ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
Industry Conditions.
The worldwide reinsurance and insurance businesses are highly competitive, as well as cyclical by product and market. As such, financial results tend to fluctuate with periods of constrained availability, higher rates and stronger profits followed by periods of abundant capacity, lower rates and constrained profitability. Competition in the types of reinsurance and insurance business that we underwrite is based on many factors, including the perceived overall financial strength of the reinsurer or insurer, ratings of the reinsurer or insurer by A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor's, underwriting expertise, the jurisdictions where the reinsurer or insurer is licensed or otherwise authorized, capacity and coverages offered, premiums charged, other terms and conditions of the reinsurance and insurance business offered, services offered, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in lines written. Furthermore, the market impact from these competitive factors related to reinsurance and insurance is generally not consistent across lines of business, domestic and international geographical areas and distribution channels.
We compete in the U.S., Bermuda and international reinsurance and insurance markets with numerous global competitors. Our competitors include independent reinsurance and insurance companies, subsidiaries or affiliates of established worldwide insurance companies, reinsurance departments of certain insurance companies, domestic and international underwriting operations, including underwriting syndicates at Lloyd's of London and certain government sponsored risk transfer vehicles. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do and have established long term and continuing business relationships, which can be a significant competitive advantage. In addition, the lack of strong barriers to entry into the reinsurance business and recently, the securitization of reinsurance and insurance risks through capital markets provide additional sources of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.
Worldwide insurance and reinsurance market conditions continued to be very competitive, particularly in the property catastrophe and casualty reinsurance lines of business. Generally, there was ample insurance and reinsurance capacity relative to demand, as well as, additional capital from the capital markets through insurance linked financial instruments. These financial instruments such as side cars, catastrophe bonds and collateralized reinsurance funds, provide capital markets with access to insurance and reinsurance risk exposure. The capital markets demand for these products is being primarily driven by the current low interest environment and the desire to achieve greater risk diversification and potentially higher returns on their investments. This increased competition is generally having a negative impact on rates, terms and conditions; however, the impact varies widely by market and coverage.
Rates tend to fluctuate by specific region and products, particularly areas recently impacted by large catastrophic events. There was an unprecedented series of catastrophes in the third quarter of 2017 with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as a significant earthquake in Mexico City. Additional catastrophe events occurred in the fourth quarter of 2017 with the wild fires in California and Hurricanes Nate and Ophelia. The total industry losses for all of these worldwide events have been estimated to exceed $140 billion. This was the second consecutive year with higher than average catastrophe losses. During 2016, catastrophe losses included the Fort McMurray Canadian wildfire, Hurricane Matthew which affected a large area of the Caribbean and southeastern United States, storms and an earthquake in Ecuador. Catastrophe events are also impacting 2018 results with Hurricanes Florence and Michael, Typhoons Jebi and Trami, Cyclone Mekunu, Japan floods and California wildfires. While the future impact on market conditions from these catastrophes cannot be determined at this time, there was some firming in the markets impacted by the 2016 catastrophes and as catastrophe losses increased in 2017, there is a growing industry consensus that there will be some firming of (re)insurance rates for the areas impacted by the catastrophes.
Commencing in 2015, we initiated a strategic build out of our insurance platform through the investment in key leadership hires which in turn has brought significant underwriting talent and stronger direction in achieving our insurance program strategic goals of increased premium volume and improved underwriting results. Recent growth is coming from highly diversified areas including newly launched lines of business, as well as, product and geographic expansion in existing lines of business. We are building a world-class insurance platform capable of offering products across lines and geographies, complementing our leading global reinsurance franchise. As part of this initiative, we launched a new syndicate through Lloyd's of London and formed Ireland Insurance, providing us access to additional international business and new product opportunities to further diversify and broaden our insurance portfolio.
Overall, we believe that given our size, strong ratings, distribution system, reputation, expertise and capital market vehicle activity the current marketplace conditions provide profit opportunities. We continue to employ our strategy of targeting business that offers the greatest profit potential, while maintaining balance and diversification in our overall portfolio.
Financial Summary.
We monitor and evaluate our overall performance based upon financial results. The following table displays a summary of the consolidated net income (loss), ratios and shareholders' equity for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended | | | Percentage | | | Nine Months Ended | | | Percentage | |
| | September 30, | | | Increase/ | | | September 30, | | | Increase/ | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | (Decrease) | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | (Decrease) | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 2,198.7 | | | $ | 2,044.9 | | | | 7.5 | % | | $ | 6,196.8 | | | $ | 5,247.5 | | | | 18.1 | % |
Net written premiums | | | 1,938.8 | | | | 1,798.1 | | | | 7.8 | % | | | 5,357.4 | | | | 4,551.0 | | | | 17.7 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
REVENUES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 1,731.5 | | | $ | 1,598.9 | | | | 8.3 | % | | $ | 5,080.7 | | | $ | 4,280.7 | | | | 18.7 | % |
Net investment income | | | 161.4 | | | | 137.0 | | | | 17.8 | % | | | 441.0 | | | | 393.8 | | | | 12.0 | % |
Net realized capital gains (losses) | | | 54.8 | | | | 41.5 | | | | 31.9 | % | | | 45.7 | | | | 119.5 | | | | -61.8 | % |
Net derivative gain (loss) | | | 2.2 | | | | 2.7 | | | | -16.2 | % | | | 5.5 | | | | 6.1 | | | | -9.4 | % |
Other income (expense) | | | (5.5 | ) | | | (54.6 | ) | | | -90.0 | % | | | 9.6 | | | | (59.1 | ) | | | -116.3 | % |
Total revenues | | | 1,944.4 | | | | 1,725.5 | | | | 12.7 | % | | | 5,582.5 | | | | 4,740.9 | | | | 17.8 | % |
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CLAIMS AND EXPENSES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | 1,251.9 | | | | 2,210.1 | | | | -43.4 | % | | | 3,650.3 | | | | 3,842.1 | | | | -5.0 | % |
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees | | | 381.4 | | | | 333.1 | | | | 14.5 | % | | | 1,122.4 | | | | 915.3 | | | | 22.6 | % |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 97.9 | | | | 73.1 | | | | 33.9 | % | | | 287.3 | | | | 227.9 | | | | 26.1 | % |
Corporate expenses | | | 7.9 | | | | 5.9 | | | | 33.0 | % | | | 23.5 | | | | 21.3 | | | | 10.4 | % |
Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense | | | 7.9 | | | | 7.3 | | | | 8.7 | % | | | 23.0 | | | | 24.3 | | | | -5.1 | % |
Total claims and expenses | | | 1,747.0 | | | | 2,629.5 | | | | -33.6 | % | | | 5,106.7 | | | | 5,031.0 | | | | 1.5 | % |
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INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES | | | 197.4 | | | | (904.1 | ) | | | -121.8 | % | | | 475.8 | | | | (290.1 | ) | | NM | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | | (8.2 | ) | | | (264.7 | ) | | | -96.9 | % | | | (10.0 | ) | | | (188.1 | ) | | | -94.7 | % |
NET INCOME (LOSS) | | $ | 205.6 | | | $ | (639.4 | ) | | | -132.2 | % | | $ | 485.8 | | | $ | (102.1 | ) | | NM | |
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RATIOS: | | | | | | | | | | Point Change | | | | | | | | | | | Point Change | |
Loss ratio | | | 72.3 | % | | | 138.2 | % | | | (65.9 | ) | | | 71.8 | % | | | 89.8 | % | | | (18.0 | ) |
Commission and brokerage ratio | | | 22.0 | % | | | 20.8 | % | | | 1.2 | | | | 22.1 | % | | | 21.4 | % | | | 0.7 | |
Other underwriting expense ratio | | | 5.7 | % | | | 4.6 | % | | | 1.1 | | | | 5.7 | % | | | 5.3 | % | | | 0.4 | |
Combined ratio | | | 100.0 | % | | | 163.6 | % | | | (63.6 | ) | | | 99.6 | % | | | 116.5 | % | | | (16.9 | ) |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | At | | | At | | | Percentage | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | September 30, | | | December 31, | | | Increase/ | |
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2018 | | | | 2017 | | | (Decrease) | |
Balance sheet data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investments and cash | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 18,665.9 | | | $ | 18,626.5 | | | | 0.2 | % |
Total assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 24,410.9 | | | | 23,591.8 | | | | 3.5 | % |
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 12,390.2 | | | | 11,884.3 | | | | 4.3 | % |
Total debt | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 633.6 | | | | 633.4 | | | | 0.0 | % |
Total liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 16,081.8 | | | | 15,222.6 | | | | 5.6 | % |
Shareholders' equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 8,329.0 | | | | 8,369.2 | | | | -0.5 | % |
Book value per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 204.91 | | | | 204.95 | | | | 0.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(NM, not meaningful) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues.
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 7.5% to $2,198.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $2,044.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, reflecting a $116.6 million, or 7.4%, increase in our reinsurance business and a $37.2 million, or 7.7%, increase in our insurance business. The increase in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to increases in treaty casualty business and business written through our U.K. branch and Ireland office. The increases from these lines of business were partially offset by a decline in treaty property business primarily as a result of $143.8 million of lower reinstatement premiums in the third quarter of 2018 compared with the third quarter of 2017 as a result of lower catastrophe losses in 2018. The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to increases in many lines of business, including casualty, property, energy and business
written through the Lloyd's Syndicate. Gross written premiums increased by 18.1% to $6,196.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $5,247.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, reflecting a $764.9 million, or 20.3%, increase in our reinsurance business and a $184.4 million, or 12.4%, increase in our insurance business. The increase in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to increases in treaty property business, treaty casualty business, Latin American business and business written through our U.K. branch and Ireland office, as well as a positive impact of $27.8 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by a $110.3 million decline in reinstatement premiums. The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to increases in many lines of business, including casualty, energy, accident and health and business written through the Lloyd's Syndicate.
Net written premiums increased by 7.8% to $1,938.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $1,798.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Net written premiums increased by 17.7% to $5,357.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $4,551.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. These changes are consistent with the changes in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased by 8.3% to $1,731.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $1,598.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Premiums earned increased by 18.7% to $5,080.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $4,280.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased by 17.8% to $161.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with investment income of $137.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Net investment income increased by 12.0% to $441.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared with investment income of $393.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Net pre-tax investment income, as a percentage of average invested assets, was 3.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 3.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Net pre-tax investment income, as a percentage of average invested assets, was 3.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 3.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increases in both income and yield were primarily the result of higher income from our limited partnerships and higher income from our fixed income portfolio, partially offset by lower dividend income from our equity portfolio.
Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses). Net realized capital gains were $54.8 million and $41.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The net realized capital gains of $54.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 were comprised of $48.2 million of net gains from fair value re-measurements and $10.4 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $3.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments. The net realized capital gains of $41.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were comprised of $36.5 million of net gains from fair value re-measurements and $6.5 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $1.5 million of other-than-temporary impairments.
Net realized capital gains were $45.7 million and $119.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The net realized capital gains of $45.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were comprised of $31.7 million of net gains from fair value re-measurements and $18.8 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $4.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments. The net realized capital gains of $119.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were comprised of $91.4 million of net gains from fair value re-measurements and $33.3 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $5.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments.
Net Derivative Gain (Loss). In 2005 and prior, we sold seven equity index put option contracts, six of which remain outstanding. These contracts meet the definition of a derivative in accordance with FASB guidance and as such, are fair valued each quarter with the change recorded as net derivative gain or loss in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). As a result of these adjustments in value, we recognized net derivative gains of $2.2 million and $2.7 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and net derivative gains of $5.5 million and $6.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The change in the fair value of these equity index put option contracts is generally indicative of the change in the equity markets and interest rates over the same periods.
Other Income (Expense). We recorded other expense of $5.5 million and $54.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We recorded other income of $9.6 million and other expense of $59.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The changes were primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, income related to Mt. Logan Re and changes in deferred gains related to any retroactive reinsurance transactions. We recognized foreign currency exchange expense of $6.8 million and $43.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We recognized foreign currency exchange income of $22.2 million and foreign currency exchange expense of $48.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Claims and Expenses.
Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. The following tables present our incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended September 30, |
| | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 1,014.4 | | | | 58.5 | % | | | $ | (2.5 | ) | | | -0.1 | % | | | $ | 1,011.9 | | | | 58.4 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 240.0 | | | | 13.9 | % | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | 240.0 | | | | 13.9 | % | |
Total | | $ | 1,254.4 | | | | 72.4 | % | | | $ | (2.5 | ) | | | -0.1 | % | | | $ | 1,251.9 | | | | 72.3 | % | |
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2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 840.7 | | | | 52.6 | % | | | $ | (0.9 | ) | | | -0.1 | % | | | $ | 839.8 | | | | 52.5 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 1,370.2 | | | | 85.7 | % | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | 1,370.2 | | | | 85.7 | % | |
Total | | $ | 2,210.9 | | | | 138.3 | % | | | $ | (0.9 | ) | | | -0.1 | % | | | $ | 2,210.1 | | | | 138.2 | % | |
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Variance 2018/2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 173.7 | | | | 5.9 | | pts | | $ | (1.6 | ) | | | - | | pts | | $ | 172.0 | | | | 5.9 | | pts |
Catastrophes | | | (1,130.2 | ) | | | (71.8 | ) | pts | | | - | | | | - | | pts | | | (1,130.2 | ) | | | (71.8 | ) | pts |
Total | | $ | (956.5 | ) | | | (65.9 | ) | pts | | $ | (1.6 | ) | | | - | | pts | | $ | (958.2 | ) | | | (65.9 | ) | pts |
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 2,913.2 | | | | 57.3 | % | | | $ | (100.0 | ) | | | -2.0 | % | | | $ | 2,813.1 | | | | 55.3 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 305.0 | | | | 6.0 | % | | | | 532.2 | | | | 10.5 | % | | | | 837.2 | | | | 16.5 | % | |
Total | | $ | 3,218.2 | | | | 63.3 | % | | | $ | 432.2 | | | | 8.5 | % | | | $ | 3,650.3 | | | | 71.8 | % | |
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2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 2,399.7 | | | | 56.1 | % | | | $ | (1.3 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | $ | 2,398.4 | | | | 56.1 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 1,443.7 | | | | 33.7 | % | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | 1,443.7 | | | | 33.7 | % | |
Total | | $ | 3,843.4 | | | | 89.8 | % | | | $ | (1.3 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | $ | 3,842.1 | | | | 89.8 | % | |
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Variance 2018/2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 513.5 | | | | 1.2 | | pts | | $ | (98.7 | ) | | | (2.0 | ) | pts | | $ | 414.7 | | | | (0.8 | ) | pts |
Catastrophes | | | (1,138.7 | ) | | | (27.7 | ) | pts | | | 532.2 | | | | 10.5 | | pts | | | (606.5 | ) | | | (17.2 | ) | pts |
Total | | $ | (625.2 | ) | | | (26.5 | ) | pts | | $ | 433.5 | | | | 8.5 | | pts | | $ | (191.8 | ) | | | (18.0 | ) | pts |
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(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 43.4% to $1,251.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $2,210.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to decrease of $1,130.2 million in current years catastrophe losses, partially offset by an increase in current year attritional losses of $173.7 million, mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business. The current year catastrophe losses of $240.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 related to Hurricane Florence ($90.0 million), Typhoon Jebi ($80.0 million), Typhoon Trami ($25.0 million), the 2018 California wildfires ($25.0 million) and Japan Floods ($20.0 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $1,370.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 primarily related to Hurricane Irma ($574.9 million), Hurricane Maria ($415.5 million), Hurricane Harvey ($286.4 million) and the Mexico City earthquake ($93.4 million).
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 5.0% to $3,650.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $3,842.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a decrease of $1,138.7 million on current years catastrophe losses and favorable development on prior years attritional losses of $100.0 million in 2018. The decrease was partially offset by unfavorable development of $532.2 million on prior years catastrophe losses, mainly related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the 2017 California wildfires, and an increase in current year attritional losses of $513.5 million, mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business. The current year catastrophe losses of $305.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related to Hurricane Florence ($90.0 million), Typhoon Jebi ($80.0 million), Cyclone Mekunu ($47.7 million), Typhoon Trami ($25.0 million), the 2018 California wildfires ($25.0 million), Japan Floods ($20.0 million) and the U.S. winter storms ($17.3 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $1,443.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Irma ($574.9 million), Hurricane Maria ($415.5 million), Hurricane Harvey ($286.4 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($93.4 million), the South Africa Knysna fires ($24.8 million), Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($19.0 million), the 2017 US Midwest storms ($15.7 million) and the Peru storms ($13.9 million).
Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by 14.5% to $381.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $333.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by 22.6% to $1,122.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $915.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The changes were primarily due to the impact of the increases in premiums earned with lower levels of reinstatement premium, which do not have commissions, and changes in the mix of business towards additional pro rata business.
Other Underwriting Expenses. Other underwriting expenses were $97.9 million and $73.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Other underwriting expenses were $287.3 million and $227.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increases in other underwriting expenses were mainly due to the impact of the increases in premiums, costs incurred to support the continued expansion of the insurance business and higher variable compensation costs in 2018 compared to 2017.
Corporate Expenses. Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, were $7.9 million and $5.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $23.5 million and $21.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense. Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $7.9 million and $7.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $23.0 million and $24.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The changes in expense for both the three and nine month periods were primarily due to the movements in the floating interest rate related to the long term subordinated notes, which is reset quarterly per the note agreement. The floating rate was 4.7% as of September 30, 2018.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). We had an income tax benefit of $8.2 million and $264.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and income tax benefit of $10.0 million and $188.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Income tax expense is primarily a function of the geographic location of the Company's pre-tax income and the statutory tax rates in those jurisdictions, as affected by tax-exempt investment income and foreign tax credits and as calculated under the annualized effective tax rate ("AETR") method. Variations in the AETR 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 change in income tax expense (benefit) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily due to the decline in catastrophe losses from 2017 to 2018. In addition, the tax rate was lowered from 35% in 2017 to 21% in 2018 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") which was enacted on December 22, 2017.
Net Income (Loss).
Our net income was $205.6 million and our net loss was $639.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our net income was $485.8 million and our net loss was $102.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The changes were primarily driven by the financial component fluctuations explained above.
Ratios.
Our combined ratio decreased by 63.6 points to 100.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 163.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, and decreased by 16.9 points to 99.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 116.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The loss ratio component decreased 65.9 points and 18.0 points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, over the same periods last year mainly due to lower current year catastrophe losses. The commission and brokerage ratio components increased to 22.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 20.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, and increased to 22.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 21.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, reflecting changes in the mix of business and lower reinstatement premiums. The other underwriting expense ratios increased slightly to 5.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 4.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, and remained comparable at 5.7% and 5.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Shareholders' Equity.
Shareholders' equity decreased by $40.2 million to $8,329.0 million at September 30, 2018 from $8,369.2 million at December 31, 2017, principally as a result of $261.8 million of unrealized depreciation on investments net of tax, $159.3 million of shareholder dividends, repurchase of 0.3 million common shares for $75.3 million, and $51.9 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments partially offset by $485.8 million of net income, $16.8 million of share-based compensation transactions and $5.4 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments, net of tax.
Consolidated Investment Results
Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased by 17.8% to $161.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with investment income of $137.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Net investment income increased by 12.0% to $441.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared with investment income of $393.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increases were primarily due to an increase in limited partnership income and higher income from our fixed income portfolio, partially offset by lower dividend income from our equity portfolio.
