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:
JuneSeptember 30, 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 AugustNovember 1, 2015
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 JuneSeptember 30, 2015 (unaudited) and 
   December 31, 20141
    
  Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the 
   three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)2
     
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity for the three and sixnine 
   months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)3
     
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the sixnine months ended 
   JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)4
     
  Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited)5
     
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
   Results of Operation28
    
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk44
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures44
     

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings44
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors45
    
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds45
    
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities45
    
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures45
    
Item 5. Other Information45
    
Item 6. Exhibits4645



EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



 June 30,  December 31,  September 30,  December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
 (unaudited)    (unaudited)   
ASSETS:        
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value $5,281,672  $5,293,411  $5,384,362  $5,293,411 
(amortized cost: 2015, $5,197,111; 2014, $5,235,523)        
(amortized cost: 2015, $5,327,880; 2014, $5,235,523)        
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value  228   1,509   -   1,509 
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2015, $0; 2014, $15)  -   16   -   16 
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value  1,317,420   1,299,037   1,199,347   1,299,037 
Short-term investments  531,516   564,364   382,233   564,364 
Other invested assets (cost: 2015, $448,281; 2014, $435,010)  448,281   435,010 
Other invested assets (cost: 2015, $427,980; 2014, $435,010)  427,980   435,010 
Other invested assets, at fair value  1,769,132   1,655,311   1,684,860   1,655,311 
Cash  250,419   323,975   276,132   323,975 
Total investments and cash  9,598,668   9,572,633   9,354,914   9,572,633 
Note receivable - affiliated  250,000   250,000   250,000   250,000 
Accrued investment income  45,210   45,386   48,522   45,386 
Premiums receivable  1,103,666   1,086,203   1,306,646   1,086,203 
Reinsurance receivables - unaffiliated  671,032   659,303   712,958   659,303 
Reinsurance receivables - affiliated  3,515,294   3,372,715   3,459,615   3,372,715 
Funds held by reinsureds  186,435   182,159   181,146   182,159 
Deferred acquisition costs  87,884   109,262   89,267   109,262 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums  769,083   809,083   849,228   809,083 
Other assets  259,865   235,576   298,322   235,576 
TOTAL ASSETS $16,487,137  $16,322,320  $16,550,618  $16,322,320 
                
LIABILITIES:                
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses $7,888,302  $7,843,856  $7,878,119  $7,843,856 
Unearned premium reserve  1,338,940   1,442,122   1,468,945   1,442,122 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties  104,970   101,743   101,842   101,743 
Losses in the course of payment  254,544   178,521   310,398   178,521 
Commission reserves  48,644   63,110   52,936   63,110 
Other net payable to reinsurers  881,522   1,028,549   971,929   1,028,549 
4.868% Senior notes due 6/1/2044  400,000   400,000   400,000   400,000 
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067  238,366   238,364   238,367   238,364 
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings  3,537   3,537   12,341   3,537 
Income taxes  82,898   46,835   24,378   46,835 
Unsettled securities payable  57,341   41,092   39,309   41,092 
Other liabilities  355,267   361,874   264,795   361,874 
Total liabilities  11,654,331   11,749,603   11,763,359   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 (2015 and 2014)  -   -   -   - 
Additional paid-in capital  369,284   362,293   372,566   362,293 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense                
(benefit) of $4,258 at 2015 and $2,434 at 2014  7,907   4,519 
(benefit) of ($19,525) at 2015 and $2,434 at 2014  (36,263)  4,519 
Retained earnings  4,455,615   4,205,905   4,450,956   4,205,905 
Total stockholder's equity  4,832,806   4,572,717   4,787,259   4,572,717 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY $16,487,137  $16,322,320  $16,550,618  $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  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
 (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
REVENUES:                
Premiums earned $521,424  $520,736  $1,042,486  $991,181  $546,050  $569,597  $1,588,536  $1,560,778 
Net investment income  70,925   68,636   143,506   132,423   63,363   83,446   206,869   215,869 
Net realized capital gains (losses):                                
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities  (8,810)  (199)  (32,931)  (199)  (10,502)  -   (43,433)  (199)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities                                
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Realized gain on sale of subsidiary  94,704   -   94,704   - 
Other net realized capital gains (losses)  60,035   125,313   105,452   121,263   (111,193)  (160)  (100,445)  121,103 
Total net realized capital gains (losses)  51,225   125,114   72,521   121,064   (121,695)  (160)  (49,174)  120,904 
Other income (expense)  12,289   (8,782)  28,122   (11,837)  10,828   (3,739)  38,950   (15,576)
Total revenues  655,863   705,704   1,286,635   1,232,831   498,546   649,144   1,785,181   1,881,975 
                                
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:                                
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses  322,879   321,517   631,759   599,563   370,754   380,580   1,002,513   980,143 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  72,953   85,322   169,484   161,416   72,151   79,168   241,635   240,584 
Other underwriting expenses  51,573   47,158   100,116   86,409   56,953   50,623   157,069   137,032 
Corporate expenses  1,785   (524)  3,394   778   1,637   4,620   5,031   5,398 
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  8,858   8,811   17,717   16,247   8,859   12,292   26,576   28,539 
Total claims and expenses  458,048   462,284   922,470   864,413   510,354   527,283   1,432,824   1,391,696 
                                
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  197,815   243,420   364,165   368,418   (11,808)  121,861   352,357   490,279 
Income tax expense (benefit)  64,049   85,246   114,455   123,778   (7,149)  21,720   107,306   145,498 
                                
NET INCOME (LOSS) $133,766  $158,174  $249,710  $244,640  $(4,659) $100,141  $245,051  $344,781 
                                
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax :                
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:                
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period  (35,938)  19,102   (19,988)  39,899   (29,878)  (26,221)  (49,866)  13,678 
Less: reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)  13,661   857   37,326   2,155   11,625   (696)  48,951   1,459 
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period  (22,277)  19,959   17,338   42,054   (18,253)  (26,917)  (915)  15,137 
                                
Foreign currency translation adjustments  16,145   6,721   (17,163)  (1,115)  (27,473)  (7,472)  (44,636)  (8,587)
                                
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) for the period  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)  1,609   770   3,213   1,541   1,556   825   4,769   2,366 
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period  1,609   770   3,213   1,541   1,556   825   4,769   2,366 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  (4,523)  27,450   3,388   42,480   (44,170)  (33,564)  (40,782)  8,916 
                                
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $129,243  $185,624  $253,098  $287,120  $(48,829) $66,577  $204,269  $353,697 
                                
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  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
 (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
COMMON STOCK (shares outstanding):                
Balance, beginning of period  1,000   1,000   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   1,000   1,000 
                                
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:                                
Balance, beginning of period $366,258  $354,445  $362,293  $351,051  $369,284  $357,537  $362,293  $351,051 
Share-based compensation plans  3,026   3,092   6,991   6,486   3,282   2,453   10,273   8,939 
Balance, end of period  369,284   357,537   369,284   357,537   372,566   359,990   372,566   359,990 
                                
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),                                
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:                                
Balance, beginning of period  12,430   102,678   4,519   87,648   7,907   130,128   4,519   87,648 
Net increase (decrease) during the period  (4,523)  27,450   3,388   42,480   (44,170)  (33,564)  (40,782)  8,916 
Balance, end of period  7,907   130,128   7,907   130,128   (36,263)  96,564   (36,263)  96,564 
                                
RETAINED EARNINGS:                                
Balance, beginning of period  4,321,849   3,838,245   4,205,905   3,751,779   4,455,615   3,996,419   4,205,905   3,751,779 
Net income (loss)  133,766   158,174   249,710   244,640   (4,659)  100,141   245,051   344,781 
Balance, end of period  4,455,615   3,996,419   4,455,615   3,996,419   4,450,956   4,096,560   4,450,956   4,096,560 
                                
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD $4,832,806  $4,484,084  $4,832,806  $4,484,084  $4,787,259  $4,553,114  $4,787,259  $4,553,114 
                                
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                                


3


EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



 Six Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
 (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
Net income (loss) $249,710  $244,640  $245,051  $344,781 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable  (19,661)  (82,537)  (225,922)  (237,390)
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net  (1,191)  401   589   762 
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables  (167,876)  (368,394)  (169,328)  (778,374)
Decrease (increase) in income taxes  34,836   36,879   (212)  12,264 
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums  38,141   (100,075)  (44,177)  (198,306)
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses  75,995   7,882   107,006   150,411 
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums  (99,896)  101,264   34,627   241,650 
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers  (144,661)  83,206   (50,813)  353,468 
Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment  76,607   151,503   133,244   164,072 
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships  (13,872)  1,161   (16,409)  (17,643)
Distribution of limited partnership income  14,597   9,157   36,883   32,548 
Change in other assets and liabilities, net  2,437   (51,901)  (2,719)  (2,744)
Non-cash compensation expense  3,955   3,698   6,303   5,700 
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)  9,352   11,581   13,978   14,502 
Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes  2   28   3   43 
Net realized capital (gains) losses  (72,521)  (121,064)  49,174   (120,904)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  (14,046)  (72,571)  117,278   (35,160)
                
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value  493,648   519,733   696,268   829,363 
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at fair value  -   875   -   875 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value  288,211   327,859   418,284   547,682 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value  1,613   20,763   1,824   23,855 
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at market value  16   -   16   - 
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value  303,477   292,943   442,276   404,627 
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary (net of cash disposed)  3,934   - 
Distributions from other invested assets  19,999   15,271   36,130   41,854 
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value  (850,526)  (1,499,373)  (1,403,187)  (2,008,937)
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value  (234)  (1,309)  (234)  (23,684)
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value  (306,602)  (163,452)  (442,306)  (237,749)
Cost of other invested assets acquired  (33,996)  (32,764)  (49,575)  (76,717)
Net change in short-term investments  30,157   83,935   176,876   97,262 
Net change in unsettled securities transactions  3,008   6,953   (12,069)  (9,474)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  (51,229)  (428,566)  (131,763)  (411,043)
                
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Tax benefit from share-based compensation  3,036   2,788   3,970   3,239 
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes  -   400,000   -   400,000 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  3,036   402,788   3,970   403,239 
                
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH  (11,317)  8,575   (37,328)  1,575 
                
Net increase (decrease) in cash  (73,556)  (89,774)  (47,843)  (41,389)
Cash, beginning of period  323,975   316,807   323,975   316,807 
Cash, end of period $250,419  $227,033  $276,132  $275,418 
                
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:                
Income taxes paid (recovered) $77,577  $84,406  $104,727  $129,608 
Interest paid  17,608   14,719   17,608   14,719 
                
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                

4

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

For the Three and SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014

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.

Effective July 13, 2015, the Company sold all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of a wholly-owned subsidiary entity, Mt. McKinley Insurance Company ("Mt. McKinley"), to Clearwater Insurance Company. The operating results of Mt. McKinley through July 13, 2015 are included within the Company's financial statements.

2.      BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 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, 2014 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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014 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 and 2012 included in the Company's most recent Form 10-K filing.

