UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED:
September 30, 2014March 31, 2015
 
Commission file number:
1-14527

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware 22-3263609
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
477 Martinsville Road
Post Office Box 830
Liberty Corner, New Jersey 07938-0830
(908) 604-3000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of registrant’s principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YESX NO 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

YESX NO 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  Accelerated filer 
 
Non-accelerated filer
X 
 
Smaller reporting company
 
(Do not check if smaller reporting company)  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES  NOX

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

  Number of Shares Outstanding
Class At NovemberMay 1, 20142015
Common Shares, $0.01 par value  1,000

The Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H (1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction H of Form 10-Q.

 
 

 
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

Table of Contents
Form 10-Q


Page
PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     
Item 1. Financial Statements 
     
  Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 (unaudited) and 
   December 31, 201320141
    
  Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the 
   three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2015 and 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)2
     
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity for the three and 
   nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2015 and 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)3
     
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended 
   September 30,March 31, 2015 and 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)4
     
  Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited)5
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
   Results of Operation2726
    
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk4338
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures4338
     

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings4339
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors4439
    
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds4439
    
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities4439
    
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures4439
    
Item 5. Other Information4439
    
Item 6. Exhibits4440

 
 

 
Part I
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 September 30, December 31, March 31,   December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share) 2014 2013 2015  2014 
 (unaudited)    (unaudited)    
ASSETS:            
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value $5,818,116  $5,201,921  $5,226,919  $5,293,411 
(amortized cost: 2014, $5,709,509; 2013, $5,116,600)        
(amortized cost: 2015, $5,108,085; 2014, $5,235,523)        
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value  18,426   19,388   363   1,509 
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2014, $15; 2013, $15)  16   13 
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2015, $15; 2014, $15)  16   16 
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value  1,195,257   1,298,940   1,350,070   1,299,037 
Short-term investments  659,017   757,162   559,947   564,364 
Other invested assets (cost: 2014, $405,734; 2013, $385,776)  405,734   385,776 
Other invested assets (cost: 2015, $440,616; 2014, $435,010)  440,616   435,010 
Other invested assets, at fair value  1,574,733   1,515,052   1,691,275   1,655,311 
Cash  275,418   316,807   267,487   323,975 
Total investments and cash  9,946,717   9,495,059   9,536,693   9,572,633 
Note receivable - affiliated  250,000   250,000 
Accrued investment income  50,173   50,306   47,856   45,386 
Premiums receivable  1,410,534   1,173,780   1,161,029   1,086,203 
Reinsurance receivables - unaffiliated  764,252   530,158   690,641   659,303 
Reinsurance receivables - affiliated  3,597,414   3,062,884   3,386,137   3,372,715 
Funds held by reinsureds  181,326   175,526   192,108   182,159 
Deferred acquisition costs  109,742   112,024   94,703   109,262 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums  870,981   673,753   791,245   809,083 
Other assets  295,679   247,505   257,876   235,576 
TOTAL ASSETS $17,226,818  $15,520,995  $16,408,288  $16,322,320 
                
LIABILITIES:                
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses $7,784,078  $7,653,229  $7,805,030  $7,843,856 
Unearned premium reserve  1,557,559   1,317,147   1,408,321   1,442,122 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties  98,979   92,514   107,444   101,743 
Losses in the course of payment  515,011   350,820   237,919   178,521 
Commission reserves  53,257   47,226   66,461   63,110 
Other net payable to reinsurers  1,379,033   1,026,292   972,196   1,028,549 
4.868% Senior notes due 6/1/2044  400,000   -   400,000   400,000 
5.4% Senior notes due 10/15/2014  249,998   249,958 
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067  238,363   238,361   238,365   238,364 
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings  18,312   4,781   12,341   3,537 
Income taxes  40,985   23,949   81,928   46,835 
Unsettled securities payable  64,624   53,772   27,206   41,092 
Other liabilities  273,505   272,468   350,540   361,874 
Total liabilities  12,673,704   11,330,517   11,707,751   11,749,603 
                
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)                
                
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:                
Common stock, par value: $0.01; 3,000 shares authorized;                
1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2014 and 2013)  -   - 
1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2015 and 2014)  -   - 
Additional paid-in capital  359,990   351,051   366,258   362,293 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense                
(benefit) of $51,996 at 2014 and $47,195 at 2013  96,564   87,648 
(benefit) of $6,693 at 2015 and $2,434 at 2014  12,430   4,519 
Retained earnings  4,096,560   3,751,779   4,321,849   4,205,905 
Total stockholder's equity  4,553,114   4,190,478   4,700,537   4,572,717 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY $17,226,818  $15,520,995  $16,408,288  $16,322,320 
                
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                

 
1

 
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended
 September 30, September 30, March 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2014 2013 2014 2013 2015 2014
 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
REVENUES:                  
Premiums earned $569,597  $523,521  $1,560,778  $1,461,549  $521,062  $470,445 
Net investment income  83,446   68,828   215,869   227,433   72,581   63,787 
Net realized capital gains (losses):                        
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities  -   -   (199)  -   (24,121)  - 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities                        
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Other net realized capital gains (losses)  (160)  208,426   121,103   533,758   45,417   (4,050)
Total net realized capital gains (losses)  (160)  208,426   120,904   533,758   21,296   (4,050)
Other income (expense)  (3,739)  5,012   (15,576)  5,095   15,833   (3,055)
Total revenues  649,144   805,787   1,881,975   2,227,835   630,772   527,127 
                        
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:                        
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses  380,580   307,121   980,143   909,661   308,880   278,046 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  79,168   71,560   240,584   215,047   96,531   76,094 
Other underwriting expenses  50,623   48,945   137,032   136,751   48,543   39,251 
Corporate expenses  4,620   1,516   5,398   5,353   1,609   1,302 
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  12,292   7,466   28,539   38,010   8,859   7,436 
Total claims and expenses  527,283   436,608   1,391,696   1,304,822   464,422   402,129 
                        
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  121,861   369,179   490,279   923,013   166,350   124,998 
Income tax expense (benefit)  21,720   125,426   145,498   308,347   50,406   38,532 
                        
NET INCOME (LOSS) $100,141  $243,753  $344,781  $614,666  $115,944  $86,466 
                        
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax :                        
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period  (26,221)  (7,102)  13,678   (91,289)  15,950   20,797 
Less: reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)  (696)  (1,124)  1,459   (2,640)  23,665   1,298 
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period  (26,917)  (8,226)  15,137   (93,929)  39,615   22,095 
                        
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (7,472)  (5,839)  (8,587)  (13,064)  (33,308)  (7,836)
                        
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) for the period  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)  825   1,470   2,366   4,161   1,604   771 
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period  825   1,470   2,366   4,161   1,604   771 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  (33,564)  (12,595)  8,916   (102,832)  7,911   15,030 
                        
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $66,577  $231,158  $353,697  $511,834  $123,855  $101,496 
                        
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                        

 
2

 
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

 
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended
 September 30, September 30, March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts) 2014 2013 2014 2013 2015 2014
 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
COMMON STOCK (shares outstanding):                  
Balance, beginning of period  1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000 
Balance, end of period  1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000 
                        
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:                        
Balance, beginning of period $357,537  $346,279  $351,051  $340,223  $362,293  $351,051 
Share-based compensation plans  2,453   2,620   8,939   8,676   3,965   3,394 
Balance, end of period  359,990   348,899   359,990   348,899   366,258   354,445 
                        
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),                        
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:                        
Balance, beginning of period  130,128   94,630   87,648   184,867   4,519   87,648 
Net increase (decrease) during the period  (33,564)  (12,595)  8,916   (102,832)  7,911   15,030 
Balance, end of period  96,564   82,035   96,564   82,035   12,430   102,678 
                        
RETAINED EARNINGS:                        
Balance, beginning of period  3,996,419   3,324,429   3,751,779   2,953,516   4,205,905   3,751,779 
Net income (loss)  100,141   243,753   344,781   614,666   115,944   86,466 
Balance, end of period  4,096,560   3,568,182   4,096,560   3,568,182   4,321,849   3,838,245 
                        
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD $4,553,114  $3,999,116  $4,553,114  $3,999,116  $4,700,537  $4,295,368 
                        
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                        

 
3

 
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended
 September 30, September 30, March 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2014 2013 2014 2013 2015 2014
 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                  
Net income (loss) $100,141  $243,753  $344,781  $614,666  $115,944  $86,466 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                     
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable  (154,853)  (185,115)  (237,390)  (382,658)  (78,969)  12,611 
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net  361   285   762   (12,201)  (4,707)  2,877 
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables  (409,980)  (91,047)  (778,374)  (177,199)  (68,311)  (279,364)
Decrease (increase) in income taxes  (24,615)  129,344   12,264   252,746   31,408   24,447 
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums  (98,231)  (78,068)  (198,306)  (132,217)  15,016   (47,040)
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses  142,529   (136,110)  150,411   (390,402)  20,927   (58,410)
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums  140,386   140,204   241,650   263,018   (28,224)  76,126 
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers  270,262   147,164   353,468   264,061   (52,400)  130,527 
Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment  12,569   182,448   164,072   417,982   60,419   101,869 
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships  (18,804)  (6,337)  (17,643)  (31,159)  (7,173)  3,143 
Distribution of limited partnership income  23,391   2,683   32,548   18,868   7,369   5,824 
Change in other assets and liabilities, net  49,157   19,626   (2,744)  7,875   35,494   (16,618)
Non-cash compensation expense  2,002   2,257   5,700   6,230   1,946   1,729 
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)  2,921   5,999   14,502   19,696   4,955   6,004 
Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes  15   14   43   41   1   14 
Net realized capital (gains) losses  160   (208,426)  (120,904)  (533,758)  (21,296)  4,050 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  37,411   168,674   (35,160)  205,589   32,399   54,255 
                        
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                        
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value  309,630   258,451   829,363   885,835   188,815   207,534 
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at fair value  -   -   875   7,213   -   875 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value  219,823   124,460   547,682   465,084   112,846   149,578 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value  3,092   1,056   23,855   18,398   1,236   20,763 
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value  111,684   95,174   404,627   450,020   133,960   176,116 
Distributions from other invested assets  26,583   3,973   41,854   47,576   10,797   9,828 
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value  (509,564)  (313,538)  (2,008,937)  (1,314,440)  (293,848)  (689,205)
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value  (22,375)  (2,092)  (23,684)  (4,798)  -   (1,309)
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value  (74,297)  (98,760)  (237,749)  (332,434)  (164,112)  (77,427)
Cost of other invested assets acquired  (43,953)  (3,320)  (76,717)  (11,828)  (16,600)  (4,961)
Net change in short-term investments  13,327   (86,361)  97,262   10,316   (860)  113,571 
Net change in unsettled securities transactions  (16,427)  16,401   (9,474)  (15,982)  (31,296)  (8,812)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  17,523   (4,556)  (411,043)  204,960   (59,062)  (103,449)
                        
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                        
Tax benefit from share-based compensation  451   363   3,239   2,446   2,020   1,665 
Revolving credit borrowings  -   (40,000)  -   - 
Net cost of junior subordinated debt securities redemption  -   -   -   (329,897)
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes  -   -   400,000   - 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  451   (39,637)  403,239   (327,451)  2,020   1,665 
                        
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH  (7,000)  (9,240)  1,575   (23,945)  (31,845)  3,987 
                        
Net increase (decrease) in cash  48,385   115,241   (41,389)  59,153   (56,488)  (43,542)
Cash, beginning of period  227,033   291,632   316,807   347,720   323,975   316,807 
Cash, end of period $275,418  $406,873  $275,418  $406,873  $267,487  $273,265 
                        
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:                        
Income taxes paid (recovered) $45,202  $(4,345) $129,608  $49,050  $18,077  $12,474 
Interest paid  -   72   14,719   23,054   -   42 
                        
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                        

 
4

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2015 and 2014 and 2013

1.       GENERAL

As used in this document, “Holdings” means Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., a Delaware company and direct subsidiary of Everest Underwriting Group (Ireland) Limited (“Holdings Ireland”); “Group” means Everest Re Group, Ltd. (Holdings Ireland’s parent); “Bermuda Re” means Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd., a subsidiary of Group; “Everest Re” means Everest Reinsurance Company and its subsidiaries, a subsidiary of Holdings (unless the context otherwise requires); “Mt. Logan Re” means Mt. Logan Re Ltd., a subsidiary of Group; and the “Company” means Holdings and its subsidiaries.

2.       BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2015 and 2014 and 2013 include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results on an interim basis.  Certain financial information, which is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), has been omitted since it is not required for interim reporting purposes. The December 31, 20132014 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.  The results for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2015 and 2014 and 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 20112012 included in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K filing.

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Certain reclassifications and format changes have been made to prior years’ amounts to conform to the 2014 presentation.  One reclassification relates to a correction in the manner in which the Company reports distributions received from limited partnership investments in the consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  Prior to the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company incorrectly reflected all distributions as cash flows from investing activities in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  Starting with the fourth quarter of 2013, cash distributions from the limited partnerships that represent net investment income are reflected as cash flows from operating activities and distributions that represent the return of capital contributions are reflected as cash flows from investing activities.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, $2,683 thousand and $18,868 thousand, respectively, have been reclassified from “Distributions from other invested assets” included in cash flows  from investing activities to “Distribution of limited partnership income” included in cash flows from operations.  The Company has determined that this error is not material to the financial statements of any prior period.

Application of Recently Issued Accounting Standard Changes

Presentation of Comprehensive Income. In June 2011, FASBNo accounting standards or guidance have been issued amendments to existing guidance to provide two alternatives forrecently that would have a material impact on the presentation of comprehensive income. Components of net income and comprehensive income can either be presented within a single, continuousCompany’s financial statementstatements or be presented in two separate but consecutive financial statements.  The Company has chosen to present the components of net income and comprehensive income in a single, continuous financial statement.  The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company implemented this guidance as of January 1, 2012.  In February, 2013, the FASB issued an additional amendment for the presentation of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component.  The Company implemented the proposed guidance as of January 1, 2013.process.

 
5

 
Treatment of Insurance Contract Acquisition Costs. In October 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for the accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts.  The guidance identifies the incremental direct costs of contract acquisition and costs directly related to acquisition activities that should be capitalized.  This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company implemented this guidance as of January 1, 2012 and determined that $7,215 thousand of previously deferrable acquisition costs would be expensed, including $5,818 thousand and $1,397 thousand expensed in the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.  No additional expense will be incurred related to this guidance implementation in future periods.

3.       INVESTMENTS

The amortized cost, market value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of available for sale, fixed maturity, and equity security investments, carried at market value and other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) are as follows for the periods indicated:

 At September 30, 2014  At March 31, 2015
 Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market  Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market  OTTI in AOCI 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value  Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value  (a) 
Fixed maturity securities                           
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                           
U.S. government agencies and corporations $519,888  $698  $(815) $519,771  $174,065  $3,541  $(83) $177,523  $- 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  792,193   43,524   (994)  834,723   750,672   39,084   (914)  788,842   - 
Corporate securities  2,010,245   41,864   (21,510)  2,030,599   1,941,982   53,670   (24,416)  1,971,236   - 
Asset-backed securities  91,583   821   (87)  92,317   115,357   826   (96)  116,087   - 
Mortgage-backed securities                                    
Commercial  40,935   2,750   (1)  43,684   55,527   2,752   -   58,279   - 
Agency residential  626,511   6,873   (6,842)  626,542   568,152   8,658   (1,449)  575,361   - 
Non-agency residential  307   51   -   358   240   37   -   277   - 
Foreign government securities  544,947   26,458   (4,274)  567,131   459,079   30,882   (7,684)  482,277   - 
Foreign corporate securities  1,082,900   27,586   (7,495)  1,102,991   1,043,011   41,601   (27,575)  1,057,037   - 
Total fixed maturity securities $5,709,509  $150,625  $(42,018) $5,818,116  $5,108,085  $181,051  $(62,217) $5,226,919  $- 
Equity securities $15  $1  $-  $16  $15  $1  $-  $16  $- 


 At December 31, 2013  At December 31, 2014
 Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market  Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market  OTTI in AOCI 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value  Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value  (a) 
Fixed maturity securities                           
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                           
U.S. government agencies and corporations $72,211  $420  $(946) $71,685  $135,724  $1,416  $(304) $136,836  $- 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  970,735   40,815   (9,022)  1,002,528   783,129   41,969   (626)  824,472   - 
Corporate securities  1,669,553   45,355   (12,493)  1,702,415   1,992,200   39,954   (53,219)  1,978,935   (9,735)
Asset-backed securities  38,544   1,065   -   39,609   94,470   727   (374)  94,823   - 
Mortgage-backed securities                                    
Commercial  34,855   3,811   -   38,666   57,027   2,292   (51)  59,268   - 
Agency residential  709,589   6,331   (18,521)  697,399   596,140   6,697   (4,720)  598,117   - 
Non-agency residential  859   113   (33)  939   271   44   -   315   - 
Foreign government securities  654,029   28,739   (7,941)  674,827   515,016   27,415   (5,344)  537,087   - 
Foreign corporate securities  966,225   23,227   (15,599)  973,853   1,061,546   27,832   (25,820)  1,063,558   - 
Total fixed maturity securities $5,116,600  $149,876  $(64,555) $5,201,921  $5,235,523  $148,346  $(90,458) $5,293,411  $(9,735)
Equity securities $15  $-  $(2) $13  $15  $1  $-  $16  $- 

The $567,131 thousand of foreign government securities at September 30, 2014 included $73,825 thousand of European sovereign securities.  Approximately 52.9%, 16.8%, 8.4%, 8.1% and 5.4% of European Sovereign Securities represented securities held in the governments of France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, respectively.  No other countries represented more than 5% of the European sovereign securities.  The Company held no sovereign securities of Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece or Spain at September 30, 2014.
(a)   Represents the amount of OTTI recognized in AOCI.  Amount includes unrealized gains and losses on impaired securities relating to changes in the value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.

