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


Form 10-Q
(Mark one)
þQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019
or
oTransition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
For the Transition Period from to .
Commission File Number 1-15202

Commission File Number1-15202

W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATIONCORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 22-1867895
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)Identification No.)
   
475 Steamboat Road Greenwich, ConnecticutGreenwichConnecticut06830
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(203)629-3000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 (203) 629-3000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
None 
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
TitleTrading SymbolName
Common Stock, par value $.20 per shareWRBNew York Stock Exchange
5.625% Subordinated Debentures due 2053WRB BNew York Stock Exchange
5.9% Subordinated Debentures due 2056WRB CNew York Stock Exchange
5.75% Subordinated Debentures due 2056WRB DNew York Stock Exchange
5.70% Subordinated Debentures due 2058WRB ENew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ    No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ     No o


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerþ
Accelerated filero
Non-accelerated filero
Smaller reporting companyo
  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Emerging growth companyo
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No þ
Number of shares of common stock, $.20 par value, outstanding as of November 6, 2017: 121,794,758July 30, 2019: 183,176,414
 






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






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

Financial Statements
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
(Unaudited) (Audited)(Unaudited) (Audited)
Assets      
Investments:      
Fixed maturity securities$13,873,690
 $13,190,668
$13,732,800
 $13,606,812
Real estate2,067,544
 1,957,092
Investment funds1,119,907
 1,198,146
1,401,571
 1,332,818
Real estate1,391,274
 1,184,981
Arbitrage trading account488,238
 299,999
533,442
 452,548
Equity securities available for sale

614,025
 669,200
Equity securities416,588
 279,006
Loans receivable74,229
 106,798
94,697
 94,813
Total investments17,561,363
 16,649,792
18,246,642
 17,723,089
Cash and cash equivalents773,997
 795,285
1,258,174
 817,602
Premiums and fees receivable1,818,836
 1,701,854
2,034,036
 1,807,762
Due from reinsurers1,739,835
 1,743,980
2,040,250
 1,932,291
Deferred policy acquisition costs534,091
 537,890
520,908
 497,629
Prepaid reinsurance premiums473,766
 413,140
538,358
 498,880
Trading account receivables from brokers and clearing organizations297,208
 484,593
402,361
 347,228
Property, furniture and equipment399,924
 349,432
398,885
 416,372
Goodwill173,422
 144,513
173,037
 173,037
Accrued investment income139,864
 127,047
140,864
 144,481
Federal and foreign income taxes
 36,193
Other assets423,770
 402,550
734,388
 501,413
Total assets$24,336,076
 $23,350,076
$26,487,903
 $24,895,977
      
Liabilities and Equity      
Liabilities:      
Reserves for losses and loss expenses$11,654,346
 $11,197,195
$12,320,278
 $11,966,448
Unearned premiums3,409,628
 3,283,300
3,614,152
 3,359,991
Due to reinsurers228,539
 213,128
294,949
 256,917
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased44,937
 51,179
159,349
 38,120
Federal and foreign income taxes116,608
 119,597
38,437
 
Other liabilities923,369
 916,318
1,258,995
 1,005,184
Senior notes and other debt1,759,929
 1,760,595
1,873,799
 1,882,028
Subordinated debentures728,071
 727,630
907,866
 907,491
Total liabilities18,865,427
 18,268,942
20,467,825
 19,416,179
Equity:      
Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share:      
Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - none
 

 
Common stock, par value $.20 per share:      
Authorized 500,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding, net of treasury shares, 121,769,109 and 121,193,599 shares, respectively47,024
 47,024
Authorized 500,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding, net of treasury shares, 183,168,398 and 182,993,640 shares, respectively70,535
 70,535
Additional paid-in capital1,040,575
 1,037,446
1,058,416
 1,039,633
Retained earnings6,880,062
 6,595,987
7,826,015
 7,558,619
Accumulated other comprehensive income153,759
 55,568
Treasury stock, at cost, 113,348,809 and 113,924,319 shares, respectively(2,690,884) (2,688,817)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(260,796) (510,470)
Treasury stock, at cost, 169,508,366 and 169,683,237 shares, respectively(2,717,410) (2,720,466)
Total stockholders’ equity5,430,536
 5,047,208
5,976,760
 5,437,851
Noncontrolling interests40,113
 33,926
43,318
 41,947
Total equity5,470,649
 5,081,134
6,020,078
 5,479,798
Total liabilities and equity$24,336,076
 $23,350,076
$26,487,903
 $24,895,977
See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.






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

For the Three Months For the Nine MonthsFor the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
Ended September 30, Ended September 30, 
2017 2016 2017 20162019 2018 2019 2018
REVENUES:              
Net premiums written$1,571,183
 $1,607,365
 $4,782,272
 $4,913,656
$1,743,464
 $1,624,104
 $3,453,065
 $3,289,442
Change in net unearned premiums10,317
 (21,421) (62,028) (240,584)(96,623) (43,051) (213,368) (140,981)
Net premiums earned1,581,500
 1,585,944
 4,720,244
 4,673,072
1,646,841
 1,581,053
 3,239,697
 3,148,461
Net investment income142,479
 145,668
 426,601
 404,850
188,333
 153,777
 346,587
 328,295
Net realized investment gains183,959
 175,738
 276,760
 207,508
Other-than-temporary impairments
 
 
 (18,114)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments73,574
 69,631
 142,226
 118,095
Revenues from non-insurance businesses89,786
 80,242
 225,033
 305,787
89,297
 76,698
 181,124
 146,869
Insurance service fees33,612
 32,135
 100,475
 109,437
22,446
 29,719
 47,759
 60,393
Other income6
 
 695
 
2,893
 38
 3,013
 50
Total revenues2,031,342
 2,019,727
 5,749,808
 5,682,540
2,023,384
 1,910,916
 3,960,406
 3,802,163
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:              
Losses and loss expenses1,081,174
 965,856
 3,025,475
 2,852,339
1,028,830
 973,636
 2,017,479
 1,936,856
Other operating costs and expenses600,822
 606,348
 1,821,155
 1,770,450
591,828
 593,142
 1,179,916
 1,203,581
Expenses from non-insurance businesses86,412
 78,865
 221,389
 291,127
88,272
 75,191
 178,397
 144,734
Interest expense36,821
 37,043
 110,419
 104,019
40,718
 39,705
 81,439
 76,760
Total operating costs and expenses1,805,229
 1,688,112
 5,178,438
 5,017,935
1,749,648
 1,681,674
 3,457,231
 3,361,931
Income before income taxes226,113
 331,615
 571,370
 664,605
273,736
 229,242
 503,175
 440,232
Income tax expense(63,295) (110,952) (174,305) (214,789)(56,309) (48,464) (104,134) (91,881)
Net income before noncontrolling interests162,818
 220,663
 397,065
 449,816
217,427
 180,778
 399,041
 348,351
Noncontrolling interests(764) (13) (2,560) (689)(718) (703) (1,610) (1,879)
Net income to common stockholders$162,054
 $220,650
 $394,505
 $449,127
$216,709
 $180,075
 $397,431
 $346,472
              
NET INCOME PER SHARE:              
Basic$1.29
 $1.80
 $3.17
 $3.66
$1.14
 $0.95
 $2.09
 $1.83
Diluted$1.26
 $1.72
 $3.05
 $3.50
$1.12
 $0.93
 $2.06
 $1.80


See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.













W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
For the Three Months For the Nine MonthsFor the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
Ended September 30, Ended September 30, 
2017 2016 2017 20162019 2018 2019 2018
Net income before noncontrolling interests$162,818
 $220,663
 $397,065
 $449,816
$217,427
 $180,778
 $399,041
 $348,351
Other comprehensive income (loss):              
Change in unrealized currency translation adjustments28,592
 (19,470) 71,574
 (77,389)(14,492) (104,455) 5,268
 (91,656)
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses), net of taxes(8,168) (47,676) 26,598
 134,213
118,649
 (32,442) 244,424
 (158,214)
Other comprehensive income (loss):20,424
 (67,146) 98,172
 56,824
Other comprehensive income (loss)104,157
 (136,897) 249,692
 (249,870)
Comprehensive income183,242
 153,517
 495,237
 506,640
321,584
 43,881
 648,733
 98,481
Noncontrolling interests(731) 44
 (2,541) (623)(748) (666) (1,592) (1,853)
Comprehensive income to common stockholders$182,511
 $153,561
 $492,696
 $506,017
$320,836
 $43,215
 $647,141
 $96,628


See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.



W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
For the Nine MonthsFor the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
Ended September 30, 
2017
20162019 2018 2019
2018
COMMON STOCK:          
Beginning and end of period$47,024
 $47,024
$70,535
 $70,535
 $70,535
 $70,535
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:          
Beginning of period$1,037,446
 $1,005,455
$1,053,372
 $1,033,718
 $1,039,633
 $1,024,771
Restricted stock units issued(27,047) (3,421)(2,049) (5,155) (2,504) (5,642)
Restricted stock units expensed30,176
 25,431
7,093
 8,233
 21,287
 17,667
End of period$1,040,575
 $1,027,465
$1,058,416
 $1,036,796
 $1,058,416
 $1,036,796
RETAINED EARNINGS:          
Beginning of period$6,595,987
 $6,178,070
$7,721,039
 $7,322,201
 $7,558,619
 $6,956,882
Cumulative effect adjustment resulting from changes in accounting principles
 
 
 215,939
Net income to common stockholders394,505
 449,127
216,709
 180,075
 397,431
 346,472
Dividends(110,430) (107,661)
Dividends ($0.61, $0.43, $0.71 and $0.53 per share, respectively)(111,733) (79,114) (130,035) (96,131)
End of period$6,880,062
 $6,519,536
$7,826,015
 $7,423,162
 $7,826,015
 $7,423,162
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)   
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:       
Unrealized investment gains:          
Beginning of period$427,154
 $180,695
$34,236
 $35,099
 $(91,491) $375,421
Unrealized gains on securities not other-than-temporarily impaired25,712
 133,866
Unrealized gains on other-than-temporarily impaired securities905
 413
Cumulative effect adjustment resulting from changes in accounting principles
 
 
 (214,539)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities not other-than-temporarily impaired118,597
 (32,403) 244,393
 (158,199)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on other-than-temporarily impaired securities82
 (2) 13
 11
End of period453,771
 314,974
152,915
 2,694
 152,915
 2,694
Currency translation adjustments:          
Beginning of period(371,586) (247,393)(399,219) (294,081) (418,979) (306,880)
Net change in period71,574
 (77,389)(14,492) (104,455) 5,268
 (91,656)
End of period(300,012) (324,782)(413,711) (398,536) (413,711) (398,536)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)$153,759
 $(9,808)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss$(260,796) $(395,842) $(260,796) $(395,842)
TREASURY STOCK:          
Beginning of period$(2,688,817) $(2,563,605)$(2,720,011) $(2,715,697) $(2,720,466) $(2,709,386)
Stock exercised/vested25,584
 5,023
2,049
 6,475
 2,504
 6,963
Stock repurchased(28,378) (99,870)
 
 
 (6,799)
Stock incentive plans expensed727
 
Stock issued552
 688
 552
 688
End of period$(2,690,884) $(2,658,452)$(2,717,410) $(2,708,534) $(2,717,410) $(2,708,534)
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:          
Beginning of period$33,926
 $32,962
$42,844
 $40,404
 $41,947
 $39,819
Contributions3,646
 2,474
Distributions(274) (1,560) (221) (2,162)
Net income2,560
 689
718
 703
 1,610
 1,879
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(19) (66)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax30
 (37) (18) (26)
End of period$40,113
 $36,059
$43,318
 $39,510
 $43,318
 $39,510
See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.




W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
For the Nine MonthsFor the Six Months
Ended June 30,
Ended September 30,
2017 20162019 2018
CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net income to common stockholders$394,505
 $449,127
$397,431
 $346,472
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:   
Net investment gains(276,760) (189,394)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from (used in) operating activities:   
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments(142,226) (118,095)
Depreciation and amortization78,137
 69,153
51,289
 56,372
Noncontrolling interests2,560
 689
1,610
 1,879
Investment funds(51,907) (60,387)(58,251) (53,070)
Stock incentive plans31,883
 27,033
27,340
 19,722
Change in:      
Arbitrage trading account(2,835) (4,777)(14,797) (7,871)
Premiums and fees receivable(112,420) (92,372)(223,771) (152,832)
Reinsurance accounts(42,319) (154,939)(112,681) (77,140)
Deferred policy acquisition costs4,483
 (51,795)(23,632) (11,152)
Income taxes(15,451) 89,007
2,759
 (39,069)
Reserves for losses and loss expenses422,657
 440,486
350,981
 123,582
Unearned premiums121,583
 269,287
254,010
 171,468
Other(32,258) (64,608)(107,416) (140,904)
Net cash from operating activities521,858
 726,510
402,646
 119,362
CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:   
CASH FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:   
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities3,081,619
 1,074,630
1,320,079
 2,773,554
Proceeds from sale of equity securities137,062
 123,187
39,103
 284,204
Distributions from investment funds265,371
 5,630
Contributions to investment funds(2,896) (4,996)
Proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed maturity securities2,860,678
 2,189,365
1,490,772
 1,305,805
Purchase of fixed maturity securities(6,530,466) (4,280,457)(2,633,251) (4,062,901)
Purchase of equity securities(17,049) (127,303)(41,849) (87,059)
Real estate purchased(159,006) (207,829)(117,773) (419,021)
Change in loans receivable32,574
 159,128
140
 (16,310)
Net additions to property, furniture and equipment(74,268) (37,895)(10,804) (29,704)
Change in balances due to security brokers39,978
 102,981
19,096
 46,641
Cash received in connection with business disposition
 250,216
Payment for business purchased net of cash aquired(70,570) (53,524)
Net cash used in investing activities(434,077) (801,871)
Payment for business purchased net of cash acquired
 (6,637)
Net cash from (used in) investing activities62,617
 (216,424)
CASH (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Repayment of senior notes and other debt(1,788) (70,567)
 (23)
Net proceeds from issuance of debt
 386,848

 200,838
Cash dividends to common stockholders(93,371) (30,654)(18,302) (77,873)
Purchase of common treasury shares(28,378) (99,870)
 (6,799)
Other, net(3,835) (1,376)(5,548) (1,763)
Net cash (used in) from financing activities(127,372) 184,381
(23,850) 114,380
Net impact on cash due to change in foreign exchange rates18,303
 413
(841) (56,587)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(21,288) 109,433
440,572
 (39,269)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year795,285
 763,631
817,602
 950,471
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$773,997
 $873,064
$1,258,174
 $911,202
See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.





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


(1) General
The unaudited consolidated financial statements, which include the accounts of W. R. Berkley Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and notes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. The unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, which are necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and results of operations on a basis consistent with the prior audited consolidated financial statements. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the revenues and expenses reflected during the reporting period. For further information related to a description of areas of judgment and estimates and other information necessary to understand the Company’s financial position and results of operations, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. 2018.
Reclassifications have been made in the 20162018 financial statements as originally reported to conform to the presentation of the 20172019 financial statements. Shares outstanding and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 3-for-2 common stock split effected on April 2, 2019. Additionally, commencing with the first quarter of 2019, the Company renamed the Reinsurance segment to Reinsurance & Monoline Excess, and reclassified the monoline excess business from the Insurance segment. The reclassified business includes operations that solely retain risk on an excess basis.
The income tax provision has been computed based on the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for the quarter differs from the federal income tax rate of 35%21% principally because of tax-exempt investment income, as well as the new requirement in 2017 to recognize tax benefits for stock compensation inon income from foreign jurisdictions with different tax expense.rates.


(2) Per Share Data
The Company presents both basic and diluted net income per share (“EPS”) amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period (including 4,087,7317,389,781 and 7,270,954 common shares held in a grantor trust established in March 2017)as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively). The common shares held in the grantor trust are for delivery upon settlement of vested but mandatorily deferred restricted stock units ("RSUs"). Shares held by the grantor trust do not affect diluted shares outstanding since the shares deliverable under vested RSUs were already included in diluted shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of basic and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period and is calculated using the treasury stock method for stock incentive plans. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect.
The weighted average number of common shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share was as follows:
 For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
  
(In thousands)2019 2018 2019 2018
Basic190,512
 189,776
 190,456
 189,669
Diluted193,059
 192,509
 192,804
 192,284
 For the Three Months For the Nine Months
 Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
(In thousands)2017 2016 2017 2016
Basic125,818
 122,562
 124,363
 122,652
Diluted128,944
 128,556
 129,289
 128,501



(3) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements:

In May 2015,February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-09, Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts. ASU 2015-09 requires companies that issue short duration insurance contracts to disclose additional information, including: (i) incurred and paid claims development tables; (ii) frequency and severity of claims; and (iii) information about material changes in judgments made in calculating the liability for unpaid claim adjustment expenses, including reasons for the change and the effects on the financial statements. The Company adopted this updated guidance on January 1, 2016 with regard to the annual requirements and on January 1, 2017 with regard to the interim requirements. The amendments in ASU 2015-09 are applied retrospectively by providing comparative disclosures for each period presented, except for those requirements that apply only to the current period. As the requirements are disclosure only, the adoption of this guidance did not impact our financial condition or results of operations, but did result in additional disclosures.



In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2016-09 includes provisions intended to simplify various previous provisions related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements. Under the new guidance, excess tax benefits (deductions for share based payment awards for tax purposes that exceed the compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes) are reported within the income tax expense financial statement line item. Previously, excess tax benefits were reported within additional paid in capital. The Company adopted this updated guidance on January 1, 2017 prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

All other accounting and reporting standards that became effective in 2017 were either not applicable to the Company or their adoption did not have a material impact on the Company. 

Accounting and reporting standards that are not yet effective:

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Customers. ASU 2014-09 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue. While insurance contracts are not within the scope of this updated guidance, the Company’s insurance service fee revenue and non-insurance business revenue will be subject to this updated guidance. The updated guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue as performance obligations are met, in order to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity is entitled to receive for those goods or services. The updated guidance, as amended by ASU 2015-14, is effective for public business entities for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments.  ASU 2016-01 amends the accounting guidance for financial instruments to require all equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee).  The updated guidance is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years.  The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition upon adoption, but will impact results of operations after adoption of this guidance as unrealized gains and losses on equity securities will no longer be reported directly in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), but will instead be reported in net income.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which amends the accounting and disclosure guidance for leases. This guidance retains the two classifications of a lease, as either an operating or finance lease, both of which will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for leases with terms of more than 12 months. The right-of-use asset and the lease liability will beare determined based upon the present value of cash flows. Finance leases will reflect the financial arrangement by recognizing interest expense on the lease liability separately from the amortization expense of the right-of-use asset. Operating leases will recognize lease expense (with no separate recognition of interest expense) on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The accounting


by lessors is not significantly changed by the updated guidance. The updated guidance iswas effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and will require that2018. As permitted by the earliest comparative period presented includerules, the measurement and recognition of existing leases with an adjustment to equity as ifCompany adopted the updatednew guidance had always been applied.prospectively for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. The Company is currently evaluatingelected to use the impact thatpractical expedient permitted by the transition guidance which allowed companies to not reassess existing lease classifications for already effective leases. The adoption of this guidance willresulted in the recognition of a right-of-use asset of $185 million and a lease liability of $215 million (prior to adoption the Company had a $30 million deferred rent liability recognized) reported within other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on itsthe Company's results of operations financial positionor liquidity.

