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

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION_X_    Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2019

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED:
June 30, 2018
Commission file number:
___  Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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'sregistrant’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, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of "large“large accelerated filer," "accelerated” “accelerated filer," "smaller” “smaller reporting company"company” and "emerging“emerging growth company"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)
Emerging  growth company
 


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is an emerging growth company and has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange act.

YES  NOX

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'sissuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

  Number of Shares Outstanding
Class
 
At August 1, 20182019
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 June 30, 20182019 (unaudited) and 
   December 31, 201720181
    
  Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the 
   three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 (unaudited)2
     
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder'sStockholder’s Equity for the three and six 
   six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 (unaudited)3
     
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended 
   June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 (unaudited)4
     
  Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited)5
     
Item 2. Management'sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
   Results of Operation3132
    
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk48
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures48
     

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings48
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors49
    
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds49
    
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities49
    
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures49
    
Item 5. Other Information49
    
Item 6. Exhibits49


EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



 June 30,  December 31,  June 30,  December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share) 2018  2017 
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts and par value per share) 2019  2018 
 (unaudited)    (unaudited)    
ASSETS:            
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value $5,031,141  $4,971,921  
$
6,971,971
  
$
6,962,075
 
(amortized cost: 2018, $5,075,029; 2017, $4,927,622)        
(amortized cost: 2019, $6,838,605; 2018, $7,032,749)      
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value  3,192   -  -  
2,337
 
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value  942,900   822,375 
Short-term investments  192,287   241,506 
Other invested assets (cost: 2018, $866,782; 2017, $835,597)  866,782   838,694 
Equity securities, at fair value 
751,642
  
564,338
 
Short-term investments (cost: 2019, $368,833; 2018, $174,155) 
368,898
  
174,131
 
Other invested assets (cost: 2019, $943,022; 2018, $882,647) 
943,022
  
882,647
 
Other invested assets, at fair value  1,705,037   1,807,473  
1,892,988
  
1,717,336
 
Cash  364,850   229,552   
377,189
   
404,522
 
Total investments and cash  9,106,189   8,911,521  
11,305,710
  
10,707,386
 
Note receivable - affiliated  250,000   250,000 
Accrued investment income  38,638   35,376  
50,276
  
47,232
 
Premiums receivable  1,332,313   1,301,827  
1,564,911
  
1,471,805
 
Reinsurance receivables - unaffiliated  1,247,968   1,180,648  
1,293,452
  
1,295,961
 
Reinsurance receivables - affiliated  4,232,094   4,940,039  
3,467,105
  
3,544,975
 
Income taxes  106,310   87,110  151,109  
409,892
 
Funds held by reinsureds  227,546   210,939  
250,903
  
238,566
 
Deferred acquisition costs  308,615   307,741  
361,621
  
353,630
 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums  352,842   346,708  
439,433
  
328,796
 
Other assets  324,322   316,603   
351,312
   
289,962
 
TOTAL ASSETS $17,526,837  $17,888,512  
$
19,235,832
  
$
18,688,205
 
              
LIABILITIES:              
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses $9,287,561  $9,343,028  
$
10,148,412
  
$
10,167,018
 
Unearned premium reserve  1,660,783   1,607,622  
2,003,530
  
1,826,868
 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties  43,939   40,536  
39,275
  
41,600
 
Other net payable to reinsurers  414,007   491,299  
320,100
  
316,826
 
4.868% Senior notes due 6/1/2044  396,894   396,834 
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067  236,610   236,561 
Senior notes due 6/1/2044 
397,014
  
396,954
 
Long term notes due 5/1/2067 
236,709
  
236,659
 
Note payable - affiliated -  
300,000
 
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings  3,010   2,727  
3,063
  
3,093
 
Unsettled securities payable  49,274   25,338  63,050  
50,912
 
Other liabilities  387,713   331,844   280,933   303,610 
Total liabilities  12,479,791   12,475,789   
13,492,086
   
13,643,540
 
              
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)              
              
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:              
Common stock, par value: $0.01; 3,000 shares authorized;              
1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2018 and 2017)  -   - 
1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2019 and 2018) -  - 
Additional paid-in capital  387,936   387,841  
1,100,489
  
1,100,315
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense              
(benefit) of ($24,408) at 2018 and ($299) at 2017  (91,581)  (942)
(benefit) of $10,403 at 2019 and ($33,506) at 2018
 
39,523
  
(126,254
)
Retained earnings  4,750,691   5,025,824   
4,603,734
   
4,070,604
 
Total stockholder's equity  5,047,046   5,412,723   
5,743,746
   
5,044,665
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY $17,526,837  $17,888,512  
$
19,235,832
  
$
18,688,205
 
              
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  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
 (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)


(unaudited)
 
REVENUES:                        
Premiums earned $1,179,836  $468,197  $2,295,846  $939,252  
$
1,375,623
  
$
1,179,836
  
$
2,646,077
  
$
2,295,846
 
Net investment income  72,070   71,900   141,979   132,749  
90,709
  
72,070
  
175,243
  
141,979
 
Net realized capital gains (losses):                            
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities  (872)  (1,574)  (907)  (2,706) 
(4,929
)
 
(872
)
 
(7,219
)
 
(907
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities                            
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)  -   -   -   -  -  -  -  - 
Other net realized capital gains (losses)  (41,399)  (90,717)  (101,565)  28,183   
147,492
   
(41,399
)
  
284,838
   
(101,565
)
Total net realized capital gains (losses)  (42,271)  (92,291)  (102,472)  25,477  
142,563
  
(42,271
)
 
277,619
  
(102,472
)
Other income (expense)  77,682   10,655   2,805   20,510   
(3,812
)
  
77,682
   
(5,026
)
  
2,805
 
Total revenues  1,287,317   458,461   2,338,158   1,117,988   
1,605,083
   
1,287,317
   
3,093,913
   
2,338,158
 
                            
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:                            
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses  1,228,760   297,228   1,942,015   586,950  
843,222
  
1,228,760
  
1,639,318
  
1,942,015
 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  288,002   60,513   544,459   113,020  
316,775
  
288,002
  
604,993
  
544,459
 
Other underwriting expenses  74,226   64,197   151,577   124,092  
83,351
  
74,226
  
161,733
  
151,577
 
Corporate expenses  1,513   1,512   5,109   5,109  
2,519
  
1,513
  
4,170
  
5,109
 
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  7,623   7,954   14,936   16,813   
9,684
   
7,623
   
19,512
   
14,936
 
Total claims and expenses  1,600,124   431,404   2,658,096   845,984   
1,255,551
   
1,600,124
   
2,429,726
   
2,658,096
 
                            
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  (312,807)  27,057   (319,938)  272,004  
349,532
  
(312,807
)
 
664,187
  
(319,938
)
Income tax expense (benefit)  (47,399)  (8,601)  (42,358)  67,168   
67,628
   
(47,399
)
  
131,057
   
(42,358
)
                            
NET INCOME (LOSS) $(265,408) $35,658  $(277,580) $204,836  
$
281,904
  
$
(265,408
)
 
$
533,130
  
$
(277,580
)
                            
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:                            
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period  (18,165)  3,825   (64,987)  13,264  
68,095
  
(18,165
)
 
156,544
  
(64,987
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)  154   (3,477)  (4,681)  (6,944)  
5,858
   
154
   
4,842
   
(4,681
)
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period  (18,011)  348   (69,668)  6,320  
73,953
  
(18,011
)
 
161,386
  
(69,668
)
                            
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (20,812)  5,372   (22,154)  8,939  
(7,475
)
 
(20,812
)
 
2,089
  
(22,154
)
                            
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)  1,815   2,004   3,630   4,008   
1,151
   
1,815
   
2,302
   
3,630
 
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period  1,815   2,004   3,630   4,008   
1,151
   
1,815
   
2,302
   
3,630
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  (37,008)  7,724   (88,192)  19,267   
67,629
   
(37,008
)
  
165,777
   
(88,192
)
                            
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $(302,416) $43,382  $(365,772) $224,103  
$
349,533
  
$
(302,416
)
 
$
698,907
  
$
(365,772
)
                            
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                            


2

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



  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts) 2018  2017  2018  2017 
  (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
COMMON STOCK (shares outstanding):            
Balance, beginning of period  1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000 
Balance, end of period  1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000 
                 
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:                
Balance, beginning of period $387,889  $387,637  $387,841  $387,567 
Share-based compensation plans  47   68   95   138 
Balance, end of period  387,936   387,705   387,936   387,705 
                 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),                
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:                
Balance, beginning of period  (54,573)  (24,772)  (942)  (36,315)
Net increase (decrease) during the period  (37,008)  7,724   (88,192)  19,267 
Cumulative change due to adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-01  -   -   (2,447)  - 
Balance, end of period  (91,581)  (17,048)  (91,581)  (17,048)
                 
RETAINED EARNINGS:                
Balance, beginning of period  5,016,099   5,116,479   5,025,824   4,947,301 
Net income (loss)  (265,408)  35,658   (277,580)  204,836 
Cumulative change due to adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-01  -   -   2,447   - 
Balance, end of period  4,750,691   5,152,137   4,750,691   5,152,137 
                 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD $5,047,046  $5,522,794  $5,047,046  $5,522,794 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                

(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
 2019  2018 
  (unaudited) 
COMMON STOCK (shares outstanding):
      
Balance, January 1
  
1,000
   
1,000
 
Balance, March 31
  
1,000
   
1,000
 
Balance, June 30
  
1,000
   
1,000
 
         
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:
        
Balance, January 1
 
$
1,100,315
  
$
387,841
 
Share-based compensation plans  
87
   
48
 
Balance, March 31
  
1,100,402
   
387,889
 
Share-based compensation plans  
87
   
47
 
Balance, June 30
  
1,100,489
   
387,936
 
         
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),
        
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:
        
Balance, January 1
  
(126,254
)
  
(942
)
Change to beginning balance due to adoption of ASU 2016-01  
-
   
(2,447
)
Net increase (decrease) during the period  98,148   
(51,184
)
Balance, March 31
  
(28,106
)
  
(54,573
)
Net increase (decrease) during the period  
67,629
   
(37,008
)
Balance, June 30
  
39,523
   
(91,581
)
         
RETAINED EARNINGS:
        
Balance, January 1
  
4,070,604
   
5,025,824
 
Change to beginning balance due to adoption of ASU 2016-01  -   
2,447
 
Net income (loss)  
251,226
   
(12,172
)
Balance, March 31
  
4,321,830
   
5,016,099
 
Net income (loss)  
281,904
   
(265,408
)
Balance, June 30
  
4,603,734
   
4,750,691
 
         
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, June 30
 
$
5,743,746
  
$
5,047,046
 
         
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  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2019  2018 
 (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            
Net income (loss) $(277,580) $204,836  $533,130  $(277,580)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable  (31,486)  (213,530) (93,371) (31,486)
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net  (13,233)  2,353  (14,688) (13,233)
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables  627,965   (115,273) 82,701  627,965 
Decrease (increase) in income taxes  4,652   14,411  
214,830
  
4,652
 
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums  (6,626)  (184,385) (110,643) (6,626)
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses  (34,332)  (55,590) (21,387) (34,332)
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums  54,516   111,848  176,412  54,516 
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers  (76,825)  89,702  3,307  (76,825)
Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment  78,740   250,153  (22,634) 78,740 
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships  (29,160)  (8,728) (23,662) (29,160)
Distribution of limited partnership income  28,278   12,483  24,969  28,278 
Change in other assets and liabilities, net  14,713   (10,029) (65,421) 14,713 
Non-cash compensation expense  5,903   5,186  13,913  5,903 
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)  3,478   9,107  826  3,478 
Net realized capital (gains) losses  102,472   (25,477)  (277,619)  102,472 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  451,475   87,067   420,663   451,475 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:              
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value  416,065   555,649  
437,371
  
416,065
 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value  368,858   652,490  
2,004,602
  
368,858
 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value  1,065   -  
2,706
  
1,065
 
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value  429,927   249,653 
Proceeds from equity securities sold - at fair value
 
148,973
  
429,927
 
Distributions from other invested assets  941,415   1,018,997  
76,149
  
941,415
 
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value  (971,395)  (1,348,415) 
(2,251,818
)
 
(971,395
)
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value  (4,381)  -  -  
(4,381
)
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value  (555,998)  (237,894)
Cost of equity securities acquired - at fair value
 
(228,872
)
 
(555,998
)
Cost of other invested assets acquired  (964,209)  (1,182,157) 
(138,096
)
 (964,209)
Net change in short-term investments  47,613   130,362  (192,889) 47,613 
Net change in unsettled securities transactions  (16,558)  6,648   13,100   
(16,558
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  (307,598)  (154,667)  (128,774)  (307,598)
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:              
Tax benefit from share-based compensation, net of expense  (3,362)  (5,048) (13,739) (3,362)
Cost of repayment of note payable-affiliated  (300,000)  - 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  (3,362)  (5,048)  (313,739)  (3,362)
              
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH  (5,217)  17,419   (5,483)  (5,217)
              
Net increase (decrease) in cash  135,298   (55,229) 
(27,333
)
 
135,298
 
Cash, beginning of period  229,552   297,794   
404,522
   
229,552
 
Cash, end of period $364,850  $242,565  
$
377,189
  
$
364,850
 
              
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:              
Income taxes paid (recovered) $(46,386) $52,641  
$
(87,045
)
 
$
(46,386
)
Interest paid  14,544   17,608  
19,433
  
14,544
 
              
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.              


4

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 20182019, and 20172018

1.      GENERAL

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

During the thirdfourth quarter of 2016, the Company established domestic subsidiaries,2018, Everest Premier Insurance Company ("Everest Premier") and Everest Denali Insurance Company ("Everest Denali"Global Services (“Global Services”), which will be used in the continued expansion of the Insurance operations.a previously affiliated company, was contributed to Holdings from its parent company, Holdings Ireland.

2.      BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 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"(“GAAP”), has been omitted since it is not required for interim reporting purposes.  The December 31, 20172018 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 six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 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, 2018, 2017 2016 and 20152016 included in the Company'sCompany’s most recent Form 10-K filing.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities (and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities) at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Ultimate actual results could differ, possibly materially, from those estimates.

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Certain reclassifications and format changes have been made to prior years'years’ amounts to conform to the 20182019 presentation.

Application of Recently Issued Accounting Standard Changes.

Accounting for Cloud Computing Arrangement.  In August 2018, The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-15, which outlines accounting for implementation costs of a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract.  This guidance requires that implementation costs of a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract must be capitalized and expensed in accordance with the existing provisions provided in Subtopic 350-40 regarding development of internal use software.  In addition, any capitalized implementation costs should be amortized over the term of the hosting arrangement.  The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within that annual reporting period.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-15 on its financial statements.

Accounting for Long Duration Contracts.  In August 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-12, which discusses changes to the recognition, measurement and presentation of long duration contracts.  The main provisions of this guidance address the following:  1) In determining liability for future policy benefits, companies must review cash flow assumptions at least annually and the discount rate assumption at each reporting period date 2) Amortization of deferred acquisition costs has been simplified to be in constant level proportion to
5


either premiums, gross profits or gross margins 3) Disaggregated roll forwards of beginning and ending liabilities for future policy benefits are required.  The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within that annual reporting period.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-12 on its financial statements.

Accounting for Deferred Taxes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI).  In February 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-02, which outlines guidance on the treatment of trapped deferred taxes contained within AOCI on the consolidated balance sheets.  The new guidance allows the amount of trapped deferred taxes in AOCI, resulting from the change in the U.S. tax rate from 35% to 21% upon enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA"(“TCJA”), to be reclassed as part of retained earnings in the consolidated balance sheets.  The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, but early adoption is allowed.  The Company has decided to early adopt the guidance as of December 31, 2017.  The adoption resulted in a reclass of $325 thousand between AOCI and retained earnings during the fourth quarter of 2017.
5

  As an accounting policy, the Company has adopted the aggregate portfolio approach for releasing disproportionate income tax effects from AOCI.

Accounting for Impact on Income Taxes due to Tax Reform.  In December 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB"(“SAB”) 118, which provides guidance on the application of FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"(“ASC”) Topic 740, Income Taxes, due to the enactment of TCJA.  SAB 118 became effective upon release.  The Company has adopted the provisions of SAB 118 with respect to measuring the tax effects for the modifications to the determination of tax basis loss reserves.  Because of uncertainty in how the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") intends to implement the modifications and the necessary transition calculation, the Company has determined that a reasonable estimate cannot be determined and has followed the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect prior to the modifications. In 2018, the Company expects to recordrecorded adjustments to the amount of tax expense it recorded in 2017 with respect to the TCJA as estimated amounts are finalized.  Further adjustments arewere finalized, which did not expected to have a material impact on the Company'sCompany’s financial statements.

Amortization of Bond Premium.  In March 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-08 which outlines guidance on the amortization period for premium on callable debt securities.  The new guidance requires that the premium on callable debt securities be amortized through the earliest call date rather than through the maturity date of the callable security.  The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019.2018.  The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-08 todid not have a material impact on itsthe Company’s financial statements.

Presentation and Disclosure of Net Periodic Benefit Costs.  In March 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-07, which outlines guidance on the presentation of net periodic costs of benefit plans.  The new guidance requires that the service cost component of net periodic benefit costs be reported within the same line item of the statements of operations as other compensation costs are reported.  Other components of net periodic benefit costs should be reported separately.  Footnote disclosure is required to state within which line items of the statements of operations the components are reported.  The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018.  The adoption of ASU 2017-07 did not have a material impact on the Company'sCompany’s financial statements.

Disclosure of Restricted Cash.  In November 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-18 and in August 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-15, which outlines guidance on the presentation in the statements of cash flows of changes in restricted cash.  The new guidance requires that the statements of cash flows should reflect all changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in total and not segregated individually.  The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018.  The adoption of ASU 2016-18 and ASU 2016-15 did not have a material impact on the Company'sCompany’s financial statements.

Intra-Entity Asset Transfers.  In October 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-16, which outlines guidance on the tax accounting for intra-entity asset sales and transfers, other than inventory.  The new guidance requires that reporting entities recognize tax expense from the intra-entity transfer of an asset in the seller'sseller’s tax jurisdiction at the time of transfer and recognize any deferred tax asset in the buyer'sbuyer’s tax jurisdiction at the time of transfer.  The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018.  The adoption of ASU 2016-16 did not have a material impact on the Company'sCompany’s financial statements.
6


Valuation of Financial Instruments.  In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, which outline guidance on the valuation of and accounting for assets measured at amortized cost and available for sale debt securities.  The carrying value of assets measured at amortized cost will now be presented as the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset (amortized cost less an allowance for credit losses valuation account).  Available for sale debt securities will now record credit losses through an allowance for credit losses, which will be limited to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost.  The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on its financial statements.
6


Leases.  In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (and subsequently issued ASU 2018-11 in July, 2018) which outlinesoutline new guidance on the accounting for leases.  The new guidance requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheets for most leases that were previously deemed operating leases and required only lease expense presentation in the statements of operations.  The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  The Company is currently evaluatingadopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019 and elected to utilize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the impactopening balance of retained earnings for the year of adoption.  Accordingly, the Company’s reporting for the comparative periods prior to adoption continue to be presented in the financial statements in accordance with previous lease accounting guidance.  The Company also elected to apply the package of practical expedients applicable to the Company in the updated guidance for transition for leases in effect at adoption.  The Company did not elect the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term of existing leases (e.g. The Company did not re-assess lease renewals, termination options nor purchase options in determining lease terms).  The adoption of the updated guidance resulted in the Company recognizing a right-of-use asset of $60,325 thousand as part of other assets and a lease liability of $66,551 thousand as part of other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, as well as de-recognizing the liability for deferred rent that was required under the previous guidance.  The cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings was zero. The adoption of ASU 2016-02the updated guidance did not have a material effect on its financial statements.the Company’s results of operations or liquidity.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Instruments.  In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which outlines revised guidance on the accounting for equity investments.  The new guidance states that all equity investments in unconsolidated entities will be measured at fair value, with the change in value being recorded through the income statement rather than being recorded within other comprehensive income.  The updated guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018.  The adoption of ASU 2016-01 resulted in a cumulative change adjustment of $2,447 thousand between AOCI and retained earnings, which is disclosed separately within the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders equity.

Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, authoritative guidance regarding required disclosures associated with short duration insurance contracts.  The new disclosure requirements focus on information about initial claim estimates and subsequent claim estimate adjustment, methodologies in estimating claims and the timing, frequency and severity of claims related to short duration insurance contracts. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  The Company implemented this guidance effective in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Revenue Recognition.  In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 and in August 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which outline revised guidance on the recognition of revenue arising from contracts with customers.  The new guidance states that reporting entities should apply certain steps to determine when revenue should be recognized, based upon fulfillment of performance obligations to complete contracts.  The updated guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018.  The adoption of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2015-14 did not have a material impact on the Company'sCompany’s financial statements.

Any issued guidance and pronouncements, other than those directly referenced above, are deemed by the Company to be either not applicable or immaterial to its financial statements.
7


3.  INVESTMENTS

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


 At June 30, 2018  At June 30, 2019 
 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 $728,275  $1,066  $(16,216) $713,125  $-  
$
892,226
  
$
11,066
  
$
(2,043
)
 
$
901,249
  
$
- 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  525,088   14,730   (1,934)  537,884   420  
501,019
  
27,035
  
(348
)
 
527,706
  - 
Corporate securities  2,130,519   14,265   (41,705)  2,103,079   175  
2,518,720
  
59,026
  
(23,056
)
 
2,554,690
  
135
 
Asset-backed securities  127,848   44   (1,435)  126,457   -  
516,941
  
1,201
  
(935
)
 
517,207
  - 
Mortgage-backed securities                                   
Commercial  50,092   -   (873)  49,219   -  
271,298
  
15,385
  
(72
)
 
286,611
  - 
Agency residential  129,801   477   (3,458)  126,820   -  
602,695
  
14,283
  
(387
)
 
616,591
  - 
Non-agency residential  23   4   -   27   -  
2,701
  
3
  -  
2,704
  - 
Foreign government securities  501,389   13,697   (10,788)  504,298   -  
520,922
  
21,323
  
(6,517
)
 
535,728
  - 
Foreign corporate securities  881,994   13,383   (25,145)  870,232   276   
1,012,083
   
32,315
   
(14,913
)
  
1,029,485
   
316
 
Total fixed maturity securities $5,075,029  $57,666  $(101,554) $5,031,141  $871  
$
6,838,605
  
$
181,637
  
$
(48,271
)
 
$
6,971,971
  
$
451
 



 At December 31, 2017  At December 31, 2018 
 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 $671,449  $658  $(7,594) $664,513  $-  
$
2,250,312
  
$
3,573
  
$
(11,088
)
 
$
2,242,797
  
$
- 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  563,789   22,124   (444)  585,469   -  
489,013
  
12,915
  
(2,839
)
 
499,089
  
440
 
Corporate securities  2,009,665   28,003   (13,459)  2,024,209   129  
2,273,581
  
12,487
  
(69,915
)
 
2,216,153
  
430
 
Asset-backed securities  138,203   207   (386)  138,024   -  
223,192
  
102
  
(2,039
)
 
221,255
  - 
Mortgage-backed securities                                   
Commercial  52,121   115   (485)  51,751   -  
135,380
  
1,947
  
(723
)
 
136,604
  - 
Agency residential  114,435   511   (1,658)  113,288   -  
149,306
  
1,177
  
(1,709
)
 
148,774
  - 
Non-agency residential  51   7   -   58   -  
3,115
  
3
  
(4
)
 
3,114
  - 
Foreign government securities  514,048   17,065   (7,493)  523,620   -  
576,540
  
14,399
  
(11,353
)
 
579,586
  - 
Foreign corporate securities  863,861   20,121   (12,993)  870,989   377   
932,310
   
13,325
   
(30,932
)
  
914,703
   
281
 
Total fixed maturity securities $4,927,622  $88,811  $(44,512) $4,971,921  $506  
$
7,032,749
  
$
59,928
  
$
(130,602
)
 
$
6,962,075
  
$
1,151
 


(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.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-01, which requires equity investments in unconsolidated entities to be measured at fair value, with any change in value being recorded within net realized capital gains/(losses) as part of the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  Previously, changes in the market value had been recorded within AOCI as part of the consolidated balance sheets.  Therefore, effective January 1, 2018, equity security investments no longer have an impact upon the AOCI balance.
8


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, 2018  At December 31, 2017  At June 30, 2019  At December 31, 2018 
 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 $409,551  $408,261  $319,858  $320,746  
$
637,109
  
$
631,917
  
$
511,193
  
$
507,572
 
Due after one year through five years  2,642,246   2,599,253   2,601,898   2,595,237  
2,922,404
  
2,955,499
  
4,271,245
  
4,230,451
 
Due after five years through ten years  1,123,408   1,120,995   1,051,431   1,069,617  
1,294,439
  
1,348,170
  
1,177,752
  
1,163,831
 
Due after ten years  592,060   600,110   649,625   683,200  
591,018
  
613,272
  
561,566
  
550,474
 
Asset-backed securities  127,848   126,457   138,203   138,024  
516,941
  
517,207
  
223,192
  
221,255
 
Mortgage-backed securities                            
Commercial  50,092   49,219   52,121   51,751  
271,298
  
286,611
  
135,380
  
136,604
 
Agency residential  129,801   126,819   114,435   113,288  
602,695
  
616,591
  
149,306
  
148,774
 
Non-agency residential  23   27   51   58   
2,701
   
2,704
   
3,115
   
3,114
 
Total fixed maturity securities $5,075,029  $5,031,141  $4,927,622  $4,971,921  
$
6,838,605
  
$
6,971,971
  
$
7,032,749
  
$
6,962,075
 


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


 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost                        
of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon:                        
Fixed maturity securities $(23,064) $32  $(88,552) $12,274  
$
93,919
  
$
(23,064
)
 
$
204,828
  
$
(88,552
)
Fixed maturity securities, other-than-temporary impairment  266   (317)  365   (3,816)  
(368
)
  
266
   
(700
)
  
365
 
Other invested assets  -   821   -   1,265 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax  (22,798)  536   (88,187)  9,723  
93,551
  
(22,798
)
 
204,128
  
(88,187
)
Deferred tax benefit (expense)  4,843   (299)  18,596   (4,739) 
(19,675
)
 
4,843
  
(42,889
)
 
18,596
 
Deferred tax benefit (expense), other-than-temporary impairment  (56)  111   (77)  1,336   
77
   
(56
)
  
147
   
(77
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation),                            
net of deferred taxes, included in stockholder's equity $(18,011) $348  $(69,668) $6,320  
$
73,953
  
$
(18,011
)
 
$
161,386
  
$
(69,668
)


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'ssecurity’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'sCompany’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'sCompany’s consolidated balance sheets.  The Company'sCompany’s assessments are based on the issuers'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.

9


Upon the adoption of ASU 2016-01 as of January 1, 2018, all equity investments in unconsolidated entities are recorded at fair value.  Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, the Company presented certain equity securities at market value.  The majority of the Company’s equity securities presented at market value prior to January 1, 2018 were primarily comprised of mutual fund investments whose underlying securities consisted of fixed maturity securities.  When a fund’s value reflected an unrealized loss, the Company assessed whether the decline in value was temporary or other-than-temporary.  In making its assessment, the Company considered the composition of its portfolios and their related markets, reports received from the portfolio managers and discussions with portfolio managers.  If the Company determined that the declines were temporary and it had the ability and intent to continue to hold the investments, then the declines were recorded as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  If declines were deemed to be other-than-temporary, then the carrying value of the investment was 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'sCompany’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 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, 2018 By Security Type  Duration of Unrealized Loss at June 30, 2019 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 $440,894  $(8,405) $220,276  $(7,811) $661,170  $(16,216) 
$
37,960
  
$
(12
)
 
$
304,142
  
$
(2,031
)
 
$
342,102
  
$
(2,043
)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  45,254   (651)  36,939   (1,283)  82,193   (1,934) 
1,991
  
(48
)
 
9,840
  
(300
)
 
11,831
  
(348
)
Corporate securities  1,196,780   (29,005)  210,326   (12,700)  1,407,106   (41,705) 
191,106
  
(8,266
)
 
307,906
  
(14,790
)
 
499,012
  
(23,056
)
Asset-backed securities  80,247   (1,286)  12,959   (149)  93,206   (1,435) 
295,890
  
(833
)
 
52,686
  
(102
)
 
348,576
  
(935
)
Mortgage-backed securities                                          
Commercial  38,395   (497)  10,825   (376)  49,220   (873) 
1,578
  
(2
)
 
17,342
  
(70
)
 
18,920
  
(72
)
Agency residential  40,493   (935)  59,936   (2,523)  100,429   (3,458) 
13,049
  
(32
)
 
38,667
  
(355
)
 
51,716
  
(387
)
Non-agency residential 
1,435
  -  -  -  
1,435
  - 
Foreign government securities  172,660   (2,290)  144,064   (8,498)  316,724   (10,788) 
16,603
  
(124
)
 
138,472
  
(6,393
)
 
155,075
  
(6,517
)
Foreign corporate securities  389,435   (11,683)  162,554   (13,462)  551,989   (25,145)  
27,650
   
(350
)
  
225,895
   
(14,563
)
  
253,545
   
(14,913
)
Total fixed maturity securities $2,404,158  $(54,752) $857,879  $(46,802) $3,262,037  $(101,554) 
$
587,262
  
$
(9,667
)
 
$
1,094,950
  
$
(38,604
)
 
$
1,682,212
  
$
(48,271
)



 Duration of Unrealized Loss at June 30, 2018 By Maturity  Duration of Unrealized Loss at June 30, 2019 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 $163,878  $(1,028) $36,644  $(3,527) $200,522  $(4,555) 
$
37,823
  
$
(624
)
 
$
188,033
  
$
(9,133
)
 
$
225,856
  
$
(9,757
)
Due in one year through five years  1,386,748   (27,598)  575,246   (29,483)  1,961,994   (57,081) 
115,774
  
(960
)
 
593,416
  
(15,494
)
 
709,190
  
(16,454
)
Due in five years through ten years  519,971   (12,892)  125,330   (9,461)  645,301   (22,353) 
101,238
  
(6,438
)
 
95,780
  
(3,859
)
 
197,018
  
(10,297
)
Due after ten years  174,426   (10,516)  36,939   (1,283)  211,365   (11,799) 
20,475
  
(778
)
 
109,026
  
(9,591
)
 
129,501
  
(10,369
)
Asset-backed securities  80,247   (1,286)  12,959   (149)  93,206   (1,435) 
295,890
  
(833
)
 
52,686
  
(102
)
 
348,576
  
(935
)
Mortgage-backed securities  78,888   (1,432)  70,761   (2,899)  149,649   (4,331)  
16,062
   
(34
)
  
56,009
   
(425
)
  
72,071
   
(459
)
Total fixed maturity securities $2,404,158  $(54,752) $857,879  $(46,802) $3,262,037  $(101,554) 
$
587,262
  
$
(9,667
)
 
$
1,094,950
  
$
(38,604
)
 
$
1,682,212
  
$
(48,271
)


10


The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 20182019 were $3,262,037$1,682,212 thousand and $101,554$48,271 thousand, respectively.  The market value of securities for the single issuer (the United States government) whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at June 30, 2018,2019, did not exceed 13.2%0.5% of the overall market value of the Company's fixed maturity securities. The market value of securities for the issuer with the second largest unrealized loss comprised less than 1.0% of the company'sCompany’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 $54,752$9,667 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were generally comprised of domestic and foreign corporate securities, U.S. government agencies and corporations and foreign government securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $39,887$1,291 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency.  The $46,802$38,604 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily due to foreigndomestic and domesticforeign corporate securities, foreign government securities and U.S. government agencies and corporations and agency residential mortgage-backed securities.agencies.  Of these unrealized losses $45,389$26,147 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized
10


statistical rating agency. There was no gross unrealized depreciation for mortgage-backed securities related to sub-prime and alt-A loans. 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 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, 2017 By Security Type  Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2018 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 $446,963  $(2,921) $198,684  $(4,673) $645,647  $(7,594) 
$
245,357
  
$
(6,099
)
 
$
373,377
  
$
(4,989
)
 
$
618,734
  
$
(11,088
)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  4,400   (27)  37,886   (417)  42,286   (444) 
107,183
  
(2,829
)
 
1,475
  
(10
)
 
108,658
  
(2,839
)
Corporate securities  455,431   (6,674)  216,715   (6,785)  672,146   (13,459) 
1,390,942
  
(57,043
)
 
194,770
  
(12,872
)
 
1,585,712
  
(69,915
)
Asset-backed securities  75,196   (328)  7,991   (58)  83,187   (386) 
127,052
  
(1,408
)
 
47,551
  
(631
)
 
174,603
  
(2,039
)
Mortgage-backed securities                                          
Commercial  26,650   (264)  5,972   (221)  32,622   (485) 
51,357
  
(695
)
 
2,259
  
(28
)
 
53,616
  
(723
)
Agency residential  46,234   (322)  58,135   (1,336)  104,369   (1,658) 
44,071
  
(1,221
)
 
21,889
  
(488
)
 
65,960
  
(1,709
)
Non-agency residential 
3,093
  
(4
)
 -  -  
3,093
  
(4
)
Foreign government securities  159,852   (1,567)  121,018   (5,926)  280,870   (7,493) 
192,510
  
(10,690
)
 
101,137
  
(663
)
 
293,647
  
(11,353
)
Foreign corporate securities  263,547   (4,590)  109,727   (8,403)  373,274   (12,993)  
501,532
   
(25,821
)
  
65,279
   
(5,111
)
  
566,811
   
(30,932
)
Total fixed maturity securities $1,478,273  $(16,693) $756,128  $(27,819) $2,234,401  $(44,512) 
$
2,663,097
  
$
(105,810
)
 
$
807,737
  
$
(24,792
)
 
$
3,470,834
  
$
(130,602
)



 Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2017 By Maturity  Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2018 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 $102,939  $(498) $40,006  $(1,627) $142,945  $(2,125) 
$
165,545
  
$
(7,618
)
 
$
118,322
  
$
(1,164
)
 
$
283,867
  
$
(8,782
)
Due in one year through five years  973,217   (10,291)  488,945   (18,917)  1,462,162   (29,208) 
1,423,431
  
(44,924
)
 
525,554
  
(9,530
)
 
1,948,985
  
(54,454
)
Due in five years through ten years  189,103   (3,713)  116,136   (5,216)  305,239   (8,929) 
624,875
  
(35,360
)
 
42,902
  
(2,773
)
 
667,777
  
(38,133
)
Due after ten years  64,934   (1,277)  38,943   (444)  103,877   (1,721) 
223,673
  
(14,580
)
 
49,260
  
(10,178
)
 
272,933
  
(24,758
)
Asset-backed securities  75,196   (328)  7,991   (58)  83,187   (386) 
127,052
  
(1,408
)
 
47,551
  
(631
)
 
174,603
  
(2,039
)
Mortgage-backed securities  72,884   (586)  64,107   (1,557)  136,991   (2,143)  
98,521
   
(1,920
)
  
24,148
   
(516
)
  
122,669
   
(2,436
)
Total fixed maturity securities $1,478,273  $(16,693) $756,128  $(27,819) $2,234,401  $(44,512) 
$
2,663,097
  
$
(105,810
)
 
$
807,737
  
$
(24,792
)
 
$
3,470,834
  
$
(130,602
)



11


The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 20172018 were $2,234,401$3,470,834 thousand and $44,512$130,602 thousand, respectively.  The market value of securities for the single issuer (the United States government) whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at December 31, 2017,2018, did not exceed 13.0%9.0% of the overall market value of the Company'sCompany’s fixed maturity securities.  The market value of securities for the issuer with the second largest unrealized loss comprised less than 0.9%0.8% of the company'scompany’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 $16,693$105,810 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were generally comprised of domestic and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and U.S. government agencies and corporations and foreign government securities.corporations.  Of these unrealized losses, $13,043$68,010 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency.  The $27,819$24,792 thousand of unrealized losses
11


related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily due to foreigndomestic and domesticforeign corporate securities foreign government securities,and U.S. government agencies and corporations and agency residential mortgage-backed securities.agencies.  Of these unrealized losses, $26,463$14,802 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency.  There was no gross unrealized depreciation for mortgage-backed securities related to sub-prime and alt-A loans.  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 components of net investment income are presented in the tables below for the periods indicated:


 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Fixed maturities $48,523  $49,601  $90,942  $96,581  
$
65,374
  
$
48,523
  
$
132,428
  
$
90,942
 
Equity securities  3,627   6,370   8,030   13,118  
2,319
  
3,627
  
3,750
  
8,030
 
Short-term investments and cash  1,302   590   2,230   980  
3,169
  
1,302
  
5,905
  
2,230
 
Other invested assets                            
Limited partnerships  14,168   8,978   28,640   8,754  
15,116
  
14,168
  
23,171
  
28,640
 
Dividends from preferred shares of affiliate  7,758   7,758   15,516   15,516  
7,758
  
7,758
  
15,516
  
15,516
 
Other  1,460   1,496   4,655   2,748   
3,299
   
1,460
   
6,279
   
4,655
 
Gross investment income before adjustments  76,838   74,793   150,013   137,697  
97,035
  
76,838
  
187,049
  
150,013
 
Funds held interest income (expense)  731   978   3,599   2,917  
1,445
  
731
  
4,326
  
3,599
 
Interest income from Parent  1,075   1,075   2,150   2,150   -   
1,075
   -   
2,150
 
Gross investment income  78,644   76,846   155,762   142,764  
98,480
  
78,644
  
191,375
  
155,762
 
Investment expenses  (6,574)  (4,946)  (13,783)  (10,015)  
(7,771
)
  
(6,574
)
  
(16,132
)
  
(13,783
)
Net investment income $72,070  $71,900  $141,979  $132,749  
$
90,709
  
$
72,070
  
$
175,243
  
$
141,979
 
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                            


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 $363,824$565,479 thousand in limited partnerships and private placement loans at June 30, 2018.2019.  These commitments will be funded when called in accordance with the partnership and loan agreements, which have investment periods that expire, unless extended, through 2023.

The Company's other invested assets at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 included $85,910 thousand and $131,998 thousand, respectively, related toBeginning in the first quarter of 2016, the Company participated in a private placement liquidity sweep facility.facility (“the facility”).  The primary purpose of the facility is to enhance the Company'sCompany’s return on its short-term investments and cash positions.  The facility invests in high quality, short-duration securities and permits daily liquidity.  Through the second quarter of 2018, the Company’s participation in the facility was classified within other invested assets on the Company’s Balance Sheets.