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Application of Recently Issued Accounting Standard Changes

No accounting standards or guidance have been issued recently that would have a material impact on the Company's financial statements or financial reporting process.
5


3.      INVESTMENTS

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


 At June 30, 2015  At September 30, 2015 
 Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market  OTTI in AOCI  Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market  OTTI in AOCI 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value  (a)  Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value  (a) 
Fixed maturity securities                    
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                    
U.S. government agencies and corporations $178,425  $2,229  $(260) $180,394  $-  $222,879  $4,634  $(69) $227,444  $- 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  712,000   29,604   (2,885)  738,719   -   683,715   32,088   (1,524)  714,279   - 
Corporate securities  1,999,650   38,041   (17,825)  2,019,866   -   2,012,649   35,136   (48,623)  1,999,162   6 
Asset-backed securities  132,181   582   (217)  132,546   -   132,004   689   (232)  132,461   - 
Mortgage-backed securities                                        
Commercial  65,410   2,091   (222)  67,279   -   62,616   1,960   (55)  64,521   - 
Agency residential  592,096   6,527   (3,765)  594,858   -   720,508   7,833   (2,306)  726,035   - 
Non-agency residential  152   29   -   181   -   141   27   -   168   - 
Foreign government securities  443,543   24,757   (8,286)  460,014   -   448,501   25,864   (9,658)  464,707   - 
Foreign corporate securities  1,073,654   30,668   (16,507)  1,087,815   -   1,044,867   33,424   (22,706)  1,055,585   16 
Total fixed maturity securities $5,197,111  $134,528  $(49,967) $5,281,672  $-  $5,327,880  $141,655  $(85,173) $5,384,362  $22 
Equity securities $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 



  At December 31, 2014 
  Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Market  OTTI in AOCI 
(Dollars in thousands) Cost  Appreciation  Depreciation  Value  (a) 
Fixed maturity securities          
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of          
U.S. government agencies and corporations $135,724  $1,416  $(304) $136,836  $- 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  783,129   41,969   (626)  824,472   - 
Corporate securities  1,992,200   39,954   (53,219)  1,978,935   (9,735)
Asset-backed securities  94,470   727   (374)  94,823   - 
Mortgage-backed securities                    
Commercial  57,027   2,292   (51)  59,268   - 
Agency residential  596,140   6,697   (4,720)  598,117   - 
Non-agency residential  271   44   -   315   - 
Foreign government securities  515,016   27,415   (5,344)  537,087   - 
Foreign corporate securities  1,061,546   27,832   (25,820)  1,063,558   - 
Total fixed maturity securities $5,235,523  $148,346  $(90,458) $5,293,411  $(9,735)
Equity securities $15  $1  $-  $16  $- 


(a)  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


The amortized cost and market value of fixed maturity securities are shown in the following tables 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 June 30, 2015  At December 31, 2014  At September 30, 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 $335,044  $333,993  $385,721  $384,022  $345,345  $345,322  $385,721  $384,022 
Due after one year through five years  2,487,331   2,513,000   2,387,533   2,369,917   2,495,023   2,506,790   2,387,533   2,369,917 
Due after five years through ten years  964,946   982,602   1,025,221   1,029,077   970,585   971,624   1,025,221   1,029,077 
Due after ten years  619,951   657,213   689,140   757,872   601,658   637,441   689,140   757,872 
Asset-backed securities  132,181   132,546   94,470   94,823   132,004   132,461   94,470   94,823 
Mortgage-backed securities                                
Commercial  65,410   67,279   57,027   59,268   62,616   64,521   57,027   59,268 
Agency residential  592,096   594,858   596,140   598,117   720,508   726,035   596,140   598,117 
Non-agency residential  152   181   271   315   141   168   271   315 
Total fixed maturity securities $5,197,111  $5,281,672  $5,235,523  $5,293,411  $5,327,880  $5,384,362  $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  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015 2014 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 $(34,272) $30,702  $16,939  $64,695  $(28,103) $(41,410) $(11,164) $23,285 
Fixed maturity securities, other-than-temporary impairment  -   -   9,735   -   22   -   9,757   - 
Equity securities  (1)  2   (1)  2   -   1   (1)  3 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax  (34,273)  30,704   26,673   64,697   (28,081)  (41,409)  (1,408)  23,288 
Deferred tax benefit (expense)  11,996   (10,745)  (5,928)  (22,643)  9,835   14,492   3,907   (8,151)
Deferred tax benefit (expense), other-than-temporary impairment  -   -   (3,407)  -   (7)  -   (3,414)  - 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation),                                
net of deferred taxes, included in stockholder's equity $(22,277) $19,959  $17,338  $42,054  $(18,253) $(26,917) $(915) $15,137 


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, 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 June 30, 2015 By Security Type  Duration of Unrealized Loss at September 30, 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 $9,059  $(131) $1,969  $(129) $11,028  $(260) $201 $(1) $1,844  $(68) $2,045  $(69)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  97,850   (2,141)  17,686   (744)  115,536   (2,885)  20,162  (316)  35,460   (1,208)  55,622   (1,524)
Corporate securities  635,910   (13,064)  195,206   (4,761)  831,116   (17,825)  647,568  (34,098)  291,894   (14,525)  939,462   (48,623)
Asset-backed securities  69,783   (217)  -   -   69,783   (217)  49,224  (203)  8,601   (29)  57,825   (232)
Mortgage-backed securities                                               
Commercial  24,759   (222)  -   -   24,759   (222)  6,003   (55)  -   -   6,003   (55)
Agency residential  84,776   (720)  182,409   (3,045)  267,185   (3,765)  97,964  (762)  157,863   (1,544)  255,827   (2,306)
Non-agency residential  -   -   -   -   -   -   -  -   -   -   -   - 
Foreign government securities  101,412   (3,525)  39,870   (4,761)  141,282   (8,286)  115,876  (3,827)  66,812   (5,831)  182,688   (9,658)
Foreign corporate securities  263,156   (15,061)  47,075   (1,446)  310,231   (16,507)  286,978   (18,810)  72,392   (3,896)  359,370   (22,706)
Total fixed maturity securities $1,286,705  $(35,081) $484,215  $(14,886) $1,770,920  $(49,967) $1,223,976  $(58,072) $634,866  $(27,101) $1,858,842  $(85,173)
Equity securities  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total $1,286,705  $(35,081) $484,215  $(14,886) $1,770,920  $(49,967) $1,223,976  $(58,072) $634,866  $(27,101) $1,858,842  $(85,173)



 Duration of Unrealized Loss at June 30, 2015 By Maturity  Duration of Unrealized Loss at September 30, 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 $37,960  $(1,428) $17,437  $(2,982) $55,397  $(4,410) $36,780  $(1,633) $17,019  $(1,710) $53,799  $(3,343)
Due in one year through five years  599,779   (18,162)  196,885   (5,617)  796,664   (23,779)  594,454   (29,341)  304,349   (15,213)  898,803   (44,554)
Due in five years through ten years  337,189   (10,986)  68,131   (2,449)  405,320   (13,435)  382,520   (23,273)  109,012   (7,616)  491,532   (30,889)
Due after ten years  132,459   (3,346)  19,353   (793)  151,812   (4,139)  57,031   (2,805)  38,022   (989)  95,053   (3,794)
Asset-backed securities  69,783   (217)  -   -   69,783   (217)  49,224   (203)  8,601   (29)  57,825   (232)
Mortgage-backed securities  109,535   (942)  182,409   (3,045)  291,944   (3,987)  103,967   (817)  157,863   (1,544)  261,830   (2,361)
Total fixed maturity securities $1,286,705  $(35,081) $484,215  $(14,886) $1,770,920  $(49,967) $1,223,976  $(58,072) $634,866  $(27,101) $1,858,842  $(85,173)


8


The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at JuneSeptember 30, 2015 were $1,770,920$1,858,842 thousand and $49,967$85,173 thousand, respectively.  The market value of securities for the single issuer whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at JuneSeptember 30, 2015, did not exceed 0.4%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 $35,081$58,072 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 foreigndomestic and domesticforeign corporate securities and foreign government securities.  The majority of these unrealized losses are attributable to unrealized losses in the energy sector, $15,413$36,358 thousand, as falling oil prices disrupted the market values for this sector, particularly for oil exploration, production and servicing companies and unrealized foreign exchange losses, $15,418$11,313 thousand, as the U.S. dollar has strengthened against other currencies. The $14,886$27,101 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to foreign government securities, domestic and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and agency residential mortgage-backed securities. OfThe majority of these unrealized losses $11,648are attributable to unrealized foreign exchange losses, $13,322 thousand, were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.as the U.S. dollar has strengthened against other currencies and unrealized losses in the energy sector, $5,056 thousand, as falling oil prices disrupted the market values for this sector, particularly for oil exploration, production and servicing companies. The Company did not have any sub-prime or alt-A loans with gross unrealized depreciation at JuneSeptember 30, 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, 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, 2014 were $1,892,146 thousand and $90,458 thousand, respectively.  The market value of securities for the single issuer whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014, did not exceed 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 $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.  The majority of these unrealized losses are attributable to unrealized losses in the energy sector, $53,772 thousand, as falling oil prices disrupted the market values for this sector, particularly for oil exploration, production and servicing companies during the fourth quarter of 2014 and unrealized foreign exchange losses, $7,298 thousand, as the U.S. dollar has strengthened against other currencies. The $18,204 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-backed securities, foreign and domestic corporate securities and foreign government securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $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 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, are comprised of common shares of the Company's ultimate parent, Group.  At JuneSeptember 30, 2015, the Company held 9,719,971 shares of Group representing 18% of the total outstanding shares.

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


 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Fixed maturities $46,443  $53,921  $94,415  $105,000  $46,414  $52,515  $140,829  $157,515 
Equity securities  9,892   9,180   18,634   18,117   8,004   7,966   26,638   26,083 
Short-term investments and cash  321   459   485   645   220   196   705   841 
Other invested assets                                
Limited partnerships  7,276   2,695   14,655   (392)  3,021   19,254   17,676   18,862 
Dividends from Parent's shares  9,234   7,290   18,468   14,580   9,234   7,290   27,702   21,870 
Other  983   330   1,608   2,351   (242)  869   1,366   3,220 
Gross investment income before adjustments  74,149   73,875   148,265   140,301   66,651   88,090   214,916   228,391 
Funds held interest income (expense)  865   1,183   3,386   3,292   940   970   4,326   4,262 
Interest income from Parent  1,075   -   2,150   -   1,075   -   3,225   - 
Gross investment income  76,089   75,058   153,801   143,593   68,666   89,060   222,467   232,653 
Investment expenses  (5,164)  (6,422)  (10,295)  (11,170)  (5,303)  (5,614)  (15,598)  (16,784)
Net investment income $70,925  $68,636  $143,506  $132,423  $63,363  $83,446  $206,869  $215,869 

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 $234,311$245,663 thousand in limited partnerships at JuneSeptember 30, 2015.  These commitments will be funded when called in accordance with the partnership agreements, which have investment periods that expire, unless extended, through 2020.2019.

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

 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Fixed maturity securities, market value:                
Other-than-temporary impairments $(8,810) $(199) $(32,931) $(199) $(10,502) $-  $(43,433) $(199)
Gains (losses) from sales  (12,208)  (928)  (23,726)  (2,925)  (6,636)  1,070   (30,362)  (1,855)
Fixed maturity securities, fair value:                                
Gains (losses) from sales  14   -   42   940   (17)  82   25   1,022 
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  (6)  -   56   -   -   (938)  56   (938)
Equity securities, market value:                                
Gains (losses) from sales  1   -   1   -   -   -   1   - 
Equity securities, fair value:                                
Gains (losses) from sales  (289)  1,721   (354)  385   (13,656)  (2,589)  (14,010)  (2,204)
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  (5,334)  52,205   15,612   77,958   (101,322)  (12,559)  (85,710)  65,399 
Other invested assets, fair value:                                
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  77,857   72,316   113,821   44,906   (84,272)  14,775   29,549   59,681 
Gain on sale of subsidiary  94,704   -   94,704   - 
Short-term investment gains (losses)  -   (1)  -   (1)  6   (1)  6   (2)
Total net realized capital gains (losses) $51,225  $125,114  $72,521  $121,064  $(121,695) $(160) $(49,174) $120,904 


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.

On July 13, 2015, the Company sold 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 of $20,156 thousand was based upon the statutory book value of Mt. McKinley as of the closing date. The Company recognized a pre-tax realized gain of $94,704 thousand on the sale of Mt. McKinley.

11


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


 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities $175,742  $178,281  $289,824  $348,622  $130,284  $222,915  $420,108  $571,537 
Gross gains from sales  5,096   3,815   7,638   6,290   1,401   4,408   9,039   10,698 
Gross losses from sales  (17,290)  (4,743)  (31,322)  (8,275)  (8,054)  (3,256)  (39,376)  (11,531)
                                
Proceeds from sales of equity securities $169,533  $116,827  $303,493  $292,943  $138,799  $111,684  $442,292  $404,627 
Gross gains from sales  7,272   3,734   12,414   10,322   5,241   1,697   17,655   12,019 
Gross losses from sales  (7,561)  (2,013)  (12,768)  (9,937)  (18,896)  (4,286)  (31,664)  (14,223)


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4.      FAIR VALUE

GAAP guidance regarding fair value measurements address how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use fair value measures for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP.  It defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly fashion between market participants at the measurement date.  In addition, it establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for the disclosure of fair value measurements.  The valuation hierarchy is based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability.  The level in the hierarchy within which a given fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement, with Level 1 being the highest priority and Level 3 being the lowest priority.

The levels in the hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1:Inputs to the valuation methodology are observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market;

Level 2:Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument;

Level 3:Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

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

In limited instances where prices are not provided by pricing services or in rare instances when a manager may not agree with the pricing service, price quotes on a non-binding basis are obtained from investment brokers.  The investment asset managers do not make any changes to prices received from either the pricing services or the investment brokers.  In addition, the investment asset managers have procedures in place to review the reasonableness of the prices from the service providers and may request verification of the prices.  In addition, the Company continually performs analytical reviews of price changes and tests the prices on a random basis to an independent pricing source.   No material variances were noted during these price validation procedures.  In limited situations, where financial markets are inactive or illiquid, the Company may use its own assumptions about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates to determine fair value.  Due to the unavailability of prices for one private placement security, the Company
12

valued the security at $7,350$6,125 thousand at JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and made no such adjustments at December 31, 2014.2014

The Company internally manages a small public equity portfolio which had a fair value at JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 of $117,838$114,519 thousand and $96,890 thousand, respectively, and all prices were obtained from publically published sources.