All other accounting and liquidity.reporting standards that have become effective in 2019 were either not applicable to the Company or their adoption did not have a material impact on the Company. 

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


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









(4) Acquisitions/Disposition

In March 2017, the Company acquired an 89.5% ownership interest for $73.3 million in a company engaged in providing textile solutions world-wide. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been estimated based on a third party valuation.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the business combination completed in 2017:
(In thousands)2017
  
Cash and cash equivalents$2,721
Real estate, furniture and equipment7,042
Goodwill28,522
Intangible assets32,395
Other assets9,862
Total assets acquired80,542
  
Other liabilities assumed(2,251)
Noncontrolling interest(5,000)
  Net assets acquired$73,291

In February 2016, the Company acquired an 85% ownership interest for $42.3 million in a company engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise.


(5) Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income


The following table presents the components of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income ("AOCI"):
(In thousands)
Unrealized Investment
Gains (Losses)
 Currency Translation Adjustments 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2019    
Changes in AOCI    
Beginning of period$(91,491) $(418,979) $(510,470)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications245,615
 5,268
 250,883
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(1,191) 
 (1,191)
Other comprehensive income244,424
 5,268
 249,692
Unrealized investment loss related to noncontrolling interest(18) 
 (18)
End of period$152,915
 $(413,711) $(260,796)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI     
Pre-tax$(1,508)(1)$
 $(1,508)
Tax effect317
(2)
 317
After-tax amounts reclassified$(1,191) $
 $(1,191)
Other comprehensive income     
Pre-tax$316,331
 $5,268
 $321,599
Tax effect(71,907) 
 (71,907)
Other comprehensive income$244,424
 $5,268
 $249,692
As of and for the three months ended June 30, 2019    
Changes in AOCI    
Beginning of period$34,236
 $(399,219) $(364,983)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications118,475
 (14,492) 103,983
Amounts reclassified from AOCI174
 
 174
Other comprehensive income (loss)118,649
 (14,492) 104,157
Unrealized investment losses related to noncontrolling interest30
 
 30
Ending balance$152,915
 $(413,711) $(260,796)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI     
Pre-tax$220
(1)$
 $220
Tax effect(46)(2)
 (46)
After-tax amounts reclassified$174
 $
 $174
Other comprehensive income (loss)     
Pre-tax$147,072
 $(14,492) $132,580
Tax effect(28,423) 
 (28,423)
Other comprehensive income (loss)$118,649
 $(14,492) $104,157
_________________________
(In thousands)Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)                              Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:    
Changes in AOCI    
Beginning of period$427,154
 $(371,586) $55,568
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications109,277
 71,574
 180,851
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(82,679) 
 (82,679)
Other comprehensive income26,598
 71,574
 98,172
Unrealized investment loss related to non-controlling interest19
 
 19
End of period$453,771
 $(300,012) $153,759
Amounts reclassified from AOCI     
Pre-tax$(127,198)(1)$
 $(127,198)
Tax effect44,519
(2)
 44,519
After-tax amounts reclassified$(82,679) $
 $(82,679)
Other comprehensive income     
Pre-tax$50,148
 $71,574
 $121,722
Tax effect(23,550) 
 (23,550)
Other comprehensive income$26,598
 $71,574
 $98,172
      
As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2017:    
Changes in AOCI    
Beginning of period$461,906
 $(328,604) $133,302
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications19,968
 28,592
 48,560
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(28,136) 
 (28,136)
Other comprehensive (loss) income(8,168) 28,592
 20,424
Unrealized investment loss related to non-controlling interest33
 
 33
End of period$453,771
 $(300,012) $153,759
Amounts reclassified from AOCI     
Pre-tax$(43,286)(1)$
 $(43,286)
Tax effect15,150
(2)
 15,150
After-tax amounts reclassified$(28,136) $
 $(28,136)
Other comprehensive (loss) income     
Pre-tax$(8,563) $28,592
 $20,029
Tax effect395
 
 395
Other comprehensive (loss) income$(8,168) $28,592
 $20,424
      
_________________________
(1) Net investmentrealized and unrealized gains on investments in the consolidated statements of income.
(2) Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.




(In thousands)Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)            Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)            Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016:    
As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2018As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2018    
Changes in AOCIChanges in AOCI    Changes in AOCI    
Beginning of period$180,695
 $(247,393) $(66,698)$375,421
 $(306,880) $68,541
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications170,824
 (77,389) 93,435
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(36,611) 
 (36,611)
Other comprehensive income (loss)134,213
 (77,389) 56,824
Unrealized investment loss related to non-controlling interest66
 
 66
End of period$314,974
 $(324,782) $(9,808)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI     
Pre-tax$(56,325)(1)$
 $(56,325)
Tax effect19,714
(2)
 19,714
After-tax amounts reclassified$(36,611) $
 $(36,611)
Other comprehensive income (loss)     
Pre-tax$198,808
 $(77,389) $121,419
Tax effect(64,595) 
 (64,595)
Other comprehensive income (loss)$134,213
 $(77,389) $56,824
     
As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2016:    
Changes in AOCI    
Beginning of period$362,593
 $(305,312) $57,281
Cumulative effect adjustment resulting from changes in accounting principles(214,539) 
 (214,539)
Restated beginning of period160,882
 (306,880) (145,998)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(20,968) (19,470) (40,438)(147,632) (91,656) (239,288)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(26,708) 
 (26,708)(10,582) 
 (10,582)
Other comprehensive loss(47,676) (19,470) (67,146)(158,214) (91,656) (249,870)
Unrealized investment loss related to non-controlling interest57
 
 57
Unrealized investment loss related to noncontrolling interest26
 
 26
End of period$314,974
 $(324,782) $(9,808)$2,694
 $(398,536) $(395,842)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI         
Pre-tax$(41,090)(1)$
 $(41,090)$(13,395)(1)$
 $(13,395)
Tax effect14,382
(2)
 14,382
2,813
(2)
 2,813
After-tax amounts reclassified$(26,708) $
 $(26,708)$(10,582) $
 $(10,582)
Other comprehensive loss         
Pre-tax$(72,188) $(19,470) $(91,658)$(201,336) $(91,656) $(292,992)
Tax effect24,512
 
 24,512
43,122
 
 43,122
Other comprehensive loss$(47,676) $(19,470) $(67,146)$(158,214) $(91,656) $(249,870)
     
As of and for the three months ended June 30, 2018     
Changes in AOCIChanges in AOCI   

Beginning of period$35,099
 $(294,081) $(258,982)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(29,443) (104,455) (133,898)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(2,999) 
 (2,999)
Other comprehensive loss(32,442) (104,455) (136,897)
Unrealized investment loss related to noncontrolling interest37
 
 37
Ending balance$2,694
 $(398,536) $(395,842)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI    
Pre-tax$(3,796)(1)$
 $(3,796)
Tax effect797
(2)
 797
After-tax amounts reclassified$(2,999) $
 $(2,999)
Other comprehensive loss    
Pre-tax$(40,488) $(104,455) $(144,943)
Tax effect8,046
 
 8,046
Other comprehensive loss$(32,442) $(104,455) $(136,897)
________________________________________
(1) Net investmentrealized and unrealized gains on investments in the consolidated statements of income.
(2) Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.








(6)(5) Statements of Cash FlowFlows
Interest payments were $134,291,000$77,672,000 and $124,791,000$72,878,000 and income taxes paid were $182,487,000$82,800,000 and $99,161,000 in$111,000,000 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively.


(7)(6) Investments in Fixed Maturity Securities
At SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, investments in fixed maturity securities were as follows:
 
(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Gains Losses 
June 30, 2019         
Held to maturity:         
State and municipal$69,167
 $13,089
 $
 $82,256
 $69,167
Residential mortgage-backed9,380
 1,083
 
 10,463
 9,380
Total held to maturity78,547
 14,172
 
 92,719
 78,547
Available for sale:         
U.S. government and government agency760,247
 18,241
 (1,418) 777,070
 777,070
State and municipal:         
Special revenue2,322,750
 63,204
 (2,674) 2,383,280
 2,383,280
State general obligation320,338
 22,108
 (43) 342,403
 342,403
Pre-refunded298,825
 19,876
 (122) 318,579
 318,579
Corporate backed238,319
 7,065
 (639) 244,745
 244,745
Local general obligation427,233
 32,026
 (443) 458,816
 458,816
Total state and municipal3,607,465
 144,279
 (3,921) 3,747,823
 3,747,823
Mortgage-backed securities:         
Residential (1)1,242,880
 28,521
 (5,316) 1,266,085
 1,266,085
Commercial303,332
 6,829
 (380) 309,781
 309,781
Total mortgage-backed securities1,546,212
 35,350
 (5,696) 1,575,866
 1,575,866
Asset-backed2,719,618
 9,874
 (27,707) 2,701,785
 2,701,785
Corporate:         
Industrial2,178,339
 59,623
 (7,755) 2,230,207
 2,230,207
Financial1,431,612
 27,484
 (5,373) 1,453,723
 1,453,723
Utilities312,200
 12,548
 (426) 324,322
 324,322
Other27,027
 1,096
 (90) 28,033
 28,033
Total corporate3,949,178
 100,751
 (13,644) 4,036,285
 4,036,285
Foreign government818,276
 20,507
 (23,359) 815,424
 815,424
Total available for sale13,400,996
 329,002
 (75,745) 13,654,253
 13,654,253
Total investments in fixed maturity securities$13,479,543
 $343,174
 $(75,745) $13,746,972
 $13,732,800
(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Gains Losses 
September 30, 2017         
Held to maturity:         
State and municipal$65,372
 $15,212
 $
 $80,584
 $65,372
Residential mortgage-backed14,024
 1,452
 
 15,476
 14,024
Total held to maturity79,396
 16,664
 
 96,060
 79,396
Available for sale:         
U.S. government and government agency402,901
 10,828
 (2,124) 411,605
 411,605
State and municipal:         
Special revenue2,730,653
 80,144
 (5,469) 2,805,328
 2,805,328
State general obligation481,070
 21,377
 (565) 501,882
 501,882
Pre-refunded282,488
 21,052
 (173) 303,367
 303,367
Corporate backed380,351
 11,775
 (499) 391,627
 391,627
Local general obligation384,930
 26,566
 (531) 410,965
 410,965
Total state and municipal4,259,492
 160,914
 (7,237) 4,413,169
 4,413,169
Mortgage-backed securities:         
Residential (1)1,064,705
 12,696
 (8,860) 1,068,541
 1,068,541
Commercial251,387
 1,641
 (1,450) 251,578
 251,578
Total mortgage-backed securities1,316,092
 14,337
 (10,310) 1,320,119
 1,320,119
Asset-backed2,389,187
 9,836
 (10,405) 2,388,618
 2,388,618
Corporate:         
Industrial2,569,673
 70,054
 (2,842) 2,636,885
 2,636,885
Financial1,335,101
 43,636
 (4,716) 1,374,021
 1,374,021
Utilities255,478
 12,760
 (907) 267,331
 267,331
Other42,183
 2
 (48) 42,137
 42,137
Total corporate4,202,435
 126,452
 (8,513) 4,320,374
 4,320,374
Foreign909,608
 32,889
 (2,088) 940,409
 940,409
Total available for sale13,479,715
 355,256
 (40,677) 13,794,294
 13,794,294
Total investments in fixed maturity securities$13,559,111
 $371,920
 $(40,677) $13,890,354
 $13,873,690



(In thousands)Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized Fair
Value
 Carrying
Value
Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized Fair
Value
 Carrying
Value
Gains LossesGains Losses
December 31, 2016         
December 31, 2018         
Held to maturity:                  
State and municipal$72,582
 $12,453
 $
 $85,035
 $72,582
$67,891
 $11,549
 $
 $79,440
 $67,891
Residential mortgage-backed15,944
 1,693
 
 17,637
 15,944
10,744
 1,259
 
 12,003
 10,744
Total held to maturity88,526
 14,146
 
 102,672
 88,526
78,635
 12,808
 
 91,443
 78,635
Available for sale:                  
U.S. government and government agency496,187
 20,208
 (2,593) 513,802
 513,802
697,931
 9,219
 (4,910) 702,240
 702,240
State and municipal:                  
Special revenue2,791,211
 58,559
 (26,315) 2,823,455
 2,823,455
2,396,089
 30,507
 (19,790) 2,406,806
 2,406,806
State general obligation524,682
 16,964
 (5,139) 536,507
 536,507
335,626
 11,951
 (1,103) 346,474
 346,474
Pre-refunded356,535
 19,181
 (165) 375,551
 375,551
408,141
 16,568
 (30) 424,679
 424,679
Corporate backed410,933
 6,172
 (6,452) 410,653
 410,653
272,440
 4,319
 (2,350) 274,409
 274,409
Local general obligation360,022
 15,682
 (2,367) 373,337
 373,337
403,219
 18,350
 (1,339) 420,230
 420,230
Total state and municipal4,443,383
 116,558
 (40,438) 4,519,503
 4,519,503
3,815,515
 81,695
 (24,612) 3,872,598
 3,872,598
Mortgage-backed securities:                  
Residential (1)1,034,301
 15,431
 (12,950) 1,036,782
 1,036,782
1,264,376
 7,729
 (20,225) 1,251,880
 1,251,880
Commercial155,540
 304
 (2,981) 152,863
 152,863
345,070
 1,304
 (3,708) 342,666
 342,666
Total mortgage-backed securities1,189,841
 15,735
 (15,931) 1,189,645
 1,189,645
1,609,446
 9,033
 (23,933) 1,594,546
 1,594,546
Asset-backed1,913,830
 5,971
 (11,941) 1,907,860
 1,907,860
2,462,303
 10,131
 (33,687) 2,438,747
 2,438,747
Corporate:                  
Industrial2,315,567
 71,007
 (7,174) 2,379,400
 2,379,400
2,295,778
 15,355
 (53,312) 2,257,821
 2,257,821
Financial1,369,001
 39,543
 (11,270) 1,397,274
 1,397,274
1,502,427
 7,178
 (45,683) 1,463,922
 1,463,922
Utilities229,154
 10,801
 (2,411) 237,544
 237,544
330,326
 2,997
 (4,148) 329,175
 329,175
Other54,073
 299
 (63) 54,309
 54,309
60,238
 322
 (167) 60,393
 60,393
Total corporate3,967,795
 121,650
 (20,918) 4,068,527
 4,068,527
4,188,769
 25,852
 (103,310) 4,111,311
 4,111,311
Foreign858,773
 46,794
 (2,762) 902,805
 902,805
Foreign government822,093
 11,753
 (25,111) 808,735
 808,735
Total available for sale12,869,809
 326,916
 (94,583) 13,102,142
 13,102,142
13,596,057
 147,683
 (215,563) 13,528,177
 13,528,177
Total investments in fixed maturity securities$12,958,335

$341,062
 $(94,583) $13,204,814
 $13,190,668
$13,674,692

$160,491
 $(215,563) $13,619,620
 $13,606,812
____________
(1)
Gross unrealized gains and (losses) for residential mortgage-backed securities include $85,907 and $(818,691) as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016,
(1) Gross unrealized losses for residential mortgage-backed securities include $(42,762) and $(55,090) as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, related to securities with the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.


The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Due in one year or less$1,017,744
 $1,022,427
Due after one year through five years4,680,578
 4,764,795
Due after five years through ten years3,226,328
 3,347,580
Due after ten years2,999,301
 3,025,841
Mortgage-backed securities1,555,592
 1,586,329
Total$13,479,543
 $13,746,972

(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 Fair Value
Due in one year or less$745,010
 $750,479
Due after one year through five years5,089,768
 5,210,268
Due after five years through ten years3,248,254
 3,396,461
Due after ten years3,145,963
 3,197,551
Mortgage-backed securities1,330,116
 1,335,595
Total$13,559,111
 $13,890,354
At SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, there were no investments that exceeded 10% of common stockholders' equity, other than investments in United States government and government agency securities.







(8)(7) Investments in Equity Securities Available for Sale
At SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018, investments in equity securities were as follows:
(In thousands)Cost Gross Unrealized 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Gains Losses 
June 30, 2019         
Common stocks$153,440
 $8,092
 $(21,306) $140,226
 $140,226
Preferred stocks101,423
 180,316
 (5,377) 276,362
 276,362
Total$254,863
 $188,408
 $(26,683) $416,588
 $416,588
December 31, 2018         
Common stocks$113,576
 $4,335
 $(19,719) $98,192
 $98,192
Preferred stocks115,201
 72,364
 (6,751) 180,814
 180,814
Total$228,777
 $76,699
 $(26,470) $279,006
 $279,006

(In thousands)Cost Gross Unrealized 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Gains Losses 
September 30, 2017         
Common stocks$83,709
 $339,297
 $(3,486) $419,520
 $419,520
Preferred stocks125,076
 71,147
 (1,718) 194,505
 194,505
Total$208,785
 $410,444
 $(5,204) $614,025
 $614,025
December 31, 2016         
Common stocks$94,998
 $351,906
 $(1,046) $445,858
 $445,858
Preferred stocks125,589
 101,392
 (3,639) 223,342
 223,342
Total$220,587
 $453,298
 $(4,685) $669,200
 $669,200





(9)(8) Arbitrage Trading Account
At SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018, the fair and carrying values of the arbitrage trading account were $488$533 million and $300$453 million, respectively. The primary focus of the trading account is merger arbitrage. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies which are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers. Arbitrage investing differs from other types of investing in its focus on transactions and events believed likely to bring about a change in value over a relatively short time period (usually four months or less).
The Company uses put options, call options and swap contracts in order to mitigate the impact of potential changes in market conditions on the merger arbitrage trading account. These options and contracts are reported at fair value. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the fair value of long option contracts outstanding was $1 million$313 thousand (notional amount of $33$9.9 million) and the fair value of short option contracts outstanding was $1 million$291 thousand (notional amount of $54$15.6 million). Other than with respect to the use of these trading account securities, the Company does not make use of derivatives.




