By Maturity | |
| | Less than 12 months | | | Greater than 12 months | | | Total | |
| | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | |
| | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | |
Fixed maturity securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Due in one year or less | | $ | 19,187 | | | $ | (1,716 | ) | | $ | 24,224 | | | $ | (2,820 | ) | | $ | 43,411 | | | $ | (4,536 | ) |
Due in one year through five years | | | 307,725 | | | | (40,128 | ) | | | 165,952 | | | | (4,376 | ) | | | 473,677 | | | | (44,504 | ) |
Due in five years through ten years | | | 222,882 | | | | (9,192 | ) | | | 56,606 | | | | (1,070 | ) | | | 279,488 | | | | (10,262 | ) |
Due after ten years | | | 34,486 | | | | (583 | ) | | | 20,817 | | | | (787 | ) | | | 55,303 | | | | (1,370 | ) |
Asset-backed securities | | | 43,245 | | | | (96 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 43,245 | | | | (96 | ) |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | 10,595 | | | | (33 | ) | | | 192,684 | | | | (1,416 | ) | | | 203,279 | | | | (1,449 | ) |
Total fixed maturity securities | | $ | 638,120 | | | $ | (51,748 | ) | | $ | 460,283 | | | $ | (10,469 | ) | | $ | 1,098,403 | | | $ | (62,217 | ) |
The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 20152016 were $1,098,403$1,414,865 thousand and $62,217$60,629 thousand, respectively. The market value of securities for the single issuer whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at March 31, 2015,2016, did not exceed 0.5%0.2% of the overall market value of the Company’sCompany's fixed maturity securities. In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector. The $51,748$26,847 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were primarily comprised of foreign and domestic corporate securities and foreign governmentcorporate securities. The majority of these unrealized losses are attributable to unrealized losses in the energy sector, $36,644$13,158 thousand, as falling oil prices disrupted the market values for this sector, particularly for oil exploration, production and servicing companies and unrealized foreign exchange losses, $13,713$5,798 thousand, as the U.S. dollar has strengthened against other currencies. The $10,469$33,782 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to foreign government securities, domestic and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and agency
residential mortgage-backed securities. OfThe majority of these unrealized losses $9,180are attributable to unrealized foreign exchange losses, $17,964 thousand, were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.as the U.S. dollar has strengthened against other currencies and unrealized losses in the energy sector, $5,572 thousand, as falling oil prices disrupted the market values for this sector, particularly for oil exploration, production and servicing companies. The Company did not have any sub-prime or alt-A loans with gross unrealized depreciation at March 31, 2015.2016. In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations. The mortgage-backed securities still have excess credit coverage and are current on interest and principal payments.
The Company, given the size of its investment portfolio and capital position, does not have the intent to sell these securities; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. In addition, all securities currently in an unrealized loss position are current with respect to principal and interest payments.
The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, in each case subdivided according to length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated:
| | Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2014 By Security Type | | | Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2015 By Security Type | |
| | Less than 12 months | | | Greater than 12 months | | | Total | | | Less than 12 months | | | Greater than 12 months | | | Total | |
| | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | |
| | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | |
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government agencies and corporations | | $ | 13,187 | | | $ | (20 | ) | | $ | 26,897 | | | $ | (284 | ) | | $ | 40,084 | | | $ | (304 | ) | | $ | 216,352 | | | $ | (712 | ) | | $ | 692 | | | $ | (6 | ) | | $ | 217,044 | | | $ | (718 | ) |
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions | | | 20,428 | | | | (242 | ) | | | 18,199 | | | | (384 | ) | | | 38,627 | | | | (626 | ) | | | 6,434 | | | | (84 | ) | | | 4,917 | | | | (806 | ) | | | 11,351 | | | | (890 | ) |
Corporate securities | | | 830,928 | | | | (48,891 | ) | | | 171,207 | | | | (4,328 | ) | | | 1,002,135 | | | | (53,219 | ) | | | 866,715 | | | | (49,034 | ) | | | 307,215 | | | | (21,691 | ) | | | 1,173,930 | | | | (70,725 | ) |
Asset-backed securities | | | 62,451 | | | | (374 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 62,451 | | | | (374 | ) | | | 102,506 | | | | (791 | ) | | | 28,048 | | | | (272 | ) | | | 130,554 | | | | (1,063 | ) |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 11,742 | | | | (51 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 11,742 | | | | (51 | ) | | | 26,483 | | | | (511 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 26,483 | | | | (511 | ) |
Agency residential | | | 24,230 | | | | (59 | ) | | | 267,824 | | | | (4,661 | ) | | | 292,054 | | | | (4,720 | ) | | | 320,285 | | | | (3,094 | ) | | | 150,095 | | | | (3,509 | ) | | | 470,380 | | | | (6,603 | ) |
Non-agency residential | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Foreign government securities | | | 45,521 | | | | (913 | ) | | | 53,086 | | | | (4,431 | ) | | | 98,607 | | | | (5,344 | ) | | | 61,498 | | | | (2,182 | ) | | | 77,911 | | | | (6,243 | ) | | | 139,409 | | | | (8,425 | ) |
Foreign corporate securities | | | 228,733 | | | | (21,704 | ) | | | 117,713 | | | | (4,116 | ) | | | 346,446 | | | | (25,820 | ) | | | 324,904 | | | | (6,289 | ) | | | 76,951 | | | | (5,108 | ) | | | 401,855 | | | | (11,397 | ) |
Total fixed maturity securities | | $ | 1,237,220 | | | $ | (72,254 | ) | | $ | 654,926 | | | $ | (18,204 | ) | | $ | 1,892,146 | | | $ | (90,458 | ) | | $ | 1,925,177 | | | $ | (62,697 | ) | | $ | 645,829 | | | $ | (37,635 | ) | | $ | 2,571,006 | | | $ | (100,332 | ) |
Equity securities | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | |
Total | | $ | 1,237,220 | | | $ | (72,254 | ) | | $ | 654,926 | | | $ | (18,204 | ) | | $ | 1,892,146 | | | $ | (90,458 | ) | |
| | Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2014 By Maturity | | | Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2015 By Maturity | |
| | Less than 12 months | | | Greater than 12 months | | | Total | | | Less than 12 months | | | Greater than 12 months | | | Total | |
| | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | | | | | | Gross | |
| | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | | | | | | Unrealized | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | | | Market Value | | | Depreciation | |
Fixed maturity securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Due in one year or less | | $ | 12,858 | | | $ | (550 | ) | | $ | 53,528 | | | $ | (4,224 | ) | | $ | 66,386 | | | $ | (4,774 | ) | | $ | 21,780 | | | $ | (1,577 | ) | | $ | 12,212 | | | $ | (1,171 | ) | | $ | 33,992 | | | $ | (2,748 | ) |
Due in one year through five years | | | 622,137 | | | | (51,262 | ) | | | 243,192 | | | | (6,306 | ) | | | 865,329 | | | | (57,568 | ) | | | 1,023,437 | | | | (23,255 | ) | | | 347,203 | | | | (21,582 | ) | | | 1,370,640 | | | | (44,837 | ) |
Due in five years through ten years | | | 467,187 | | | | (18,958 | ) | | | 66,630 | | | | (2,018 | ) | | | 533,817 | | | | (20,976 | ) | | | 394,978 | | | | (31,423 | ) | | | 99,335 | | | | (10,131 | ) | | | 494,313 | | | | (41,554 | ) |
Due after ten years | | | 36,615 | | | | (1,000 | ) | | | 23,752 | | | | (995 | ) | | | 60,367 | | | | (1,995 | ) | | | 35,708 | | | | (2,046 | ) | | | 8,936 | | | | (970 | ) | | | 44,644 | | | | (3,016 | ) |
Asset-backed securities | | | 62,451 | | | | (374 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 62,451 | | | | (374 | ) | | | 102,506 | | | | (791 | ) | | | 28,048 | | | | (272 | ) | | | 130,554 | | | | (1,063 | ) |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | 35,972 | | | | (110 | ) | | | 267,824 | | | | (4,661 | ) | | | 303,796 | | | | (4,771 | ) | | | 346,768 | | | | (3,605 | ) | | | 150,095 | | | | (3,509 | ) | | | 496,863 | | | | (7,114 | ) |
Total fixed maturity securities | | $ | 1,237,220 | | | $ | (72,254 | ) | | $ | 654,926 | | | $ | (18,204 | ) | | $ | 1,892,146 | | | $ | (90,458 | ) | | $ | 1,925,177 | | | $ | (62,697 | ) | | $ | 645,829 | | | $ | (37,635 | ) | | $ | 2,571,006 | | | $ | (100,332 | ) |
The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 20142015 were $1,892,146$2,571,006 thousand and $90,458$100,332 thousand, respectively. The market value of securities for the single issuer whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014,2015, did not exceed 0.3%0.07% of the overall market value of the Company’sCompany's fixed maturity securities. In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector. The $72,254$62,697 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed
maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were primarily comprised of domestic and foreign corporate securities, agency residential mortgage-backed securities and foreign government securities. The majority of these unrealized losses are attributable to unrealized losses in the energy sector, $53,772$35,978 thousand, as falling oil prices disrupted the market values for this sector, particularly for oil exploration, production and servicing companies during the fourth quarter of 2014 and unrealized foreign exchange losses, $7,298$6,090 thousand, as the U.S. dollar has strengthened against other currencies. The $18,204$37,635 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to domestic and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and agency residential mortgage-backed securities, foreign and domestic corporate securities and foreign government securities. OfThe majority of these unrealized losses $16,680are attributable to unrealized foreign exchange losses, $14,807 thousand, were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.as the U.S. dollar has strengthened against other currencies and unrealized losses in the energy sector, $6,959 thousand, as falling oil prices disrupted the market values for this sector, particularly for oil exploration, production and servicing companies. The Company did not have any sub-prime or alt-A loans with gross unrealized depreciation at December 31, 2014.2015. In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations. The mortgage-backed securities still have excess credit coverage and are current on interest and principal payments.
Other invested assets, at fair value, areas of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, were comprised of commonpreferred shares of the Company’s ultimate parent, Group. At March 31, 2015, the Company held 9,719,971 shares of Group representing 18.0% of the total outstanding shares.in Everest Preferred International Holdings ("Preferred Holdings"), an affiliated company.
The components of net investment income are presented in the tabletables below for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Fixed maturities | | $ | 47,972 | | | $ | 51,079 | | | $ | 45,326 | | | $ | 47,972 | |
Equity securities | | | 8,742 | | | | 8,937 | | | | 9,148 | | | | 8,742 | |
Short-term investments and cash | | | 164 | | | | 186 | | | | 304 | | | | 164 | |
Other invested assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Limited partnerships | | | 7,379 | | | | (3,087 | ) | | | (2,514 | ) | | | 7,379 | |
Dividends from Parent's shares | | | 9,234 | | | | 7,290 | | | | - | | | | 9,234 | |
Dividends from preferred shares of affiliate | | | | 7,758 | | | | - | |
Other | | | 625 | | | | 2,021 | | | | (912 | ) | | | 625 | |
Gross investment income before adjustments | | | 74,116 | | | | 66,426 | | | | 59,110 | | | | 74,116 | |
Funds held interest income (expense) | | | 2,521 | | | | 2,109 | | | | 2,654 | | | | 2,521 | |
Interest income from Parent | | | 1,075 | | | | - | | | | 1,075 | | | | 1,075 | |
Gross investment income | | | 77,712 | | | | 68,535 | | | | 62,839 | | | | 77,712 | |
Investment expenses | | | (5,131 | ) | | | (4,748 | ) | | | (4,394 | ) | | | (5,131 | ) |
Net investment income | | $ | 72,581 | | | $ | 63,787 | | | $ | 58,445 | | | $ | 72,581 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | |
The Company records results from limited partnership investments on the equity method of accounting with changes in value reported through net investment income. Due to the timing of receiving financial information from these partnerships, the results are generally reported on a one month or quarter lag. If the Company determines there has been a significant decline in value of a limited partnership during this lag period, a loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.
The Company had contractual commitments to invest up to an additional $237,637$288,022 thousand in limited partnerships at March 31, 2015.2016. These commitments will be funded when called in accordance with the partnership agreements, which have investment periods that expire, unless extended, through 2020.
The components of net realized capital gains (losses) are presented in the tabletables below for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Fixed maturity securities, market value: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other-than-temporary impairments | | $ | (24,121 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | (23,015 | ) | | $ | (24,121 | ) |
Gains (losses) from sales | | | (11,518 | ) | | | (1,997 | ) | | | (16,855 | ) | | | (11,518 | ) |
Fixed maturity securities, fair value: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains (losses) from sales | | | 28 | | | | 940 | | |
Gain (losses) from sales | | | | - | | | | 28 | |
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments | | | 62 | | | | - | | | | (232 | ) | | | 62 | |
Equity securities, fair value: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains (losses) from sales | | | (65 | ) | | | (1,336 | ) | | | (7,950 | ) | | | (65 | ) |
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments | | | 20,946 | | | | 25,753 | | | | (18,325 | ) | | | 20,946 | |
Other invested assets, fair value: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments | | | 35,964 | | | | (27,410 | ) | | | - | | | | 35,964 | |
Short-term investment gains (losses) | | | - | | | | - | | |
Total net realized capital gains (losses) | | $ | 21,296 | | | $ | (4,050 | ) | | $ | (66,377 | ) | | $ | 21,296 | |
The Company recorded as net realized capital gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) both fair value re-measurements and write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis as displayed in the table above. The Company had no other-than-temporary impaired securities where the impairment had both a credit and non-credit component.
The proceeds and split between gross gains and losses, from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, are presented in the tabletables below for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities | | $ | 114,082 | | | $ | 170,341 | | | $ | 188,046 | | | $ | 114,082 | |
Gross gains from sales | | | 2,542 | | | | 2,475 | | | | 1,464 | | | | 2,542 | |
Gross losses from sales | | | (14,032 | ) | | | (3,532 | ) | | | (18,319 | ) | | | (14,032 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sales of equity securities | | $ | 133,960 | | | $ | 176,116 | | | $ | 86,149 | | | $ | 133,960 | |
Gross gains from sales | | | 5,142 | | | | 6,588 | | | | 1,782 | | | | 5,142 | |
Gross losses from sales | | | (5,207 | ) | | | (7,924 | ) | | | (9,732 | ) | | | (5,207 | ) |
4. FAIR VALUE
GAAP guidance regarding fair value measurements address how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use fair value measures for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP. It defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly fashion between market participants at the measurement date. In addition, it establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for the disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. The level in the hierarchy within which a given fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement, with Level 1 being the highest priority and Level 3 being the lowest priority.