The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended | | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | | September 30, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
Fixed maturities | | $ | 119.5 | | | $ | 108.0 | | | $ | 343.0 | | | $ | 319.3 | |
Equity securities | | | 5.4 | | | | 8.6 | | | | 18.9 | | | | 25.7 | |
Short-term investments and cash | | | 5.0 | | | | 1.0 | | | | 8.8 | | | | 2.4 | |
Other invested assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Limited partnerships | | | 38.3 | | | | 23.3 | | | | 83.7 | | | | 54.4 | |
Other | | | 3.0 | | | | 2.1 | | | | 10.0 | | | | 6.7 | |
Gross investment income before adjustments | | | 171.2 | | | | 142.9 | | | | 464.4 | | | | 408.5 | |
Funds held interest income (expense) | | | 1.0 | | | | 2.3 | | | | 6.6 | | | | 7.2 | |
Future policy benefit reserve income (expense) | | | (0.4 | ) | | | (0.3 | ) | | | (1.0 | ) | | | (1.0 | ) |
Gross investment income | | | 171.8 | | | | 144.9 | | | | 470.0 | | | | 414.6 | |
Investment expenses | | | (10.4 | ) | | | (8.0 | ) | | | (29.0 | ) | | | (20.9 | ) |
Net investment income | | $ | 161.4 | | | $ | 137.0 | | | $ | 441.0 | | | $ | 393.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following tables show a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated.
| At | | At |
| September 30, | | December 31, |
| 2018 | | 2017 |
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets | 3.2% | | 3.0% |
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets | 2.9% | | 2.8% |
| Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended |
| September 30, | | September 30, |
| 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets | 3.5% | | 3.1% | | 3.2% | | 3.0% |
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets | 3.1% | | 2.5% | | 2.8% | | 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 September 30, | | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | Variance | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | Variance | |
Gains (losses) from sales: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturity securities, market value: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains | | $ | 5.7 | | | $ | 13.7 | | | $ | (8.0 | ) | | $ | 25.5 | | | $ | 46.3 | | | $ | (20.8 | ) |
Losses | | | (4.9 | ) | | | (5.7 | ) | | | 0.8 | | | | (14.4 | ) | | | (13.4 | ) | | | (1.0 | ) |
Total | | | 0.8 | | | | 8.0 | | | | (7.2 | ) | | | 11.1 | | | | 32.9 | | | | (21.8 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturity securities, fair value: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Losses | | | (0.7 | ) | | | - | | | | (0.7 | ) | | | (1.8 | ) | | | - | | | | (1.8 | ) |
Total | | | (0.7 | ) | | | - | | | | (0.7 | ) | | | (1.8 | ) | | | - | | | | (1.8 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity securities, market value: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Losses | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (3.4 | ) | | | 3.4 | |
Total | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (3.4 | ) | | | 3.4 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity securities, fair value: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains | | | 14.2 | | | | 2.3 | | | | 11.9 | | | | 28.2 | | | | 14.4 | | | | 13.8 | |
Losses | | | (4.6 | ) | | | (3.8 | ) | | | (0.8 | ) | | | (20.2 | ) | | | (10.6 | ) | | | (9.6 | ) |
Total | | | 9.5 | | | | (1.5 | ) | | | 11.0 | | | | 8.0 | | | | 3.8 | | | | 4.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Invested Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains | | | 0.9 | | | | - | | | | 0.9 | | | | 1.5 | | | | - | | | | 1.5 | |
Losses | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Total | | | 0.9 | | | | - | | | | 0.9 | | | | 1.5 | | | | - | | | | 1.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total net realized capital gains (losses) from sales: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains | | | 20.7 | | | | 16.0 | | | | 4.7 | | | | 55.2 | | | | 60.7 | | | | (5.5 | ) |
Losses | | | (10.3 | ) | | | (9.5 | ) | | | (0.8 | ) | | | (36.4 | ) | | | (27.4 | ) | | | (9.0 | ) |
Total | | | 10.4 | | | | 6.5 | | | | 3.9 | | | | 18.8 | | | | 33.3 | | | | (14.5 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other-than-temporary impairments: | | | (3.8 | ) | | | (1.5 | ) | | | (2.3 | ) | | | (4.8 | ) | | | (5.2 | ) | | | 0.4 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities, fair value | | | 0.5 | | | | - | | | | 0.5 | | | | 1.5 | | | | - | | | | 1.5 | |
Equity securities, fair value | | | 47.7 | | | | 36.5 | | | | 11.2 | | | | 30.2 | | | | 91.4 | | | | (61.2 | ) |
Total | | | 48.2 | | | | 36.5 | | | | 11.7 | | | | 31.7 | | | | 91.4 | | | | (59.7 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total net realized capital gains (losses) | | $ | 54.8 | | | $ | 41.5 | | | $ | 13.3 | | | $ | 45.7 | | | $ | 119.5 | | | $ | (73.8 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net realized capital gains were $54.8 million and $41.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, we recorded $48.2 million of net gains from fair value re-measurements and $10.4 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $3.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded $36.5 million of net gains from fair value re-measurements and $6.5 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $1.5 million of other-than-temporary impairments. The fixed maturity and equity sales for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts.
Net realized capital gains were $45.7 million and $119.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we recorded $31.7 million of net gains from fair value re-measurements and $18.8 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $4.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded $91.4 million of net gains from fair value re-measurements and $33.3 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $5.2 million of other-than-
temporary impairments. The fixed maturity and equity sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts.
Segment Results.
The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including Marine, Aviation, Surety and Accident and Health ("A&H") business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies primarily within the U.S. The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re's branches in Canada and Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey. The Bermuda operation provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets through brokers and directly with ceding companies from its Bermuda office and reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets through its UK branch and Ireland Re. The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance directly and through brokers, surplus lines brokers and general agents within the U.S., Canada and Europe.
These segments are managed independently, but conform with corporate guidelines with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations. Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results.
Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses. We measure our underwriting results using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which, respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned.
For inter-affiliate reinsurance and business written through the Lloyd's Syndicate, business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced, consistent with how the business is managed.
The Company does not maintain separate balance sheet data for its operating segments. Accordingly, the Company does not review and evaluate the financial results of its operating segments based upon balance sheet data.
Our loss and LAE reserves are management's best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims. We re-evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including all prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, recently reported loss claim experience and trends related to prior periods. Such re-evaluations are recorded in incurred losses in the period in which re-evaluation is made.
The following discusses the underwriting results for each of our segments for the periods indicated.
U.S. Reinsurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | Variance | | | % Change | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | Variance | | | % Change | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 940.8 | | | $ | 908.3 | | | $ | 32.6 | | | | 3.6 | % | | $ | 2,237.2 | | | $ | 1,962.2 | | | $ | 275.0 | | | | 14.0 | % |
Net written premiums | | | 845.7 | | | | 809.3 | | | | 36.4 | | | | 4.5 | % | | | 1,957.9 | | | | 1,711.9 | | | | 245.9 | | | | 14.4 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 670.7 | | | $ | 649.8 | | | $ | 20.9 | | | | 3.2 | % | | $ | 1,837.9 | | | $ | 1,609.8 | | | $ | 228.1 | | | | 14.2 | % |
Incurred losses and LAE | | | 440.1 | | | | 925.4 | | | | (485.4 | ) | | | -52.5 | % | | | 1,494.9 | | | | 1,455.1 | | | | 39.8 | | | | 2.7 | % |
Commission and brokerage | | | 156.5 | | | | 113.4 | | | | 43.1 | | | | 37.9 | % | | | 432.5 | | | | 328.2 | | | | 104.3 | | | | 31.8 | % |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 16.3 | | | | 12.1 | | | | 4.2 | | | | 34.4 | % | | | 48.6 | | | | 40.6 | | | | 8.0 | | | | 19.7 | % |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | 57.8 | | | $ | (401.2 | ) | | $ | 459.1 | | | | -114.4 | % | | $ | (138.1 | ) | | $ | (214.2 | ) | | $ | 76.1 | | | | -35.5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | |
Loss ratio | | | 65.6 | % | | | 142.5 | % | | | | | | | (76.9 | ) | | | 81.4 | % | | | 90.4 | % | | | | | | | (9.0 | ) |
Commission and brokerage ratio | | | 23.3 | % | | | 17.4 | % | | | | | | | 5.9 | | | | 23.5 | % | | | 20.4 | % | | | | | | | 3.1 | |
Other underwriting expense ratio | | | 2.5 | % | | | 1.8 | % | | | | | | | 0.7 | | | | 2.6 | % | | | 2.5 | % | | | | | | | 0.1 | |
Combined ratio | | | 91.4 | % | | | 161.7 | % | | | | | | | (70.3 | ) | | | 107.5 | % | | | 113.3 | % | | | | | | | (5.8 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 3.6% to $940.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $908.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to increases in treaty casualty business and marine and aviation business. These increases were partially offset by a decline in treaty property business primarily as a result of $121.7 million of lower reinstatement premiums in the third quarter of 2018 compared with the third quarter of 2017 as a result of lower catastrophe losses in 2018. Net written premiums increased by 4.5% to $845.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $809.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased by 3.2% to $670.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $649.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of changes in the mix of business towards additional pro rata business and timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
Gross written premiums increased by 14.0% to $2,237.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $1,962.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to increases in treaty property business, treaty casualty business and marine and aviation business, partially offset by lower reinstatement premiums. Net written premiums increased by 14.4% to $1,957.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $1,711.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased by 14.2% to $1,837.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $1,609.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. 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 tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended September 30, |
| | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 374.2 | | | | 55.8 | % | | | $ | (0.1 | ) | | | 0.0 | % | | | $ | 374.1 | | | | 55.8 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 97.5 | | | | 14.5 | % | | | | (31.5 | ) | | | -4.7 | % | | | | 66.0 | | | | 9.8 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 471.7 | | | | 70.3 | % | | | $ | (31.6 | ) | | | -4.7 | % | | | $ | 440.1 | | | | 65.6 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 286.3 | | | | 44.1 | % | | | $ | (0.9 | ) | | | -0.1 | % | | | $ | 285.4 | | | | 44.0 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 639.1 | | | | 98.4 | % | | | | 1.0 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | | 640.0 | | | | 98.5 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 925.4 | | | | 142.5 | % | | | $ | 0.1 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | $ | 925.4 | | | | 142.5 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2018/2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 87.9 | | | | 11.7 | | pts | | $ | 0.8 | | | | 0.1 | | pts | | $ | 88.7 | | | | 11.8 | | pts |
Catastrophes | | | (541.6 | ) | | | (83.9 | ) | pts | | | (32.5 | ) | | | (4.8 | ) | pts | | | (574.1 | ) | | | (88.7 | ) | pts |
Total Segment | | $ | (453.7 | ) | | | (72.2 | ) | pts | | $ | (31.7 | ) | | | (4.7 | ) | pts | | $ | (485.4 | ) | | | (76.9 | ) | pts |
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 994.3 | | | | 54.1 | % | | | $ | (69.3 | ) | | | -3.8 | % | | | $ | 925.1 | | | | 50.3 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 102.0 | | | | 5.6 | % | | | | 467.8 | | | | 25.5 | % | | | | 569.8 | | | | 31.1 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 1,096.3 | | | | 59.7 | % | | | $ | 398.5 | | | | 21.7 | % | | | $ | 1,494.9 | | | | 81.4 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 827.4 | | | | 51.4 | % | | | $ | (9.6 | ) | | | -0.6 | % | | | $ | 817.7 | | | | 50.8 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 642.8 | | | | 39.9 | % | | | | (5.4 | ) | | | -0.3 | % | | | | 637.4 | | | | 39.6 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 1,470.2 | | | | 91.3 | % | | | $ | (15.0 | ) | | | -0.9 | % | | | $ | 1,455.1 | | | | 90.4 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2018/2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 166.9 | | | | 2.7 | | pts | | $ | (59.7 | ) | | | (3.2 | ) | pts | | $ | 107.4 | | | | (0.5 | ) | pts |
Catastrophes | | | (540.8 | ) | | | (34.3 | ) | pts | | | 473.2 | | | | 25.8 | | pts | | | (67.6 | ) | | | (8.5 | ) | pts |
Total Segment | | $ | (373.9 | ) | | | (31.6 | ) | pts | | $ | 413.5 | | | | 22.6 | | pts | | $ | 39.8 | | | | (9.0 | ) | pts |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Incurred losses decreased by 52.5% to $440.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $925.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $541.6 million in current year catastrophe losses and $31.5 million of favorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2018. The decreases were partially offset by an increase of $87.9 million in current year attritional losses primarily due to changes in the mix of business. The current year catastrophe losses of $97.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Hurricane Florence ($58.0 million), the 2018 California wildfires ($23.2 million), Typhoon Jebi ($6.5 million), Japan Floods ($5.5 million), the U.S. winter storms ($2.3 million) and Typhoon Trami ($2.0 million). The $639.1 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 mainly related to Hurricane Irma ($378.1 million), Hurricane Harvey ($172.9 million), Hurricane Maria ($84.9 million) and the Mexico City earthquake ($3.5 million).