Equity securities denominated in U.S. currency with quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are categorized as level 1 since the quoted prices are directly observable.  Equity securities traded on foreign exchanges are categorized as level 2 due to the added input of a foreign exchange conversion rate to determine fair or market value.  The Company uses foreign currency exchange rates published by nationally recognized sources.

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All categories of fixed maturity securities listed in the tables below are generally categorized as level 2, 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.  For foreign government securities and foreign corporate securities, the fair values provided by the third party pricing services in local currencies, and where applicable, are converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates from nationally recognized sources.

The fixed maturities with fair values categorized as level 3 result when prices are not available from the nationally recognized pricing services.  The asset managers will then obtain non-binding price quotes for the securities from brokers. The single broker quotes are provided by market makers or broker-dealers who are recognized as market participants in the markets in which they are providing the quotes.  The prices received from brokers are reviewed for reasonableness by the third party asset managers and the Company.  If the broker quotes are for foreign denominated securities, the quotes are converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates from nationally recognized sources.  Historically, most of the level 3 fixed maturities have resulted from new issuances and the third party prices services have not yet included the issuance in their data base.  Generally, in subsequent measurement periods, the issuances will be included in the data base and the fair value will transfer to level 2.

The composition and valuation inputs for the presented fixed maturities categories are as follows:

·U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations are primarily comprised of U.S. Treasury bonds and the fair value is based on observable market inputs such as quoted prices, reported trades, quoted prices for similar issuances or benchmark yields;

·Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions are comprised of state and municipal bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities, benchmark yields and credit spreads;

·Corporate securities are primarily comprised of U.S. corporate and public utility bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities, benchmark yields and credit spreads;

·Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities fair values are based on observable inputs such as quoted prices, reported trades, quoted prices for similar issuances or benchmark yields and cash flow models using observable inputs such as prepayment speeds, collateral performance and default spreads;

·Foreign government securities are comprised of global non-U.S. sovereign bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities and models with observable inputs such as benchmark yields and credit spreads and then, where applicable, converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate from a nationally recognized source;

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·Foreign corporate securities are comprised of global non-U.S. corporate bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities and models with observable inputs such as benchmark yields and credit spreads and then, where applicable, converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate from a nationally recognized source.

Other invested assets, at fair value, 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:    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) June 30, 2015 (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  September 30, 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 $180,394  $-  $180,394  $-  $227,444  $-  $227,444  $- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  738,719   -   738,719   -   714,279   -   714,279   - 
Corporate securities  2,019,866   -   2,017,908   1,958   1,999,162   -   1,993,887   5,275 
Asset-backed securities  132,546   -   132,546   -   132,461   -   132,461   - 
Mortgage-backed securities                                
Commercial  67,279   -   67,279   -   64,521   -   64,521   - 
Agency residential  594,858   -   594,858   -   726,035   -   726,035   - 
Non-agency residential  181   -   181   -   168   -   168   - 
Foreign government securities  460,014   -   460,014   -   464,707   -   464,707   - 
Foreign corporate securities  1,087,815   -   1,079,978   7,837   1,055,585   -   1,049,460   6,125 
Total fixed maturities, market value  5,281,672   -   5,271,877   9,795   5,384,362   -   5,372,962   11,400 
                                
Fixed maturities, fair value  228   -   228   -   -   -   -   - 
Equity securities, market value  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Equity securities, fair value  1,317,420   1,198,984   118,436   -   1,199,347   1,109,801   89,546   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  1,769,132   1,769,132   -   -   1,684,860   1,684,860   -   - 


There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015.

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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) 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 $136,836  $-  $136,836  $- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  824,472   -   824,472   - 
Corporate securities  1,978,935   -   1,978,935   - 
Asset-backed securities  94,823   -   94,823   - 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  59,268   -   50,671   8,597 
Agency residential  598,117   -   598,117   - 
Non-agency residential  315   -   315   - 
Foreign government securities  537,087   -   537,087   - 
Foreign corporate securities  1,063,558   -   1,056,392   7,166 
Total fixed maturities, market value  5,293,411   -   5,277,648   15,763 
                 
Fixed maturities, fair value  1,509   -   1,509   - 
Equity securities, market value  16   16   -   - 
Equity securities, fair value  1,299,037   1,188,613   110,424   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  1,655,311   1,655,311   -   - 


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The following tables present the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs by asset type, for the periods indicated:

  Three Months Ended June 30, 2015  Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 
  Corporate  Foreign    Corporate    Foreign   
(Dollars in thousands) Securities  Corporate  Total  Securities  CMBS  Corporate  Total 
Beginning balance $2,653  $6,125  $8,778  $-  $8,597  $7,166  $15,763 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                            
Included in earnings  2   58   60   4   -   115   119 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  (3)  1,169   1,166   (2)  -   71   69 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  (12)  -   (12)  1,928   -   -   1,928 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  (682)  485   (197)  28   (8,597)  485   (8,084)
Ending balance $1,958  $7,837  $9,795  $1,958  $-  $7,837  $9,795 
                             
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 June 30, 2014  Six Months Ended June 30, 2014  Three Months Ended September 30, 2015  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 
 Asset-backed  Foreign  Non-agency    Asset-backed  Foreign  Non-agency    Corporate  Foreign    Corporate    Foreign   
(Dollars in thousands) Securities  Corporate  RMBS  Total  Securities  Corporate  RMBS  Total  Securities  Corporate  Total  Securities  CMBS  Corporate  Total 
Beginning balance $3,044  $473  $4  $3,521  $3,533  $481  $4  $4,018  $1,958  $7,837  $9,795  $-  $8,597  $7,166  $15,763 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                                                            
Included in earnings  38   17   -   55   56   18   1   75   (6)  62   56   (2)  -   177   175 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  28   (20)  -   8   93   (20)  -   73   (93)  (1,287)  (1,380)  (95)  -   (1,216)  (1,311)
Purchases, issuances and settlements  (582)  (470)  -   (1,052)  (1,154)  (479)  (1)  (1,634)  1,723   -   1,723   3,651   -   -   3,651 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   1,693   (487)  1,206   1,721   (8,597)  (2)  (6,878)
Ending balance $2,528  $-  $4  $2,532  $2,528  $-  $4  $2,532  $5,275  $6,125  $11,400  $5,275  $-  $6,125  $11,400 
                                                            
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, 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.)                                        

The net transfers from level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, of $8,084$6,878 thousand and $1,101 thousand of investments for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, primarily relate to securities that were priced using single non-binding broker quotes and were subsequently priced using a recognized pricing service and were then classified as level 2.  There were no transfers from level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, for the six months ended June 30, 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.

The Company has entered into separate annuity agreements with The Prudential Insurance of America ("The Prudential") and an additional unaffiliated life insurance company in which the Company has either purchased annuity contracts or become the assignee of annuity proceeds that are meant to settle claim payment obligations in the future. In both instances, the Company would become contingently liable if either The Prudential or the unaffiliated life insurance company were unable to make payments related to the respective annuity contact.

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

 At June 30,  At December 31,  At September 30,  At December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
The Prudential $142,618  $142,653  $142,661  $142,653 
Unaffiliated life insurance company  31,780   31,964   32,414   31,964 


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7.      OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following tables present the components of comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended June 30, 2015  Six Months Ended June 30, 2015  Three Months Ended September 30, 2015  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 
(Dollars in thousands) Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary $(55,290) $19,352  $(35,938) $(39,718) $13,402  $(26,316) $(45,240) $15,347  $(29,893) $(84,958) $28,749  $(56,209)
URA(D) on securities - OTTI  -   -   -   9,735   (3,407)  6,328   22   (7)  15   9,757   (3,414)  6,343 
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)  21,017   (7,356)  13,661   56,656   (19,330)  37,326   17,137   (5,512)  11,625   73,793   (24,842)  48,951 
Foreign currency translation adjustments  24,839   (8,694)  16,145   (26,404)  9,241   (17,163)  (42,266)  14,793   (27,473)  (68,670)  24,034   (44,636)
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss)  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss)  2,476   (867)  1,609   4,943   (1,730)  3,213   2,393   (837)  1,556   7,336   (2,567)  4,769 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) $(6,958) $2,435  $(4,523) $5,212  $(1,824) $3,388  $(67,954) $23,784  $(44,170) $(62,742) $21,960  $(40,782)
                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                                


 Three Months Ended June 30, 2014  Six Months Ended June 30, 2014  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  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary $29,577  $(10,475) $19,102  $61,573  $(21,674) $39,899  $(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)  1,127   (270)  857   3,124   (969)  2,155   (1,070)  374   (696)  2,054   (595)  1,459 
Foreign currency translation adjustments  10,340   (3,619)  6,721   (1,715)  600   (1,115)  (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)  1,185   (415)  770   2,371   (830)  1,541   1,269   (444)  825   3,640   (1,274)  2,366 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) $42,229  $(14,779) $27,450  $65,353  $(22,873) $42,480  $(51,636) $18,072  $(33,564) $13,717  $(4,801) $8,916 
                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                                


The following table presents details of the amounts reclassified from AOCI for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended   
 June 30,  June 30, Affected line item within the statements of September 30,  September 30,  Affected line item within the statements of
AOCI component 2015  2014  2015  2014 operations and comprehensive income (loss) 2015  2014  2015  2014  operations and comprehensive income (loss)
(Dollars in thousands)                           
URA(D) on securities $21,017  $1,127  $56,656  $3,124 Other net realized capital gains (losses) $17,137  $(1,070) $73,793  $2,054  Other net realized capital gains (losses)
  (7,356)  (270)  (19,330)  (969)Income tax expense (benefit)  (5,512)  374   (24,842)  (595) Income tax expense (benefit)
 $13,661  $857  $37,326  $2,155 Net income (loss) $11,625  $(696) $48,951  $1,459  Net income (loss)
                                             
Benefit plan net gain (loss) $2,476  $1,185  $4,943  $2,371 Other underwriting expenses $2,393  $1,269  $7,336  $3,640  Other underwriting expenses
  (867)  (415)  (1,730)  (830)Income tax expense (benefit)  (837)  (444)  (2,567)  (1,274) Income tax expense (benefit)
 $1,609  $770  $3,213  $1,541 Net income (loss) $1,556  $825  $4,769  $2,366  Net income (loss)
                                             
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                           


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The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated:

 Six Months Ended  Twelve Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Twelve Months Ended 
 June 30,  December 31,  September 30,  December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
        
Beginning balance of URA (D) on securities $37,628  $55,457  $37,628  $55,457 
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - temporary  11,009   (11,501)  (7,258)  (11,501)
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI  6,328   (6,328)  6,343   (6,328)
Ending balance of URA (D) on securities  54,965   37,628   36,713   37,628 
                
Beginning balance of foreign currency translation adjustments  41,877   71,087   41,877   71,087 
Current period change in foreign currency translation adjustments  (17,163)  (29,210)  (44,636)  (29,210)
Ending balance of foreign currency translation adjustments  24,715   41,877   (2,759)  41,877 
                
Beginning balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)  (74,986)  (38,896)  (74,986)  (38,896)
Current period change in benefit plan net gain (loss)  3,213   (36,090)  4,769   (36,090)
Ending balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)  (71,773)  (74,986)  (70,217)  (74,986)
                
Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $7,907  $4,519  $(36,263) $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.

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 JuneSeptember 30, 2015, the total amount on deposit in the trust account was $270,095$306,214 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.

19


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

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.

     June 30, 2015  December 31, 2014       September 30, 2015  December 31, 2014 
     Consolidated Balance    Consolidated Balance         Consolidated Balance    Consolidated Balance   
(Dollars in thousands)Date IssuedDate 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 notes06/05/201406/01/2044 $400,000  $400,000  $388,680  $400,000  $404,892 06/05/2014 06/01/2044 $400,000  $400,000  $388,768  $400,000  $404,892 
5.40% Senior notes10/12/200410/15/2014  250,000   -   -   -   - 10/12/2004 10/15/2014  250,000   -   -   -   - 
 

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

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

 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Interest expense incurred $4,868  $4,741  $9,736  $8,129  $4,868  $8,256  $14,604  $16,385 


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 June 30, 2015  December 31, 2014       Maturity Date September 30, 2015  December 31, 2014 
   Original     Consolidated Balance    Consolidated Balance        Original       Consolidated Balance    Consolidated Balance   
(Dollars in thousands)Date Issued Principal Amount ScheduledFinal 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 05/15/203705/01/2067 $238,366  $232,027  $238,364  $246,312 04/26/2007   $400,000  05/15/2037 05/01/2067 $238,367  $218,281  $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.