 
6

 
In accordance with FASB guidance, the Company reclassified the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments from retained earnings into accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), on April 1, 2009.  As of September 30, 2014, all of the previously reclassified securities have either matured or have been sold.

The amortized cost and market value of fixed maturity securities are shown in the following table by contractual maturity. Mortgage-backed securities are generally more likely to be prepaid than other fixed maturity securities. As the stated maturity of such securities may not be indicative of actual maturities, the totals for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are shown separately.

 At September 30, 2014  At December 31, 2013  At March 31, 2015  At December 31, 2014 
 Amortized  Market  Amortized  Market  Amortized  Market  Amortized  Market 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Value  Cost  Value  Cost  Value  Cost  Value 
Fixed maturity securities – available for sale                        
Due in one year or less $452,064  $451,138  $462,133  $463,674  $353,025  $352,544  $385,721  $384,022 
Due after one year through five years  2,786,968   2,812,874   2,251,169   2,300,475   2,447,447   2,468,119   2,387,533   2,369,917 
Due after five years through ten years  1,066,319   1,077,855   988,896   1,000,053   921,195   943,216   1,025,221   1,029,077 
Due after ten years  644,822   713,348   630,555   661,106   647,142   713,036   689,140   757,872 
Asset-backed securities  91,583   92,317   38,544   39,609   115,357   116,087   94,470   94,823 
Mortgage-backed securities                                
Commercial  40,935   43,684   34,855   38,666   55,527   58,279   57,027   59,268 
Agency residential  626,511   626,542   709,589   697,399   568,152   575,361   596,140   598,117 
Non-agency residential  307   358   859   939   240   277   271   315 
Total fixed maturity securities $5,709,509  $5,818,116  $5,116,600  $5,201,921  $5,108,085  $5,226,919  $5,235,523  $5,293,411 


The changes in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the Company’s investments are derived from the following sources for the periods as indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost                  
of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon:                  
Fixed maturity securities $(41,410) $(12,657) $23,285  $(144,110) $51,211  $33,993 
Fixed maturity securities, other-than-temporary impairment  -   -   -   (399)  9,735   - 
Equity securities  1   1   3   2 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax  (41,409)  (12,656)  23,288   (144,507)  60,946   33,993 
Deferred tax benefit (expense)  14,492   4,430   (8,151)  50,438   (17,924)  (11,898)
Deferred tax benefit (expense), other-than-temporary impairment  -   -   -   140   (3,407)  - 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation),                        
net of deferred taxes, included in stockholder's equity $(26,917) $(8,226) $15,137  $(93,929) $39,615  $22,095 


The Company frequently reviews all of its fixed maturity, available for sale securities for declines in market value and focuses its attention on securities whose fair value has fallen below 80% of their amortized cost at the time of review.  The Company then assesses whether the decline in value is temporary or other-than-temporary.  In making its assessment, the Company evaluates the current market and interest rate environment as well as specific issuer information.  Generally, a change in a security’s value caused by a change in the market, interest rate or foreign exchange environment does not constitute an other-than-temporary impairment, but rather a temporary decline in market value.  Temporary declines in market value are recorded as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  If the Company determines that the decline is other-than-temporary and the Company does not have the intent to sell the security; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value.  The fair value adjustment that is credit or foreign exchange related is recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The fair value adjustment that is non-credit related is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  The Company’s assessments are based on the issuers current and expected future financial position,

7

timeliness with respect to interest and/or principal payments, speed of repayments and any applicable credit enhancements or breakeven constant default rates on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, as well as relevant information provided by rating agencies, investment advisors and analysts.

7

The majority of the Company’s equity securities available for sale at market value are primarily comprised of mutual fund investments whose underlying securities consist of fixed maturity securities.  When a fund’s value reflects an unrealized loss, the Company assesses whether the decline in value is temporary or other-than-temporary.  In making its assessment, the Company considers the composition of its portfolios and their related markets, reports received from the portfolio managers and discussions with portfolio managers.  If the Company determines that the declines are temporary and it has the ability and intent to continue to hold the investments, then the declines are recorded as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  If declines are deemed to be other-than-temporary, then the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value and recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Retrospective adjustments are employed to recalculate the values of asset-backed securities. All of the Company’s asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities have a pass-through structure. Each acquisition lot is reviewed to recalculate the effective yield. The recalculated effective yield is used to derive a book value as if the new yield were applied at the time of acquisition. Outstanding principal factors from the time of acquisition to the adjustment date are used to calculate the prepayment history for all applicable securities. Conditional prepayment rates, computed with life to date factor histories and weighted average maturities, are used in the calculation of projected prepayments for pass-through security types.

The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, in each case subdivided according to length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated:

 Duration of Unrealized Loss at September 30, 2014 By Security Type  Duration of Unrealized Loss at March 31, 2015 By Security Type 
 Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
    Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross 
    Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale                                    
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                                    
U.S. government agencies and corporations $35,516  $(190) $24,483  $(625) $59,999  $(815) $200  $(1) $2,043  $(82) $2,243  $(83)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  18,198   (426)  36,680   (568)  54,878   (994)  26,973   (579)  18,171   (335)  45,144   (914)
Corporate securities  925,037   (16,140)  185,950   (5,370)  1,110,987   (21,510)  362,527   (22,140)  153,423   (2,276)  515,950   (24,416)
Asset-backed securities  30,208   (87)  -   -   30,208   (87)  43,245   (96)  -   -   43,245   (96)
Mortgage-backed securities                                                
Commercial  10,365   (1)  -   -   10,365   (1)  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Agency residential  35,576   (108)  299,229   (6,734)  334,805   (6,842)  10,595   (33)  192,684   (1,416)  203,279   (1,449)
Non-agency residential  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Foreign government securities  51,430   (349)  76,092   (3,925)  127,522   (4,274)  60,663   (3,273)  46,741   (4,411)  107,404   (7,684)
Foreign corporate securities  186,212   (1,863)  149,756   (5,632)  335,968   (7,495)  133,917   (25,626)  47,221   (1,949)  181,138   (27,575)
Total fixed maturity securities $1,292,542  $(19,164) $772,190  $(22,854) $2,064,732  $(42,018) $638,120  $(51,748) $460,283  $(10,469) $1,098,403  $(62,217)
Equity securities  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total $1,292,542  $(19,164) $772,190  $(22,854) $2,064,732  $(42,018) $638,120  $(51,748) $460,283  $(10,469) $1,098,403  $(62,217)


 Duration of Unrealized Loss at September 30, 2014 By Maturity  Duration of Unrealized Loss at March 31, 2015 By Maturity 
 Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
    Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross 
    Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities                                    
Due in one year or less $8,185  $(37) $69,568  $(5,163) $77,753  $(5,200) $19,187  $(1,716) $24,224  $(2,820) $43,411  $(4,536)
Due in one year through five years  714,621   (10,537)  274,095   (7,104)  988,716   (17,641)  307,725   (40,128)  165,952   (4,376)  473,677   (44,504)
Due in five years through ten years  464,811   (7,784)  85,723   (2,579)  550,534   (10,363)  222,882   (9,192)  56,606   (1,070)  279,488   (10,262)
Due after ten years  28,776   (610)  43,575   (1,274)  72,351   (1,884)  34,486   (583)  20,817   (787)  55,303   (1,370)
Asset-backed securities  30,208   (87)  -   -   30,208   (87)  43,245   (96)  -   -   43,245   (96)
Mortgage-backed securities  45,941   (109)  299,229   (6,734)  345,170   (6,843)  10,595   (33)  192,684   (1,416)  203,279   (1,449)
Total fixed maturity securities $1,292,542  $(19,164) $772,190  $(22,854) $2,064,732  $(42,018) $638,120  $(51,748) $460,283  $(10,469) $1,098,403  $(62,217)

8

The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 were $2,064,732$1,098,403 thousand and $42,018$62,217 thousand, respectively.  The market value of securities for the single issuer whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at September 30, 2014,March 31, 2015, did not exceed 0.7%0.5% of the overall market value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector.  The $19,164$51,748 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were primarily comprised of foreign and domestic corporate securities and foreign corporategovernment securities.  OfThe majority of these unrealized losses $3,452are attributable to unrealized losses in the energy sector, $36,644 thousand, were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating

8

organization.as falling oil prices disrupted the market values for this sector, particularly for oil exploration, production and servicing companies and unrealized foreign exchange losses, $13,713 thousand, as the U.S. dollar has strengthened against other currencies. The $22,854$10,469 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to agency residential mortgage-backedforeign government securities, foreigndomestic and domesticforeign corporate securities and foreign governmentagency residential mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $21,240$9,180 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The Company did not have any sub-prime or alt-A loans with gross unrealized depreciation at September 30, 2014.March 31, 2015.  In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations.  The mortgage-backed securities still have excess credit coverage and are current on interest and principal payments.

The Company, given the size of its investment portfolio and capital position, does not have the intent to sell these securities; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.  In addition, all securities currently in an unrealized loss position are current with respect to principal and interest payments.

The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, in each case subdivided according to length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated:
  Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2013 By Security Type 
  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
     Gross     Gross     Gross 
     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale                  
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                  
U.S. government agencies and corporations $39,274  $(302) $8,751  $(644) $48,025  $(946)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  92,760   (4,852)  39,689   (4,170)  132,449   (9,022)
Corporate securities  388,721   (8,981)  56,156   (3,512)  444,877   (12,493)
Asset-backed securities  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Mortgage-backed securities                        
Commercial  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Agency residential  381,149   (14,084)  131,504   (4,437)  512,653   (18,521)
Non-agency residential  -   -   202   (33)  202   (33)
Foreign government securities  100,984   (5,255)  29,174   (2,686)  130,158   (7,941)
Foreign corporate securities  321,933   (11,394)  66,715   (4,205)  388,648   (15,599)
Total fixed maturity securities $1,324,821  $(44,868) $332,191  $(19,687) $1,657,012  $(64,555)
Equity securities  13   (2)  -   -   13   (2)
Total $1,324,834  $(44,870) $332,191  $(19,687) $1,657,025  $(64,557)

  Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2013 By Maturity 
  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
     Gross     Gross     Gross 
     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities                  
Due in one year or less $17,315  $(1,273) $31,679  $(4,132) $48,994  $(5,405)
Due in one year through five years  425,627   (8,982)  111,150   (5,647)  536,777   (14,629)
Due in five years through ten years  312,341   (10,408)  14,865   (663)  327,206   (11,071)
Due after ten years  188,389   (10,121)  42,791   (4,775)  231,180   (14,896)
Asset-backed securities  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Mortgage-backed securities  381,149   (14,084)  131,706   (4,470)  512,855   (18,554)
Total fixed maturity securities $1,324,821  $(44,868) $332,191  $(19,687) $1,657,012  $(64,555)
  Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2014 By Security Type 
  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
     Gross     Gross     Gross 
     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale                  
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                  
U.S. government agencies and corporations $13,187  $(20) $26,897  $(284) $40,084  $(304)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  20,428   (242)  18,199   (384)  38,627   (626)
Corporate securities  830,928   (48,891)  171,207   (4,328)  1,002,135   (53,219)
Asset-backed securities  62,451   (374)  -   -   62,451   (374)
Mortgage-backed securities                        
Commercial  11,742   (51)  -   -   11,742   (51)
Agency residential  24,230   (59)  267,824   (4,661)  292,054   (4,720)
Non-agency residential  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Foreign government securities  45,521   (913)  53,086   (4,431)  98,607   (5,344)
Foreign corporate securities  228,733   (21,704)  117,713   (4,116)  346,446   (25,820)
Total fixed maturity securities $1,237,220  $(72,254) $654,926  $(18,204) $1,892,146  $(90,458)
Equity securities  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total $1,237,220  $(72,254) $654,926  $(18,204) $1,892,146  $(90,458)

 
9

 
  Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2014 By Maturity 
  Less than 12 months  Greater than 12 months  Total 
     Gross     Gross     Gross 
     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
(Dollars in thousands) Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation  Market Value  Depreciation 
Fixed maturity securities                  
Due in one year or less $12,858  $(550) $53,528  $(4,224) $66,386  $(4,774)
Due in one year through five years  622,137   (51,262)  243,192   (6,306)  865,329   (57,568)
Due in five years through ten years  467,187   (18,958)  66,630   (2,018)  533,817   (20,976)
Due after ten years  36,615   (1,000)  23,752   (995)  60,367   (1,995)
Asset-backed securities  62,451   (374)  -   -   62,451   (374)
Mortgage-backed securities  35,972   (110)  267,824   (4,661)  303,796   (4,771)
Total fixed maturity securities $1,237,220  $(72,254) $654,926  $(18,204) $1,892,146  $(90,458)


The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 20132014 were $1,657,025$1,892,146 thousand and $64,557$90,458 thousand, respectively.  The market value of securities for the single issuer whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at December 31, 2013,2014, did not exceed 0.9%0.3% of the overall market value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector.  The $44,868$72,254 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were primarily comprised of domestic and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities, agency residential mortgage-backed securities as well as state and municipal securities.  OfThe majority of these unrealized losses $38,527are attributable to unrealized losses in the energy sector, $53,772 thousand, were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.as falling oil prices disrupted the market values for this sector, particularly for oil exploration, production and servicing companies during the fourth quarter of 2014 and unrealized foreign exchange losses, $7,298 thousand, as the U.S. dollar has strengthened against other currencies. The $19,687$18,204 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to domestic and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities, agency residential mortgage-backed securities, as well as stateforeign and municipaldomestic corporate securities and foreign government securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $18,867$16,680 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The Company did not have any sub-prime or alt-A loans with gross unrealized depreciation for mortgage-backed securities included $33 thousand related to sub-prime and alt-A loans.at December 31, 2014.  In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations.  The mortgage-backed securities still have excess credit coverage and are current on interest and principal payments.

Other invested assets, at fair value, isare comprised of common shares of the Company’s ultimate parent, Group.  At September 30, 2014,March 31, 2015, the Company held 9,719,971 shares of Group representing 17.7%18.0% of the total outstanding shares.

The components of net investment income are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Fixed maturities $52,515  $52,098  $157,515  $159,363  $47,972  $51,079 
Equity securities  7,966   8,390   26,083   27,235   8,742   8,937 
Short-term investments and cash  196   302   841   705   164   186 
Other invested assets                        
Limited partnerships  19,254   6,569   18,862   32,109   7,379   (3,087)
Dividends from Parent's shares  7,290   4,666   21,870   13,997   9,234   7,290 
Other  869   1,056   3,220   5,311   625   2,021 
Gross investment income before adjustments  88,090   73,081   228,391   238,720   74,116   66,426 
Funds held interest income (expense)  970   746   4,262   4,182   2,521   2,109 
Interest income from Parent  1,075   - 
Gross investment income  89,060   73,827   232,653   242,902   77,712   68,535 
Investment expenses  (5,614)  (4,999)  (16,784)  (15,469)  (5,131)  (4,748)
Net investment income $83,446  $68,828  $215,869  $227,433  $72,581  $63,787 

10

The Company records results from limited partnership investments on the equity method of accounting with changes in value reported through net investment income. Due to the timing of receiving financial information from these partnerships, the results are generally reported on a one month or quarter lag.  If the Company determines there has been a significant decline in value of a limited partnership during this lag period, a loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.