The levels in the hierarchy are defined as follows:
Level 1: | Inputs to the valuation methodology are observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market; |
4. FAIR VALUE
Level 2: | Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; |
Level 3: | Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. |
The Company’sCompany's fixed maturity and equity securities are primarily managed by third party investment asset managers. The investment asset managers obtain prices from nationally recognized pricing services. These services seek to utilize market data and observations in their evaluation process. They use pricing applications that vary by asset class and incorporate available market information and when fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis the services will apply available information through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. In addition, they use model processes, such as the Option Adjusted Spread model to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios for securities that have prepayment features.
In limited instances where prices are not provided by pricing services or in rare instances when a manager may not agree with the pricing service, price quotes on a non-binding basis are obtained from investment brokers. The investment asset managers do not make any changes to prices received from either the pricing services or the investment brokers. In addition, the investment asset managers have procedures in place to review the reasonableness of the prices from the service providers and may request verification of the prices. In addition, the Company continually performs analytical reviews of price changes and tests the prices on a random basis to an independent pricing source. No material variances were noted during these price validation procedures. In limited situations, where financial markets are inactive or illiquid, the Company may use its own assumptions about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates to determine fair value. Due to the unavailability of prices for onesix private placement security,securities, the Company valued the securitysix securities at $6,125$16,302 thousand at March 31, 2015 and made no such adjustments2016. Due to the unavailability of prices for two private placement securities, the Company valued the two securities at $3,593 thousand at December 31, 2014.2015.
The Company internally manages a small public equity portfolio which had a fair value at March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015 of $103,866$123,172 thousand and $96,890$131,219 thousand, respectively, and all prices were obtained from publically published sources.
Equity securities denominated in U.S. denominated currency with quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are categorized as Levellevel 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, since the securities are actively traded on an exchange andquoted prices are based on quoted prices from the exchange.directly observable. Equity securities traded on foreign exchanges are categorized as Levellevel 2 due to potentialthe added input of a foreign exchange adjustmentsconversion rate to determine fair or market value. The Company uses foreign currency exchange rates published by nationally recognized sources.
FixedAll categories of fixed maturity securities listed in the tables below are generally categorized as Levellevel 2, Significant Other Observable Inputs, since a particular security may not have traded but the pricing services are able to use valuation models with observable market inputs such as interest rate yield curves and prices for similar fixed maturity securities in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. Valuations thatFor foreign government securities and foreign corporate securities, the fair values provided by the third party pricing services in local currencies, and where applicable, are derivedconverted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable (including assumptions about risk) arenationally recognized sources.
The fixed maturities with fair values categorized as Levellevel 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs. Theseresult when prices are not available from the nationally recognized pricing services. The asset managers will then obtain non-binding price quotes for the securities include broker priced securities.
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, all Level 3 fixed maturity securities, except the one security priced by the Company, were priced using single non-binding broker quotes since prices for these securities were not provided by normal pricing service companies.from brokers. The single broker quotes are provided by market makers or broker-dealers who are recognized as market participants in the markets in which they are providing the quotes. The prices received from brokers are reviewed for reasonableness by the third party asset managers and the Company. If the broker quotes are for foreign denominated securities, the quotes are converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates from nationally recognized sources. In limited circumstances when broker prices are not available for private placements, the Company will value the securities using comparable market information.
The composition and valuation inputs for the presented fixed maturities categories are as follows:
· | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations are primarily comprised of U.S. Treasury bonds and the fair value is based on observable market inputs such as quoted prices, reported trades, quoted prices for similar issuances or benchmark yields; |
· | Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions are comprised of state and municipal bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities, benchmark yields and credit spreads; |
· | Corporate securities are primarily comprised of U.S. corporate and public utility bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities, benchmark yields and credit spreads; |
· | Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities fair values are based on observable inputs such as quoted prices, reported trades, quoted prices for similar issuances or benchmark yields and cash flow models using observable inputs such as prepayment speeds, collateral performance and default spreads; |
· | Foreign government securities are comprised of global non-U.S. sovereign bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities and models with observable inputs such as benchmark yields and credit spreads and then, where applicable, converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate from a nationally recognized source; |
· | Foreign corporate securities are comprised of global non-U.S. corporate bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities and models with observable inputs such as benchmark yields and credit spreads and then, where applicable, converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate from a nationally recognized source. |
Other invested assets, at fair value, arewas categorized as Level 1, Quoted Prices3 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, since it represented a privately placed convertible preferred stock issued by an affiliate. The stock was received in Active Marketsexchange for Identical Assets, since the securities are shares of the Company’sCompany's parent, which are actively traded on an exchange and the price is basedwere valued on a quoted price.
public securities exchange on December 21, 2015. The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the period indicated:stock at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 represents this exchange value.
| | | | | Fair Value Measurement Using: | |
| | | | | Quoted Prices | | | | | | | |
| | | | | in Active | | | Significant | | | | |
| | | | | Markets for | | | Other | | | Significant | |
| | | | | Identical | | | Observable | | | Unobservable | |
| | | | | Assets | | | Inputs | | | Inputs | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | March 31, 2015 | | (Level 1) | | | (Level 2) | | | (Level 3) | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities, market value | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government agencies and corporations | | $ | 177,523 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 177,523 | | | $ | - | |
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions | | | 788,842 | | | | - | | | | 788,842 | | | | - | |
Corporate securities | | | 1,971,236 | | | | - | | | | 1,968,583 | | | | 2,653 | |
Asset-backed securities | | | 116,087 | | | | - | | | | 116,087 | | | | - | |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | | | | | | | | | | �� | | | | |
Commercial | | | 58,279 | | | | - | | | | 58,279 | | | | - | |
Agency residential | | | 575,361 | | | | - | | | | 575,361 | | | | - | |
Non-agency residential | | | 277 | | | | - | | | | 277 | | | | - | |
Foreign government securities | | | 482,277 | | | | - | | | | 482,277 | | | | - | |
Foreign corporate securities | | | 1,057,037 | | | | - | | | | 1,050,912 | | | | 6,125 | |
Total fixed maturities, market value | | | 5,226,919 | | | | - | | | | 5,218,141 | | | | 8,778 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities, fair value | | | 363 | | | | - | | | | 363 | | | | - | |
Equity securities, market value | | | 16 | | | | 16 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Equity securities, fair value | | | 1,350,070 | | | | 1,236,565 | | | | 113,505 | | | | - | |
Other invested assets, fair value | | | 1,691,275 | | | | 1,691,275 | | | | - | | | | - | |
13
There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the period indicated:
| | | | | Fair Value Measurement Using: | | | | | | Fair Value Measurement Using: | |
| | | | | Quoted Prices | | | | | | | | | | | | Quoted Prices | | | | | | | |
| | | | | in Active | | | Significant | | | | | | | | | in Active | | | Significant | | | | |
| | | | | Markets for | | | Other | | | Significant | | | | | | Markets for | | | Other | | | Significant | |
| | | | | Identical | | | Observable | | | Unobservable | | | | | | Identical | | | Observable | | | Unobservable | |
| | | | | Assets | | | Inputs | | | Inputs | | | | | | Assets | | | Inputs | | | Inputs | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | December 31, 2014 | | (Level 1) | | | (Level 2) | | | (Level 3) | | | March 31, 2016 | | | (Level 1) | | | (Level 2) | | | (Level 3) | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities, market value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government agencies and corporations | | $ | 136,836 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 136,836 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 370,046 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 370,046 | | | $ | - | |
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions | | | 824,472 | | | | - | | | | 824,472 | | | | - | | | | 702,076 | | | | - | | | | 702,076 | | | | - | |
Corporate securities | | | 1,978,935 | | | | - | | | | 1,978,935 | | | | - | | | | 2,003,020 | | | | - | | | | 1,987,314 | | | | 15,706 | |
Asset-backed securities | | | 94,823 | | | | - | | | | 94,823 | | | | - | | | | 168,235 | | | | - | | | | 168,235 | | | | - | |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 59,268 | | | | - | | | | 50,671 | | | | 8,597 | | | | 63,428 | | | | - | | | | 63,428 | | | | - | |
Agency residential | | | 598,117 | | | | - | | | | 598,117 | | | | - | | | | 784,713 | | | | - | | | | 784,713 | | | | - | |
Non-agency residential | | | 315 | | | | - | | | | 315 | | | | - | | | | 132 | | | | - | | | | 132 | | | | - | |
Foreign government securities | | | 537,087 | | | | - | | | | 537,087 | | | | - | | | | 491,461 | | | | - | | | | 491,461 | | | | - | |
Foreign corporate securities | | | 1,063,558 | | | | - | | | | 1,056,392 | | | | 7,166 | | | | 996,800 | | | | - | | | | 996,204 | | | | 596 | |
Total fixed maturities, market value | | | 5,293,411 | | | | - | | | | 5,277,648 | | | | 15,763 | | | | 5,579,911 | | | | - | | | | 5,563,609 | | | | 16,302 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities, fair value | | | 1,509 | | | | - | | | | 1,509 | | | | - | | | | 1,870 | | | | - | | | | 1,870 | | | | - | |
Equity securities, market value | | | 16 | | | | 16 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Equity securities, fair value | | | 1,299,037 | | | | 1,188,613 | | | | 110,424 | | | | - | | | | 1,194,972 | | | | 1,134,914 | | | | 60,058 | | | | - | |
Other invested assets, fair value | | | 1,655,311 | | | | 1,655,311 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,773,214 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,773,214 | |
There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the period indicated:
| | | | | Fair Value Measurement Using: | |
| | | | | Quoted Prices | | | | | | | |
| | | | | in Active | | | Significant | | | | |
| | | | | Markets for | | | Other | | | Significant | |
| | | | | Identical | | | Observable | | | Unobservable | |
| | | | | Assets | | | Inputs | | | Inputs | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | December 31, 2015 | | | (Level 1) | | | (Level 2) | | | (Level 3) | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities, market value | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government agencies and corporations | | $ | 330,985 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 330,985 | | | $ | - | |
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions | | | 703,075 | | | | - | | | | 703,075 | | | | - | |
Corporate securities | | | 1,968,558 | | | | - | | | | 1,964,625 | | | | 3,933 | |
Asset-backed securities | | | 144,982 | | | | - | | | | 144,982 | | | | - | |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 62,446 | | | | - | | | | 62,446 | | | | - | |
Agency residential | | | 712,298 | | | | - | | | | 712,298 | | | | - | |
Non-agency residential | | | 150 | | | | - | | | | 150 | | | | - | |
Foreign government securities | | | 463,074 | | | | - | | | | 463,074 | | | | - | |
Foreign corporate securities | | | 970,909 | | | | - | | | | 969,316 | | | | 1,593 | |
Total fixed maturities, market value | | | 5,356,477 | | | | - | | | | 5,350,951 | | | | 5,526 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities, fair value | | | 2,102 | | | | - | | | | 2,102 | | | | - | |
Equity securities, market value | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Equity securities, fair value | | | 1,215,377 | | | | 1,153,310 | | | | 62,067 | | | | - | |
Other invested assets, fair value | | | 1,773,214 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,773,214 | |
The following table presents the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs by asset type, for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 | | | Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 | | | Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 | | | Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 | |
| | Corporate | | | | | | Foreign | | | | | | Asset-backed | | | Foreign | | | Non-agency | | | | | | Corporate | | | Foreign | | | | | | Corporate | | | | | | Foreign | | | | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Securities | | | CMBS | | | Corporate | | | Total | | | Securities | | | Corporate | | | RMBS | | | Total | | | Securities | | | Corporate | | | Total | | | Securities | | | CMBS | | | Corporate | | | Total | |
Beginning balance | | $ | - | | | $ | 8,597 | | | $ | 7,166 | | | $ | 15,763 | | | $ | 3,533 | | | $ | 481 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 4,018 | | | $ | 3,933 | | | $ | 1,593 | | | $ | 5,526 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 8,597 | | | $ | 7,166 | | | $ | 15,763 | |
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Included in earnings | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | 57 | | | | 59 | | | | 18 | | | | 1 | | | | 1 | | | | 20 | | | | 8 | | | | (997 | ) | | | (989 | ) | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | 57 | | | | 59 | |
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) | | | 1 | | | | - | | | | (1,098 | ) | | | (1,097 | ) | | | 65 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 65 | | | | (6 | ) | | | - | | | | (6 | ) | | | 1 | | | | - | | | | (1,098 | ) | | | (1,097 | ) |
Purchases, issuances and settlements | | | 1,940 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,940 | | | | (572 | ) | | | (9 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | (582 | ) | | | 11,771 | | | | - | | | | 11,771 | | | | 1,940 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,940 | |
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 | | | 710 | | | | (8,597 | ) | | | - | | | | (7,887 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 710 | | | | (8,597 | ) | | | - | | | | (7,887 | ) |
Ending balance | | $ | 2,653 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,125 | | | $ | 8,778 | | | $ | 3,044 | | | $ | 473 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 3,521 | | | $ | 15,706 | | | $ | 596 | | | $ | 16,302 | | | $ | 2,653 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,125 | | | $ | 8,778 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The amount of total gains or losses for the period | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
included in earnings (or changes in net assets) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
attributable to the change in unrealized gains | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
or losses relating to assets still held at the | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
reporting date | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | |
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
still held at the reporting date | | | $ | - | | | $ | (997 | ) | | $ | (997 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The net transfers from level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, of $7,887 thousand of investments for the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily relate to securities that were priced using single non-binding broker quotes andas of December 31, 2014. The securities were subsequently priced using a recognized pricing service as of March 31, 2015, and were then classified as level 2. There were no transfers from level2 as of that date.
The following table presents the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs by other invested assets, for the three months ended March 31, 2014.periods indicated:
| | Three months ended | |
| | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Other invested assets, fair value: | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | | $ | 1,773,214 | | | $ | - | |
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized) | | | | | | | | |
Included in earnings | | | - | | | | - | |
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) | | | - | | | | - | |
Purchases, issuances and settlements | | | - | | | | - | |
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 | | | - | | | | - | |
Ending balance | | $ | 1,773,214 | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings | | | | | | | | |
(or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized | | | | | | | | |
gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | |
5. CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
On July 9, 2014, the Company renewed its shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as a Well Known Seasoned Issuer. This shelf registration statement can be used by Group to register common shares, preferred shares, debt securities, warrants, share purchase contracts and share purchase units; by Holdings to register debt securities and by Everest Re Capital Trust III (“Capital Trust III”) to register trust preferred securities.