(10)(9) Net Investment Income
Net investment income consists of the following:
 For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
  
(In thousands)2019 2018 2019 2018
Investment income earned on:       
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable$128,903
 $129,665
 $261,022
 $252,911
Investment funds46,840
 12,716
 58,251
 53,070
Arbitrage trading account7,199
 8,333
 17,784
 13,524
Real estate5,174
 3,174
 9,481
 9,742
Equity securities1,303
 559
 2,591
 1,205
Gross investment income189,419
 154,447
 349,129
 330,452
Investment expense(1,086) (670) (2,542) (2,157)
Net investment income$188,333
 $153,777
 $346,587
 $328,295

 For the Three Months For the Nine Months
 Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
(In thousands)2017 2016 2017 2016
Investment income earned on:       
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable$118,834
 $114,271
 $347,976
 $331,448
Investment funds15,200
 25,293
 50,744
 60,385
Arbitrage trading account4,418
 6,441
 16,235
 12,883
Real estate5,042
 585
 14,894
 4,552
Equity securities available for sale604
 1,069
 1,845
 3,217
Gross investment income144,098
 147,659
 431,694
 412,485
Investment expense(1,619) (1,991) (5,093) (7,635)
Net investment income$142,479
 $145,668
 $426,601
 $404,850




(11)


(10) Investment Funds
The Company evaluates whether it is an investor in a variable interest entity (VIE)("VIE"). Such entities do not have sufficient equity at risk to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support, or the equity investors, as a group, do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest (primary beneficiary).  The Company determines whether it is the


primary beneficiary of an entity subject to consolidation based on a qualitative assessment of the VIE's capital structure, contractual terms, nature of the VIE's operations and purpose, and the Company's relative exposure to the related risks of the VIE on the date it becomes initially involved in the VIE and on an ongoing basis. The Company is not the primary beneficiary in any of its investment funds, and accordingly, carries its interests in investment funds under the equity method of accounting.
    
The Company’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the carrying amount reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and its unfunded commitments, which were $442$241 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019.
Investment funds consisted of the following:
 Carrying Value as of 
Income (Loss) from
Investment Funds
 June 30, December 31, For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
(In thousands)2019 2018 2019 2018
Real estate$654,610
 $642,137
 $13,078
 $35,826
Energy75,053
 75,213
 (7,100) (1,256)
Other funds671,908
 615,468
 52,273
 18,500
Total$1,401,571
 $1,332,818
 $58,251

$53,070

 Carrying Value as of Income (Loss) from Investment Funds
 September 30, December 31, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)2017 2016 2017 2016
Real estate$614,508
 $641,783
 $30,661
 $33,028
Energy85,817
 91,448
 (12,763) 7,174
Hedge equity
 73,913
 (1,164) 791
Other funds419,582
 391,002
 34,010
 19,392
Total$1,119,907
 $1,198,146
 $50,744

$60,385


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


(12)(11) Real Estate

Investment in real estate represents directly owned property held for investment, as follows:
 Carrying Value
 June 30, December 31,
(In thousands)2019 2018
Properties in operation$1,310,149
 $1,279,584
Properties under development757,395
 677,508
Total$2,067,544
 $1,957,092

 Carrying Value
 September 30, December 31,
(In thousands)2017 2016
Properties in operation$451,669
 $457,237
Properties under development939,605
 727,744
Total$1,391,274
 $1,184,981


In 2017,2019, properties in operation included a long-term ground lease in Washington, D.C., a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, antwo office complexcomplexes in New York City, and office buildings in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, Florida.Florida, and an office building in London. Properties in operation are net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $20,378,000$55,515,000 and $14,996,000$46,250,000 as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively. Related depreciation expense was $5,382,000$8,931,000 and $4,117,000$10,784,000 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively. Future minimum rental income expected on operating leases relating to properties in operation is $4,966,133 in 2017, $28,251,980 in 2018, $30,174,146$32,963,388 in 2019, $29,415,103$66,249,918 in 2020, $30,054,813$68,157,589 in 2021, $29,966,679$71,308,839 in 2022, $64,897,648 in 2023, $62,673,400 in 2024 and $467,192,215$666,203,503 thereafter.


Properties under development include anThe Company borrowed $101,750,000 through a non-recourse loan secured by the West Palm Beach office building in London2018. The loan matures in November 2028 and carries a fixed interest rate of 4.21%. The carrying value does not reflect the outstanding financing, but rather is reflected within senior notes and other debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.

A mixed-use project in Washington, D.C. has been under development in 2018 and 2019.





(13)
(12) Loans Receivable
Loans receivable are as follows:
(In thousands)June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Amortized cost (net of valuation allowance):   
Real estate loans$61,830
 $62,289
Commercial loans32,867
 32,524
Total$94,697
 $94,813
    
Fair value:   
Real estate loans$62,536
 $63,047
Commercial loans34,369
 34,026
Total$96,905
 $97,073
    
Valuation allowance:   
Specific$341
 $1,200
General1,949
 2,183
Total$2,290
 $3,383
    
 For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 
 2019 2018
  Change in valuation allowance$(1,093) $
    
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
 2019 2018
  Change in valuation allowance$(1,093) $
(In thousands)September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Amortized cost (net of valuation allowance):   
  Real estate loans$59,487
 $92,415
  Commercial loans14,742
 14,383
  Total$74,229
 $106,798
    
Fair value:   
  Real estate loans$60,372
 $92,415
  Commercial loans16,243
 15,884
  Total$76,615
 $108,299
    
Valuation allowance:   
  Specific$1,200
 $1,200
  General2,183
 2,197
  Total$3,383
 $3,397
    
 For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 2017 2016
  Increase in valuation allowance$
 $467
    
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 2017 2016
(Decrease) increase in valuation allowance$(14) $1,128

Loans receivable in non-accrual status were $4.5$0.4 million and $5.4$1.2 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016, respectively.2018.
The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable and assesses the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest based upon loan structure, underlying property values, cash flow and related financial and operating performance of the property and market conditions. Loans receivable with a potential for default are further assessed using discounted cash flow analysis and comparable cost and sales methodologies, if appropriate.
The real estate loans are secured by commercial real estate primarily located in New York. These loans generally earn interest at floating LIBOR-based interest rates and have maturities (inclusive of extension options) through August 2025. The commercial loans are with small business owners who have secured the related financing with the assets of the business. Commercial loans primarily earn interest on a fixed basis and have varying maturities generally not exceeding 10 years.
In evaluating the real estate loans, the Company considers their credit quality indicators, including loan to value ratios, which compare the outstanding loan amount to the estimated value of the property, the borrower’s financial condition and performance with respect to loan terms, the position in the capital structure, the overall leverage in the capital structure and other market conditions. Based on these considerations, none of the real estate loans were considered to be impaired at SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, and accordingly, the Company determined that a specific valuation allowance was not required.





(14)
(13) Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) on Investments

Realized Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) on investments are as follows:
 For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
(In thousands)2019 2018 2019 2018
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments in earnings     
  
Fixed maturity securities:     
  
Gains$3,157
 $7,921
 $8,403
 $21,260
Losses(3,377) (4,125) (6,895) (7,865)
Equity securities (1):       
Net realized (losses) gains on investment sales(6) 119,422
 23,339
 241,743
Change in unrealized gains (losses)69,418
 (54,652) 111,496
 (148,857)
Investment funds41
 (353) 58
 (234)
Real estate3,021
 (402) 5,767
 7,596
Loans receivable
 1
 (970) 2,059
Other1,320
 1,819
 1,028
 2,393
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in earnings before OTTI73,574
 69,631
 142,226
 118,095
Other-than-temporary impairments
 
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in earnings73,574
 69,631
 142,226
 118,095
Income tax expense(15,451) (14,623) (29,867) (24,800)
After-tax net realized and unrealized gains on investments in earnings$58,123
 $55,008
 $112,359
 $93,295

 For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)2017 2016 2017 2016
Realized investment gains (losses):     
  
Fixed maturity securities:     
  
Gains$8,763
 $33,798
 $21,795
 $66,972
Losses(197) (1,150) (4,162) (5,570)
Equity securities available for sale34,720
 8,441
 109,566
 13,037
Investment funds (1)124,228
 (3,788) 125,383
 (9,041)
Real estate1,956
 687
 4,892
 5,247
Other (2)
 
14,489
 137,750
 19,286
 136,863
Net realized gains on investments sales183,959
 175,738
 276,760
 207,508
Other-than-temporary impairments (3)
 
 
 (18,114)
   Net investment gains183,959
 175,738
 276,760
 189,394
Income tax expense(64,386) (61,508) (96,866) (66,288)
    After-tax net realized investment gains$119,573
 $114,230
 $179,894
 $123,106
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) of available for sale securities:     
  
Fixed maturity securities$146,629
 $(36,848) $321,123
 $(196,575)
Previously impaired fixed maturity securities81
 (2) 12
 11
Investment funds361
 (3,638) (4,804) (4,772)
Total change in unrealized investment gains (losses)147,071
 (40,488) 316,331
 (201,336)
Income tax (expense) benefit(28,422) 8,118
 (71,907) 43,194
Noncontrolling interests30
 37
 (18) 26
After-tax change in unrealized investment gains (losses) of available for sale securities$118,679
 $(32,333) $244,406
 $(158,116)
Change in unrealized investment gains of available for sale securities:     
  
Fixed maturity securities$(10,627) $(45,388) $84,214
 $169,933
Previously impaired fixed maturity securities61
 (1,406) 905
 413
Equity securities available for sale(2,126) (28,517) (44,812) 12,433
Investment funds4,129
 3,143
 9,841
 16,028
Total change in unrealized investment gains(8,563) (72,168) 50,148
 198,807
Income tax benefit (expense)423
 24,493
 (23,550) (64,594)
Noncontrolling interests5
 57
 19
 66
After-tax change in unrealized investment gains of available for sale securities$(8,135) $(47,618) $26,617
 $134,279
______________________
(1) Investment funds includes a gain of $124.3 millionThe net realized gains or losses on investment sales represent the total gains or losses from the salepurchase dates of an investmentthe equity securities. The change in an office building locatedunrealized gains consists of two components: (i) the reversal of the gain or loss recognized in Washington, D.C. forprevious periods on equity securities sold and (ii) the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.change in unrealized gain or loss resulting from mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities still held.


(2) Other includes a gain of $134.9 million from the sale of Aero Precision Industries and certain related aviation services business for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.


(3) There were no other than temporary impairments (OTTI) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, or for the three months ended September 30, 2016. OTTI for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 of $18.1 million were related to common stock.








(15)(14) Fixed Maturity Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position
The following tables summarize all fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018 by the length of time those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position:
Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater TotalLess Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total
(In thousands)Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized Losses
September 30, 2017           
June 30, 2019           
U.S. government and government agency$118,066
 $1,048
 $48,880
 $1,076
 $166,946
 $2,124
$6,175
 $37
 $92,729
 $1,381
 $98,904
 $1,418
State and municipal650,353
 5,797
 119,087
 1,440
 769,440
 7,237
64,499
 838
 270,454
 3,083
 334,953
 3,921
Mortgage-backed securities527,034
 5,000
 221,923
 5,310
 748,957
 10,310
23,049
 112
 334,887
 5,584
 357,936
 5,696
Asset-backed securities1,116,878
 8,033
 130,734
 2,372
 1,247,612
 10,405
1,010,706
 17,410
 572,110
 10,297
 1,582,816
 27,707
Corporate651,373
 5,395
 57,557
 3,118
 708,930
 8,513
139,627
 1,095
 328,409
 12,549
 468,036
 13,644
Foreign government220,860
 2,072
 1,599
 16
 222,459
 2,088
140,589
 18,942
 73,967
 4,417
 214,556
 23,359
Fixed maturity securities3,284,564
 27,345
 579,780
 13,332
 3,864,344
 40,677
$1,384,645
 $38,434
 $1,672,556
 $37,311
 $3,057,201
 $75,745
Common stocks4,678
 3,095
 9,387
 391
 14,065
 3,486
Preferred stocks
 
 23,957
 1,718
 23,957
 1,718
Equity securities available for sale4,678
 3,095
 33,344
 2,109
 38,022
 5,204
Total$3,289,242
 $30,440
 $613,124
 $15,441
 $3,902,366
 $45,881
                      
December 31, 2016           
December 31, 2018           
U.S. government and government agency$112,709
 $1,252
 $35,450
 $1,341
 $148,159
 $2,593
$195,359
 $933
 $130,815
 $3,977
 $326,174
 $4,910
State and municipal1,562,614
 35,553
 133,034
 4,885
 1,695,648
 40,438
701,700
 6,874
 744,905
 17,738
 1,446,605
 24,612
Mortgage-backed securities625,903
 11,103
 109,066
 4,828
 734,969
 15,931
334,063
 2,911
 712,595
 21,022
 1,046,658
 23,933
Asset-backed securities1,010,836
 5,340
 201,693
 6,601
 1,212,529
 11,941
1,687,665
 28,965
 342,855
 4,722
 2,030,520
 33,687
Corporate1,035,245
 13,448
 65,147
 7,470
 1,100,392
 20,918
1,730,513
 54,181
 954,763
 49,129
 2,685,276
 103,310
Foreign government213,246
 1,985
 24,820
 777
 238,066
 2,762
246,273
 24,197
 80,004
 914
 326,277
 25,111
Fixed maturity securities4,560,553
 68,681
 569,210
 25,902
 5,129,763
 94,583
$4,895,573
 $118,061
 $2,965,937
 $97,502
 $7,861,510
 $215,563
Common stocks336
 22
 8,755
 1,024
 9,091
 1,046
Preferred stocks
 
 22,034
 3,639
 22,034
 3,639
Equity securities available for sale336
 22
 30,789
 4,663
 31,125
 4,685
Total$4,560,889
 $68,703
 $599,999
 $30,565
 $5,160,888
 $99,268


Fixed Maturity SecuritiesA summary of the Company’s non-investment grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 is presented in the table below:
($ in thousands)
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized Loss
Foreign government12
 $114,714
 $22,719
Corporate11
 65,905
 3,278
Asset-backed securities7
 10,412
 1,344
Mortgage-backed securities4
 7,170
 63
Total34
 $198,201
 $27,404
($ in thousands)
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
Foreign government9
 $55,292
 $462
Mortgage-backed securities6
 5,975
 150
Corporate3
 2,852
 211
Asset-backed securities3
 1,331
 115
Total21
 $65,450
 $938







For OTTI of fixed maturity securities that management does not intend to sell or to be required to sell, the portion of the decline in value that is considered to be due to credit factors is recognized in earnings, and the portion of the decline in value that is considered to be due to non-credit factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.
The Company has evaluated its fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and believes the unrealized losses are due primarily to temporary market and sector-related factors rather than to issuer-specific factors. None of these securities are delinquent or in default under financial covenants. Based on its assessment of these issuers, the Company expects them to continue to meet their contractual payment obligations as they become due and does not consider any of these securities to be OTTI.
Preferred Stocks – At September 30, 2017, there was one preferred stock in an unrealized loss position, with a fair value of $24.0 million and a gross unrealized loss of $1.7 million. Based upon management’s view of the underlying value of the security, the Company does not consider the equity security to be OTTI. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, there was no OTTI for preferred stocks.
Common Stocks – At September 30, 2017, there were threecommon stocks in an unrealized loss position, with an aggregate fair value of $14.1 million and a gross unrealized loss of $3.5 million. Based upon management's view of the underlying value of these securities, the Company does not consider these equity securities to be OTTI. There was no OTTI of common stocks for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, OTTI for common stocks was $18.1 million.


(16)(15)Fair Value Measurements

The Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available for sale securities, equity securities and its arbitrage trading account securities are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels, as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.


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




The following tables present the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018 by level:
(In thousands)Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
June 30, 2019       
Assets:       
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:       
U.S. government and government agency$777,070
 $
 $777,070
 $
State and municipal3,747,823
 
 3,747,823
 
Mortgage-backed securities1,575,866
 
 1,575,866
 
Asset-backed securities2,701,785
 
 2,701,760
 25
Corporate4,036,285
 
 4,036,285
 
Foreign government815,424
 
 815,424
 
Total fixed maturity securities available for sale13,654,253
 
 13,654,228
 25
Equity securities:       
Common stocks140,226
 131,242
 
 8,984
Preferred stocks276,362
 
 272,426
 3,936
Total equity securities416,588
 131,242
 272,426
 12,920
Arbitrage trading account533,442
 424,030
 83,206
 26,206
Total$14,604,283
 $555,272
 $14,009,860
 $39,151
Liabilities:       
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased$159,349
 $144,420
 $213
 $14,716
        
        
December 31, 2018       
Assets:       
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:       
U.S. government and government agency$702,240
 $
 $702,240
 $
State and municipal3,872,598
 
 3,872,598
 
Mortgage-backed securities1,594,546
 
 1,594,546
 
Asset-backed securities2,438,747
 
 2,438,648
 99
Corporate4,111,311
 
 4,111,311
 
Foreign government808,735
 
 808,735
 
Total fixed maturity securities available for sale13,528,177
 
 13,528,078
 99
Equity securities:       
Common stocks98,192
 89,596
 
 8,596
Preferred stocks180,814
 
 176,869
 3,945
Total equity securities279,006
 89,596
 176,869
 12,541
Arbitrage trading account452,548
 353,335
 81,905
 17,308
Total$14,259,731
 $442,931
 $13,786,852
 $29,948
Liabilities:       
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased$38,120
 $37,327
 $
 $793

(In thousands)Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
September 30, 2017       
Assets:       
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:       
U.S. government and government agency$411,605
 $
 $411,605
 $
State and municipal4,413,169
 
 4,413,169
 
Mortgage-backed securities1,320,119
 
 1,320,119
 
Asset-backed securities2,388,618
 
 2,388,444
 174
Corporate4,320,374
 
 4,320,374
 
Foreign government940,409
 
 940,409
 
Total fixed maturity securities available for sale13,794,294
 
 13,794,120
 174
Equity securities available for sale:       
Common stocks419,520
 410,133
 
 9,387
Preferred stocks194,505
 
 190,649
 3,856
Total equity securities available for sale614,025
 410,133
 190,649
 13,243
Arbitrage trading account488,238
 275,818
 212,420
 
Total$14,896,557
 $685,951
 $14,197,189
 $13,417
Liabilities:       
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased$44,937
 $44,851
 $86
 $
        
December 31, 2016       
Assets:       
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:       
U.S. government and government agency$513,802
 $
 $513,802
 $
State and municipal4,519,503
 
 4,519,503
 
Mortgage-backed securities1,189,645
 
 1,189,645
 
Asset-backed securities1,907,860
 
 1,907,677
 183
Corporate4,068,527
 
 4,068,527
 
Foreign government902,805
 
 902,805
 
Total fixed maturity securities available for sale13,102,142
 
 13,101,959
 183
Equity securities available for sale:       
Common stocks445,858
 429,647
 7,457
 8,754
Preferred stocks223,342
 
 219,680
 3,662
Total equity securities available for sale669,200
 429,647
 227,137
 12,416
Arbitrage trading account299,999
 224,623
 75,376
 
Total$14,071,341
 $654,270
 $13,404,472
 $12,599
Liabilities:       
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased$51,179
 $51,089
 $90
 $
There were no significant transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or during the year ended December 31, 2016.






