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:
September 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 NovemberAugust 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 SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 (unaudited) and 
   December 31, 201720181
    
  Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the 
   three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 20172018 (unaudited)2
     
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder'sStockholder’s Equity for the three and six 
   nine months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 20172018 (unaudited)3
     
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ninesix months ended 
   SeptemberJune 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 Operation32
    
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk4948
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures4948
     

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings5048
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors5049
    
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds5049
    
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities5049
    
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures5049
    
Item 5. Other Information5049
    
Item 6. Exhibits5149


EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



 September 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 $5,233,454  $4,971,921  
$
6,971,971
  
$
6,962,075
 
(amortized cost: 2018, $5,282,911; 2017, $4,927,622)        
(amortized cost: 2019, $6,838,605; 2018, $7,032,749)      
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value  2,373   -  -  
2,337
 
Equity securities, at fair value  850,539   822,375  
751,642
  
564,338
 
Short-term investments (cost: 2018, $607,238; 2017, $241,506)  607,233   241,506 
Other invested assets (cost: 2018, $817,833; 2017, $835,597)  817,833   838,694 
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  1,692,221   1,807,473  
1,892,988
  
1,717,336
 
Cash  375,758   229,552   
377,189
   
404,522
 
Total investments and cash  9,579,411   8,911,521  
11,305,710
  
10,707,386
 
Note receivable - affiliated  250,000   250,000 
Accrued investment income  42,248   35,376  
50,276
  
47,232
 
Premiums receivable  1,442,660   1,301,827  
1,564,911
  
1,471,805
 
Reinsurance receivables - unaffiliated  1,245,783   1,180,648  
1,293,452
  
1,295,961
 
Reinsurance receivables - affiliated  3,975,756   4,940,039  
3,467,105
  
3,544,975
 
Income taxes  101,468   87,110  151,109  
409,892
 
Funds held by reinsureds  237,571   210,939  
250,903
  
238,566
 
Deferred acquisition costs  344,434   307,741  
361,621
  
353,630
 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums  353,410   346,708  
439,433
  
328,796
 
Other assets  264,313   316,603   
351,312
   
289,962
 
TOTAL ASSETS $17,837,054  $17,888,512  
$
19,235,832
  
$
18,688,205
 
              
LIABILITIES:              
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses $9,519,478  $9,343,028  
$
10,148,412
  
$
10,167,018
 
Unearned premium reserve  1,808,870   1,607,622  
2,003,530
  
1,826,868
 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties  44,790   40,536  
39,275
  
41,600
 
Other net payable to reinsurers  384,630   491,299  
320,100
  
316,826
 
4.868% Senior notes due 6/1/2044  396,924   396,834 
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067  236,634   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  7,869   2,727  
3,063
  
3,093
 
Unsettled securities payable  99,045   25,338  63,050  
50,912
 
Other liabilities  272,571   331,844   280,933   303,610 
Total liabilities  12,770,811   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  387,980   387,841  
1,100,489
  
1,100,315
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense              
(benefit) of ($25,892) at 2018 and ($299) at 2017  (97,093)  (942)
(benefit) of $10,403 at 2019 and ($33,506) at 2018
 
39,523
  
(126,254
)
Retained earnings  4,775,356   5,025,824   
4,603,734
   
4,070,604
 
Total stockholder's equity  5,066,243   5,412,723   
5,743,746
   
5,044,665
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY $17,837,054  $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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)


(unaudited)
 
REVENUES:                        
Premiums earned $1,230,771  $518,507  $3,526,617  $1,457,759  
$
1,375,623
  
$
1,179,836
  
$
2,646,077
  
$
2,295,846
 
Net investment income  90,298   73,417   232,277   206,166  
90,709
  
72,070
  
175,243
  
141,979
 
Net realized capital gains (losses):                            
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities  (2,834)  (1,473)  (3,741)  (4,179) 
(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)  32,852   229,962   (68,713)  258,145   
147,492
   
(41,399
)
  
284,838
   
(101,565
)
Total net realized capital gains (losses)  30,018   228,489   (72,454)  253,966  
142,563
  
(42,271
)
 
277,619
  
(102,472
)
Other income (expense)  (1,385)  1,486   1,420   21,996   
(3,812
)
  
77,682
   
(5,026
)
  
2,805
 
Total revenues  1,349,702   821,899   3,687,860   1,939,887   
1,605,083
   
1,287,317
   
3,093,913
   
2,338,158
 
                            
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:                            
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses  970,297   1,331,558   2,912,312   1,918,508  
843,222
  
1,228,760
  
1,639,318
  
1,942,015
 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  288,212   34,545   832,671   147,565  
316,775
  
288,002
  
604,993
  
544,459
 
Other underwriting expenses  78,800   57,713   230,377   181,805  
83,351
  
74,226
  
161,733
  
151,577
 
Corporate expenses  2,488   1,132   7,597   6,241  
2,519
  
1,513
  
4,170
  
5,109
 
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  7,796   7,161   22,732   23,974   
9,684
   