Incurred losses increased by 2.7% to $1,494.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $1,455.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily due to $467.8 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2018 primarily related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the 2017 California wildfires and an increase of $166.9 million in current year attritional losses mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business. The increase in loss estimates for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria was mostly driven by re-opened claims reported in the second quarter of 2018 and loss inflation from higher than expected loss adjustment expenses and in particular, their impact on aggregate covers. The increases were
partially offset by a decrease of $540.8 million on current years catastrophe losses in 2018 and $59.7 million of additional favorable development on prior years attritional losses in 2018 compared to 2017 mainly related to property and casualty business. The current year catastrophe losses of $102.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Hurricane Florence ($58.0 million), the 2018 California wildfires ($23.2 million), the U.S. winter storms ($6.8 million), Typhoon Jebi ($6.5 million), Japan Floods ($5.5 million) and Typhoon Trami ($2.0 million). The $642.8 million of current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Irma ($378.1 million), Hurricane Harvey ($172.9 million), Hurricane Maria ($84.9 million), the 2017 US Midwest storms ($3.7 million) and the Mexico City earthquake ($3.5 million).
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expenses increased by 37.9% to $156.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $113.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Commission and brokerage expenses increased by 31.8% to $432.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $328.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increases are mainly due to the impact of the increases in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business towards additional pro rata business.
Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $16.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $12.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and increased to $48.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $40.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increases were mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and higher variable compensation costs in 2018 compared to 2017.
International.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the International segment for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | Variance | | | % Change | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | Variance | | | % Change | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 362.7 | | | $ | 344.8 | | | $ | 17.8 | | | | 5.2 | % | | $ | 1,128.4 | | | $ | 931.0 | | | $ | 197.4 | | | | 21.2 | % |
Net written premiums | | | 348.8 | | | | 330.8 | | | | 18.0 | | | | 5.4 | % | | | 1,049.2 | | | | 848.8 | | | | 200.5 | | | | 23.6 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 342.2 | | | $ | 306.0 | | | $ | 36.3 | | | | 11.9 | % | | $ | 1,049.6 | | | $ | 841.3 | | | $ | 208.3 | | | | 24.8 | % |
Incurred losses and LAE | | | 310.4 | | | | 563.1 | | | | (252.7 | ) | | | -44.9 | % | | | 738.8 | | | | 895.1 | | | | (156.3 | ) | | | -17.5 | % |
Commission and brokerage | | | 81.4 | | | | 68.4 | | | | 13.0 | | | | 19.0 | % | | | 255.7 | | | | 199.4 | | | | 56.3 | | | | 28.2 | % |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 10.2 | | | | 8.3 | | | | 1.9 | | | | 22.7 | % | | | 31.1 | | | | 27.6 | | | | 3.5 | | | | 12.7 | % |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | (59.8 | ) | | $ | (333.9 | ) | | $ | 274.1 | | | | -82.1 | % | | $ | 24.0 | | | $ | (280.8 | ) | | $ | 304.7 | | | | -108.5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | |
Loss ratio | | | 90.6 | % | | | 184.0 | % | | | | | | | (93.4 | ) | | | 70.4 | % | | | 106.5 | % | | | | | | | (36.1 | ) |
Commission and brokerage ratio | | | 23.8 | % | | | 22.4 | % | | | | | | | 1.4 | | | | 24.4 | % | | | 23.7 | % | | | | | | | 0.7 | |
Other underwriting expense ratio | | | 3.1 | % | | | 2.7 | % | | | | | | | 0.4 | | | | 2.9 | % | | | 3.2 | % | | | | | | | (0.3 | ) |
Combined ratio | | | 117.5 | % | | | 209.1 | % | | | | | | | (91.6 | ) | | | 97.7 | % | | | 133.4 | % | | | | | | | (35.7 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 5.2% to $362.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $344.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to the increases in Latin American business and business written through our Canada and Singapore branches. Net written premiums increased by 5.4% to $348.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $330.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The changes are consistent with the changes in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased 11.9% to $342.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $306.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
Gross written premiums increased by 21.2% to $1,128.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $931.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to the increases in Latin American business and business written through our Canada and Singapore branches. Net written premiums increased by 23.6% to $1,049.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $848.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The changes are consistent with the changes in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased 24.8% to $1,049.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $841.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. 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 tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the International segment for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended September 30, |
| | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 182.8 | | | | 53.4 | % | | | $ | (2.4 | ) | | | -0.7 | % | | | $ | 180.4 | | | | 52.7 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 96.3 | | | | 28.1 | % | | | | 33.7 | | | | 9.8 | % | | | | 130.0 | | | | 37.9 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 279.1 | | | | 81.5 | % | | | $ | 31.3 | | | | 9.1 | % | | | $ | 310.4 | | | | 90.6 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 150.2 | | | | 49.1 | % | | | $ | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | $ | 150.2 | | | | 49.1 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 415.0 | | | | 135.6 | % | | | | (2.2 | ) | | | -0.7 | % | | | | 412.8 | | | | 134.9 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 565.2 | | | | 184.7 | % | | | $ | (2.2 | ) | | | -0.7 | % | | | $ | 563.1 | | | | 184.0 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2018/2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 32.6 | | | | 4.3 | | pts | | $ | (2.4 | ) | | | (0.7 | ) | pts | | $ | 30.2 | | | | 3.6 | | pts |
Catastrophes | | | (318.7 | ) | | | (107.5 | ) | pts | | | 35.9 | | | | 10.5 | | pts | | | (282.8 | ) | | | (97.0 | ) | pts |
Total Segment | | $ | (286.1 | ) | | | (103.2 | ) | pts | | $ | 33.5 | | | | 9.8 | | pts | | $ | (252.7 | ) | | | (93.4 | ) | pts |
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 539.4 | | | | 51.4 | % | | | $ | (29.6 | ) | | | -2.8 | % | | | $ | 509.7 | | | | 48.6 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 146.3 | | | | 13.9 | % | | | | 82.8 | | | | 7.9 | % | | | | 229.1 | | | | 21.8 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 685.7 | | | | 65.3 | % | | | $ | 53.2 | | | | 5.1 | % | | | $ | 738.8 | | | | 70.4 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 423.9 | | | | 50.4 | % | | | $ | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | $ | 423.9 | | | | 50.4 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 470.8 | | | | 56.0 | % | | | | 0.4 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | | 471.2 | | | | 56.1 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 894.7 | | | | 106.4 | % | | | $ | 0.4 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | $ | 895.1 | | | | 106.5 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2018/2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 115.5 | | | | 1.0 | | pts | | $ | (29.6 | ) | | | (2.8 | ) | pts | | $ | 85.8 | | | | (1.8 | ) | pts |
Catastrophes | | | (324.5 | ) | | | (42.1 | ) | pts | | | 82.4 | | | | 7.8 | | pts | | | (242.1 | ) | | | (34.3 | ) | pts |
Total Segment | | $ | (209.0 | ) | | | (41.1 | ) | pts | | $ | 52.8 | | | | 5.0 | | pts | | $ | (156.3 | ) | | | (36.1 | ) | pts |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 44.9% to $310.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $563.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a decrease of $318.7 million on current year catastrophe losses. The decreases were partially offset by $33.7 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses mainly related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and an increase of $32.6 million on current years attritional losses mainly due to the increase in premiums earned. The current year catastrophe losses of $96.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Typhoon Jebi ($60.1 million), Typhoon Trami ($23.0 million), Japan Floods ($9.5 million) and Hurricane Florence ($6.0 million). The $415.0 million of current year
catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 primarily related to Hurricane Maria ($260.3 million), Hurricane Irma ($82.4 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($70.0 million), Hurricane Harvey ($2.0 million) and the Peru storms ($0.5 million).
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 17.5% to $738.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $895.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a decrease of $324.5 million on current year catastrophe losses and $29.6 million of favorable development on prior years attritional losses. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $115.5 million on current year attritional losses primarily due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and $82.8 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses mainly related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. The current year catastrophe losses of $146.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Typhoon Jebi ($60.1 million), Cyclone Mekunu ($47.7 million), Typhoon Trami ($23.0 million), Japan Floods ($9.5 million) and Hurricane Florence ($6.0 million). The $470.8 million of current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Maria ($260.3 million), Hurricane Irma ($82.4 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($70.0 million), the South Africa Knysna fires ($25.0 million), Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($16.9 million), the Peru storms ($14.2 million) and Hurricane Harvey ($2.0 million).
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage increased by 19.0% to $81.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $68.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Commission and brokerage increased by 28.2% to $255.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $199.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. These increases are mainly due to the impact of the increases in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business.
Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $10.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $8.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and increased to $31.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $27.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increases were mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and higher variable compensation costs in 2018 compared to 2017.