The following tables summarize changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and for the year ended December 31, 2016:
  Gains (Losses) Included in:
(In thousands)
Beginning
Balance
 Earnings (Losses) 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Impairments Purchases (Sales) Paydowns / Maturities Transfers 
Ending
Balance
In / (Out)
Nine months ended September 30, 2017:                 
Assets:                 
Fixed maturities securities available for sale:                 
Asset-backed securities$183
 $2
 $32
 $
 $
 $(43) $
 $
 $174
Corporate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total183
 2
 32
 
 
 (43) 
 
 174
Equity securities available for sale:                 
Common stocks8,754
 
 633
 
 
 
 
 
 9,387
Preferred stocks3,662
 19
 
 
 175
 
 
 
 3,856
Total12,416
 19
 633
 
 175
 
 
 
 13,243
Arbitrage trading account
 8
 
 
 
 (8) 
 
 
Total$12,599
 $29
 $665
 $
 $175
 $(51) $
 $
 $13,417
                  
                  
Year ended December 31, 2016:                 
Assets:                 
Fixed maturities securities available for sale:                 
Asset-backed securities$199
 $3
 $16
 $
 $
 $
 $(35) $
 $183
Corporate154
 177
 
 
 ���
 (331) 
 
 
Total353
 180
 16
 
 
 (331) (35) 
 183
Equity securities available for sale:                 
Common stocks7,829
 
 160
 
 765
 
 
 
 8,754
Preferred stocks3,624
 38
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3,662
Total11,453
 38
 160
 
 765
 
 
 
 12,416
Arbitrage trading account176
 (176) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total$11,982
 $42
 $176
 $
 $765
 $(331) $(35) $
 $12,599
During the nine months ended September 30, 20172019 and for the year ended December 31, 2016, there were2018:
   
                        Gains (Losses) Included in:
 (In thousands)
Beginning
Balance
 Earnings (Losses) 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Impairments Purchases (Sales) Paydowns / Maturities Transfers In / (Out) 
Ending
Balance
 
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
                 
 Assets:                 
 Fixed maturities securities available for sale:                 
 Asset-backed securities$99
 $2
 $46
 $
 $
 $(122) $
 $
 $25
 Total99
 2
 46
 
 
 (122) 
 
 25
 Equity securities:                 
 Common stocks8,596
 388
 
 
 
 
 
 
 8,984
 Preferred stocks3,945
 (9) 
 
 
 
 
 
 3,936
 Total12,541
 379
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12,920
 Arbitrage trading account17,308
 409
 
 
 14,672
 (21,072) 
 14,889
 26,206
 Total$29,948
 $790
 $46
 $
 $14,672
 $(21,194) $
 $14,889
 $39,151
                   
 Liabilities:                 
 Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased$793
 $9,320
 $
 $
 $7,609
 $(3,006) $
 $
 $14,716
 Year Ended
December 31, 2018
                 
 Assets:                 
 Fixed maturities securities available for sale:                 
 Asset-backed securities$172
 $(2) $46
 $
 $
 $(117) $
 $
 $99
 Total172
 (2) 46
 
 
 (117) 
 
 99
 Equity securities:                 
 Common stocks9,370
 (548) 
 
 
 (227) 
 1
 8,596
 Preferred stocks10,843
 100
 
 
 


 (6,998) 
 
 3,945
 Total20,213
 (448) 
 
 
 (7,225) 
 1
 12,541
 Arbitrage trading account
 (6) 
 
 11,523
 (11) 
 5,802
 17,308
 Total$20,385
 $(456) $46
 $
 $11,523
 $(7,353) $
 $5,803
 $29,948
 Liabilities:                 
 Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased$
 $(67) $
 $
 $860
 $
 $
 $
 $793

Transfers into Level 3 represent cases where a publicly traded price was no transfers out of Level 3.longer available for a particular investment.









(17)(16) Reserves for Loss and Loss Expenses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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











The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve balances:
September 30,June 30,
(In thousands)2017 20162019 2018
Net reserves at beginning of year$9,590,265
 $9,244,872
Net reserves at beginning of period$10,248,883
 $10,056,914
Net provision for losses and loss expenses:      
Claims occurring during the current year (1)2,998,687
 2,838,777
1,980,138
 1,916,140
Decrease in estimates for claims occurring in prior years (2) (3)(7,648) (23,518)
Increase (decrease) in estimates for claims occurring in prior years (2) (3)16,764
 (246)
Loss reserve discount accretion34,436
 37,080
20,577
 20,962
Total3,025,475
 2,852,339
2,017,479
 1,936,856
Net payments for claims: 
  
 
  
Current year628,078
 612,615
548,589
 316,567
Prior year1,996,977
 1,931,454
Prior years1,200,906
 1,527,522
Total2,625,055
 2,544,069
1,749,495
 1,844,089
Foreign currency translation57,789
 (6,266)(2,228) (72,351)
Net reserves at end of period10,048,474
 9,546,876
10,514,639
 10,077,330
Ceded reserve at end of period1,605,872
 1,550,954
Ceded reserves at end of period1,805,639
 1,659,245
Gross reserves at end of period$11,654,346
 $11,097,830
$12,320,278
 $11,736,575

(1)Claims occurring during the current year are net of loss reserve discounts of $16,787,000 and $12,085,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(2)The decrease in estimates for claims occurring in prior years is net of loss reserve discount. On an undiscounted basis, the estimates for claims occurring in prior years decreased by $30,609,000 and $45,813,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(3)For certain retrospectively rated insurance policies and reinsurance agreements, reserve development is offset by additional or return premiums. Favorable development, net of additional and return premiums, was $31 million and $42 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

(1) Claims occurring during the current year are net of loss reserve discounts of $11 million and $13 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.
In 2017,(2) The change in estimates for claims occurring in prior years is net of loss reserve discount. On an undiscounted basis, the estimates for claims occurring in prior years increased by $9 million and decreased by $6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(3) For certain retrospectively rated insurance policies and reinsurance agreements, reserve development is offset by additional or return premiums. Favorable development, net of additional and return premiums, was $14 million and $19 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
During the six months ended June 30, 2019, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $31$13.6 million included $62$17.2 million of favorable development for the Insurance segment, partially offset by $31$3.6 million of adverse development for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment.
The overall favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to favorable development on workers’ compensation business, partially offset by adverse development on other liability business, commercial auto liability business, and medical malpractice business. The favorable workers’ compensation development was spread across many accident years, including prior to 2009, but was most significant in accident years 2015 through 2018. The favorable workers’ compensation development reflects a continuation of the benign loss cost trends experienced during recent years, particularly the favorable claim frequency trends (i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure). The adverse other liability development was mainly related to accident years 2014 through 2016. It was driven by a higher than expected number of large losses being reported in the period, including both general liability and professional liability losses. The adverse commercial auto liability development was primarily related to accident year 2018, and was driven by a higher than expected number of large losses. The adverse medical malpractice development was primarily related to accident years 2013 through 2016, and stemmed from a discontinued book of business at one of our profit centers.
The adverse development for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment was mainly driven by U.S. casualty facultative business from accident years 2009 and prior related to construction projects.
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $19.3 million included $18.6 million of favorable development for the Insurance segment, and $0.7 million of favorable development for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. The favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to workers'workers’ compensation business (including excess workers' compensation).business. The favorable workers'workers’ compensation development was spread across many accident years, including prior to 2008, but was most significant in accident years 2014 and 2015.2015 through 2017. The favorable workers'workers’ compensation development reflects a continuation of the benign loss cost trends experienced during 2016,in recent years, particularly the favorable claim frequency trends (i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure). The adverse development for the Reinsurance segment was due to reserve strengthening associated with claims impacted by the change in the Ogden discount rate in the U.K., as well as adverse development in the U.S. facultative casualty excess of loss business. The Ogden rate is the discount rate used to calculate lump-sum bodily injury payouts in the U.K., and was reduced by the U.K. Ministry of Justice from +2.5% to -0.75%; the adverse development mostly related to U.K. motor bodily injury claims which we reinsured on an excess of loss basis in accident years 2012 through 2016. The adverse development on U.S. facultative casualty business related to construction-related risks in accident years 2008 and prior.

In 2016, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $42 million included $38 million for the Insurance segment and $4 million for the Reinsurance segment. The favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to workers' compensation business, partially offset by adverse development for commercial auto liability and medical and other professional liability. The favorable development for workers' compensation stems from accident years 2003 through 2015, but is concentrated in accident years 2014 and 2015; it reflects claims frequency trends (i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure) that continue to be better than we expected. The unfavorable development for commercial auto liability was driven by higher large loss activity than expected in accident years 2014 and 2015, and the


unfavorable development for medical professional liability was primarily in accident years prior to 2013 and stemmed from a class of medical professional liability business that we discontinued writing in 2013.


(18)


(17) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments:
  
June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In thousands)Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Assets:       
Fixed maturity securities$13,732,800
 $13,746,972
 $13,606,812
 $13,619,620
Equity securities416,588
 416,588
 279,006
 279,006
Arbitrage trading account533,442
 533,442
 452,548
 452,548
Loans receivable94,697
 96,905
 94,813
 97,073
Cash and cash equivalents1,258,174
 1,258,174
 817,602
 817,602
Trading account receivables from brokers and clearing organizations402,361
 402,361
 347,228
 347,228
Liabilities:       
Due to broker39,230
 39,230
 20,144
 20,144
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased159,349
 159,349
 38,120
 38,120
Subordinated debentures907,866
 969,172
 907,491
 840,002
Senior notes and other debt1,873,799
 2,019,430
 1,882,028
 1,968,996
  
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
(In thousands)Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Assets:       
Fixed maturity securities$13,873,690
 $13,890,354
 $13,190,668
 $13,204,814
Equity securities available for sale614,025
 614,025
 669,200
 669,200
Arbitrage trading account488,238
 488,238
 299,999
 299,999
Loans receivable74,229
 76,615
 106,798
 108,299
Cash and cash equivalents773,997
 773,997
 795,285
 795,285
Trading account receivables from brokers and clearing organizations297,208
 297,208
 484,593
 484,593
Liabilities:       
Due to broker58,973
 58,973
 19,416
 19,416
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased44,937
 44,937
 51,179
 51,179
Subordinated debentures728,071
 728,291
 727,630
 687,504
Senior notes and other debt1,759,929
 1,946,700
 1,760,595
 1,914,727

The estimated fair values of the Company’s fixed maturity securities, equity securities available for sale and arbitrage trading account securities are based on various valuation techniques that rely on fair value measurements as described in Note 16 above.15. The fair value of loans receivable are estimated by using current institutional purchaser yield requirements for loans with similar credit characteristics, which is considered a Level 2 input. The fair value of the senior notes and other debt and the subordinated debentures is based on spreads for similar securities, which is considered a Level 2 input.


(19)(18) Reinsurance

The following is a summary of reinsurance financial information:
 For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
  
(In thousands)2019 2018 2019 2018
Written premiums:       
Direct$1,883,032
 $1,785,266
 $3,712,847
 $3,572,501
Assumed206,828
 162,808
 423,243
 354,995
Ceded(346,396) (323,970) (683,025) (638,054)
Total net premiums written$1,743,464
 $1,624,104
 $3,453,065
 $3,289,442
        
Earned premiums:       
Direct$1,773,437
 $1,705,277
 $3,497,047
 $3,379,827
Assumed198,661
 180,509
 386,852
 369,375
Ceded(325,257) (304,733) (644,202) (600,741)
Total net premiums earned$1,646,841
 $1,581,053
 $3,239,697
 $3,148,461
        
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred$239,267
 $161,073
 $412,314
 $400,068
Ceded commissions earned$73,092
 $65,922
 $144,109
 $132,278

  
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
 Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
(In thousands)2017 2016 2017 2016
Written premiums:       
Direct$1,679,389
 $1,643,870
 $5,127,465
 $5,061,646
Assumed194,769
 224,979
 570,052
 702,265
Ceded(302,975) (261,484) (915,245) (850,255)
Total net premiums written$1,571,183
 $1,607,365
 $4,782,272
 $4,913,656
        
Earned premiums:       
Direct$1,692,453
 $1,647,033
 $4,972,755
 $4,824,768
Assumed202,972
 216,758
 605,281
 635,443
Ceded(313,925) (277,847) (857,792) (787,139)
Total net premiums earned$1,581,500
 $1,585,944
 $4,720,244
 $4,673,072
        
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred$247,104
 $213,065
 $424,905
 $507,258
Ceded commissions earned$63,222
 $47,315
 $177,524
 $143,809
The Company reinsures a portion of its insurance exposures in order to reduce its net liability on individual risks and catastrophe losses. The Company also cedes premiums to state assigned risk plans and captive insurance companies. Estimated


amounts due from reinsurers are reported net of reserves for uncollectible reinsurance of $1 million as of Septemberboth June 30, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018.


(20)


(19) Restricted Stock Units
Pursuant to its stock incentive plan, the Company may issue restricted stock units (RSUs)("RSUs") to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The RSUs generally vest three to five years from the award date and are subject to other vesting and forfeiture provisions contained in the award agreement. RSUs are expensed pro-ratably over the vesting period. RSU expenses were $30$25 million and $2518 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018, respectively. A summary of RSUs issued in the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 follows:
($ in thousands)Units Fair Value
20195,141
 $308
201819,538
 $963

($ in thousands)Units Fair Value
2017855,051
 $58,712
2016990,487
 $57,959


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

(21) Leases
As described in note 3, the Company prospectively adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases, for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, which requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for leases with terms of more than 12 months on the balance sheet. All leases disclosed within this footnote are classified as operating leases. Recognized right-of-use asset and lease liability are reported within other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet. Lease expense is reported in other operating costs and expenses in the consolidated statement of income and accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
To determine the discount rate used to calculate present value of future minimum lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate during the lease commencement period in line with the respective lease duration. In certain cases, the Company has the option to renew the lease. Lease renewal future payments are included in the present value of the future minimum lease payments when the Company determines it is reasonably certain to renew.
The main leases entered into by the Company are for office space used by the Company’s operating units across the world. Additionally, the Company, to a lesser extent, has equipment leases mainly for office equipment. Further information relating to operating lease expense and other operating lease information are as follows:
 For the Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 For the Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 
(In thousands) 
Leases:   
Lease cost$10,680
 $22,235
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities reported in operating cash flows$11,132
 $22,789
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities$2,918
 $7,884

($ in thousands)June 30, 2019
Right-of-use assets$179,984
Lease liabilities$209,107
Weighted-average remaining lease term6.6 years
Weighted-average discount rate5.97%

Contractual maturities of the Company’s future minimum lease payments are as follows:


(In thousands)June 30, 2019
Contractual Maturities: 
2019$24,117
202044,461
202140,681
202235,121
202331,556
Thereafter77,578
Total undiscounted future minimum lease payments253,514
Less: Discount impact(44,407)
Total lease liability$209,107



(22) Business Segments
The Company’s reportable segments include the following two business segments, plus a corporate segment:
Insurance - primarily commercial insurance business, including excess and surplus lines and admitted lines in the United States, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, South America, Canada, Mexico, Scandinavia, Asia and Australia; and
Reinsurance - reinsurance business on a facultative and treaty basis, primarily in the United States, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, the Asia-Pacific Region and South Africa.
Commencing with the first quarter of 2017, the Company reclassified two businesses from the Insurance Segment to the Reinsurance segment. Reclassifications have been made to the Company's 2016 financial information to conform with this presentation.
Insurance - predominantly commercial insurance business, including excess and surplus lines, admitted lines and specialty personal lines throughout the United States, as well as insurance business in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, South America, Canada, Mexico, Scandinavia, Asia and Australia.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - reinsurance business on a facultative and treaty basis, primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, the Asia-Pacific Region and South Africa, as well as monoline excess business in the United States.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Income tax expense and benefits are calculated based upon the Company's overall effective tax rate.


Summary financial information about the Company's reporting segments is presented in the following tables. Income (loss) before income taxes by segment includes allocated investment income. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in or allocated to the operation of each segment.
  