The Company had contractual commitments to invest up to an additional $227,589$237,637 thousand in limited partnerships at September 30, 2014.March 31, 2015.  These commitments will be funded when called in accordance with the partnership agreements, which have investment periods that expire, unless extended, through 2019.2020.

10

The components of net realized capital gains (losses) are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Fixed maturity securities, market value:                  
Other-than-temporary impairments $-  $-  $(199) $-  $(24,121) $- 
Gains (losses) from sales  1,070   1,730   (1,855)  4,062   (11,518)  (1,997)
Fixed maturity securities, fair value:                        
Gain (losses) from sales  82   37   1,022   127 
Gains (losses) from sales  28   940 
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  (938)  578   (938)  (1,004)  62   - 
Equity securities, fair value:                        
Gains (losses) from sales  (2,589)  1,594   (2,204)  25,565   (65)  (1,336)
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  (12,559)  37,789   65,399   160,323   20,946   25,753 
Other invested assets, fair value:                        
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  14,775   166,697   59,681   344,670   35,964   (27,410)
Short-term investment gains (losses)  (1)  1   (2)  15   -   - 
Total net realized capital gains (losses) $(160) $208,426  $120,904  $533,758  $21,296  $(4,050)


The Company recorded as net realized capital gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) both fair value re-measurements and write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis as displayed in the table above.  The Company had no other-than-temporary impaired securities where the impairment had both a credit and non-credit component.

The proceeds and split between gross gains and losses, from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities $222,915  $125,516  $571,537  $483,482  $114,082  $170,341 
Gross gains from sales  4,408   3,446   10,698   12,123   2,542   2,475 
Gross losses from sales  (3,256)  (1,679)  (11,531)  (7,934)  (14,032)  (3,532)
                        
Proceeds from sales of equity securities $111,684  $95,174  $404,627  $450,020  $133,960  $176,116 
Gross gains from sales  1,697   3,746   12,019   33,151   5,142   6,588 
Gross losses from sales  (4,286)  (2,152)  (14,223)  (7,586)  (5,207)  (7,924)

 
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4.       FAIR VALUE

The Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities are primarily managed by third party investment asset managers.  The investment asset managers obtain prices from nationally recognized pricing services.   These services seek to utilize market data and observations in their evaluation process.  They use pricing applications that vary by asset class and incorporate available market information and when fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis the services will apply available information through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing.  In addition, they use model processes, such as the Option Adjusted Spread model to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios for securities that have prepayment features.

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In limited instances where prices are not provided by pricing services or in rare instances when a manager may not agree with the pricing service, price quotes on a non-binding basis are obtained from investment brokers.  The investment asset managers do not make any changes to prices received from either the pricing services or the investment brokers.  In addition, the investment asset managers have procedures in place to review the reasonableness of the prices from the service providers and may request verification of the prices.  In addition, the Company continually performs analytical reviews of price changes and tests the prices on a random basis to an independent pricing source.   No material variances were noted during these price validation procedures.  In limited situations, where financial markets are inactive or illiquid, the Company may use its own assumptions about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates to determine fair value.  TheDue to the unavailability of prices for one private placement security, the Company valued the security at $6,125 thousand at March 31, 2015 and made no such adjustments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.2014.

The Company internally manages a small public equity portfolio which had a fair value at September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2013,2014 of $90,124$103,866 thousand and $88,338$96,890 thousand, respectively, and all prices were obtained from publically published sources.

Equity securities in U.S. denominated currency are categorized as Level 1, Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, since the securities are actively traded on an exchange and prices are based on quoted prices from the exchange.  Equity securities traded on foreign exchanges are categorized as Level 2 due to potential foreign exchange adjustments to fair or market value.

Fixed maturity securities are generally categorized as Level 2, Significant Other Observable Inputs, since a particular security may not have traded but the pricing services are able to use valuation models with observable market inputs such as interest rate yield curves and prices for similar fixed maturity securities in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable (including assumptions about risk) are categorized as Level 3, Significant Unobservable Inputs.  These securities include broker priced securities.

As of September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2013,2014, all Level 3 fixed maturity securities, except the one security priced by the Company, were priced using single non-binding broker quotes since prices for these securities were not provided by normal pricing service companies.  The single broker quotes are provided by market makers or broker-dealers who are recognized as market participants in the markets in which they are providing the quotes.  The prices received from brokers are reviewed for reasonableness by the third party asset managers and the Company.

Other invested assets, at fair value, are categorized as Level 1, Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, since the securities are shares of the Company’s parent, which are actively traded on an exchange and the price is based on a quoted price.

 
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The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the period indicated:


     Fair Value Measurement Using: 
     Quoted Prices       
     in Active  Significant    
     Markets for  Other  Significant 
     Identical  Observable  Unobservable 
     Assets  Inputs  Inputs 
(Dollars in thousands) March 31, 2015 (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:            
Fixed maturities, market value            
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of            
U.S. government agencies and corporations $177,523  $-  $177,523  $- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  788,842   -   788,842   - 
Corporate securities  1,971,236   -   1,968,583   2,653 
Asset-backed securities  116,087   -   116,087   - 
Mortgage-backed securities           ��    
Commercial  58,279   -   58,279   - 
Agency residential  575,361   -   575,361   - 
Non-agency residential  277   -   277   - 
Foreign government securities  482,277   -   482,277   - 
Foreign corporate securities  1,057,037   -   1,050,912   6,125 
Total fixed maturities, market value  5,226,919   -   5,218,141   8,778 
                 
Fixed maturities, fair value  363   -   363   - 
Equity securities, market value  16   16   -   - 
Equity securities, fair value  1,350,070   1,236,565   113,505   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  1,691,275   1,691,275   -   - 
     Fair Value Measurement Using: 
     Quoted Prices       
     in Active  Significant    
     Markets for  Other  Significant 
     Identical  Observable  Unobservable 
     Assets  Inputs  Inputs 
(Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2014 (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:            
Fixed maturities, market value            
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of            
U.S. government agencies and corporations $519,771  $-  $519,771  $- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  834,723   -   834,723   - 
Corporate securities  2,030,599   -   2,029,283   1,316 
Asset-backed securities  92,317   -   72,041   20,276 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  43,684   -   43,684   - 
Agency residential  626,542   -   626,542   - 
Non-agency residential  358   -   358   - 
Foreign government securities  567,131   -   567,131   - 
Foreign corporate securities  1,102,991   -   1,099,427   3,564 
Total fixed maturities, market value  5,818,116   -   5,792,960   25,156 
                 
Fixed maturities, fair value  18,426   -   18,426   - 
Equity securities, market value  16   16   -   - 
Equity securities, fair value  1,195,257   1,086,016   109,241   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  1,574,733   1,574,733   -   - 


There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2014.March 31, 2015.

The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the period indicated:

    Fair Value Measurement Using:     Fair Value Measurement Using: 
    Quoted Prices           Quoted Prices       
    in Active  Significant        in Active  Significant    
    Markets for  Other  Significant     Markets for  Other  Significant 
    Identical  Observable  Unobservable     Identical  Observable  Unobservable 
    Assets  Inputs  Inputs     Assets  Inputs  Inputs 
(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2013 (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  December 31, 2014 (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:                        
Fixed maturities, market value                        
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                        
U.S. government agencies and corporations $71,685  $-  $71,685  $-  $136,836  $-  $136,836  $- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  1,002,528   -   1,002,528   -   824,472   -   824,472   - 
Corporate securities  1,702,415   -   1,702,415   -   1,978,935   -   1,978,935   - 
Asset-backed securities  39,609   -   36,076   3,533   94,823   -   94,823   - 
Mortgage-backed securities                                
Commercial  38,666   -   38,666   -   59,268   -   50,671   8,597 
Agency residential  697,399   -   697,399   -   598,117   -   598,117   - 
Non-agency residential  939   -   935   4   315   -   315   - 
Foreign government securities  674,827   -   674,827   -   537,087   -   537,087   - 
Foreign corporate securities  973,853   -   973,372   481   1,063,558   -   1,056,392   7,166 
Total fixed maturities, market value  5,201,921   -   5,197,903   4,018   5,293,411   -   5,277,648   15,763 
                                
Fixed maturities, fair value  19,388   -   19,388   -   1,509   -   1,509   - 
Equity securities, market value  13   13   -   -   16   16   -   - 
Equity securities, fair value  1,298,940   1,179,139   119,801   -   1,299,037   1,188,613   110,424   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  1,515,052   1,515,052   -   -   1,655,311   1,655,311   -   - 

 
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The following tables presenttable presents the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs by asset type, for the periods indicated:
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
  Corporate Asset-backed Foreign Non-agency   Corporate Asset-backed Foreign Non-agency  
(Dollars in thousands) Securities Securities Corporate RMBS Total Securities Securities Corporate RMBS Total
Beginning balance $-  $2,528  $-  $4  $2,532  $-  $3,533  $481  $4  $4,018 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                                        
Included in earnings  -   1,235   -   2   1,237   -   1,291   18   3   1,312 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  42   (284)  (50)  (3)  (295)  42   (191)  (70)  (3)  (222)
Purchases, issuances and settlements  1,274   17,898   3,614   (3)  22,783   1,274   16,744   3,135   (4)  21,149 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   (1,101)  -   -   (1,101)  -   (1,101)  -   -   (1,101)
Ending balance $1,316  $20,276  $3,564  $-  $25,156  $1,316  $20,276  $3,564  $-  $25,156 
                                         
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included                                        
in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the                                        
change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets                                        
still held at the reporting date $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                        

 Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 Three Months Ended March 31, 2015  Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 
 Asset-backed Foreign Non-agency Agency   Asset-backed Foreign Non-agency Agency   Corporate     Foreign     Asset-backed  Foreign  Non-agency    
(Dollars in thousands) Securities Corporate RMBS RMBS Total Securities Corporate RMBS RMBS Total Securities  CMBS  Corporate  Total  Securities  Corporate  RMBS  Total 
Beginning balance $4,832  $7,225  $323  $-  $12,380  $4,849  $11,421  $5  $29,398  $45,673  $-  $8,597  $7,166  $15,763  $3,533  $481  $4  $4,018 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                                                                        
Included in earnings  58   (4)  1   -   55   74   (655)  3   -   (578)  2   -   57   59   18   1   1   20 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  (186)  51   -   -   (135)  (515)  (371)  (25)  -   (911)  1   -   (1,098)  (1,097)  65   -   -   65 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  (377)  (1,751)  (1)  -   (2,129)  (397)  1,086   (72)  -   617   1,940   -   -   1,940   (572)  (9)  (1)  (582)
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   (5,039)  (319)  -   (5,358)  316   (10,999)  93   (29,398)  (39,988)  710   (8,597)  -   (7,887)  -   -   -   - 
Ending balance $4,327  $482  $4  $-  $4,813  $4,327  $482  $4  $-  $4,813  $2,653  $-  $6,125  $8,778  $3,044  $473  $4  $3,521 
                                                                        
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included                                        
in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the                                        
change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets                                        
still held at the reporting date $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
The amount of total gains or losses for the period                                
included in earnings (or changes in net assets)                                
attributable to the change in unrealized gains                                
or losses relating to assets still held at the                                
reporting date $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
                                                                        
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                                                        

The net transfers from level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, of $1,101 thousand and $39,988$7,887 thousand of investments for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively,March 31, 2015, primarily relate to securities that were priced using single non-binding broker quotes as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  The securities were subsequently priced using a recognized pricing service as of September 30, 2014 and 2013 and were then classified as level 2 as of that date.2.  There were no transfers from level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

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5.       CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS

On July 9, 2014, the Company renewed its shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as a Well Known Seasoned Issuer.  This shelf registration statement can be used by Group to register common shares, preferred shares, debt securities, warrants, share purchase contracts and share purchase units; by Holdings to register debt securities and by Everest Re Capital Trust III (“Capital Trust III”) to register trust preferred securities.

6.       CONTINGENCIES

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine the Company’s rights and obligations under insurance and reinsurance agreements.  In some disputes, the Company seeks to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it.  In other matters, the Company is resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights.  These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation.  In all such matters, the Company believes that its positions are legally and commercially reasonable.  The Company considers the statuses of these proceedings when determining its reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.

Aside from litigation and arbitrations related to these insurance and reinsurance agreements, the Company is not a party to any other material litigation or arbitration.

In 1993 and prior, theThe Company had a business arrangementhas entered into separate annuity agreements with The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“The Prudential”) wherein, for a fee,and an additional unaffiliated life insurance company in which the Company accepted settledhas either purchased annuity contracts or become the assignee of annuity proceeds that are meant to settle claim payment obligations of certain property and casualty insurers, and, concurrently, becamein the owner of the annuity or assignee of the annuity proceeds funded by the property and casualty insurers specifically to fulfill these fully settled obligations.future. In these circumstances,both instances, the Company would bebecome contingently liable if either The Prudential which has an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), wasor the unaffiliated life insurance company were unable to make payments related to the respective annuity payments.  contact.

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The table below presents the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable for the periods indicated:

(Dollars in thousands) At September 30, 2014 At December 31, 2013
  $144,415  $144,734 
  At March 31,  At December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014 
The Prudential $142,618  $142,653 
Unaffiliated life insurance company  31,158   31,964 

Prior to its 1995 initial public offering, the Company purchased annuities from an unaffiliated life insurance company with an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best to settle certain claim liabilities of the company.  Should the life insurance company become unable to make the annuity payments, the Company would be liable for those claim liabilities.  The table below presents the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable for the periods indicated:
(Dollars in thousands) At September 30, 2014 At December 31, 2013
  $31,338  $30,664 

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7.       OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following tables presenttable presents the components of comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2014  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 
(Dollars in thousands) Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary $(40,339) $14,118  $(26,221) $21,234  $(7,556) $13,678 
URA(D) on securities - OTTI  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)  (1,070)  374   (696)  2,054   (595)  1,459 
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (11,496)  4,024   (7,472)  (13,211)  4,624   (8,587)
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss)  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss)  1,269   (444)  825   3,640   (1,274)  2,366 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) $(51,636) $18,072  $(33,564) $13,717  $(4,801) $8,916 

 Three Months Ended September 30, 2013  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013  Three Months Ended March 31, 2015  Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 
(Dollars in thousands) Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary $(10,927) $3,824  $(7,102) $(140,046) $49,016  $(91,030) $15,572  $(5,950) $9,622  $31,996  $(11,199) $20,797 
URA(D) on securities - OTTI  -   -   -   (399)  140   (259)  9,735   (3,407)  6,328   -   -   - 
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)  (1,729)  606   (1,124)  (4,062)  1,422   (2,640)  35,639   (11,974)  23,665   1,997   (699)  1,298 
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (8,982)  3,143   (5,839)  (20,098)  7,034   (13,064)  (51,243)  17,935   (33,308)  (12,055)  4,219   (7,836)
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss)  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss)  2,262   (792)  1,470   6,402   (2,241)  4,161   2,467   (863)  1,604   1,186   (415)  771 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) $(19,376) $6,781  $(12,595) $(158,203) $55,371  $(102,832) $12,170  $(4,259) $7,911  $23,124  $(8,094) $15,030 
                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                                


The following table presents details of the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”)AOCI for the periods indicated:

 Three months ended  Nine months ended    Three Months Ended   
 September 30,  September 30,  Affected line item within the statements of March 31,  Affected line item within the statements of
AOCI component 2014  2013  2014  2013  operations and comprehensive income (loss) 2015  2014  operations and comprehensive income (loss)
(Dollars in thousands)                      
URA(D) on securities $(1,070) $(1,729) $2,054  $(4,062) Other net realized capital gains (losses) $35,639  $1,997  Other net realized capital gains (losses)
  374   606   (595)  1,422  Income tax expense (benefit)  (11,974)  (699) Income tax expense (benefit)
 $(696)  (1,124) $1,459  $(2,640) Net income (loss) $23,665  $1,298  Net income (loss)
                            