Bermuda.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Bermuda segment for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | Variance | | | % Change | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | Variance | | | % Change | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 377.9 | | | $ | 311.8 | | | $ | 66.1 | | | | 21.2 | % | | $ | 1,163.0 | | | $ | 870.5 | | | $ | 292.6 | | | | 33.6 | % |
Net written premiums | | | 358.8 | | | | 287.6 | | | | 71.2 | | | | 24.7 | % | | | 1,109.0 | | | | 810.4 | | | | 298.5 | | | | 36.8 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 299.8 | | | $ | 267.5 | | | $ | 32.3 | | | | 12.1 | % | | $ | 972.6 | | | $ | 766.1 | | | $ | 206.6 | | | | 27.0 | % |
Incurred losses and LAE | | | 211.7 | | | | 301.3 | | | | (89.6 | ) | | | -29.7 | % | | | 591.3 | | | | 595.1 | | | | (3.8 | ) | | | -0.6 | % |
Commission and brokerage | | | 76.6 | | | | 83.9 | | | | (7.3 | ) | | | -8.6 | % | | | 238.4 | | | | 205.8 | | | | 32.6 | | | | 15.9 | % |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 10.8 | | | | 9.0 | | | | 1.7 | | | | 18.8 | % | | | 31.6 | | | | 27.6 | | | | 4.1 | | | | 14.9 | % |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | 0.7 | | | $ | (126.7 | ) | | $ | 127.5 | | | | -100.6 | % | | $ | 111.3 | | | $ | (62.3 | ) | | $ | 173.6 | | | NM | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | |
Loss ratio | | | 70.7 | % | | | 112.6 | % | | | | | | | (41.9 | ) | | | 60.9 | % | | | 77.6 | % | | | | | | | (16.7 | ) |
Commission and brokerage ratio | | | 25.6 | % | | | 31.4 | % | | | | | | | (5.8 | ) | | | 24.5 | % | | | 26.9 | % | | | | | | | (2.4 | ) |
Other underwriting expense ratio | | | 3.5 | % | | | 3.4 | % | | | | | | | 0.1 | | | | 3.2 | % | | | 3.6 | % | | | | | | | (0.4 | ) |
Combined ratio | | | 99.8 | % | | | 147.4 | % | | | | | | | (47.6 | ) | | | 88.6 | % | | | 108.1 | % | | | | | | | (19.5 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(NM not meaningful) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 21.2% to $377.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $311.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to increased production from the U.K. and Ireland offices and an increase in Bermuda property business. Net written premiums increased by 24.7% to $358.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $287.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased 12.1% to $299.8 million
for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $267.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. 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.
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 33.6% to $1,163.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $870.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to increased production from the U.K. and Ireland offices, an increase in Bermuda property business and a positive impact of $25.1 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates. Net written premiums increased by 36.8% to $1,109.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $810.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased 27.0% to $972.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $766.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. 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 tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the Bermuda segment for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended September 30, |
| | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 179.2 | | | | 59.8 | % | | | $ | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | $ | 179.2 | | | | 59.8 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 31.7 | | | | 10.6 | % | | | | 0.8 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | | 32.5 | | | | 10.9 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 210.9 | | | | 70.4 | % | | | $ | 0.8 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | $ | 211.7 | | | | 70.7 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 147.2 | | | | 55.0 | % | | | $ | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | $ | 147.2 | | | | 55.0 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 153.2 | | | | 57.3 | % | | | | 0.9 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | | 154.1 | | | | 57.6 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 300.4 | | | | 112.3 | % | | | $ | 0.9 | | | | 0.3 | % | | | $ | 301.3 | | | | 112.6 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2018/2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 32.0 | | | | 4.8 | | pts | | $ | - | | | | - | | pts | | $ | 32.0 | | | | 4.8 | | pts |
Catastrophes | | | (121.5 | ) | | | (46.7 | ) | pts | | | (0.1 | ) | | | - | | pts | | | (121.6 | ) | | | (46.7 | ) | pts |
Total Segment | | $ | (89.5 | ) | | | (41.9 | ) | pts | | $ | (0.1 | ) | | | - | | pts | | $ | (89.6 | ) | | | (41.9 | ) | pts |
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 570.5 | | | | 58.7 | % | | | $ | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | $ | 570.5 | | | | 58.7 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 31.7 | | | | 3.3 | % | | | | (10.9 | ) | | | -1.1 | % | | | | 20.8 | | | | 2.2 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 602.2 | | | | 62.0 | % | | | $ | (10.9 | ) | | | -1.1 | % | | | $ | 591.3 | | | | 60.9 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 436.1 | | | | 56.9 | % | | | $ | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | $ | 436.1 | | | | 56.9 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 154.1 | | | | 20.1 | % | | | | 4.9 | | | | 0.6 | % | | | | 159.0 | | | | 20.7 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 590.2 | | | | 77.0 | % | | | $ | 4.9 | | | | 0.6 | % | | | $ | 595.1 | | | | 77.6 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2018/2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 134.4 | | | | 1.8 | | pts | | $ | - | | | | - | | pts | | $ | 134.4 | | | | 1.8 | | pts |
Catastrophes | | | (122.4 | ) | | | (16.8 | ) | pts | | | (15.8 | ) | | | (1.7 | ) | pts | | | (138.2 | ) | | | (18.5 | ) | pts |
Total Segment | | $ | 12.0 | | | | (15.0 | ) | pts | | $ | (15.8 | ) | | | (1.7 | ) | pts | | $ | (3.8 | ) | | | (16.7 | ) | pts |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 29.7% to $211.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $301.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a decrease of $121.5 million on current year catastrophe losses. The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $32.0 million on current year attritional losses due mainly to the impact of the increase in premiums earned. The current year catastrophe losses of $31.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Typhoon Jebi ($13.4 million), Hurricane Florence ($13.0 million) and Japan Floods ($5.0 million). The $153.2 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 primarily related to Hurricane Maria ($56.4 million), Hurricane Irma ($42.4 million), Hurricane Harvey ($37.5 million) and the Mexico City earthquake ($17.0 million).
Incurred losses and LAE decreased slightly to $591.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $595.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a decrease of $122.4 million of current year catastrophe losses and $15.8 million of additional favorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2018 compared to 2017, partially offset by an increase of $134.4 million in current year attritional losses related primarily to the impact of the increase in premiums earned. The current year catastrophe losses of $31.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Typhoon Jebi ($13.4 million), Hurricane Florence ($13.0 million) and Japan Floods ($5.0 million). The $154.1 million of current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 primarily related to Hurricane Maria ($56.4 million), Hurricane Irma ($42.4 million), Hurricane Harvey ($37.5 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($17.0 million) and Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($0.9 million).
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage decreased by 8.6% to $76.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $83.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 primarily due to lower contingent commissions. Commission and brokerage increased by 15.9% to $238.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $205.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, partially offset by lower contingent commissions.
Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $10.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $9.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and increased to $31.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $27.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increases are mainly due to the impact of the increases in premiums earned and higher variable compensation costs in 2018 compared to 2017.
Insurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | Variance | | | % Change | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | Variance | | | % Change | |
Gross written premiums | | $ | 517.3 | | | $ | 480.1 | | | $ | 37.2 | | | | 7.7 | % | | $ | 1,668.2 | | | $ | 1,483.8 | | | $ | 184.4 | | | | 12.4 | % |
Net written premiums | | | 385.5 | | | | 370.4 | | | | 15.0 | | | | 4.1 | % | | | 1,241.3 | | | | 1,179.9 | | | | 61.4 | | | | 5.2 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums earned | | $ | 418.8 | | | $ | 375.7 | | | $ | 43.1 | | | | 11.5 | % | | $ | 1,220.5 | | | $ | 1,063.5 | | | $ | 157.0 | | | | 14.8 | % |
Incurred losses and LAE | | | 289.7 | | | | 420.2 | | | | (130.5 | ) | | | -31.1 | % | | | 825.3 | | | | 896.9 | | | | (71.6 | ) | | | -8.0 | % |
Commission and brokerage | | | 66.9 | | | | 67.4 | | | | (0.5 | ) | | | -0.8 | % | | | 195.8 | | | | 181.9 | | | | 13.9 | | | | 7.6 | % |
Other underwriting expenses | | | 60.7 | | | | 43.7 | | | | 17.1 | | | | 39.0 | % | | | 176.0 | | | | 132.1 | | | | 43.8 | | | | 33.2 | % |
Underwriting gain (loss) | | $ | 1.5 | | | $ | (155.6 | ) | | $ | 157.1 | | | | -101.1 | % | | $ | 23.5 | | | $ | (147.5 | ) | | $ | 170.9 | | | | -115.9 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Point Chg | |
Loss ratio | | | 69.2 | % | | | 111.9 | % | | | | | | | (42.7 | ) | | | 67.6 | % | | | 84.4 | % | | | | | | | (16.8 | ) |
Commission and brokerage ratio | | | 16.0 | % | | | 17.9 | % | | | | | | | (1.9 | ) | | | 16.0 | % | | | 17.1 | % | | | | | | | (1.1 | ) |
Other underwriting expense ratio | | | 14.4 | % | | | 11.6 | % | | | | | | | 2.8 | | | | 14.5 | % | | | 12.4 | % | | | | | | | 2.1 | |
Combined ratio | | | 99.6 | % | | | 141.4 | % | | | | | | | (41.8 | ) | | | 98.1 | % | | | 113.9 | % | | | | | | | (15.8 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 7.7% to $517.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $480.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. This increase was driven by improvement in various insurance lines of business including casualty, property, energy and premiums written through the Lloyd's Syndicate. Net written premiums increased by 4.1% to $385.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $370.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums was primarily due to varying utilization of reinsurance. Premiums earned increased 11.5% to $418.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $375.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
Gross written premiums increased by 12.4% to $1,668.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $1,483.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. This increase was driven by expansion of various insurance lines of business including casualty, energy, accident and health and premiums written through the Lloyd's Syndicate. Net written premiums increased by 5.2% to $1,241.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $1,179.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums was primarily due to varying utilization of reinsurance. Premiums earned increased 14.8% to $1,220.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $1,063.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. 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 tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated.