Revenues    
(In thousands)
Earned
Premiums
 
Investment
Income 
 Other Total (1) 
Pre-Tax
Income
(Loss)
 
Net Income
(Loss) to Common Stockholders
Three months ended September 30, 2017          
Insurance$1,433,729
 $105,924
 $
 $1,539,653
 $171,478
 $123,240
Reinsurance147,771
 21,528
 
 169,299
 (57,643) (35,074)
Corporate, other and eliminations (2)
 15,027
 123,404
 138,431
 (71,681) (45,685)
Net investment gains
 
 183,959
 183,959
 183,959
 119,573
  Total$1,581,500
 $142,479
 $307,363
 $2,031,342
 $226,113
 $162,054
Three months ended September 30, 2016          
Insurance$1,423,635
 $111,300
 $
 $1,534,935
 $210,498
 $140,730
Reinsurance162,309
 27,567
 
 189,876
 27,321
 18,725
Corporate, other and eliminations (2)
 6,801
 112,377
 119,178
 (81,942) (53,035)
Net investment gains
 
 175,738
 175,738
 175,738
 114,230
  Total$1,585,944
 $145,668
 $288,115
 $2,019,727
 $331,615
 $220,650
Nine months ended September 30, 2017:          
Insurance$4,262,485
 320,552
 $
 $4,583,037
 $557,605
 $381,736
Reinsurance457,759
 67,798
 
 525,557
 (38,279) (20,801)
Corporate, other and eliminations (2)
 38,251
 326,203
 364,454
 (224,716) (146,324)
Net investment gains
 
 276,760
 276,760
 276,760
 179,894
  Total$4,720,244
 $426,601
 $602,963
 $5,749,808
 $571,370
 $394,505
Nine months ended September 30, 2016:          
Insurance$4,180,985
 $304,904
 $
 $4,485,889
 $586,651
 $394,746
Reinsurance492,087
 77,119
 
 569,206
 79,215
 54,885
Corporate, other and eliminations (2)
 22,827
 415,224
 438,051
 (190,655) (123,610)
Net investment gains
 
 189,394
 189,394
 189,394
 123,106
  Total$4,673,072
 $404,850
 $604,618
 $5,682,540
 $664,605
 $449,127
_________________



  
Revenues    
(In thousands)
Earned
Premiums (1)
 
Investment
Income 
 Other Total (2) 
Pre-Tax
Income
(Loss)
 
Net Income
(Loss) to Common Stockholders
Three months ended June 30, 2019          
Insurance$1,475,184
 $132,403
 $13,687
 $1,621,274
 $225,871
 $179,241
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess171,657
 44,449
 
 216,106
 52,635
 41,864
Corporate, other and eliminations (3)
 11,481
 100,949
 112,430
 (78,344) (62,519)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
 
 73,574
 73,574
 73,574
 58,123
Total$1,646,841
 $188,333
 $188,210
 $2,023,384
 $273,736
 $216,709
Three months ended June 30, 2018          
Insurance$1,415,579
 $94,542
 $18,707
 $1,528,828
 $163,181
 $128,693
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess165,474
 41,914
 
 207,388
 56,174
 44,291
Corporate, other and eliminations (3)
 17,321
 87,748
 105,069
 (59,744) (47,917)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
 
 69,631
 69,631
 69,631
 55,008
Total$1,581,053
 $153,777
 $176,086
 $1,910,916
 $229,242
 $180,075
Six months ended June 30, 2019          
Insurance$2,902,218
 $232,444
 $26,931
 $3,161,593
 $410,387
 $325,234
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess337,479
 84,023
 
 421,502
 97,490
 77,389
Corporate, other and eliminations (3)
 30,120
 204,965
 235,085
 (146,928) (117,551)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
 
 142,226
 142,226
 142,226
 112,359
Total$3,239,697
 $346,587
 $374,122
 $3,960,406
 $503,175
 $397,431
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018          
Insurance$2,806,868
 $208,040
 $37,675
 $3,052,583
 $362,109
 $286,426
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess341,593
 88,928
 
 430,521
 100,866
 79,838
Corporate, other and eliminations (3)
 31,327
 169,637
 200,964
 (140,838) (113,087)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
 
 118,095
 118,095
 118,095
 93,295
Total$3,148,461
 $328,295
 $325,407
 $3,802,163
 $440,232
 $346,472
_________________
(1)Certain amounts included in earned premiums of each segment are related to inter-segment transactions.
(2)Revenues for Insurance from foreign countries for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 were $166$179 million and $187$176 million, respectively, and for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 were $513$349 million and $546$359 million, respectively. Revenues for Reinsurance & Monoline Excess from foreign countries for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 were $49$62 million and $48$55 million, respectively, and for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 were $150$121 million and $153$112 million, respectively.
(3)Corporate, other and eliminations represent corporate revenues and expenses that are not allocated to business segments.
(2) Corporate, other and eliminations represent corporate revenues and expenses that are not allocated to business segments.
Identifiable Assets
(In thousands)June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Insurance$19,444,475
 $18,214,293
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess4,573,446
 4,371,151
Corporate, other and eliminations2,469,982
 2,310,533
Consolidated$26,487,903
 $24,895,977

(In thousands)September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Insurance$19,136,776
 $19,137,758
Reinsurance3,243,610
 2,524,338
Corporate, other and eliminations1,955,690
 1,687,980
  Consolidated$24,336,076
 $23,350,076





Net premiums earned by major line of business are as follows:
 For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
 For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
  
(In thousands)2019 2018 2019 2018
Insurance:       
Other liability$505,621
 $474,721
 $996,282
 $938,889
Workers’ compensation330,510
 336,996
 657,186
 661,974
Short-tail lines (1)305,852
 288,320
 594,943
 583,347
Commercial automobile188,278
 175,812
 369,203
 351,010
Professional liability144,923
 139,730
 284,604
 271,648
Total Insurance1,475,184
 1,415,579
 2,902,218
 2,806,868
        
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess:       
Casualty reinsurance95,109
 86,841
 185,939
 177,411
Monoline excess (2)39,400
 40,429
 78,381
 81,477
Property reinsurance37,148
 38,204
 73,159
 82,705
Total Reinsurance & Monoline Excess171,657
 165,474
 337,479
 341,593
        
Total$1,646,841
 $1,581,053
 $3,239,697
 $3,148,461
 For the Three Months For the Nine Months
 Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
(In thousands)2017 2016 2017 2016
  Insurance:       
Other liability$466,616
 $455,841
 $1,378,505
 $1,302,841
Workers’ compensation378,529
 354,185
 1,106,616
 1,042,503
Short-tail lines (1)287,860
 312,865
 887,791
 962,435
Commercial automobile163,277
 164,540
 482,929
 481,249
Professional liability137,447
 136,204
 406,644
 391,957
Total Insurance1,433,729
 1,423,635
 4,262,485
 4,180,985
        
  Reinsurance:       
Casualty94,478
 97,153
 282,430
 301,571
Property53,293
 65,156
 175,329
 190,516
Total Reinsurance147,771
 162,309
 457,759
 492,087
        
Total$1,581,500
 $1,585,944
 $4,720,244
 $4,673,072

______________
(1) Short-tail lines include commercial multi-peril (non-liability), inland marine, accident and health, fidelity and surety, boiler and machinery and other lines.

(2) Monoline excess includes operations that solely retain risk on an excess basis.







SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
    
This is a “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including statements related to our outlook for the industry and for our performance for the year 20172019 and beyond, are based upon the Company’s historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. They are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: the cyclical nature of the property casualty industry; the impact of significant competition, including new alternative entrants to the industry; the long-tail and potentially volatile nature of the insurance and reinsurance business; product demand and pricing; claims development and the process of estimating reserves; investment risks, including those of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities and investments in equity securities, including investments in financial institutions, municipal bonds, mortgage-backed securities, loans receivable, investment funds, including real estate, merger arbitrage, energy related and private equity investments; the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues; the uncertain nature of damage theories and loss amounts; natural and man-made catastrophic losses, including as a result of terrorist activities; the impact of climate change, which may increase the frequency and severity of catastrophe events; general economic and market activities, including inflation, interest rates, and volatility in the credit and capital markets; the impact of the conditions in the financial markets and the global economy, and the potential effect of legislative, regulatory, accounting or other initiatives taken in response, on our results and financial condition; foreign currency and political risks (including those associated with the United Kingdom's expected withdrawal from the European Union, or "Brexit") relating to our international operations; our ability to attract and retain key personnel and qualified employees; continued availability of capital and financing; the success of our new ventures or acquisitions and the availability of other opportunities; the availability of reinsurance; our retention under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015; the ability or willingness of our reinsurers to pay reinsurance recoverables owed to us; other legislative and regulatory developments, including those related to business practices in the insurance industry; credit risk related to our policyholders, independent agents and brokers; changes in the ratings assigned to us or our insurance company subsidiaries by rating agencies; the availability of dividends from our insurance company subsidiaries; potential difficulties with technology and/or data security;cyber security issues; the effectiveness of our controls to ensure compliance with guidelines, policies and legal and regulatory standards; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

These risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results for the year 20172019 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement we make. Any projections of growth in our revenues would not necessarily result in commensurate levels of earnings. Our future financial performance is dependent upon factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and our other SEC filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except to the extent required by applicable laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.



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


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

Overview
W. R. Berkley Corporation is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates worldwide in two business segments:segments of the property and casualty business: Insurance and Reinsurance.Reinsurance & Monoline Excess. Our decentralized structure provides us with the flexibility to respond quickly and efficiently to local or specific market conditions and to pursue specialty business niches. It also allows us to be closer to our customers in order to better understand their individual needs and risk characteristics. While providing our business units with certain operating autonomy, our structure allows us to capitalize on the benefits of economies of scale through centralized capital, investment, reinsurance, enterprise risk management, and actuarial, financial and corporate legal staff support. The Company’s primary sources of revenues and earnings are its insurance operations and its investments.
An important part of our strategy is to form new operating units to capitalize on various business opportunities. Over the years, the Company has formed numerous operating units that are focused on important parts of the economy in the U.S., including healthcare, cyber security, energy and agriculture, and on growing international markets, including the Asia-Pacific region, South America and Mexico.
The profitability of the Company’s insurance business is affected primarily by the adequacy of premium rates. The ultimate adequacy of premium rates is not known with certainty at the time an insurance policy is issued because premiums are determined before claims are reported. The ultimate adequacy of premium rates is affected mainly by the severity and frequency of claims, which are influenced by many factors, including natural and other disasters, regulatory measures and court decisions that define and change the extent of coverage and the effects of economic inflation on the amount of compensation for injuries or losses. General insurance prices are also influenced by available insurance capacity, i.e., the level of statutory capital and surplus employed in the industry, and the industry’s willingness to deploy that capital.
The Company’s profitability is also affected by its investment income and investment gains. The Company’s invested assets are invested principally in fixed maturity securities. The return on fixed maturity securities is affected primarily by general interest rates, as well as the credit quality and duration of the securities. Returns available on fixed maturity investments arehave been at historically low levels.levels for an extended period.
The Company also invests in equity securities, merger arbitrage securities, investment funds, (including energy related funds), private equity, loans and real estate related assets. The Company's investments in investment funds and its other alternative investments have experienced, and the Company expects to continue to experience, greater fluctuations in investment income.
DuringOn April 2, 2019, a 3-for-2 common stock split was paid in the third quarterform of 2017, catastrophe losses were $119 million, including $107 million relateda stock dividend to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma,holders of record as of March 14, 2019. Shares outstanding and Maria and two earthquakesper share amounts in Mexico.this Form 10-Q reflect this 3-for-2 common stock split effected on April 2, 2019.
Commencing with the first quarter of 2017,2019, the Company renamed the Reinsurance segment to Reinsurance & Monoline Excess, and reclassified two businessesthe monoline excess business from the Insurance segment to the Reinsurance segment. The reclassified business includes operations that solely retain risk on an excess basis. Reclassifications have been made to the Company's 20162018 financial information to conform with this presentation.

Critical Accounting Estimates
The following presents a discussion of accounting policies and estimates relating to reserves for losses and loss expenses, assumed premiums and other-than-temporary impairments of investments. Management believes these policies and estimates are the most critical to its operations and require the most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses.To recognize liabilities for unpaid losses, either known or unknown, insurers establish reserves, which is a balance sheet account representing estimates of future amounts needed to pay claims and related expenses with respect to insured events which have occurred. Estimates and assumptions relating to reserves for losses and loss expenses are based on complex and subjective judgments, often including the interplay of specific uncertainties with related accounting and actuarial measurements. Such estimates are also susceptible to change as significant periods of time may elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the report of the loss to the insurer, the ultimate determination of the cost of the loss and the insurer’s payment of that loss.
In general, when a claim is reported, claims personnel establish a “case reserve” for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment based upon known information about the claim at that time. The estimate represents an informed judgment based on general reserving practices and reflects the experience and knowledge of the claims personnel regarding the nature


and value of the specific type of claim. Reserves are also established on an aggregate basis to provide for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) to the insurer, potential inadequacy of case reserves and the estimated expenses of settling claims, including legal and other fees and general expenses of administrating the claims adjustment process. Reserves are established based upon the then current legal interpretation of coverage provided.


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


expenses with respect to insured events which have occurred; however, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different reserve estimates.
Loss frequency and severity are measures of loss activity that are considered in determining the key assumptions described in our discussion of loss and loss expense reserves, including expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Loss frequency is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss


controls and safety programs and changes in economic activity or weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.
Another factor affecting estimates of loss frequency and severity is the loss reporting lag, which is the period of time between the occurrence of a loss and the date the loss is reported to the Company. The length of the loss reporting lag affects our ability to accurately predict loss frequency (loss frequencies are more predictable for lines with short reporting lags) as well as the amount of reserves needed for incurred but not reported losses (less IBNR is required for lines with short reporting lags). As a result, loss reserves for lines with short reporting lags are likely to have less variation from initial loss estimates. For lines with short reporting lags, which include commercial automobile, primary workers’ compensation, other liability (claims-made) and property business, the key assumption is the loss emergence pattern used to project ultimate loss estimates from known losses paid or reported to date. For lines of business with long reporting lags, which include other liability (occurrence), products liability, excess workers’ compensation and liability reinsurance, the key assumption is the expected loss ratio since there is often little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Historically, the Company has experienced less variation from its initial loss estimates for lines of businesses with short reporting lags than for lines of business with long reporting lags.
The key assumptions used in calculating the most recent estimate of the loss reserves are reviewed each quarter and adjusted, to the extent necessary, to reflect the latest reported loss data, current trends and other factors observed. If the actual level of loss frequency and severity are higher or lower than expected, the ultimate losses will be different than management’s estimate. The following table reflects the impact of changes (which could be favorable or unfavorable) in frequency and severity, relative to our assumptions, on our loss estimate for claims occurring in 2016:2018:
(In thousands)Frequency (+/-)Frequency (+/-)
Severity (+/-)1% 5% 10%1% 5% 10%
1%$76,915
 $231,511
 $424,755
$78,922
 $237,553
 $435,840
5%231,511
 392,229
 593,126
237,553
 402,465
 608,606
10%424,755
 593,126
 803,590
435,840
 608,606
 824,563
Our net reserves for losses and loss expenses of approximately $10.0$10.5 billion as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 relate to multiple accident years. Therefore, the impact of changes in frequency or severity for more than one accident year could be higher or lower than the amounts reflected above. The impact of such changes would likely be manifested gradually over the course of many years, as the magnitude of the changes became evident.
Approximately $1.8$2.5 billion, or 17%24%, of the Company’s net loss reserves as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 relate to the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. There is a higher degree of uncertainty and greater variability regarding estimates of excess workers' compensation and assumed reinsurance loss reserves because thosereserves. In the case of excess workers’ compensation, our policies generally attach at $1 million or higher. The claims which reach our layer therefore tend to involve the most serious injuries and many remain open for the lifetime of the claimant, which extends the claim settlement tail. These claims also occur less frequently but tend to be larger than primary claims, which increases claim variability. In the case of assumed reinsurance our loss reserve estimates are based, in part, upon information received from ceding companies. If information received from ceding companies is not timely or correct, the Company’s estimate of ultimate losses may not be accurate. Furthermore, due to delayed reporting of claim information by ceding companies, the claim settlement tail for assumed reinsurance is also extended. Management considers the impact of delayed reporting and the extended tail in its selection of assumed loss development factors.factors for these lines of business.
Information received from ceding companies is used to set initial expected loss ratios, to establish case reserves and to estimate reserves for incurred but not reported losses on assumed reinsurance business. This information, which is generally provided through reinsurance intermediaries, is gathered through the underwriting process and from periodic claim reports and other correspondence with ceding companies. The Company performs underwriting and claim audits of selected ceding companies to determine the accuracy and completeness of information provided to the Company. The information received from the ceding companies is supplemented by the Company’s own loss development experience with similar lines of business as well as industry loss trends and loss development benchmarks.


Following is a summary of the Company’s reserves for losses and loss expenses by business segment:
(In thousands)September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Insurance$8,291,708
 $7,913,074
$8,007,810
 $7,727,447
Reinsurance1,756,766
 1,677,191
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess2,506,829
 2,521,436
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses10,048,474
 9,590,265
10,514,639
 10,248,883
Ceded reserves for losses and loss expenses1,605,872
 1,606,930
1,805,639
 1,717,565
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses$11,654,346
 $11,197,195
$12,320,278
 $11,966,448
Following is a summary of the Company’s net reserves for losses and loss expenses by major line of business:

(In thousands)
Reported Case
Reserves
 
Incurred But
Not Reported
 Total
June 30, 2019     
Other liability$1,351,833
 $2,423,630
 $3,775,463
Workers’ compensation (1)948,968
 975,454
 1,924,422
Professional liability354,166
 687,989
 1,042,155
Commercial automobile382,688
 307,393
 690,081
Short-tail lines (2)289,208
 286,481
 575,689
Total Insurance3,326,863
 4,680,947
 8,007,810
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess (1) (3)1,489,128
 1,017,701
 2,506,829
Total$4,815,991
 $5,698,648
 $10,514,639
      
December 31, 2018     
Other liability$1,307,068
 $2,329,659
 $3,636,727
Workers’ compensation (1)962,664
 955,711
 1,918,375
Professional liability306,018
 659,596
 965,614
Commercial automobile365,253
 290,217
 655,470
Short-tail lines (2)294,122
 257,139
 551,261
Total Insurance3,235,125
 4,492,322
 7,727,447
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess (1) (3)1,479,604
 1,041,832
 2,521,436
Total$4,714,729
 $5,534,154
 $10,248,883

(In thousands)
Reported Case
Reserves
 
Incurred But
Not Reported
 Total
September 30, 2017     
Other liability$1,243,208
 $2,162,031
 $3,405,239
Workers’ compensation (1)1,530,194
 1,246,084
 2,776,278
Professional liability299,418
 584,606
 884,024
Commercial automobile341,998
 267,136
 609,134
Short-tail lines (2)309,692
 307,341
 617,033
Total Insurance3,724,510
 4,567,198
 8,291,708
Reinsurance (1)909,690
 847,076
 1,756,766
Total$4,634,200
 $5,414,274
 $10,048,474
      
December 31, 2016     
Other liability$1,159,082
 $2,061,966
 $3,221,048
Workers’ compensation (1)1,453,318
 1,228,774
 2,682,092
Professional liability264,188
 542,539
 806,727
Commercial automobile344,143
 252,978
 597,121
Short-tail lines (2)322,872
 283,214
 606,086
Total Insurance3,543,603
 4,369,471
 7,913,074
Reinsurance (1)823,516
 853,675
 1,677,191
Total$4,367,119
 $5,223,146
 $9,590,265
___________
(1) Reserves for workers’ compensation and reinsuranceReinsurance & Monoline Excess are net of an aggregate net discount of $599$546 million and $640
$563 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively.
(2) Short-tail lines include commercial multi-peril (non-liability), inland marine, accident and health, fidelity and surety, boiler and machinery and other lines.