12

As of the third quarter of 2018, the Company has consolidated its participation in the facility.  As a result, the underlying investments are now recorded in the various investment line items within the Company’s balance sheet, rather than as part of other invested assets.  As of June 30, 2019, the market value of investments in the facility consolidated within the Company’s balance sheets was $305,548 thousand.

Other invested assets, at fair value, as of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, were comprised of preferred shares held in Preferred Holdings, an affiliated company.
12


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


 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Fixed maturity securities, market value:                        
Other-than-temporary impairments $(872) $(1,574) $(907) $(2,706) 
$
(4,929
)
 
$
(872
)
 
$
(7,219
)
 
$
(907
)
Gains (losses) from sales  (172)  6,507   5,958   12,972  
(2,313
)
 
(172
)
 
1,113
  
5,958
 
Fixed maturity securities, fair value:                            
Gains (losses) from sales  (1,068)  -   (1,082)  -  
356
  
(1,068
)
 
356
  
(1,082
)
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  958   -   958   -  -  
958
  
13
  
958
 
Equity securities, fair value:                            
Gains (losses) from sales  (1,601)  604   (4,082)  4,944  
(1,314
)
 
(1,601
)
 
3,730
  
(4,082
)
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  25,550   14,943   (1,464)  52,361  
25,829
  
25,550
  
103,675
  
(1,464
)
Other invested assets  581   (2)  584   (1) 
(152
)
 
581
  
244
  
584
 
Other invested assets, fair value:                            
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  (65,647)  (112,769)  (102,436)  (42,094) 
125,024
  
(65,647
)
 
175,651
  
(102,436
)
Short-term investment gains (losses)  -   -   (1)  1   
62
   -   
56
   
(1
)
Total net realized capital gains (losses) $(42,271) $(92,291) $(102,472) $25,477  
$
142,563
  
$
(42,271
)
 
$
277,619
  
$
(102,472
)


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

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


 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities $214,942  $359,496  $369,923  $652,490  $403,419  $214,942  $2,007,308  $369,923 
Gross gains from sales  2,066   7,748   8,993   15,743  3,133  2,066  11,237  8,993 
Gross losses from sales  (3,306)  (1,241)  (4,117)  (2,771) (5,090) (3,306) (9,768) (4,117)
                            
Proceeds from sales of equity securities $301,448  $115,602  $429,927  $249,653  $79,735  $301,448  $148,973  $429,927 
Gross gains from sales  4,678   3,562   7,906   11,575  2,577  4,678  8,248  7,906 
Gross losses from sales  (6,279)  (2,958)  (11,988)  (6,631) (3,891) (6,279) (4,518) (11,988)

13


4.  RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LAE

Activity in the reserve for losses and LAE is summarized for the periods indicated:


 Six Months Ended  Twelve Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,  December 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2019  2018 
Gross reserves at January 1 $9,343,028  $8,331,288 
Gross reserves beginning of period
 
$
10,167,018
  
$
9,343,028
 
Less reinsurance recoverables  (5,727,268)  (4,199,791)  
(4,697,543
)
  
(5,727,268
)
Net reserves at January 1  3,615,760   4,131,497 
Net reserves beginning of period
  
5,469,475
   
3,615,760
 
              
Incurred related to:              
Current year  1,451,011   2,157,498  
1,615,277
  
1,451,011
 
Prior years  491,004   (117,747)  
24,041
   
491,004
 
Total incurred losses and LAE  1,942,015   2,039,751   
1,639,318
   
1,942,015
 
              
Paid related to:              
Current year  378,985   1,607,601  
391,381
  
378,985
 
Prior years  912,199   957,933   
1,144,204
   
912,199
 
Total paid losses and LAE  1,291,184   2,565,534   
1,535,585
   
1,291,184
 
              
Foreign exchange/translation adjustment  (16,509)  10,046   
228
   
(16,509
)
              
Net reserves at December 31  4,250,082   3,615,760 
Net reserves end of period
 
5,573,437
  
4,250,082
 
Plus reinsurance recoverables  5,037,479   5,727,268   
4,574,975
   
5,037,479
 
Gross reserves at December 31 $9,287,561  $9,343,028 
Gross reserves end of period
 
$
10,148,412
  
$
9,287,561
 
      
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
      


Incurred prior years' reservesyears losses increased by $24,041 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and by $491,004 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2018, and decreased by $117,747 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2017.respectively.  The increase for the six months ended June 30, 2018 resulted from unfavorablewas mainly due to $494,221 thousand of adverse development on prior years catastrophe losses, primarily related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as the 2017 California wildfires.  The increase in loss estimates for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria was mostly driven by re-opened claims, reported in the second quarter of 2018 and loss inflation from higher than expected loss adjustment expenses and in particular, their impact on aggregate covers.  The decrease for 2017 was attributable to favorable development in the reinsurance segments of $84,809 thousand related primarily to property and short-tail business in the U.S., as well as favorable development on prior year catastrophe losses, partially offset by $25,194 thousand of adverse development on A&E reserves. The insurance segment also experienced favorable development on prior year reserves of $32,938 thousand mainly on its workers compensation business, which is largely written in California.

5.  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.
14


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

The Company'sCompany’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 ninety private placement securities atAt June 30, 2018, an investment manager's valuation committee2019, $474,322 thousand of fixed maturities, market value were fair valued eighty-five of these private placement securities at $247,863 thousand. Ausing unobservable inputs.  The majority of the fixed maturities, market value, $412,095 thousand   were valued by investment managers’ valuation committees and a majority of these fair values determined by the valuation committee arewere substantiated by valuations from independent third parties.  FourThe Company has procedures in place to review and evaluate these independent third party valuations.  The remaining Level 3 fixed maturities of the private placement securities totaling $95,444$62,228 thousand arewere fair valued by the investment managerCompany at either par or amortized cost. In addition,cost, which the Company valued one private placement security at $1,750 thousand, representing parbelieves approximates fair value.  Due to the unavailability of prices for sixty-five private placement securities atAt December 31, 2017, an2018, $383,994 thousand of fixed maturities, market value and $2,337 thousand of fixed maturities, fair value were fair valued using unobservable inputs.  The majority of the fixed maturities, market value, $354,133 thousand and all of the $2,337 thousand of fixed maturities, fair value, were valued by investment manager'smanagers’ valuation committeecommittees and a majority of these fair values were substantiated by valuations from independent third parties.  The remaining Level 3 fixed maturities of $28,708 thousand were fair valued by the sixty-five securitiesCompany at $165,173 thousand.either par or amortized cost and $1,153 thousand were priced using a non-binding broker quote.

The Company internally manages a public equity portfolio which had a fair value at June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018 of $365,986$155,784 thousand and $245,043$124,228 thousand, respectively, and all prices were obtained from publicly 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.

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. In limited circumstances when broker prices are not
15


available for private placements, the Company will value the securities using comparable market information or receive fair values from investment managers.
15


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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;

·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.
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, was categorized as Level 3 at June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, since it represented a privately placed convertible preferred stock issued by an affiliate.  The stock was received in exchange for shares of the Company'sCompany’s parent.  The 25 year redeemable, convertible preferred stock with a 1.75% coupon is valued using a pricing model. The pricing model includes observable inputs such as the U.S. Treasury yield curve rate T note constant maturity 20 year and the swap rate on the Company'sCompany’s June 1, 2044, 4.868% senior notes, with adjustments to reflect the Company'sCompany’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset.

16


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, 2018  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  June 30, 2019  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:                        
Fixed maturities, market value                        
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of                        
U.S. government agencies and corporations $713,125  $-  $713,125  $-  
$
901,249
  
$
-  
$
901,249
  
$
- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  537,884   -   537,884   -  
527,706
  -  
527,706
  - 
Corporate securities  2,103,079   -   1,773,830   329,249  
2,554,690
  -  
2,082,461
  
472,229
 
Asset-backed securities  126,457   -   126,457   -  
517,207
  -  
517,207
  - 
Mortgage-backed securities                            
Commercial  49,219   -   49,219   -  
286,611
  -  
286,611
  - 
Agency residential  126,820   -   126,820   -  
616,591
  -  
616,591
  - 
Non-agency residential  27   -   27   -  
2,704
  -  
2,704
  - 
Foreign government securities  504,298   -   504,298   -  
535,728
  -  
535,728
  - 
Foreign corporate securities  870,232   -   857,617   12,615   
1,029,485
   -   
1,027,392
   
2,093
 
Total fixed maturities, market value  5,031,141   -   4,689,277   341,864  
6,971,971
  -  
6,497,649
  
474,322
 
                            
Fixed maturities, fair value  3,192   -   -   3,192  -  -  -  - 
Equity securities, fair value  942,900   919,566   23,334   -  
751,642
  
690,230
  
61,412
  - 
Other invested assets, fair value  1,705,037   -   -   1,705,037  
1,892,988
  -  -  
1,892,988
 


There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.2019.

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, 2017  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:            
Fixed maturities, market value            
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of            
U.S. government agencies and corporations $664,513  $-  $664,513  $- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  585,469   -   585,469   - 
Corporate securities  2,024,209   -   1,865,988   158,221 
Asset-backed securities  138,024   -   138,024   - 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  51,751   -   51,751   - 
Agency residential  113,288   -   113,288   - 
Non-agency residential  58   -   58   - 
Foreign government securities  523,620   -   523,620   - 
Foreign corporate securities  870,989   -   864,037   6,952 
Total fixed maturities, market value  4,971,921   -   4,806,748   165,173 
                 
Equity securities, fair value  822,375   800,542   21,833   - 
Other invested assets, fair value  1,807,473   -   -   1,807,473 

     Fair Value Measurement Using: 
     Quoted Prices       
     in Active  Significant    
     Markets for  Other  Significant 
     Identical  Observable  Unobservable 
     Assets  Inputs  Inputs 
(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2018  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:
            
Fixed maturities, market value
            
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of            
U.S. government agencies and corporations 
$
2,242,797
  
$
-  
$
2,242,797
  
$
- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  
499,089
   -   
499,089
   - 
Corporate securities  
2,216,153
   -   
1,839,903
   
376,250
 
Asset-backed securities  
221,255
   -   
221,255
   - 
Mortgage-backed securities                
Commercial  
136,604
   -   
136,604
   - 
Agency residential  
148,774
   -   
148,774
   - 
Non-agency residential  
3,114
   -   
3,114
   - 
Foreign government securities  
579,586
   -   
579,586
   - 
Foreign corporate securities  
914,703
   -   
906,959
   
7,744
 
Total fixed maturities, market value
  
6,962,075
   -   
6,578,081
   
383,994
 
                 
Fixed maturities, fair value
  
2,337
   -   -   
2,337
 
Equity securities, fair value
  
564,338
   
540,894
   
23,444
   - 
Other invested assets, fair value
  
1,717,336
   -   -   
1,717,336
 
17


In addition, $96,162$154,908 thousand and $79,505$117,662 thousand of investments within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively, are not included within the fair value hierarchy tables as the assets are measured at NAV as a practical expedient to determine fair value.

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


  Total Fixed Maturities, Market Value 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2019  Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 
  Corporate  Foreign     Corporate  Foreign    
(Dollars in thousands) Securities  Corporate  Total  Securities  Corporate  Total 
Beginning balance 
$
367,178
  
$
7,298
  
$
374,476
  
$
376,250
  
$
7,744
  
$
383,994
 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                        
Included in earnings  
(2,528
)
  
(238
)
  
(2,766
)
  
2,330
   
(119
)
  
2,211
 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  
1,870
   -   
1,870
   
2,444
   -   
2,444
 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  
101,732
   
(4,967
)
  
96,765
   
89,686
   
(5,532
)
  
84,154
 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  
3,977
   -   
3,977
   
1,519
   -   
1,519
 
Ending balance
 
$
472,229
  
$
2,093
  
$
474,322
  
$
472,229
  
$
2,093
  
$
474,322
 
                         
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.)                        



  Total Fixed Maturities, Market Value 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2018  Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 
  Corporate  Foreign     Corporate  Foreign    
(Dollars in thousands) Securities  Corporate  Total  Securities  Corporate  Total 
Beginning balance 
$
168,590
  
$
11,368
  
$
179,958
  
$
158,221
  
$
6,952
  
$
165,173
 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                        
Included in earnings  
623
   
(504
)
  
119
   
1,345
   
(410
)
  
935
 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  
190
   -   
190
   
425
   -   
425
 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  
159,846
   
1
   
159,847
   
169,258
   
4,323
   
173,581
 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   
1,750
   
1,750
   
-
   
1,750
   
1,750
 
Ending balance
 
$
329,249
  
$
12,615
  
$
341,864
  
$
329,249
  
$
12,615
  
$
341,864
 
                         
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.)                        


  Total Fixed Maturities, Fair Value 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2019  Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 
  Foreign     Foreign    
(Dollars in thousands)
 Corporate  Total  Corporate  Total 
Beginning balance fixed maturities at fair value
 
$
2,350
  
$
2,350
  
$
2,337
  
$
2,337
 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                
Included in earnings  
356
   
356
   
369
   
369
 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  
(2,706
)
  
(2,706
)
  
(2,706
)
  
(2,706
)
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Ending balance
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
 
                 
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.)                

  Total Fixed Maturities, Market Value 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2017  Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 
  Corporate  Foreign     Corporate  Foreign    
(Dollars in thousands) Securities  Corporate  Total  Securities  Corporate  Total 
Beginning balance $84,322  $2,802  $87,124  $65,197  $2,538  $67,735 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                        
Included in earnings  711   128   839   925   104   1,029 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  172   -   172   143   -   143 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  935   221   1,156   19,875   509   20,384 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Ending balance $86,140  $3,151  $89,291  $86,140  $3,151  $89,291 
                         
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.)                        

18


  Total Fixed Maturities, Fair Value 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2018  Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 
  Foreign     Foreign    
(Dollars in thousands)
 Corporate  Total  Corporate  Total 
Beginning balance fixed maturities at fair value
 
$
1,821
  
$
1,821
  
$
-
  
$
-
 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                
Included in earnings  
(142
)
  
(142
)
  
(156
)
  
(156
)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  
32
   
32
   
32
   
32
 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  
1,481
   
1,481
   
3,316
   
3,316
 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Ending balance
 
$
3,192
  
$
3,192
  
$
3,192
  
$
3,192
 
                 
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.)                


  Total Fixed Maturities, Fair Value 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2018  Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 
  Foreign     Foreign    
(Dollars in thousands) Corporate  Total  Corporate  Total 
Beginning balance fixed maturities at fair value $1,821  $1,821  $-  $- 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                
Included in earnings  (142)  (142)  (156)  (156)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  32   32   32   32 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  1,481   1,481   3,316   3,316 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   -   -   - 
Ending balance $3,192  $3,192  $3,192  $3,192 
                 
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.)                



Total Fixed Maturities, Fair Value
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
ForeignForeign
(Dollars in thousands)CorporateTotalCorporateTotal
Beginning balance fixed maturities at fair value$-$-$-$-
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings----
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)----
Purchases, issuances and settlements----
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3----
Ending balance$-$-$-$-
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 to/(from) level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs for fixed maturities, market value were $1,750$3,977 thousand and $1,519 thousand for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 for fixed maturities, market value.2019.  The transfers during 2019 were related to securities that were priced using a recognized pricing service as of December 31, 2017.  The2018.  These securities were subsequently priced using single non-binding broker quotes as of June 30, 2018.2019.

19

The following table presents the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs by other invested assets, for the periods indicated:


 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Other invested assets, fair value:                        
Beginning balance $1,770,684  $1,837,302  $1,807,473  $1,766,626  
$
1,767,963
  
$
1,770,684
  
$
1,717,336
  
$
1,807,473
 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                 
-
          
Included in earnings  (65,647)  (112,769)  (102,436)  (42,094) 
125,025
  
(65,647
)
 
175,652
  
(102,436
)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  -   -   -   -  
-
  
-
  
-
  
-
 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  -   -   -   -  
-
  
-
  
-
  
-
 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   -   -   -   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Ending balance $1,705,037  $1,724,532  $1,705,037  $1,724,532  
$
1,892,988
  
$
1,705,037
  
$
1,892,988
  
$
1,705,037
 
                            
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.)                            


6.  COMMITMENTS AND 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'sCompany’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.

19


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 Company of America ("(“The Prudential"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.contract.

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 June 30,  At December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2019  2018 
The Prudential $144,353  $144,618  $141,386  $142,754 
Unaffiliated life insurance company  33,372  $34,444  33,720  34,717 

20

7.  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, 2019  Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 
(Dollars in thousands) Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary $86,524  $(18,138) $68,386  $198,965  $(41,868) $157,097 
URA(D) on securities - OTTI  (368)  77   (291) $(700)  147  $(553)
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)  7,394   (1,536)  5,858   5,862   (1,020)  4,842 
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (9,465)  1,990   (7,475)  2,645   (556)  2,089 
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss)  1,457   (306)  1,151   2,914   (612)  2,302 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) $85,542  $(17,913) $67,629  $209,686  $(43,909) $165,777 
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                        



  Three Months Ended June 30, 2018  Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 
(Dollars in thousands) Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary $(23,527) $5,152  $(18,375) $(82,917) $17,642  $(65,275)
URA(D) on securities - OTTI  266   (56)  210   365   (77)  288 
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)  463   (309)  154   (5,635)  954   (4,681)
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (26,362)  5,550   (20,812)  (28,058)  5,904   (22,154)
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss)  2,297   (482)  1,815   4,595   (965)  3,630 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) $(46,863) $9,855  $(37,008) $(111,650) $23,458  $(88,192)
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                        

20



  Three Months Ended June 30, 2018  Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 
(Dollars in thousands) Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary $(23,527) $5,152  $(18,375) $(82,917) $17,642  $(65,275)
URA(D) on securities - OTTI  266   (56)  210   365   (77)  288 
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)  463   (309)  154   (5,635)  954   (4,681)
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (26,362)  5,550   (20,812)  (28,058)  5,904   (22,154)
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss)  2,297   (482)  1,815   4,595   (965)  3,630 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) $(46,863) $9,855  $(37,008) $(111,650) $23,458  $(88,192)
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                        



  Three Months Ended June 30, 2017  Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 
(Dollars in thousands) Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary $5,784  $(1,753) $4,031  $23,804  $(8,060) $15,744 
URA(D) on securities - OTTI  (317)  111   (206)  (3,816)  1,336   (2,480)
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)  (4,931)  1,454   (3,477)  (10,265)  3,321   (6,944)
Foreign currency translation adjustments  8,265   (2,893)  5,372   13,752   (4,813)  8,939 
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss)  3,083   (1,079)  2,004   6,166   (2,158)  4,008 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) $11,884  $(4,160) $7,724  $29,641  $(10,374) $19,267 
                         
(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  Six Months Ended   
 June 30,  June 30,  Affected line item within the statements of June 30,  June 30,  Affected line item within the statements of
AOCI component 2018  2017  2018  2017  operations and comprehensive income (loss) 2019  2018  2019  2018  operations and comprehensive income (loss)
(Dollars in thousands)                                    
URA(D) on securities $463  $(4,931) $(5,635) $(10,265) Other net realized capital gains (losses) $7,394  $463  $5,862  $(5,635) Other net realized capital gains (losses)
  (309)  1,454   954   3,321  Income tax expense (benefit)  (1,536)  (309)  (1,020)  954  Income tax expense (benefit)
 $154  $(3,477) $(4,681) $(6,944) Net income (loss) $5,858  $154  $4,842  $(4,681) Net income (loss)
                                          
Benefit plan net gain (loss) $2,297  $3,083  $4,595  $6,166  Other underwriting expenses $1,457  $2,297  $2,914  $4,595  Other underwriting expenses
  (482)  (1,079)  (965)  (2,158) Income tax expense (benefit)  (306)  (482)  (612)  (965) Income tax expense (benefit)
 $1,815  $2,004  $3,630  $4,008  Net income (loss) $1,151  $1,815  $2,302  $3,630  Net income (loss)
                                          
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                        



21

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  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,  December 31,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
                  
Beginning balance of URA (D) on securities $37,442  $39,041  
$
31,483
  
$
(16,662
)
 
$
(55,950
)
 
$
37,442
 
Change to beginning balance due to adoption of ASU 2016-01
 
-
  
-
  
-
  
(2,447
)
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - temporary  (69,956)  (5,284) 
74,244
  
(18,221
)
 
161,939
  
(69,956
)
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI  288   (2,949)  
(291
)
  
210
   
(553
)
  
288
 
Reclass due to early adoption of ASU 2018-02  -   6,634 
Cumulative change due to ASU 2016-01  (2,447)  - 
Ending balance of URA (D) on securities  (34,673)  37,442   
105,436
   
(34,673
)
  
105,436
   
(34,673
)
                    
Beginning balance of foreign currency translation adjustments  33,545   (9,852) 
6,678
  
32,203
  
(2,886
)
 
33,545
 
Current period change in foreign currency translation adjustments  (22,154)  37,427   
(7,475
)
  
(20,812
)
  
2,089
   
(22,154
)
Reclass due to early adoption of ASU 2018-02  -   5,970 
Ending balance of foreign currency translation adjustments  11,391   33,545   
(797
)
  
11,391
   
(797
)
  
11,391
 
                    
Beginning balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)  (71,929)  (65,504) 
(66,267
)
 
(70,114
)
 
(67,418
)
 
(71,929
)
Current period change in benefit plan net gain (loss)  3,630   6,504   
1,151
   
1,815
   
2,302
   
3,630
 
Reclass due to early adoption of ASU 2018-02  -   (12,929)
Ending balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)  (68,299)  (71,929)  
(65,116
)
  
(68,299
)
  
(65,116
)
  
(68,299
)
                    
Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $(91,581) $(942) 
$
39,523
  
$
(91,581
)
 
$
39,523
  
$
(91,581
)


8.  COLLATERALIZED REINSURANCE AND TRUST AGREEMENTS

A subsidiary of the Company, Everest Re, has established a trust agreement, which effectively uses Everest Re'sRe’s investments as collateral, as security for assumed losses payable to non-affiliated ceding companies.  At June 30, 2018,2019, the total amount on deposit in the trust account was $735,691$644,803 thousand.