6. CONTINGENCIES
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine the Company’sCompany's rights and obligations under insurance and reinsurance agreements. In some disputes, the Company seeks to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it. In other matters, the Company is resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation. In all such matters, the Company believes that its positions are legally and commercially reasonable. The Company considers the statuses of these proceedings when determining its reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.
Aside from litigation and arbitrations related to these insurance and reinsurance agreements, the Company is not a party to any other material litigation or arbitration.
The Company has entered into separate annuity agreements with The Prudential Insurance of America (“("The Prudential”Prudential") and an additional unaffiliated life insurance company in which the Company has either purchased annuity contracts or become the assignee of annuity proceeds that are meant to settle claim payment obligations in the future. In both instances, the Company would become contingently liable if either The Prudential or the unaffiliated life insurance company were unable to make payments related to the respective annuity contact.
The table below presents the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable for the periods indicated:
| | At March 31, | | | At December 31, | | | At March 31, | | | At December 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
The Prudential | | $ | 142,618 | | | $ | 142,653 | | | $ | 141,945 | | | $ | 142,427 | |
Unaffiliated life insurance company | | | 31,158 | | | | 31,964 | | | | 31,907 | | | | 33,062 | |
6. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table presents the components of comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 | | | Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 | | | Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 | | | Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Before Tax | | | Tax Effect | | | Net of Tax | | | Before Tax | | | Tax Effect | | | Net of Tax | | | Before Tax | | | Tax Effect | | | Net of Tax | | | Before Tax | | | Tax Effect | | | Net of Tax | |
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary | | $ | 15,572 | | | $ | (5,950 | ) | | $ | 9,622 | | | $ | 31,996 | | | $ | (11,199 | ) | | $ | 20,797 | | | $ | 29,956 | | | $ | (10,484 | ) | | $ | 19,472 | | | $ | 15,572 | | | $ | (5,950 | ) | | $ | 9,622 | |
URA(D) on securities - OTTI | | | 9,735 | | | | (3,407 | ) | | | 6,328 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 197 | | | | (69 | ) | | | 128 | | | | 9,735 | | | | (3,407 | ) | | | 6,328 | |
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss) | | | 35,639 | | | | (11,974 | ) | | | 23,665 | | | | 1,997 | | | | (699 | ) | | | 1,298 | | | | 39,870 | | | | (13,955 | ) | | | 25,915 | | | | 35,639 | | | | (11,974 | ) | | | 23,665 | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | | (51,243 | ) | | | 17,935 | | | | (33,308 | ) | | | (12,055 | ) | | | 4,219 | | | | (7,836 | ) | | | 22,977 | | | | (8,045 | ) | | | 14,932 | | | | (51,243 | ) | | | 17,935 | | | | (33,308 | ) |
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss) | | | 2,467 | | | | (863 | ) | | | 1,604 | | | | 1,186 | | | | (415 | ) | | | 771 | | | | 2,062 | | | | (722 | ) | | | 1,340 | | | | 2,467 | | | | (863 | ) | | | 1,604 | |
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | | $ | 12,170 | | | $ | (4,259 | ) | | $ | 7,911 | | | $ | 23,124 | | | $ | (8,094 | ) | | $ | 15,030 | | | $ | 95,062 | | | $ | (33,275 | ) | | $ | 61,787 | | | $ | 12,170 | | | $ | (4,259 | ) | | $ | 7,911 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following table presents details of the amounts reclassified from AOCI for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | | | | | Three Months Ended | | | |
| | March 31, | | | Affected line item within the statements of | | March 31, | | | Affected line item within the statements of |
AOCI component | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | operations and comprehensive income (loss) | | 2016 | | | 2015 | | | operations and comprehensive income (loss) |
(Dollars in thousands) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
URA(D) on securities | | $ | 35,639 | | | $ | 1,997 | | | Other net realized capital gains (losses) | | $ | 39,870 | | | $ | 35,639 | | | Other net realized capital gains (losses) |
| | | (11,974 | ) | | | (699 | ) | | Income tax expense (benefit) | | | (13,955 | ) | | | (11,974 | ) | | Income tax expense (benefit) |
| | $ | 23,665 | | | $ | 1,298 | | | Net income (loss) | | $ | 25,915 | | | $ | 23,665 | | | Net income (loss) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefit plan net gain (loss) | | $ | 2,467 | | | $ | 1,186 | | | Other underwriting expenses | | $ | 2,062 | | | $ | 2,467 | | | Other underwriting expenses |
| | | (863 | ) | | | (415 | ) | | Income tax expense (benefit) | | | (722 | ) | | | (863 | ) | | Income tax expense (benefit) |
| | $ | 1,604 | | | $ | 771 | | | Net income (loss) | | $ | 1,340 | | | $ | 1,604 | | | Net income (loss) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | | | Twelve Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | | December 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
| | | | | | |
Beginning balance of URA (D) on securities | | $ | 37,628 | | | $ | 55,457 | |
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - temporary | | | 33,287 | | | | (11,501 | ) |
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI | | | 6,328 | | | | (6,328 | ) |
Ending balance of URA (D) on securities | | | 77,243 | | | | 37,628 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance of foreign currency translation adjustments | | | 41,877 | | | | 71,087 | |
Current period change in foreign currency translation adjustments | | | (33,308 | ) | | | (29,210 | ) |
Ending balance of foreign currency translation adjustments | | | 8,569 | | | | 41,877 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance of benefit plan net gain (loss) | | | (74,986 | ) | | | (38,896 | ) |
Current period change in benefit plan net gain (loss) | | | 1,604 | | | | (36,090 | ) |
Ending balance of benefit plan net gain (loss) | | | (73,382 | ) | | | (74,986 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | | $ | 12,430 | | | $ | 4,519 | |
| | Three Months Ended | | | Twelve Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | | December 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | | | |
Beginning balance of URA (D) on securities | | $ | 13,654 | | | $ | 37,628 | |
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - temporary | | | 45,387 | | | | (30,257 | ) |
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI | | | 128 | | | | 6,283 | |
Ending balance of URA (D) on securities | | | 59,169 | | | | 13,654 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance of foreign currency translation adjustments | | | (12,701 | ) | | | 41,877 | |
Current period change in foreign currency translation adjustments | | | 14,932 | | | | (54,578 | ) |
Ending balance of foreign currency translation adjustments | | | 2,231 | | | | (12,701 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance of benefit plan net gain (loss) | | | (63,089 | ) | | | (74,986 | ) |
Current period change in benefit plan net gain (loss) | | | 1,340 | | | | 11,897 | |
Ending balance of benefit plan net gain (loss) | | | (61,749 | ) | | | (63,089 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | | $ | (349 | ) | | $ | (62,136 | ) |
8. CREDIT FACILITY - EXPIRED
Effective August 15, 2011, the Company entered into a three year, $150,000 thousand unsecured revolving credit facility, referred to as the “Holdings Credit Facility”, which expired on August 15, 2014. The Company decided not to renew the Holdings Credit Facility at expiration.
9.7. REINSURANCE AND TRUST AGREEMENTS
A subsidiary of the Company, Everest Re, has established a trust agreement, which effectively uses Everest Re’sRe's investments as collateral, as security for assumed losses payable to a non-affiliated ceding company. At March 31, 2015,2016, the total amount on deposit in the trust account was $258,324$288,380 thousand.
On April 24, 2014, the Company entered into two collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro Re Limited (“Kilimanjaro”("Kilimanjaro"), a Bermuda based special purpose reinsurer, to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage. These agreements are multi-year reinsurance contracts which cover specified named storm and earthquake events. The first agreement provides up to $250,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms in specified states of the Southeastern United States. The second agreement provides up to $200,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms in specified states of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the United States and Puerto Rico as well as reinsurance coverage from earthquakes in specified states of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and West regions of the United States, Puerto Rico and British Columbia.
On November 18, 2014, the Company entered into a collateralized reinsurance agreement with Kilimanjaro Re to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage. This agreement is a multi-year reinsurance contract which covers specified earthquake events. The agreement provides up to $500,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.
On December 1, 2015 the Company entered into two collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro Re to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage. These agreements are multi-year reinsurance contracts which cover named storm and earthquake events. The first agreement provides up to $300,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. The second agreement provides up to $325,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.
Kilimanjaro has financed the various property catastrophe reinsurance coverage by issuing catastrophe bonds to unrelated, external investors. On April 24, 2014, Kilimanjaro issued $450,000 thousand of variable rate notes (“("Series 2014-1 Notes”Notes"). On November 18, 2014, Kilimanjaro issued $500,000 thousand of variable rate notes (“("Series 2014-2 Notes”Notes"). On December 1, 2015, Kilimanjaro issued $625,000 thousand of notes ("Series 2015-1 Notes). The proceeds from the issuance of the Series 2014-1 Notes, the Series 2014-2 Notes and the Series 2014-22015-1 Notes are held in reinsurance trust throughout the duration of the applicable reinsurance agreements and invested solely in US government money market funds with a rating of at least “AAAm”"AAAm" by Standard & Poor’s.Poor's.
The table below displays Holdings’Holdings' outstanding senior notes. Market value is based on quoted market prices, but due to limited trading activity, these senior notes are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
| | | | | | | | March 31, 2015 | | | December 31, 2014 | | | | | | | | | March 31, 2016 | | | December 31, 2015 | |
| | | | | | | | Consolidated Balance | | | | | | Consolidated Balance | | | | | | | | | | | | Consolidated Balance | | | | | | Consolidated Balance | | | | |
(Dollars in thousands) | Date Issued | | Date Due | | Principal Amounts | | | Sheet Amount | | | Market Value | | | Sheet Amount | | | Market Value | | Date Issued | | Date Due | | Principal Amounts | | | Sheet Amount | | | Market Value | | | Sheet Amount | | | Market Value | |
4.868% Senior notes | 06/05/2014 | | 06/01/2044 | | $ | 400,000 | | | $ | 400,000 | | | $ | 418,876 | | | $ | 400,000 | | | $ | 404,892 | | 06/05/2014 | | 06/01/2044 | | | 400,000 | | | $ | 400,000 | | | $ | 393,520 | | | $ | 400,000 | | | $ | 381,204 | |
5.40% Senior notes | 10/12/2004 | | 10/15/2014 | | | 250,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | |
On June 5, 2014, Holdings issued $400,000 thousand of 30 year senior notes at 4.868%, which will mature on June 1, 2044. Interest will be paid semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The proceeds from the issuance have been used in part to pay off the $250,000 thousand of 5.40% senior notes which matured on October 15, 2014.
Interest expense incurred in connection with these senior notes is as follows for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended |
| | March 31, | | | March 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | 2015 |
Interest expense incurred | | $ | 4,868 | | | $ | 3,388 | | | $ | 4,868 | | | $ | 4,868 | |
11.9. LONG TERM SUBORDINATED NOTES
The table below displays Holdings’Holdings' outstanding fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes. Market value is based on quoted market prices, but due to limited trading activity, these subordinated notes are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
| | | | | Maturity Date | | March 31, 2015 | | | December 31, 2014 | | | | | | | Maturity Date | | March 31, 2016 | | | December 31, 2015 | |
| | | Original | | | | | | Consolidated Balance | | | | | | Consolidated Balance | | | | | | | Original | | | | | | | Consolidated Balance | | | | | | Consolidated Balance | | | | |
(Dollars in thousands) | Date Issued | | Principal Amount | | Scheduled | | Final | | Sheet Amount | | | Market Value | | | Sheet Amount | | | Market Value | | Date Issued | | Principal Amount | | | Scheduled | | Final | | Sheet Amount | | | Market Value | | | Sheet Amount | | | Market Value | |
6.6% Long term subordinated notes | 04/26/2007 | | $ | 400,000 | | 05/15/2037 | | 05/01/2067 | | $ | 238,365 | | | $ | 239,227 | | | $ | 238,364 | | | $ | 246,312 | | |
6.6% Long term subordinated notes | | 04/26/2007 | | $ | 400,000 | | | 05/15/2037 | | 05/01/2067 | | $ | 238,369 | | | $ | 203,789 | | | $ | 238,368 | | | $ | 208,978 | |
During the fixed rate interest period from May 3, 2007 through May 14, 2017, interest will be at the annual rate of 6.6%, payable semi-annually in arrears on November 15 and May 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2007, subject to Holdings’Holdings' right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years. During the floating rate interest period from May 15, 2017 through maturity, interest will be based on the 3 month LIBOR plus 238.5 basis points, reset quarterly, payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, subject to Holdings’Holdings' right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years. Deferred interest will accumulate interest at the applicable rate compounded semi-annually for periods prior to May 15, 2017, and compounded quarterly for periods from and including May 15, 2017.
Holdings can redeem the long term subordinated notes prior to May 15, 2017, in whole but not in part at the applicable redemption price, which will equal the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount being redeemed and (b) the present value of the principal payment on May 15, 2017 and scheduled payments of interest that would have accrued from the redemption date to May 15, 2017 on the long term subordinated notes being redeemed, discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at a discount rate equal to the treasury rate plus an applicable spread of either 0.25% or 0.50%, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest. Holdings may redeem the long term subordinated notes on or after May 15, 2017, in whole or in part at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest; however, redemption on or after the scheduled maturity date and prior to May 1, 2047 is subject to a replacement capital covenant. This covenant is for the benefit of certain senior note holders and it mandates that Holdings receive proceeds from the sale of another subordinated debt issue, of at least similar size, before it may redeem the subordinated notes. Effective upon the maturity of the Company’sCompany's 5.40% senior notes on October 15, 2014,
the Company’sCompany's 4.868% senior notes, due on June 1, 2044, have become the Company’sCompany's long term indebtedness that ranks senior to the long term subordinated notes.
On March 19, 2009, Group announced the commencement of a cash tender offer for any and all of the 6.60% fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes. Upon expiration of the tender offer, the Company had reduced its outstanding debt by $161,441 thousand.