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

Net prior year development (i.e., the sum of prior year reserve changes and prior year earned premiums changes) for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 are as follows:


(In thousands)2017 20162019 2018
Net decrease in prior year loss reserves$7,648
 $23,518
Net (increase) decrease in prior year loss reserves$(16,764) $246
Increase in prior year earned premiums22,940
 18,039
30,323
 19,102
Net favorable prior year development$30,588
 $41,557
$13,559
 $19,348
In 2017,During the six months ended June 30, 2019, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $31$13.6 million included $62$17.2 million of favorable development for the Insurance segment, partially offset by $31$3.6 million of adverse development for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment.
The overall favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to favorable development on workers’ compensation business, partially offset by adverse development on other liability business, commercial auto liability business, and medical malpractice business. The favorable workers’ compensation development was spread across many accident years, including prior to 2009, but was most significant in accident years 2015 through 2018. The favorable workers’ compensation development reflects a continuation of the benign loss cost trends experienced during recent years, particularly the favorable claim frequency trends (i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure). The adverse other liability development was mainly related to accident years 2014 through 2016. It was driven by a higher than expected number of large losses being reported in the period, including both general liability and professional liability losses. The adverse commercial auto liability development was primarily related to accident year 2018, and was driven by a higher than expected number of large losses. The adverse medical malpractice development was primarily related to accident years 2013 through 2016, and stemmed from a discontinued book of business at one of our profit centers.
The adverse development for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment was mainly driven by U.S. casualty facultative business from accident years 2009 and prior related to construction projects.
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $19.3 million included $18.6 million of favorable development for the Insurance segment, and $0.7 million of favorable development for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. The favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to workers'workers’ compensation business (including excess workers' compensation).business. The favorable workers'workers’ compensation development was spread across many accident years, including prior to 2008, but was most significant in accident years 2014 and 2015.2015 through 2017. The favorable workers'workers’ compensation development reflects a continuation of the benign loss cost trends experienced during 2016,in recent years, particularly the favorable claim frequency trends (i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure). The adverse development for the Reinsurance segment was due to reserve strengthening associated with claims impacted by the change in


the Ogden discount rate in the U.K., as well as adverse development on the U.S. facultative casualty excess of loss business. The Ogden rate is the discount rate used to calculate lump-sum bodily injury payouts in the U.K., and was reduced by the U.K. Ministry of Justice from +2.5% to -0.75%; the adverse development mostly related to U.K. motor bodily injury claims which we reinsured on an excess of loss basis in accident years 2012 through 2016. The adverse development on U.S. facultative casualty business was due to construction-related risks in accident years 2008 and prior.
In 2016, favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) of $42 million included $38 million for the Insurance segment and $4 million for the Reinsurance segment. The favorable development for the Insurance segment was primarily attributable to workers' compensation business, partially offset by adverse development for commercial auto liability and medical and other professional liability. The favorable development for workers' compensation stems from accident years 2003 through 2015, but is concentrated in accident years 2014 and 2015; it reflects claims frequency trends (i.e., number of reported claims per unit of exposure) that continue to be better than we expected. The unfavorable development for commercial auto liability was driven by higher large loss activity than expected in accident years 2014 and 2015, and the unfavorable development for medical professional liability was primarily in accident years prior to 2013 and stemmed from a class of medical professional liability business that we discontinued writing in 2013.
Reserve Discount. The Company discounts its liabilities for certain workers’ compensation reserves. The amount of workers’ compensation reserves that were discounted was $1,849$1,762 million and $1,907$1,793 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively. The aggregate net discount for those reserves, after reflecting the effects of ceded reinsurance, was $599$546 million and $640$563 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, discount rates by year ranged from 2.0% to 6.5%, with a weighted average discount rate of 3.8%3.7%.

Substantially all of the workers’ compensation discount (97% of total discounted reserves at SeptemberJune 30, 2017)2019) relates to excess workers’ compensation reserves. In order to properly match loss expenses with income earned on investment securities supporting the liabilities, reserves for excess workers’ compensation business are discounted using risk-free discount rates determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve. These rates are determined annually based on the weighted average rate for the period. Once established, no adjustments are made to the discount rate for that period, and any increases or decreases in loss reserves in subsequent years are discounted at the same rate, without regard to when any such adjustments are recognized. The expected loss and loss expense payout patterns subject to discounting are derived from the Company’s loss payout experience.

The Company also discounts reserves for certain other long-duration workers’ compensation reserves (representing approximately 3% of total discounted reserves at SeptemberJune 30, 2017)2019), including reserves for quota share reinsurance and reserves related to losses regarding occupational lung disease. These reserves are discounted at statutory rates permitted by the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware.
Assumed Reinsurance Premiums. The Company estimates the amount of assumed reinsurance premiums that it will receive under treaty reinsurance agreements at the inception of the contracts. These premium estimates are revised as the actual amount of assumed premiums is reported to the Company by the ceding companies. As estimates of assumed premiums are made or revised, the related amount of earned premiums, commissions and incurred losses associated with those premiums are recorded. Estimated assumed premiums receivable were approximately $56$37 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and $68$41 million at December 31, 2016.2018. The assumed premium estimates are based upon terms set forth in reinsurance agreements, information received from ceding companies during the underwriting and negotiation of agreements, reports received from ceding


companies and discussions and correspondence with reinsurance intermediaries. The Company also considers its own view of market conditions, economic trends and experience with similar lines of business. These premium estimates represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate amount of premiums to be received under its assumed reinsurance agreements.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (OTTI) of Investments. The cost of securities is adjusted where appropriate to include a provision for decline in value which is considered to be other-than-temporary. An other-than-temporary decline is considered to occur in investments where there has been a sustained reduction in fair value and where the Company does not expect the fair value to recover prior to the time of sale or maturity. Since equity securities do not have a contractual cash flow or maturity, the Company considers whether the price of an equity security is expected to recover within a reasonable period of time.
The Company classifies its fixed maturity securities and preferred stocks by credit rating, primarily based on ratings assigned by credit rating agencies. For purposes of classifying securities with different ratings, the Company uses the average of the credit ratings assigned, unless in limited situations the Company’s own analysis indicates an internal rating is more appropriate. Securities that are not rated by a rating agency are evaluated and classified by the Company on a case-by-case basis.


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

The following table provides a summary of fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017:2019:
($ in thousands)
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
  Gross Unrealized Loss
Unrealized loss less than 20% of amortized cost592
 $3,864,164
 $40,565
464
 $3,042,808
 $67,954
Unrealized loss of 20% or greater of amortized cost:          
Less than twelve months6
 4,520
 3,044
Twelve months and longer3
 180
 112
6
 9,873
 4,747
Total595
 $3,864,344
 $40,677
476
 $3,057,201
 $75,745
A summary of the Company’s non-investment grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 is presented in the table below:
($ in thousands)
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 Gross Unrealized
Loss
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
  Gross Unrealized Loss
Foreign government9
 $55,292
 $462
12
 $114,714
 $22,719
Mortgage-backed securities6
 5,975
 150
Corporate3
 2,852
 211
11
 65,905
 3,278
Asset-backed securities3
 1,331
 115
7
 10,412
 1,344
Mortgage-backed securities4
 7,170
 63
Total21
 $65,450
 $938
34
 $198,201
 $27,404
The Company has evaluated its fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and believes the unrealized loss is due primarily to temporary market and sector-related factors rather than to issuer-specific factors. None of these securities are delinquent or in default under financial covenants. Based on its assessment of these issuers, the Company expects them to


continue to meet their contractual payment obligations as they become due and does not consider any of these securities to be OTTI.
Preferred Stocks – At September 30, 2017, there was one preferred stock in an unrealized loss position, with a fair value of $24.0 million and a gross unrealized loss of $1.7 million. Based upon management's view of the underlying value of the security, the Company does not consider the equity security to be OTTI. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, there was no OTTI for preferred stocks.
Common Stocks – At September 30, 2017, there were three common stocks in an unrealized loss position, with an aggregate fair value of $14.1 million and a gross unrealized loss of $3.5 million. Based upon management’s view of the underlying value of these securities, the Company does not consider these equity securities to be OTTI. There was no OTTI of common stocks for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, OTTI for common stocks was $18.1 million.


Loans Receivable – The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable, including current market conditions for each loan and the ability to collect principal and interest. For loans where the Company determines it is probable that the contractual terms will not be met, an analysis is performed and a valuation reserve is established, if necessary, with a charge to earnings. Loans receivable are reported net of a valuation reserve of $2 million and $3 million at both Septemberas of June 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016.2018, respectively.
The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable and assesses the ability of each borrower to pay principal and interest based upon loan structure, underlying property values, cash flow and related financial and operating performance of the property and market conditions. Loans receivable with a potential for default are further assessed using discounted cash flow analysis and comparable cost and sales methodologies, if appropriate.
Fair Value Measurements.The Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale securities, equity securities, and its arbitrage trading account securities are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for similar assets in active markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs may only be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available. The fair value of the vast majority of the Company’s portfolio is based on observable data (other than quoted prices) and, accordingly, is classified as Level 2.

In classifying particular financial securities in the fair value hierarchy, the Company uses its judgment to determine whether the market for a security is active and whether significant pricing inputs are observable. The Company determines the existence of an active market by assessing whether transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information. The Company determines whether inputs are observable based on the use of such information by pricing services and external investment managers, the uninterrupted availability of such inputs, the need to make significant adjustments to such inputs and the volatility of such inputs over time. If the market for a security is determined to be inactive or if significant inputs used to price a security are determined to be unobservable, the security is categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Because many fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis, the Company utilizes pricing models and processes which may include benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. Market inputs used to evaluate securities include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. Quoted prices are often unavailable for recently issued securities that are infrequently traded or securities that are only traded in private transactions. For publicly traded securities for which quoted prices are unavailable, the Company determines fair value based on independent broker quotations and other observable market data. For securities traded only in private negotiations, the Company determines fair value based primarily on the cost of such securities, which is adjusted to reflect prices of recent placements of securities of the same issuer, financial data, projections and business developments of the issuer and other relevant information.
The following is a summary of pricing sources for the Company's fixed maturity securities available for sale as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017:2019:
($ in thousands)
Carrying
Value
 
Percent
of Total
Carrying
Value
 
Percent
of Total
Pricing source:      
Independent pricing services$13,570,457
 98.4%$13,472,380
 98.7%
Syndicate manager43,196
 0.3
35,945
 0.3
Directly by the Company based on:      
Observable data180,467
 1.3
145,903
 1.0
Cash flow model174
 
25
 
Total$13,794,294
 100.0%$13,654,253
 100.0%



Independent pricing services – Substantially all of the Company’s fixed maturity securities available for sale were priced by independent pricing services (generally one U.S. pricing service plus additional pricing services with respect to a limited number of foreign securities held by the Company). The prices provided by the independent pricing services are generally based on observable market data in active markets (e.g., broker quotes and prices observed for comparable securities). The determination of whether markets are active or inactive is based upon the volume and level of activity for a particular asset class. The Company reviews the prices provided by pricing services for reasonableness based upon current trading levels for


similar securities. If the prices appear unusual to the Company, they are re-examined and the value is either confirmed or revised. In addition, the Company periodically performs independent price tests of a sample of securities to ensure proper valuation and to verify our understanding of how securities are priced. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company did not make any adjustments to the prices provided by the pricing services. Based upon the Company’s review of the methodologies used by the independent pricing services, these securities were classified as Level 2.
Syndicate manager – The Company has a 15% participation in a Lloyd’s syndicate, and the Company’s share of the securities owned by the syndicate is priced by the syndicate’s manager. The majority of the securities are liquid, short duration fixed maturity securities. The Company reviews the syndicate manager’s pricing methodology and audited financial statements and holds discussions with the syndicate manager as necessary to confirm its understanding and agreement with security prices. Based upon the Company’s review of the methodologies used by the syndicate manager, these securities were classified as Level 2.
Observable data – If independent pricing is not available, the Company prices the securities directly. Prices are based on observable market data where available, including current trading levels for similar securities and non-binding quotations from brokers. The Company generally requests two or more quotes. If more than one quote is received, the Company sets a price within the range of quotes received based on its assessment of the credibility of the quote and its own evaluation of the security. The Company generally does not adjust quotes obtained from brokers. Since these securities were priced based on observable data, they were classified as Level 2.
Cash flow model – If the above methodologies are not available, the Company prices securities using a discounted cash flow model based upon assumptions as to prevailing credit spreads, interest rates and interest rate volatility, time to maturity and subordination levels. Discount rates are adjusted to reflect illiquidity where appropriate. These securities were classified as Level 3.








Results of Operations for the NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016
2018
Business Segment Results
Following is a summary of gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, loss ratios (losses and loss expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of premiums earned), expense ratios (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”)GAAP combined ratios (sum of loss ratio and expense ratio) for each of our business segments for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016.2018. The GAAP combined ratio represents a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding investment income. A GAAP combined ratio in excess of 100 indicates an underwriting loss; a number below 100 indicates an underwriting profit.
($ in thousands)2017 20162019 2018
Insurance:      
Gross premiums written$5,233,692
 $5,184,033
$3,715,850
 $3,558,247
Net premiums written4,364,638
 4,386,944
3,071,964
 2,964,676
Net premiums earned4,262,485
 4,180,985
2,902,218
 2,806,868
Loss ratio61.7% 61.1%62.5% 61.7%
Expense ratio32.8% 32.3%31.4% 32.9%
GAAP combined ratio94.5% 93.4%93.9% 94.6%
Reinsurance:   
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess:   
Gross premiums written$463,825
 $579,878
$420,240
 $369,248
Net premiums written417,634
 526,712
381,101
 324,766
Net premiums earned457,759
 492,087
337,479
 341,593
Loss ratio86.1% 60.5%60.0% 60.3%
Expense ratio37.1% 39.1%36.0% 36.2%
GAAP combined ratio123.2% 99.6%96.0% 96.5%
Consolidated:      
Gross premiums written$5,697,517
 $5,763,911
$4,136,090
 $3,927,495
Net premiums written4,782,272
 4,913,656
3,453,065
 3,289,442
Net premiums earned4,720,244
 4,673,072
3,239,697
 3,148,461
Loss ratio64.1% 61.0%62.2% 61.5%
Expense ratio33.2% 33.1%31.9% 33.3%
GAAP combined ratio97.3% 94.1%94.1% 94.8%
Net Income to Common Stockholders. The following table presents the Company’s net income to common stockholders and net income per diluted share for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016:2018:
(In thousands, except per share data)2017 20162019 2018
Net income to common stockholders$394,505
 $449,127
$397,431
 $346,472
Weighted average diluted shares129,289
 128,501
192,804
 192,284
Net income per diluted share$3.05
 $3.50
$2.06
 $1.80
The Company reported net income to common stockholders of $395$397 million in 20172019 compared to $449$346 million in 2016.2018. The 12% decrease15% increase in net income was primarily due to an after-tax decreaseincrease in underwriting income of $97$20 million, mainly driven by increased catastrophe losses from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as two earthquakes in Mexico, an after-tax increase in net investment gains of $19 million, an after-tax increase of $14 million in net investment income, an after-tax increase of $2 million in other income, an after-tax increase in foreign currency lossesgains of $17$1 million, and an after-taxa decrease of $1 million in income from non-insurance businesses of $7 million,tax expense, partially offset by an after-tax increase in after-tax net investment gainscorporate expenses of $57$4 million and an after-tax increase in investment incomeinterest expense of $14$4 million. The number of weighted average diluted shares remained relatively unchanged for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016.2018.
Premiums. Gross premiums written were $5,698$4,136 million in 2017, a decrease2019, an increase of 1%5% from $5,764$3,927 million in 2016.2018. The decreaseincrease was due to a decrease in the Reinsurance segment of $116$158 million partially offset by an increase in the Insurance segment of $50 million.and a $51 million increase in the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. Approximately 77.7%75.5% of policies expiring in 20172019 were renewed, compared with a 77.8% renewal retention rate forand 75.9% of policies expiring in 2016.2018 were renewed.
Average renewal premium rates for insurance and facultative reinsurance increased 1.0%4.1% in 20172019 when adjusted for changechanges in exposures.exposures, and increased 5.9% excluding workers' compensation.





A summary of gross premiums written in 20172019 compared with 20162018 by line of business within each business segment follows:
Insurance - gross premiums increased 1% to $5,234 million in 2017 from $5,184 million in 2016. Gross premiums increased $25 million (5%) for professional liability, $19 million (4%) for commercial auto, $8 million (1%) for workers' compensation, and $2 million (less than 1%) for short-tail lines and decreased $4 million (less than 1%) for other liability.
Reinsurance - gross premiums decreased 20% to $464 million in 2017 from $580 million in 2016. Gross premiums decreased $87 million (35%) for property lines and $29 million (9%) for casualty lines.
Insurance - gross premiums increased 4% to $3,716 million in 2019 from $3,558 million in 2018. Gross premiums increased $101 million (9%) for other liability, $69 million (17%) for professional liability, $31 million (4%) for short-tail lines and $18 million (4%) for commercial auto, and decreased $61 million (8%) for workers' compensation.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - gross premiums increased 14% to $420 million in 2019 from $369 million in 2018. Gross premiums increased $41 million (23%) for casualty reinsurance, $8 million (9%) for property reinsurance and $2 million (2%) for monoline excess.
Net premiums written were $4,782$3,453 million in 2017, a decrease2019, an increase of 3%5% from $4,914$3,289 million in 2016.2018. Ceded reinsurance premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums were 17% in 2019 and 16% in 2017 and 15% in 2016.2018.
Premiums earned increased 1%3% to $4,720$3,240 million in 20172019 from $4,673$3,148 million in 2016.2018. Insurance premiums (including the impact of rate changes) are generally earned evenly over the policy term, and accordingly, recent rate increases will be earned over the upcoming quarters. Premiums earned in 20172019 are related to business written during both 20172019 and 2016.2018. Audit premiums were $137$100 million in 20172019 compared with $116$98 million in 2016.2018.
Net investmentInvestment Income. Following is a summary of net investment income for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016:2018:
Amount 
Average Annualized
Yield
Amount 
Average Annualized
Yield
($ in thousands)2017 2016 2017 20162019 2018 2019 2018
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable$347,976
 $331,448
 3.3% 3.3%$261,022
 $252,911
 3.5% 3.5%
Investment funds50,744
 60,385
 5.5
 6.6
58,251
 53,070
 8.4
 8.9
Arbitrage trading account16,235
 12,883
 4.0
 4.4
17,784
 13,524
 8.5
 4.1
Real estate14,894
 4,552
 1.6
 0.6
9,481
 9,742
 0.9
 1.1
Equity securities available for sale1,845
 3,217
 1.2
 2.2
Equity securities2,591
 1,205
 2.1
 1.1
Gross investment income431,694
 412,485
 3.3
 3.3
349,129
 330,452
 3.7
 3.6
Investment expenses(5,093) (7,635)    (2,542) (2,157) 
 