On April 24, 2014, the Company entered into two collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro Re Limited ("Kilimanjaro"(“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.  These reinsurance agreements expired in April 2018.
21


On November 18, 2014, the Company entered into a collateralized reinsurance agreement with Kilimanjaro 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.

On December 1, 2015, the Company entered into two collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage.  These agreements are multi-year reinsurance contracts which cover named storm and earthquake events.  The first agreement provides up to $300,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.  The second agreement provides up to $325,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

On April 13, 2017, the Company entered into six collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro to provide the Company with annual aggregate catastrophe reinsurance coverage.  The initial three agreements are four year reinsurance contracts which cover named storm and earthquake events.  These agreements
22

provide up to $225,000 thousand, $400,000 thousand and $325,000 thousand, respectively, of annual aggregate reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. The subsequent three agreements are five year reinsurance contracts which cover named storm and earthquake events.  These agreements provide up to $50,000 thousand, $75,000 thousand and $175,000 thousand, respectively, of annual aggregate reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

On April 30, 2018, the Company entered into four collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro Re to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage.  These agreements are multi-year reinsurance contracts which cover named storm and earthquake events.  The first two agreements are four year reinsurance contracts which provide up to $62,500 thousand and $200,000 thousand, respectively, of annual aggregate reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.  The remaining two agreements are five year reinsurance contracts which provide up to $62,500 thousand and $200,000 thousand, respectively, of annual aggregate reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.

Recoveries under these collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro are primarily dependent on estimated industry level insured losses from covered events, as well as, the geographic location of the events.  The estimated industry level of insured losses is obtained from published estimates by an independent recognized authority on insured property losses.  As of December 31, 2017,Currently, none of the published insured loss estimates for the 2017 catastrophe events have exceeded the single event retentions under the terms of the agreements that would result in a recovery.  In addition, the aggregation of the to date published insured loss estimates for the 2017 covered events have not exceeded the aggregated retentions for recovery.  However, if the published estimates for insured losses for the covered 2017 events increase, the aggregate losses may exceed the aggregate event retentions under the agreements resulting in a recovery.

Kilimanjaro has financed the various property catastrophe reinsurance coverages by issuing catastrophe bonds to unrelated, external investors.  On April 24, 2014, Kilimanjaro issued $450,000 thousand of notes ("(“Series 2014-1 Notes"Notes”). The $450,000 thousand of Series 2014-1 Notes were fully redeemed on April 30, 2018 and are no longer outstanding.  On November 18, 2014, Kilimanjaro issued $500,000 thousand of notes ("(“Series 2014-2 Notes"Notes”).  On December 1, 2015, Kilimanjaro issued $625,000 thousand of notes ("(“Series 2015-1 Notes).  On April 13, 2017, Kilimanjaro issued $950,000 thousand of notes ("(“Series 2017-1 Notes) and $300,000 thousand of notes ("(“Series 2017-2 Notes). On April 30, 2018, Kilimanjaro issued $262,500 thousand of notes ("(“Series 2018-1 Notes"Notes”) and $262,500 thousand of notes ("(“Series 2018-2 Notes"Notes”). The proceeds from the issuance of the Notes listed above 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"“AAAm” by Standard & Poor's.Poor’s.
22


9.  SENIOR NOTES

The table below displays Holdings'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, 2018  December 31, 2017        June 30, 2019  December 31, 2018 
       Consolidated Balance     Consolidated Balance           Consolidated Balance     Consolidated Balance    
(Dollars in thousands)Date Issued Date Due Principal Amounts  Sheet Amount  Market Value  Sheet Amount  Market Value Date Issued Date Due Principal Amounts  Sheet Amount  Market Value  Sheet Amount  Market Value 
4.868% Senior notes06/05/2014 06/01/2044  400,000  $396,894  $396,728  $396,834  $420,340 
Senior notes06/05/2014 06/01/2044 400,000  $397,014  $429,048  $396,954  $396,968 


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.
23


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  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Interest expense incurred $4,868  $4,868  $9,736  $9,736  $4,868  $4,868  $9,736  $9,736 


10.  LONG TERM SUBORDINATED NOTES

The table below displays Holdings'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, 2018  December 31, 2017     Maturity Date June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 
   Original       Consolidated Balance     Consolidated Balance       Original      Consolidated Balance     Consolidated Balance    
(Dollars in thousands)Date Issued Principal Amount  Scheduled Final Sheet Amount  Market Value  Sheet Amount  Market Value Date Issued Principal Amount Scheduled Final Sheet Amount  Market Value  Sheet Amount  Market Value 
6.6% Long term subordinated notes04/26/2007 $400,000  05/15/2037 05/01/2067 $236,610  $236,651  $236,561  $233,072 
Long term subordinated notes04/26/2007 $400,000 05/15/2037 05/01/2067 $236,709  $211,125  $236,659  $200,390 


During the fixed rate interest period from May 3, 2007 through May 14, 2017, interest was 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.  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'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 quarterly for periods from and including AugustMay 15, 2017.  The reset quarterly interest rate for May 15, 20182019 to August 14, 20182019 is 4.7%4.9%.

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'sCompany’s 5.40% senior notes on October 15, 2014, the Company'sCompany’s 4.868% senior notes, due on June 1, 2044, have become the Company'sCompany’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.
23


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


  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     
(Dollars in thousands) 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Interest expense incurred $3,406  $2,702  $6,011  $5,093 


11.   LEASES

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02 and ASU 2018-11 which outline new guidance on the accounting for leases.  The Company enters into lease agreements for real estate that is primarily used for office space in the ordinary course of business.  These leases are accounted for as operating leases, whereby lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.  Most leases include an option to extend or renew the lease term.  The exercise of the renewal is at the Company’s discretion.  The operating lease liability includes lease payments related to options to extend or renew the lease term if the Company is reasonably certain of exercise those options.  The Company, in determining the present value of lease payments utilizes either the rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily determinable or the Company’s incremental secured borrowing rate commensurate with terms of the underlying lease.

Supplemental information related to operating leases is as follows for the periods indicated:


  Six Months Ended 
(Dollars in thousands) June 30, 
Lease expense incurred: 2019 
Operating lease cost $9,355 



  At June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2019 
Operating lease right of use assets
 $53,690 
Operating lease liabilities
  59,335 



  Six Months Ended 
  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2019 
Operating cash flows from operating leases $8,617 



At June 30,
2019
Weighted average remaining operating lease term5.9 years
Weighted average discount rate on operating leases4.48%


Maturities of the existing lease liabilities are expected to occur as follows:


(Dollars in thousands)   
Remainder of 2019 $8,464 
2020  16,883 
2021  8,160 
2022  7,864 
2023  7,757 
2024  7,611 
Thereafter  12,480 
Undiscounted lease payments  69,219 
Less:  present value adjustment  9,884 
Total operating lease liability
 $59,335 

24



  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017 
Interest expense incurred $2,702  $3,033  $5,093  $6,970 

The amount of operating lease liabilities is not separately presented in the consolidated financial statements but is included in other liabilities.  Disclosures regarding minimum lease payments under previous lease accounting guidance can be found in the Company’s 2018 Form 10-K.

11.On July 2, 2019, the Company entered into a lease agreement to relocate its corporate offices from Liberty Corner, New Jersey to a corporate complex in Warren, New Jersey.  The new lease, which covers approximately 315,000 square feet of office space, will be effective October 1, 2019 and runs through 2036.  The initial base rent payment of the lease will be approximately $650 thousand per month or $7,800 thousand per year.  The Company expects to relocate the existing operations and employees of the Liberty Corner, New Jersey facility to the new corporate complex by the end of 2020.

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"&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'sRe’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 brokers, surplus lines brokers and general agents mainly within the U.S.
24


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.

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.
25


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


 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
U.S. Reinsurance
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Gross written premiums $652,110  $474,992  $1,296,332  $1,053,951  
$
641,763
  
$
652,110
  
$
1,405,903
  
$
1,296,332
 
Net written premiums  429,931   135,177   853,762   354,239  
487,694
  
429,931
  
1,105,835
  
853,762
 
                            
Premiums earned $467,509  $202,289  $908,894  $410,603  
$
605,136
  
$
467,509
  
$
1,180,040
  
$
908,894
 
Incurred losses and LAE  708,524   119,747   1,009,728   240,181  
367,473
  
708,524
  
684,111
  
1,009,728
 
Commission and brokerage  148,711   43,173   276,031   83,545  
172,589
  
148,711
  
339,692
  
276,031
 
Other underwriting expenses  15,472   14,278   32,358   28,529   
15,728
   
15,472
   
31,319
   
32,358
 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(405,198) $25,091  $(409,223) $58,348  
$
49,346
  
$
(405,198
)
 
$
124,918
  
$
(409,223
)



 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
International
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Gross written premiums $398,714  $333,535  $765,738  $612,110  
$
372,671
  
$
398,714
  
$
761,642
  
$
765,738
 
Net written premiums  337,357   111,961   672,232   215,207  
350,219
  
337,357
  
708,077
  
672,232
 
                            
Premiums earned $343,133  $113,300  $672,072  $231,451  
$
353,086
  
$
343,133
  
$
675,460
  
$
672,072
 
Incurred losses and LAE  259,487   78,459   435,846   146,873  
213,808
  
259,487
  
450,884
  
435,846
 
Commission and brokerage  84,379   23,790   162,773   47,325  
85,974
  
84,379
  
155,836
  
162,773
 
Other underwriting expenses  9,869   9,163   19,955   18,052   
9,632
   
9,869
   
18,097
   
19,955
 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(10,602) $1,888  $53,498  $19,201  
$
43,672
  
$
(10,602
)
 
$
50,643
  
$
53,498
 



 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Insurance
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Gross written premiums $581,460  $527,047  $1,036,445  $921,898  
$
673,603
  
$
581,460
  
$
1,205,374
  
$
1,036,445
 
Net written premiums  423,066   170,774   771,387   297,302  
481,952
  
423,066
  
898,196
  
771,387
 
                            
Premiums earned $369,194  $152,608  $714,880  $297,198  
$
417,401
  
$
369,194
  
$
790,577
  
$
714,880
 
Incurred losses and LAE  260,749   99,022   496,441   199,896  
261,941
  
260,749
  
504,323
  
496,441
 
Commission and brokerage  54,912   (6,450)  105,655   (17,850) 
58,212
  
54,912
  
109,465
  
105,655
 
Other underwriting expenses  48,885   40,756   99,264   77,511   
57,991
   
48,885
   
112,317
   
99,264
 
Underwriting gain (loss) $4,648  $19,280  $13,520  $37,641  
$
39,257
  
$
4,648
  
$
64,472
  
$
13,520
 


25

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 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Underwriting gain (loss) 
$
132,275
  
$
(411,152
)
 
$
240,033
  
$
(342,205
)
Net investment income  
90,709
   
72,070
   
175,243
   
141,979
 
Net realized capital gains (losses)
  
142,563
   
(42,271
)
  
277,619
   
(102,472
)
Corporate expense
  
(2,519
)
  
(1,513
)
  
(4,170
)
  
(5,109
)
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense
  
(9,684
)
  
(7,623
)
  
(19,512
)
  
(14,936
)
Other income (expense)
  
(3,812
)
  
77,682
   
(5,026
)
  
2,805
 
Income (loss) before taxes 
$
349,532
  
$
(312,807
)
 
$
664,187
  
$
(319,938
)

26



  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(411,152) $46,259  $(342,205) $115,190 
Net investment income  72,070   71,900   141,979   132,749 
Net realized capital gains (losses)  (42,271)  (92,291)  (102,472)  25,477 
Corporate expense  (1,513)  (1,512)  (5,109)  (5,109)
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  (7,623)  (7,954)  (14,936)  (16,813)
Other income (expense)  77,682   10,655   2,805   20,510 
Income (loss) before taxes $(312,807) $27,057  $(319,938) $272,004 
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                


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'sCompany’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  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Canada gross written premiums $44,189  $36,195  $84,581  $64,152  $47,206  $44,189  $86,256  $84,581 


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

12.13.  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 onwas repaid in December 31, 2023 and has an interest rate of 1.72% that is payable annually.  This transaction is presented as a Note Receivable – Affiliated in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Holdings.2018. Interest income in the amount of $0 thousand and $1,075 thousand was recorded by Holdings for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.  Interest income in the amount of $0 thousand and $2,150 thousand was recorded by Holdings for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Group'sGroup’s Board of Directors approved an amended share repurchase program authorizing Group and/or its subsidiary Holdings to purchase Group'sGroup’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

26


Holdings had purchased and held 9,719,971 Common Shares of Group, which were purchased in the open market between February 2007 and March 2011.


In December, 2015, Holdings transferred the 9,719,971 Common Shares of Group, which it held as other invested assets, at fair value, valued at $1,773,214 thousand, to Preferred Holdings, an affiliated entity and subsidiary of Group, in exchange for 1,773.214 preferred shares of Preferred Holdings with a $1,000 thousand par value and 1.75% annual dividend rate.  After the exchange, Holdings no longer holds any shares or has any ownership interest in Group.
27


Holdings reported both its Parent shares and preferred shares in Preferred Holdings, 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 the preferred shares of Preferred Holdings and on the Parent 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  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Dividends received on preferred stock of affiliate $7,758  $7,758  $15,516  $15,516  $7,758  $7,758  $15,516  $15,516 


Affiliated Companies

EverestEffective December 31, 2018, Holdings entered into a $300,000 thousand long-term promissory note agreement with Bermuda Re.  The note was repaid in May, 2019.  This transaction was presented as a Note Payable – Affiliated in the consolidated balance sheets of Holdings as of December 31, 2018.  Interest expense of $1,356 thousand and $3,658 thousand was recorded by Holdings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively.

Effective October 1, 2018, Holdings Ireland made a capital contribution of Global Services, Inc. ("an affiliated entity, to Holdings.  Global Services"),Services had an affiliateequity value of Holdings, provides centralized management$227,253 thousand at the time of contribution and home office services, through a management agreement, to Holdings and other affiliated companies within Holdings'that value is classified as additional paid in capital in the Company’s consolidated structure.  Services provided by Everest Global include executive managerial services, legal services, actuarial services, accounting services, information technology services and others.balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.


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 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017 
Expenses incurred $26,998  $23,046  $55,446  $46,229 

27

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 
                
01/01/2010-12/31/2010 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 
                
01/01/2015-12/31/2016 Everest Re 50.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  162,500   325,000 
                
01/01/2017-12/31/2017 Everest Re 60.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  219,000   438,000 
                
01/01/2010-12/31/2010 Everest Re- Canadian Branch60.0% Bermuda Re property business  350,000
(1)
  - 
01/01/2011-12/31/2011 Everest Re- Canadian Branch60.0% Bermuda Re property business  350,000
(1)
  - 
01/01/2012-12/31/2012 Everest Re- Canadian Branch75.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  206,250
(1)
  412,500
(1)
01/01/2013-12/31/2013 Everest Re- Canadian Branch75.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  150,000
(1)
  412,500
(1)
01/01/2014-12/31/2017 Everest Re- Canadian Branch75.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  262,500
(1)
  412,500
(1)
                
01/01/2012-12/31/2017 Everest Canada 80.0% Everest Re- Canadian Branchproperty business  -   - 
                
(1)
     Amounts shown are Canadian dollars.

             

28
(Dollars in thousands)              
    Percent Assuming   Single  Aggregate 
Coverage Period Ceding Company Ceded Company Type of Business Occurrence Limit   Limit 
               
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 
               
01/01/2015-12/31/2016 Everest Re 50.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  162,500   325,000 
               
01/01/2017-12/31/2017 Everest Re 60.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  219,000   438,000 
               
01/01/2010-12/31/2010 Everest Re- Canadian Branch 60.0% Bermuda Re property business  350,000
(1)
 - 
01/01/2011-12/31/2011 Everest Re- Canadian Branch 60.0% Bermuda Re property business  350,000
(1)
 - 
01/01/2012-12/31/2012 Everest Re- Canadian Branch 75.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  206,250
(1)
  412,500 (1)
01/01/2013-12/31/2013 Everest Re- Canadian Branch 75.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  150,000
(1)
  412,500 (1)
01/01/2014-12/31/2017 Everest Re- Canadian Branch 75.0% Bermuda Re property / casualty business  262,500
(1)
  412,500 (1)
               
01/01/2012-12/31/2017 Everest Canada 80.0% Everest Re- Canadian Branch property business -  - 
               
(1)  Amounts shown are Canadian dollars.
             