20


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 on October 15, 2014, the Company's 4.868% senior notes, due on June 1, 2044, have 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  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Interest expense incurred $3,937  $3,937  $7,874  $7,874  $3,937  $3,937  $11,811  $11,811 


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 directly and through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers within the U.S.

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

Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and LAE incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses.  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.

21


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

 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
U.S. Reinsurance
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Gross written premiums $451,059  $453,115  $1,013,706  $983,416  $601,570  $679,904  $1,615,276  $1,663,320 
Net written premiums  184,707   215,091   425,401   466,612   247,352   304,442   672,753   771,054 
                                
Premiums earned $235,426  $246,265  $490,838  $464,456  $235,275  $275,521  $726,113  $739,977 
Incurred losses and LAE  116,473   129,676   227,928   245,660   109,137   125,475   337,065   371,135 
Commission and brokerage  34,703   53,380   93,067   93,516   48,881   51,231   141,948   144,747 
Other underwriting expenses  11,807   11,453   23,336   20,935   13,718   12,119   37,054   33,054 
Underwriting gain (loss) $72,443  $51,756  $146,507  $104,345  $63,539  $86,696  $210,046  $191,041 


  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
International
 June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
Gross written premiums $311,653  $466,008  $645,268  $794,886 
Net written premiums  147,399   147,210   269,080   288,667 
                 
Premiums earned $157,922  $147,728  $298,621  $292,732 
Incurred losses and LAE  110,027   88,888   211,472   172,463 
Commission and brokerage  31,243   27,412   65,242   56,581 
Other underwriting expenses  8,049   8,093   16,164   15,930 
Underwriting gain (loss) $8,603  $23,335  $5,743  $47,758 

 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
Insurance
 June 30,  June 30, 
International
 September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Gross written premiums $326,729  $305,697  $657,230  $530,973  $374,138  $419,457  $1,019,406  $1,214,343 
Net written premiums  140,358   130,426   286,410   237,152   147,991   157,932   417,071   446,599 
                                
Premiums earned $128,076  $126,743  $253,027  $233,993  $135,130  $145,662  $433,751  $438,394 
Incurred losses and LAE  96,379   102,953   192,359   181,440   128,454   113,703   339,926   286,166 
Commission and brokerage  7,007   4,530   11,175   11,319   27,936   23,767   93,178   80,348 
Other underwriting expenses  31,717   27,612   60,616   49,544   9,128   8,759   25,292   24,689 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(7,027) $(8,352) $(11,123) $(8,310) $(30,388) $(567) $(24,645) $47,191 



  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
Insurance
 September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
Gross written premiums $473,003  $354,033  $1,130,233  $885,006 
Net written premiums  203,730   149,542   490,140   386,694 
                 
Premiums earned $175,645  $148,414  $428,672  $382,407 
Incurred losses and LAE  133,163   141,402   325,522   322,842 
Commission and brokerage  (4,666)  4,170   6,509   15,489 
Other underwriting expenses  34,107   29,745   94,723   79,289 
Underwriting gain (loss) $13,041  $(26,903) $1,918  $(35,213)


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  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Underwriting gain (loss) $74,019  $66,739  $141,127  $143,793  $46,192  $59,226  $187,319  $203,019 
Net investment income  70,925   68,636   143,506   132,423   63,363   83,446   206,869   215,869 
Net realized capital gains (losses)  51,225   125,114   72,521   121,064   (121,695)  (160)  (49,174)  120,904 
Corporate expense  (1,785)  524   (3,394)  (778)  (1,637)  (4,620)  (5,031)  (5,398)
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  (8,858)  (8,811)  (17,717)  (16,247)  (8,859)  (12,292)  (26,576)  (28,539)
Other income (expense)  12,289   (8,782)  28,122   (11,837)  10,828   (3,739)  38,950   (15,576)
Income (loss) before taxes $197,815  $243,420  $364,165  $368,418  $(11,808) $121,861  $352,357  $490,279 


22


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  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Canada $30,160  $36,830  $53,672  $74,489 
Canada gross written premiums $31,903  $41,644  $85,575  $116,133 


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

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  5,000,000
   30,000,000


As of JuneSeptember 30, 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 


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  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Dividends received $9,234  $7,290  $18,468  $14,580  $9,234  $7,290  $27,702  $21,870 


23


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  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Expenses incurred $19,833  $17,676  $38,196  $33,519  $20,359  $22,149  $58,555  $55,668 


Affiliates

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

24


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)
EffectiveTransferringAssuming% of Business orCovered Period
DateCompanyCompanyAmount of Transferof Transfer
09/19/2000Mt. McKinleyBermuda Re100%All years
10/01/2001Everest Re  (Belgium Branch)Bermuda Re100%All years
10/01/2008Everest ReBermuda Re$747,022 01/01/2002-12/31/2007
(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

On July 13, 2015, the Company sold Mt. McKinley to Clearwater Insurance Company, a Delaware domiciled insurance company. As of that date, Mt. McKinley is no longer deemed an affiliated company or related party.

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

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Bermuda Re
 June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
Ceded written premiums $528,468  $524,057  $1,067,501  $1,042,074 
Ceded earned premiums  563,100   535,287   1,117,151   1,015,100 
Ceded losses and LAE (a)  345,580   296,322   640,711   534,823 

 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
Everest International
 June 30,  June 30, 
Bermuda Re
 September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Ceded written premiums $147  $203  $145  $88  $646,001  $664,316  $1,713,502  $1,706,390 
Ceded earned premiums  192   348   233   274   591,656   598,641   1,708,807   1,613,741 
Ceded losses and LAE(a)  1,702   260   880   2,144   343,660   344,513   984,371   879,336 

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Everest Canada
 June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
Assumed written premiums $11,823  $11,215  $18,487  $15,225 
Assumed earned premiums  8,625   5,268   17,324   9,956 
Assumed losses and LAE  6,292   3,091   11,021   6,383 


  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
Everest International
 September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
Ceded written premiums $168  $131  $313  $219 
Ceded earned premiums  208   176   441   450 
Ceded losses and LAE  (724)  (321)  156   1,823 



  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
Everest Canada
 September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
Assumed written premiums $11,046  $10,425  $29,533  $25,650 
Assumed earned premiums  9,174   7,106   26,498   17,062 
Assumed losses and LAE  4,041   4,104   15,062   10,487 


(a) Ceded losses and LAE include the Mt. McKinley loss portfolio transfer that constitutes losses ceded under retroactive reinsurance and therefore, in accordance with FASB guidance, aamortization of deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance is reflected in other expensesincome on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Upon the sale of Mt. McKinley, the value of the remaining deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance was included in the calculation of the realized gain on sale of subsidiary.

25


Everest Re sold net assets of its UK branch to Bermuda Re and provided Bermuda Re with a reserve indemnity agreement allowing for indemnity payments of up to 90% of ₤25.0 million of the excess of 2002 and prior reserves, provided that any recognition of profit from the reserves for 2002 and prior underwriting years is taken into account.

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

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

 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
Mt. Logan Re
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Ceded written premiums $32,892  $20,228  $94,562  $48,594  $68,078  $44,728  $162,640  $93,322 
Ceded earned premiums  47,751   22,680   86,434   40,517   55,234   38,458   141,668   78,975 
Ceded losses and LAE  13,157   9,648   21,471   14,791   17,071   3,113   38,542   17,904 
                                
Assumed written premiums  3,412   -   7,396   9,919   4,230   578   11,626   10,497 
Assumed earned premiums  3,412   2,605   7,396   4,711   4,230   5,786   11,626   10,497 
Assumed losses and LAE  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 


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  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
Service cost $3,255  $2,461  $6,195  $4,921 
Interest cost  2,711   2,541   5,168   5,083 
Expected return on plan assets  (2,903)  (2,823)  (5,806)  (5,646)
Amortization of prior service cost  6   12   11   25 
Amortization of net (income) loss  2,261   1,092   4,512   2,183 
Net periodic benefit cost $5,330  $3,283  $10,080  $6,566 

Other Benefits
 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Pension Benefits
 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Service cost $599  $407  $1,000  $814  $3,203  $2,460  $9,398  $7,381 
Interest cost  395   342   658   684   2,758   2,542   7,926   7,625 
Expected return on plan assets  (2,904)  (2,822)  (8,710)  (8,468)
Amortization of prior service cost  4   13   15   38 
Amortization of net (income) loss  210   82   421   164   2,312   1,173   6,824   3,356 
FAS 88 settlement charge  -   5,269   -   5,269 
Net periodic benefit cost $1,204  $831  $2,079  $1,662  $5,373  $8,635  $15,453  $15,201 



Other Benefits
 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
Service cost $498  $407  $1,498  $1,221 
Interest cost  329   342   987   1,026 
Amortization of net (income) loss  76   82   497   246 
Net periodic benefit cost $903  $831  $2,982  $2,493 


The Company did not make any contributions to the qualified pension benefit plan for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014.

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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.

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.

16.            SUBSEQUENT EVENTSDISPOSITIONS

On July 13, 2015, the Company closed its 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 of approximately $20,000$20,156 thousand was based upon the statutory book value of Mt. McKinley as of the closing date. The Company expects to recognizerecognized a pre-tax realized gain of approximately $59,000$94,704 thousand on the sale of Mt. McKinley.

The transaction meetsmet the criteria for Held for Sale accounting.  In accordance with the guidance, the table below details the approximate assets and liabilities associated with the business classified as Held for Sale.Sale at the time of closing.


(Dollars in thousands)  
Investments and cash $16,223 
Reinsurance recoverables  142,057 
Deferred tax asset  35,451 
Total assets held for sale $193,731 
     
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses $137,704 
Deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance  94,704 
Other liabilities  130 
Total liabilities held for sale $232,538 
     
Net liabilities held for sale $(38,807)


17.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has entered into two collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage. Kilimanjaro has funded the catastrophe reinsurance coverage through the issuance of two classes of catastrophe reinsurance bonds in an aggregate amount of $625,000 thousand.
 
(Dollars in thousands)  
Investments and cash $12,000 
Reinsurance recoverables  147,000 
Deferred tax asset  35,000 
Total assets held for sale $194,000 
     
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses $138,000 
Deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance  95,000 
Total liabilities held for sale $233,000 
     
Net liabilities held for sale $(39,000)
27

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, domestic and international underwriting operations, including underwriting syndicates at 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 securitization of reinsurance and insurance risks through capital markets provide additional sources of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.

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

Rates tend to fluctuate by specific region and products, particularly areas recently impacted by large catastrophic events.  During the second and third quarters of 2013, Canada experienced historic flooding in Alberta and Toronto, which resulted in higher catastrophe rates in these areas during 2014.  Although there 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 resulted in downward pressure on rates in certain geographical areas during 2014.  Catastrophe results during 2014 and through the first halfthird quarter of 2015 were also generally benign,below historical averages, which could have a negative impact on worldwide regional catastrophe markets for the balance of 2015.