Interest expense incurred in connection with these long term subordinated notes is as follows for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Interest expense incurred | | $ | 3,937 | | | $ | 3,937 | | | $ | 3,937 | | | $ | 3,937 | |
10. SEGMENT REPORTING
The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including Marine, Aviation, Surety and Accident and Health (“("A&H”&H") business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies primarily within the U.S. The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’sRe's branches in Canada, Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey. The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance directly and through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers mainly within the U.S. and Canada.
These segments are managed independently, but conform with corporate guidelines with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations. Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results.
Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and LAE incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses. Underwriting results are measured using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which, respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned.
The Company does not maintain separate balance sheet data for its operating segments. Accordingly, the Company does not review and evaluate the financial results of its operating segments based upon balance sheet data.
The following tables present the underwriting results for the operating segments for the periodperiods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | |
U.S. Reinsurance | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 562,647 | | | $ | 530,301 | |
Net written premiums | | | 240,694 | | | | 251,521 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 255,412 | | | $ | 218,191 | |
Incurred losses and LAE | | | 111,455 | | | | 115,984 | |
Commission and brokerage | | | 58,364 | | | | 40,136 | |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 11,529 | | | | 9,482 | |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | 74,064 | | | $ | 52,589 | |
| | Three Months Ended | |
U.S. Reinsurance | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 536,706 | | | $ | 562,647 | |
Net written premiums | | | 223,428 | | | | 240,694 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 235,243 | | | $ | 255,412 | |
Incurred losses and LAE | | | 116,170 | | | | 111,455 | |
Commission and brokerage | | | 49,731 | | | | 58,364 | |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 13,458 | | | | 11,529 | |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | 55,884 | | | $ | 74,064 | |
| | Three Months Ended | |
International | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 333,615 | | | $ | 328,878 | |
Net written premiums | | | 121,681 | | | | 141,457 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 140,699 | | | $ | 145,004 | |
Incurred losses and LAE | | | 101,445 | | | | 83,575 | |
Commission and brokerage | | | 33,999 | | | | 29,169 | |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 8,115 | | | | 7,837 | |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | (2,860 | ) | | $ | 24,423 | |
| | Three Months Ended | |
International | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 238,478 | | | $ | 333,615 | |
Net written premiums | | | 87,716 | | | | 121,681 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 113,173 | | | $ | 140,699 | |
Incurred losses and LAE | | | 73,415 | | | | 101,445 | |
Commission and brokerage | | | 26,110 | | | | 33,999 | |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 7,823 | | | | 8,115 | |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | 5,825 | | | $ | (2,860 | ) |
| | Three Months Ended | |
Insurance | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 330,501 | | | $ | 225,276 | |
Net written premiums | | | 146,052 | | | | 106,726 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 124,951 | | | $ | 107,250 | |
Incurred losses and LAE | | | 95,980 | | | | 78,487 | |
Commission and brokerage | | | 4,168 | | | | 6,789 | |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 28,899 | | | | 21,932 | |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | (4,096 | ) | | $ | 42 | |
| | Three Months Ended | |
Insurance | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 354,720 | | | $ | 330,501 | |
Net written premiums | | | 152,926 | | | | 146,052 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 133,509 | | | $ | 124,951 | |
Incurred losses and LAE | | | 106,477 | | | | 95,980 | |
Commission and brokerage | | | (7,019 | ) | | | 4,168 | |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 37,946 | | | | 28,899 | |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | (3,895 | ) | | $ | (4,096 | ) |
The following table reconciles the underwriting results for the operating segments to income (loss) before taxes as reported in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | 67,108 | | | $ | 77,054 | | | $ | 57,814 | | | $ | 67,108 | |
Net investment income | | | 72,581 | | | | 63,787 | | | | 58,445 | | | | 72,581 | |
Net realized capital gains (losses) | | | 21,296 | | | | (4,050 | ) | | | (66,377 | ) | | | 21,296 | |
Corporate expense | | | (1,609 | ) | | | (1,302 | ) | | | (2,336 | ) | | | (1,609 | ) |
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense | | | (8,859 | ) | | | (7,436 | ) | | | (8,859 | ) | | | (8,859 | ) |
Other income (expense) | | | 15,833 | | | | (3,055 | ) | | | 13,102 | | | | 15,833 | |
Income (loss) before taxes | | $ | 166,350 | | | $ | 124,998 | | | $ | 51,789 | | | $ | 166,350 | |
The Company produces business in the U.S. and internationally. The net income deriving from assets residing in the individual foreign countries in which the Company writes business are not identifiable in the Company’sCompany's financial records. Based on gross written premium, the table below presents the largest country, other than the U.S., in which the Company writes business, for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Canada | | $ | 23,512 | | | $ | 37,659 | | |
Canada gross written premiums | | | $ | 23,586 | | | $ | 23,512 | |
No other country represented more than 5% of the Company’sCompany's revenues.
13.11. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Parent
Group entered into a $250,000 thousand long term promissory note agreement with Holdings as of December 31, 2014. The note will mature on December 31, 2023 and has an interest rate of 1.72% that will be paid annually, on December 15th of each year. This transaction is presented as a Note Receivable – Affiliated in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Holdings. Interest income in the amount of $1,075 thousand was recorded by Holdings for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and March 31, 2015, respectively.
Group’sGroup's Board of Directors approved an amended share repurchase program authorizing Group and/or its subsidiary Holdings to purchase Group’sGroup's common shares through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or both. The table below represents the amendments to the share repurchase program for the common shares approved for repurchase.
| | | Common Shares |
| | | Authorized for |
Amendment Date | | Repurchase |
(Dollars in thousands) | | |
| | |
09/21/2004 | | | 5,000,000 |
07/21/2008 | | | 5,000,000 |
02/24/2010 | | | 5,000,000 |
02/22/2012 | | | 5,000,000 |
05/15/2013 | | | 5,000,000 |
11/19/2014 | | | 5,000,000 |
| | | 30,000,000 |
As of March 31,Through December, 2015, Holdings had purchased and held 9,719,971 common sharesCommon Shares of Group, which it hadwere purchased in the open market between February 1, 2007 and March 8, 2011. The table below represents the total purchase price for these common shares purchased.
(Dollars in thousands)
| | | |
Total purchase price | | $ | 835,371 | |
In December, 2015, Holdings transferred the 9,719,971 Common Shares of Group, which it held as other invested assets, at fair value, valued at $1,773,214 thousand, to Preferred Holdings, an affiliated entity and subsidiary of Group, in exchange for 1,773.214 preferred shares of Preferred Holdings with a $1,000 thousand par value and 1.75% annual dividend rate. After the exchange, Holdings no longer holds any shares or has any ownership interest in Group.
Holdings reports these purchasesreported both its Parent Shares and preferred shares in Preferred Holdings, as other invested assets, fair value, in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value re-measurement recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The following table presents the dividends received on these commonthe preferred shares of preferred Holdings and on the Parent shares that are reported as net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the period indicated.
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Dividends received | | $ | 9,234 | | | $ | 7,290 | | |
Dividends received on Parent shares | | | $ | - | | | $ | 9,234 | |
Dividends received on preferred stock of affiliate | | | | 7,758 | | | | - | |
Affiliated Companies
Everest Global Services, Inc. (“("Global Services”Services"), an affiliate of Holdings, provides centralized management and home office services, through a management agreement, to Holdings and other affiliated companies within Holdings’Holdings' consolidated structure. Services provided by Everest Global include executive managerial services, legal services, actuarial services, accounting services, information technology services and others.
The following table presents the expenses incurred by Holdings from services provided by Everest Global for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Expenses incurred | | $ | 18,363 | | | $ | 15,843 | | | $ | 21,170 | | | $ | 18,363 | |
Affiliates
The table below represents affiliated quota share reinsurance agreements ("whole account quota share") for all new and renewal business for the indicated coverage period:
(Dollars in thousands) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Percent | | | Assuming | | | | Single | | | | Aggregate | | |
Coverage Period | | Ceding Company | | Ceded | | | Company | | Type of Business | | Occurrence Limit | | | | Limit | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
01/01/2002-12/31/2002 | | Everest Re | | | 20.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property / casualty business | | $ | - | | | | $ | - | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
01/01/2003-12/31/2003 | | Everest Re | | | 25.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property / casualty business | | | - | | | | | - | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
01/01/2004-12/31/2005 | | Everest Re | | | 22.5 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property / casualty business | | | - | | | | | - | | |
| | Everest Re | | | 2.5 | % | | Everest International | | property / casualty business | | | - | | | | | - | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
01/01/2006-12/31/2006 | | Everest Re | | | 18.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property business | | | 125,000 | | (1) | | | - | | |
| | Everest Re | | | 2.0 | % | | Everest International | | property business | | | - | | | | | - | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
01/01/2006-12/31/2007 | | Everest Re | | | 31.5 | % | | Bermuda Re | | casualty business | | | - | | | | | - | | |
| | Everest Re | | | 3.5 | % | | Everest International | | casualty business | | | - | | | | | - | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
01/01/2007-12/31/2007 | | Everest Re | | | 22.5 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property business | | | 130,000 | | (1) | | | - | | |
| | Everest Re | | | 2.5 | % | | Everest International | | property business | | | - | | | | | - | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
01/01/2008-12/31/2008 | | Everest Re | | | 36.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property / casualty business | | | 130,000 | | (1) | | | 275,000 | | (2) |
| | Everest Re | | | 4.0 | % | | Everest International | | property / casualty business | | | - | | | | | - | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
01/01/2009-12/31/2009 | | Everest Re | | | 36.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property / casualty business | | | 150,000 | | (1) | | | 325,000 | | (2) |
| | Everest Re | | | 8.0 | % | | Everest International | | property / casualty business | | | - | | | | | - | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
01/01/2010-12/31/2010 | | Everest Re | | | 44.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property / casualty business | | | 150,000 | | | | | 325,000 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
01/01/2011-12/31/2011 | | Everest Re | | | 50.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property / casualty business | | | 150,000 | | | | | 300,000 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
01/01/2012-12/31/2014 | | Everest Re | | | 50.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property / casualty business | | | 100,000 | | | | | 200,000 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
01/01/2015 | | Everest Re | | | 50.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property / casualty business | | | 162,500 | | | | | 325,000 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
01/01/2003-12/31/2006 | | Everest Re- Canadian Branch | | | 50.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property business | | | - | | | | | - | | |
01/01/2007-12/31/2009 | | Everest Re- Canadian Branch | | | 60.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property business | | | - | | | | | - | | |
01/01/2010-12/31/2010 | | Everest Re- Canadian Branch | | | 60.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property business | | | 350,000 | | (3) | | | - | | |
01/01/2011-12/31/2011 | | Everest Re- Canadian Branch | | | 60.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property business | | | 350,000 | | (3) | | | - | | |
01/01/2012-12/31/2012 | | Everest Re- Canadian Branch | | | 75.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property / casualty business | | | 206,250 | | (3) | | | 412,500 | | (3) |
01/01/2013-12/31/2013 | | Everest Re- Canadian Branch | | | 75.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property / casualty business | | | 150,000 | | (3) | | | 412,500 | | (3) |
01/01/2014 | | Everest Re- Canadian Branch | | | 75.0 | % | | Bermuda Re | | property / casualty business | | | 262,500 | | (3) | | | 412,500 | | (3) |
|
01/01/2012 | | Everest Canada | | | 80.0 | % | | Everest Re- Canadian Branch | | property business | | | - | | | | | - | | |
|
(1) | The single occurance limit is applied before the loss cessions to either Bermuda Re or Everest International. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(2) | The aggregate limit is applied before the loss cessions to either Bermuda Re or Everest International. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(3) | Amounts shown are Canadian dollars. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For premiums earned and losses incurred for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002, Everest Re, Everest National Insurance Company and Everest Security Insurance Company entered into an Excess of Loss Reinsurance Agreement with Bermuda Re, covering workers’ compensation losses occurring on and after January 1, 2002, as respect to new, renewal and in force policies effective on that date through December 31, 2002. This agreement was commuted as of September 30, 2013. The table below represents Bermuda Re's liability limits for any losses per one occurrence.23
| | Liability Limits | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Exceeding | | | Not to Exceed | |
Losses per one occurrence | | $ | 100,000 | | | $ | 150,000 | |
The table below represents loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreements whereby net insurance exposures and reserves were transferred to an affiliate.
(Dollars in thousands) | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Effective | | Transferring | | Assuming | | % of Business or | | Covered Period | | Transferring | | Assuming | | % of Business or | | Covered Period |
Date | | Company | | Company | | Amount of Transfer | | of Transfer | | Company | | Company | | Amount of Transfer | | of Transfer |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
09/19/2000 | | Mt. McKinley | | Bermuda Re | | | 100% | | All years | | Mt. McKinley | | Bermuda Re | | | 100 | % | | All years |
10/01/2001 | | Everest Re (Belgium Branch) | | Bermuda Re | | | 100% | | All years | | Everest Re (Belgium Branch) | | Bermuda Re | | | 100 | % | | All years |
10/01/2008 | | Everest Re | | Bermuda Re | | $ | 747,022 | | 01/01/2002-12/31/2007 | | Everest Re | | Bermuda Re | | $ | 747,022 | | | 01/01/2002-12/31/2007 |
On July 13, 2015, the Company sold Mt. McKinley to Clearwater Insurance Company, a Delaware domiciled insurance company. As of that date, Mt. McKinley is no longer deemed an affiliated company or related party.
