In managing our business, we analyze our performance on the basis of "operating income" which does not equate to net income as determined in accordance with GAAP. Rather, it is the measure of profit or loss used by our management to evaluate performance, allocate resources and manage our operations. We believe that operating income, and measures that are derived from or incorporate operating income, are appropriate measures that are useful to investors as well, because they identify the earnings of, and underlying profitability factors affecting, the ongoing operations of our business. Operating income is calculated by excluding realized investment gains (losses) and certain other items because we do not consider them to be related to our operating performance. The size and timing of realized investment gains (losses) are often subject to our discretion. Certain other items are also excluded from operating income if, in our opinion, they are not indicative of overall operating trends. The criteria used to identify an item that will be excluded from operating income include: whether the item is infrequent and is material to our income; or whether it results from a change in regulatory requirements, or relates to other unusual circumstances. Items excluded from operating income may vary from period to period. Because these items are excluded based on our discretion, inconsistencies in the application of our selection criteria may exist. Some of these items may be significant components of net income in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, operating income, and other measures that are derived from or incorporate operating income, are not substitutes for net income, or measures that are derived from or incorporate net income, determined in accordance with GAAP and may be different from similarly titled measures of other companies.
Total operating return on equity ("ROE") is an internal performance measure used in the management of our operations, including our compensation plans and planning processes. Our management believes that this measure provides investors with a useful metric to assess our performance and the effectiveness of our use of historic capital. ROE is calculated by dividing (i) total operating income, by (ii) average equity, excluding accumulated OCI, FIN 46-R and discontinued operations. Total operating return on tangible equity ("return on tangible equity") is also an internal performance measure used in the evaluation of our operations. Our management believes that this measure provides investors with a useful metric to assess our performance and the effectiveness of our use of current capital. Return on tangible equity is calculated by dividing (i) total operating income, by (ii) average equity, excluding accumulated OCI, FIN 46-R, discontinued operations and the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets.