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

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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  Six Months Ended  Percentage  Three Months Ended Percentage Nine Months Ended Percentage
 June 30,  Increase/  June 30,  Increase/  September 30, Increase/ September 30, Increase/
(Dollars in millions) 2015  2014  (Decrease)  2015  2014  (Decrease)  2015 2014 (Decrease) 2015 2014 (Decrease)
Gross written premiums $1,089.4  $1,224.8   -11.1% $2,316.2  $2,309.3   0.3% $1,448.7  $1,453.4   -0.3% $3,764.9  $3,762.7   0.1%
Net written premiums  472.5   492.7   -4.1%  980.9   992.4   -1.2%  599.1   611.9   -2.1%  1,580.0   1,604.3   -1.5%
                                                
REVENUES:                                                
Premiums earned $521.4  $520.7   0.1% $1,042.5  $991.2   5.2% $546.1  $569.6   -4.1% $1,588.5  $1,560.8   1.8%
Net investment income  70.9   68.6   3.3%  143.5   132.4   8.4%  63.4   83.4   -24.1%  206.9   215.9   -4.2%
Net realized capital gains (losses)  51.2   125.1   -59.1%  72.5   121.1   -40.1%  (121.7)  (0.2) NM   (49.2)  120.9   -140.7%
Other income (expense)  12.3   (8.8)  -239.9%  28.1   (11.8) NM   10.8   (3.7) NM   39.0   (15.6) NM 
Total revenues  655.9   705.7   -7.1%  1,286.6   1,232.8   4.4%  498.5   649.1   -23.2%  1,785.2   1,882.0   -5.1%
                                                
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:                                                
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses  322.9   321.5   0.4%  631.8   599.6   5.4%  370.8   380.6   -2.6%  1,002.5   980.1   2.3%
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  73.0   85.3   -14.5%  169.5   161.4   5.0%  72.2   79.2   -8.9%  241.6   240.6   0.4%
Other underwriting expenses  51.6   47.2   9.4%  100.1   86.4   15.9%  57.0   50.6   12.5%  157.1   137.0   14.6%
Corporate expense  1.8   (0.5) NM   3.4   0.8  NM   1.6   4.6   -64.6%  5.0   5.4   -6.8%
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  8.9   8.8   0.5%  17.7   16.2   9.0%  8.9   12.3   -27.9%  26.6   28.5   -6.9%
Total claims and expenses  458.0   462.3   -0.9%  922.5   864.4   6.7%  510.4   527.3   -3.2%  1,432.8   1,391.7   3.0%
                                                
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  197.8   243.4   -18.7%  364.2   368.4   -1.2%  (11.8)  121.9   -109.7%  352.4   490.3   -28.1%
Income tax expense (benefit)  64.0   85.2   -24.9%  114.5   123.8   -7.5%  (7.1)  21.7   -132.9%  107.3   145.5   -26.2%
NET INCOME (LOSS) $133.8  $158.2   -15.4% $249.7  $244.6   2.1% $(4.7) $100.1   -104.7% $245.1  $344.8   -28.9%
                                                
RATIOS:         Point Change          Point Change          Point Change         Point Change
Loss ratio  61.9%  61.7%  0.2   60.6%  60.5%  0.1   67.9%  66.8%  1.1   63.1%  62.8%  0.3 
Commission and brokerage ratio  14.0%  16.4%  (2.4)  16.3%  16.3%  -   13.2%  13.9%  (0.7)  15.2%  15.4%  (0.2)
Other underwriting expense ratio  9.9%  9.1%  0.8   9.6%  8.7%  0.9   10.4%  8.9%  1.5   9.9%  8.8%  1.1 
Combined ratio  85.8%  87.2%  (1.4)  86.5%  85.5%  1.0   91.5%  89.6%  1.9   88.2%  87.0%  1.2 
                                                
                                                
             At  At  Percentage              At At Percentage
             June 30,  December 31,  Increase/              September 30, December 31, Increase/
(Dollars in millions)              2015   2014  (Decrease)               2015  2014  (Decrease)
Balance sheet data:                                                
Total investments and cash             $9,598.7  $9,572.6   0.3%             $9,354.9  $9,572.6   -2.3%
Total assets              16,487.1   16,322.3   1.0%              16,550.6   16,322.3   1.4%
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves              7,888.3   7,843.9   0.6%              7,878.1   7,843.9   0.4%
Total debt              638.4   638.4   0.0%              638.4   638.4   0.0%
Total liabilities              11,654.3   11,749.6   -0.8%              11,763.4   11,749.6   0.1%
Stockholder's equity              4,832.8   4,572.7   5.7%              4,787.3   4,572.7   4.7%
                                                
(NM, not meaningful)                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                                


Revenues.
Premiums.  Gross written premiums decreased by 11.1%0.3% to $1,089.4$1,448.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to $1,224.8$1,453.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, reflecting a $156.4$123.7 million, or 17.0%11.2%, decrease in our reinsurance business, partially offset by a $21.0$119.0 million, or 6.9%33.6%, increase in our insurance business.  The decline in reinsurance premiums were due mainly to decreases in treaty casualty business, reductions in the quota share agreements from the second quarterand treaty property lines of 2014business and a negative impact of approximately $31.4 million from the year over year movement in foreign exchange rates.  The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to the strategic initiative to expand our insurance operation resulting in increases in property and casualtymost lines of business, partially offset by a
29


decline in crop premium.business. Gross written premiums increased by 0.3%0.1% to $2,316.2$3,764.9 million for the six
29

nine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to $2,309.3$3,762.7 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, reflecting a $126.3$245.2 million, or 23.8%27.7%, increase in our insurance business, partially offset by a $119.3$243.0 million, or 6.7%8.4%, decrease in our reinsurance business. The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to increases in workers' compensation, property and casualtymost lines of business.business, as we have focused on expanding the insurance operations. The decline in reinsurance premiums were due mainly to decreases in treaty casualty and treaty property lines of business, reductions in the quota share agreements from the second quarter of 2014 and a negative impact of approximately $70.0 million from the year over year movement in foreign exchange rates.

Net written premiums decreased by 4.1%2.1% to $472.5$599.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to $492.7$611.9 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, and decreased by 1.2%1.5% to $980.9$1,580.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $992.4$1,604.3 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to varying utilization of reinsurance mainly related to quota share contracts.  Premiums earned increaseddecreased by 0.1%4.1% to $521.4$546.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to $520.7$569.6 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, and increased by 5.2%1.8% to $1,042.5$1,588.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to $991.2$1,560.8 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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 increaseddecreased by 3.3%24.1% to $70.9$63.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared with net investment income of $68.6$83.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, and increaseddecreased by 8.4%4.2% to $143.5$206.9 million for sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared with net investment income of $132.4$215.9 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. Net pre-tax investment income, as a percentage of average invested assets, was 3.4%3.1% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to 3.2%3.8% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014 and was 3.5%3.3% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to 3.1%3.4% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. The increasedecline in income and yield was primarily the result of an increasea decrease in our limited partnership income an increase in dividends from shares held of the Parent and interest income received from the Parent on the affiliated note receivable, partially offset bycombined with lower income on fixed income securities.

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses). Net realized capital gainslosses were $51.2121.7 million and $125.1$0.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The $51.2$121.7 million was comprised of $72.5185.6 million of gainslosses from fair value re-measurements on equity securities and other invested assets, partially offset by $12.420.3 million of losses from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities and $8.8$10.5 million of other-than-temporary impairments.impairments, partially offset by a $94.7 million gain on the sale of a subsidiary. The net realized capital gainslosses of $125.1$0.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014 were the resultwas comprised of $124.5$1.4 million of gains from fair value re-measurements on equity securities and other invested assets and $0.8 million of net realized capital gainslosses from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $0.2$1.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments.gains from fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity, equity securities and other invested assets.

Net realized capital gainslosses were $72.549.2 million and $121.1net realized capital gains were $120.9 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The $72.5$49.2 million was comprised of $129.556.1 million of gainslosses from fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity securities, equity securities and other invested assets, partially offset by $32.9 million of other-than-temporary impairments and $24.044.3 million of losses from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities.securities and $43.4 million of other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by a $94.7 million gain on the sale of a subsidiary.  The net realized capital gains of $121.1$120.9 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014 were the result of $122.9$124.1 million of gains from fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity, equity securities and other invested assets, partially offset by $1.6$3.0 million of net realized capital losses from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities and $0.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments.

Other Income (Expense).  We recorded other income of $12.310.8 million and $28.139.0 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, respectively.  We recorded other expense of $8.8$3.7 million and $11.8$15.6 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, respectively. The changes were primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for the corresponding periods.
30


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


 Three Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended September 30,
 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 (a) $309.3   59.3%  $0.4   0.0%  $309.7   59.3%  $351.1   64.4%  $3.3   0.6%  $354.5   65.0% 
Catastrophes  18.1   3.5%   (4.9)  -0.9%   13.2   2.6%   17.2   3.1%   (0.9)  -0.2%   16.3   2.9% 
Total $327.4   62.8%  $(4.5)  -0.9%  $322.9   61.9%  $368.3   67.5%  $2.4   0.4%  $370.8   67.9% 
                                                                        
2014
                                                                      
Attritional (a) $302.6   58.1%  $(1.9)  -0.4%  $300.7   57.7%  $372.4   65.3%  $(3.1)  -0.5%  $369.3   64.8% 
Catastrophes  20.5   3.9%   0.3   0.1%   20.8   4.0%   14.7   2.6%   (3.4)  -0.6%   11.3   2.0% 
Total $323.1   62.0%  $(1.6)  -0.3%  $321.5   61.7%  $387.1   67.9%  $(6.5)  -1.1%  $380.6   66.8% 
                                                                        
Variance 2015/2014
                                                                      
Attritional (a) $6.7   1.2 pts $2.3   0.4 pts $9.0   1.6 pts $(21.3)  (0.9)pts $6.4   1.1 pts $(14.8)  0.2 pts
Catastrophes  (2.4)  (0.4)pts  (5.2)  (1.0)pts  (7.6)  (1.4)pts  2.5   0.5 pts  2.5   0.4 pts  5.0   0.9 pts
Total $4.3   0.8 pts $(2.9)  (0.6)pts $1.4   0.2 pts $(18.8)  (0.4)pts $8.9   1.5 pts $(9.8)  1.1 pts
                                                                        
(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe losses.(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe losses.                                                                  
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                                                  



 Six Months Ended June 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 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 (a) $622.1   59.7%  $(1.3)  -0.1%  $620.8   59.6%  $973.2   61.3%  $2.0   0.1%  $975.2   61.4% 
Catastrophes  18.1   1.7%   (7.1)  -0.7%   11.0   1.0%   35.3   2.2%   (8.0)  -0.5%   27.3   1.7% 
Total $640.2   61.4%  $(8.4)  -0.8%  $631.8   60.6%  $1,008.5   63.5%  $(6.0)  -0.4%  $1,002.5   63.1% 
                                                                        
2014
                                                                      
Attritional (a) $583.9   58.8%  $(2.4)  -0.2%  $581.5   58.6%  $956.3   61.3%  $(5.5)  -0.4%  $950.8   60.9% 
Catastrophes  20.5   2.1%   (2.4)  -0.2%   18.1   1.9%   35.1   2.3%   (5.8)  -0.4%   29.3   1.9% 
Total $604.4   60.9%  $(4.8)  -0.4%  $599.6   60.5%  $991.4   63.6%  $(11.3)  -0.8%  $980.1   62.8% 
                                                                        
Variance 2015/2014
                                                                      
Attritional (a) $38.2   0.9 pts $1.1   0.1 pts $39.3   1.0 pts $16.9   - pts $7.5   0.5 pts $24.4   0.5 pts
Catastrophes  (2.4)  (0.4)pts  (4.7)  (0.5)pts  (7.1)  (0.9)pts  0.2   (0.1)pts  (2.2)  (0.1)pts  (2.0)  (0.2)pts
Total $35.8   0.5 pts $(3.6)  (0.4)pts $32.2   0.1 pts $17.1   (0.1)pts $5.3   0.4 pts $22.4   0.3 pts
                                                                        
(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe losses.(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe losses.                                                                  
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                                                  

Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 2.6% to $370.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $380.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, primarily due to decreases in current year attritional losses of $21.3 million resulting primarily from the impact of the decline in premiums earned, partially offset by a $21.6 million loss from the explosion at the Chinese port of Tianjin. Current year catastrophe losses were $17.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, primarily related to the 2015 Chilean earthquake ($17.4 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $14.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 were due to the Hurricane Odile ($9.9 million) and the 2014 Chilean earthquake ($4.8 million).

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 0.4%2.3% to $322.9$1,002.5 million for the threenine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $321.5$980.1 million for the threenine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, primarily due to increases in current year attritional losses of $6.7$16.9 million resulting primarily from higher losses ina $21.6 million loss from the International segment.explosion at the Chinese port of Tianjin.  Current year catastrophe losses were $18.1$35.3 million for the threenine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and related to the 2015 Chilean earthquake ($17.4 million), Northern Chile storms ($10.09.8 million) and the New South Wales storms ($8.18.0 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $20.5$35.1 million for the threenine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014 were due to the Japan snowstorm ($13.2 million) and, the 2014 Chilean earthquake ($7.312.1 million) and Hurricane Odile (9.9 million).

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 5.4% to $631.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $599.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, primarily due to increases in current year attritional losses of $38.2 million resulting primarily from the impact of the increase in premiums earned.  Current year catastrophe losses were $18.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and related to the Northern Chile storms ($10.0 million) and the New South Wales storms ($8.1 million).  The current year catastrophe losses of $20.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were due to the Japan snowstorm ($13.2 million) and the Chilean earthquake ($7.3 million).
31


Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees.  Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees decreased by 14.5%8.9% to $73.0$72.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $85.379.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. The quarter over quarter decline was mainly due to the impact of changes related to affiliated quota share agreements.decline in earned premiums. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by 5.0%slightly to $169.5$241.6 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $161.4$240.6 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014.  The year over year change was primarily due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business.earned.

Other Underwriting Expenses.  Other underwriting expenses were $51.6$57.0 million and $47.2$50.6 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $100.1$157.1 million and $86.4$137.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increases in other underwriting expenses were mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and growth incosts to expand the insurance operations.operations and higher employee benefit costs.

Corporate Expenses.  Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, were $1.8$1.6 million and ($0.5)$4.6 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $3.4$5.0 million and $0.8$5.4 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increases in corporate expensesdecreases were mainly due to non-recurring employee benefit charges incurred during the timingthird quarter of allocations and higher benefit plan costs.2014.

Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense.  Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $8.9 million and $8.8$12.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $17.7$26.6 million and $16.2$28.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The six months year over year increase wasdecreases were primarily due to the combination of the maturity of $250.0 million of senior notes in October 2014 and the issuance of $400.0 million of senior notes in June, 2014, partially offset by the maturity of $250.0 million of senior notes on October 15, 2014.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit).  Income tax expensebenefit was $64.0$7.1 million and $85.2income tax expense was $21.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $114.5income tax expense was $107.3 million and $123.8$145.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, 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.  Variations in the income tax expense generally result from changes in the relative levels of pre-tax income, including the impact of catastrophe losses and net capital gains (losses), among jurisdictions with different tax rates.  The decreaseschanges in income tax expensesexpense/(benefit) for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to 2014 were primarily due to lowerhigher net realized capital gains in the U.S.losses.

Net Income (Loss).
Our net loss was $4.7 million and our net income was $133.8 million and $158.2$100.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $249.7net income was $245.1 million and $244.6$344.8 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The changes were primarily driven by the financial component fluctuations explained above.

Ratios.
Our combined ratio decreasedincreased by 1.41.9 points to 85.8%91.5% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to 87.2%89.6% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, and increased by 1.0 point1.2 points to 86.5%88.2% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, compared to 85.5%87.0% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014.  The loss ratio component increased slightly by 0.21.1 points and 0.10.3 points for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, respectively, over the same period last year.year primarily due to $21.6 million of losses from the explosion at the Chinese port of Tianjin. The commission and brokerage ratio components decreased 2.40.7 points and 0.2 points for the three and nine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, respectively, over the same period last year, primarily due to changes in the mix of business and changes related to affiliated quota share agreements and remained flat for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period last year.agreements. The other underwriting expense ratio components increased 0.81.5 points and 0.91.1 points for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, respectively, over the same period last year mainly due to the impact of increases in premiums earned and growth in the insurance operations.

32


Stockholder's Equity.
Stockholders' equity increased by $260.1$214.5 million to $4,832.8$4,787.3 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2015 from $4,572.7 million at December 31, 2014, principally as a result of $249.7$245.1 million of net income, $17.3 million of net unrealized appreciation on investments, net of tax, $7.0$10.3 million of share-based compensation transactions and $3.2$4.8 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments, partially offset by $17.2$44.6 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments.adjustments and $0.9 million of net unrealized depreciation on investments, net of tax.

Consolidated Investment Results

Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased 3.3%decreased 24.1% to $70.9$63.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $68.6$83.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, and increaseddecreased by 8.4%4.2% to $143.5$206.9 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $132.4$215.9 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. These increasesdecreases were primarily due to an increasea decrease in income from our limited partnership investments and lower income on the fixed income portfolio, partially offset by an increase in dividends from Parent's shares and interest income received from the Parent on the affiliated note receivable, partially offset by lower income on fixed income securities.receivable.

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


 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Fixed maturities $46.4  $53.9  $94.4  $105.0  $46.4  $52.5  $140.8  $157.5 
Equity securities  9.9   9.2   18.6   18.1   8.0   8.0   26.6   26.1 
Short-term investments and cash  0.3   0.5   0.5   0.6   0.2   0.2   0.7   0.8 
Other invested assets                                
Limited partnerships  7.3   2.7   14.7   (0.4)  3.0   19.3   17.7   18.9 
Dividends from Parent's shares  9.3   7.3   18.5   14.6   9.2   7.3   27.7   21.9 
Other  1.0   0.3   1.6   2.4   (0.2)  0.9   1.4   3.2 
Gross investment income before adjustments  74.2   73.9   148.3   140.3   66.6   88.1   214.9   228.4 
Funds held interest income (expense)  0.9   1.2   3.4   3.3   0.9   1.0   4.3   4.3 
Interest income from Parent  1.1   -   2.2   -   1.0   -   3.2   - 
Gross investment income  76.1   75.1   153.8   143.6   68.7   89.1   222.5   232.7 
Investment expenses  (5.2)  (6.4)  (10.3)  (11.2)  (5.3)  (5.6)  (15.6)  (16.8)
Net investment income $70.9  $68.6  $143.5  $132.4  $63.4  $83.4  $206.9  $215.9 
                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                


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


    At At    At At
    June 30, December 31,    September 30, December 31,
    2015 2014    2015 2014
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 31    3.0% 3.1%    3.3% 3.1%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 31    2.1% 2.2%    2.3% 2.2%



Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Nine Months Ended
June 30, June 30,September 30, September 30,
2015 2014 2015 20142015 2014 2015 2014
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets3.4% 3.2% 3.5% 3.1%3.1% 3.8% 3.3% 3.4%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets2.4% 2.2% 2.4% 2.2%2.1% 2.6% 2.3% 2.4%


33


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


  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions) 2015  2014  Variance  2015  2014  Variance 
Gains (losses) from sales:
            
Fixed maturity securities, market value            
Gains $1.4  $4.3  $(2.9) $9.0  $9.4  $(0.4)
Losses  (8.1)  (3.3)  (4.8)  (39.4)  (11.3)  (28.1)
Total  (6.7)  1.0   (7.7)  (30.4)  (1.9)  (28.5)
                         
Fixed maturity securities, fair value                        
Gains  -   0.1   (0.1)  -   1.3   (1.3)
Losses  -   -   -   -   (0.3)  0.3 
Total  -   0.1   (0.1)  -   1.0   (1.0)
                         
Equity securities, fair value                        
Gains  5.3   1.7   3.6   17.7   12.0   5.7 
Losses  (18.9)  (4.3)  (14.6)  (31.7)  (14.2)  (17.5)
Total  (13.6)  (2.6)  (11.0)  (14.0)  (2.2)  (11.8)
                         
Total net realized gains (losses) from sales                        
Gains  6.6   6.1   0.5   26.7   22.7   4.0 
Losses  (26.9)  (7.6)  (19.3)  (71.0)  (25.8)  (45.2)
Total  (20.3)  (1.4)  (18.9)  (44.3)  (3.0)  (41.3)
                         
Gain on sale of subsidiary:
  94.7   -   94.7   94.7   -   94.7 
                         
Other than temporary impairments:
  (10.5)  -   (10.5)  (43.4)  (0.2)  (43.2)
                         
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:
                        
Fixed maturities, fair value  -   (0.9)  0.9   0.1   (0.9)  1.0 
Equity securities, fair value  (101.3)  (12.6)  (88.7)  (85.7)  65.4   (151.1)
Other invested assets, fair value  (84.3)  14.8   (99.1)  29.5   59.7   (30.2)
Total  (185.6)  1.2   (186.8)  (56.1)  124.1   (180.2)
                         
Total net realized gains (losses) $(121.7) $(0.2) $(121.5) $(49.2) $120.9  $(170.0)
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                        

  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2015  2014  Variance  2015  2014  Variance 
Gains (losses) from sales:
            
Fixed maturity securities, market value            
Gains $5.1  $3.8  $1.3  $7.6  $5.1  $2.5 
Losses  (17.3)  (4.7)  (12.6)  (31.3)  (8.0)  (23.3)
Total  (12.2)  (0.9)  (11.3)  (23.7)  (2.9)  (20.8)
                         
Fixed maturity securities, fair value                        
Gains  -   -   -   -   1.2   (1.2)
Losses  -   -   -   -   (0.3)  0.3 
Total  -   -   -   -   0.9   (0.9)
                         
Equity securities, fair value                        
Gains  7.3   3.7   3.6   12.4   10.3   2.1 
Losses  (7.6)  (2.0)  (5.6)  (12.8)  (9.9)  (2.9)
Total  (0.3)  1.7   (2.0)  (0.4)  0.4   (0.8)
                         
Total net realized gains (losses) from sales                        
Gains  12.4   7.5   4.9   20.1   16.6   3.5 
Losses  (24.9)  (6.7)  (18.2)  (44.1)  (18.2)  (25.9)
Total  (12.4)  0.8   (13.2)  (24.0)  (1.6)  (22.4)
                         
Other than temporary impairments:
  (8.8)  (0.2)  (8.6)  (32.9)  (0.2)  (32.7)
                         
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:
                        
Fixed maturities, fair value  -   -   -   0.1   -   0.1 
Equity securities, fair value  (5.3)  52.2   (57.5)  15.6   78.0   (62.4)
Other invested assets, fair value  77.8   72.3   5.5   113.8   44.9   68.9 
Total  72.5   124.5   (52.0)  129.5   122.9   6.6 
                         
Total net realized gains (losses) $51.2  $125.1  $(73.9) $72.5  $121.1  $(48.6)
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                        

Net realized capital gainslosses were $51.2$121.7 million and $125.1$0.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, we recorded $72.5$185.6 million of net realized capital gainslosses due to fair value re-measurements on equity securities and other invested assets, partially offset by $12.4$20.3 million of net realized capital losses from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities and $8.8$10.5 million of other-than-temporary impairments.impairments, partially offset by a $94.7 million gain on the sale of a subsidiary. The fixed maturity and equity sales for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts.  For the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, we recorded $124.5$1.4 million of net realized capital losses from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $1.2 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity, equity securities and other invested assets and $0.8 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $0.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments.assets.

Net realized capital losses were $49.2 million and net realized capital gains were $72.5 million and $121.1$120.9 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, we recorded $129.5$56.1 million of net realized capital gainslosses due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity securities, equity securities and other invested assets, partially offset by $32.9 million of other-than-temporary impairments and $24.0$44.3 million of net realized capital losses from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities.securities, $43.4 million of other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by a $94.7 million gain on the sale of a subsidiary. The fixed maturity and equity sales for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market
34


changes and individual credit shifts.  For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, we recorded $122.9$124.1 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity, equity securities and other invested
34


assets, partially offset by $1.6$3.0 million of net realized capital losses from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities and $0.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments.

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 directly and through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers within the U.S.

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

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

Our loss and LAE reserves are 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.

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 June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30,  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2015  2014  Variance  % Change  2015  2014  Variance  % Change  2015  2014  Variance  % Change  2015  2014  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $451.1  $453.1  $(2.1)  -0.5% $1,013.7  $983.4  $30.3   3.1% $601.6  $679.9  $(78.3)  -11.5% $1,615.3  $1,663.3  $(48.0)  -2.9%
Net written premiums  184.7   215.1   (30.4)  -14.1%  425.4   466.6   (41.2)  -8.8%  247.4   304.4   (57.1)  -18.8%  672.8   771.1   (98.3)  -12.7%
                                                                
Premiums earned $235.4  $246.3  $(10.8)  -4.4% $490.8  $464.5  $26.4   5.7% $235.3  $275.5  $(40.2)  -14.6% $726.1  $740.0  $(13.9)  -1.9%
Incurred losses and LAE  116.5   129.7   (13.2)  -10.2%  227.9   245.7   (17.7)  -7.2%  109.1   125.5   (16.3)  -13.0%  337.1   371.1   (34.1)  -9.2%
Commission and brokerage  34.7   53.4   (18.7)  -35.0%  93.1   93.5   (0.4)  -0.5%  48.9   51.2   (2.4)  -4.6%  141.9   144.7   (2.8)  -1.9%
Other underwriting expenses  11.8   11.5   0.4   3.1%  23.3   20.9   2.4   11.5%  13.7   12.1   1.6   13.2%  37.1   33.1   4.0   12.1%
Underwriting gain (loss) $72.4  $51.8  $20.7   40.0% $146.5  $104.3  $42.2   40.4% $63.5  $86.7  $(23.2)  -26.7% $210.0  $191.0  $19.0   9.9%
                                                                
             Point Chg              Point Chg              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  49.5%  52.7%      (3.2)  46.4%  52.9%      (6.5)  46.4%  45.5%      0.9   46.4%  50.2%      (3.8)
Commission and brokerage ratio  14.7%  21.7%      (7.0)  19.0%  20.1%      (1.1)  20.8%  18.6%      2.2   19.5%  19.6%      (0.1)
Other underwriting expense ratio  5.0%  4.6%      0.4   4.8%  4.5%      0.3   5.8%  4.4%      1.4   5.2%  4.4%      0.8 
Combined ratio  69.2%  79.0%      (9.8)  70.2%  77.5%      (7.3)  73.0%  68.5%      4.5   71.2%  74.2%      (3.1)
                                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                                                


35


Premiums.  Gross written premiums decreased by 0.5%11.5% to $451.1$601.6 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 from $453.1$679.9 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, primarily due to a decrease in treaty casualty business, partially offset by an increase inand treaty property business.lines of business resulting from cancellation of some contracts. Net written premiums decreased by 14.1%18.8% to $184.7$247.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $215.1$304.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums was due to a highervarying utilization of reinsurance primarily related to affiliated quota share contracts.  Premiums earned decreased 4.4%14.6% to $235.4$235.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $246.3$275.5 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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.