As of December 31, 2017, the Company decided not to renew its quota share reinsurance agreements between Everest Re and Bermuda Re, between Everest Re-Canadian branch and Bermuda Re and between Everest Canada and the Everest Re-Canadian branch due to economic implications of the enactment of TCJA on December 22, 2017.

Effective January 1, 2018, Everest Re entered into a twelve month whole account aggregate stop loss reinsurance contract ("(“stop loss agreement"agreement”) with Bermuda Re.  The stop loss agreement provides coverage for ultimate net losses on applicable net earned premiums above a retention level, subject to certain other coverage limits and conditions.  The stop loss agreement was renewed effective January 1, 2019.

In addition, Everest Re entered into a property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contract with Bermuda Re, effective January 1, 2019.  The contract provides $100,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage for property catastrophe losses above certain attachment points.

The table below represents loss portfolio transfer ("LPT"(“LPT”) reinsurance agreements whereby net insurance exposures and reserves were transferred to an affiliate.


(Dollars in thousands)            
              
Effective Transferring Assuming % of Business or  Covered Period
Date Company Company Amount of Transfer  of Transfer
              
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
12/31/2017
 
Everest Re
 
Bermuda Re
 
$
970,000
  All years


(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
12/31/2017 Everest Re Bermuda Re $970,000  All years

On December 31, 2017, the Company entered into a LPT agreement with Bermuda Re.  The LPT agreement covers subject loss reserves of $2,336,242 thousand for accident years 2017 and prior.  As a result of the LPT agreement, the Company transferred $1,000,000 thousand of cash and fixed maturity securities and transferred $970,000 thousand of loss reserves to Bermuda Re.  As part of the LPT agreement, Bermuda Re will provide an additional $500,000 thousand of adverse development coverage on the subject loss reserves.
28


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 and Lloyd'sLloyd’s syndicate 2786 for the periods indicated:


  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Bermuda Re
 June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Ceded written premiums
 
$
19,534
  
$
142,971
  
$
71,007
  
$
275,291
 
Ceded earned premiums
  
16,598
   
148,073
   
69,122
   
284,231
 
Ceded losses and LAE
  
(3,417
)
  
(157,443
)
  
8,316
   
36,108
 



  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Everest International
 June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Ceded written premiums
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
 
Ceded earned premiums
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Ceded losses and LAE
  
(46
)
  
(357
)
  
(36
)
  
(357
)



  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Everest Canada
 June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Assumed written premiums
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
 
Assumed earned premiums
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Assumed losses and LAE
  
2,296
   
373
   
695
   
3,346
 


29



  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Bermuda Re
 June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017 
Ceded written premiums $142,971  $681,776  $275,291  $1,316,672 
Ceded earned premiums  148,073   620,897   284,231   1,209,771 
Ceded losses and LAE  (157,443)  388,573   36,108   728,704 


  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Lloyd's Syndicate 2786
 June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Assumed written premiums
 
$
483
  
$
2,421
  
$
(8,726
)
 
$
(261
)
Assumed earned premiums
  
1,596
   
6,064
   
(17,231
)
  
10,950
 
Assumed losses and LAE
  
4,391
   
1,441
   
(3,527
)
  
8,026
 


  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Everest International
 June 30, June 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017 
Ceded written premiums $-  $45  $-  $(25)
Ceded earned premiums  -   46   -   (25)
Ceded losses and LAE  (357)  (175)  (357)  (618)



  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Everest Canada
 June 30, June 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017 
Assumed written premiums $-  $13,132  $-  $25,980 
Assumed earned premiums  -   11,884   -   24,737 
Assumed losses and LAE  373   7,319   3,346   13,970 



  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Lloyd's Syndicate 2786
 June 30, June 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017 
Assumed written premiums $2,421  $10,236  $(261) $18,085 
Assumed earned premiums  6,064   9,797   10,950   16,724 
Assumed losses and LAE  1,441   4,831   8,026   8,264 


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,In 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 then 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 segregated accounts and assumed by the Company from Mt. Logan Re segregated accounts.


  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Mt. Logan Re Segregated Accounts
 June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Ceded written premiums
 
$
51,289
  
$
40,622
  
$
114,512
  
$
101,439
 
Ceded earned premiums
  
61,812
   
54,885
   
106,634
   
104,975
 
Ceded losses and LAE
  
30,159
   
92,100
   
64,781
   
107,907
 
                 
Assumed written premiums
  
-
   
1,604
   
-
   
4,647
 
Assumed earned premiums
  
-
   
1,604
   
-
   
4,647
 
Assumed losses and LAE
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 



14.

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Mt. Logan Re Segregated Accounts
 June 30, June 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017 
Ceded written premiums $40,622  $38,703  $101,439  $77,882 
Ceded earned premiums  54,885   50,708   104,975   84,665 
Ceded losses and LAE  92,100   23,674   107,907   43,433 
                 
Assumed written premiums $1,604  $3,763  $4,647  $6,495 
Assumed earned premiums  1,604   3,763   4,647   6,495 
Assumed losses and LAE  -   -   -   - 

29

13.   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.  Generally, the Company computes the benefits based on average earnings over a period prescribed by the plans and credited length of service.  The Company’s non-qualified defined benefit pension plan provided compensating pension benefits for participants whose benefits have been curtailed under the qualified plan due to Internal Revenue Code limitations.  Effective January 1, 2018, participants of the Company’s non-qualified defined benefit pension plan may no longer accrue additional service benefits.

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) 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Service cost
 
$
2,276
  
$
2,977
  
$
4,553
  
$
5,954
 
Interest cost
  
2,930
   
2,585
   
5,860
   
5,170
 
Expected return on plan assets
  
(5,016
)
  
(3,670
)
  
(10,031
)
  
(7,341
)
Amortization of net (income) loss
  
1,601
   
2,237
   
3,203
   
4,473
 
FAS 88 settlement charge
  
104
   
-
   
208
   
-
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
1,895
  
$
4,129
  
$
3,793
  
$
8,256
 



Other Benefits
 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2019  2018  2019  2018 
Service cost
 
$
286
  
$
446
  
$
573
  
$
893
 
Interest cost
  
295
   
307
   
590
   
614
 
Amortization of prior service cost
  
(144
)
  
(33
)
  
(289
)
  
(66
)
Amortization of net (income) loss
  
-
   
94
   
-
   
188
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
437
  
$
814
  
$
874
  
$
1,629
 
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                

30



Pension Benefits
 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017 
Service cost $2,977  $3,299   5,954  $6,598 
Interest cost  2,585   2,276   5,170   4,552 
Expected return on plan assets  (3,670)  (3,154)  (7,341)  (6,309)
Amortization of net (income) loss  2,237   3,041   4,473   6,081 
Net periodic benefit cost $4,129  $5,461  $8,256  $10,921 



Other Benefits
 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017 
Service cost $446  $441  $893  $881 
Interest cost  307   249   614   498 
Amortization of prior service cost  (33)  (33)  (66)  (66)
Amortization of net (income) loss  94   75   188   151 
Net periodic benefit cost $814  $732  $1,629  $1,464 
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                


The service cost component of net periodic benefit costs is included within other underwriting expenses on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  In accordance with ASU 2017-07, other staff compensation costs are also primarily recorded within this line item.

The Company did not make any contributions to the qualified pension benefit plan for the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017.
2018.

14.15. 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'sCompany’s non-U.S. branches are subject to income taxation at varying rates in their respective domiciles.  The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") was passed on December 22, 2017.  The primary changes from TCJA affecting the Company is a reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning January 1, 2018 as well as the imposition of a new Base Erosion and Anti-abuse Tax ("BEAT") of 5% in 2018 and 10% from 2019 – 2025 and 12.5% thereafter on certain transactions with non-US affiliates of the Company.

The Company generally applies the estimated annual effective tax rate approach for calculating its tax provision for interim periods as prescribed by ASC 740-270, Interim Reporting.  Under the estimated annual effective tax rate approach, the estimated annual effective tax rate is applied to the interim year-to-date pre-tax income/loss to determine the income tax expense or benefit for the year-to-date period.  If the annual effective tax rate approach produces a year-to-date tax benefit which exceeds the amount which is estimated to be recoverable for the full year, then the tax benefit for the interim reporting period will be limited as prescribed under ASC 740-270 to the estimated recoverable based on the year-to-date result.  The tax expense or benefit for the quarter represents the difference between the year-to-date 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'sCompany’s annual pre-tax income/loss and effective tax rate.

15.16.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated known recognized and non-recognized subsequent events.  The Company does not have any subsequent events to report.


3031

ITEM 2.                MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

Industry Conditions.
The worldwide reinsurance and insurance businesses are highly competitive, as well as cyclical by product and market.  As such, financial results tend to fluctuate with periods of constrained availability, higher rates and stronger profits followed by periods of abundant capacity, lower rates and constrained profitability.  Competition in the types of reinsurance and insurance business that we underwrite is based on many factors, including the perceived overall financial strength of the reinsurer or insurer, ratings of the reinsurer or insurer by A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor's,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'sLloyd’s of London and certain government sponsored risk transfer vehicles.  Some of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do and have established long term and continuing business relationships, which can be a significant competitive advantage.  In addition, the lack of strong barriers to entry into the reinsurance business and recently, the securitization of reinsurance and insurance risks through capital markets provide additional sources of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.

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

Rates tend to fluctuate by specific region and products, particularly areas recently impacted by large catastrophic events.  There were numerous natural catastrophes in 2018 with total industry losses estimated to be $90 billion.  The costliest event was the Camp Wildfire in California, the deadliest and most destructive California fire on record.  These 2018 catastrophe losses followed another record year of catastrophes in 2017 where total industry losses for the worldwide events were estimated at $140 billion.  These catastrophe losses included an unprecedented series of catastrophes in the third quarter of 2017 with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as a significant earthquake in Mexico City.  Additional catastrophe events occurred in the fourth quarter of 2017 with the wild fires in California and Hurricanes Nate and Ophelia.  The total industry losses for all of these worldwide events have been estimated to exceed $140 billion.  This was the second consecutive year with higher than average catastrophe losses.  During 2016, catastrophe losses included the Fort McMurray Canadian wildfire, Hurricane Matthew which affected a large area of the Caribbean and southeastern United States, storms and an earthquake in Ecuador.  There are industry reports that the catastrophe losses for 2016 reached their highest level in four years and the United States experienced the most loss events since 1980 and the highest total losses since 2012.  While the future impact on market conditions from these catastrophes cannot be determined at this time, there washas been some firming in the markets impacted by the 2016 catastrophes, as well, improvements in rate in some other reinsurance lines, including casualty lines, and as catastrophe losses increasedalso improvements in 2017, there is a growing industry consensus that there will be some firming of (re)the insurance rates for the areas impacted by the catastrophes.property and casualty lines.

Commencing in 2015, we initiated a strategic build out of our insurance platform through the investment in key leadership hires, which in turn has brought significant underwriting talent and stronger direction in achieving our insurance program strategic goals of increased premium volume and improved underwriting results.  Recent growth is coming from highly diversified areas including newly launched lines of business, as well as, product and geographic expansion in existing lines of business.  We are building a world-class insurance platform capable of offering products across lines and geographies, complementing our leading global reinsurance franchise.
3132


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

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


 Three Months Ended  Percentage  Six Months Ended  Percentage  Three Months Ended  Percentage  Six Months Ended  Percentage 
 June 30,  Increase/  June 30,  Increase/  June 30,  Increase/  June 30,  Increase/ 
(Dollars in millions) 2018  2017  (Decrease)  2018  2017  (Decrease)  2019  2018  (Decrease)  2019  2018  (Decrease) 
Gross written premiums $1,632.3  $1,335.6   22.2% $3,098.5  $2,588.0   19.7% 
$
1,688.0
  
$
1,632.3
  
3.4
%
 
$
3,372.9
  
$
3,098.5
  
8.9
%
Net written premiums  1,190.4   417.9   184.8%  2,297.4   866.7   165.1% 
1,319.9
  
1,190.4
  
10.9
%
 
2,712.1
  
2,297.4
  
18.1
%
                                          
REVENUES:                                          
Premiums earned $1,179.8  $468.2   152.0% $2,295.8  $939.3   144.4% 
$
1,375.6
  
$
1,179.8
  
16.6
%
 
$
2,646.1
  
$
2,295.8
  
15.3
%
Net investment income  72.1   71.9   0.2%  142.0   132.7   7.0% 
90.7
  
72.1
  
25.9
%
 
175.2
  
142.0
  
23.4
%
Net realized capital gains (losses)  (42.3)  (92.3)  -54.2%  (102.5)  25.5  NM   
142.6
  
(42.3
)
 NM  
277.6
  
(102.5
)
 NM 
Other income (expense)  77.7   10.7  NM    2.8   20.5   -86.3%  
(3.8
)
  
77.7
  
-104.9
%
  
(5.0
)
  
2.8
  NM 
Total revenues  1,287.3   458.5   180.8%  2,338.2   1,118.0   109.1%  
1,605.0
   
1,287.3
  
24.7
%
  
3,093.9
   
2,338.2
  
32.3
%
                                          
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:                                          
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses  1,228.8   297.2  NM    1,942.0   587.0   230.9% 
843.2
  
1,228.8
  
-31.4
%
 
1,639.3
  
1,942.0
  
-15.6
%
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  288.0   60.5  NM    544.5   113.0  NM   
316.8
  
288.0
  
10.0
%
 
605.0
  
544.5
  
11.1
%
Other underwriting expenses  74.2   64.2   15.6%  151.6   124.1   22.1% 
83.3
  
74.2
  
12.3
%
 
161.7
  
151.6
  
6.7
%
Corporate expense  1.5   1.5   0.0%  5.1   5.1   0.0% 
2.5
  
1.5
  
66.5
%
 
4.2
  
5.1
  
-18.4
%
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  7.6   8.0   -4.2%  14.9   16.8   -11.2%  
9.7
   
7.6
  
27.0
%
  
19.5
   
14.9
  
30.6
%
Total claims and expenses  1,600.1   431.4  NM    2,658.1   846.0   214.2%  
1,255.5
   
1,600.1
  
-21.5
%
  
2,429.7
   
2,658.1
  
-8.6
%
                                          
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  (312.8)  27.1  NM    (319.9)  272.0   -217.6% 
349.5
  
(312.8
)
 
-211.7
%
 
664.2
  
(319.9
)
 NM 
Income tax expense (benefit)  (47.4)  (8.6) NM    (42.4)  67.2   -163.1%  
67.6
   
(47.4
)
 
-242.7
%
  
131.1
   
(42.4
)
 NM 
NET INCOME (LOSS) $(265.4) $35.7  NM     $(277.6) $204.8  -235.5% 
$
281.9
  
$
(265.4
)
 
-206.2
%
 
$
533.1
  
$
(277.6
)
 NM 
                                          
RATIOS:         Point Change          Point Change        Point Change        Point Change 
Loss ratio  104.1%  63.5%  40.6   84.6%  62.5%  22.1  
61.3
%
 
104.1
%
 
(42.8
)
 
62.0
%
 
84.6
%
 
(22.6
)
Commission and brokerage ratio  24.4%  12.9%  11.5   23.7%  12.0%  11.7  
23.0
%
 
24.4
%
 
(1.4
)
 
22.9
%
 
23.7
%
 
(0.8
)
Other underwriting expense ratio  6.3%  13.7%  (7.4)  6.6%  13.2%  (6.6)  
6.1
%
  
6.3
%
  
(0.2
)
  
6.1
%
  
6.6
%
  
(0.6
)
Combined ratio  134.8%  90.1%  44.7   114.9%  87.7%  27.2   
90.4
%
  
134.8
%
  
(44.4
)
  
90.9
%
  
114.9
%
  
(24.0
)
                                          
             At  At  Percentage           At  At  Percentage 
             June 30,  December 31,  Increase/           June 30,  December 31,  Increase/ 
(Dollars in millions)              2018   2017  (Decrease)            2019   2018  (Decrease) 
Balance sheet data:                                          
Total investments and cash             $9,106.2  $8,911.5   2.2%          
$
11,305.7
  
$
10,707.4
  
5.6
%
Total assets              17,526.8   17,888.5   -2.0%          
19,235.8
  
18,688.2
  
2.9
%
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves              9,287.6   9,343.0   -0.6%          
10,148.4
  
10,167.0
  
-0.2
%
Total debt              633.5   633.4   0.0%          
633.7
  
933.6
  
-32.1
%
Total liabilities              12,479.8   12,475.8   0.0%          
13,492.1
  
13,643.5
  
-1.1
%
Stockholder's equity              5,047.0   5,412.7   -6.8%          
5,743.7
  
5,044.7
  
13.9
%
                                          
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                          
                        
(NM, not meaningful)                                          


Revenues.

Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 22.2%3.4% to $1,688.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $1,632.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $1,335.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, reflecting a $242.3$92.1 million, or 30.0%, increase in our reinsurance business and a $54.4 million, or 10.3%15.8%, increase in our insurance business.  The increase in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to the increases in treaty property business, treaty casualty business and Latin Americana $36.4 million, or 3.5% decrease in our reinsurance business.  The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to increases in many lines of business, including property, casualty, energy and accident and health.specialty lines.  The decrease in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to decreases in treaty property writings, partially offset by an increase in treaty casualty writings.  Gross
32


written premiums increased by 19.7%8.9% to $3,372.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $3,098.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $2,588.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, reflecting a $396.0$168.9 million, or 23.8%, increase in our reinsurance business and a $114.5 million, or 12.4%
33

16.3%, increase in our insurance business.  Thebusiness and a $105.5 million, or 5.1%, increase in our reinsurance premiums was mainly due to the increases in treaty property business, treaty casualty business and Latin American business.  The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to increases in many lines of business, including property, casualty, energy and accident and health.
  The increase in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to an increase in treaty casualty writings, partially offset by a decline in property business.

Net written premiums increased by 184.8%10.9% to $1,190.4$1,319.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $1,990.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, comparedand increased by 18.1% to $417.9$2,712.1 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2017, and increased by 165.1%2019, compared to $2,297.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $866.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.2018.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts, particularly the non-renewal of the quota share agreement between Everest Re and Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017.  Effective January 1, 2018, Everest Re entered into an aggregate stop loss agreement with Bermuda Re.contracts.  Premiums ceded to Bermuda Re during the three months ended June 30, 20182019 were $143.0$19.5 million compared with $681.8$143.0 million during the three months ended June 30, 2017.2018.  Premiums ceded to Bermuda Re during the six months ended June 30, 20182019 were $275.3$71.0 million compared with $1,316.7$275.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017.2018.  Premiums earned increased by 152.0%16.6% to $1,375.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $1,179.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, comparedand increased by 15.3% to $468.2$2,646.1 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2017 and increased by 144.4%2019, compared to $2,295.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $939.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.2018.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is due tothe result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Net Investment Income.  Net investment income increased 0.2%25.9% to $90.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared with net investment income of $72.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 20182018.  Net investment income increased 23.4% to $175.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared with net investment income of $71.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and increased by 7.0% to $142.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared with net investment income of $132.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.2018.  Net pre-tax investment income as a percentage of average invested assets was 3.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to 3.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to 3.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and was 3.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 2.8% for the six months ended2019 and June 30, 2017, respectively.2018.  The increasesincrease in income and yield werewas primarily the result of higher income from our limited partnerships, partially offset by declines in income fromgrowing fixed maturity and equity securities.portfolio.