The following tables summarize the premiums and losses ceded by the Company to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively, and premiums and losses assumed by the Company from Everest Canada and Lloyd's syndicate 2786 for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended |
Bermuda Re | | March 31, | | | March 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Ceded written premiums | | $ | 539,033 | | | $ | 518,017 | | | $ | 516,683 | | | $ | 539,033 | |
Ceded earned premiums | | | 554,051 | | | | 479,813 | | | | 538,953 | | | | 554,051 | |
Ceded losses and LAE (a) | | | 295,131 | | | | 238,501 | | | | 290,476 | | | | 295,131 | |
| | Three Months Ended |
Everest International | | March 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Ceded written premiums | | $ | (31 | ) | | $ | (2 | ) |
Ceded earned premiums | | | (24 | ) | | | 41 | |
Ceded losses and LAE | | | 142 | | | | (822 | ) |
| | Three Months Ended | |
Everest International | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Ceded written premiums | | $ | (2 | ) | | $ | (115 | ) |
Ceded earned premiums | | | 41 | | | | (74 | ) |
Ceded losses and LAE | | | (822 | ) | | | 1,884 | |
| | Three Months Ended |
Everest Canada | | March 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Assumed written premiums | | $ | 10,199 | | | $ | 6,664 | |
Assumed earned premiums | | | 10,454 | | | | 8,699 | |
Assumed losses and LAE | | | 6,987 | | | | 4,729 | |
| | Three Months Ended | |
Everest Canada | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Assumed written premiums | | $ | 6,664 | | | $ | 4,010 | |
Assumed earned premiums | | | 8,699 | | | | 4,688 | |
Assumed losses and LAE | | | 4,729 | | | | 3,292 | |
| | Three Months Ended |
Lloyd's Syndicate 2786 | | March 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Assumed written premiums | | $ | 696 | | | $ | - | |
Assumed earned premiums | | | 88 | | | | - | |
Assumed losses and LAE | | | - | | | | - | |
(a) Ceded losses and LAE include the Mt. McKinley loss portfolio transfer that constitutes losses ceded under retroactive reinsurance and therefore, in accordance with FASB guidance, aamortization of deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance is reflected in other expensesincome on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Upon the sale of Mt. McKinley, the value of the remaining deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance was included in the calculation of the realized gain on sale of subsidiary.
Everest Re sold net assets of its UK branch to Bermuda Re and provided Bermuda Re with a reserve indemnity agreement allowing for indemnity payments of up to 90% of ₤25.0 million of the excess of 2002 and prior reserves, provided that any recognition of profit from the reserves for 2002 and prior underwriting years is taken into account.
Effective February 27, 2013, Group established a new subsidiary, Mt. Logan Re, which is a Class 3 insurer based in Bermuda. Effective July 1, 2013, Mt. Logan Re established separate segregated accounts for its business activity, which will invest in a diversified set of catastrophe exposures.
The following table summarizes the premiums and losses that are ceded by the Company to Mt. Logan Re segregated accounts and assumed by the Company from Mt. Logan Re.
| | Three Months Ended | |
Mt. Logan Re | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Ceded written premiums | | $ | 61,670 | | | $ | 28,366 | |
Ceded earned premiums | | | 38,683 | | | | 17,837 | |
Ceded losses and LAE | | | 8,314 | | | | 5,143 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Assumed written premiums | | | 3,984 | | | | 9,919 | |
Assumed earned premiums | | | 3,984 | | | | 2,106 | |
Assumed losses and LAE | | | - | | | | - | |
Re segregated accounts.
| | Three Months Ended |
Mt. Logan Re Segregated Accounts | | March 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Ceded written premiums | | $ | 40,931 | | | $ | 61,670 | |
Ceded earned premiums | | | 34,872 | | | | 38,683 | |
Ceded losses and LAE | | | 9,098 | | | | 8,314 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Assumed written premiums | | | 3,560 | | | | 3,984 | |
Assumed earned premiums | | | 3,560 | | | | 3,984 | |
Assumed losses and LAE | | | - | | | | - | |
14.
12.RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company maintains both qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans and a retiree health plan for its U.S. employees employed prior to April 1, 2010.
Net periodic benefit cost for U.S. employees included the following components for the periods indicated:
Pension Benefits | | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Service cost | | $ | 2,940 | | | $ | 2,460 | | | $ | 2,897 | | | $ | 2,940 | |
Interest cost | | | 2,457 | | | | 2,542 | | | | 2,361 | | | | 2,457 | |
Expected return on plan assets | | | (2,903 | ) | | | (2,823 | ) | | | (2,484 | ) | | | (2,903 | ) |
Amortization of prior service cost | | | 5 | | | | 13 | | | | - | | | | 5 | |
Amortization of net (income) loss | | | 2,251 | | | | 1,091 | | | | 2,014 | | | | 2,251 | |
Net periodic benefit cost | | $ | 4,750 | | | $ | 3,283 | | | $ | 4,788 | | | $ | 4,750 | |
Other Benefits | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Service cost | | $ | 438 | | | $ | 401 | |
Interest cost | | | 296 | | | | 263 | |
Amortization of net (income) loss | | | 48 | | | | 211 | |
Net periodic benefit cost | | $ | 782 | | | $ | 875 | |
Other Benefits | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Service cost | | $ | 401 | | | $ | 407 | |
Interest cost | | | 263 | | | | 342 | |
Amortization of net (income) loss | | | 211 | | | | 82 | |
Net periodic benefit cost | | $ | 875 | | | $ | 831 | |
The Company did not make any contributions to the qualified pension benefit plan for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 2014.2015.
13.INCOME TAXES
The Company is domiciled in the United States and has subsidiaries domiciled within the United States with significant branches in Canada and Singapore. The Company’sCompany's non-U.S. branches are subject to income taxation at varying rates in their respective domiciles.
For interim reporting periods, the company is generally required to use the annualized effective tax rate (“AETR”("AETR") method, as prescribed by ASC 740-270, Interim Reporting, to calculate its income tax provision. Under this method, the AETR is applied to the interim year-to-date pre-tax income to determine the income tax expense or benefit for the year-to-date period. The income tax expense or benefit for a quarter represents the difference between the year-to-date income tax expense or benefit for the current year-to-date period less such amount for the immediately preceding year-to-date period. Management considers the impact of all known events in its estimation of the Company’sCompany's annual pre-tax income and AETR.
16.14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On April 23, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to sell all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Mt. McKinley Insurance Company (“Mt. McKinley”), a Delaware domiciled insurance company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company to Clearwater Insurance Company, a Delaware domiciled insurance company. The purchase price shall be paid in cash and based on the statutory book value of Mt. McKinley as of the closing date, which is expected to be approximately $20,000 thousand. The Company expects to recognize a realized gain of approximately $61,000 thousand on the sale of Mt. McKinley.
The transaction is subjectCompany has evaluated known recognized and non-recognized subsequent events. The Company does not have any subsequent events to receipt of insurance regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
The transaction meets the criteria for Held for Sale accounting. In accordance with the guidance, the table below details the approximate assets and liabilities associated with the business classified as Held for Sale.
report.
| | | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | | |
Investments and cash | | $ | 17,000 | |
Reinsurance recoverables | | | 146,000 | |
Deferred tax asset | | | 35,000 | |
Other assets | | | 1,000 | |
Total assets held for sale | | $ | 199,000 | |
| | | | |
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses | | $ | 142,000 | |
Deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance | | | 97,000 | |
Other liabilities | | | 1,000 | |
Total liabilities held for sale | | $ | 240,000 | |
| | | | |
Net liabilities held for sale | | $ | (41,000 | ) |
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’SMANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
Industry Conditions.
The worldwide reinsurance and insurance businesses are highly competitive, as well as cyclical by product and market. As such, financial results tend to fluctuate with periods of constrained availability, high rates and strong profits followed by periods of abundant capacity, low rates and constrained profitability. Competition in the types of reinsurance and insurance business that we underwrite is based on many factors, including the perceived overall financial strength of the reinsurer or insurer, ratings of the reinsurer or insurer by A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor’s,Poor's, underwriting expertise, the jurisdictions where the reinsurer or insurer is licensed or otherwise authorized, capacity and coverages offered, premiums charged, other terms and conditions of the reinsurance and insurance business offered, services offered, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in lines written. Furthermore, the market impact from these competitive factors related to reinsurance and insurance is generally not consistent across lines of business, domestic and international geographical areas and distribution channels.
We compete in the U.S. and international reinsurance and insurance markets with numerous global competitors. Our competitors include independent reinsurance and insurance companies, subsidiaries or affiliates of established worldwide insurance companies, reinsurance departments of certain insurance companies, domestic and international underwriting operations, including underwriting syndicates at Lloyd’sLloyd's of London and certain government sponsored risk transfer vehicles. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do and have established long term and continuing business relationships, which can be a significant competitive advantage. In addition, the lack of strong barriers to entry into the reinsurance business and recently, the securitization of reinsurance and insurance risks through capital markets provide additional sources of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.
Worldwide insurance and reinsurance market conditions continued to be very competitive, particularly in the property catastrophe and casualty reinsurance lines of business. Generally, there was ample insurance and reinsurance capacity relative to demand, as well as, additional capital from the capital markets through insurance linked financial instruments. These financial instruments such as side cars, catastrophe bonds and collateralized reinsurance funds, provide capital markets with access to insurance and reinsurance risk exposure. The capital markets demand for these products is being primarily driven by the current low interest environment and the desire to achieve greater risk diversification and potentially higher returns on their investments. This increased competition is generally having a negative impact on rates, terms and conditions; however, the impact varies widely by market and coverage.
Rates tend to fluctuate by specific region and products, particularly areas recently impacted by large catastrophic events. During the second and third quarters of 2013, Canada experienced historic flooding in Alberta and Toronto, which resulted in higher catastrophe rates in these areas during 2014. Although there werehave been flooding and wind storm events and earthquakes in Europe and Asia inparts of the latter part of 2013,world, the overall 2013, 2014 and 2015 catastrophe losses for the industry were considerably lower than average. This lower level of losses, combined with increased competition has resulted in downward pressure on insurance and reinsurance rates in certain geographical areas.
During 2015, we initiated a strategic build out of our insurance platform through the investment in key leadership hires which in turn has brought significant underwriting talent and stronger direction in achieving our insurance program strategic goals of increased volume and improved underwriting results. Recent growth is coming from highly diversified areas during 2014. Catastrophe results during 2014including newly launched lines of business, as well as, product and the first quartergeographic expansion in existing lines of 2015 were also generally benign, which could havebusiness. We are building a negative impact on worldwide regional catastrophe markets for the balanceworld-class insurance platform capable of 2015.offering products across lines and geographies, complementing our leading global reinsurance franchise.
Overall, we believe that given our size, strong ratings, distribution system, reputation, expertise and capital market vehicle activity the current marketplace conditions provide profit opportunities. We continue to employ our strategy of targeting business that offers the greatest profit potential, while maintaining balance and diversification in our overall portfolio.
Financial Summary.We monitor and evaluate our overall performance based upon financial results. The following table displays a summary of the consolidated net income (loss), ratios and stockholder’sstockholder's equity for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | | Percentage |
| | March 31, | | Increase/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2015 | | 2014 | | (Decrease) |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 1,226.8 | | | $ | 1,084.5 | | | | 13.1 | % |
Net written premiums | | | 508.4 | | | | 499.7 | | | | 1.7 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
REVENUES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 521.1 | | | $ | 470.4 | | | | 10.8 | % |
Net investment income | | | 72.6 | | | | 63.8 | | | | 13.8 | % |
Net realized capital gains (losses) | | | 21.3 | | | | (4.1 | ) | | NM |
Other income (expense) | | | 15.8 | | | | (3.1 | ) | | NM |
Total revenues | | | 630.8 | | | | 527.1 | | | | 19.7 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | 308.9 | | | | 278.0 | | | | 11.1 | % |
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees | | | 96.5 | | | | 76.1 | | | | 26.9 | % |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 48.5 | | | | 39.3 | | | | 23.7 | % |
Corporate expense | | | 1.6 | | | | 1.3 | | | | 23.6 | % |
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense | | | 8.9 | | | | 7.4 | | | | 19.1 | % |
Total claims and expenses | | | 464.4 | | | | 402.1 | | | | 15.5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES | | | 166.4 | | | | 125.0 | | | | 33.1 | % |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | | 50.4 | | | | 38.5 | | | | 30.8 | % |
NET INCOME (LOSS) | | | 115.9 | | | | 86.5 | | | | 34.1 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
RATIOS: | | | | | | | | | | Point Change |
Loss ratio | | | 59.3 | % | | | 59.1 | % | | | 0.2 | |
Commission and brokerage ratio | | | 18.5 | % | | | 16.2 | % | | | 2.3 | |
Other underwriting expense ratio | | | 9.3 | % | | | 8.3 | % | | | 1.0 | |
Combined ratio | | | 87.1 | % | | | 83.6 | % | | | 3.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | At | | At | | Percentage |
| | March 31, | | December 31, | | Increase/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | (Decrease) |
Balance sheet data: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investments and cash | | $ | 9,536.7 | | | $ | 9,572.6 | | | | -0.4 | % |
Total assets | | | 16,408.3 | | | | 16,322.3 | | | | 0.5 | % |
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves | | | 7,805.0 | | | | 7,843.9 | | | | -0.5 | % |
Total debt | | | 638.4 | | | | 638.4 | | | | 0.0 | % |
Total liabilities | | | 11,707.8 | | | | 11,749.6 | | | | -0.4 | % |
Stockholder's equity | | | 4,700.5 | | | | 4,572.7 | | | | 2.8 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(NM, not meaningful) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended | | | Percentage | |
| | March 31, | | | Increase/ | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2016 | | | 2015 | | | (Decrease) | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 1,129.9 | | | $ | 1,226.8 | | | | -7.9 | % |
Net written premiums | | | 464.1 | | | | 508.4 | | | | -8.7 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
REVENUES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 481.9 | | | $ | 521.1 | | | | -7.5 | % |
Net investment income | | | 58.4 | | | | 72.6 | | | | -19.5 | % |
Net realized capital gains (losses) | | | (66.4 | ) | | | 21.3 | | | NM |
Other income (expense) | | | 13.1 | | | | 15.8 | | | | -17.2 | % |
Total revenues | | | 487.1 | | | | 630.8 | | | | -22.8 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | 296.1 | | | | 308.9 | | | | -4.1 | % |
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees | | | 68.8 | | | | 96.5 | | | | -28.7 | % |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 59.2 | | | | 48.5 | | | | 22.0 | % |
Corporate expense | | | 2.3 | | | | 1.6 | | | | 45.2 | % |
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense | | | 8.9 | | | | 8.9 | | | | 0.0 | % |
Total claims and expenses | | | 435.3 | | | | 464.4 | | | | -6.3 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES | | | 51.8 | | | | 166.4 | | | | -68.9 | % |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | | 12.9 | | | | 50.4 | | | | -74.5 | % |
NET INCOME (LOSS) | | $ | 38.9 | | | $ | 115.9 | | | | -66.4 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
RATIOS: | | | | | | | | | | Point Change | |
Loss ratio | | | 61.4 | % | | | 59.3 | % | | | 2.1 | |
Commission and brokerage ratio | | | 14.3 | % | | | 18.5 | % | | | (4.2 | ) |
Other underwriting expense ratio | | | 12.3 | % | | | 9.3 | % | | | 3.0 | |
Combined ratio | | | 88.0 | % | | | 87.1 | % | | | 0.9 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | At | | | At | | | Percentage | |
| | March 31, | | | December 31, | | | Increase/ | |
(Dollars in millions) | | | 2016 | | | | 2015 | | | (Decrease) | |
Balance sheet data: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investments and cash | | $ | 9,622.7 | | | $ | 9,516.3 | | | | 1.1 | % |
Total assets | | | 16,793.9 | | | | 16,700.6 | | | | 0.6 | % |
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves | | | 7,992.3 | | | | 7,940.7 | | | | 0.6 | % |
Total debt | | | 638.4 | | | | 638.4 | | | | 0.0 | % |
Total liabilities | | | 11,757.2 | | | | 11,769.4 | | | | -0.1 | % |
Stockholder's equity | | | 5,036.7 | | | | 4,931.2 | | | | 2.1 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(NM - Not meaningful) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues.