Benefit plan net gain (loss) $1,269  $2,262  $3,640  $6,402  Other underwriting expenses $2,467  $1,186  Other underwriting expenses
  (444)  (792)  (1,274)  (2,241) Income tax expense (benefit)  (863)  (415) Income tax expense (benefit)
 $825  $1,470  $2,366  $4,161  Net income (loss) $1,604  $771  Net income (loss)
          
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)          


15

The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated:
  At September 30, At December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2014 2013
       
Beginning balance of URA (D) on securities $55,457  $157,163 
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - temporary  15,137   (101,447)
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI  -   (259)
Ending balance of URA (D) on securities  70,594   55,457 
         
Beginning balance of foreign currency translation adjustments  71,087   90,215 
Current period change in foreign currency translation adjustments  (8,587)  (19,128)
Ending balance of foreign currency translation adjustments  62,500   71,087 
         
Beginning balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)  (38,896)  (62,511)
Current period change in benefit plan net gain (loss)  2,366   23,615 
Ending balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)  (36,530)  (38,896)
         
Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $96,564  $87,648 

16
  Three Months Ended  Twelve Months Ended 
  March 31,  December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014 
       
Beginning balance of URA (D) on securities $37,628  $55,457 
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - temporary  33,287   (11,501)
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI  6,328   (6,328)
Ending balance of URA (D) on securities  77,243   37,628 
         
Beginning balance of foreign currency translation adjustments  41,877   71,087 
Current period change in foreign currency translation adjustments  (33,308)  (29,210)
Ending balance of foreign currency translation adjustments  8,569   41,877 
         
Beginning balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)  (74,986)  (38,896)
Current period change in benefit plan net gain (loss)  1,604   (36,090)
Ending balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)  (73,382)  (74,986)
         
Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $12,430  $4,519 



8.       CREDIT FACILITY - EXPIRED

Effective August 15, 2011, the Company entered into a three year, $150,000 thousand unsecured revolving credit facility, referred to as the “Holdings Credit Facility”, which expired on August 15, 2014.  The Company decided not to renew the Holdings Credit Facility at expiration.  Citibank N.A. was the administrative agent for the Holdings Credit Facility.  The Holdings Credit Facility was used for liquidity and general corporate purposes.  The Holdings Credit Facility provided for the borrowing of up to $150,000 thousand with interest at a rate selected by Holdings equal to either, (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) a periodic fixed rate equal to the Eurodollar Rate plus an applicable margin.  The Base Rate meant a fluctuating interest rate per annum in effect from time to time to be equal to the higher of (a) the rate of interest publicly announced by Citibank as its base rate, (b) 0.5% per annum above the Federal Funds Rate or (c) 1% above the one month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), in each case plus the applicable margin.  The amount of margin and the fees paid for the Holdings Credit Facility depended upon Holdings’ senior unsecured debt rating.

The Holdings Credit Facility required Holdings to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and Everest Re to maintain its statutory surplus at $1,875,000 thousand plus 25% of future aggregate net income and 25% of future aggregate capital contributions after December 31, 2010.

There are certain regulatory and contractual restrictions on the ability of Holdings’ operating subsidiaries to transfer funds to Holdings in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.  The insurance laws of the State of Delaware, where Holdings’ direct insurance subsidiaries are domiciled, require regulatory approval before those subsidiaries can pay dividends or make loans or advances to Holdings that exceed certain statutory thresholds.  At December 31, 2013, $2,294,461 thousand of the $3,136,782 thousand in net assets of Holdings’ consolidated subsidiaries were subject to the foregoing regulatory restrictions.

The following table summarizes outstanding letters of credit and/or borrowings for the periods indicated:
(Dollars in thousands)
 At September 30, 2014 At December 31, 2013
Bank Commitment  In Use Date of LoanMaturity/Expiry Date Commitment  In Use Date of LoanMaturity/Expiry Date
Citibank Holdings Credit Facility $-  $-    $150,000  $-   
Total revolving credit borrowings      -         -   
Total letters of credit      -         851  12/31/2014
                     
Total Citibank Holdings Credit Facility $-  $-    $150,000  $851   


The following table presents the costs incurred in connection with the Holdings Credit Facility for the periods indicated:
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013 
Credit facility fees incurred $-  $72  $97  $250 

17

9.       REINSURANCE AND TRUST AGREEMENTS

A subsidiary of the Company, Everest Re, has established a trust agreement, which effectively uses Everest Re’s investments as collateral, as security for assumed losses payable to a non-affiliated ceding company.  At September 30, 2014,March 31, 2015, the total amount on deposit in the trust account was $234,348$258,324 thousand.

On April 24, 2014, the Company entered into two collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro Re Limited (“Kilimanjaro”), a Bermuda based special purpose reinsurer, to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage.  These agreements are multi-year reinsurance contracts which cover specified named storm and earthquake events.  The first agreement provides up to $250,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms in specified states of the Southeastern United States.  The second agreement provides up to $200,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms in specified states of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the United States and Puerto Rico as well as reinsurance coverage from earthquakes in specified states of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and West regions of the United States, Puerto Rico and British Columbia.

On November 18, 2014, the Company entered into a collateralized reinsurance agreement with Kilimanjaro Re to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage.  This agreement is a multi-year reinsurance contract which covers specified earthquake events.  The agreement provides up to $500,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Kilimanjaro has financed the various property catastrophe reinsurance coverage by issuing $450,000 thousand of catastrophe bonds to unrelated, external investors. On April, 24, 2014, Kilimanjaro issued $450,000 thousand of variable rate notes (“Series 2014-1 Notes”).  On November 18, 2014, Kilimanjaro issued $500,000 thousand of variable rate notes (“Series 2014-2 Notes”). The proceeds from the catastrophe bond issuance will beof the Series 2014-1 Notes and the Series 2014-2 Notes are held in a reinsurance trust throughout the duration of the applicable reinsurance agreements and invested solely in US government money market funds with a rating of at least “AAAm” by Standard & Poor’s at the time of the bond issuance.Poor’s.

16

10.       SENIOR NOTES

The table below displays Holdings’ outstanding senior notes.  Market value is based on quoted market prices, but due to limited trading activity, these senior notes are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

       September 30, 2014  December 31, 2013        March 31, 2015  December 31, 2014 
       Consolidated Balance     Consolidated Balance           Consolidated Balance     Consolidated Balance    
(Dollars in thousands)Date Issued Date Due Principal Amounts  Sheet Amount  Market Value  Sheet Amount  Market Value Date Issued Date Due Principal Amounts  Sheet Amount  Market Value  Sheet Amount  Market Value 
4.868% Senior notes06/05/2014 06/01/2044 $400,000  $400,000  $418,876  $400,000  $404,892 
5.40% Senior notes10/12/2004 10/15/2014 $250,000  $249,998  $250,485  $249,958  $259,130 10/12/2004 10/15/2014  250,000   -   -   -   - 
4.868% Senior notes06/05/2014 06/01/2044  400,000   400,000   395,824   -   - 


On June 5, 2014, Holdings issued $400,000 thousand of 30 year senior notes at 4.868%, which will mature on June 1, 2044.  Capitalized costs of approximately $4,300 thousand related to the issuance of the senior notes will be expensed over the 30 year life of the notes. Interest will be paid semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year.  The proceeds from the issuance have been used in part to pay off the $250,000 thousand of 5.40% senior notes which matured on October 15, 2014.

Interest expense incurred in connection with these senior notes is as follows for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Interest expense incurred $8,256  $3,388  $16,385  $10,163  $4,868  $3,388 

18

11.       LONG TERM SUBORDINATED NOTES

The table below displays Holdings’ outstanding fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes.  Market value is based on quoted market prices, but due to limited trading activity, these subordinated notes are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

    Maturity Date September 30, 2014  December 31, 2013     Maturity Date March 31, 2015  December 31, 2014 
  Original     Consolidated Balance     Consolidated Balance      Original     Consolidated Balance     Consolidated Balance    
(Dollars in thousands)Date Issued Principal Amount Scheduled Final Sheet Amount  Market Value  Sheet Amount  Market Value Date Issued Principal Amount Scheduled Final Sheet Amount  Market Value  Sheet Amount  Market Value 
6.6% Long term subordinated notes04/26/2007 $400,000  05/15/2037 05/01/2067 $238,363  $257,763  $238,361  $233,292 
6.6% Long term subordinated notes
04/26/2007 $400,000 05/15/2037 05/01/2067 $238,365  $239,227  $238,364  $246,312 


During the fixed rate interest period from May 3, 2007 through May 14, 2017, interest will be at the annual rate of 6.6%, payable semi-annually in arrears on November 15 and May 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2007, subject to Holdings’ right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years.  During the floating rate interest period from May 15, 2017 through maturity, interest will be based on the 3 month LIBOR plus 238.5 basis points, reset quarterly, payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, subject to Holdings’ right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years.  Deferred interest will accumulate interest at the applicable rate compounded semi-annually for periods prior to May 15, 2017, and compounded quarterly for periods from and including May 15, 2017.

Holdings can redeem the long term subordinated notes prior to May 15, 2017, in whole but not in part at the applicable redemption price, which will equal the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount being redeemed and (b) the present value of the principal payment on May 15, 2017 and scheduled payments of interest that would have accrued from the redemption date to May 15, 2017 on the long term subordinated notes being redeemed, discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at a discount rate equal to the treasury rate plus an applicable spread of either 0.25% or 0.50%, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest.  Holdings may redeem the long term subordinated notes on or after May 15, 2017, in whole or in part at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest; however, redemption on or after the scheduled maturity date and prior to May 1, 2047 is subject to a replacement capital covenant.  This covenant is for the benefit of certain senior note holders and it mandates that Holdings receive proceeds from the sale of another subordinated debt issue, of at least similar size, before it may redeem the subordinated notes.  Effective upon the maturity of the Company’s 5.40% senior notes dueon October 15, 2014,

17

the Company’s 4.868% senior notes, due on June 1, 2044, willhave become the Company’s long term indebtedness that ranks senior to the long term subordinated notes.

On March 19, 2009, Group announced the commencement of a cash tender offer for any and all of the 6.60% fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes.  Upon expiration of the tender offer, the Company had reduced its outstanding debt by $161,441 thousand.

Interest expense incurred in connection with these long term subordinated notes is as follows for the periods indicated:

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013 
Interest expense incurred $3,937  $3,937  $11,811  $11,811 

19

12.       JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES PAYABLE
  Three Months Ended 
  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014 
Interest expense incurred $3,937  $3,937 

In accordance with the provisions of the junior subordinated debt securities which were issued on March 29, 2004, Holdings elected to redeem the $329,897 thousand of 6.2% junior subordinated debt securities outstanding on May 24, 2013.  As a result of the early redemption, the Company incurred pre-tax expense of $7,282 thousand related to the immediate amortization of the remaining capitalized issuance costs on the trust preferred securities.

Interest expense incurred in connection with these junior subordinated debt securities is as follows for the periods indicated:
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013 
Interest expense incurred $-  $-  $-  $8,181 

Holdings considered the mechanisms and obligations relating to the trust preferred securities, taken together, constituted a full and unconditional guarantee by Holdings of Capital Trust II’s payment obligations with respect to their trust preferred securities.

13.12.       SEGMENT REPORTING

The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including Marine, Aviation, Surety and Accident and Health (“A&H”) business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies primarily within the U.S.  The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’s branches in Canada, Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey.  The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance including medical stop loss insurance, directly and through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers within the U.S. and Canada.

These segments are managed independently, but conform with corporate guidelines with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations.  Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results.

Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”)LAE incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses.  Underwriting results are measured using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which, respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned.

The Company does not maintain separate balance sheet data for its operating segments.  Accordingly, the Company does not review and evaluate the financial results of its operating segments based upon balance sheet data.

 
2018

 
The following tables present the underwriting results for the operating segments for the periodsperiod indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
U.S. Reinsurance September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Gross written premiums $679,904  $532,324  $1,663,320  $1,385,482  $562,647  $530,301 
Net written premiums  304,442   257,085   771,054   690,547   240,694   251,521 
                        
Premiums earned $275,521  $225,231  $739,977  $621,430  $255,412  $218,191 
Incurred losses and LAE  125,475   102,506   371,135   340,799   111,455   115,984 
Commission and brokerage  51,231   38,275   144,747   114,945   58,364   40,136 
Other underwriting expenses  12,119   12,013   33,054   32,541   11,529   9,482 
Underwriting gain (loss) $86,696  $72,437  $191,041  $133,145  $74,064  $52,589 


 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
International September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Gross written premiums $419,457  $339,739  $1,214,343  $994,526  $333,615  $328,878 
Net written premiums  157,932   149,812   446,599   446,158   121,681   141,457 
                        
Premiums earned $145,662  $140,854  $438,394  $433,872  $140,699  $145,004 
Incurred losses and LAE  113,703   90,743   286,166   262,709   101,445   83,575 
Commission and brokerage  23,767   27,932   80,348   87,195   33,999   29,169 
Other underwriting expenses  8,759   8,722   24,689   24,319   8,115   7,837 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(567) $13,457  $47,191  $59,649  $(2,860) $24,423 

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
Insurance September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Gross written premiums $354,033  $367,465  $885,006  $923,571  $330,501  $225,276 
Net written premiums  149,542   178,365   386,694   456,334   146,052   106,726 
                        
Premiums earned $148,414  $157,436  $382,407  $406,247  $124,951  $107,250 
Incurred losses and LAE  141,402   113,872   322,842   306,153   95,980   78,487 
Commission and brokerage  4,170   5,353   15,489   12,907   4,168   6,789 
Other underwriting expenses  29,745   28,210   79,289   79,891   28,899   21,932 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(26,903) $10,001  $(35,213) $7,296  $(4,096) $42 


The following table reconciles the underwriting results for the operating segments to income (loss) before taxes as reported in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Underwriting gain (loss) $59,226  $95,895  $203,019  $200,090  $67,108  $77,054 
Net investment income  83,446   68,828   215,869   227,433   72,581   63,787 
Net realized capital gains (losses)  (160)  208,426   120,904   533,758   21,296   (4,050)
Corporate expense  (4,620)  (1,516)  (5,398)  (5,353)  (1,609)  (1,302)
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  (12,292)  (7,466)  (28,539)  (38,010)  (8,859)  (7,436)
Other income (expense)  (3,739)  5,012   (15,576)  5,095   15,833   (3,055)
Income (loss) before taxes $121,861  $369,179  $490,279  $923,013  $166,350  $124,998 

 
2119

 
The Company produces business in the U.S. and internationally.  The net income deriving from assets residing in the individual foreign countries in which the Company writes business are not identifiable in the Company’s financial records.  Based on gross written premium, the table below presents the largest country, other than the U.S., in which the Company writes business, for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Canada $41,644  $48,048  $116,133  $123,630  $23,512  $37,659 


No other country represented more than 5% of the Company’s revenues.

14.13.       RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Parent

Group entered into a $250,000 thousand long term promissory note agreement with Holdings as of December 31, 2014. The note will mature on December 31, 2023 and has an interest rate of 1.72% that will be paid annually, on December 15th of each year. This transaction is presented as a Note Receivable – Affiliated in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Holdings.

Group’s Board of Directors approved an amended share repurchase program authorizing Group and/or its subsidiary Holdings to purchase Group’s common shares through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or both.  The table below represents the amendments to the share repurchase program for the common shares approved for repurchase.

   Common Shares
   Authorized for
Amendment Date  Repurchase
(Dollars in thousands)
  
09/21/2004  5,000,000
07/21/2008  5,000,000
02/24/2010  5,000,000
02/22/2012  5,000,000
05/15/2013  5,000,000
11/19/2014  25,000,0005,000,000
 30,000,000

20

As of September 30, 2014,March 31, 2015, Holdings held 9,719,971 common shares of Group, which it had purchased in the open market between February 1, 2007 and March 8, 2011.  The table below represents the total purchase price for these common shares purchased.

(Dollars in thousands)
   
Total purchase price $835,371 
(Dollars in thousands)
Total purchase price$835,371

Holdings reports these purchases as other invested assets, fair value, in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value re-measurement recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  The following table presents the dividends received on these common shares that are reported as net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the period indicated.

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Dividends received $7,290  $4,666  $21,870  $13,997  $9,234  $7,290 

Outside Directors

During the normal course of business, the Company, through its affiliates, engages in insurance and brokerage and commission business transactions, with companies controlled by or affiliated with one or more of Group’s outside directors.  Such transactions, individually and in the aggregate, are not material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operation and cash flows.