Gross written premiums increaseddecreased by 3.1%2.9% to $1,013.7$1,615.3 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 from $983.4$1,663.3 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, primarily due to an increase in treaty property business, partially offset by a decline in treaty casualty business.and treaty property lines of business resulting from cancellation of some contracts. Net written premiums decreased by 8.8%12.7% to $425.4$672.8 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $466.6$771.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014.  The variancedifference between the increasechange in gross written premiums compared to the decreasechange in net written premiums is primarily due to a highervarying utilization of reinsurance primarily related to affiliated quota share contracts.  Premiums earned increased 5.7%decreased 1.9% to $490.8$726.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $464.5$740.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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 tables present the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.


 Three Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended September 30,
 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 $135.4   57.5%  $(15.3)  -6.5%  $120.1   51.0%  $108.1   45.9%  $1.5   0.6%  $109.6   46.5% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   (3.6)  -1.5%   (3.6)  -1.5%   0.1   0.1%   (0.5)  -0.2%   (0.4)  -0.1% 
Total segment $135.4   57.5%  $(18.9)  -8.0%  $116.5   49.5%  $108.2   46.0%  $0.9   0.4%  $109.1   46.4% 
                                                                        
2014
                                                                      
Attritional $127.4   51.7%  $(1.6)  -0.6%  $125.8   51.1%  $125.2   45.4%  $-   0.0%  $125.2   45.4% 
Catastrophes  3.2   1.3%   0.7   0.3%   3.9   1.6%   -   0.0%   0.3   0.1%   0.3   0.1% 
Total segment $130.6   53.0%  $(0.9)  -0.3%  $129.7   52.7%  $125.2   45.4%  $0.3   0.1%  $125.5   45.5% 
                                                                        
Variance 2015/2014
                                                                      
Attritional $8.0   5.8 pts $(13.7)  (5.9)pts $(5.7)  (0.1)pts $(17.1)  0.5 pts $1.5   0.6 pts $(15.6)  1.1 pts
Catastrophes  (3.2)  (1.3)pts  (4.3)  (1.8)pts  (7.5)  (3.1)pts  0.1   0.1 pts  (0.8)  (0.3)pts  (0.7)  (0.2)pts
Total segment $4.8   4.5 pts $(18.0)  (7.7)pts $(13.2)  (3.2)pts $(17.0)  0.6 pts $0.6   0.3 pts $(16.3)  0.9 pts
                                                                        
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                                                  


36



  Six Months Ended June 30,
 Current Ratio %/ Prior Ratio %/ Total Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year Pt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2015
                       
Attritional $252.9   51.5%  $(18.9)  -3.9%  $233.9   47.6% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   (6.0)  -1.2%   (6.0)  -1.2% 
Total segment $252.9   51.5%  $(24.9)  -5.1%  $227.9   46.4% 
                                     
2014
                                   
Attritional $248.0   53.3%  $(4.8)  -1.0%  $243.2   52.3% 
Catastrophes  3.2   0.7%   (0.7)  -0.1%   2.5   0.6% 
Total segment $251.2   54.0%  $(5.5)  -1.1%  $245.7   52.9% 
                                     
Variance 2015/2014
                                   
Attritional $4.9   (1.8)pts $(14.1)  (2.9)pts $(9.2)  (4.7)pts
Catastrophes  (3.2)  (0.7)pts  (5.3)  (1.1)pts  (8.5)  (1.8)pts
Total segment $1.7   (2.5)pts $(19.4)  (4.0)pts $(17.7)  (6.5)pts
                                     
(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
2015
                       
Attritional $360.9   49.7%  $(17.5)  -2.4%  $343.5   47.3% 
Catastrophes  0.1   0.0%   (6.5)  -0.9%   (6.4)  -0.9% 
Total segment $361.1   49.7%  $(24.0)  -3.3%  $337.1   46.4% 
                                     
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% 
                                     
Variance 2015/2014
                                   
Attritional $(12.3)  (0.9)pts $(12.6)  (1.7)pts $(24.8)  (2.6)pts
Catastrophes  (3.1)  (0.4)pts  (6.1)  (0.8)pts  (9.2)  (1.2)pts
Total segment $(15.3)  (1.3)pts $(18.7)  (2.5)pts $(34.1)  (3.8)pts
                                     
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                   

Incurred losses decreased by 10.2%13.0% to $116.5$109.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $129.7$125.5 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, primarily due to a decrease in current year attritional losses of $17.1 million related to the decline in earned premiums, partially offset by $6.7 million of losses related to the explosion at the Chinese port of Tianjin. The $0.1 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 were due to the New South Wales storms. There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Incurred losses decreased by 9.2% to $337.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $371.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, primarily resulting from a decrease in current year attritional losses of $12.3 due to the impact of the decline in earned premiums partially offset by $6.7 million of losses related to the explosion at the Chinese port of Tianjin, favorable development of $12.6 million on prior years' attritional losses of $13.7 millionin 2015 compared to 2014 mainly related to treaty casualty and marine lines of business and favorable development of $4.3$6.1 million on prior years' catastrophe losses in 2015 compared to 2014 mainly related to U.S. Storms, partially offset by an increase in current year attritional lossesStorms. The $0.1 million of $8.0 million.  There were no current year catastrophe losses for the threenine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015. 2015 were due to the New South Wales storms. The $3.2 million of current year catastrophe losses for the threenine months ended June 30, 2014 related to the Japan snowstorm.

Incurred losses decreased by 7.2% to $227.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $245.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, primarily due to a decrease in prior years' attritional losses of $14.1 million related to treaty casualty and marine lines of business and favorable development of $5.3 million on prior years' catastrophe losses in 2015 compared to 2014 mainly related to U.S. Storms, partially offset by an increase in current year attritional losses of $4.9 million. There were no current year catastrophe losses for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The $3.2 million of current year catastrophe losses for the six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014 related to the Japan snowstorm.

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage decreased by 35.0%4.6% to $34.7$48.9 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $53.4$51.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. The varianceCommission and brokerage decreased by 1.9% to $141.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $144.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This decrease was primarily due to the impact of the decrease in premiums earned and changes related to the affiliated quota share contracts.  Commission and brokerage decreased by 0.5% to $93.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $93.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. This variance was primarily due to higher contingent commissions and changes related to the affiliated quota share contracts, partially offset by the impact of the increase in premiums earned.

Segment other underwriting expenses were comparable at $11.8increased to $13.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 from $11.5$12.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $23.3$37.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 from $20.9$33.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. The six months year over year increase wasincreases were primarily due to the impact of changes in the increase in premiums earned.mix of business and higher employee benefit costs.

37


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


  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2015  2014  Variance  % Change  2015  2014  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $311.7  $466.0  $(154.4)  -33.1% $645.3  $794.9  $(149.6)  -18.8%
Net written premiums  147.4   147.2   0.2   0.1%  269.1   288.7   (19.6)  -6.8%
                                 
Premiums earned $157.9  $147.7  $10.2   6.9% $298.6  $292.7  $5.9   2.0%
Incurred losses and LAE  110.0   88.9   21.1   23.8%  211.5   172.5   39.0   22.6%
Commission and brokerage  31.2   27.4   3.8   14.0%  65.2   56.6   8.7   15.3%
Other underwriting expenses  8.0   8.1   -   -0.5%  16.2   15.9   0.2   1.5%
Underwriting gain (loss) $8.6  $23.3  $(14.7)  -63.1% $5.7  $47.8  $(42.0)  -88.0%
                                 
              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  69.7%  60.2%      9.5   70.8%  58.9%      11.9 
Commission and brokerage ratio  19.8%  18.6%      1.2   21.8%  19.3%      2.5 
Other underwriting expense ratio  5.1%  5.4%      (0.3)  5.5%  5.5%      - 
Combined ratio  94.6%  84.2%      10.4   98.1%  83.7%      14.4 
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                

  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2015  2014  Variance  % Change  2015  2014  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $374.1  $419.5  $(45.3)  -10.8% $1,019.4  $1,214.3  $(194.9)  -16.1%
Net written premiums  148.0   157.9   (9.9)  -6.3%  417.1   446.6   (29.5)  -6.6%
                                 
Premiums earned $135.1  $145.7  $(10.5)  -7.2% $433.8  $438.4  $(4.6)  -1.1%
Incurred losses and LAE  128.5   113.7   14.8   13.0%  339.9   286.2   53.8   18.8%
Commission and brokerage  27.9   23.8   4.2   17.5%  93.2   80.3   12.8   16.0%
Other underwriting expenses  9.1   8.8   0.4   4.2%  25.3   24.7   0.6   2.4%
Underwriting gain (loss) $(30.4) $(0.6) $(29.8) NM  $(24.6) $47.2  $(71.8)  -152.2%
                                 
              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  95.1%  78.1%      17.0   78.4%  65.3%      13.1 
Commission and brokerage ratio  20.7%  16.3%      4.4   21.5%  18.3%      3.2 
Other underwriting expense ratio  6.7%  6.0%      0.7   5.8%  5.6%      0.2 
Combined ratio  122.5%  100.4%      22.1   105.7%  89.2%      16.5 
                                 
(NM, not meaningful)                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                

Premiums.  Gross written premiums decreased by 33.1%10.8% to $311.7$374.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $466.0$419.5 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, primarily due to reductionsthe decline in premiums related to the quota share agreements from the second quarter of 2014Latin American and Asian business and the negative impact of approximately $22.8$29.9 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates.  Net written premiums increaseddecreased by 0.1%6.3% to $147.4$148.0 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $147.2$157.9 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to varying utilization of reinsurance related to the quota share contracts.  Premiums earned increased 6.9%decreased 7.2% to $157.9$135.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $147.7$145.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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.

Gross written premiums decreased by 18.8%16.1% to $645.3$1,019.4 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $794.9$1,214.3 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, primarily due to the decline in Latin American and Asian business, reductions in premiums related to the quota share agreements from the second quarter of 2014 and the negative impact of approximately $35.2$65.1 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates.  Net written premiums decreased by 6.8%6.6% to $269.1$417.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $288.7$446.6 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to varying utilization of reinsurance related to the quota share contracts.  Premiums earned increased 2.0%decreased 1.1% to $298.6$433.8 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $292.7$438.4 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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.
38


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


 Three Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended September 30,
 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 $94.1   59.7%  $(0.9)  -0.7%  $93.2   59.0%  $111.0   82.2%  $0.9   0.7%  $112.0   82.9% 
Catastrophes  18.1   11.5%   (1.3)  -0.8%   16.8   10.7%   17.0   12.6%   (0.6)  -0.4%   16.5   12.2% 
Total segment $112.2   71.2%  $(2.2)  -1.5%  $110.0   69.7%  $128.1   94.8%  $0.4   0.3%  $128.5   95.1% 
                                                                        
2014
                                                                      
Attritional $72.4   49.0%  $(0.5)  -0.3%  $71.9   48.7%  $106.6   73.2%  $(3.8)  -2.6%  $102.8   70.6% 
Catastrophes  17.3   11.7%   (0.4)  -0.2%   16.9   11.5%   14.7   10.1%   (3.7)  -2.6%   10.9   7.5% 
Total segment $89.7   60.7%  $(0.9)  -0.5%  $88.9   60.2%  $121.3   83.3%  $(7.6)  -5.2%  $113.7   78.1% 
                                                                        
Variance 2015/2014
                                                                      
Attritional $21.7   10.7 pts $(0.4)  (0.4)pts $21.3   10.3 pts $4.4   9.0 pts $4.7   3.3 pts $9.2   12.3 pts
Catastrophes  0.8   (0.2)pts  (0.9)  (0.6)pts  (0.1)  (0.8)pts  2.3   2.5 pts  3.1   2.2 pts  5.6   4.7 pts
Total segment $22.5   10.5 pts $(1.3)  (1.0)pts $21.1   9.5 pts $6.8   11.5 pts $8.0   5.5 pts $14.8   17.0 pts
                                                                        
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                                                  



  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current Ratio %/ Prior Ratio %/ Total Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year Pt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2015
                       
Attritional $193.8   65.0%  $0.7   0.1%  $194.5   65.1% 
Catastrophes  18.1   6.1%   (1.2)  -0.4%   17.0   5.7% 
Total segment $211.9   71.1%  $(0.5)  -0.3%  $211.5   70.8% 
                                     
2014
                                   
Attritional $157.1   53.7%  $(0.2)  -0.1%  $156.9   53.6% 
Catastrophes  17.3   5.9%   (1.7)  -0.6%   15.6   5.3% 
Total segment $174.4   59.6%  $(1.9)  -0.7%  $172.5   58.9% 
                                     
Variance 2015/2014
                                   
Attritional $36.7   11.3 pts $0.9   0.2 pts $37.6   11.5 pts
Catastrophes  0.8   0.2 pts  0.5   0.2 pts  1.4   0.4 pts
Total segment $37.5   11.5 pts $1.4   0.4 pts $39.0   11.9 pts
                                     
(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
2015
                       
Attritional $304.9   70.3%  $1.6   0.4%  $306.5   70.7% 
Catastrophes  35.1   8.1%   (1.7)  -0.4%   33.4   7.7% 
Total segment $340.0   78.4%  $(0.1)  0.0%  $339.9   78.4% 
                                     
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% 
                                     
Variance 2015/2014
                                   
Attritional $41.2   10.2 pts $5.7   1.3 pts $46.8   11.5 pts
Catastrophes  3.1   0.8 pts  3.8   0.8 pts  6.9   1.6 pts
Total segment $44.3   11.0 pts $9.4   2.1 pts $53.8   13.1 pts
                                     
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                   

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 23.8%13.0% to $110.0$128.5 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $88.9$113.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, primarily due to the increase in current year attritional losses of $21.7 million. The increase$4.4 million, mainly related to $14.9 million of losses from the explosion at the Chinese port of Tianjin, partially offset by the impact of the decline in attritional losses was primarilyearned premiums. Losses also increased due to favorable development in 2014 on both prior years' attritional and prior years' catastrophe losses which did not recur or recur to the increasesame level in premiums earned and higher losses in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.2015. The $18.1$17.0 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 were dueentirely related to the Northern Chile storms ($10.0 million) and the New South Wales storms ($8.1 million).2015 Chilean earthquake. The $17.3$14.7 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014 were due to the Japan snowstormHurricane Odile ($10.09.9 million) and the 2014 Chilean earthquake ($7.34.8 million).