Premiums. Gross written premiums increaseddecreased by 13.1%7.9% to $1,129.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $1,226.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to $1,084.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, reflecting a $105.2$121.1 million, or 46.7%13.5%, decrease in our reinsurance business, partially offset by a $24.2 million, or 7.3%, increase in our insurance business. The decline in reinsurance premiums was due mainly to decreases in treaty casualty business, reductions in quota share agreements and a $37.1negative impact of approximately $15.2 million or 4.3%, increasefrom the year over year movement in our reinsurance business.foreign exchange rates. The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to increases in cropaccident and workers’ compensationhealth business and other lines of business, as well as eight other business units. The rise in reinsurance premiums was primarily due to an increase in treaty property and catastrophe business, partially offset by approximately $14.7 million negative impact fromwe have focused on expanding the year over year movement in exchange rates. insurance operations.
Net written premiums increaseddecreased by 1.7%8.7% to $464.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $508.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, comparedwhich is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned decreased by 7.5% to $499.7
$481.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The variance between the increase in gross written premiums2016, compared to the increase in net written premiums is primarily due to a higher utilization of reinsurance for the crop business and for the quota share contracts, which increased due to the changes in the mix of business. Premiums earned increased by 10.8% to $521.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to $470.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.2015. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
Net Investment Income. Net investment income increaseddecreased by 13.8%19.5% to $58.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared with net investment income of $72.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with net investment income of $63.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.2015. Net pre-tax investment income, as a percentage of average invested assets, was 2.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to 3.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to 3.0% 2015. The decline in income and yield was primarily the result of a decrease in our limited partnership income and lower reinvestment rates for the fixed income portfolios.
Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses). Net realized capital losses were $66.4 million and net realized capital gains were $21.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in income$66.4 million was comprised of $24.8 million of net losses from sales on our fixed maturity and yield for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily the resultequity securities, $23.0 million of an increase in our limited partnership incomeother-than-temporary impairments and an increase in dividends$18.6 million of losses from shares held of the parent.
fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities. Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses). NetThe net realized capital gains wereof $21.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and net realized capital losses were $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The $21.3 million was comprised of $57.0 million of gains from fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity securities, equity securities and other invested assets, partially offset by $24.1 million of other-than-temporary impairments and $11.6 million of losses from sales on our fixed maturitymaturities and equity securities. The net realized capital losses
Other Income (Expense). We recorded other income of $4.1$13.1 and $15.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were the result of $2.4 million of net realized capital losses from sales on our fixed maturity2016 and equity securities and $1.7 million of losses from fair value re-measurements.2015
Other Income (Expense). We recorded other income of $15.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and other expense of $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014., respectively. The changes were primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for the corresponding periods.
Claims and Expenses.
Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. The following table presents our incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”("LAE") for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | Current | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | Pt Change | | Years | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | Pt Change |
2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional (a) | | $ | 312.8 | | | | 60.1 | % | | | $ | (1.7 | ) | | | -0.4 | % | | | $ | 311.1 | | | | 59.7 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | (2.2 | ) | | | -0.4 | % | | | | (2.2 | ) | | | -0.4 | % | |
Total | | $ | 312.8 | | | | 60.1 | % | | | $ | (3.9 | ) | | | -0.8 | % | | | $ | 308.9 | | | | 59.3 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional (a) | | $ | 281.3 | | | | 59.8 | % | | | $ | (0.6 | ) | | | -0.1 | % | | | $ | 280.7 | | | | 59.7 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | (2.7 | ) | | | -0.6 | % | | | | (2.7 | ) | | | -0.6 | % | |
Total | | $ | 281.3 | | | | 59.8 | % | | | $ | (3.3 | ) | | | -0.7 | % | | | $ | 278.0 | | | | 59.1 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2015/2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional (a) | | $ | 31.5 | | | | 0.3 | | pts | | $ | (1.1 | ) | | | (0.3 | ) | pts | | $ | 30.4 | | | | - | | pts |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | - | | pts | | | 0.5 | | | | 0.2 | | pts | | | 0.5 | | | | 0.2 | | pts |
Total | | $ | 31.5 | | | | 0.3 | | pts | | $ | (0.6 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) | pts | | $ | 30.9 | | | | 0.2 | | pts |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe losses. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2016 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 293.4 | | | | 60.8 | % | | | $ | (2.0 | ) | | | -0.4 | % | | | $ | 291.4 | | | | 60.4 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 5.2 | | | | 1.1 | % | | | | (0.5 | ) | | | -0.1 | % | | | | 4.7 | | | | 1.0 | % | |
Total segment | | $ | 298.6 | | | | 61.9 | % | | | $ | (2.5 | ) | | | -0.5 | % | | | $ | 296.1 | | | | 61.4 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 312.8 | | | | 60.1 | % | | | $ | (1.7 | ) | | | -0.4 | % | | | $ | 311.1 | | | | 59.7 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | (2.2 | ) | | | -0.4 | % | | | | (2.2 | ) | | | -0.4 | % | |
Total segment | | $ | 312.8 | | | | 60.1 | % | | | $ | (3.9 | ) | | | -0.8 | % | | | $ | 308.9 | | | | 59.3 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2016/2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | �� |
Attritional | | $ | (19.4 | ) | | | 0.7 | | pts | | $ | (0.3 | ) | | | - | | pts | | $ | (19.7 | ) | | | 0.7 | | pts |
Catastrophes | | | 5.2 | | | | 1.1 | | pts | | | 1.7 | | | | 0.3 | | pts | | | 6.9 | | | | 1.4 | | pts |
Total segment | | $ | (14.2 | ) | | | 1.8 | | pts | | $ | 1.4 | | | | 0.3 | | pts | | $ | (12.8 | ) | | | 2.1 | | pts |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Incurred losses and LAE increaseddecreased by 11.1%4.1% to $296.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $308.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, comparedprimarily due to $278.0a decrease in current years attritional losses of $19.4 million, resulting primarily from the impact of the decline in premiums earned, partially offset by $5.2 million in current year catastrophe losses. The current year catastrophe losses of $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014,2016 primarily duerelated to increases in current year attritional losses of $31.5 million resulting primarily from the impact of the increase in
premiums earned.2016 Taiwan earthquake ($5.2 million). There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.2015.
Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increaseddecreased by 26.9%28.7% to $96.5$68.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 compared to $76.1$96.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decline was primarily due to the impact of the decline in premiums earned, changes in the mix of business and the impact of affiliated quota share agreements.
Other Underwriting Expenses. Other underwriting expenses increased 22.0% to $59.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. These changes were primarily due2016, compared to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, higher contingent commissions and changes in the mix of business.
Other Underwriting Expenses. Other underwriting expenses were $48.5 million and $39.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.2015. The increase in other underwriting expenses was mainly due to the impactcosts incurred related to the expansion of the increase in premiums earned.insurance business.
Corporate Expenses. Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, were comparable at $1.6$2.3 million and $1.3$1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in corporate expense was mainly due to increased compensation and 2014, respectively.benefit expense.
Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense. Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $8.9 million and $7.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 2014, respectively. The increase was primarily due to the issuance of $400.0 million of senior notes in June, 2014, partially offset by the maturity of $250.0 million of senior notes on October 15, 2014.2015.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax expense wasexpenses were $12.9 million and $50.4 million and $38.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively. IncomeIncome tax expense is primarily a function of the geographic location of the Company’sCompany's pre-tax income and the statutory tax rates in those jurisdictions, as affected by tax-exempt investment income.income and as calculated under the annualized effective tax rate ("AETR") method. Variations in the income tax expense generally result from changes in the relative levels of pre-tax income, including the impact of catastrophe losses and net capital gains (losses), among jurisdictions with different tax rates. The increasedecrease in income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014 2015 was primarily due to higher netthe realized capital gains.losses and lower net investment income.
Net Income (Loss).
Our net income was $115.9$38.9 million and $86.5$115.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively. The changes were primarily driven by the financial component fluctuations explained above.
Ratios.
Our combined ratio increased by 3.50.9 points to 88.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to 87.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to 83.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2014.2015. The loss ratio component increased slightly by 0.22.1 points for the three months ended March 31, 2015, over the same period last year. The commission and brokerage ratio components increased 2.3 points for the three months ended March 31, 2015,2016 over the same period last year, primarily due to higher contingent commissionsthe increase in current years catastrophe losses. The commission and brokerage ratio components decreased 4.2 points for the three months ended March 31, 2016 over the same period last year primarily due to changes in the mix of business.business and the impact of the affiliated quota share agreements. The other underwriting expense ratio components increased 1.0 point3.0 points for the three months ended March 31, 2015,2016 over the same period last year.year due to the additional expenses related to the increased focus on the expansion of the insurance business.
Stockholder's Equity.
Stockholders’Stockholders' equity increased by $127.8$105.5 million to $4,700.5$5,036.7 million at March 31, 2015 2016 from $4,572.7$4,931.2 million at December 31, 2014,2015, principally as a result of $115.9 million of net income, $39.6$45.5 million of net unrealized appreciation on investments, net of tax, $4.0$38.9 million of net income, $14.9 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments, $4.8 million of share-based compensation transactions and $1.6$1.3 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments, partially offset by $33.3 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments.
Consolidated Investment Results
Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased 13.8%decreased by 19.5% to $58.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $72.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $63.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014,2015. These decreases were primarily due to an increase in incomea decrease from our limited partnership investments and an increasea decrease in dividends from parent’s shares.income on the fixed income portfolio, reflective of lower reinvestment rates.
The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended | |
| | March 31, | | | March 31, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Fixed maturities | | $ | 48.0 | | | $ | 51.1 | | | $ | 45.3 | | | $ | 48.0 | |
Equity securities | | | 8.7 | | | | 8.9 | | | | 9.1 | | | | 8.7 | |
Short-term investments and cash | | | 0.2 | | | | 0.2 | | | | 0.3 | | | | 0.2 | |
Other invested assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Limited partnerships | | | 7.4 | | | | (3.1 | ) | | | (2.5 | ) | | | 7.4 | |
Dividends from Parent's shares | | | 9.2 | | | | 7.3 | | | | - | | | | 9.2 | |
Dividends from preferred shares of affiliate | | | | 7.8 | | | | - | |
Other | | | 0.6 | | | | 2.0 | | | | (0.9 | ) | | | 0.6 | |
Gross investment income before adjustments | | | 74.1 | | | | 66.4 | | | | 59.1 | | | | 74.1 | |
Funds held interest income (expense) | | | 2.5 | | | | 2.1 | | | | 2.7 | | | | 2.5 | |
Interest income from Parent | | | 1.1 | | | | - | | | | 1.1 | | | | 1.1 | |
Gross investment income | | | 77.7 | | | | 68.5 | | | | 62.8 | | | | 77.7 | |
Investment expenses | | | (5.1 | ) | | | (4.7 | ) | | | (4.4 | ) | | | (5.1 | ) |
Net investment income | | $ | 72.6 | | | $ | 63.8 | | | $ | 58.4 | | | $ | 72.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following tables showtable shows a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated:
| At | | At | At | | At |
| March 31. | | December 31, | March 31, | | December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 | 2016 | | 2015 |
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 31 | 3.1% | | 3.1% | 2.8% | | 2.9% |
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 31 | 2.2% | | 2.2% | 2.0% | | 2.1% |
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended |
| March 31. | March 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 | 2016 | | 2015 |
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets | 3.5% | | 3.0% | 2.5% | | 3.5% |
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets | 2.5% | | 2.2% | 1.8% | | 2.5% |
Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).The following table presents the composition of our net realized capital gains (losses) for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2015 | | 2014 | | Variance | | 2016 | | | 2015 | | | Variance | |
Gains (losses) from sales: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturity securities, market value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains | | $ | 2.5 | | | $ | 1.3 | | | $ | 1.2 | | |
Losses | | | (14.0 | ) | | | (3.3 | ) | | | (10.7 | ) | |
Total | | | (11.5 | ) | | | (2.0 | ) | | | (9.5 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturity securities, fair value | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains | | | - | | | | 1.2 | | | | (1.2 | ) | | $ | 1.5 | | | $ | 2.5 | | | $ | (1.0 | ) |
Losses | | | - | | | | (0.3 | ) | | | 0.3 | | | | (18.3 | ) | | | (14.0 | ) | | | (4.3 | ) |
Total | | | - | | | | 0.9 | | | | (0.9 | ) | | | (16.9 | ) | | | (11.5 | ) | | | (5.3 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity securities, fair value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains | | | 5.1 | | | | 6.6 | | | | (1.5 | ) | | | 1.8 | | | | 5.1 | | | | (3.3 | ) |
Losses | | | (5.2 | ) | | | (7.9 | ) | | | 2.7 | | | | (9.7 | ) | | | (5.2 | ) | | | (4.5 | ) |
Total | | | (0.1 | ) | | | (1.3 | ) | | | 1.2 | | | | (8.0 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) | | | (7.8 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total net realized gains (losses) from sales | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains | | | 7.7 | | | | 9.1 | | | | (1.4 | ) | | | 3.3 | | | | 7.7 | | | | (4.4 | ) |
Losses | | | (19.2 | ) | | | (11.5 | ) | | | (7.7 | ) | | | (28.1 | ) | | | (19.2 | ) | | | (8.9 | ) |
Total | | | (11.6 | ) | | | (2.4 | ) | | | (9.2 | ) | | | (24.8 | ) | | | (11.6 | ) | | | (13.3 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other than temporary impairments: | | | (24.1 | ) | | | - | | | | (24.1 | ) | | | (23.0 | ) | | | (24.1 | ) | | | 1.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities, fair value | | | 0.1 | | | | - | | | | 0.1 | | | | (0.2 | ) | | | 0.1 | | | | (0.3 | ) |
Equity securities, fair value | | | 20.9 | | | | 25.8 | | | | (4.9 | ) | | | (18.3 | ) | | | 20.9 | | | | (39.2 | ) |
Other invested assets, fair value | | | 36.0 | | | | (27.4 | ) | | | 63.4 | | | | - | | | | 36.0 | | | | (36.0 | ) |
Total | | | 57.0 | | | | (1.7 | ) | | | 58.7 | | | | (18.6 | ) | | | 57.0 | | | | (75.6 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total net realized gains (losses) | | $ | 21.3 | | | $ | (4.1 | ) | | $ | 25.4 | | | $ | (66.4 | ) | | $ | 21.3 | | | $ | (87.7 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net realized capital losses were $66.4 million and net realized capital gains were $21.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, andrespectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recorded $24.8 million of net realized capital losses were $4.1from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, $23.0 million of other-than-temporary impairments and $18.6 million of net realized capital losses due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturities and equity securities. The fixed maturity and equity sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014.2016 related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recorded $57.0 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity securities, equity securities and other invested assets, partially offset by $24.1 million of other-than-temporary impairments and $11.6 million of net realized capital losses from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities. The fixed maturity and equity sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recorded $2.4 million of net realized capital losses from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities and $1.7 million of losses from fair value re-measurements.