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).  Net realized capital gains were $142.6 million and net realized capital losses were $42.3 million and $92.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  The net realized capital gains of $142.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 were comprised of $150.7 million of gains from fair value re-measurements, partially offset by $4.9 million of other than temporary impairments and 2017, respectively.$3.3 million of net losses from sales of investments.  The net realized capital losses of $42.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were comprised of $39.1 million of losses from fair value re-measurements, $2.3million of losses from sales of investments and $0.9 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  The net realized capital losses of $92.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were comprised of $97.8 million of losses from fair value re-measurements and $1.6 million of other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by $7.1 million of gains from sales of investments.

Net realized capital lossesgains were $102.5$277.6 million and net realized capital gainslosses were $25.5$102.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  The net realized capital gains of $277.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 were comprised of $279.2 million of gains from fair value re-measurements and 2017, respectively.$5.6 million of net gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $7.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  The net realized capital losses of $102.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were comprised of $102.9 million of losses from fair value re-measurements and $0.9 million of other-than-temporary impairments,investments, partially offset by $1.3million of gains from sales of investments.

Other Income (Expense).  We recorded other expense of $3.8 million and other income of $77.7 million The net realized capital gainsfor the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  We recorded other expense of $25.5$5.0 million and other income of $2.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017,2019 and 2018, respectively. The changes were comprisedprimarily the result of $17.9 million of gains from sales of investmentsfluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and $10.3 million of gains from fair value re-measurements, partially offset by $2.7 million of other-than-temporary impairments.

Other Income (Expense).  We recorded other income of $77.7 million and $2.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively.  We recorded other income of $10.7 million and $20.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The change was mainly due to changes in deferred gain related to the Loss Portfolio Transfer agreement between Everest Re and Bermuda Re which was effective on December 31, 2017.gains under retroactive reinsurance agreements.

3334


Claims and Expenses.

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


 Three Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended June 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
2019
                             
Attritional
 
$
826.5
  
60.1
%
  
$
(13.8
)
 
-1.0
%
  
$
812.7
  
59.1
%
 
Catastrophes
  
(0.1
)
  
0.0
%
 
  
30.6
   
2.2
%
 
  
30.5
   
2.2
%
 
Total
 
$
826.4
   
60.1
%
 
 
$
16.8
   
1.2
%
 
 
$
843.2
   
61.3
%
 
                              
2018
                                                          
Attritional $673.5   57.0%  $(3.5)  -0.3%  $670.0   56.7%  
$
673.5
  
57.0
%
  
$
(3.5
)
 
-0.3
%
  
$
670.0
  
56.7
%
 
Catastrophes  64.6   5.5%   494.2   41.9%   558.8   47.4%   
64.6
   
5.5
%
 
  
494.2
   
41.9
%
 
  
558.8
   
47.4
%
 
Total $738.1   62.5%  $490.7   41.6%  $1,228.8   104.1%  
$
738.1
   
62.5
%
 
 
$
490.7
   
41.6
%
 
 
$
1,228.8
   
104.1
%
 
                                                                  
2017
                                   
Variance 2019/2018
                             
Attritional $274.2   58.5%  $1.2   0.3%  $275.4   58.8%  
$
153.0
  
3.1
 
pts
 
$
(10.3
)
 
(0.7
)
pts
 
$
142.7
  
2.4
 
pts
Catastrophes  24.2   5.2%   (2.5)  -0.5%   21.8   4.7%   
(64.7
)
  
(5.5
)
pts
  
(463.6
)
  
(39.7
)
pts
  
(528.3
)
  
(45.2
)
pts
Total $298.4   63.7%  $(1.3)  -0.2%  $297.2   63.5%  
$
88.3
   
(2.4
)
pts
 
$
(473.9
)
  
(40.4
)
pts
 
$
(385.6
)
  
(42.8
)
pts
                                    
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Attritional $399.3   (1.5)pts $(4.7)  (0.6)pts $394.6   (2.1)pts
Catastrophes  40.4   0.3 pts  496.7   42.4 pts  537.0   42.7 pts
Total $439.7   (1.2)pts $492.0   41.8 pts $931.6   40.6 pts



 Six Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 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
2019
                             
Attritional
 
$
1,590.4
  
60.1
%
  
$
(13.8
)
 
-0.5
%
  
$
1,576.5
  
59.6
%
 
Catastrophes
  
24.9
   
0.9
%
 
  
37.9
   
1.4
%
 
  
62.8
   
2.4
%
 
Total
 
$
1,615.3
   
61.0
%
 
 
$
24.0
   
0.9
%
 
 
$
1,639.3
   
62.0
%
 
                              
2018
                                                          
Attritional $1,386.4   60.4%  $(3.2)  -0.1%  $1,383.2   60.3%  
$
1,386.4
  
60.4
%
  
$
(3.2
)
 
-0.1
%
  
$
1,383.2
  
60.3
%
 
Catastrophes  64.6   2.8%   494.2   21.5%   558.8   24.3%   
64.6
   
2.8
%
 
  
494.2
   
21.5
%
 
  
558.8
   
24.3
%
 
Total $1,451.0   63.2%  $491.0   21.4%  $1,942.0   84.6%  
$
1,451.0
   
63.2
%
 
 
$
491.0
   
21.4
%
 
 
$
1,942.0
   
84.6
%
 
                                                                  
2017
                                   
Attritional $553.2   58.8%  $5.3   0.6%  $558.5   59.4% 
Catastrophes  31.5   3.4%   (3.0)  -0.3%   28.5   3.0% 
Total $584.7   62.2%  $2.3   0.3%  $587.0   62.5% 
                                    
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Variance 2019/2018
                             
Attritional $833.2   1.6 pts $(8.5)  (0.7)pts $824.7   0.9 pts 
$
204.0
  
(0.3
)
pts
 
$
(10.6
)
 
(0.4
)
pts
 
$
193.3
  
(0.7
)
pts
Catastrophes  33.1   (0.6)pts  497.2   21.8 pts  530.3   21.3 pts  
(39.7
)
  
(1.9
)
pts
  
(456.3
)
  
(20.1
)
pts
  
(496.0
)
  
(21.9
)
pts
Total $866.3   1.0 pts $488.7   21.1 pts $1,355.0   22.1 pts 
$
164.3
   
(2.2
)
pts
 
$
(467.0
)
  
(20.5
)
pts
 
$
(302.7
)
  
(22.6
)
pts
                                                                  
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                                                


Incurred losses and LAE increaseddecreased by 31.4% to $843.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $1,228.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, comparedprimarily due to $297.2$463.6 million of less unfavorable development on prior year catastrophe losses and a decrease in current year catastrophe losses of $64.7 million, partially offset by an increase in current year attritional losses of $153.0 million primarily due to the increase in premiums earned.  There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended June 30, 2017, primarily due to2019.  The $494.2 million of unfavorable development of $494.2 million on prior years catastrophe losses, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 mainly related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.  The increase in loss estimates for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria was mostly driven by re-opened claims reported in the second quarter of 2018 and loss inflation from higher than expected loss adjustment expenses and in particular, their impact on aggregate covers.  The increase in incurred losses was also due to a rise in current year attritional losses of $399.3 million, which was mainly due to changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017 and the implementation of an aggregate stop loss agreement with Bermuda Re as of January 1, 2018.  The current year catastrophe losses of $64.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 related to Cyclone Mekunu ($50.0 million) and the U.S. winter storms ($14.6 million).  The current year catastrophe losses of $24.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were related to the South Africa Knysna fires ($9.8 million), the Peru storms ($6.8 million), the 2017 U.S. Midwest storms ($6.0 million) and Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($1.6 million).

3435


Incurred losses and LAE increaseddecreased by 15.6% to $1,639.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $1,942.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, comparedprimarily due to $587.0$456.3 million of less unfavorable development on prior year catastrophe losses and a decrease in current year catastrophe losses of $39.7 million, partially offset by an increase in current year attritional losses of $204.0 million.  The current year catastrophe losses of $24.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, partially2019 are primarily due to Townsville monsoon in Australia.  The $494.2 million of unfavorable development of $494.2 million on prior years catastrophe losses, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 mainly related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the 2017 California wildfires.Maria.  The increase in loss estimates for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria was mostly driven by re-opened claims reported in the second quarter of 2018 and loss inflation from higher than expected loss adjustment expenses and in particular, their impact on aggregate covers.  The increase in incurred losses was also due to a rise in current year attritional losses of $833.2 million, mainly due to changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017 and the implementation of an aggregate stop loss agreement with Bermuda Re as of January 1, 2018 and changes in the mix of business.  The current year catastrophe losses of $64.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 related to Cyclone Mekunu ($50.0 million) and the U.S. winter storms ($14.6 million).  The current year catastrophe losses of $31.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 related to the South Africa Knysna fires ($9.8 million), Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($8.9 million), the Peru storms ($6.8 million), and the 2017 U.S. Midwest storms ($6.0 million).

Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees.  Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased to $288.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $60.5 $316.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $2017.288.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.  Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased to $544.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $113.0 $605.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $2017.544.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.  The increase wasincreases were mainly due to changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewalimpacts of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017,increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business toward additional pro rata business.

Other Underwriting Expenses.  Other underwriting expenses were $74.2 million and $64.2increased slightly to $83.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and2019 compared to $74.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.2018.  Other underwriting expenses were $151.6 million and $124.1increased to $161.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and2019 compared to $151.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.  The2018.  These increases were mainlyprimarily due to the increase in premiums earned, changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewalmix of business and the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017, impact of increases in premium earned and costs incurred to support thecontinued expansion of the insurance business.

Corporate Expenses.  Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, remained the same athave increased to $2.5 million from $1.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and 2017 and remained the same atdecreased to $4.2 million from $5.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017.respectively.

Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense.  Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $9.7 million and $7.6 million and $8.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.  Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $19.5 million and $14.9 million and $16.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.  The decreaseschange in expense was primarily due to interest expense on the conversion of$300.0 million affiliated loan agreement with Bermuda Re effective on December 31, 2018 and the movement in the floating interest rate related to the long term subordinated notes, from a fixed rate of 6.6% to a floating rate, which is reset quarterly per the note agreement.  The floating rate was 4.9% as of June 30, 2019 compared to 4.7% as of June 30, 2018.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit).Income  We had an income tax expense of $67.6 million and an income tax benefit wasof $47.4 million and $8.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively. Income tax benefit was $42.4 million andWe had an income tax expense was $67.2of $131.1 million and an income tax benefit of $42.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.  Income tax expense is primarily a function of the Company's pre-tax income and the statutory tax rate, as affected by tax-exempt investment income and foreign tax credits and as calculated under the annualized effective tax rate ("AETR") method. Variations in taxes generally result from changes in the relative levels of pre-tax income, including the impact of catastrophe losses and net capital gains (losses).  However, if as well as changes in tax exempt investment income and creditable foreign taxes.  The change in income tax expense (benefit) was primarily due to the AETR approach produces a year-to-date tax benefit which exceeds the amount which is estimated to be recoverable increase in net capital gains and underwriting income for the full year, thenthree and six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the tax benefit for the interim reporting period will be limited, as prescribed under ASC 740-270, to the estimated tax recoverable based on the year-to-date results. In addition, the enactment of the Tax Cuts Job Act ("TCJA") on December 22, 2017 reduced the U.S. corporate tax rate to 21% from 35%.three and six months ended June 30, 2018.

Net Income (Loss).
Our net loss was $265.4 million and net income was $35.7$281.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 20182019, and 2017,our net loss was $265.4 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 respectively.  Our net loss was $277.6 million and net income was $204.8$533.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 20182019, and 2017,our net loss was $277.6 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 respectively.  The changes were primarily driven by the financial component fluctuations explained above.

3536


Ratios.
Our combined ratio increaseddecreased by 44.744.4 points to 134.8% 90.4% for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to 90.1% 134.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2017,2018, and increaseddecreased by 27.224.0 points to 114.9% 90.9% for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to 87.7% 114.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2017.2018.  The loss ratio component increaseddecreased by 40.642.8 points and 22.122.6 points in for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, respectively, over the same period last year mainly due to highera lower loss ratio on prior year catastrophe losses primarily relatedin 2019 compared to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in the second quarter of 2018 as well as the 2017 California wildfires for the six months of 2018.  The commission and brokerage ratio component increaseddecreased to 24.4% 23.0% for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to 12.9%24.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2017,2018, and increaseddecreased to 23.7% 22.9% for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to 12.0%23.7% for the six months ended June 30, 20172018, reflecting changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements and changes in the mix of business.  The other underwriting expense ratio decreased slightly to 6.3% 6.1% for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 from 13.7%6.3% for the three months ended June 30, 20172018 and decreased slightly to 6.6% 6.1% for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 from 13.2%6.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2017.  The changes in the combined ratio and its components were2018, mainly due to the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts and changesthe increase in the mix of business.premiums earned.

Stockholder's Equity.
Stockholder'sStockholder’s equity decreasedincreased by $365.7$699.0 million to $5,047.0$5,743.7 million at June 30, 20182019 from $5,412.7$5,044.7 million at December 31, 2017,2018, principally as a result of $277.6$533.1 million of net loss, $69.7income, $161.4 million of net unrealized depreciationappreciation on investments, net of tax, $2.3 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments and $22.2$2.1 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments, partially offset by $3.6 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments.

Consolidated Investment Results

Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased by 0.2%25.9% to $72.1$90.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to $71.9with net investment income of $72.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.2018.  Net investment income increased by 7.0%23.4% to $142.0$175.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to $132.7with net investment income of $142.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.2018.  The increases for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 were primarily due to increases in limited partnership income, partially offset by declinesincrease in income was primarily the result of higher income from our growing fixed maturity and equity securities.portfolio.

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


 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Fixed maturities $48.5  $49.6  $90.9  $96.6  
$
65.3
  
$
48.5
  
$
132.4
  
$
90.9
 
Equity securities  3.6   6.4   8.0   13.1  
2.4
  
3.6
  
3.8
  
8.0
 
Short-term investments and cash  1.3   0.6   2.2   1.0  
3.2
  
1.3
  
5.9
  
2.2
 
Other invested assets                            
Limited partnerships  14.1   9.0   28.6   8.8  
15.1
  
14.1
  
23.2
  
28.6
 
Dividends from preferred shares of affiliate  7.7   7.8   15.5   15.5  
7.7
  
7.7
  
15.5
  
15.5
 
Other  1.5   1.5   4.7   2.7   
3.3
   
1.5
   
6.3
   
4.7
 
Gross investment income before adjustments  76.8   74.7   150.0   137.7  
97.1
  
76.8
  
187.1
  
150.0
 
Funds held interest income (expense)  0.7   1.0   3.6   2.9  
1.4
  
0.7
  
4.3
  
3.6
 
Interest income from Parent  1.1   1.1   2.2   2.2   
-
   
1.1
   
-
   
2.2
 
Gross investment income  78.7   76.8   155.8   142.8  
98.5
  
78.7
  
191.4
  
155.8
 
Investment expenses  (6.6)  (4.9)  (13.8)  (10.0)  
(7.8
)
  
(6.6
)
  
(16.1
)
  
(13.8
)
Net investment income $72.1  $71.9  $142.0  $132.7  
$
90.7
  
$
72.1
  
$
175.3
  
$
142.0
 
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                            

3637


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


     At At
     June 30, December 31,
     2018 2017
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 31    3.4% 3.4%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 31    2.7% 2.7%
     At At
     June 30, December 31,
     2019 2018
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets
    3.6% 3.5%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets
    2.9% 2.8%



Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,June 30, June 30,
2018 2017 2018 20172019 2018 2019 2018
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets3.2% 3.0% 3.2% 2.8%3.3% 3.2% 3.2% 3.2%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets2.6% 2.0% 2.6% 1.9%2.7% 2.6% 2.6% 2.6%


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 June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30,  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2018  2017  Variance  2018  2017  Variance ��2019  2018  Variance  2019  2018  Variance 
Gains (losses) from sales:
                                    
Fixed maturity securities, market value                                    
Gains $2.1  $7.7  $(5.6) $9.0  $15.7  $(6.7) 
$
2.8
  
$
2.1
  
$
0.7
  
$
10.9
  
$
9.0
  
$
1.9
 
Losses  (2.2)  (1.3)  (0.9)  (3.0)  (2.8)  (0.2)  
(5.0
)
  
(2.2
)
  
(2.8
)
  
(9.7
)
  
(3.0
)
  
(6.7
)
Total  (0.1)  6.4   (6.5)  6.0   12.9   (6.9) 
(2.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(2.1
)
 
1.2
  
6.0
  
(4.8
)
                                          
Fixed maturity securities, fair value                                          
Gains  -   -   -   -   -   -  
0.4
  

-
  
0.4
  
0.4
  

-
  

0.4
 
Losses  (1.1)  -   (1.1)  (1.1)  -   (1.1)  
-
   
(1.1
)
  
1.1
   
-
   
(1.1
)
  
1.1
 
Total  (1.1)  -   (1.1)  (1.1)  -   (1.1) 
0.4
  
(1.1
)
 
1.5
  
0.4
  
(1.1
)
 
1.5
 
                                          
Equity securities, fair value                                          
Gains  4.7   3.6   1.1   7.9   11.6   (3.7) 
2.5
  
4.7
  
(2.2
)
 
8.2
  
7.9
  
0.3
 
Losses  (6.3)  (2.9)  (3.4)  (12.0)  (6.6)  (5.4)  
(3.9
)
  
(6.3
)
  
2.4
   
(4.5
)
  
(12.0
)
  
7.5
 
Total  (1.6)  0.7   (2.3)  (4.1)  5.0   (9.1) 
(1.3
)
 
(1.6
)
 
0.3
  
3.7
  
(4.1
)
 
7.8
 
                                          
Other invested assets                                          
Gains  0.6   -   0.6   0.6   -   0.6  
-
  
0.6
  
(0.6
)
 
0.3
  
0.6
  
(0.3
)
Losses  -   -   -   -   -   -   
(0.1
)
  
-
   
(0.1
)
  
(0.1
)
  
-
   
(0.1
)
Total  0.6   -   0.6   0.6   -   0.6  
(0.1
)
 
0.6
  
(0.7
)
 
0.2
  
0.6
  
(0.4
)
                                          
Short Term Investments:
                  
Gains
 
0.1
  
-
  
0.1
  
0.1
  
-
  
0.1
 
Losses
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
(0.0
)
  
-
   
(0.0
)
Total
 
0.1
  
-
  
0.1
  
0.1
  
-
  
0.1
 
                  
Total net realized gains (losses) from sales                                          
Gains  7.3   11.3   (4.0)  17.4   27.3   (9.9) 
5.7
  
7.3
  
(1.6
)
 
19.9
  
17.4
  
2.5
 
Losses  (9.6)  (4.2)  (5.4)  (16.1)  (9.4)  (6.7)  
(9.0
)
  
(9.6
)
  
0.6
   
(14.3
)
  
(16.1
)
  
1.8
 
Total  (2.3)  7.1   (9.4)  1.3   17.9   (16.6)  
(3.3
)
  
(2.3
)
  
(1.0
)
  
5.6
   
1.3
   
4.3
 
                                          
Other than temporary impairments:
  (0.9)  (1.6)  0.7   (0.9)  (2.7)  1.8  
(4.9
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(4.0
)
 
(7.2
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(6.3
)
                                          
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:
                                          
Fixed maturities, fair value  1.0   -   1.0   1.0   -   1.0  
-
  
1.0
  
(1.0
)
 
-
  
1.0
  
(1.0
)
Equity securities, fair value  25.5   15.0   10.5   (1.5)  52.4   (53.9) 
25.8
  
25.5
  
0.3
  
103.6
  
(1.5
)
 
105.1
 
Other invested assets, fair value  (65.6)  (112.8)  47.2   (102.4)  (42.1)  (60.3)  
125.0
   
(65.6
)
  
190.6
   
175.6
   
(102.4
)
  
278.0
 
Total  (39.1)  (97.8)  58.7   (102.9)  10.3   (113.2)  
150.7
   
(39.1
)
  
189.8
   
279.2
   
(102.9
)
  
382.1
 
                                          
Total net realized gains (losses) $(42.3) $(92.3) $50.0  $(102.5) $25.5  $(128.0) 
$
142.6
  
$
(42.3
)
 
$
184.9
  
$
277.6
  
$
(102.5
)
 
$
380.1
 
                                          
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                          


3738


Net realized capital gains were $142.6 million and net realized capital losses were $42.3 million and $92.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.  For the three months ended June 30, 2018, 2019, we recorded $150.7 million of gains from fair value re-measurements, partially offset by $4.9 million of other-than-temporary impairments and $3.3 million of net losses from sales of investments.  For the three months ended June 30, 2018 we recorded $39.1 million of losses from fair value re-measurements, $2.3million of losses from sales of investments and $0.9 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  For the three months ended June 30, 2017 we recorded $97.8 million of losses due to fair value re-measurements and $1.6 million of other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by $7.1 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments.  The fixed maturity and equity sales related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts.