| | Three Months Ended September 30, |
| | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 278.2 | | | | 66.4 | % | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | $ | 278.2 | | | | 66.4 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 14.5 | | | | 3.5 | % | | | | (3.0 | ) | | | -0.7 | % | | | | 11.5 | | | | 2.8 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 292.7 | | | | 69.9 | % | | | $ | (3.0 | ) | | | -0.7 | % | | | $ | 289.7 | | | | 69.2 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 257.0 | | | | 68.4 | % | | | $ | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | $ | 257.0 | | | | 68.4 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 163.0 | | | | 43.4 | % | | | | 0.3 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | | 163.3 | | | | 43.5 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 420.0 | | | | 111.8 | % | | | $ | 0.3 | | | | 0.1 | % | | | $ | 420.2 | | | | 111.9 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2018/2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 21.2 | | | | (2.0 | ) | pts | | $ | - | | | | - | | pts | | $ | 21.2 | | | | (2.0 | ) | pts |
Catastrophes | | | (148.5 | ) | | | (39.9 | ) | pts | | | (3.3 | ) | | | (0.8 | ) | pts | | | (151.8 | ) | | | (40.7 | ) | pts |
Total Segment | | $ | (127.3 | ) | | | (41.9 | ) | pts | | $ | (3.3 | ) | | | (0.8 | ) | pts | | $ | (130.5 | ) | | | (42.7 | ) | pts |
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | Current | | | Ratio %/ | | Prior | | | Ratio %/ | | Total | | | Ratio %/ |
(Dollars in millions) | | Year | | | Pt Change | | Years | | | Pt Change | | Incurred | | | Pt Change |
2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 808.9 | | | | 66.3 | % | | | $ | (1.1 | ) | | | -0.1 | % | | | $ | 807.9 | | | | 66.2 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 25.0 | | | | 2.0 | % | | | | (7.6 | ) | | | -0.6 | % | | | | 17.4 | | | | 1.4 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 833.9 | | | | 68.3 | % | | | $ | (8.7 | ) | | | -0.7 | % | | | $ | 825.3 | | | | 67.6 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 712.4 | | | | 67.0 | % | | | $ | 8.4 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | $ | 720.7 | | | | 67.8 | % | |
Catastrophes | | | 176.0 | | | | 16.6 | % | | | | 0.1 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | 176.2 | | | | 16.6 | % | |
Total Segment | | $ | 888.4 | | | | 83.6 | % | | | $ | 8.5 | | | | 0.8 | % | | | $ | 896.9 | | | | 84.4 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variance 2018/2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Attritional | | $ | 96.5 | | | | (0.7 | ) | pts | | $ | (9.5 | ) | | | (0.9 | ) | pts | | $ | 87.2 | | | | (1.6 | ) | pts |
Catastrophes | | | (151.0 | ) | | | (14.6 | ) | pts | | | (7.7 | ) | | | (0.6 | ) | pts | | | (158.8 | ) | | | (15.2 | ) | pts |
Total Segment | | $ | (54.5 | ) | | | (15.3 | ) | pts | | $ | (17.2 | ) | | | (1.5 | ) | pts | | $ | (71.6 | ) | | | (16.8 | ) | pts |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 31.1% to $289.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $420.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, mainly due to a decrease of $148.5 million in current year catastrophe losses, partially offset by an increase in current year attritional losses of $21.2 million, due mainly to the impact of the increase in premiums earned. The current year catastrophe losses of $14.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Hurricane Florence ($13.0 million) and 2018 California wildfires ($1.5 million). The $163.0 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were due to Hurricane Harvey ($74.0 million), Hurricane Irma ($72.0 million), Hurricane Maria ($14.0 million), and the Mexico City earthquake ($3.0 million).
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 8.0% to $825.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $896.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, mainly due to a decrease of $151.0 million in current year catastrophe losses, partially offset by an increase in current year attritional losses of $96.5 million, due mainly to the impact of the increase in premiums earned. The current year catastrophe losses of $25.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related primarily to Hurricane Florence ($13.0 million), the U.S. winter storms ($10.5 million) and 2018 California wildfires ($1.5 million). The $176.0 million of current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were due to Hurricane Harvey ($74.0 million), Hurricane Irma ($72.0 million), Hurricane Maria ($14.0 million), the 2017 US Midwest storms ($12.0 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($3.0 million) and Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($1.0 million).
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage decreased slightly to $66.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $67.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Commission and brokerage increased by 7.6% to $195.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $181.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase for the nine month period was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned.
Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $60.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $43.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $176.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $132.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increases were mainly due to the impact of the increases in premiums earned, increased expenses related to the continued build out of the insurance business and higher variable compensation costs in 2018 compared to 2017.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Cash and Invested Assets. Aggregate invested assets, including cash and short-term investments, were $18,665.9 million at September 30, 2018, an increase of $39.4 million compared to $18,626.5 million at December 31, 2017. This increase was primarily the result of $543.6 million of cash flows from operations, $100.6 million of unsettled securities, $88.4 million in equity adjustments of our limited partnership investments and $24.8 million of amortization of bond premium, partially offset by $284.5 million of pre-tax unrealized depreciation, $159.3 million paid out in dividends to shareholders, $158.6 million in fair value re-measurements, $102.7 million due to fluctuations in foreign currencies and $4.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments.
Our principal investment objectives are to ensure funds are available to meet our insurance and reinsurance obligations and to maximize after-tax investment income while maintaining a high quality diversified investment portfolio. Considering these objectives, we view our investment portfolio as having two components: 1) the investments needed to satisfy outstanding liabilities (our core fixed maturities portfolio) and 2) investments funded by our shareholders' equity.
For the portion needed to satisfy global outstanding liabilities, we generally invest in taxable and tax-preferenced fixed income securities with an average credit quality of A1. For the U.S. portion of this portfolio, our mix of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected U.S. operating results, market conditions and our tax position. This global fixed maturity securities portfolio is externally managed by an independent, professional investment manager using portfolio guidelines approved by internal management.
Over the past several years, we have expanded the allocation of our investments funded by shareholders' equity to include: 1) a greater percentage of publicly traded equity securities, 2) emerging market fixed maturities through mutual fund structures, as well as individual holdings, 3) high yield fixed maturities, 4) bank and private loan securities and 5) private equity limited partnership investments. The objective of this portfolio diversification is to enhance the risk-adjusted total return of the investment portfolio by allocating a prudent portion of the portfolio to higher return asset classes, which are also less subject to changes in value with movements in interest rates. We limit our allocation to these asset classes because of 1) the potential for volatility in their values and 2) the impact of these investments on regulatory and rating agency capital adequacy models. We use investment managers experienced in these markets and adjust our allocation to these investments based upon market conditions. At September 30, 2018, the market value of investments in these investment market sectors, carried at both market and fair value, approximated 55.9% of shareholders' equity.
The Company's limited partnership investments are comprised of limited partnerships that invest in private equities. Generally, the limited partnerships are reported on a quarter lag. We receive annual audited financial statements for all of the limited partnerships which are prepared using fair value accounting in accordance with FASB guidance. For the quarterly reports, the Company's staff performs reviews of the financial reports for any unusual changes in carrying value. If the Company becomes aware of a significant decline in value during the lag reporting period, the loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.
The tables below summarize the composition and characteristics of our investment portfolio as of the dates indicated.
(Dollars in millions) | | At September 30, 2018 | | | At December 31, 2017 | |
Fixed maturities, market value | | $ | 14,655.5 | | | | 78.6 | % | | $ | 14,756.8 | | | | 79.2 | % |
Fixed maturities, fair value | | | 2.4 | | | | 0.0 | % | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
Equity securities, market value | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % | | | 129.5 | | | | 0.7 | % |
Equity securities, fair value | | | 1,166.5 | | | | 6.2 | % | | | 963.6 | | | | 5.2 | % |
Short-term investments | | | 693.1 | | | | 3.7 | % | | | 509.7 | | | | 2.7 | % |
Other invested assets | | | 1,508.6 | | | | 8.1 | % | | | 1,631.9 | | | | 8.8 | % |
Cash | | | 639.8 | | | | 3.4 | % | | | 635.1 | | | | 3.4 | % |
Total investments and cash | | $ | 18,665.9 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 18,626.5 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| At | | At |
| September 30, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 |
Fixed income portfolio duration (years) | 3.2 | | 3.1 |
Fixed income composite credit quality | A1 | | Aa3 |
Imbedded end of period yield, pre-tax | 3.2% | | 3.0% |
Imbedded end of period yield, after-tax | 2.9% | | 2.8% |
The following table provides a comparison of our total return by asset class relative to broadly accepted industry benchmarks for the periods indicated:
| Nine Months Ended | | Twelve Months Ended |
| September 30, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 |
Fixed income portfolio total return | 0.4% | | | 2.5% | |
Barclay's Capital - U.S. aggregate index | -1.6% | | | 3.5% | |
| | | | | |
Common equity portfolio total return | 6.1% | | | 14.6% | |
S&P 500 index | 10.6% | | | 21.8% | |
| | | | | |
Other invested asset portfolio total return | 9.7% | | | 8.4% | |
The pre-tax equivalent total return for the bond portfolio was approximately 1.8% and 4.3%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The pre-tax equivalent return adjusts the yield on tax-exempt bonds to the fully taxable equivalent.
Our fixed income and equity portfolios have different compositions than the benchmark indexes. Our fixed income portfolios have a shorter duration because we align our investment portfolio with our liabilities. We also hold foreign securities to match our foreign liabilities while the index is comprised of only U.S. securities. Our equity portfolios reflect an emphasis on dividend yield and growth equities, while the index is comprised of the largest 500 equities by market capitalization.
Reinsurance Receivables.
Reinsurance receivables for both paid and recoverable on unpaid losses totaled $1,738.7 million and $1,348.2 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. At September 30, 2018, $601.5 million, or 34.6%, was receivable from Mt. Logan Re collateralized segregated accounts; $133.8 million, or 7.7%, was receivable from Resolution Group Reinsurance (Barbados) Limited ("Resolution Group"); $126.4 million, or 7.3%, was receivable from Zurich Vericherungs Gesellschaft ("Zurich"); and $94.7 million, or 5.4%, was receivable from Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. ("Munich Re"). The receivables from Resolution Group are fully collateralized by an individual trust agreement. No other retrocessionaire accounted for more than 5% of our receivables.
Loss and LAE Reserves. Gross loss and LAE reserves totaled $12,390.2 million and $11,884.3 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
The following tables summarize gross outstanding loss and LAE reserves by segment, classified by case reserves and IBNR reserves, for the periods indicated.
| | At September 30, 2018 | |
| | Case | | | IBNR | | | Total | | | % of | |
(Dollars in millions) | | Reserves | | | Reserves | | | Reserves | | | Total | |
U.S. Reinsurance | | $ | 1,865.0 | | | $ | 2,063.4 | | | $ | 3,928.4 | | | | 31.7 | % |
International | | | 1,146.7 | | | | 1,065.9 | | | | 2,212.6 | | | | 17.9 | % |
Bermuda | | | 1,182.6 | | | | 1,513.3 | | | | 2,695.8 | | | | 21.8 | % |
Insurance | | | 1,022.9 | | | | 2,150.9 | | | | 3,173.8 | | | | 25.6 | % |
Total excluding A&E | | | 5,217.2 | | | | 6,793.4 | | | | 12,010.6 | | | | 96.9 | % |
A&E | | | 296.0 | | | | 83.6 | | | | 379.6 | | | | 3.1 | % |
Total including A&E | | $ | 5,513.2 | | | $ | 6,877.0 | | | $ | 12,390.2 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | At December 31, 2017 | |
| | Case | | | IBNR | | | Total | | | % of | |
(Dollars in millions) | | Reserves | | | Reserves | | | Reserves | | | Total | |
U.S. Reinsurance | | $ | 1,719.6 | | | $ | 2,041.0 | | | $ | 3,760.6 | | | | 31.6 | % |
International | | | 1,147.6 | | | | 1,022.9 | | | | 2,170.5 | | | | 18.3 | % |
Bermuda | | | 1,037.8 | | | | 1,417.0 | | | | 2,454.8 | | | | 20.7 | % |
Insurance | | | 1,049.4 | | | | 2,000.0 | | | | 3,049.4 | | | | 25.7 | % |
Total excluding A&E | | | 4,954.3 | | | | 6,481.0 | | | | 11,435.3 | | | | 96.2 | % |
A&E | | | 306.0 | | | | 143.0 | | | | 449.0 | | | | 3.8 | % |
Total including A&E | | $ | 5,260.4 | | | $ | 6,623.9 | | | $ | 11,884.3 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Changes in premiums earned and business mix, reserve re-estimations, catastrophe losses and changes in catastrophe loss reserves and claim settlement activity all impact loss and LAE reserves by segment and in total.