Total$426,601
 $404,850
 3.3% 3.3%$346,587
 $328,295
 3.6% 3.6%
Net investment income increased 5%6% to $427$347 million in 20172019 from $405$328 million in 20162018 due primarily to a $16$8 million increase in income from fixed maturity securities mainly driven by growth in the fixed maturity security portfolio, a $10$5 million increase in income from real estate,investment funds, a $3$4 million increase from the arbitrage trading account, and a reduction$2 million increase from equity securities. The Company has maintained a shortened duration of investment expensesits fixed maturity security portfolio. This has reduced the potential impact of $3 million, partially offset by a $10 million decrease from investment funds.mark-to-market on the portfolio and positioned the Company to react quickly to changes in the current environment. Average invested assets, at cost (including cash and cash equivalents), were $17.4$19.0 billion in 20172019 and $16.6$18.1 billion in 2016.2018.
Insurance Service Fees. The Company earns fees from an insurance distribution business, a third-party administrator and as a servicing carrier of workers' compensation assigned risk plans for certain states. ServiceInsurance service fees decreased to $100$48 million in 20172019 from $109$60 million in 2016.2018. The decrease is primarily due to the sale of a third party administration business in third quarter of 2018.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investment SalesInvestments. The Company buys and sells securities and other investment assets on a regular basis in order to maximize its total return on investments. Decisions to sell securities and other investment assets are based on management’s view of the underlying fundamentals of specific investments as well as management’s expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads, currency values and general economic conditions. Net realized and unrealized gains on investment salesinvestments were $277 million in 2017 compared with $208 million in 2016. The nine months ended September 30, 2017 include a gain of $124 million from the sale of an investment in an office building located in Washington D.C. The nine months ended September 30, 2016 include a gain of $135 million from the sale of Aero Precision Industries and certain related aviation services business.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. There were no impairments in 2017. Other-than-temporary impairments of $18.1 million in 2016 related to common stocks.
Revenues from Non-Insurance Businesses. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were derived from businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that


provide services to aviation markets, including (i) the distribution, manufacturing, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and components, (ii) the sale of new and used aircraft, and (iii) avionics, fuel, maintenance, storage and charter services. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were $225 million in 2017 and $306 million in 2016. The decrease was primarily related to the sale of Aero Precision Industries in August 2016, partially offset by revenues from the textile business purchased in March 2017.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses increased to $3,025 million in 2017 from $2,852 million in 2016. The consolidated loss ratio was 64.1% in 2017 and 61.0% in 2016. Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums, were $167 million in 2017 and $68 million in 2016. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, along with two earthquakes in Mexico, resulted in catastrophe losses of $107 million. Favorable prior year reserve development (net of premium offsets) was $31 million in 2017 and $42 million in 2016. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.8 points to 61.2% in 2017 from 60.4% in 2016.
A summary of loss ratios in 2017 compared with 2016 by business segment follows:
Insurance - The loss ratio was 61.7% in 2017 and 61.1% in 2016. Catastrophe losses were $94 million in 2017 compared with $58 million in 2016. Favorable prior year reserve development was $62 million in 2017 and $38 million in 2016. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.4 points to 61.0% in 2017 from 60.6% in 2016.
Reinsurance - The loss ratio of 86.1% in 2017 was 25.6 points higher than the loss ratio of 60.5% in 2016. Catastrophe losses were $73 million in 2017 compared with $10 million in 2016. Adverse prior year reserve development was $31 million in 2017 largely due to the impact of the change in the Ogden discount rate in the U.K. and adverse development related to the U.S. facultative casualty excess of loss business, compared with favorable prior year development of $4 million in 2016. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 4.1 points to 63.3% in 2017 from 59.2% in 2016.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses. Following is a summary of other operating costs and expenses:
($ in thousands)2017 2016
Policy acquisition and operating insurance expenses$1,567,359
 $1,544,792
Insurance service expenses97,308
 103,868
Net foreign currency (gains) losses14,255
 (11,547)
Other costs and expenses142,233
 133,337
Total$1,821,155
 $1,770,450

Policy acquisition and operating insurance expenses are comprised of commissions paid to agents and brokers, premium taxes and other assessments and internal underwriting costs. Policy acquisition and operating insurance expenses increased 1% compared with an increase in net premiums earned of 1%. The expense ratio (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) was 33.2% and 33.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Service expenses, which represent the costs associated with the fee-based businesses, decreased to $97 million in 2017 from $104 million in 2016.
Net foreign currency (gains) losses result from transactions denominated in a currency other than a company's operating functional currency. Net foreign currency losses were $14 million in 2017 compared to gains of $12 million in 2016.
Other costs and expenses represent general and administrative expenses of the parent company and other expenses not allocated to business segments, including the cost of certain long-term incentive plans and new business ventures. Other costs and expenses increased to $142 million in 2017 from $1332019 compared with $118 million in 2016 primarily because of startup costs for new business ventures.
Expenses from Non-Insurance Businesses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses represent costs associated with businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that include (i) cost of goods sold related to aircraft and products sold and services provided, and (ii) general and administrative expenses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses were $221 million in 2017 compared to $291 million in 2016.2018. The decline mainly relates to the sale of Aero Precision Industries in August 2016, partially offset by the expense from the textile business purchased in March 2017.


Interest Expense. Interest expense was $110 million in 2017 compared with $104 million in 2016. During 2017, the Company repaid $2 million of debt compared to $83 million in 2016, mainly in connection with the sale of Aero Precision Industries. In February 2016, the Company issued $110 million of 5.9% subordinated debentures maturing in 2056, and in May 2016, the Company issued $290 million of 5.75% subordinated debentures maturing in 2056.
Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 31% in 2017 and 32% in 2016. The effective income tax rate differs from the federal income tax rate of 35% primarily because of tax-exempt investment income.
The Company has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of approximately $40 million of its non-U.S. subsidiaries since these earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested in the non-U.S. subsidiaries. However, in the future, if such earnings were distributed to the Company, taxes of approximately $4 million, assuming all tax credits are realized, would be payable on such undistributed earnings and would be reflected in the tax provision for the year in which these earnings are no longer intended to be permanently reinvested in the foreign subsidiary.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016
Business Segment Results
Following is a summary of gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, loss ratios (losses and loss expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of premiums earned), expense ratios (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) combined ratios (sum of loss ratio and expense ratio) for each of our business segments for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The GAAP combined ratio represents a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding investment income. A GAAP combined ratio in excess of 100 indicates an underwriting loss; a number below 100 indicates an underwriting profit.
($ in thousands)2017 2016
Insurance:   
Gross premiums written$1,718,552
 $1,688,712
Net premiums written1,432,334
 1,443,986
Net premiums earned1,433,729
 1,423,635
Loss ratio63.2% 60.9%
Expense ratio32.4% 32.3%
GAAP combined ratio95.6% 93.2%
Reinsurance:   
Gross premiums written$155,606
 $180,137
Net premiums written138,849
 163,379
Net premiums earned147,771
 162,309
Loss ratio118.7% 61.3%
Expense ratio34.9% 38.9%
GAAP combined ratio153.6% 100.2%
Consolidated:   
Gross premiums written$1,874,158
 $1,868,849
Net premiums written1,571,183
 1,607,365
Net premiums earned1,581,500
 1,585,944
Loss ratio68.4% 60.9%
Expense ratio32.6% 33.0%
GAAP combined ratio101.0% 93.9%
Net Income to Common Stockholders. The following table presents the Company’s net income to common stockholders and net income per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
(in thousands, except per share data)2017 2016
Net income to common stockholders$162,054
 $220,650
Weighted average diluted shares128,944
 128,556
Net income per diluted share$1.26
 $1.72
The Company reported net income of $162 million in 2017 compared to $221 million in 2016. The 27% decrease in net income was primarily due to an after-tax decrease in underwriting income of $73 million mainly driven by increased catastrophe losses from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as two earthquakes in Mexico, partially offset by an $11


million benefit related to stock compensation tax benefits being recognized within income tax expense starting in 2017 and an after-tax increase in net investment gains of $5 million. The number of weighted average diluted shares remained relatively unchanged for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
Premiums. Gross premiums written were $1,874 million in 2017, an increase of less than 1% from $1,869 million in 2016. Approximately 77.5% of policies expiring in 2017 were renewed, compared with a 77.7% renewal retention rate for policies expiring in 2016.
Average renewal premium rates for insurance and facultative reinsurance increased 0.7% in 2017 when adjusted for change in exposures.
     A summary of gross premiums written in 2017 compared with 2016 by line of business within each business segment follows:
Insurance - gross premiums increased 2% to $1,719 million in 2017 from $1,689 million in 2016. Gross premiums increased $13 million (3%) for short tail lines, $12 million (3%) for workers' compensation, $6 million (3%) for commercial auto and $4 million (2%) for professional liability and decreased $5 million (1%) for other liability.
Reinsurance - gross premiums decreased 14% to $156 million in 2017 from $180 million in 2016. Gross premiums decreased $26 million (34%) for property lines and increased $2 million (2%) for casualty lines.
Net premiums written were $1,571 million in 2017, a decrease of 2% from $1,607 million in 2016. Ceded reinsurance premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums were 16% in 2017 and 14% in 2016.
Premiums earned decreased less than 1% to $1,582 million in 2017 from $1,586 million in 2016. Insurance premiums (including the impact of rate changes) are generally earned evenly over the policy term. Premiums earned in 2017 are related to business written during both 2017 and 2016. Audit premiums were $46 million in 2017 compared with $35 million in 2016.
Net Investment Income. Following is a summary of net investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
 Amount 
Average Annualized
Yield
($ in thousands)2017 2016 2017 2016
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable$118,834
 $114,271
 3.4% 3.3%
Investment funds15,200
 25,293
 5.2
 8.1
Arbitrage trading account4,418
 6,441
 3.5
 5.6
Real estate5,042
 585
 1.5
 0.2
Equity securities available for sale604
 1,069
 1.2
 2.0
Gross investment income144,098
 147,659
 3.3
 3.5
Investment expenses(1,619) (1,991)    
Total$142,479
 $145,668
 3.2% 3.4%
Net investment income decreased 2% to $142 million in 2017 from $146 million in 2016 due primarily to a $10 million decrease from investment funds and a $2 million decrease from the arbitrage trading account, partially offset by a $4 million increase from fixed maturity securities and an increase of $4 million in income from real estate. Average invested assets, at cost (including cash and cash equivalents), were $17.6 billion in 2017 up from $17.0 billion in 2016.
Insurance Service Fees. The Company earns fees from an insurance distribution business and as a servicing carrier of workers' compensation assigned risk plans for certain states. Service fees increased to $34 million in 2017 from $32 million in 2016.
Net Realized Gains on Investment Sales. The Company buys and sells securities and other investment assets on a regular basis in order to maximize its total return on investments. Decisions to sell securities and other investment assets are based on management’s view of the underlying fundamentals of specific investments as well as management’s expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads, currency values and general economic conditions. Net2019 reflect net realized gains on investment sales were $184of $31 million and an increase in 2017 compared with $176 million in 2016. The three months ended September 30, 2017 include a gainunrealized gains on equity securities of $124 million from the sale of an investment in an office building located in Washington D.C. The three months ended$111 million.



September 30, 2016 include a gain of $135 million from the sale of Aero Precision Industries and certain related aviation services business.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. There were no other-than-temporary impairments during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
Revenues from Non-Insurance Businesses. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were derived from businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that provide services to aviation markets, including (i) the distribution, manufacturing, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and components, (ii) the sale of new and used aircraft, and (iii) avionics, fuel, maintenance, storage and charter services. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were $90$181 million in 20172019 and $80$147 million in 2016.2018. The increase was primarily relatedmainly relates to growth in revenues from the textileaviation-related businesses and the purchase of a promotional merchandise business purchased in March 2017.the second half of 2018.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses increased to $1,081$2,017 million in 20172019 from $966$1,937 million in 2016.2018. The consolidated loss ratio was 68.4%62.2% in 20172019 and 60.9%61.5% in 2016.2018. Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums, were $119$38 million in 20172019 and $12$21 million in 2016. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, along with two earthquakes in Mexico, resulted in catastrophe losses of $107 million.2018. Favorable prior year reserve development (net of premium offsets) was $7$14 million in 20172019 and $13$19 million in 2016.2018. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.4 points to 61.3%was 61.5% in 2017 from 60.9%2019 and 61.4% in 2016.2018.
A summary of loss ratios in 20172019 compared with 20162018 by business segment follows:
Insurance - The loss ratio was 62.5% in 2019 and 61.7% in 2018. Catastrophe losses were $38 million in 2019 compared with $20 million in 2018. Favorable prior year reserve development was $17 million in 2019 and $26 million in 2018. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.4 points to 61.8% in 2019 from 61.4% in 2018.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - The loss ratio was 60.0% in 2019 and 60.3% in 2018. Catastrophe losses were $0.1 million in 2019 compared with $1 million in 2018. Adverse prior year reserve development was $3 million in 2019 and $7 million in 2018. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development decreased 2.5 points to 58.9% in 2019 from 61.4% in 2018.
Insurance - The loss ratio of 63.2% in 2017 was 2.3 points higher than the loss ratio of 60.9% in 2016. Catastrophe losses were $47 million in 2017 and $9 million in 2016. Favorable prior year reserve development was $13 million in both 2017 and 2016. The loss ratio, excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development, decreased 0.4 points to 60.8% in 2017 from 61.2% in 2016.
Reinsurance - The loss ratio of 118.7% in 2017 was 57.4 points higher than the loss ratio of 61.3% in 2016. Catastrophe losses were $72 million in 2017 compared with $3 million in 2016. Adverse prior year reserve development was $6 million in 2017 compared with favorable prior year reserve development of $0.2 million in 2016. The loss ratio, excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development, increased 6.9 points to 66.1% in 2017 from 59.2% in 2016 largely due to increased attritional losses.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses.Expenses. Following is a summary of other operating costs and expenses:
(In thousands)2017 2016
Policy acquisition and operating insurance expenses$516,243
 $523,254
($ in thousands)2019 2018
Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses$1,031,951
 $1,047,093
Insurance service expenses32,451
 32,441
51,343
 63,702
Net foreign currency (gains) losses1,779
 (2,193)
Net foreign currency gains(6,494) (4,767)
Other costs and expenses50,349
 52,846
103,116
 97,553
Total$600,822
 $606,348
$1,179,916
 $1,203,581
Policy acquisition and insurance operating insurance expenses are comprised of commissions paid to agents and brokers, premium taxes and other assessments and internal underwriting costs. Policy acquisition and insurance operating insurance expenses decreased 1% compared with a decrease inand net premiums earned of less than 1%.increased 3% from 2018. The expense ratio (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) decreasedwas 31.9% in 2019 and 33.3% in 2018. The improvement is primarily attributable to 32.6% from 33.0% in 2016.

higher net premiums earned and lower expenses.
Service expenses, which represent the costs associated with the fee-based businesses, remained flat at $32decreased to $51 million for 2017 and 2016.in 2019 from $64 million in 2018. The decrease is primarily due to the sale of a third party administration business in third quarter of 2018.
Net foreign currency (gains) losses result from transactions denominated in a currency other than a company's operating functional currency. Net foreign currency lossesgains were $2$6 million in 20172019 compared to gains of $2$5 million in 2016.2018, mainly resulting from the continued strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Argentine Peso.
Other costs and expenses represent general and administrative expenses of the parent company and other expenses not allocated to business segments, including the cost of certain long-term incentive plans and new business ventures. Other costs and expenses decreasedincreased to $50$103 million in 20172019 from $53$98 million in 2016.2018, primarily due to non-recurring performance-based compensation costs.
Expenses from Non-Insurance Businesses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses represent costs associated with businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that include (i) cost of goods sold related to aircraft and products sold and services provided, and (ii) general and administrative


expenses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses were $86$178 million in 20172019 compared to $79$145 million in 2016.2018. The increase was primarily relatedmainly relates to the textileexpenses from a business purchased in March 2017.the second half of 2018.


Interest Expense. Interest expense was $37$81 million in both 2017 and 2016. During 2017,2019 compared with $77 million in 2018. In March 2018, the Company repaid $2issued $175 million aggregate principal amount of 5.70% subordinated debentures due 2058, and in April 2018, the Company issued another $10 million principal amount of such debentures. Additionally in 2018, the Company issued subsidiary debt comparedof $116 million, which was primarily attributable to $83 milliona non-recourse mortgage loan on a real estate property in 2016, mainly in connection with the sale of Aero Precision Industries.Florida.
Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 28%20.7% in 20172019 and 33%20.9% in 2016.2018. The effective income tax rate differs from the federal income tax rate of 35%21% primarily because of tax-exempt investment income as well as the new requirement in 2017 to recognizeand tax benefits for stock compensation inon income from foreign jurisdictions with different tax expense.rates.
The Company has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of approximately $40$89 million of its non-U.S. subsidiaries since these earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested in the non-U.S. subsidiaries. However, inIn the future, if such earnings were distributed the Company projects that the incremental tax, if any, will be immaterial.



Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018
Business Segment Results
Following is a summary of gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, loss ratios (losses and loss expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of premiums earned), expense ratios (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) and GAAP combined ratios (sum of loss ratio and expense ratio) for each of our business segments for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. The GAAP combined ratio represents a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding investment income. A GAAP combined ratio in excess of 100 indicates an underwriting loss; a number below 100 indicates an underwriting profit.
($ in thousands)2019 2018
Insurance:   
Gross premiums written$1,905,367
 $1,798,074
Net premiums written1,574,585
 1,491,432
Net premiums earned1,475,184
 1,415,579
Loss ratio62.9% 62.4%
Expense ratio30.9% 32.9%
GAAP combined ratio93.8% 95.3%
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess:   
Gross premiums written$184,494
 $150,000
Net premiums written168,879
 132,672
Net premiums earned171,657
 165,474
Loss ratio59.2% 54.6%
Expense ratio36.0% 36.8%
GAAP combined ratio95.2% 91.4%
Consolidated:   
Gross premiums written$2,089,861
 $1,948,074
Net premiums written1,743,464
 1,624,104
Net premiums earned1,646,841
 1,581,053
Loss ratio62.4% 61.6%
Expense ratio31.5% 33.3%
GAAP combined ratio93.9% 94.9%
Net Income to Common Stockholders. The following table presents the Company’s net income to common stockholders and net income per diluted share for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
(In thousands, except per share data)2019 2018
Net income to common stockholders$216,709
 $180,075
Weighted average diluted shares193,059
 192,509
Net income per diluted share$1.12
 $0.93
The Company reported net income to common stockholders of $217 million in 2019 compared to $180 million in 2018. The 20% increase in net income was primarily due to an after-tax increase in net investment income of $27 million mainly due to investment funds, an after-tax increase in underwriting income of $15 million, an after-tax decrease in corporate expenses of $5 million, an after-tax increase in net investment gains of $3 million, an after-tax increase in other income of $2 million and a decrease in tax expense of $2 million, partially offset by an after-tax increase in foreign currency losses of $15 million, an after-tax decrease in insurance service fee income of $2 million and an after-tax increase in interest expense of $1 million. The number of weighted average diluted shares remained relatively unchanged for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.
Premiums. Gross premiums written were $2,090 million in 2019, an increase of 7% from $1,948 million in 2018. The increase was due to a $107 million increase in the Insurance segment and a $35 million increase in the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. Approximately 75.5% of policies expiring in 2019 were renewed, and 76.6% of policies expiring in 2018 were renewed.
Average renewal premium rates for insurance and facultative reinsurance increased 3.5% in 2019 when adjusted for changes in exposures, and increased 5.3% excluding workers' compensation.