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 22.6%18.8% to $211.5$339.9 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $172.5$286.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, primarily due to the increase in current year attritional losses of $36.7 million. The increase in attritional$41.2 million, mainly related to $14.9 million of losses was primarilyfrom the explosion at the Chinese port of Tianjin.  Losses also increased due to higherfavorable development in 2014 on both prior years' attritional and prior years' catastrophe losses which did not recur or recur to the same level in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.2015. The $18.1$35.1 million of current year catastrophe losses for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 were due to the 2015 Chilean earthquake ($17.4 million), Northern Chile storms ($10.09.8 million) and the New South Wales storms ($8.17.9 million). The $17.3$32.0 million of current year catastrophe losses for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014 were due to the 2014 Chilean earthquake ($12.1 million), the Japan snowstorm ($10.0 million) and the Chilean earthquakeHurricane Odile ($7.39.9 million).
39


Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased 14.0%17.5% to $31.2$27.9 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $27.4$23.8 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. Commission and brokerage increased 15.3%16.0% to $65.2$93.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $56.6$80.3 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. The variances were primarily due to the impact of changes in the increases in premiums earnedmix of business and changes related to thein affiliated quota share contracts.agreements.

Segment other underwriting expenses decreased slightly to $8.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $8.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Segment other underwriting expenses increased slightly to $16.2$9.1 million for the sixthree months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $15.9$8.8 million for the sixthree months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, and increased slightly to $25.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $24.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

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


  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2015  2014  Variance  % Change  2015  2014  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $326.7  $305.7  $21.0   6.9% $657.2  $531.0  $126.3   23.8%
Net written premiums  140.4   130.4   9.9   7.6%  286.4   237.2   49.3   20.8%
                                 
Premiums earned $128.1  $126.7  $1.3   1.1% $253.0  $234.0  $19.0   8.1%
Incurred losses and LAE  96.4   103.0   (6.6)  -6.4%  192.4   181.4   10.9   6.0%
Commission and brokerage  7.0   4.5   2.5   54.7%  11.2   11.3   (0.1)  -1.3%
Other underwriting expenses  31.7   27.6   4.1   14.9%  60.6   49.5   11.1   22.3%
Underwriting gain (loss) $(7.0) $(8.4) $1.3   -15.9% $(11.1) $(8.3) $(2.8)  33.9%
                                 
              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  75.3%  81.2%      (5.9)  76.0%  77.5%      (1.5)
Commission and brokerage ratio  5.5%  3.6%      1.9   4.4%  4.8%      (0.4)
Other underwriting expense ratio  24.7%  21.8%      2.9   24.0%  21.3%      2.7 
Combined ratio  105.5%  106.6%      (1.1)  104.4%  103.6%      0.8 
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                

  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2015  2014  Variance  % Change  2015  2014  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $473.0  $354.0  $119.0   33.6% $1,130.2  $885.0  $245.2   27.7%
Net written premiums  203.7   149.5   54.2   36.2%  490.1   386.7   103.4   26.8%
                                 
Premiums earned $175.6  $148.4  $27.2   18.3% $428.7  $382.4  $46.3   12.1%
Incurred losses and LAE  133.2   141.4   (8.2)  -5.8%  325.5   322.8   2.7   0.8%
Commission and brokerage  (4.7)  4.2   (8.8)  -211.9%  6.5   15.5   (9.0)  -58.0%
Other underwriting expenses  34.1   29.7   4.4   14.7%  94.7   79.3   15.4   19.5%
Underwriting gain (loss) $13.0  $(26.9) $39.9   -148.5% $1.9  $(35.2) $37.1   -105.4%
                                 
              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  75.8%  95.3%      (19.5)  75.9%  84.4%      (8.5)
Commission and brokerage ratio  -2.7%  2.8%      (5.5)  1.5%  4.1%      (2.6)
Other underwriting expense ratio  19.5%  20.0%      (0.5)  22.2%  20.7%      1.5 
Combined ratio  92.6%  118.1%      (25.5)  99.6%  109.2%      (9.6)
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                

Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 6.9%33.6% to $326.7$473.0 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $305.7$354.0 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014.  This increase was primarily driven by an increaseincreases in various property and casualty lines of business partially offset by a decline in crop premium.as the company focused on expanding its insurance operations. Net written premiums increased by 7.6%36.2% to $140.4$203.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $130.4$149.5 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned increased 1.1%18.3% to $128.1$175.6 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $126.7$148.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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 increased by 23.8%27.7% to $657.2$1,130.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $531.0$885.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014.  This increase was primarily driven by an increase in workers' compensation and other property and casualtyvarious lines of business.business as the company focused on expanding its insurance operations.  Net written premiums increased by 20.8%26.8% to $286.4$490.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $237.2$386.7 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned increased 8.1%12.1% to $253.0$428.7 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $234.0$382.4 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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.

40


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


 Three Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended September 30,
 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 $79.7   62.3%  $16.6   13.0%  $96.3   75.3%  $132.0   75.2%  $0.9   0.5%  $132.9   75.7% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   0.1   0.0%   0.1   0.0%   -   0.0%   0.2   0.1%   0.2   0.1% 
Total segment $79.7   62.3%  $16.7   13.0%  $96.4   75.3%  $132.0   75.2%  $1.2   0.7%  $133.2   75.8% 
                                                                        
2014
                                                                      
Attritional $102.8   81.1%  $0.2   0.1%  $103.0   81.2%  $140.6   94.8%  $0.8   0.5%  $141.4   95.3% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   (0.1)  0.0%   (0.1)  0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $102.8   81.1%  $0.1   0.1%  $103.0   81.2%  $140.6   94.8%  $0.8   0.5%  $141.4   95.3% 
                                                                        
Variance 2015/2014
                                                                      
Attritional $(23.1)  (18.8)pts $16.4   12.9 pts $(6.7)  (5.9)pts $(8.6)  (19.6)pts $0.1   - pts $(8.5)  (19.6)pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  0.2   - pts  0.2   - pts  -   - pts  0.2   0.1 pts  0.2   0.1 pts
Total segment $(23.1)  (18.8)pts $16.6   12.9 pts $(6.6)  (5.9)pts $(8.6)  (19.6)pts $0.4   0.1 pts $(8.2)  (19.5)pts
                                                                        
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                                                  



  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current Ratio %/ Prior Ratio %/ Total Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year Pt Change Years Pt Change Incurred Pt Change
2015                       
Attritional $175.4   69.3%  $17.0   6.7%  $192.4   76.0% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $175.4   69.3%  $17.0   6.7%  $192.4   76.0% 
                                     
2014
                                   
Attritional $178.8   76.4%  $2.6   1.1%  $181.4   77.5% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   -   0.0%   -   0.0% 
Total segment $178.8   76.4%  $2.6   1.1%  $181.4   77.5% 
                                     
Variance 2015/2014
                                   
Attritional $(3.4)  (7.1)pts $14.4   5.6 pts $10.9   (1.5)pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  -   - pts  -   - pts
Total segment $(3.4)  (7.1)pts $14.4   5.6 pts $10.9   (1.5)pts
                                     
(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
2015
                       
Attritional $307.4   71.7%  $17.9   4.1%  $325.3   75.8% 
Catastrophes  -   0.0%   0.3   0.1%   0.3   0.1% 
Total segment $307.4   71.7%  $18.2   4.2%  $325.5   75.9% 
                                     
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% 
                                     
Variance 2015/2014
                                   
Attritional $(12.0)  (11.8)pts $14.5   3.2 pts $2.5   (8.6)pts
Catastrophes  -   - pts  0.2   0.1 pts  0.2   0.1 pts
Total segment $(12.0)  (11.8)pts $14.7   3.3 pts $2.7   (8.5)pts
                                     
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                   

Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 6.4%5.8% to $96.4$133.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $103.0$141.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, mainly due to a decrease of $23.1$8.6 million in current year attritional losses partially offset by an increase of $16.4 million in prior years' attritional losses primarily related to run-off excess casualty business.impacts from affiliated quota share agreements. There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014.

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 6.0%0.8% to $192.4$325.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $181.4$322.8 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, mainly due to an increase of $14.4$14.5 million in prior years' attritional losses related primarily to run-off excess casualty business.business, partially offset by a decline of $12.0 million in current year attritional losses related to impacts from affiliated quota share agreements. There were no current year catastrophe losses for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and 2014.

41


Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased 54.7%decreased to $7.0($4.7) million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $4.5$4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and decreased to $6.5 million for the threenine months ended June 30, 2014. This increase was primarily driven by the impact of the increase in premiums earned and the change in the mix of business. Commission and brokerage decreased slightly to $11.2 million for the six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $11.3$15.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. These decreases were primarily driven by changes in the mix of business and impacts from affiliated quota share agreements.

Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $31.7$34.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $27.6$29.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $60.6$94.7 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $49.5$79.3 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. The increases were primarily due to the impact of the increases in premiums earned and growth inincreased focus on the insurance operations.

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

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

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

Interest Rate Risk.  Our $9.6$9.4 billion investment portfolio, at JuneSeptember 30, 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 $662.3$790.7 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $5,281.9$5,384.4 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.
42


The table below displays the potential impact of market value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity portfolio (including $531.5$382.2 million of short-term investments) for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates.  For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually.  To generate appropriate price estimates for mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account.  For legal entities with non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the market value change under the various interest rate change scenarios.


  Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points 
  At June 30, 2015 
(Dollars in millions)  -200  -100  0  100   200 
Total Market/Fair Value $6,114.4  $5,967.0  $5,813.4  $5,653.3  $5,489.6 
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)  5.2%  2.6%  0.0%  -2.8%  -5.6%
Change in Unrealized Appreciation                    
After-tax from Base ($) $195.6  $99.9  $-  $(104.1) $(210.5)

  Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points 
  At September 30, 2015 
(Dollars in millions)  -200  -100   0   100   200 
Total Market/Fair Value $6,059.0  $5,916.8  $5,766.6  $5,607.1  $5,442.5 
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)  5.1%  2.6%  0.0%  -2.8%  -5.6%
Change in Unrealized Appreciation                    
After-tax from Base ($) $190.1  $97.6  $-  $(103.7) $(210.7)

We had $7,888.3$7,878.1 million and $7,843.9 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and December 31, 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 
  At June 30, 2015 
(Dollars in millions)  -20%  -10%  0%  10%  20%
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio $1,053.9  $1,185.7  $1,317.4  $1,449.2  $1,580.9 
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value  (171.3)  (85.6)  -   85.6   171.3 

  Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values 
  At September 30, 2015 
(Dollars in millions)  -20%  -10%  0%  10%  20%
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio $959.5  $1,079.4  $1,199.3  $1,319.3  $1,439.2 
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value  (155.9)  (78.0)  -   78.0   155.9 

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 JuneSeptember 30, 2015, there has been no material change in exposure to foreign exchange rates as compared to December 31, 2014.

43


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 the Company's most recent 10-K filing.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ITEM 3.                QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk Instruments.  See "Market 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.


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.


44



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.


45


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 
   


4645

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:  August 14,November 16, 2015