Our loss and LAE reserves represent management's best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims. We continuously re-evaluate our reserves, including re-estimates of prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, newly reported loss and claim experience. Changes in reserves resulting from such re-evaluations are reflected in incurred losses in the period when the re-evaluation is made. Our analytical methods and processes operate at multiple levels including individual contracts, groupings of like contracts, classes and lines of business, internal business units, segments, legal entities, and in the aggregate. In order to set appropriate reserves, we make qualitative and quantitative analyses and judgments at these various levels. Additionally, the attribution of reserves, changes in reserves and incurred losses among accident years requires qualitative and quantitative adjustments and allocations at these various levels. We utilize actuarial science, business expertise and management judgment in a manner intended to ensure the accuracy and consistency of our reserving practices. Nevertheless, our reserves are estimates, which are subject to variation, which may be significant.
There can be no assurance that reserves for, and losses from, claim obligations will not increase in the future, possibly by a material amount. However, we believe that our existing reserves and reserving methodologies lessen the probability that any such increase would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Asbestos and Environmental Exposures. A&E exposures represent a separate exposure group for monitoring and evaluating reserve adequacy. The following table summarizes the outstanding loss reserves with respect to A&E reserves on both a gross and net of retrocessions basis for the periods indicated.
| | At | | | At | |
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
Gross reserves | | $ | 379.6 | | | $ | 449.0 | |
Reinsurance receivable | | | (109.5 | ) | | | (130.9 | ) |
Net reserves | | $ | 270.1 | | | $ | 318.1 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) | | | | | | | | |
With respect to asbestos only, at September 30, 2018, we had net asbestos loss reserves of $260.6 million, or 96.5%, of total net A&E reserves, all of which was for assumed business.
On July 13, 2015, we sold Mt. McKinley to Clearwater Insurance Company. Concurrently with the closing, we entered into a retrocession treaty with an affiliate of Clearwater. Per the retrocession treaty, we retroceded 100% of the liabilities associated with certain Mt. McKinley policies, which had been reinsured by Bermuda Re. As consideration for entering into the retrocession treaty, Bermuda Re transferred cash of $140.3 million, an amount equal to the net loss reserves as of the closing date. Of the $140.3 million of net loss reserves retroceded, $100.5 million were related to A&E business. The maximum liability retroceded under the retrocession treaty will be $440.3 million, equal to the retrocession payment plus $300.0 million. We will retain liability for any amounts exceeding the maximum liability retroceded under the retrocession treaty.
Ultimate loss projections for A&E liabilities cannot be accomplished using standard actuarial techniques. We believe that our A&E reserves represent management's best estimate of the ultimate liability; however, there can be no assurance that ultimate loss payments will not exceed such reserves, perhaps by a significant amount.
Industry analysts use the "survival ratio" to compare the A&E reserves among companies with such liabilities. The survival ratio is typically calculated by dividing a company's current net reserves by the three year average of annual paid losses. Hence, the survival ratio equals the number of years that it would take to exhaust the current reserves if future loss payments were to continue at historical levels. Using this measurement, our net three year asbestos survival ratio was 5.1 years at September 30, 2018. These metrics can be skewed by individual large settlements occurring in the prior three years and therefore, may not be indicative of the timing of future payments.
Shareholders' Equity. Our shareholders' equity decreased to $8,329.0 million as of September 30, 2018 from $8,369.2 million as of December 31, 2017. This decrease was the result of $261.8 million of unrealized depreciation on investments net of tax, $159.3 million of shareholder dividends, repurchase of 0.3 million common shares for $75.3 million, and $51.9 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments partially offset by $485.8 million of net income, $16.8 million of share-based compensation transactions and $5.4 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments, net of tax.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Capital. Shareholders' equity at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $8,329.0 million and $8,369.2 million, respectively. Management's objective in managing capital is to ensure its overall capital level, as well as the capital levels of its operating subsidiaries, exceed the amounts required by regulators, the amount needed to support our current financial strength ratings from rating agencies and our own economic capital models. The Company's capital has historically exceeded these benchmark levels.
Our two main operating companies Bermuda Re and Everest Re are regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority ("BMA") and the State of Delaware, Department of Insurance, respectively. Both regulatory bodies have their own capital adequacy models based on statutory capital as opposed to GAAP basis equity. Failure to meet the required statutory capital levels could result in various regulatory restrictions, including business activity and the payment of dividends to their parent companies.
Commencing in 2017, the regulatory targeted capital required by the State of Delaware, Department of Insurance was expanded to include a provision for catastrophe exposure. This additional requirement added $759.8 million of regulatory targeted capital for Everest Re as of December 31, 2017.
The regulatory targeted capital and the actual statutory capital for Bermuda Re and Everest Re were as follows:
| | Bermuda Re (1) | | | Everest Re (2) | |
| | At December 31, | | | At December 31, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | |
Regulatory targeted capital | | $ | 2,368.6 | | | $ | 2,025.7 | | | $ | 2,076.9 | | | $ | 1,411.4 | |
Actual capital | | $ | 3,085.9 | | | $ | 2,950.5 | | | $ | 3,391.9 | | | $ | 3,635.1 | |
(1) Regulatory targeted capital represents the target capital level from the applicable year's BSCR calculation.
(2) Regulatory targeted capital represents 200% of the RBC authorized control level calculation for the applicable year.
Our financial strength ratings as determined by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor's and Moody's are important as they provide our customers and investors with an independent assessment of our financial strength using a rating scale that provides for relative comparisons. We continue to possess significant financial flexibility and access to debt and equity markets as a result of our financial strength, as evidenced by the financial strength ratings as assigned by independent rating agencies.
We maintain our own economic capital models to monitor and project our overall capital, as well as, the capital at our operating subsidiaries. A key input to the economic models is projected income and this input is continually compared to actual results, which may require a change in the capital strategy.
Since the beginning of 2017, we repurchased 0.6 million shares for $125.3 million in the open market and paid $366.6 million in dividends to adjust our capital position and enhance long term expected returns to our shareholders. We may at times enter into a Rule 10b5-1 repurchase plan agreement to facilitate the repurchase of shares. On November 19, 2014, our existing Board authorization to purchase up to 25 million of our shares was amended to authorize the purchase of up to 30 million shares. As of September 30, 2018, we had repurchased 28.6 million shares under this authorization.
Liquidity. Our liquidity requirements are generally met from positive cash flow from operations. Positive cash flow results from reinsurance and insurance premiums being collected prior to disbursements for claims, which disbursements generally take place over an extended period after the collection of premiums, sometimes a period of many years. Collected premiums are generally invested, prior to their use in such disbursements, and investment income provides additional funding for loss payments. Our net cash flows from operating activities were $543.6 million and $1,044.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Additionally, these cash flows reflected net tax recoveries of $67.9 million and net tax payments of $58.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and net catastrophe loss payments of $754.4 million and $305.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
If disbursements for claims and benefits, policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses were to exceed premium inflows, cash flow from reinsurance and insurance operations would be negative. The effect on cash flow from insurance operations would be partially offset by cash flow from investment income. Additionally, cash inflows from investment maturities and dispositions, both short-term investments and longer term maturities are available to supplement other operating cash flows.
As the timing of payments for claims and benefits cannot be predicted with certainty, we maintain portfolios of long term invested assets with varying maturities, along with short-term investments that provide additional liquidity for payment of claims. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we held cash and short-term investments of $1,332.9 million and $1,144.7 million, respectively. Our short-term investments are generally readily marketable and can be converted to cash. In addition to these cash and short-term investments, at September 30, 2018, we had $1,387.7 million of available for sale fixed maturity securities maturing within one year or less, $7,246.8 million maturing within one to five years and $3,251.3 million maturing after five years. Our $1,166.5 million of equity securities are comprised primarily of publicly traded securities that can be easily liquidated. We believe that these fixed maturity and equity securities, in conjunction with the short-term investments and positive cash flow from operations, provide ample sources of liquidity for the expected payment of losses in the near future. We do not anticipate selling a significant amount of securities or using available credit facilities to pay losses and LAE but have the ability to do so. Sales of securities might result in realized capital gains or losses. At September 30, 2018 we had $214.9 million of net pre-tax unrealized depreciation related to fixed maturity securities, comprised of $386.1 million of pre-tax unrealized depreciation and $171.2 million of pre-tax unrealized appreciation.
Management generally expects annual positive cash flow from operations, which reflects the strength of overall pricing. However, given the recent set of catastrophic events, cash flow from operations will probably decline and could become negative in the near term as significant claim payments are made related to the catastrophes. However, as indicated above, the Company has ample liquidity to settle its catastrophe claims.
In addition to our cash flows from operations and liquid investments, we also have multiple credit facilities that provide up to $200.0 million of unsecured revolving credit for liquidity but more importantly provide for up to $600.0 million and £145.0 million of collateralized standby letters of credit to support business written by our Bermuda operating subsidiaries.
Effective May 26, 2016, Group, Bermuda Re and Everest International entered into a five year, $800.0 million senior credit facility with a syndicate of lenders, which amended and restated in its entirety the June 22, 2012, four year, $800.0 million senior credit facility. Both the May 26, 2016 and June 22, 2012 senior credit facilities, which have similar terms, are referred to as the "Group Credit Facility". Wells Fargo Corporation ("Wells Fargo Bank") is the administrative agent for the Group Credit Facility, which consists of two tranches. Tranche one provides up to $200.0 million of unsecured revolving credit for liquidity and general corporate purposes, and for the issuance of unsecured standby letters of credit. The interest on the revolving loans shall, at the Company's option, be either (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) an adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin. The Base Rate is the higher of (a) the prime commercial lending rate established by Wells Fargo Bank, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% per annum or (c) the one month LIBOR Rate plus 1.0% per annum. The amount of margin and the fees payable for the Group Credit Facility depends on Group's senior unsecured debt rating. Tranche two exclusively provides up to $600.0 million for the issuance of standby letters of credit on a collateralized basis.