A summary of gross premiums written in 2019 compared with 2018 by line of business within each business segment follows:
Insurance - gross premiums increased 6% to $1,905 million in 2019 from $1,798 million in 2018. Gross premiums increased $59 million (10%) for other liability, $50 million (25%) for professional liability, $24 million (6%) for short-tail lines, and $15 million (8%) for commercial auto, and decreased $41 million (11%) for workers' compensation.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - gross premiums increased 23% to $184 million in 2019 from $150 million in 2018. Gross premiums increased $23 million (26%) for casualty reinsurance, $9 million (24%) for property reinsurance and $2 million (10%) for monoline excess.
Net premiums written were $1,743 million in 2019, an increase of 7% from $1,624 million in 2018. Ceded reinsurance premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums were 17% in both 2019 and 2018.
Premiums earned increased 4% to $1,647 million in 2019 from $1,581 million in 2018. Insurance premiums (including the impact of rate changes) are generally earned evenly over the policy term, and accordingly, recent rate increases will be earned over the upcoming quarters. Premiums earned in 2019 are related to business written during both 2019 and 2018. Audit premiums were $58 million in 2019 compared with $49 million in 2018.
Net Investment Income. Following is a summary of net investment income for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
 Amount 
Average Annualized
Yield
($ in thousands)2019 2018 2019 2018
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable$128,903
 $129,665
 3.4% 3.6%
Investment funds46,840
 12,716
 13.4
 4.2
Arbitrage trading account7,199
 8,333
 7.0
 5.0
Real estate5,174
 3,174
 1.0
 0.7
Equity securities1,303
 559
 2.1
 1.0
Gross investment income189,419
 154,447
 4.0
 3.4
Investment expenses(1,086) (670) 
 
Total$188,333
 $153,777
 3.9% 3.4%
Net investment income increased 22% to $188 million in 2019 from $154 million in 2018 due primarily to a $34 million increase in income from investment funds, a $2 million increase in real estate and $1 million increase in equity securities, partially offset by a $1 million decrease in income from fixed maturity securities and a $1 million decrease in arbitrage trading account. The Company has maintained a shortened duration of its fixed maturity security portfolio. This has reduced the potential impact of mark-to-market on the portfolio and positioned the Company to react quickly to changes in the current environment. Average invested assets, at cost (including cash and cash equivalents), were $19.1 billion in 2019 and $18.2 billion in 2018.
Insurance Service Fees. The Company earns fees from an insurance distribution business, a third-party administrator and as a servicing carrier of workers' compensation assigned risk plans for certain states. Insurance service fees decreased to $22 million in 2019 from $30 million in 2018. The decrease is primarily due to the sale of a third party administration business in third quarter of 2018.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investments. The Company buys and sells securities and other investment assets on a regular basis in order to maximize its total return on investments. Decisions to sell securities and other investment assets are based on management’s view of the underlying fundamentals of specific investments as well as management’s expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads, currency values and general economic conditions. Net realized and unrealized gains on investments were $74 million in 2019 compared with $70 million in 2018. The gains of $74 million in 2019 reflect net realized gains on investment sales of $4 million and an increase in unrealized gains on equity securities of $70 million.


Revenues from Non-Insurance Businesses. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were derived from businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that provide services to aviation markets, including (i) the distribution, manufacturing, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and components, (ii) the sale of new and used aircraft, and (iii) avionics, fuel, maintenance, storage and charter services. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were $89 million in 2019 and $77 million in 2018. The increase mainly relates to revenues from a business purchased in the second half of 2018.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses increased to $1,029 million in 2019 from $974 million in 2018. The consolidated loss ratio was 62.4% in 2019 and 61.6% in 2018. Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums, were $26 million in 2019 and $14 million in 2018. Favorable prior year reserve development (net of premium offsets) was $7 million in both 2019 and 2018. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development was 61.3% in 2019 and 61.2% in 2018.
A summary of loss ratios in 2019 compared with 2018 by business segment follows:
Insurance - The loss ratio was 62.9% in 2019 and 62.4% in 2018. Catastrophe losses were $25 million in 2019 compared with $13 million in 2018. Favorable prior year reserve development was $8 million in 2019 and $10 million in 2018. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.4 points to 61.7% in 2019 from 61.3% in 2018.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - The loss ratio was 59.2% in 2019 and 54.6% in 2018. Catastrophe losses were $0.1 million in 2019 compared with $1 million in 2018. Adverse prior year reserve development was $1 million in 2019 and $3 million in 2018. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development decreased 0.3 points to 58.7% in 2019 from 59.0% in 2018.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses. Following is a summary of other operating costs and expenses:
($ in thousands)2019 2018
Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses$518,160
 $526,862
Insurance service expenses25,386
 30,990
Net foreign currency losses (gains)470
 (18,251)
Other costs and expenses47,812
 53,541
Total$591,828
 $593,142
Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses are comprised of commissions paid to agents and brokers, premium taxes and other assessments and internal underwriting costs. Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses decreased 2% and net premiums earned increased 4% from 2018. The expense ratio (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) was 31.5% in 2019 and 33.3% in 2018. The improvement is primarily attributable to higher net premiums earned, lower expenses and a non-recurring benefit of approximately $40.5% in 2019.
Service expenses, which represent the costs associated with the fee-based businesses, decreased to $25 million assuming allin 2019 from $31 million in 2018. The decrease is primarily due to the sale of a third party administration business in third quarter of 2018.
Net foreign currency (gains) losses result from transactions denominated in a currency other than a company's operating functional currency. Net foreign currency losses were $0.5 million in 2019 compared to gains of $18 million in 2018. The foreign currency gain in 2018 was mainly a result of the strengthening U.S. dollar.
Other costs and expenses represent general and administrative expenses of the parent company and other expenses not allocated to business segments, including the cost of certain long-term incentive plans and new business ventures. Other costs and expenses decreased to $48 million in 2019 from $54 million in 2018, primarily due to non-recurring performance-based compensation costs.
Expenses from Non-Insurance Businesses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses represent costs associated with businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions and aviation-related businesses that include (i) cost of goods sold related to aircraft and products sold and services provided, and (ii) general and administrative expenses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses were $88 million in 2019 compared to $75 million in 2018. The increase mainly relates to expenses from a business purchased in the second half of 2018.


Interest Expense. Interest expense was $41 million in 2019 compared with $40 million in 2018. In March 2018, the Company issued $175 million aggregate principal amount of 5.70% subordinated debentures due 2058, and in April 2018, the Company issued another $10 million principal amount of such debentures. Additionally in 2018, the Company issued subsidiary debt of $116 million, which was primarily attributable to a non-recourse mortgage loan on a real estate property in Florida.
Income Taxes. The effective income tax credits are realized, would be payablerate was 20.6% in 2019 and 21.1% in 2018. The effective income tax rate differs from the federal income tax rate of 21% primarily because of tax-exempt income and tax on suchincome from foreign jurisdictions with different tax rates.
The Company has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings and would be reflected in the tax provision for the year in whichof approximately $89 million of its non-U.S. subsidiaries since these earnings are no longer intended to be permanently reinvested in the foreign subsidiary.non-U.S. subsidiaries. In the future, if such earnings were distributed the Company projects that the incremental tax, if any, will be immaterial.









Investments
As part of its investment strategy, the Company establishes a level of cash and highly liquid short-term and intermediate-term securities that, combined with expected cash flow, it believes is adequate to meet its payment obligations. Due to the historically low fixed maturity investment returns, the Company invests in equity securities, merger arbitrage securities, investment funds, private equity, loans and real estate related assets. The Company's investments in investment funds and its other alternative investments have experienced, and the Company expects to continue to experience, greater fluctuations in investment income.
The Company also attempts to maintain an appropriate relationship between the average duration of the investment portfolio and the approximate duration of its liabilities (i.e., policy claims and debt obligations). The average duration of the fixed maturity portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, was 2.92.6 years at SeptemberJune 30, 2017, down from 3.12019 and 2.8 years at December 31, 2016.2018. The Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio and investment-related assets as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 were as follows:
($ in thousands)
Carrying
Value
 
Percent
of Total
Carrying
Value
 
Percent
of Total
Fixed maturity securities:      
U.S. government and government agency$411,605
 2.2%
U.S. government and government agencies$777,070
 3.9%
State and municipal:      
Special revenue2,829,795
 15.4
2,402,349
 12.2
Local general obligation464,109
 2.4
State general obligation537,537
 2.9
381,719
 2.0
Local general obligation415,635
 2.3
Pre-refunded (1)324,068
 1.7
Corporate backed391,627
 2.1
244,745
 1.3
Pre-refunded (1)303,947
 1.8
Total state and municipal4,478,541
 24.4
3,816,990
 19.6
Mortgage-backed securities:      
Agency832,993
 4.5
902,565
 4.6
Residential-Prime335,938
 1.7
Commercial251,578
 1.4
309,781
 1.6
Residential-Prime226,274
 1.2
Residential-Alt A23,298
 0.2
36,962
 0.2
Total mortgage-backed securities1,334,143
 7.2
1,585,246
 8.1
Asset-backed securities2,388,618
 13.0
2,701,785
 13.9
Corporate:      
Industrial2,636,885
 14.4
2,230,207
 11.4
Financial1,374,021
 7.5
1,453,723
 7.5
Utilities267,331
 1.5
324,322
 1.7
Other42,137
 0.2
28,033
 0.1
Total corporate4,320,374
 23.6
4,036,285
 20.7
Foreign government and foreign government agencies940,409
 5.1
815,424
 4.2
Total fixed maturity securities13,873,690
 75.7
13,732,800
 70.4
Equity securities available for sale:   
Equity securities:   
Preferred stocks276,362
 1.4
Common stocks419,520
 2.3
140,226
 0.7
Preferred stocks194,505
 1.1
Total equity securities available for sale614,025
 3.4
Total equity securities416,588
 2.1
Real estate1,391,274
 7.5
2,067,544
 10.6
Investment funds1,119,907
 6.0
1,401,571
 7.2
Cash and cash equivalents773,997
 4.2
1,258,174
 6.5
Arbitrage trading account488,238
 2.7
533,442
 2.7
Loans receivable74,229
 0.5
94,697
 0.5
Total investments$18,335,360
 100.0%$19,504,816
 100.0%
________________________
(1) Pre-refunded securities are securities for which an escrow account has been established to fund the remaining payments of principal and interest through maturity. Such escrow accounts are funded almost exclusively with U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agency securities.


Fixed Maturity Securities. The Company’s investment policy with respect to fixed maturity securities is generally to purchase instruments with the expectation of holding them to their maturity. However, management of the available for sale


portfolio is considered necessary to maintain an approximate matching of assets and liabilities as well as to adjust the portfolio as a result of changes in financial market conditions and tax considerations.
The Company’s philosophy related to holding or selling fixed maturity securities is based on its objective of maximizing total return. The key factors that management considers in its investment decisions as to whether to hold or sell fixed maturity securities are its view of the underlying fundamentals of specific securities as well as its expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads and currency values. In a period in which management expects interest rates to rise, the Company may sell longer duration securities in order to mitigate the impact of an interest rate rise on the fair value of the portfolio. Similarly, in a period in which management expects credit spreads to widen, the Company may sell lower quality securities, and in a period in which management expects certain foreign currencies to decline in value, the Company may sell securities denominated in those foreign currencies. The sale of fixed maturity securities in order to achieve the objective of maximizing total return may result in realized gains; however, there is no reason to expect these gains to continue in future periods.
At September 30, 2017, investments in foreign government fixed maturity securities (which are generally held by the Company's foreign operations) were as follows:
(In thousands)Carrying Value
Argentina$259,720
Australia217,397
Canada175,816
United Kingdom84,894
Brazil53,547
Germany48,794
Supranational (1)40,591
Singapore25,326
Norway9,930
Mexico9,490
Colombia7,696
Uruguay7,208
 Total$940,409
________
(1) Supranational represents investments in the North American Development Bank, European Investment Bank and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Equity Securities. Equity securities primarily represent investments in common and preferred stocks in companies with potential growth opportunities in different sectors, including healthcare andmainly in the financial institutions.institutions sector.
Investment Funds. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the carrying value of investment funds was $1,120$1,402 million, including investments in other funds of $672 million, real estate funds of $615$655 million, and energy funds of $86 million, and other funds of $419$75 million. Investment funds are generally reported on a one-quarter lag.
Real Estate. Real estate is directly owned property held for investment. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, real estate properties in operation included a long-term ground lease in Washington D.C., a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, antwo office complexcomplexes in New York City, and office buildings in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, Florida. In addition, there are two properties under development:Florida, and an office building in London andLondon. In addition, there is a mixed-use project in Washington D.C. under development. The Company expects to fund further development costs for these projectsthe project with a combination of its own funds and external financing.
Arbitrage Trading Account. The arbitrage trading account is comprised of direct investments in arbitrage securities. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies that are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers.
Loans Receivable. Loans receivable, which are carried at amortized cost, had an aggregate cost of $74$95 million and an aggregate fair value of $77$97 million at SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019. The amortized cost of loans receivable is net of a valuation allowance of $3$2 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019. Loans receivable include real estate loans of $59$62 million that are secured by commercial real estate located primarily in New York. Real estate loans receivable generally earn interest at floating LIBOR-based interest rates and have maturities (inclusive of extension options) through August 2025. Loans receivable include commercial loans of $15$33 million that are secured by business assets and have fixed interest rates and floating LIBOR-based interest rates with varying maturities not exceeding 10 years.


Market Risk. The fair value of the Company’s investments is subject to risks of fluctuations in credit quality and interest rates. The Company uses various models and stress test scenarios to monitor and manage interest rate risk. The Company attempts to manage its interest rate risk by maintaining an appropriate relationship between the effective duration of the investment portfolio and the approximate duration of its liabilities (i.e., policy claims and debt obligations). The effective duration for the fixed maturity portfolio (including cash and cash equivalents) was 2.92.6 years at SeptemberJune 30, 2017, down from 3.12019 and 2.8 years at December 31, 2016.2018.
In addition, the fair value of the Company’s international investments is subject to currency risk. The Company attempts to manage its currency risk by matching its foreign currency assets and liabilities where considered appropriate.







Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow. Cash flow provided from operating activities decreased to $522was $403 million in the first ninesix months of 20172019 as compared to $119 million from $727 millionoperating activities in the comparable period in 2016,first six months of 2018. The increase is primarily due to the timing ofan increase in net premium receipts and reduced loss and loss expense payments and payments to taxing authorities.payments.
The Company's insurance subsidiaries' principal sources of cash are premiums, investment income, service fees and proceeds from sales and maturities of portfolio investments. The principal uses of cash are payments for claims, taxes, operating expenses and dividends. The Company expects its insurance subsidiaries to fund the payment of losses with cash received from premiums, investment income and fees. The Company targets an average duration for its investment portfolio that is within one year of the average duration of its liabilities so that portions of its investment portfolio mature throughout the claim cycle and are available for the payment of claims if necessary. In the event operating cash flow and proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed income securities are not sufficient to fund claim payments and other cash requirements, the remainder of the Company's cash and investments is available to pay claims and other obligations as they become due. The Company's investment portfolio is highly liquid, with approximately 80%77% invested in cash, cash equivalents and marketable fixed maturity securities as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019. If the sale of fixed maturity securities were to become necessary, a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the cost and sales price of securities sold would be recognized.
Debt. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company had senior notes, subordinated debentures and other debt outstanding with a carrying value of $2,488$2,782 million and a face amount of $2,521$2,817 million. The maturities of the outstanding debt are $442$447 million in 2019, $302$306 million in 2020, $427 million in 2022, $102 million in 2028, $250 million in 2037, $350 million in 2044, $350 million in 2053, and $400 million in 2056.

In February 2016, the Company issued $110 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.9% subordinated debentures due 2056, and $185 million in May 2016, the Company issued $290 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.75% subordinated debentures due 2056. During 2017, the Company repaid $2 million of debt compared to $83 million of debt in 2016 mainly in connection with the sale of Areo Precision Industries.2058.
Equity. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, total common stockholders’ equity was $5.4$6.0 billion, common shares outstanding were 121,769,109183,168,398 and stockholders’ equity per outstanding share was $44.60. The Company repurchased 441,119 common shares for $28.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017.$32.63. The number of common shares outstanding excludes shares held in a grantor trust established by the Company for delivery upon settlement of vested but mandatorily deferred RSUs.
Total Capital.Total capitalization (equity, debt and subordinated debentures) was $7.9$8.8 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019. The percentage of the Company’s capital attributable to senior notes, subordinated debentures and other debt was 31%32% at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 33%34% at December 31, 2016.2018.


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


Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures.Procedures. The Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14 as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company has in place effective controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules thereunder, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.Reporting. During the quarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.





PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
Please see Note 2120 to the notes to the interim consolidated financial statements.





Item 1A.Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company's annual report on From 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2018.



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


Set forth below is a summaryThe Company did not repurchase any of theits shares repurchased by the Company during the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019, and accordingly the number of shares remaining authorized for purchase by the Company:
Company remains 8,911,397.
 Total number
of shares purchased
 Average price
paid per share
 Total number of shares purchased
as part of publicly announced plans or programs
 Maximum number of
shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
July 2017
 
 
 6,851,086
August 2017
 
 
 
10,000,000 (1)

September 2017441,119
 $64.333
 441,119
 9,558,881

(1) The Company's repurchase authorization was increased to 10,000,000 shares on August 8, 2017.



Item 6.Exhibits


Number   
Form of 2017 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement Under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2012 Stock Incentive Plan
 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a).
   
 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a).
   
 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.




SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
  
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
 
Date:November 8, 2017August 5, 2019/s/ W. Robert Berkley, Jr.
  W. Robert Berkley, Jr.
  President and Chief Executive Officer 
   
Date:November 8, 2017August 5, 2019/s/ Richard M. Baio
  Richard M. Baio
  Senior
Executive Vice President -
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer


48