7,623
   
19,512
   
14,936
 
Total claims and expenses  1,347,593   1,432,109   4,005,689   2,278,093   
1,255,551
   
1,600,124
   
2,429,726
   
2,658,096
 
                            
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  2,109   (610,210)  (317,829)  (338,206) 
349,532
  
(312,807
)
 
664,187
  
(319,938
)
Income tax expense (benefit)  (22,556)  (220,486)  (64,914)  (153,318)  
67,628
   
(47,399
)
  
131,057
   
(42,358
)
                            
NET INCOME (LOSS) $24,665  $(389,724) $(252,915) $(184,888) 
$
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  (6,932)  530   (71,919)  13,794  
68,095
  
(18,165
)
 
156,544
  
(64,987
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)  2,534   (1,674)  (2,147)  (8,618)  
5,858
   
154
   
4,842
   
(4,681
)
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period  (4,398)  (1,144)  (74,066)  5,176  
73,953
  
(18,011
)
 
161,386
  
(69,668
)
                            
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (2,930)  34,281   (25,084)  43,220  
(7,475
)
 
(20,812
)
 
2,089
  
(22,154
)
                            
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)  1,816   1,369   5,446   5,377   
1,151
   
1,815
   
2,302
   
3,630
 
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period  1,816   1,369   5,446   5,377   
1,151
   
1,815
   
2,302
   
3,630
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  (5,512)  34,507   (93,704)  53,774   
67,629
   
(37,008
)
  
165,777
   
(88,192
)
                            
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $19,153  $(355,217) $(346,619) $(131,114) 
$
349,533
  
$
(302,416
)
 
$
698,907
  
$
(365,772
)
                            
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.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  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 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 $387,936  $387,705  $387,841  $387,567 
Share-based compensation plans  44   67   139   205 
Balance, end of period  387,980   387,772   387,980   387,772 
                 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),                
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:                
Balance, beginning of period  (91,581)  (17,048)  (942)  (36,315)
Change to beginning balance due to adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-01  -   -   (2,447)  - 
Net increase (decrease) during the period  (5,512)  34,507   (93,704)  53,774 
Balance, end of period  (97,093)  17,459   (97,093)  17,459 
                 
RETAINED EARNINGS:                
Balance, beginning of period  4,750,691   5,152,137   5,025,824   4,947,301 
Change to beginning balance due to adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-01  -   -   2,447   - 
Net income (loss)  24,665   (389,724)  (252,915)  (184,888)
Balance, end of period  4,775,356   4,762,413   4,775,356   4,762,413 
                 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD $5,066,243  $5,167,644  $5,066,243  $5,167,644 
                 
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



 Nine Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2019  2018 
 (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            
Net income (loss) $(252,915) $(184,888) $533,130  $(277,580)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable  (142,519)  (432,477) (93,371) (31,486)
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net  (22,523)  415  (14,688) (13,233)
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables  888,922   (649,539) 82,701  627,965 
Decrease (increase) in income taxes  11,069   (206,857) 
214,830
  
4,652
 
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums  (7,165)  (330,345) (110,643) (6,626)
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses  199,220   1,579,394  (21,387) (34,332)
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums  202,760   310,237  176,412  54,516 
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers  (106,203)  336,582  3,307  (76,825)
Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment  36,979   110,669  (22,634) 78,740 
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships  (58,996)  (20,415) (23,662) (29,160)
Distribution of limited partnership income  48,773   23,174  24,969  28,278 
Change in other assets and liabilities, net  (98,702)  (88,580) (65,421) 14,713 
Non-cash compensation expense  8,779   7,675  13,913  5,903 
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)  4,842   13,675  826  3,478 
Net realized capital (gains) losses  72,454   (253,966)  (277,619)  102,472 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  784,775   214,754   420,663   451,475 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:              
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value  556,195   771,950  
437,371
  
416,065
 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value  552,982   1,063,126  
2,004,602
  
368,858
 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value  1,751   -  
2,706
  
1,065
 
Proceeds from equity securities sold - at fair value  616,330   302,407  
148,973
  
429,927
 
Distributions from other invested assets  1,010,121   1,459,677  
76,149
  
941,415
 
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value  (1,515,045)  (1,809,485) 
(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 - at fair value  (603,856)  (326,444) 
(228,872
)
 
(555,998
)
Cost of other invested assets acquired  (1,059,712)  (1,584,617) 
(138,096
)
 (964,209)
Net change in short-term investments  (280,114)  79,509  (192,889) 47,613 
Net change in unsettled securities transactions  110,139   (189,980)  13,100   
(16,558
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  (615,590)  (233,857)  (128,774)  (307,598)
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:              
Tax benefit from share-based compensation, net of expense  (6,193)  (7,471) (13,739) (3,362)
Cost of repayment of note payable-affiliated  (300,000)  - 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  (6,193)  (7,471)  (313,739)  (3,362)
              
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH  (16,786)  31,111   (5,483)  (5,217)
              
Net increase (decrease) in cash  146,206   4,537  
(27,333
)
 
135,298
 
Cash, beginning of period  229,552   297,794   
404,522
   
229,552
 
Cash, end of period $375,758  $302,331  
$
377,189
  
$
364,850
 
              
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:              
Income taxes paid (recovered) $(75,361) $53,273  
$
(87,045
)
 
$
(46,386
)
Interest paid  17,426   19,783  
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 NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 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 ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 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 ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 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.