The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including Marine, Aviation, Surety and A&H business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies primarily within the U.S. The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’sRe's branches in Canada, Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey. The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance directly and through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers mainly within the U.S and Canada.U.S.
These segments are managed independently, but conform with corporate guidelines with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations. Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results.
Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and LAE incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses. We measure our underwriting results using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned.
Our loss and LAE reserves are ourmanagement's best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims. We re-evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including all prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, recently reported loss claim experience and trends related to prior periods. Such re-evaluations are recorded in incurred losses in the period in which the re-evaluation is made.
The following discusses the underwriting results for each of our segments for the periods indicated:
U.S. Reinsurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | | | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | Variance | | | % Change | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | | | Variance | | | % Change | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 562.6 | | | $ | 530.3 | | | $ | 32.3 | | | | 6.1 | % | | $ | 536.7 | | | $ | 562.6 | | | $ | (25.9 | ) | | | -4.6 | % |
Net written premiums | | | 240.7 | | | | 251.5 | | | | (10.8 | ) | | | -4.3 | % | | | 223.4 | | | | 240.7 | | | | (17.3 | ) | | | -7.2 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 255.4 | | | $ | 218.2 | | | $ | 37.2 | | | | 17.1 | % | | $ | 235.2 | | | $ | 255.4 | | | $ | (20.2 | ) | | | -7.9 | % |
Incurred losses and LAE | | | 111.5 | | | | 116.0 | | | | (4.5 | ) | | | -3.9 | % | | | 116.2 | | | | 111.5 | | | | 4.7 | | | | 4.2 | % |
Commission and brokerage | | | 58.4 | | | | 40.1 | | | | 18.2 | | | | 45.4 | % | | | 49.7 | | | | 58.4 | | | | (8.7 | ) | | | -14.8 | % |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 11.5 | | | | 9.5 | | | | 2.0 | | | | 21.6 | % | | | 13.5 | | | | 11.5 | | | | 2.0 | | | | 16.7 | % |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | 74.1 | | | $ | 52.6 | | | $ | 21.5 | | | | 40.8 | % | | $ | 55.9 | | | $ | 74.1 | | | $ | (18.1 | ) | | | -24.5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | |
Loss ratio | | | 43.6 | % | | | 53.2 | % | | | | | | | (9.6 | ) | | | 49.4 | % | | | 43.6 | % | | | | | | | 5.8 | |
Commission and brokerage ratio | | | 22.9 | % | | | 18.4 | % | | | | | | | 4.5 | | | | 21.1 | % | | | 22.9 | % | | | | | | | (1.8 | ) |
Other underwriting expense ratio | | | 4.5 | % | | | 4.3 | % | | | | | | | 0.2 | | |
Other underwriting ratio | | | | 5.7 | % | | | 4.5 | % | | | | | | | 1.2 | |
Combined ratio | | | 71.0 | % | | | 75.9 | % | | | | | | | (4.9 | ) | | | 76.2 | % | | | 71.0 | % | | | | | | | 5.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums. Gross written premiums increaseddecreased by 6.1%4.6% to $536.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from $562.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from $530.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014,, primarily due to an increase in treaty property and catastrophe business, partially offset by a decline in treaty casualty business. Net written premiums decreased by 4.3%7.2% to $223.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $240.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $251.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.. The variancedifference between the increasechange in gross written premiums compared to the decreasechange in net written premiums is primarily due to a highervarying utilization of reinsurance primarily related to affiliated quota share contracts. Premiums earned increased 17.1%decreased 7.9% to $255.4$235.2 million for the
three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $218.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.2016 compared to $255.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | Current | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | Ratio %/ | | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | Pt Change | | Years | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | Pt Change | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2016 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | | $ | 118.4 | | | | 50.4 | % | | | $ | (2.3 | ) | | | -1.0 | % | | | $ | 116.1 | | | | 49.4 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | |
Total segment | | | $ | 118.4 | | | | 50.4 | % | | | $ | (2.3 | ) | | | -1.0 | % | | | $ | 116.2 | | | | 49.4 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 117.5 | | | | 46.0 | % | | | $ | (3.6 | ) | | | -1.5 | % | | | $ | 113.9 | | | | 44.5 | % | | | $ | 117.5 | | | | 46.0 | % | | | $ | (3.6 | ) | | | -1.5 | % | | | $ | 113.9 | | | | 44.5 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | (2.4 | ) | | | -0.9 | % | | | | (2.4 | ) | | | -0.9 | % | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | (2.4 | ) | | | -0.9 | % | | | | (2.4 | ) | | | -0.9 | % | |
Total segment | | $ | 117.5 | | | | 46.0 | % | | | $ | (6.0 | ) | | | -2.5 | % | | | $ | 111.5 | | | | 43.6 | % | | | $ | 117.5 | | | | 46.0 | % | | | $ | (6.0 | ) | | | -2.5 | % | | | $ | 111.5 | | | | 43.6 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 120.6 | | | | 55.3 | % | | | $ | (3.2 | ) | | | -1.5 | % | | | $ | 117.4 | | | | 53.8 | % | | |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | (1.4 | ) | | | -0.6 | % | | | | (1.4 | ) | | | -0.6 | % | | |
Total segment | | $ | 120.6 | | | | 55.3 | % | | | $ | (4.6 | ) | | | -2.1 | % | | | $ | 116.0 | | | | 53.2 | % | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2015/2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2016/2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | (3.1 | ) | | | (9.3 | ) | pts | | $ | (0.4 | ) | | | - | | pts | | $ | (3.5 | ) | | | (9.3 | ) | pts | | $ | 0.9 | | | | 4.4 | | pts | | $ | 1.3 | | | | 0.5 | | pts | | $ | 2.2 | | | | 4.9 | | pts |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | - | | pts | | | (1.0 | ) | | | (0.3 | ) | pts | | | (1.0 | ) | | | (0.3 | ) | pts | | | - | | | | - | | pts | | | 2.4 | | | | 0.9 | | pts | | | 2.4 | | | | 0.9 | | pts |
Total segment | | $ | (3.1 | ) | | | (9.3 | ) | pts | | $ | (1.4 | ) | | | (0.4 | ) | pts | | $ | (4.5 | ) | | | (9.6 | ) | pts | | $ | 0.9 | | | | 4.4 | | pts | | $ | 3.7 | | | | 1.5 | | pts | | $ | 4.7 | | | | 5.8 | | pts |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Incurred losses decreasedincreased by 3.9%4.2% to $116.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $111.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $116.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014,, primarily due to a decrease$6.0 million of favorable development on prior year losses in losses on treaty casualty business and2015 which did not recur to the impact of changessame level in affiliated quota share agreements, partially offset by the impact of the increase in earned premiums.2016. There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage decreased by 14.8% to $49.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $58.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. This decline was primarily due to the impact of the decrease in premiums earned and 2014.
the impact of affiliated quota share contracts. Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerageother underwriting expenses increased by 45.4% to $58.4$13.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $40.12016 from $11.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. This variance2015. The increase was primarily due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, higher contingent commissions and changes in the mix of business. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $11.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from $9.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 due primarily to the impact of the increase in premiums earned.business and higher compensation and benefit plan costs.
International.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the International segment for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | | | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | Variance | | | % Change | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | | | Variance | | | % Change | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 333.6 | | | $ | 328.9 | | | $ | 4.7 | | | | 1.4 | % | | $ | 238.5 | | | $ | 333.6 | | | $ | (95.1 | ) | | | -28.5 | % |
Net written premiums | | | 121.7 | | | | 141.5 | | | | (19.8 | ) | | | -14.0 | % | | | 87.7 | | | | 121.7 | | | | (34.0 | ) | | | -27.9 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 140.7 | | | $ | 145.0 | | | $ | (4.3 | ) | | | -3.0 | % | | $ | 113.2 | | | $ | 140.7 | | | $ | (27.5 | ) | | | -19.6 | % |
Incurred losses and LAE | | | 101.4 | | | | 83.6 | | | | 17.9 | | | | 21.4 | % | | | 73.4 | | | | 101.4 | | | | (28.0 | ) | | | -27.6 | % |
Commission and brokerage | | | 34.0 | | | | 29.2 | | | | 4.8 | | | | 16.6 | % | | | 26.1 | | | | 34.0 | | | | (7.9 | ) | | | -23.2 | % |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 8.1 | | | | 7.8 | | | | 0.3 | | | | 3.5 | % | | | 7.8 | | | | 8.1 | | | | (0.3 | ) | | | -3.6 | % |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | (2.9 | ) | | $ | 24.4 | | | $ | (27.3 | ) | | | -111.7 | % | | $ | 5.8 | | | $ | (2.9 | ) | | $ | 8.7 | | | NM |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | |
Loss ratio | | | 72.1 | % | | | 57.6 | % | | | | | | | 14.5 | | | | 64.9 | % | | | 72.1 | % | | | | | | | (7.2 | ) |
Commission and brokerage ratio | | | 24.2 | % | | | 20.1 | % | | | | | | | 4.1 | | | | 23.1 | % | | | 24.2 | % | | | | | | | (1.1 | ) |
Other underwriting expense ratio | | | 5.7 | % | | | 5.5 | % | | | | | | | 0.2 | | |
Other underwriting ratio | | | | 6.9 | % | | | 5.7 | % | | | | | | | 1.2 | |
Combined ratio | | | 102.0 | % | | | 83.2 | % | | | | | | | 18.8 | | | | 94.9 | % | | | 102.0 | % | | | | | | | (7.1 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(NM, not meaningful) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums. Gross written premiums increaseddecreased by 1.4%28.5% to $238.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $333.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $328.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014,, primarily due to newthe decline in Latin American and Asian business, reductions in premiums related to quota share contracts, partially offset byagreements and the negative impact of approximately $12.4$14.8 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates. Net written premiums decreased by 14.0%27.9% to $87.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $121.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned decreased 19.6% to $141.5$113.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The variance of the change in gross written premiums 2016 compared to the change in net written premiums is due to a higher utilization of reinsurance related to the new quota share contracts. Premiums earned decreased 3.0% to $140.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $145.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the International segment for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | Current | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | Pt Change | | Years | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | Pt Change |
2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 99.7 | | | | 70.9 | % | | | $ | 1.6 | | | | 1.1 | % | | | $ | 101.3 | | | | 72.0 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | 0.2 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | | 0.2 | | | | 0.1 | % | |
Total segment | | $ | 99.7 | | | | 70.9 | % | | | $ | 1.7 | | | | 1.2 | % | | | $ | 101.4 | | | | 72.1 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 84.7 | | | | 58.4 | % | | | $ | 0.2 | | | | 0.2 | % | | | $ | 85.0 | | | | 58.6 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | (1.4 | ) | | | -1.0 | % | | | | (1.4 | ) | | | -1.0 | % | |
Total segment | | $ | 84.7 | | | | 58.4 | % | | | $ | (1.1 | ) | | | -0.8 | % | | | $ | 83.6 | | | | 57.6 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2015/2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 15.0 | | | | 12.5 | | pts | | $ | 1.4 | | | | 0.9 | | pts | | $ | 16.3 | | | | 13.4 | | pts |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | - | | pts | | | 1.6 | | | | 1.1 | | pts | | | 1.6 | | | | 1.1 | | pts |
Total segment | | $ | 15.0 | | | | 12.5 | | pts | | $ | 2.8 | | | | 2.0 | | pts | | $ | 17.9 | | | | 14.5 | | pts |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2016 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 71.4 | | | | 63.1 | % | | | $ | (2.8 | ) | | | -2.5 | % | | | $ | 68.6 | | | | 60.6 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 5.2 | | | | 4.6 | % | | | | (0.4 | ) | | | -0.3 | % | | | | 4.8 | | | | 4.3 | % | |
Total segment | | $ | 76.6 | | | | 67.7 | % | | | $ | (3.2 | ) | | | -2.8 | % | | | $ | 73.4 | | | | 64.9 | % | |
| | | | | | | | �� | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 99.7 | | | | 70.9 | % | | | $ | 1.6 | | | | 1.1 | % | | | $ | 101.3 | | | | 72.0 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | 0.2 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | | 0.2 | | | | 0.1 | % | |
Total segment | | $ | 99.7 | | | | 70.9 | % | | | $ | 1.7 | | | | 1.2 | % | | | $ | 101.4 | | | | 72.1 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2016/2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | (28.3 | ) | | | (7.8 | ) | pts | | $ | (4.4 | ) | | | (3.6 | ) | pts | | $ | (32.7 | ) | | | (11.4 | ) | pts |
Catastrophes | | | 5.2 | | | | 4.6 | | pts | | | (0.6 | ) | | | (0.4 | ) | pts | | | 4.6 | | | | 4.2 | | pts |
Total segment | | $ | (23.1 | ) | | | (3.2 | ) | pts | | $ | (4.9 | ) | | | (4.0 | ) | pts | | $ | (28.0 | ) | | | (7.2 | ) | pts |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
34
Incurred losses and LAE increaseddecreased by 21.4%27.6% to $73.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $101.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared, primarily due to $83.6the decrease in current year attritional losses of $28.3 million reflecting a decline in premiums earned, partially offset by an increase in current year catastrophe losses of $5.2 million. The $5.2 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014,2016 were primarily due to the increase in current year attritional losses of $15.0 million. The increase in attritional losses was primarily due to higher losses in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.2016 Taiwan earthquake ($5.2 million). There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.2015.