Net realized capital gains were $277.6 million and net realized capital losses were $102.5 million and net realized capital gains were $25.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.  For the six months ended June 30, 2018, 2019, we recorded $279.2 million of gains from fair value re-measurements and $5.6 million of net gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $7.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  For the six months ended June 30, 2018, we recorded$102.9 million of losses from fair value re-measurements and $0.9 million of other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by $1.3million of gains from sales of investments.  For the six months ended June 30, 2017 we recorded $17.9 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments and $10.3 million of gains due to fair value re-measurements, partially offset by $2.7 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  The fixed maturity and equity sales related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts.

Segment Results.
The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including Marine, Aviation, Surety and 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'sRe’s branches in Canada, Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey.  The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance directly, through brokers, surplus lines brokers and general agents mainly 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 management'smanagement’s best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims.  We re-evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including all prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, recently reported loss claim experience and trends related to prior periods.  Such re-evaluations are recorded in incurred losses in the period in which the re-evaluation is made.

3839


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 June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2018  2017  Variance  % Change  2018  2017  Variance  % Change  2019  2018  Variance  % Change  2019  2018  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $652.1  $475.0  $177.1   37.3% $1,296.3  $1,054.0  $242.4   23.0% 
$
641.8
  
$
652.1
  
$
(10.3
)
 
-1.6
%
 
$
1,405.9
  
$
1,296.3
  
$
109.6
  
8.5
%
Net written premiums  429.9   135.2   294.8   218.1%  853.8   354.2   499.5   141.0% 
487.7
  
429.9
  
57.8
  
13.4
%
 
1,105.8
  
853.8
  
252.0
  
29.5
%
                                                        
Premiums earned $467.5  $202.3  $265.2   131.1% $908.9  $410.6  $498.3   121.4% 
$
605.1
  
$
467.5
  
$
137.6
  
29.4
%
 
$
1,180.0
  
$
908.9
  
$
271.1
  
29.8
%
Incurred losses and LAE  708.5   119.7   588.8  
NM  
  1,009.7   240.2   769.5  
NM  
 
367.5
  
708.5
  
(341.0
)
 
-48.1
%
 
684.1
  
1,009.7
  
(325.6
)
 
-32.2
%
Commission and brokerage  148.7   43.2   105.5   244.5%  276.0   83.5   192.5   230.4% 
172.6
  
148.7
  
23.9
  
16.1
%
 
339.7
  
276.0
  
63.7
  
23.1
%
Other underwriting expenses  15.5   14.3   1.2   8.4%  32.4   28.5   3.8   13.4%  
15.7
   
15.5
   
0.2
  
1.3
%
  
31.3
   
32.4
   
(1.1
)
 
-3.4
%
Underwriting gain (loss) $(405.2) $25.1  $(430.3) NM   $(409.2) $58.3  $(467.6) NM   
$
49.3
  
$
(405.2
)
 
$
454.5
  
-112.2
%
 
$
124.9
  
$
(409.2
)
 
$
534.1
  
-130.5
%
                                                        
             Point Chg              Point Chg           Point Chg           Point Chg 
Loss ratio  151.6%  59.1%      92.5   111.1%  58.5%      52.6  
60.7
%
 
151.6
%
    
(90.9
)
 
58.0
%
 
111.1
%
    
(53.1
)
Commission and brokerage ratio  31.8%  21.3%      10.5   30.4%  20.3%      10.1  
28.5
%
 
31.8
%
    
(3.3
)
 
28.8
%
 
30.4
%
    
(1.6
)
Other underwriting ratio  3.3%  7.2%      (3.9)  3.5%  7.0%      (3.5)  
2.6
%
  
3.3
%
     
(0.7
)
  
2.6
%
  
3.5
%
     
(0.9
)
Combined ratio  186.7%  87.6%      99.1   145.0%  85.8%      59.2   
91.8
%
  
186.7
%
     
(94.9
)
  
89.4
%
  
145.0
%
     
(55.6
)
                                                        
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                                        
(NM, not meaningful)                                                        


Premiums.  Gross written premiums increaseddecreased by 37.3%1.6% to $652.1$641.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 from $475.0$652.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 20172018, primarily due to a decrease in treaty property writings, partially offset by an increase in treaty property business, treaty casualty business and marine and aviation business.  Net written premiums increased by 218.1%13.4% to $429.9$487.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to $135.2$429.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.2018.  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, including the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017 and the implementation of an aggregate stop loss agreement with Bermuda Re for 2018.contracts.  Premiums earned increased 131.1%by 29.4% to $467.5$605.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to $202.3$467.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is due to 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 23.0% to $1,296.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 from $1,054.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, primarily due to an increase in treaty property business, treaty casualty business and marine and aviation business.  Net written premiums increased by 141.0% to $853.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $354.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017 and the implementation of an aggregate stop loss agreement with Bermuda Re for 2018.  Premiums earned increased 121.4% to $908.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $410.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is due to timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

39


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,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2018
                             
Attritional $260.4   55.7%  $(5.2)  -1.1%  $255.2   54.6% 
Catastrophes  4.1   0.9%   449.2   96.1%   453.3   97.0% 
Total segment $264.5   56.6%  $444.0   95.0%  $708.5   151.6% 
                                     
2017
                                   
Attritional $126.2   62.3%  $(3.8)  -1.9%  $122.4   60.5% 
Catastrophes  1.2   0.6%   (3.8)  -1.9%   (2.6)  -1.3% 
Total segment $127.4   62.9%  $(7.6)  -3.8%  $119.7   59.1% 
                                     
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Attritional $134.2   (6.6)pts $(1.4)  0.8 pts $132.8   (5.9)pts
Catastrophes  2.9   0.3 pts  453.0   98.0 pts  455.9   98.3 pts
Total segment $137.1   (6.3)pts $451.6   98.8 pts $588.8   92.5 pts



  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2018
                             
Attritional $561.6   61.9%  $(5.2)  -0.6%  $556.4   61.3% 
Catastrophes  4.1   0.4%   449.2   49.4%   453.3   49.8% 
Total segment $565.7   62.3%  $444.0   48.8%  $1,009.7   111.1% 
                                     
2017
                                   
Attritional $246.8   60.1%  $(4.3)  -1.0%  $242.5   59.1% 
Catastrophes  1.6   0.4%   (3.9)  -1.0%   (2.3)  -0.6% 
Total segment $248.4   60.5%  $(8.2)  -2.0%  $240.2   58.5% 
                                     
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Attritional $314.8   1.8 pts $(0.9)  0.4 pts $313.9   2.2 pts
Catastrophes  2.5   - pts  453.1   50.4 pts  455.6   50.4 pts
Total segment $317.3   1.8 pts $452.2   50.8 pts $769.5   52.6 pts
                                     
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                   


Incurred losses increased to $708.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $119.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was primarily due to $449.2 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2018, primarily related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.  The increase in loss estimates for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria was mostly driven by re-opened claims reported in the second quarter of 2018 and loss inflation from higher than expected loss adjustment expenses and in particular, their impact on aggregate covers.  The increase in incurred losses was also due to a rise of $134.2 million in current year attritional losses mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017 and the implementation of an aggregate stop loss agreement with Bermuda Re as of January 1, 2018.  The current year catastrophe losses of $4.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 primarily related to the U.S. winter storms ($4.1 million).  The $1.2 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended June 30, 2017 primarily related to the 2017 U.S. Midwest storms ($1.2 million).

40


Incurred losses increased to $1,009.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $240.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was primarily due to $449.2 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2018 primarily related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the 2017 California wildfires.  The increase in loss estimates for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria was mostly driven by re-opened claims reported in the second quarter of 2018 and loss inflation from higher than expected loss adjustment expenses and in particular, their impact on aggregate covers.  The increase in incurred losses was also due to a rise of $314.8 million in current year attritional losses mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017 and the implementation of an aggregate stop loss agreement with Bermuda Re as of January 1, 2018.  The current year catastrophe losses of $4.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 primarily related to the U.S. winter storms ($4.1 million).  The $1.6 million of current year catastrophe losses for the six months ended June 30, 2017 primarily related to the 2017 U.S. Midwest storms ($1.2 million) and Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($0.5 million).

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased by 244.5% to $148.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $43.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. Commission and brokerage increased by 230.4% to $276.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $83.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017The increases were mainly due to changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017, impact of the increases in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business towards additional pro rata business.

Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $15.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $14.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $32.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 from $28.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, mainly due to the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts, impact of the increases in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business.

41

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) 2018  2017  Variance  % Change  2018  2017  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $398.7  $333.5  $65.2   19.5% $765.7  $612.1  $153.6   25.1%
Net written premiums  337.4   112.0   225.4   201.3%  672.2   215.2   457.0   212.4%
                                 
Premiums earned $343.1  $113.3  $229.8   202.9% $672.1  $231.5  $440.6   190.4%
Incurred losses and LAE  259.5   78.5   181.0   230.7%  435.8   146.9   288.9   196.8%
Commission and brokerage  84.4   23.8   60.6  NM    162.8   47.3   115.4   243.9%
Other underwriting expenses  9.9   9.2   0.7   7.7%  20.0   18.1   1.9   10.5%
Underwriting gain (loss) $(10.6) $1.9  $(12.5) NM   $53.5  $19.2  $34.3   178.6%
                                 
              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  75.6%  69.2%      6.4   64.9%  63.5%      1.4 
Commission and brokerage ratio  24.6%  21.0%      3.6   24.2%  20.4%      3.8 
Other underwriting ratio  2.9%  8.1%      (5.2)  2.9%  7.8%      (4.9)
Combined ratio  103.1%  98.3%      4.8   92.0%  91.7%      0.3 
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                
(NM, not meaningful)                                

Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 19.5% to $398.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $333.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, primarily due to increases in Latin American and Middle East/Africa business and business written through our Canada and Singapore branches. Net written premiums increased by 201.3% to $337.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $112.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017.  Premiums earned increased 202.9% to $343.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $113.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is due to 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 25.1% to $765.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $612.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, primarily due to increases in Latin American and Middle East/Africa business, Asian and Canadian business.  Net written premiums increased by 212.4% to $672.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $215.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017.  Premiums earned increased 190.4% to $672.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $231.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is due to timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

42


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,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2018
                             
Attritional $161.7   47.1%  $-   0.0%  $161.7   47.1% 
Catastrophes  50.0   14.6%   47.8   13.9%   97.8   28.5% 
Total segment $211.7   61.7%  $47.8   13.9%  $259.5   75.6% 
                                     
2017
                                   
Attritional $57.8   51.0%  $1.1   0.9%  $58.9   51.9% 
Catastrophes  18.3   16.1%   1.4   1.2%   19.6   17.3% 
Total segment $76.1   67.1%  $2.5   2.1%  $78.5   69.2% 
                                     
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Attritional $103.9   (3.9)pts $(1.1)  (0.9)pts $102.8   (4.8)pts
Catastrophes  31.7   (1.5)pts  46.4   12.7 pts  78.2   11.2 pts
Total segment $135.6   (5.4)pts $45.3   11.8 pts $181.0   6.4 pts



  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2018
                             
Attritional $338.1   50.4%  $-   0.0%  $338.1   50.4% 
Catastrophes  50.0   7.4%   47.8   7.1%   97.8   14.5% 
Total segment $388.1   57.8%  $47.8   7.1%  $435.8   64.9% 
                                     
2017
                                   
Attritional $118.9   51.5%  $1.9   0.8%  $120.7   52.3% 
Catastrophes  25.1   10.8%   1.0   0.4%   26.1   11.3% 
Total segment $144.0   62.3%  $2.9   1.3%  $146.9   63.5% 
                                     
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Attritional $219.2   (1.1)pts $(1.9)  (0.8)pts $217.4   (1.9)pts
Catastrophes  24.9   (3.4)pts  46.8   6.7 pts  71.7   3.2 pts
Total segment $244.1   (4.5)pts $44.9   5.8 pts $288.9   1.4 pts
                                     
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                   


Incurred losses and LAE increased by 230.7% to $259.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $78.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, primarily due to an increase of $103.9 million in current year attritional losses mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017 and $47.8 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2018 related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the 2017 Mexico City earthquake.  The current year catastrophe losses of $50.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 primarily related to Cyclone Mekunu ($50.0 million).  The $18.3 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended June 30, 2017 related to the South Africa Knysna fires ($9.8 million), the Peru storms ($6.8 million) and Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($1.6 million).

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 196.8% to $435.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $146.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, primarily due to an increase of $219.2 million in current year attritional losses related to the increase in premiums earned and changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017 and $47.8 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2018 related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the Mexico City earthquake.  The current year catastrophe losses of $50.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 primarily related to Cyclone Mekunu ($50.0 million). The $25.1 million of current year catastrophe losses for the six months ended June
43


30, 2017 related to the South Africa Knysna fires ($9.8 million), Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($8.4 million) and the Peru storms ($6.8 million).

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased to $84.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $23.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. Commission and brokerage increased to $162.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $47.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017The increases was mainly due to changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017, impact of increases in premiums earned and the changes in the mix of business.

Segment other underwriting expenses increased slightly to $9.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $9.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, and increased slightly to $20.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 from $18.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

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) 2018  2017  Variance  % Change  2018  2017  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $581.5  $527.0  $54.4   10.3% $1,036.4  $921.9  $114.5   12.4%
Net written premiums  423.1   170.8   252.3   147.7%  771.4   297.3   474.1   159.5%
                                 
Premiums earned $369.2  $152.6  $216.6   141.9% $714.9  $297.2  $417.7   140.5%
Incurred losses and LAE  260.7   99.0   161.7   163.3%  496.4   199.9   296.5   148.4%
Commission and brokerage  54.9   (6.5)  61.4  NM    105.7   (17.9)  123.5  NM  
Other underwriting expenses  48.9   40.8   8.1   19.9%  99.3   77.5   21.8   28.1%
Underwriting gain (loss) $4.6  $19.3  $(14.6)  -75.9% $13.5  $37.6  $(24.1)  -64.1%
                                 
              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  70.6%  64.9%      5.7   69.4%  67.3%      2.1 
Commission and brokerage ratio  14.9%  -4.2%      19.1   14.8%  -6.0%      20.8 
Other underwriting ratio  13.2%  26.7%      (13.5)  13.9%  26.0%      (12.1)
Combined ratio  98.7%  87.4%      11.3   98.1%  87.3%      10.8 
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                
(NM, not meaningful)                                


Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 10.3% to $581.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $527.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.  This increase was primarily driven by expansion of various insurance lines of business including casualty and accident and health.  Net written premiums increased by 147.7% to $423.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $170.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the impact of affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the impact of the non-renewal of the quota share agreement between Everest Re and Bermuda Re.  Premiums earned increased 141.9% to $369.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $152.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017The 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, as well as changes in the mix of business.period.

Gross written premiums increased by 12.4%8.5% to $1,036.4$1,405.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to $921.9from $1,296.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 20172018.  This, primarily due to an increase was primarily drivenin treaty casualty writings, partially offset by expansion of various insurance lines of business including casualty and accident and health.a decline in treaty property business.  Net written premiums increased by 159.5%29.5% to $771.4$1,105.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to $297.3$853.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 20172018.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the impactvarying utilization of affiliated
44


reinsurance, agreements, including the impact of the non-renewal of the quota share agreement between Everest Re and Bermuda Re.changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts.  Premiums earned increased 140.5%by 29.8% to $714.9$1,180.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to $297.2$908.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 20172018The 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,period.
40


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,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2019
                             
Attritional
 
$
356.0
   
58.8
%
  
$
3.0
   
0.5
%
  
$
359.0
   
59.3
%
 
Catastrophes
  
(0.1
)
  
0.0
%
 
  
8.5
   
1.4
%
 
  
8.5
   
1.4
%
 
Total segment
 
$
355.9
   
58.8
%
 
 
$
11.5
   
1.9
%
 
 
$
367.5
   
60.7
%
 
                                     
2018
                                   
Attritional
 
$
260.4
   
55.7
%
  
$
(5.2
)
  
-1.1
%
  
$
255.2
   
54.6
%
 
Catastrophes
  
4.1
   
0.9
%
 
  
449.2
   
96.1
%
 
  
453.3
   
97.0
%
 
Total segment
 
$
264.5
   
56.6
%
 
 
$
444.0
   
95.0
%
 
 
$
708.5
   
151.6
%
 
                                     
Variance 2019/2018
                                   
Attritional
 
$
95.6
   
3.1
 
pts
 
$
8.2
   
1.6
 
pts
 
$
103.8
   
4.7
 
pts
Catastrophes
  
(4.2
)
  
(0.9
)
pts
  
(440.7
)
  
(94.7
)
pts
  
(444.8
)
  
(95.6
)
pts
Total segment
 
$
91.4
   
2.2
 
pts
 
$
(432.5
)
  
(93.1
)
pts
 
$
(341.0
)
  
(90.9
)
pts



  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2019
                             
Attritional
 
$
708.0
   
60.0
%
  
$
3.0
   
0.3
%
  
$
711.0
   
60.2
%
 
Catastrophes
  
(0.1
)
  
0.0
%
 
  
(26.8
)
  
-2.3
%
 
  
(26.9
)
  
-2.3
%
 
Total segment
 
$
707.9
   
60.0
%
 
 
$
(23.8
)
  
-2.0
%
 
 
$
684.1
   
58.0
%
 
                                     
2018
                                   
Attritional
 
$
561.6
   
61.9
%
  
$
(5.2
)
  
-0.6
%
  
$
556.4
   
61.3
%
 
Catastrophes
  
4.1
   
0.4
%
 
  
449.2
   
49.4
%
 
  
453.3
   
49.8
%
 
Total segment
 
$
565.7
   
62.3
%
 
 
$
444.0
   
48.8
%
 
 
$
1,009.7
   
111.1
%
 
                                     
Variance 2019/2018
                                   
Attritional
 
$
146.4
   
(1.9
)
pts
 
$
8.2
   
0.9
 
pts
 
$
154.6
   
(1.1
)
pts
Catastrophes
  
(4.2
)
  
(0.4
)
pts
  
(476.0
)
  
(51.7
)
pts
  
(480.2
)
  
(52.1
)
pts
Total segment
 
$
142.2
   
(2.3
)
pts
 
$
(467.8
)
  
(50.8
)
pts
 
$
(325.6
)
  
(53.1
)
pts
                                     
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                   


Incurred losses decreased by 48.1% to $367.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $708.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.  The decrease was primarily due to $440.7 million of less unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2019 compared to 2018.  The unfavorable development in 2018 mainly related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.  This decline was partially offset by an increase of $95.6 million in current year attritional losses, mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in mix of business.  The current year catastrophe losses of $4.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 related to the U.S. winter storms ($4.1 million).