22

Affiliated Companies

Everest Global Services, Inc. (“Global Services”), an affiliate of Holdings, provides centralized management and home office services, through a management agreement, to Holdings and other affiliated companies within Holdings’ consolidated structure.  Services provided by Everest Global include executive managerial services, legal services, actuarial services, accounting services, information technology services and others.

The following table presents the expenses incurred by Holdings from services provided by Everest Global for the periods indicated.

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Expenses incurred $22,149  $19,066  $55,668  $55,835  $18,363  $15,843 

21

Affiliates

The table below represents affiliated quota share reinsurance agreements ("whole account quota share") for all new and renewal business for the indicated coverage period:
 
(Dollars in thousands)                 
    Percent  Assuming   Single   Aggregate  
Coverage Period Ceding Company Ceded  Company Type of Business Occurrence Limit   Limit  
                  
01/01/2002-12/31/2002
 Everest Re  20.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business $-   $-  
                     
01/01/2003-12/31/2003 Everest Re  25.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2004-12/31/2005 Everest Re  22.5% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  -    -  
  Everest Re  2.5% Everest International property / casualty business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2006-12/31/2006 Everest Re  18.0% Bermuda Re property business  125,000 (1)  -  
  Everest Re  2.0% Everest International property business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2006-12/31/2007 Everest Re  31.5% Bermuda Re casualty business  -    -  
  Everest Re  3.5% Everest International casualty business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2007-12/31/2007 Everest Re  22.5% Bermuda Re property business  130,000 (1)  -  
  Everest Re  2.5% Everest International property business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2008-12/31/2008 Everest Re  36.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  130,000 (1)  275,000 (2)
  Everest Re  4.0% Everest International property / casualty business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2009-12/31/2009 Everest Re  36.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  150,000 (1)  325,000 (2)
  Everest Re  8.0% Everest International property / casualty business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2010-12/31/2010 Everest Re  44.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  150,000    325,000  
                     
01/01/2011-12/31/2011 Everest Re  50.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  150,000    300,000  
                     
01/01/2012 Everest Re  50.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  100,000    200,000  
                     
01/01/2003-12/31/2006 Everest Re- Canadian Branch  50.0% Bermuda Re property business  -    -  
01/01/2007-12/31/2009 Everest Re- Canadian Branch  60.0% Bermuda Re property business  -    -  
01/01/2010-12/31/2010 Everest Re- Canadian Branch  60.0% Bermuda Re property business  350,000 (3)  -  
01/01/2011-12/31/2011 Everest Re- Canadian Branch  60.0% Bermuda Re property business  350,000 (3)  -  
01/01/2012-12/31/2012 Everest Re- Canadian Branch  75.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  206,250 (3)  412,500 (3)
01/01/2013-12/31/2013 Everest Re- Canadian Branch  75.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  150,000 (3)  412,500 (3)
01/01/2014  Everest Re- Canadian Branch  75.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business   262,500 (3)  412,500 (3)
 
(Dollars in thousands)                 
    Percent  Assuming   Single   Aggregate  
Coverage Period Ceding Company Ceded  Company Type of Business Occurrence Limit   Limit  
                  
01/01/2002-12/31/2002
 Everest Re  20.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business $-   $-  
                     
01/01/2003-12/31/2003 Everest Re  25.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2004-12/31/2005 Everest Re  22.5% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  -    -  
  Everest Re  2.5% Everest International property / casualty business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2006-12/31/2006 Everest Re  18.0% Bermuda Re property business  125,000 (1)  -  
  Everest Re  2.0% Everest International property business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2006-12/31/2007 Everest Re  31.5% Bermuda Re casualty business  -    -  
  Everest Re  3.5% Everest International casualty business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2007-12/31/2007 Everest Re  22.5% Bermuda Re property business  130,000 (1)  -  
  Everest Re  2.5% Everest International property business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2008-12/31/2008 Everest Re  36.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  130,000 (1)  275,000 (2)
  Everest Re  4.0% Everest International property / casualty business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2009-12/31/2009 Everest Re  36.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  150,000 (1)  325,000 (2)
  Everest Re  8.0% Everest International property / casualty business  -    -  
                     
01/01/2010-12/31/2010 Everest Re  44.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  150,000    325,000  
                     
01/01/2011-12/31/2011 Everest Re  50.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  150,000    300,000  
                     
01/01/2012-12/31/2014
 Everest Re  50.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  100,000    200,000  
                     
01/01/2015 Everest Re  50.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  162,500    325,000  
                     
01/01/2003-12/31/2006 Everest Re- Canadian Branch  50.0% Bermuda Re property business  -    -  
01/01/2007-12/31/2009 Everest Re- Canadian Branch  60.0% Bermuda Re property business  -    -  
01/01/2010-12/31/2010 Everest Re- Canadian Branch  60.0% Bermuda Re property business  350,000 (3)  -  
01/01/2011-12/31/2011
 Everest Re- Canadian Branch  60.0% Bermuda Re property business  350,000 (3)  -  
01/01/2012-12/31/2012 Everest Re- Canadian Branch  75.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  206,250 (3)  412,500 (3)
01/01/2013-12/31/2013 Everest Re- Canadian Branch  75.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  150,000 (3)  412,500 (3)
01/01/2014  Everest Re- Canadian Branch  75.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business   262,500 (3)  412,500 (3)
 
01/01/2012 Everest Canada  80.0% Everest Re- Canadian Branch property business  -    -  
 
(1) The single occurance limit is applied before the loss cessions to either Bermuda Re or Everest International.             
(2) The aggregate limit is applied before the loss cessions to either Bermuda Re or Everest International.             
(3) Amounts shown are Canadian dollars.             

 
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For premiums earned and losses incurred for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002, Everest Re, Everest National Insurance Company and Everest Security Insurance Company entered into an Excess of Loss Reinsurance Agreement with Bermuda Re, covering workers’ compensation losses occurring on and after January 1, 2002, as respect to new, renewal and in force policies effective on that date through December 31, 2002.  This agreement was commuted as of September 30, 2013.  The table below represents Bermuda Re's liability limits for any losses per one occurrence.

  Liability Limits 
(Dollars in thousands) Exceeding  Not to Exceed 
Losses per one occurrence $100,000  $150,000 


The table below represents loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreements whereby net insurance exposures and reserves were transferred to an affiliate.

(Dollars in thousands)        
         
Effective Transferring Assuming % of Business or Covered Period
Date Company Company Amount of Transfer of Transfer
         
09/19/2000 Mt. McKinley Bermuda Re  100% All years
10/01/2001 Everest Re  (Belgium Branch) Bermuda Re  100% All years
10/01/2008 Everest Re Bermuda Re $747,022 01/01/2002-12/31/2007


The following tables summarize the premiums and losses ceded by the Company to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively, and premiums and losses assumed by the Company from Everest Canada for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
Bermuda Re September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Ceded written premiums $664,316  $567,033  $1,706,390  $1,553,615  $539,033  $518,017 
Ceded earned premiums  598,641   507,308   1,613,741   1,437,109   554,051   479,813 
Ceded losses and LAE (a)  344,513   337,036   879,336   835,022   295,131   238,501 


 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
Everest International September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Ceded written premiums $131  $295  $219  $429  $(2) $(115)
Ceded earned premiums  176   336   450   750   41   (74)
Ceded losses and LAE  (321)  (630)  1,823   (1,233)  (822)  1,884 


 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
Everest Canada September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Assumed written premiums $10,425  $5,650  $25,650  $14,775  $6,664  $4,010 
Assumed earned premiums  7,106   4,807   17,062   12,196   8,699   4,688 
Assumed losses and LAE  4,104   4,536   10,487   8,810   4,729   3,292 

(a)    Ceded losses and LAE include the Mt. McKinley loss portfolio transfer that constitutes losses ceded under retroactive reinsurance and therefore, in accordance with FASB guidance, a deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance is reflected in other expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Everest Re sold net assets of its UK branch to Bermuda Re and provided Bermuda Re with a reserve indemnity agreement allowing for indemnity payments of up to 90% of ₤25.0 million of the excess of 2002 and prior reserves, provided that any recognition of profit from the reserves for 2002 and prior underwriting years is taken into account.  The limit available under this agreement was fully exhausted at December 31, 2004.

 
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Effective February 27, 2013, Group established a new subsidiary, Mt. Logan Re, which is a Class 3 insurer based in Bermuda.  Effective July 1, 2013, Mt. Logan Re established separate segregated accounts for its business activity, which will invest in a diversified set of catastrophe exposures.

The following table summarizes the premiums and losses that are ceded by the Company to Mt. Logan Re and assumed by the Company from Mt. Logan Re.

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
Mt. Logan Re September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Ceded written premiums $44,728  $12,408  $93,322  $12,408  $61,670  $28,366 
Ceded earned premiums  38,458   10,471   78,975   10,471   38,683   17,837 
Ceded losses and LAE  3,113   1,805   17,904   1,805   8,314   5,143 
                        
Assumed written premiums  578   1,735   10,497   1,735   3,984   9,919 
Assumed earned premiums  5,786   1,735   10,497   1,735   3,984   2,106 
Assumed losses and LAE  -   -   -   -   -   - 


15.14.       RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company maintains both qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans and a retiree health plan for its U.S. employees employed prior to April 1, 2010.

Net periodic benefit cost for U.S. employees included the following components for the periods indicated:

Pension Benefits Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Service cost $2,460  $2,794  $7,381  $8,251  $2,940  $2,460 
Interest cost  2,542   2,144   7,625   6,292   2,457   2,542 
Expected return on plan assets  (2,822)  (2,124)  (8,468)  (6,367)  (2,903)  (2,823)
Amortization of prior service cost  13   12   38   37   5   13 
Amortization of net (income) loss  1,173   2,064   3,356   5,872   2,251   1,091 
FAS 88 settlement charge  5,269   -   5,269   - 
Net periodic benefit cost $8,635  $4,890  $15,201  $14,085  $4,750  $3,283 


Other Benefits Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Service cost $407  $462  $1,221  $1,460  $401  $407 
Interest cost  342   291   1,026   845   263   342 
Amortization of net (income) loss  82   185   246   493   211   82 
Net periodic benefit cost $831  $938  $2,493  $2,798  $875  $831 

The Company did not make any contributions to the qualified pension benefit plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 and 2013.2014.

16.15.       INCOME TAXES

The Company is domiciled in the United States and has subsidiaries domiciled within the United States with significant branches in Canada and Singapore.  The Company’s non-U.S. branches are subject to income taxation at varying rates in their respective domiciles.

 
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For interim reporting periods, the company is generally required to use the annualized effective tax rate (“AETR”) method, as prescribed by ASC 740-270, Interim Reporting, to calculate its income tax provision.  Under this method, the AETR is applied to the interim year-to-date pre-tax income to determine the income tax expense or benefit for the year-to-date period.  The income tax expense or benefit for a quarter represents the difference between the year-to-date income tax expense or benefit for the current year-to-date period less such amount for the immediately preceding year-to-date period.  Management considers the impact of all known events in its estimation of the Company’s annual pre-tax income and AETR.

17.16.       SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 23, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to sell all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Mt. McKinley Insurance Company (“Mt. McKinley”), a Delaware domiciled insurance company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company to Clearwater Insurance Company, a Delaware domiciled insurance company.  The purchase price shall be paid in cash and based on the statutory book value of Mt. McKinley as of the closing date, which is expected to be approximately $20,000 thousand. The Company will be entering intoexpects to recognize a reinsurance agreementrealized gain of approximately $61,000 thousand on the sale of Mt. McKinley.

The transaction is subject to receipt of insurance regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
The transaction meets the criteria for Held for Sale accounting.  In accordance with Kilimanjaro Re Limited (“Kilimanjaro”) to provide the Companyguidance, the table below details the approximate assets and liabilities associated with earthquake-only catastrophe reinsurance coverage.  Kilimanjaro will fund the reinsurance coverage through the issuance of a catastrophe reinsurance bond, with estimated proceeds of $500,000 thousand.business classified as Held for Sale. 
    
(Dollars in thousands)   
Investments and cash $17,000 
Reinsurance recoverables  146,000 
Deferred tax asset  35,000 
Other assets  1,000 
Total assets held for sale $199,000 
     
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses $142,000 
Deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance  97,000 
Other liabilities  1,000 
Total liabilities held for sale $240,000 
     
Net liabilities held for sale $(41,000)
 
 
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ITEM 2.        MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

Industry Conditions.
The worldwide reinsurance and insurance businesses are highly competitive, as well as cyclical by product and market.  As such, financial results tend to fluctuate with periods of constrained availability, high rates and strong profits followed by periods of abundant capacity, low rates and constrained profitability.  Competition in the types of reinsurance and insurance business that we underwrite is based on many factors, including the perceived overall financial strength of the reinsurer or insurer, ratings of the reinsurer or insurer by A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor’s, underwriting expertise, the jurisdictions where the reinsurer or insurer is licensed or otherwise authorized, capacity and coverages offered, premiums charged, other terms and conditions of the reinsurance and insurance business offered, services offered, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in lines written.  Furthermore, the market impact from these competitive factors related to reinsurance and insurance is generally not consistent across lines of business, domestic and international geographical areas and distribution channels.

We compete in the U.S. and international reinsurance and insurance markets with numerous global competitors.  Our competitors include independent reinsurance and insurance companies, subsidiaries or affiliates of established worldwide insurance companies, reinsurance departments of certain insurance companies, and domestic and international underwriting operations, including underwriting syndicates at Lloyd’s.Lloyd’s and certain government sponsored risk transfer vehicles.  Some of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do and have established long term and continuing business relationships, which can be a significant competitive advantage.  In addition, the lack of strong barriers to entry into the reinsurance business and recently, the potential for securitization of reinsurance and insurance risks through capital markets provide additional sources of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.

Worldwide insurance and reinsurance market conditions continued to be very competitive, particularly in the property catastrophe and casualty reinsurance lines of business.  Generally, there was ample insurance and reinsurance capacity relative to demand.  Competitiondemand, as well as, additional capital from the capital markets through insurance linked financial instruments.  These financial instruments such as side cars, catastrophe bonds and its effectcollateralized reinsurance funds, provide capital markets with access to insurance and reinsurance risk exposure. The capital markets demand for these products is being primarily driven by the current low interest environment and the desire to achieve greater risk diversification and potentially higher returns on their investments.  This increased competition is generally having a negative impact on rates, terms and conditions varyconditions; however, the impact varies widely by market and coverage yet continued to be most prevalent in the U.S. casualty insurance and reinsurance markets and additional capacity from the capital markets is impacting worldwide catastrophe rates.coverage.

Catastrophe ratesRates tend to fluctuate by globalspecific region and products, particularly areas recently impacted by large catastrophic events.  During the second and third quarters of 2013, Canada experienced historic flooding in Alberta and Toronto, which has resulted in higher catastrophe rates in these areas.areas during 2014.  Although there were flooding and wind storm events in Europe and Asia in the latter part of 2013, the overall 2013 catastrophe losses for the industry were lower than average.  This lower level of losses, combined with increased competition is puttingresulted in downward pressure on rates in certain geographical areas resulting in lower ratesduring 2014.  Catastrophe results during 2014 and the first quarter of 2015 were also generally benign, which could have a negative impact on worldwide regional catastrophe markets for most catastrophe coverages in 2014.the balance of 2015.

Overall, we believe that current marketplace conditions, particularly for catastrophe coverages, provide profit opportunities for us given our size, strong ratings, distribution system, reputation, expertise and expertise.capital market vehicle activity the current marketplace conditions provide profit opportunities.  We continue to employ our strategy of targeting business that offers the greatest profit potential, while maintaining balance and diversification in our overall portfolio.