The Group Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and to maintain a minimum net worth. Minimum net worth is an amount equal to the sum of $5,371.0 million plus 25% of consolidated net income for each of Group's fiscal quarters, for which statements are available ending on or after March 31, 2016 and for which consolidated net income is positive, plus 25% of any increase in consolidated net worth during such period attributable to the issuance of ordinary and preferred shares, which at September 30, 2018, was $5,993.4 million. As of September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all Group Credit Facility covenants.
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had no outstanding short-term borrowings from the Group Credit Facility revolving credit line. At September 30, 2018, the Group Credit Facility had no outstanding letters of credit under tranche one and $548.0 million outstanding letters of credit under tranche two. At December 31, 2017, the Group Credit Facility had no outstanding letters of credit under tranche one and $538.2 million outstanding letters of credit under tranche two.
Effective November 9, 2016, Everest International renewed its credit facility with Lloyds Bank plc ("Everest International Credit Facility"). The current renewal of the Everest International Credit Facility, along with a May 17, 2017 amendment, has a four year term and provides up to £145.0 million for the issuance of standby letters of credit on a collateralized basis. The Company pays a commitment fee of 0.1% per annum on the average daily amount of the remainder of (1) the aggregate amount available under the facility and (2) the aggregate amount of drawings outstanding under the facility. The Company pays a credit commission fee of 0.35% per annum on drawings outstanding under the facility.
The Everest International Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and to maintain a minimum net worth. Minimum net worth is an amount equal to the sum of $5,326.0 million (70% of consolidated net worth as of December 31, 2015), plus 25% of consolidated net income for each of Group's fiscal quarters, for which statements are available ending on or after January 1, 2015 and for which net income is positive, plus 25% of any increase in consolidated net worth of Group during such period attributable to the issuance of ordinary and preferred shares, which at September 30, 2018, was $5,993.4 million. As of September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all Everest International Credit Facility requirements.
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, Everest International Credit Facility had £0.0 million outstanding letters of credit.
Costs incurred in connection with the Group Credit Facility and Everest International Credit Facility were $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. Costs incurred in connection with the Group Credit Facility and Everest International Credit Facility were $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.
Market Sensitive Instruments.
The SEC's Financial Reporting Release #48 requires registrants to clarify and expand upon the existing financial statement disclosure requirements for derivative financial instruments, derivative commodity instruments and other financial instruments (collectively, "market sensitive instruments"). We do not generally enter into market sensitive instruments for trading purposes.
Our current investment strategy seeks to maximize after-tax income through a high quality, diversified, taxable and tax-preferenced fixed maturity portfolio, while maintaining an adequate level of liquidity. Our mix of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected operating results, market conditions and our tax position. The fixed maturity securities in the investment portfolio are comprised of non-trading available for sale securities. Additionally, we have invested in equity securities.
The overall investment strategy considers the scope of present and anticipated Company operations. In particular, estimates of the financial impact resulting from non-investment asset and liability transactions, together with our capital structure and other factors, are used to develop a net liability analysis. This analysis includes estimated payout characteristics for which our investments provide liquidity. This analysis is considered in the development of specific investment strategies for asset allocation, duration and credit quality. The change in overall market sensitive risk exposure principally reflects the asset changes that took place during the period.
Interest Rate Risk. Our $18.7 billion investment portfolio, at September 30, 2018, 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 $2,209.5 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $14,657.9 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 $693.1 million of short-term investments) for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates. For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually. To generate appropriate price estimates on mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account. For legal entities with a non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the market value change under the various interest rate change scenarios.
| | Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points |
| | At September 30, 2018 |
| | -200 | | -100 | | 0 | | 100 | | 200 |
(Dollars in millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Market/Fair Value | | $ | 16,272.8 | | | $ | 15,820.7 | | | $ | 15,351.0 | | | $ | 14,872.3 | | | $ | 14,396.1 | |
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%) | | | 6.0 | % | | | 3.1 | % | | | 0.0 | % | | | -3.1 | % | | | -6.2 | % |
Change in Unrealized Appreciation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
After-tax from Base ($) | | $ | 833.1 | | | $ | 425.5 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (434.8 | ) | | $ | (867.4 | ) |
We had $12,390.2 million and $11,884.3 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. These amounts are recorded at their nominal value, as opposed to present value, which would reflect a discount adjustment to reflect the time value of money. Since losses are paid out over a period of time, the present value of the reserves is less than the nominal value. As interest rates rise, the present value of the reserves decreases and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the present value increases. These movements are the opposite of the interest rate impacts on the fair value of investments. While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will include investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid. Our loss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration of approximately 3.5 years, which is reasonably consistent with our fixed income portfolio. If we were to discount our loss and LAE reserves, net of ceded reserves, the discount would be approximately $1.3 billion resulting in a discounted reserve balance of approximately $9.5 billion, representing approximately 62.0% of the value of the fixed maturity investment portfolio funds.
Equity Risk. Equity risk is the potential change in fair and/or market value of the common stock, preferred stock and mutual fund portfolios arising from changing prices. Our equity investments consist of a diversified portfolio of individual securities and mutual funds, which invest principally in high quality common and preferred stocks that are traded on the major exchanges, and mutual fund investments in emerging market debt. The primary objective of the equity portfolio is to obtain greater total return relative to our core bonds over time through market appreciation and income.
The table below displays the impact on fair/market value and after-tax change in fair/market value of a 10% and 20% change in equity prices up and down for the period indicated.
| | Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values |
| | At September 30, 2018 |
(Dollars in millions) | | -20% | -10% | 0% | 10% | 20% |
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio | | $ | 933.2 | | | $ | 1,049.9 | | | $ | 1,166.5 | | | $ | 1,283.2 | | | $ | 1,399.8 | |
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value | | $ | (190.3 | ) | | $ | (95.2 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | 95.2 | | | $ | 190.3 | |
Foreign Currency Risk. Foreign currency risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Each of our non-U.S./Bermuda ("foreign") operations maintains capital in the currency of the country of its geographic location consistent with local regulatory guidelines. Each foreign operation may conduct business in its local currency, as well as the currency of other countries in which it operates. The primary foreign currency exposures for these foreign operations are the Canadian Dollar, the Singapore Dollar, the British Pound Sterling and the Euro. We mitigate foreign exchange exposure by generally matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresponding operating liabilities. In accordance with FASB guidance, the impact on the market value of available for sale fixed maturities due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, is reflected as part of other comprehensive income. Conversely, the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, on other assets and liabilities is reflected through net income as a component of other income (expense). In addition, we translate the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar. This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income.
In June 2016, the United Kingdom approved a referendum to exit the European Union (commonly referred to as "Brexit") which resulted in volatility in global stock markets and currency exchange rates, and has increased political, economic and global market uncertainty. The formal negotiation process for the United Kingdom to exit the European Union will determine the timing and terms of such an exit. The Company has a Lloyd's of London Syndicate and Bermuda Re has a branch operation in the United Kingdom. The nature and extent of the impact of Brexit on regulation, interest rates, currency exchange rates and financial markets is still uncertain and may adversely affect our operations.
Safe Harbor Disclosure.
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the federal securities laws. In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "plan", "believe", "predict", "potential" and "intend". Forward-looking statements contained in this report include information regarding our reserves for losses and LAE, the impact of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, the adequacy of capital in relation to regulatory required capital, the adequacy of our provision for uncollectible balances, estimates of our catastrophe exposure, the effects of catastrophic events on our financial statements, the ability of Everest Re, Holdings, Holdings Ireland, Dublin Holdings, Bermuda Re and Everest International to pay dividends and the settlement costs of our specialized equity index put option contracts. Forward-looking statements only reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual events or results may differ materially from our expectations. Important factors that could cause our actual events or results to be materially different from our expectations include those discussed under the caption ITEM 1A, "Risk Factors". We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk Instruments. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Market Sensitive Instruments" in PART I – ITEM 2.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")). Based on their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter covered by this report.
PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine the Company's rights and obligations under insurance and reinsurance agreements. In some disputes, the Company seeks to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it. In other matters, the Company is resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation. In all such matters, the Company believes that its positions are legally and commercially reasonable. The Company considers the statuses of these proceedings when determining its reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.
Aside from litigation and arbitrations related to these insurance and reinsurance agreements, the Company is not a party to any other material litigation or arbitration.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
No material changes.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
| | (a) | | | (b) | | | (c) | | | (d) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Maximum Number (or | |
| | | | | | | | Total Number of | | | Approximate Dollar | |
| | | | | | | | Shares (or Units) | | | Value) of Shares (or | |
| | | | | | | | Purchased as Part | | | Units) that May Yet | |
| | Total Number of | | | | | | of Publicly | | | Be Purchased Under | |
| | Shares (or Units) | | | Average Price Paid | | | Announced Plans or | | | the Plans or | |
Period | | Purchased | | | per Share (or Unit) | | | Programs | | | Programs (1) | |
July 1 - 31, 2018 | | | 232 | | | $ | 234.6125 | | | | 0 | | | | 1,672,760 | |
August 1 - 31, 2018 | | | 170,563 | | | $ | 217.2371 | | | | 170,338 | | | | 1,502,422 | |
September 1 - 30, 2018 | | | 60,132 | | | $ | 219.8726 | | | | 59,094 | | | | 1,443,328 | |
Total | | | 230,927 | | | $ | - | | | | 229,432 | | | | 1,443,328 | |
(1) On September 21, 2004, the Company's board of directors approved an amended share repurchase program authorizing the Company and/or its subsidiary Holdings to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 of the Company's common shares through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or both. On July 21, 2008; February 24, 2010; February 22, 2012; May 15, 2013; and November 19, 2014, the Company's executive committee of the Board of Directors has approved subsequent amendments to the share repurchase program authorizing the Company and/or its subsidiary Holdings, to purchase up to a current aggregate of 30,000,000 of the Company's shares (recognizing that the number of shares authorized for repurchase has been reduced by those shares that have already been purchased) in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or both.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
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 Re Group, Ltd.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| Everest Re Group, Ltd. | |
| (Registrant) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| /S/ CRAIG HOWIE | | |
| Craig Howie | | |
| Executive Vice President and | |
| Chief Financial Officer | |
| | |
| (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer) |
Dated: November 9, 2018