Incurred losses decreased by 32.2% to $684.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $1,009.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.  The decrease was primarily due to $476.0 million of less unfavorable development on prior year catastrophe losses in 2019 compared to 2018. The unfavorable development mainly related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria as well as the 2017 California wildfires.  This decline was partially offset by an increase of $146.4 million in current year attritional losses, mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business.  The current year catastrophe losses of $4.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 related to the U.S. winter storms ($4.1 million).
41


Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased to $172.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $148.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.  Commission and brokerage increased to $339.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $276.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018The increases were mainly due to the impact of the increases in premium earned, changes in the mix of business and changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements.

Segment other underwriting expenses increased slightly to $15.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 from $15.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.  Segment other underwriting expenses decreased slightly to $31.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 from $32.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

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)
 2019  2018  Variance  % Change  2019  2018  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums
 
$
372.7
  
$
398.7
  
$
(26.0
)
  
-6.5
%
 
$
761.6
  
$
765.7
  
$
(4.1
)
  
-0.5
%
Net written premiums
  
350.2
   
337.4
   
12.8
   
3.8
%
  
708.1
   
672.2
   
35.9
   
5.3
%
                                 
Premiums earned
 
$
353.1
  
$
343.1
  
$
10.0
   
2.9
%
 
$
675.5
  
$
672.1
  
$
3.4
   
0.5
%
Incurred losses and LAE
  
213.8
   
259.5
   
(45.7
)
  
-17.6
%
  
450.9
   
435.8
   
15.1
   
3.5
%
Commission and brokerage
  
86.0
   
84.4
   
1.6
   
1.9
%
  
155.8
   
162.8
   
(7.0
)
  
-4.3
%
Other underwriting expenses
  
9.6
   
9.9
   
(0.3
)
  
-3.0
%
  
18.1
   
20.0
   
(1.9
)
  
-9.5
%
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
$
43.7
  
$
(10.6
)
 
$
54.4
  NM  
$
50.6
  
$
53.5
  
$
(2.9
)
  
-5.4
%
                                 
              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio
  
60.6
%
  
75.6
%
      
(15.0
)
  
66.8
%
  
64.9
%
      
1.9
 
Commission and brokerage ratio
  
24.3
%
  
24.6
%
      
(0.3
)
  
23.1
%
  
24.2
%
      
(1.1
)
Other underwriting ratio
  
2.8
%
  
2.9
%
      
(0.1
)
  
2.6
%
  
2.9
%
      
(0.3
)
Combined ratio
  
87.7
%
  
103.1
%
      
(15.4
)
  
92.5
%
  
92.0
%
      
0.5
 
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                
(NM, not meaningful)                                

Premiums.  Gross written premiums decreased by 6.5% to $372.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $398.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, primarily due to a decline in Latin American business and the negative impact of $9.1 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by increases in Middle East and Africa business and facultative business.  Net written premiums increased by 3.8% to $350.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $337.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the varying utilization of reinsurance, including the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts.  Premiums earned increased 2.9% to $353.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $343.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is due to changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements and is also 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 0.5% to $761.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $765.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, primarily due to a decline in Latin American business and the negative impact of $23.3 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by increases in Middle East and Africa business and facultative business.  Net written premiums increased by 5.3% to $708.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $672.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the varying utilization of reinsurance, including the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts.  Premiums earned increased 0.5% to $675.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $672.1 million for
42

the six months ended June 30, 2018The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is due to changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements and is also the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

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


  Three Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2019
                             
Attritional
 
$
191.4
   
54.2
%
  
$
1.9
   
0.5
%
  
$
193.3
   
54.7
%
 
Catastrophes
  
(0.0
)
  
0.0
%
 
  
20.6
   
5.8
%
 
  
20.5
   
5.8
%
 
Total segment
 
$
191.4
   
54.2
%
 
 
$
22.4
   
6.4
%
 
 
$
213.8
   
60.6
%
 
                                     
2018
                                   
Attritional
 
$
161.7
   
47.1
%
  
$
-
   
0.0
%
  
$
161.7
   
47.1
%
 
Catastrophes
  
50.0
   
14.6
%
 
  
47.8
   
13.9
%
 
  
97.8
   
28.5
%
 
Total segment
 
$
211.7
   
61.7
%
 
 
$
47.8
   
13.9
%
 
 
$
259.5
   
75.6
%
 
                                     
Variance 2019/2018
                                   
Attritional
 
$
29.7
   
7.1
 
pts
 
$
1.9
   
0.5
 
pts
 
$
31.6
   
7.6
 
pts
Catastrophes
  
(50.0
)
 ��
(14.6
)
pts
  
(27.2
)
  
(8.1
)
pts
  
(77.3
)
  
(22.7
)
pts
Total segment
 
$
(20.3
)
  
(7.5
)
pts
 
$
(25.4
)
  
(7.5
)
pts
 
$
(45.7
)
  
(15.0
)
pts



  Six Months Ended June 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2019
                             
Attritional
 
$
361.5
   
53.5
%
  
$
1.9
   
0.3
%
  
$
363.4
   
53.8
%
 
Catastrophes
  
25.0
   
3.7
%
 
  
62.6
   
9.3
%
 
  
87.5
   
13.0
%
 
Total segment
 
$
386.5
   
57.2
%
 
 
$
64.4
   
9.5
%
 
 
$
450.9
   
66.8
%
 
                                     
2018
                                   
Attritional
 
$
338.1
   
50.4
%
  
$
-
   
0.0
%
  
$
338.1
   
50.4
%
 
Catastrophes
  
50.0
   
7.4
%
 
  
47.8
   
7.1
%
 
  
97.8
   
14.5
%
 
Total segment
 
$
388.1
   
57.8
%
 
 
$
47.8
   
7.1
%
 
 
$
435.8
   
64.9
%
 
                                     
Variance 2019/2018
                                   
Attritional
 
$
23.4
   
3.1
 
pts
 
$
1.9
   
0.3
 
pts
 
$
25.3
   
3.4
 
pts
Catastrophes
  
(25.0
)
  
(3.7
)
pts
  
14.8
   
2.2
 
pts
  
(10.3
)
  
(1.5
)
pts
Total segment
 
$
(1.6
)
  
(0.6
)
pts
 
$
16.6
   
2.4
 
pts
 
$
15.1
   
1.9
 
pts
                                     
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                   


Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 17.6% to $213.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $259.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, primarily due to a decrease of $50.0 million in current year catastrophe losses and $27.2 million of less unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses partially offset by an increase of $29.7 million in current year attritional losses.  There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended June 30, 2019.  The current year catastrophe losses of $50.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 related to Cyclone Mekunu ($50.0 million).

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 3.5% to $450.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $435.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, primarily due to an increase of $23.4 million in current year attritional losses and an additional $14.8 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses partially offset by a decrease of $25.0 million in current year catastrophe losses.  The current year catastrophe losses of $25.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 related to the Townsville monsoon in Australia ($25 million).  The current year catastrophe losses of $50.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 related to Cyclone Mekunu ($50.0 million).
43


Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased to $86.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $84.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.  Commission and brokerage decreased to $155.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $162.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018The fluctuations were mainly due to the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements and changes in the mix of business.

Segment other underwriting expenses decreased slightly to $9.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 from $9.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.  Segment other underwriting expenses decreased slightly to $18.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 from $20.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

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)
 2019  2018  Variance  % Change  2019  2018  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums
 
$
673.6
  
$
581.5
  
$
92.1
   
15.8
%
 
$
1,205.4
  
$
1,036.4
  
$
169.0
   
16.3
%
Net written premiums
  
482.0
   
423.1
   
58.9
   
13.9
%
  
898.2
   
771.4
   
126.8
   
16.4
%
                                 
Premiums earned
 
$
417.4
  
$
369.2
  
$
48.2
   
13.1
%
 
$
790.6
  
$
714.9
  
$
75.7
   
10.6
%
Incurred losses and LAE
  
261.9
   
260.7
   
1.2
   
0.5
%
  
504.3
   
496.4
   
7.9
   
1.6
%
Commission and brokerage
  
58.2
   
54.9
   
3.3
   
6.0
%
  
109.5
   
105.7
   
3.8
   
3.6
%
Other underwriting expenses
  
58.0
   
48.9
   
9.1
   
18.6
%
  
112.3
   
99.3
   
13.0
   
13.1
%
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
$
39.3
  
$
4.6
  
$
34.6
  NM  
$
64.5
  
$
13.5
  
$
51.0
  NM 
                                 
              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio
  
62.8
%
  
70.6
%
      
(7.8
)
  
63.8
%
  
69.4
%
      
(5.6
)
Commission and brokerage ratio
  
13.9
%
  
14.9
%
      
(1.0
)
  
13.8
%
  
14.8
%
      
(1.0
)
Other underwriting ratio
  
13.9
%
  
13.2
%
      
0.7
   
14.2
%
  
13.9
%
      
0.3
 
Combined ratio
  
90.6
%
  
98.7
%
      
(8.1
)
  
91.8
%
  
98.1
%
      
(6.3
)
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                
(NM, not meaningful)                                


Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 15.8% to $673.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $581.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.  This increase was related to most lines of business including property, casualty, energy and specialty lines.  Net written premiums increased by 13.9% to $482.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $423.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, which is consistent with the change in written premiums.  Premiums earned increased by 13.1% to $417.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $369.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018The 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 16.3% to $1,205.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $1,036.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.  This increase was related to most lines of business including property, casualty, energy, specialty lines and accident and health.  Net written premiums increased by 16.4% to $898.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $771.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, which is consistent with the change in written premiums.  Premiums earned increased by 10.6% to $790.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $714.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018The 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.
44

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 June 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
2019
                             
Attritional
 
$
279.1
  
66.9
%
  
$
(18.7
)
 
-4.5
%
  
$
260.4
  
62.4
%
 
Catastrophes
  
-
   
0.0
%
 
  
1.5
   
0.4
%
 
  
1.5
   
0.4
%
 
Total segment
 
$
279.1
   
66.9
%
 
 
$
(17.2
)
  
-4.1
%
 
 
$
261.9
   
62.8
%
 
                              
2018
                                                          
Attritional $251.4   68.1%  $1.6   0.4%  $253.0   68.5%  
$
251.4
  
68.1
%
  
$
1.6
  
0.4
%
  
$
253.0
  
68.5
%
 
Catastrophes  10.5   2.8%   (2.7)  -0.7%   7.8   2.1%   
10.5
   
2.8
%
 
  
(2.7
)
  
-0.7
%
 
  
7.8
   
2.1
%
 
Total segment $261.9   70.9%  $(1.1)  -0.3%  $260.7   70.6%  
$
261.9
   
70.9
%
 
 
$
(1.1
)
  
-0.3
%
 
 
$
260.7
   
70.6
%
 
                                                                  
2017
                                   
Variance 2019/2018
                             
Attritional $90.3   59.2%  $4.0   2.6%  $94.2   61.8%  
$
27.7
  
(1.2
)
pts
 
$
(20.3
)
 
(4.9
)
pts
 
$
7.4
  
(6.1
)
pts
Catastrophes  4.8   3.1%   -   0.0%   4.8   3.1%   
(10.5
)
  
(2.8
)
pts
  
4.2
   
1.1
 
pts
  
(6.3
)
  
(1.7
)
pts
Total segment $95.1   62.4%  $4.0   2.6%  $99.0   64.9%  
$
17.2
   
(4.0
)
pts
 
$
(16.1
)
  
(3.8
)
pts
 
$
1.2
   
(7.8
)
pts
                                    
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Attritional $161.1   8.9 pts $(2.4)  (2.2)pts $158.8   6.7 pts
Catastrophes  5.7   (0.3)pts  (2.7)  (0.7)pts  3.0   (1.0)pts
Total segment $166.8   8.5 pts $(5.1)  (2.9)pts $161.7   5.7 pts



 Six Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 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
2019
                             
Attritional
 
$
520.9
  
65.9
%
  
$
(18.7
)
 
-2.4
%
  
$
502.2
  
63.5
%
 
Catastrophes
  
-
   
0.0
%
 
  
2.1
   
0.3
%
 
  
2.1
   
0.3
%
 
Total segment
 
$
520.9
   
65.9
%
 
 
$
(16.6
)
  
-2.1
%
 
 
$
504.3
   
63.8
%
 
                              
2018
                                                          
Attritional $486.7   68.0%  $2.0   0.3%  $488.7   68.3%  
$
486.7
  
68.0
%
  
$
2.0
  
0.3
%
  
$
488.7
  
68.3
%
 
Catastrophes  10.5   1.5%   (2.7)  -0.4%   7.8   1.1%   
10.5
   
1.5
%
 
  
(2.7
)
  
-0.4
%
 
  
7.8
   
1.1
%
 
Total segment $497.2   69.5%  $(0.7)  -0.1%  $496.4   69.4%  
$
497.2
   
69.5
%
 
 
$
(0.7
)
  
-0.1
%
 
 
$
496.4
   
69.4
%
 
                                                                  
2017
                                   
Attritional $187.6   63.1%  $7.7   2.6%  $195.2   65.7% 
Catastrophes  4.8   1.6%   (0.1)  0.0%   4.7   1.6% 
Total segment $192.4   64.7%  $7.6   2.6%  $199.9   67.3% 
                                    
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Variance 2019/2018
                             
Attritional $299.1   4.9 pts $(5.7)  (2.3)pts $293.5   2.6 pts 
$
34.2
  
(2.1
)
pts
 
$
(20.7
)
 
(2.7
)
pts
 
$
13.5
  
(4.8
)
pts
Catastrophes  5.7   (0.1)pts  (2.6)  (0.4)pts  3.1   (0.5)pts  
(10.5
)
  
(1.5
)
pts
  
4.8
   
0.7
 
pts
  
(5.7
)
  
(0.8
)
pts
Total segment $304.8   4.8 pts $(8.3)  (2.7)pts $296.5   2.1 pts 
$
23.7
   
(3.6
)
pts
 
$
(15.9
)
  
(2.0
)
pts
 
$
7.9
   
(5.6
)
pts
                                                                  
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                                                


Incurred losses and LAE increased by 163.3%0.5% to $260.7$261.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to $99.0$260.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 20172018, , mainly due to an increase of $161.1$27.7 million in current year attritional losses primarily related mainly due to the increase in premiums earned, and changespartially offset by  a net increase in affiliated reinsurance agreements, includingfavorable development of $20.3 million on prior year attritional losses.  There were no current year catastrophe losses for the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017three months ended June 30, 2019.  The current year catastrophe losses of $10.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 primarily related to the U.S. winter storms ($10.5 million).The $4.8 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended June 30, 2017 primarily related to 2017 U.S. Midwest storms (4.8 million).

45


Incurred losses and LAE increased by 148.4%1.6% to $496.4$504.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to $199.9$496.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, mainly due to an increase of $299.1$34.2 million in current year attritional losses primarily relatedmainly due to the increase in premiums earned, and changes partially offset by a net increase in affiliated reinsurance agreements, includingfavorable development of $20.7 million in prior year attritional losses.  There were no current year catastrophe losses for the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017.six months ended June 30, 2019.  The current year catastrophe losses of $10.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 primarily related to the U.S. winter storms ($10.5 million).The $4.8
45

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased to $58.2 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $54.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.  Commission and brokerage increased to $109.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 primarily related to 2017 U.S. Midwest storms (4.8 million).2019

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased to $54.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018compared to ($6.5) million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.  Commission and brokerage increased to $105.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to ($17.9) million for the six months ended June 30, 2017The increases were mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017, impact of increases in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business..

Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $48.9$58.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to $40.8$48.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.2018.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $99.3$112.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 compared to $77.5$99.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.2018.  The increases wereincrease was mainly due increasesto the impact of the increase in premiums earned and increased expenses related to the continued build out of the insurance business.

Market Sensitive Instruments.
The SEC'sSEC’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“market sensitive instruments"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 $9.1$11.3 billion investment portfolio, at June 30, 20182019, 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 $176.1$905.9 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $5,034.3$6,972.0 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.
46


The table below displays the potential impact of market value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity portfolio (including $192.3$368.9 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 estimate on mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account.  For legal entities with non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the market value change under the various interest rate change scenarios.


 Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points  Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points 
 At June 30, 2018  At June 30, 2019 
(Dollars in millions)  -200   -100   0   100   200   -200   -100   0   100   200 
Total Market/Fair Value $5,539.1  $5,381.9  $5,226.6  $5,072.4  $4,918.9  
$
7,813.7
  
$
7,576.0
  
$
7,340.9
  
$
7,101.2
  
$
6,862.5
 
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)  6.0%  3.0%  0.0%  -3.0%  -5.9% 
6.4
%
 
3.2
%
 
0.0
%
 
-3.3
%
 
-6.5
%
Change in Unrealized Appreciation                                   
After-tax from Base ($) $246.8  $122.7  $-  $(121.8) $(243.1) 
$
373.5
  
$
185.9
  
$
-
  
$
(189.4
)
 
$
(377.9
)


We had $9,287.6$10,148.4 million and $9,343.0$10,167.0 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, 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, preferred stock and mutual fund 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 our core bonds over time through market appreciation and income.

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


 Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values  Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values 
 At June 30, 2018  At June 30, 2019 
(Dollars in millions)  -20%  -10%  0%  10%  20% -20% 10%
 0%   10%   20%
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio $754.3  $848.6  $942.9  $1,037.2  $1,131.5  
$
601.3
  
$
676.5
  
$
751.6
  
$
826.8
  
$
902.0
 
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value  (149.0)  (74.5)  -   74.5   149.0  
(118.8
)
 
(59.4
)
 
-
  
59.4
  
118.8
 


Foreign Currency Risk.  Foreign currency risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  Each of our non-U.S. ("foreign"(“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, the impact on the market value of available for sale fixed maturities due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, is reflected as part of other comprehensive income.  Conversely, the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, on other assets and liabilities is reflected through net income as a component of other income (expense).  In addition, we translate the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar.  This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income.
47


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"“may”, "will"“will”, "should"“should”, "could"“could”, "anticipate"“anticipate”, "estimate"“estimate”, "expect"“expect”, "plan"“plan”, "believe"“believe”, "predict"“predict”, "potential"“potential” and "intend"“intend”.  Forward-looking statements contained in this report include information regarding our reserves for losses and LAE, the impact of the TCJA, 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"“Risk Factors” in the Company'sCompany’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“Market Sensitive Instruments"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"“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'sCommission’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'sCompany’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.


48


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.


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 
49

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//S/ CRAIG HOWIE 
 Craig Howie 
 Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 
  
 (Duly(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
Dated:  August 14, 2019



Dated:  August 14, 2018