 
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Financial Summary.
We monitor and evaluate our overall performance based upon financial results.  The following table displays a summary of the consolidated net income (loss), ratios and stockholder’s equity for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Percentage Nine Months Ended  Percentage Three Months Ended Percentage
 September 30,  Increase/ September 30,  Increase/ March 31, Increase/
(Dollars in millions) 2014  2013  (Decrease) 2014  2013  (Decrease) 2015 2014 (Decrease)
Gross written premiums $1,453.4  $1,239.5   17.3% $3,762.7  $3,303.6   13.9% $1,226.8  $1,084.5   13.1%
Net written premiums  611.9   585.3   4.6%  1,604.3   1,593.0   0.7%  508.4   499.7   1.7%
                                    
REVENUES:                                    
Premiums earned $569.6  $523.5   8.8% $1,560.8  $1,461.5   6.8% $521.1  $470.4   10.8%
Net investment income  83.4   68.8   21.2%  215.9   227.4   -5.1%  72.6   63.8   13.8%
Net realized capital gains (losses)  (0.2)  208.4   -100.1%  120.9   533.8   -77.3%  21.3   (4.1) NM 
Other income (expense)  (3.7)  5.0   -174.6%  (15.6)  5.1  NM   15.8   (3.1) NM 
Total revenues  649.1   805.8   -19.4%  1,882.0   2,227.8   -15.5%  630.8   527.1   19.7%
                                    
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:                                    
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses  380.6   307.1   23.9%  980.1   909.7   7.7%  308.9   278.0   11.1%
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  79.2   71.6   10.6%  240.6   215.0   11.9%  96.5   76.1   26.9%
Other underwriting expenses  50.6   48.9   3.4%  137.0   136.8   0.2%  48.5   39.3   23.7%
Corporate expense  4.6   1.5   204.9%  5.4   5.4   0.9%  1.6   1.3   23.6%
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  12.3   7.5   64.7%  28.5   38.0   -24.9%  8.9   7.4   19.1%
Total claims and expenses  527.3   436.6   20.8%  1,391.7   1,304.8   6.7%  464.4   402.1   15.5%
                                    
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  121.9   369.2   -67.0%  490.3   923.0   -46.9%  166.4   125.0   33.1%
Income tax expense (benefit)  21.7   125.4   -82.7%  145.5   308.3   -52.8%  50.4   38.5   30.8%
NET INCOME (LOSS) $100.1  $243.8   -58.9% $344.8  $614.7   -43.9%  115.9   86.5   34.1%
                                    
RATIOS:         Point Change         Point Change         Point Change
Loss ratio  66.8%  58.7%  8.1   62.8%  62.2%  0.6   59.3%  59.1%  0.2 
Commission and brokerage ratio  13.9%  13.7%  0.2   15.4%  14.7%  0.7   18.5%  16.2%  2.3 
Other underwriting expense ratio  8.9%  9.3%  (0.4)  8.8%  9.4%  (0.6)  9.3%  8.3%  1.0 
Combined ratio  89.6%  81.7%  7.9   87.0%  86.3%  0.7   87.1%  83.6%  3.5 
                                    
                                    
             At At Percentage At At Percentage
             September 30, December 31, Increase/ March 31, December 31, Increase/
(Dollars in millions)              2014  2013 (Decrease)  2015  2014 (Decrease)
Balance sheet data:                                    
Total investments and cash             $9,946.7  $9,495.1   4.8% $9,536.7  $9,572.6   -0.4%
Total assets              17,226.8   15,521.0   11.0%  16,408.3   16,322.3   0.5%
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves              7,784.1   7,653.2   1.7%  7,805.0   7,843.9   -0.5%
Total debt              888.4   488.3   81.9%  638.4   638.4   0.0%
Total liabilities              12,673.7   11,330.5   11.9%  11,707.8   11,749.6   -0.4%
Stockholder's equity              4,553.1   4,190.5   8.7%  4,700.5   4,572.7   2.8%
                                    
(NM, not meaningful)                                    
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                    

Revenues.
Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 17.3%13.1% to $1,453.4$1,226.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014,March 31, 2015, compared to $1,239.5$1,084.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013,March 31, 2014, reflecting a $227.3$105.2 million, or 26.1%46.7%, increase in our insurance business and a $37.1 million, or 4.3%, increase in our reinsurance business, partially offset by a $13.4 million, or 3.7%, decrease in out insurance business.  The increase in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to new business: quota share contracts, contracts with catastrophe exposed risks and mortgage guaranty business.  The decreaserise in insurance premiums was primarily due to lowerincreases in crop premiums, partially offset by an increaseand workers’ compensation business as well as eight other business units.  The rise in non-standard auto business.  Gross written premiums increased by 13.9% to $3,762.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $3,303.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, reflecting a $497.7 million, or 20.9%, increase in our reinsurance business, partially offset by a $38.6 million, or 4.2%, decrease in our insurance business.  The increase in reinsurance

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premiums was mainly due to new business: quota share contracts, contracts with catastrophe exposed risks and mortgage guaranty business.  The decrease in insurance premiums was primarily due to lower crop premiums,an increase in treaty property and catastrophe business, partially offset by an increaseapproximately $14.7 million negative impact from the year over year movement in non-standard auto business.

exchange rates.  Net written premiums increased by 4.6%1.7% to $611.9$508.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015, compared to $585.3 $499.7
27

million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, and increased by 0.7% to $1,604.3 million forMarch 31, 2014.  The variance between the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $1,593.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The variances of the changesincrease in gross written premiums compared to the changesincrease in net written premiums is primarily due to a higher utilization of reinsurance relatedfor the crop business and for the quota share contracts, which increased due to the new quota share contracts.changes in the mix of business.  Premiums earned increased by 8.8%10.8% to $569.6$521.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014,March 31, 2015, compared to $523.5$470.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and increased by 6.8% to $1,560.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $1,461.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.March 31, 2014.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Net Investment Income.  Net investment income increased by 21.2%13.8% to $83.4$72.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014,March 31, 2015, compared with net investment income of $68.8$63.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  Net investment income decreased by 5.1% to $215.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared with net investment income of $227.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.March 31, 2014.  Net pre-tax investment income, as a percentage of average invested assets, was 3.8%3.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015, compared to 3.4%3.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and was 3.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 3.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.March 31, 2014. The increase in income and yield for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to 2013the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due tothe result of an increase in our limited partnership income and an increase in dividend incomedividends from the shares held of the parent company, Everest Re Group, Ltd. (“Group”).  The decline in income and yield for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily the result of a decrease in our limited partnership income, partially offset by an increase in dividend income from shares held of Group.parent.

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses). Net realized capital losses were $0.2 million and net realized capital gains were $208.4$21.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015, and 2013, respectively.net realized capital losses were $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  The $0.2$21.3 million was comprised of $1.4$57.0 million of gains from fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity securities, equity securities and other invested assets, partially offset by $24.1 million of other-than-temporary impairments and $11.6 million of losses from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $1.2 million of gains from fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity, equity securities and other invested assets.securities.  The net realized capital gainslosses of $208.4$4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013,March 31, 2014 were the result of $205.1 million of gains from fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity, equity securities and other invested assets and $3.4$2.4 million of net realized capital gains from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities.

Net realized capital gains were $120.9 million and $533.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The $120.9 million was comprised of $124.1 million of gains from fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity, equity securities and other invested assets, partially offset by $3.0 million of losses from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities and $0.2$1.7 million of other-than-temporary impairments. The net realized capital gains of $533.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, were the result of $504.0 million of gainslosses from fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity, equity securities and other invested assets and $29.8 million of net realized capital gains from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities.re-measurements.

Other Income (Expense).  We recorded other expenseincome of $3.7 million and $15.6$15.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.  We recordedMarch 31, 2015 and other incomeexpense of $5.0 million and $5.1$3.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.March 31, 2014.  The change waschanges were primarily due tothe result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for the corresponding periods and fluctuations in the amortization of deferred gains on retroactive reinsurance agreements with affiliates.periods.

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Claims and Expenses.
Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.  The following tables presenttable presents our incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) for the periods indicated.

  Three Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2014                     
Attritional $372.4   65.3%  $(3.1)  -0.5%  $369.3   64.8% 
Catastrophes  14.7   2.6%   (3.4)  -0.6%   11.3   2.0% 
Total segment $387.1   67.9%  $(6.5)  -1.1%  $380.6   66.8% 
                            
2013                           
Attritional $311.5   59.6%  $(12.5)  -2.4%  $299.0   57.2% 
Catastrophes  6.9   1.3%   1.2   0.2%   8.1   1.5% 
Total segment $318.4   60.9%  $(11.3)  -2.2%  $307.1   58.7% 
                            
Variance 2014/2013                           
Attritional $60.9   5.7 pts $9.4   1.9 pts $70.3   7.6 pts
Catastrophes  7.8   1.3 pts  (4.6)  (0.8)pts  3.2   0.5 pts
Total segment $68.7   7.0 pts $4.8   1.1 pts $73.5   8.1 pts
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  Current Ratio %/ Prior Ratio %/ Total Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year Pt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2015                     
Attritional (a) $312.8   60.1%  $(1.7)  -0.4%  $311.1   59.7% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   (2.2)  -0.4%   (2.2)  -0.4% 
Total $312.8   60.1%  $(3.9)  -0.8%  $308.9   59.3% 
                            
2014                           
Attritional (a) $281.3   59.8%  $(0.6)  -0.1%  $280.7   59.7% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   (2.7)  -0.6%   (2.7)  -0.6% 
Total $281.3   59.8%  $(3.3)  -0.7%  $278.0   59.1% 
                            
Variance 2015/2014                           
Attritional (a) $31.5   0.3 pts $(1.1)  (0.3)pts $30.4   - pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  0.5   0.2 pts  0.5   0.2 pts
Total $31.5   0.3 pts $(0.6)  (0.1)pts $30.9   0.2 pts
                            
(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe losses.                        
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2014                     
Attritional $956.3   61.3%  $(5.5)  -0.4%  $950.8   60.9% 
Catastrophes  35.1   2.3%   (5.8)  -0.4%   29.3   1.9% 
Total segment $991.4   63.6%  $(11.3)  -0.8%  $980.1   62.8% 
                            
2013                           
Attritional $857.9   58.7%  $(2.5)  -0.2%  $855.4   58.5% 
Catastrophes  36.9   2.5%   17.3   1.2%   54.2   3.7% 
Total segment $894.8   61.2%  $14.8   1.0%  $909.7   62.2% 
                            
Variance 2014/2013                           
Attritional $98.4   2.6 pts $(3.0)  (0.2)pts $95.4   2.4 pts
Catastrophes  (1.8)  (0.2)pts  (23.1)  (1.6)pts  (24.9)  (1.8)pts
Total segment $96.6   2.4 pts $(26.1)  (1.8)pts $70.4   0.6 pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 23.9%11.1% to $380.6$308.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $307.1$278.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013,March 31, 2014, primarily due to an increaseincreases in current year attritional losses related toof $31.5 million resulting primarily from the impact of the increase in

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premiums earned, increased losses in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America and crop insurance losses, and an increase in current year catastrophe losses.  The $14.7 million ofearned.  There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 represented 2.6 pointsMarch 31, 2015 and related to Hurricane Odile ($9.9 million) and the Chilean earthquake ($4.8 million).  The current year catastrophe losses of $6.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 were due to the Canadian floods.2014.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 7.7% to $980.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $909.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to an increase in current year attritional losses, partially offset by favorable development on prior years’ catastrophe losses in 2014 compared to additional losses in 2013.  The $17.3 million of prior years’ catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 mainly related to Superstorm Sandy.  The increase in current year attritional losses is primarily attributable to the increase in premiums earned and increased losses in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America and crop insurance losses.  The $35.1 million of current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 represented 2.3 points and related primarily to the Japan snowstorm ($13.2 million), the Chilean earthquake ($12.1 million) and Hurricane Odile ($9.9 million).  The current year catastrophe losses of $36.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were due to U.S. storms ($25.0 million), Canadian floods ($9.4 million) and European floods ($2.5 million).

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Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees.  Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by 10.6%26.9% to $79.2$96.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $71.6$76.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by 11.9% to $240.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $215.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  March 31, 2014.  These changes were primarily due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, higher contingent commissions and changes in the mix of business.

Other Underwriting Expenses.  Other underwriting expenses were $50.6$48.5 million and $48.9$39.3 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2015 and 2014, and 2013, respectively, and $137.0 million and $136.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The increases wereincrease in other underwriting expenses was mainly due to the impact of the increase in earned premiums.premiums earned.

Corporate Expenses.  Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, were $4.6comparable at $1.6 million and $1.5$1.3 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2015 and 2014, and 2013, respectively, and $5.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.  The increase, quarter over quarter, in corporate expense was mainly due to the timing of allocations and higher compensation expenses.respectively.

Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense.  Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $12.3$8.9 million and $7.5$7.4 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2015 and 2014, and 2013, respectively.  The increase was primarily due to the impact of the issuance of $400.0 million of senior notes in June, 2014. Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $28.5 million and $38.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, and 2013, respectively.  The decrease was primarily due to the redemption of $329.9 million of trust preferred securities in May 2013, partially offset by the impactmaturity of the issuance of $400.0$250.0 million of senior notes in June,on October 15, 2014.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit).  We had incomeIncome tax expenses of $21.7expense was $50.4 million and $125.4$38.5 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2015 and 2014, and 2013, respectively, and $145.5 million and $308.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Income tax expense is primarily a function of the geographic location of the Company’s pre-tax income and the statutory tax rates in those jurisdictions, as affected by tax-exempt investment income and as calculated under the annualized effective tax rate (“AETR”) method.income.  Variations in the AETRincome tax expense generally result from changes in the relative levels of pre-tax income, including the impact of catastrophe losses and net capital gains (losses), among jurisdictions with different tax rates.  The decreaseincrease in income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 isMarch 31, 2014 was primarily due to lowerhigher net realized capital gains and the realization of additional foreign tax credits.gains.

Net Income (Loss).
Our net income was $100.1$115.9 million and $243.8$86.5 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2015 and 2014, and 2013, respectively, and $344.8 million and $614.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The changes were primarily driven by the financial component fluctuations explained above.

Ratios.
Our combined ratio increased by 7.93.5 points to 89.6%87.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015, compared to 81.7%83.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and increased by 0.7 points to 87.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 86.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.March 31, 2014.  The loss ratio component increased 8.1 points and 0.6slightly by 0.2 points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively,March 31, 2015, over the same periodsperiod last year, primarily due to increased losses in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, crop insurance losses and changes in the mix of business.year.  The commission and brokerage ratio components increased 0.2 points and 0.72.3 points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively,March 31, 2015, over the same period last year, primarily due to higher contingent commissions and changes in the mix of business.  The other underwriting expense ratio components decreased 0.4 points and 0.6 pointsincreased 1.0 point for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively,March 31, 2015, over the same periodsperiod last year.

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Stockholder's Equity.
Stockholders’ equity increased by $362.6$127.8 million to $4,553.1$4,700.5 million at September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 from $4,190.5$4,572.7 million at December 31, 2013,2014, principally as a result of $344.8$115.9 million of net income, $15.1$39.6 million of net unrealized appreciation on investments, net of tax, $8.9$4.0 million of share-based compensation transactions and $2.4$1.6 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments, partially offset by $8.6$33.3 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments.

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Consolidated Investment Results

Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased 21.2%13.8% to $83.4$72.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $68.8$63.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013March 31, 2014, primarily due to an increase in income from our limited partnership investments and an increase in dividend income from shares held of Group.  Net investment income decreased by 5.1% to $215.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $227.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The decrease, year over year, was primarily due to a decline in income from our limited partnership investments, partially offset by an increase in dividends from shares held of Group.parent’s shares.