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage increased 16.6%decreased 23.2% to $34.0$26.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 2016 compared to $29.2$34.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. 2015. The increasedecrease was primarily due to the impact of changesthe decrease in affiliated quota share agreementspremiums earned and the impact of changes in the mix of business.affiliated quota share agreements. Segment other underwriting expenses decreased slightly increased to $8.1$7.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 2016 compared to $7.8$8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.2015.
Insurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | | | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | Variance | | | % Change | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | | | Variance | | | % Change | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 330.5 | | | $ | 225.3 | | | $ | 105.2 | | | | 46.7 | % | | $ | 354.7 | | | $ | 330.5 | | | $ | 24.2 | | | | 7.3 | % |
Net written premiums | | | 146.1 | | | | 106.7 | | | | 39.3 | | | | 36.8 | % | | | 152.9 | | | | 146.1 | | | | 6.9 | | | | 4.7 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 125.0 | | | $ | 107.3 | | | $ | 17.7 | | | | 16.5 | % | | $ | 133.5 | | | $ | 125.0 | | | $ | 8.6 | | | | 6.9 | % |
Incurred losses and LAE | | | 96.0 | | | | 78.5 | | | | 17.5 | | | | 22.3 | % | | | 106.5 | | | | 96.0 | | | | 10.5 | | | | 10.9 | % |
Commission and brokerage | | | 4.2 | | | | 6.8 | | | | (2.6 | ) | | | -38.6 | % | | | (7.0 | ) | | | 4.2 | | | | (11.2 | ) | | NM |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 28.9 | | | | 21.9 | | | | 7.0 | | | | 31.8 | % | | | 37.9 | | | | 28.9 | | | | 9.0 | | | | 31.1 | % |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | (4.1 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | (4.1 | ) | | NM | | $ | (3.9 | ) | | $ | (4.1 | ) | | $ | 0.2 | | | | -4.9 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | |
Loss ratio | | | 76.8 | % | | | 73.2 | % | | | | | | | 3.6 | | | | 79.8 | % | | | 76.8 | % | | | | | | | 3.0 | |
Commission and brokerage ratio | | | 3.3 | % | | | 6.3 | % | | | | | | | (3.0 | ) | | | -5.3 | % | | | 3.3 | % | | | | | | | (8.6 | ) |
Other underwriting expense ratio | | | 23.2 | % | | | 20.5 | % | | | | | | | 2.7 | | |
Other underwriting ratio | | | | 28.4 | % | | | 23.2 | % | | | | | | | 5.2 | |
Combined ratio | | | 103.3 | % | | | 100.0 | % | | | | | | | 3.3 | | | | 102.9 | % | | | 103.3 | % | | | | | | | (0.4 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(NM, not meaningful) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 46.7%7.3% to $354.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $330.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $225.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in cropaccident and workers’ compensationhealth business, as well as eightpremium from the startup of the Lloyd's syndicate and additional expansion of other business units.insurance lines of business. Net written premiums increased by 36.8%4.7% to $152.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $146.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The difference between the change in gross written premiums and the change in new written premiums is primarily due to a varying utilization of reinsurance. Premiums earned increased 6.9% to $133.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $125.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $106.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased 16.5% to $125.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $107.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated. | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | Current | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | Pt Change | | Years | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | Pt Change |
2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 95.6 | | | | 76.5 | % | | | $ | 0.4 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | $ | 96.0 | | | | 76.8 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | |
Total segment | | $ | 95.6 | | | | 76.5 | % | | | $ | 0.4 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | $ | 96.0 | | | | 76.8 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 76.0 | | | | 70.8 | % | | | $ | 2.4 | | | | 2.3 | % | | | $ | 78.4 | | | | 73.1 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | 0.1 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | | 0.1 | | | | 0.1 | % | |
Total segment | | $ | 76.0 | | | | 70.8 | % | | | $ | 2.5 | | | | 2.4 | % | | | $ | 78.5 | | | | 73.2 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2015/2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 19.6 | | | | 5.7 | | pts | | $ | (2.0 | ) | | | (2.0 | ) | pts | | $ | 17.6 | | | | 3.7 | | pts |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | - | | pts | | | (0.1 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) | pts | | | (0.1 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) | pts |
Total segment | | $ | 19.6 | | | | 5.7 | | pts | | $ | (2.1 | ) | | | (2.1 | ) | pts | | $ | 17.5 | | | | 3.6 | | pts |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2016 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 103.6 | | | | 77.6 | % | | | $ | 3.0 | | | | 2.3 | % | | | $ | 106.7 | | | | 79.9 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | (0.2 | ) | | | -0.1 | % | | | | (0.2 | ) | | | -0.1 | % | |
Total segment | | $ | 103.6 | | | | 77.6 | % | | | $ | 2.8 | | | | 2.2 | % | | | $ | 106.5 | | | | 79.8 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 95.6 | | | | 76.5 | % | | | $ | 0.4 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | $ | 96.0 | | | | 76.8 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | |
Total segment | | $ | 95.6 | | | | 76.5 | % | | | $ | 0.4 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | $ | 96.0 | | | | 76.8 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2016/2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 8.0 | | | | 1.1 | | pts | | $ | 2.6 | | | | 2.0 | | pts | | $ | 10.7 | | | | 3.1 | | pts |
Catastrophes | | | - | | | | - | | pts | | | (0.2 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) | pts | | | (0.2 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) | pts |
Total segment | | $ | 8.0 | | | | 1.1 | | pts | | $ | 2.4 | | | | 1.9 | | pts | | $ | 10.5 | | | | 3.0 | | pts |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Incurred losses and LAE increased by 22.3%10.9% to $106.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $96.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $78.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, mainly, primarily due to an increase of $19.6$8.0 million in current year attritional losses. This rise was primarilylosses related to the impact of the increase in premiums earned.earned and an increase of $2.6 million of favorable development on prior years attritional losses related primarily to crop hail business. There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended March 31, 20152016 and 2014.2015.
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage decreased 38.6% to $4.2$(7.0) million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 2016 compared to $6.8$4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. This increase2015. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of changes in affiliated quota share agreements and the impact ofdriven by changes in the mix of business partially offset byand impacts from affiliated quota share agreements. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $37.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $28.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase resulted from the impact of the increase in premiums earned. Segment other underwritingearned and increased expenses increased to $28.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $21.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 primarily due to the impactbuild out of the increase in premiums earned.insurance platform.
Market Sensitive Instruments.
The SEC’sSEC's Financial Reporting Release #48 requires registrants to clarify and expand upon the existing financial statement disclosure requirements for derivative financial instruments, derivative commodity instruments and other financial instruments (collectively, “market"market sensitive instruments”instruments"). We do not generally enter into market sensitive instruments for trading purposes.
Our current investment strategy seeks to maximize after-tax income through a high quality, diversified, taxable and tax-preferenced fixed maturity portfolio, while maintaining an adequate level of liquidity. Our mix of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected operating results, market conditions and our tax position. The fixed maturity securities in the investment portfolio are comprised of non-trading available for sale securities. Additionally, we have invested in equity securities.
The overall investment strategy considers the scope of present and anticipated Company operations. In particular, estimates of the financial impact resulting from non-investment asset and liability transactions, together with our capital structure and other factors, are used to develop a net liability analysis. This analysis includes estimated payout characteristics for which our investments provide liquidity. This analysis is considered in the development of specific investment strategies for asset allocation, duration and credit quality. The change in overall market sensitive risk exposure principally reflects the asset changes that took place during the period.
Interest Rate Risk. Our $9.5$9.6 billion investment portfolio, at March 31, 2015,2016, is principally comprised of fixed maturity securities, which are generally subject to interest rate risk and some foreign currency exchange rate risk, and some equity securities, which are subject to price fluctuations and some foreign exchange rate risk. The overall economic impact of the foreign exchange risks on the investment portfolio is partially mitigated by changes in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated liabilities and their associated income statement impact.
Interest rate risk is the potential change in value of the fixed maturity securities portfolio, including short-term investments, from a change in market interest rates. In a declining interest rate environment, it includes prepayment risk on the $633.9$848.3 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $5,227.3$5,581.8 million fixed maturity portfolio. Prepayment risk results from potential accelerated principal payments that shorten the average life and thus the expected yield of the security.
The table below displays the potential impact of market value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity portfolio (including $559.9$329.2 million of short-term investments) for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates. For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually. To generate appropriate price estimates for mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account. For legal entities with non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the market value change under the various interest rate change scenarios.
| | Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points | | Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points |
| | At March 31, 2015 | | At March 31, 2016 |
(Dollars in millions) | | -200 | | -100 | | 0 | | 100 | | 200 | | -200 | | -100 | | 0 | | 100 | | 200 |
Total Market/Fair Value | | $ | 6,077.5 | | | $ | 5,933.6 | | | $ | 5,787.2 | | | $ | 5,634.7 | | | $ | 5,477.6 | | | $ | 6,210.8 | | | $ | 6,062.0 | | | $ | 5,911.0 | | | $ | 5,747.7 | | | $ | 5,578.5 | |
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%) | | | 5.0 | % | | | 2.5 | % | | | 0.0 | % | | | -2.6 | % | | | -5.3 | % | | | 5.1 | % | | | 2.6 | % | | | 0.0 | % | | | -2.8 | % | | | -5.6 | % |
Change in Unrealized Appreciation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
After-tax from Base ($) | | $ | 188.7 | | | $ | 95.1 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (99.1 | ) | | $ | (201.2 | ) | | $ | 194.9 | | | $ | 98.2 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (106.1 | ) | | $ | (216.1 | ) |
We had $7,805.0$7,992.3 million and $7,843.9$7,940.7 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of March 31, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, respectively. These amounts are recorded at their nominal value, as opposed to present value, which would reflect a discount adjustment to reflect the time value of money. Since losses are paid out over a period of time, the present value of the reserves is less than the nominal value. As interest rates rise, the present value of the reserves decreases and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the present value increases. These movements are the opposite of the interest rate impacts on the fair value of investments. While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will include investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid. Our loss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration that is reasonably consistent with our fixed income portfolio.
Equity Risk. Equity risk is the potential change in fair and/or market value of the common stock and preferred stock portfolios arising from changing prices. Our equity investments consist of a diversified portfolio of individual securities. The primary objective of the equity portfolio is to obtain greater total return relative to bonds over time through market appreciation and income.
The tabletables below displays the impact on fair/market value and after-tax change in fair/market value of a 10% and 20% change in equity prices up and down for the periods indicated.
| | Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values | |
| | At March 31, 2015 | |
(Dollars in millions) | | -20% | | -10% | | 0% | | 10% | | 20% |
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio | | $ | 1,080.1 | | | $ | 1,215.1 | | | $ | 1,350.1 | | | $ | 1,485.1 | | | $ | 1,620.1 | |
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value | | | (175.5 | ) | | | (87.8 | ) | | | - | | | | 87.8 | | | | 175.5 | |
| | Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values |
| | At March 31, 2016 |
(Dollars in millions) | | -20% | | -10% | | 0% | | 10% | | 20% |
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio | | $ | 956.0 | | | $ | 1,075.5 | | | $ | 1,195.0 | | | $ | 1,314.5 | | | $ | 1,434.0 | |
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value | | | (155.3 | ) | | | (77.7 | ) | | | - | | | | 77.7 | | | | 155.3 | |
Foreign Exchange Risk. Foreign currency risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Each of our non-U.S. (“foreign”("foreign") operations maintains capital in the currency of the country of its geographic location consistent with local regulatory guidelines. Each foreign operation may conduct business in its local currency, as well as the currency of other countries in which it operates. The primary foreign currency exposures for these foreign operations are the Singapore and Canadian Dollars. We mitigate foreign exchange exposure by generally matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresponding operating liabilities. In accordance with FASB guidance, we translate the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar. This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2015,2016, there has been no material change in exposure to foreign exchange rates as compared to December 31, 2014.2015.
SAFE HARBOR DISCLOSURE
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the federal securities laws. In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”"may", “will”"will", “should”"should", “could”"could", “anticipate”"anticipate", “estimate”"estimate", “expect”"expect", “plan”"plan", “believe”"believe", “predict”"predict", “potential”"potential" and “intend”"intend". Forward-looking statements contained in this report include information regarding our reserves for losses and LAE, the adequacy of our provision for uncollectible balances, estimates of our catastrophe exposure, the effects of catastrophic events on our financial statements and the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends. Forward-looking statements only reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual events or results may differ materially from our expectations. Important factors that could cause our actual events or results to be materially different from our expectations include those discussed under the caption ITEM 1A, “Risk Factors”"Risk Factors" in the Company’sCompany's most recent 10-K filing. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk Instruments. See “Market"Market Sensitive Instruments”Instruments" in PART I – ITEM 2.
ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”"Exchange Act")). Based on their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’sCommission's rules and forms. Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter covered by this report.
PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine the Company’sCompany's rights and obligations under insurance and reinsurance agreements. In some disputes, the Company seeks to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it. In other matters, the Company is resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation. In all such matters, the Company believes that its positions are legally and commercially reasonable. The Company considers the statuses of these proceedings when determining its reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.
Aside from litigation and arbitrations related to these insurance and reinsurance agreements, the Company is not a party to any other material litigation or arbitration.
No material changes.
ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit Index: | | |
| | |
Exhibit No. | Description | |
| | |
31.1 | Section 302 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso | |
| | |
31.2 | Section 302 Certification of Craig Howie | |
| | |
32.1 | Section 906 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso and Craig Howie | |
| | |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document | |
| | |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema | |
| | |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase | |
| | |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase | |
| | |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase | |
| | |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase | |
| | |
Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| | Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. | |
| | (Registrant) | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | /S/ CRAIG HOWIE | | |
| | Craig Howie | | |
| | Executive Vice President and | |
| | Chief Financial Officer | |
| | | | |
| | (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer) | |
Dated: May 15, 201516, 2016