The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  March 31, 
(Dollars in millions) 2014  2013  2014  2013  2015  2014 
Fixed maturities $52.5  $52.1  $157.5  $159.4  $48.0  $51.1 
Equity securities  8.0   8.4   26.1   27.2   8.7   8.9 
Short-term investments and cash  0.2   0.3   0.8   0.7   0.2   0.2 
Other invested assets                        
Limited partnerships  19.3   6.6   18.9   32.1   7.4   (3.1)
Dividends from Parent's shares  7.3   4.7   21.9   14.0   9.2   7.3 
Other  0.9   1.1   3.2   5.3   0.6   2.0 
Gross investment income before adjustments  88.1   73.1   228.4   238.7   74.1   66.4 
Funds held interest income (expense)  1.0   0.7   4.3   4.2   2.5   2.1 
Interest income from Parent  1.1   - 
Gross investment income  89.1   73.8   232.7   242.9   77.7   68.5 
Investment expenses  (5.6)  (5.0)  (16.8)  (15.5)  (5.1)  (4.7)
Net investment income $83.4  $68.8  $215.9  $227.4  $72.6  $63.8 
                        
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)        


The following tables show a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated:

 At At
 September 30, December 31,
 2014 2013
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets3.0% 3.3%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets2.1% 2.4%
 At At
 March 31. December 31,
 2015 2014
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 313.1% 3.1%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 312.2% 2.2%


Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
September 30, September 30,March 31.
2014 2013 2014 20132015 2014
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets3.8% 3.4% 3.4% 3.7%3.5% 3.0%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets2.6% 2.4% 2.4% 2.6%2.5% 2.2%

 
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Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).
The following table presents the composition of our net realized capital gains (losses) for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in millions) 2014  2013  Variance  2014  2013  Variance  2015 2014 Variance
Gains (losses) from sales:                           
Fixed maturity securities, market value                           
Gains $4.3  $3.4  $0.9  $9.4  $11.7  $(2.3) $2.5  $1.3  $1.2 
Losses  (3.3)  (1.7)  (1.6)  (11.3)  (7.7)  (3.6)  (14.0)  (3.3)  (10.7)
Total  1.0   1.8   (0.8)  (1.9)  4.1   (6.0)  (11.5)  (2.0)  (9.5)
                                    
Fixed maturity securities, fair value                                    
Gains  0.1   -   0.1   1.3   0.4   0.9   -   1.2   (1.2)
Losses  -   -   -   (0.3)  (0.3)  -   -   (0.3)  0.3 
Total  0.1   -   0.1   1.0   0.1   0.9   -   0.9   (0.9)
                                    
Equity securities, fair value                                    
Gains  1.7   3.8   (2.1)  12.0   33.2   (21.2)  5.1   6.6   (1.5)
Losses  (4.3)  (2.2)  (2.1)  (14.2)  (7.6)  (6.6)  (5.2)  (7.9)  2.7 
Total  (2.6)  1.6   (4.2)  (2.2)  25.6   (27.8)  (0.1)  (1.3)  1.2 
                                    
Total net realized gains (losses) from sales                                    
Gains  6.1   7.2   (1.1)  22.7   45.3   (22.6)  7.7   9.1   (1.4)
Losses  (7.6)  (3.8)  (3.8)  (25.8)  (15.5)  (10.3)  (19.2)  (11.5)  (7.7)
Total  (1.4)  3.4   (4.8)  (3.0)  29.8   (32.8)  (11.6)  (2.4)  (9.2)
                                    
Other than temporary impairments:  -   -   -   (0.2)  -   (0.2)  (24.1)  -   (24.1)
                                    
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:                                    
Fixed maturities, fair value  (0.9)  0.6   (1.5)  (0.9)  (1.0)  0.1   0.1   -   0.1 
Equity securities, fair value  (12.6)  37.8   (50.4)  65.4   160.3   (94.9)  20.9   25.8   (4.9)
Other invested assets, fair value  14.8   166.7   (151.9)  59.7   344.7   (285.0)  36.0   (27.4)  63.4 
Total  1.2   205.1   (203.9)  124.1   504.0   (379.9)  57.0   (1.7)  58.7 
                                    
Total net realized gains (losses) $(0.2) $208.4  $(208.6) $120.9  $533.8  $(412.9) $21.3  $(4.1) $25.4 
                                    
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                    


Net realized capital losses were $0.2 million and net realized capital gains were $208.4$21.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015, and 2013, respectively.net realized capital losses were $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  For the three months ended September 30, 2014,March 31, 2015, we recorded $1.4 million of net realized capital losses from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $1.2$57.0 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity equity securities, and other invested assets.  For the three months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded $205.1 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity, equity securities and other invested assets, partially offset by $24.1 million of other-than-temporary impairments and $3.4$11.6 million of net realized capital gainslosses from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities. The fixed maturity and equity sales for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013March 31, 2015 related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts along with maintaining a balanced foreign currency exposure.

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Net realized capital gains were $120.9 million and $533.8 million forshifts.  For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2014, we recorded $124.1 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity, equity securities and other invested assets, partially offset by $3.0$2.4 million of net realized capital losses from sales ofon our fixed maturity and equity securities and $0.2$1.7 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded $504.0 million of net realized capital gains due tolosses from fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity, equity securities and other invested assets and $29.8 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities.  The fixed maturity and equity sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts along with maintaining a balanced foreign currency exposure.re-measurements.

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Segment Results.
The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including Marine, Aviation, Surety and A&H business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies primarily within the U.S.  The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’s branches in Canada, Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey.  The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance, including medical stop loss insurance directly and through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers within the U.S and Canada.

These segments are managed independently, but conform with corporate guidelines with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations.  Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results.

Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and LAE incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses.  We measure our underwriting results using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned.

Our loss and LAE reserves are our best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims.  We re-evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including all prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, recently reported loss claim experience and trends related to prior periods.  Such re-evaluations are recorded in incurred losses in the period in which the re-evaluation is made.

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The following discusses the underwriting results for each of our segments for the periods indicated:

U.S. Reinsurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.

 Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
(Dollars in millions) 2014  2013  Variance  % Change  2014  2013  Variance  % Change  2015  2014  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $679.9  $532.3  $147.6   27.7% $1,663.3  $1,385.5  $277.8   20.1% $562.6  $530.3  $32.3   6.1%
Net written premiums  304.4   257.1   47.4   18.4%  771.1   690.5   80.5   11.7%  240.7   251.5   (10.8)  -4.3%
                                                
Premiums earned $275.5  $225.2  $50.3   22.3% $740.0  $621.4  $118.5   19.1% $255.4  $218.2  $37.2   17.1%
Incurred losses and LAE  125.5   102.5   23.0   22.4%  371.1   340.8   30.3   8.9%  111.5   116.0   (4.5)  -3.9%
Commission and brokerage  51.2   38.3   13.0   33.8%  144.7   114.9   29.8   25.9%  58.4   40.1   18.2   45.4%
Other underwriting expenses  12.1   12.0   0.1   0.9%  33.1   32.5   0.5   1.6%  11.5   9.5   2.0   21.6%
Underwriting gain (loss) $86.7  $72.4  $14.3   19.7% $191.0  $133.1  $57.9   43.5% $74.1  $52.6  $21.5   40.8%
                                                
             Point Chg             Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  45.5%  45.5%      -   50.2%  54.8%      (4.6)  43.6%  53.2%      (9.6)
Commission and brokerage ratio  18.6%  17.0%      1.6   19.6%  18.5%      1.1   22.9%  18.4%      4.5 
Other underwriting expense ratio  4.4%  5.3%      (0.9)  4.4%  5.3%      (0.9)  4.5%  4.3%      0.2 
Combined ratio  68.5%  67.8%      0.7   74.2%  78.6%      (4.4)  71.0%  75.9%      (4.9)
                                                
(NM, not meaningful)                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                


Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 27.7%6.1% to $679.9$562.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 from $532.3$530.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013,March 31, 2014, primarily due to newan increase in treaty property and catastrophe business, opportunities, particularly for contracts with catastrophe exposed risks and mortgage guarantypartially offset by a decline in treaty casualty business.  Net written premiums increaseddecreased by 18.4%4.3% to $304.4$240.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $257.1$251.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.March 31, 2014.  The variance between the increase in gross written premiums compared to the decrease in net written premiums is primarily due to a higher utilization of reinsurance related to quota share contracts. Premiums earned increased 17.1% to $255.4 million for the

32

three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $218.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  Current Ratio %/ Prior Ratio %/ Total Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year Pt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2015                     
Attritional $117.5   46.0%  $(3.6)  -1.5%  $113.9   44.5% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   (2.4)  -0.9%   (2.4)  -0.9% 
Total segment $117.5   46.0%  $(6.0)  -2.5%  $111.5   43.6% 
                            
2014                           
Attritional $120.6   55.3%  $(3.2)  -1.5%  $117.4   53.8% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   (1.4)  -0.6%   (1.4)  -0.6% 
Total segment $120.6   55.3%  $(4.6)  -2.1%  $116.0   53.2% 
                            
Variance 2015/2014                           
Attritional $(3.1)  (9.3)pts $(0.4)  - pts $(3.5)  (9.3)pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  (1.0)  (0.3)pts  (1.0)  (0.3)pts
Total segment $(3.1)  (9.3)pts $(1.4)  (0.4)pts $(4.5)  (9.6)pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


Incurred losses decreased by 3.9% to $111.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $116.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to a decrease in losses on treaty casualty business and the impact of changes in affiliated quota share agreements, partially offset by the impact of the increase in earned premiums.  There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased by 45.4% to $58.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $40.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  This variance was due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, higher contingent commissions and changes in the mix of business.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $11.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from $9.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 due primarily to the impact of the increase in premiums earned.

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International.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the International segment for the periods indicated.
  Three Months Ended March 31, 
(Dollars in millions) 2015  2014  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $333.6  $328.9  $4.7   1.4%
Net written premiums  121.7   141.5   (19.8)  -14.0%
                 
Premiums earned $140.7  $145.0  $(4.3)  -3.0%
Incurred losses and LAE  101.4   83.6   17.9   21.4%
Commission and brokerage  34.0   29.2   4.8   16.6%
Other underwriting expenses  8.1   7.8   0.3   3.5%
Underwriting gain (loss) $(2.9) $24.4  $(27.3)  -111.7%
                 
              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  72.1%  57.6%      14.5 
Commission and brokerage ratio  24.2%  20.1%      4.1 
Other underwriting expense ratio  5.7%  5.5%      0.2 
Combined ratio  102.0%  83.2%      18.8 
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                


Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 1.4% to $333.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $328.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to new quota share contracts, partially offset by the negative impact of approximately $12.4 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates.  Net written premiums decreased by 14.0% to $121.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $141.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.  The variance of the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to a higher utilization of reinsurance related to the new quota share contracts and the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including Mt. Logan.contracts.  Premiums earned increased 22.3%decreased 3.0% to $275.5$140.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $225.2$145.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.March 31, 2015.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 20.1% to $1,663.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $1,385.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to new business opportunities, particularly for contracts with catastrophe exposed risks and mortgage guaranty business.  Net written premiums increased by 11.7% to $771.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $690.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The variance of the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to a higher utilization of reinsurance related to the new quota share contracts and the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including Mt. Logan.  Premiums earned increased 19.1% to $740.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $621.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

35

Incurred Losses and LAE. The following tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.

  Three Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2014                     
Attritional $125.2   45.4%  $-   0.0%  $125.2   45.4% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   0.3   0.1%   0.3   0.1% 
Total segment $125.2   45.4%  $0.3   0.1%  $125.5   45.5% 
                            
2013                           
Attritional $113.6   50.5%  $(12.0)  -5.3%  $101.6   45.2% 
Catastrophes  0.1   0.0%   0.8   0.3%   0.9   0.3% 
Total segment $113.7   50.5%  $(11.2)  -5.0%  $102.5   45.5% 
                            
Variance 2014/2013                           
Attritional $11.6   (5.1)pts $12.0   5.3 pts $23.6   0.2 pts
Catastrophes  (0.1)  - pts  (0.5)  (0.2)pts  (0.6)  (0.2)pts
Total segment $11.5   (5.1)pts $11.5   5.1 pts $23.0   - pts


  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2014                     
Attritional $373.2   50.6%  $(4.9)  -0.7%  $368.3   49.9% 
Catastrophes  3.2   0.4%   (0.4)  -0.1%   2.8   0.3% 
Total segment $376.4   51.0%  $(5.3)  -0.8%  $371.1   50.2% 
                            
2013                           
Attritional $305.9   49.2%  $(8.6)  -1.4%  $297.3   47.8% 
Catastrophes  27.6   4.4%   15.9   2.6%   43.5   7.0% 
Total segment $333.5   53.6%  $7.3   1.2%  $340.8   54.8% 
                            
Variance 2014/2013                           
Attritional $67.3   1.4 pts $3.7   0.7 pts $71.0   2.1 pts
Catastrophes  (24.4)  (4.0)pts  (16.3)  (2.7)pts  (40.7)  (6.7)pts
Total segment $42.9   (2.6)pts $(12.6)  (2.0)pts $30.3   (4.6)pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        

Incurred losses increased by 22.4% to $125.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $102.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to the increase in current year attritional losses of $11.6 million, due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, and $12.0 million of less favorable development on prior years’ attritional losses in 2014 compared to 2013.  The $12.0 million of prior years’ attritional losses for the three months ended September 30, 2013 related primarily to the treaty casualty line of business.  There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  The $0.1 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2013 were due to the Canadian floods.

Incurred losses increased by 8.9% to $371.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $340.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to the increase in current year attritional losses of $67.3 million resulting primarily from the impact of the increase in premiums earned, partially offset by a decrease of $24.4 million in current year catastrophe losses and favorable development on prior years’ catastrophe losses in 2014 compared to unfavorable development in 2013.  The $3.2 million of current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 related to the Japan snowstorm ($3.2 million).  The $27.6 million of current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were due to the U.S. storms ($25.0 million), European floods ($2.5 million) and Canadian floods ($0.1 million).  The $15.9 million of unfavorable development on prior years’ catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 related primarily to Superstorm Sandy.

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Segment Expenses.Commission and brokerage expenses increased by 33.8% to $51.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $38.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  Commission and brokerage expenses increased by 25.9% to $144.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $114.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  These variances were mainly due to the impact of the increases in premiums earned, higher contingent commissions and changes in the mix of business. 
Segment other underwriting expenses increased slightly to $12.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $12.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and increased slightly to $33.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $32.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

International.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the International segment for the periods indicated.

  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2014  2013  Variance  % Change  2014  2013  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $419.5  $339.7  $79.7   23.5% $1,214.3  $994.5  $219.8   22.1%
Net written premiums  157.9   149.8   8.1   5.4%  446.6   446.2   0.4   0.1%
                                 
Premiums earned $145.7  $140.9  $4.8   3.4% $438.4  $433.9  $4.5   1.0%
Incurred losses and LAE  113.7   90.7   23.0   25.3%  286.2   262.7   23.5   8.9%
Commission and brokerage  23.8   27.9   (4.2)  -14.9%  80.3   87.2   (6.8)  -7.9%
Other underwriting expenses  8.8   8.7   -   0.4%  24.7   24.3   0.4   1.5%
Underwriting gain (loss) $(0.6) $13.5  $(14.0)  -104.2% $47.2  $59.6  $(12.5)  -20.9%
                                 
              Point Chg             Point Chg
Loss ratio  78.1%  64.4%      13.7   65.3%  60.6%      4.7 
Commission and brokerage ratio  16.3%  19.8%      (3.5)  18.3%  20.1%      (1.8)
Other underwriting expense ratio  6.0%  6.2%      (0.2)  5.6%  5.6%      - 
Combined ratio  100.4%  90.4%      10.0   89.2%  86.3%      2.9 
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                

Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 23.5% to $419.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $339.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to new quota share contracts.  Net written premiums increased by 5.4% to $157.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $149.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  The variance of the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is due to a higher utilization of reinsurance related to the new quota share contracts and the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including Mt. Logan.  Premiums earned increased 3.4% to $145.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $140.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 22.1% to $1,214.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $994.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to new quota share contracts, partially offset by approximately $30 million of negative impacts from foreign exchange movements year over year.  Net written premiums increased by 0.1% to $446.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $446.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The variance of the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is due to a higher utilization of reinsurance related to the new quota share contracts and the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including Mt. Logan.  Premiums earned increased 1.0% to $438.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $433.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

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Incurred Losses and LAE. The following tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the International segment for the periods indicated.

 Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/ Current Ratio %/ Prior Ratio %/ Total Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change Year Pt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2015                     
Attritional $99.7   70.9%  $1.6   1.1%  $101.3   72.0% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   0.2   0.1%   0.2   0.1% 
Total segment $99.7   70.9%  $1.7   1.2%  $101.4   72.1% 
                           
2014                                                
Attritional $106.6   73.2%  $(3.8)  -2.6%  $102.8   70.6%  $84.7   58.4%  $0.2   0.2%  $85.0   58.6% 
Catastrophes  14.7   10.1%   (3.7)  -2.6%   10.9   7.5%   -   0.0%   (1.4)  -1.0%   (1.4)  -1.0% 
Total segment $121.3   83.3%  $(7.6)  -5.2%  $113.7   78.1%  $84.7   58.4%  $(1.1)  -0.8%  $83.6   57.6% 
                                                      
2013                           
Variance 2015/2014                           
Attritional $85.1   60.4%  $(1.6)  -1.1%  $83.5   59.3%  $15.0   12.5 pts $1.4   0.9 pts $16.3   13.4 pts
Catastrophes  6.6   4.7%   0.6   0.4%   7.2   5.1%   -   - pts  1.6   1.1 pts  1.6   1.1 pts
Total segment $91.7   65.1%  $(1.0)  -0.7%  $90.7   64.4%  $15.0   12.5 pts $2.8   2.0 pts $17.9   14.5 pts
                                                      
Variance 2014/2013                           
Attritional $21.5   12.8 pts $(2.2)  (1.5)pts $19.3   11.3 pts
Catastrophes  8.1   5.4 pts  (4.3)  (3.0)pts  3.7   2.4 pts
Total segment $29.6   18.2 pts $(6.6)  (4.5)pts $23.0   13.7 pts
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


34
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2014                     
Attritional $263.7   60.1%  $(4.1)  -0.9%  $259.7   59.2% 
Catastrophes  32.0   7.3%   (5.5)  -1.2%   26.5   6.1% 
Total segment $295.7   67.4%  $(9.5)  -2.1%  $286.2   65.3% 
                            
2013                           
Attritional $255.5   59.0%  $(3.4)  -0.8%  $252.1   58.2% 
Catastrophes  9.1   2.1%   1.5   0.3%   10.6   2.4% 
Total segment $264.6   61.1%  $(1.9)  -0.5%  $262.7   60.6% 
                            
Variance 2014/2013                           
Attritional $8.2   1.1 pts $(0.7)  (0.1)pts $7.6   1.0 pts
Catastrophes  22.9   5.2 pts  (7.0)  (1.5)pts  15.9   3.7 pts
Total segment $31.1   6.3 pts $(7.6)  (1.6)pts $23.5   4.7 pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


Incurred losses and LAE increased by 25.3%21.4% to $113.7$101.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $90.7$83.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, primarilyMarch 31, 2014, due to anthe increase of $21.5 million in current year attritional losses relatedof $15.0 million. The increase in attritional losses was primarily due to additionalhigher losses in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, and an increase of $8.1 million in current year catastrophe losses. The $14.7 million ofAmerica. There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 were due to Hurricane Odile ($9.9 million)March 31, 2015 and the Chilean earthquake ($4.8 million).  The $6.6 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2013, were due to the Canadian floods.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 8.9% to $286.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $262.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to an increase of $22.9 million in current year catastrophe losses and an increase of $8.2 million in current year attritional losses, related to additional losses in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The $32.0 million of current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were due to the Chilean earthquake ($12.1 million), Japan snowstorm ($10.0 million) and Hurricane Odile ($9.9 million).  The $9.1 million of current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were due to the Canadian floods.2014.

Segment Expenses.Expenses. Commission and brokerage decreased 14.9%increased 16.6% to $23.8$34.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $27.9$29.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  Commission and brokerage decreased 7.9% to $80.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $87.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. This decreaseMarch 31, 2014.  The increase was primarily due to the new contracts, which have lower net commission rates, partially offset byimpact of changes in affiliated quota share agreements and the impact of changes in the increase in premiums earned.

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mix of business.  Segment other underwriting expenses slightly increased to $8.8$8.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $8.7$7.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and slightly increased to $24.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $24.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.March 31, 2014.

Insurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated.

 Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
(Dollars in millions) 2014  2013  Variance  % Change  2014  2013  Variance  % Change  2015  2014  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $354.0  $367.5  $(13.4)  -3.7% $885.0  $923.6  $(38.6)  -4.2% $330.5  $225.3  $105.2   46.7%
Net written premiums  149.5   178.4   (28.8)  -16.2%  386.7   456.3   (69.6)  -15.3%  146.1   106.7   39.3   36.8%
                                                
Premiums earned $148.4  $157.4  $(9.0)  -5.7% $382.4  $406.2  $(23.8)  -5.9% $125.0  $107.3  $17.7   16.5%
Incurred losses and LAE  141.4   113.9   27.5   24.2%  322.8   306.2   16.7   5.5%  96.0   78.5   17.5   22.3%
Commission and brokerage  4.2   5.4   (1.2)  -22.1%  15.5   12.9   2.6   20.0%  4.2   6.8   (2.6)  -38.6%
Other underwriting expenses  29.7   28.2   1.5   5.4%  79.3   79.9   (0.6)  -0.8%  28.9   21.9   7.0   31.8%
Underwriting gain (loss) $(26.9) $10.0  $(36.9) NM  $(35.2) $7.3  $(42.5) NM  $(4.1) $-  $(4.1) NM 
                                                
             Point Chg             Point Chg             Point Chg 
Loss ratio  95.3%  72.3%      23.0   84.4%  75.4%      9.0   76.8%  73.2%      3.6 
Commission and brokerage ratio  2.8%  3.4%      (0.6)  4.1%  3.2%      0.9   3.3%  6.3%      (3.0)
Other underwriting expense ratio  20.0%  17.9%      2.1   20.7%  19.6%      1.1   23.2%  20.5%      2.7 
Combined ratio  118.1%  93.6%      24.5   109.2%  98.2%      11.0   103.3%  100.0%      3.3 
                                                
(NM, not meaningful)                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                


Premiums. Gross written premiums decreasedincreased by 3.7%46.7% to $354.0$330.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $367.5$225.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.March 31, 2014.  This decreaseincrease was primarily driven by a declinean increase in crop business.and workers’ compensation business as well as eight other business units. Net written premiums decreasedincreased by 16.2%36.8% to $149.5$146.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $178.4$106.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  The variance in the change of gross written premiums compared toMarch 31, 2014, which is consistent with the change in netgross written premiums is due to varied utilization of reinsurance, particularly on the crop business.premiums.  Premiums earned decreased 5.7%increased 16.5% to $148.4$125.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $157.4$107.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.March 31, 2014.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums decreased by 4.2% to $885.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $923.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  This decrease was primarily driven by a decline in crop business.  Net written premiums decreased by 15.3% to $386.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $456.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The variance in the change of gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is due to varied utilization of reinsurance, particularly on the crop business.  Premiums earned decreased 5.9% to $382.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $406.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

 
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Incurred Losses and LAE. The following tables presenttable presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated.

 Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/ Current Ratio %/ Prior Ratio %/ Total Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change Year Pt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2015                     
Attritional $95.6   76.5%  $0.4   0.3%  $96.0   76.8% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $95.6   76.5%  $0.4   0.3%  $96.0   76.8% 
                           
2014                                                
Attritional $140.6   94.8%  $0.8   0.5%  $141.4   95.3%  $76.0   70.8%  $2.4   2.3%  $78.4   73.1% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   0.1   0.1%   0.1   0.1% 
Total segment $140.6   94.8%  $0.8   0.5%  $141.4   95.3%  $76.0   70.8%  $2.5   2.4%  $78.5   73.2% 
                                                      
2013                           
Variance 2015/2014                           
Attritional $112.8   71.6%  $1.0   0.7%  $113.8   72.3%  $19.6   5.7 pts $(2.0)  (2.0)pts $17.6   3.7 pts
Catastrophes  0.2   0.1%   (0.1)  -0.1%   0.1   0.0%   -   - pts  (0.1)  (0.1)pts  (0.1)  (0.1)pts
Total segment $113.0   71.7%  $0.9   0.6%  $113.9   72.3%  $19.6   5.7 pts $(2.1)  (2.1)pts $17.5   3.6 pts
                                                      
Variance 2014/2013                           
Attritional $27.8   23.2 pts $(0.2)  (0.2)pts $27.6   23.0 pts
Catastrophes  (0.2)  (0.1)pts  0.1   0.1 pts  (0.1)  - pts
Total segment $27.6   23.1 pts $(0.1)  (0.1)pts $27.5   23.0 pts
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        


  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2014                     
Attritional $319.4   83.5%  $3.4   0.9%  $322.8   84.4% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   0.1   0.0%   0.1   0.0% 
Total segment $319.4   83.5%  $3.4   0.9%  $322.8   84.4% 
                            
2013                           
Attritional $296.6   73.0%  $9.5   2.3%  $306.1   75.3% 
Catastrophes  0.2   0.1%   (0.1)  0.0%   0.1   0.1% 
Total segment $296.8   73.1%  $9.4   2.3%  $306.2   75.4% 
                            
Variance 2014/2013                           
Attritional $22.8   10.5 pts $(6.1)  (1.4)pts $16.7   9.1 pts
Catastrophes  (0.2)  (0.1)pts  0.2   - pts  -   (0.1)pts
Total segment $22.6   10.4 pts $(6.0)  (1.4)pts $16.7   9.0 pts
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                        

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 24.2%22.3% to $141.4$96.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $113.9$78.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013,March 31, 2014, mainly due to an increase of $27.8$19.6 million in current year attritional losses, which were mainlylosses.  This rise was primarily related to the crop bookimpact of business.the increase in premiums earned.  There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2015 and 2014.  The $0.2 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2013 were due to the Canadian floods.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 5.5% to $322.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $306.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, mainly due to an increase of $22.8 million in current year attritional losses, which were mainly related to the crop book of business, partially offset by $6.1 million of lower development on prior years’ attritional losses in 2014 compared to 2013.  There were no current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The $0.2 million of current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were due to the Canadian floods.

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage decreased slightly38.6% to $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $5.4$6.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  Commission and brokerage increased 20.0% to $15.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $12.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  TheMarch 31, 2014.  This increase for the year was primarily driven bydue to the shiftimpact of changes in affiliated quota share agreements and the impact of changes in the mix of premium away from crop business, which carries a lower commission rate than other insurance lines.

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partially offset by the impact of the increase in premiums earned.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased slightly to $29.7$28.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 compared to $28.2$21.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  Segment other underwriting expenses decreased slightly to $79.3 million for the nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2014 compared to $79.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013primarily due primarily to the impact of the declineincrease in premiums earned.

Market Sensitive Instruments.
The SEC’s Financial Reporting Release #48 requires registrants to clarify and expand upon the existing financial statement disclosure requirements for derivative financial instruments, derivative commodity instruments and other financial instruments (collectively, “market sensitive instruments”).  We do not generally enter into market sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

Our current investment strategy seeks to maximize after-tax income through a high quality, diversified, taxable and tax-preferenced fixed maturity portfolio, while maintaining an adequate level of liquidity.  Our mix of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected operating results, market conditions and our tax position.  The fixed maturity securities in the investment portfolio are comprised of non-trading available for sale securities.  Additionally, we have invested in equity securities.

The overall investment strategy considers the scope of present and anticipated Company operations.  In particular, estimates of the financial impact resulting from non-investment asset and liability transactions, together with our capital structure and other factors, are used to develop a net liability analysis.  This analysis includes estimated payout characteristics for which our investments provide liquidity.  This analysis is considered in the development of specific investment strategies for asset allocation, duration and credit quality.  The change in overall market sensitive risk exposure principally reflects the asset changes that took place during the period.


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Interest Rate Risk.  Our $9.9$9.5 billion investment portfolio, at September 30, 2014,March 31, 2015, is principally comprised of fixed maturity securities, which are generally subject to interest rate risk and some foreign currency exchange rate risk, and some equity securities, which are subject to price fluctuations and some foreign exchange rate risk.  The overall economic impact of the foreign exchange risks on the investment portfolio is partially mitigated by changes in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated liabilities and their associated income statement impact.

Interest rate risk is the potential change in value of the fixed maturity securities portfolio, including short-term investments, from a change in market interest rates.  In a declining interest rate environment, it includes prepayment risk on the $670.6$633.9 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $5,836.5$5,227.3 million fixed maturity portfolio.  Prepayment risk results from potential accelerated principal payments that shorten the average life and thus the expected yield of the security.

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The table below displaydisplays the potential impact of market value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity portfolio (including $659.0$559.9 million of short-term investments) for the periodsperiod indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates.  For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually.  To generate appropriate price estimates for mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account.  For legal entities with non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the market value change under the various interest rate change scenarios.

 Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
 At September 30, 2014 At March 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)  -200  -100  0  100  200  -200  -100  0  100  200
Total Market/Fair Value $6,803.2  $6,652.1  $6,495.6  $6,331.4  $6,162.3  $6,077.5  $5,933.6  $5,787.2  $5,634.7  $5,477.6 
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)  4.7%  2.4%  0.0%  -2.5%  -5.1%  5.0%  2.5%  0.0%  -2.6%  -5.3%
Change in Unrealized Appreciation                                        
After-tax from Base ($) $200.0  $101.8  $-  $(106.7) $(216.6) $188.7  $95.1  $-  $(99.1) $(201.2)


We had $7,784.1$7,805.0 million and $7,653.2$7,843.9 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of September 30, 2014March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2013,2014, respectively.  These amounts are recorded at their nominal value, as opposed to present value, which would reflect a discount adjustment to reflect the time value of money.  Since losses are paid out over a period of time, the present value of the reserves is less than the nominal value.  As interest rates rise, the present value of the reserves decreases and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the present value increases.  These movements are the opposite of the interest rate impacts on the fair value of investments.  While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will include investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid.  Our loss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration that is reasonably consistent with our fixed income portfolio.

Equity Risk.  Equity risk is the potential change in fair and/or market value of the common stock and preferred stock portfolios arising from changing prices.  Our equity investments consist of a diversified portfolio of individual securities.  The primary objective of the equity portfolio is to obtain greater total return relative to bonds over time through market appreciation and income.

The table below displays the impact on fair/market value and after-tax change in fair/market value of a 10% and 20% change in equity prices up and down for the periods indicated.

 Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values 
 At September 30, 2014 At March 31, 2015 
(Dollars in millions)  -20%  -10%  0%  10%  20%  -20%  -10%  0%  10%  20%
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio $956.2  $1,075.7  $1,195.3  $1,314.8  $1,434.3  $1,080.1  $1,215.1  $1,350.1  $1,485.1  $1,620.1 
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value  (155.4)  (77.7)  -   77.7   155.4   (175.5)  (87.8)  -   87.8   175.5 

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Foreign Exchange Risk.  Foreign currency risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  Each of our non-U.S. (“foreign”) operations maintains capital in the currency of the country of its geographic location consistent with local regulatory guidelines.  Each foreign operation may conduct business in its local currency, as well as the currency of other countries in which it operates.  The primary foreign currency exposures for these foreign operations are the Singapore and Canadian Dollars.  We mitigate foreign exchange exposure by generally matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresponding operating liabilities.  In accordance with FASB guidance, we translate the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar.  This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income.  As of September 30, 2014,March 31, 2015, there has been no material change in exposure to foreign exchange rates as compared to December 31, 2013.2014.

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SAFE HARBOR DISCLOSURE
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws.  We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the federal securities laws.  In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “plan”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” and “intend”.  Forward-looking statements contained in this report include information regarding our reserves for losses and LAE, the adequacy of our provision for uncollectible balances, estimates of our catastrophe exposure, the effects of catastrophic events on our financial statements and the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends.  Forward-looking statements only reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance.  These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Actual events or results may differ materially from our expectations.  Important factors that could cause our actual events or results to be materially different from our expectations include those discussed under the caption ITEM 1A, “Risk Factors” in ourthe Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Formrecent 10-K Part 1, Item 1A.filing.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


ITEM 3.        QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk Instruments.  See “Market Sensitive Instruments” in PART I – ITEM 2.


ITEM 4.        CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)).  Based on their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter covered by this report.


38

PART II

ITEM 1.        LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine the Company’s rights and obligations under insurance and reinsurance agreements.  In some disputes, the Company seeks to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it.  In other matters, the Company is resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights.  These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation.  In all such matters, the Company believes that its positions are legally and commercially reasonable.  The Company considers the statuses of these proceedings when determining its reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.

Aside from litigation and arbitrations related to these insurance and reinsurance agreements, the Company is not a party to any other material litigation or arbitration.

43


ITEM 1A.      RISK FACTORS

No material changes.


ITEM 2.        UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.


ITEM 3.        DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.


ITEM 4.        MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


ITEM 5.        OTHER INFORMATION

None.


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ITEM 6.        EXHIBITS

Exhibit Index:  
   
Exhibit No.Description 
   
   31.1Section 302 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso 
   
   31.2Section 302 Certification of Craig Howie 
   
   32.1Section 906 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso and Craig Howie 
   
   101.INSXBRL Instance Document 
   
   101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema 
   
   101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase 
   
   101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase 
   
   101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase 
   
   101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase 
   

 
4440

 
Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.

Signatures



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 

 Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.
 (Registrant) 
   
   
 /S/ CRAIG HOWIE 
 Craig Howie 
 Executive Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer
   
 (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
Dated: November 14, 2014


Dated: May 15, 2015