Simplification of Disclosure Requirements.  In August 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") issued Final Rule Release #33-10532 ("the Rule") which addresses the simplification of the SEC's disclosure requirements for quarterly and annual financial reports.  The main change addressed by the Rule that is applicable to the Company is a new requirement to disclose changes in equity by line item with subtotals for each interim reporting period on the Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity.  This portion of the Rule will be effective for first quarter 2019 reporting and will be adopted by the Company at that time.

Accounting for Cloud Computing Arrangement.  In August 2018, The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"(“FASB”) issued ASUAccounting 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
5


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.  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.

6


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.

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.
7


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 September 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 $784,825  $1,029  $(19,369) $766,485  $-  
$
892,226
  
$
11,066
  
$
(2,043
)
 
$
901,249
  
$
- 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  506,023   11,063   (3,060)  514,026   471  
501,019
  
27,035
  
(348
)
 
527,706
  - 
Corporate securities  2,247,866   16,038   (38,042)  2,225,862   407  
2,518,720
  
59,026
  
(23,056
)
 
2,554,690
  
135
 
Asset-backed securities  150,814   61   (1,320)  149,555   -  
516,941
  
1,201
  
(935
)
 
517,207
  - 
Mortgage-backed securities                                   
Commercial  49,344   -   (933)  48,411   -  
271,298
  
15,385
  
(72
)
 
286,611
  - 
Agency residential  94,813   324   (2,941)  92,196   -  
602,695
  
14,283
  
(387
)
 
616,591
  - 
Non-agency residential  2,119   8   -   2,127   -  
2,701
  
3
  -  
2,704
  - 
Foreign government securities  519,222   13,036   (13,165)  519,093   -  
520,922
  
21,323
  
(6,517
)
 
535,728
  - 
Foreign corporate securities  927,885   13,917   (26,103)  915,699   319   
1,012,083
   
32,315
   
(14,913
)
  
1,029,485
   
316
 
Total fixed maturity securities $5,282,911  $55,476  $(104,933) $5,233,454  $1,197  
$
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 September 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 $464,584  $462,929  $319,858  $320,746  
$
637,109
  
$
631,917
  
$
511,193
  
$
507,572
 
Due after one year through five years  2,750,584   2,704,551   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  1,172,127   1,170,791   1,051,431   1,069,617  
1,294,439
  
1,348,170
  
1,177,752
  
1,163,831
 
Due after ten years  598,526   602,894   649,625   683,200  
591,018
  
613,272
  
561,566
  
550,474
 
Asset-backed securities  150,814   149,555   138,203   138,024  
516,941
  
517,207
  
223,192
  
221,255
 
Mortgage-backed securities                            
Commercial  49,344   48,411   52,121   51,751  
271,298
  
286,611
  
135,380
  
136,604
 
Agency residential  94,813   92,196   114,435   113,288  
602,695
  
616,591
  
149,306
  
148,774
 
Non-agency residential  2,119   2,127   51   58   
2,701
   
2,704
   
3,115
   
3,114
 
Total fixed maturity securities $5,282,911  $5,233,454  $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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 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 $(5,899) $(3,197) $(94,451) $9,077  
$
93,919
  
$
(23,064
)
 
$
204,828
  
$
(88,552
)
Fixed maturity securities, other-than-temporary impairment  326   (158)  691   (3,974)  
(368
)
  
266
   
(700
)
  
365
 
Other invested assets  -   1,595   -   2,860 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax  (5,573)  (1,760)  (93,760)  7,963  
93,551
  
(22,798
)
 
204,128
  
(88,187
)
Deferred tax benefit (expense)  1,243   561   19,839   (4,178) 
(19,675
)
 
4,843
  
(42,889
)
 
18,596
 
Deferred tax benefit (expense), other-than-temporary impairment  (68)  55   (145)  1,391   
77
   
(56
)
  
147
   
(77
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation),                            
net of deferred taxes, included in stockholder's equity $(4,398) $(1,144) $(74,066) $5,176  
$
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 September 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 $496,059  $(10,363) $232,583  $(9,006) $728,642  $(19,369) 
$
37,960
  
$
(12
)
 
$
304,142
  
$
(2,031
)
 
$
342,102
  
$
(2,043
)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions  105,936   (1,377)  36,436   (1,683)  142,372   (3,060) 
1,991
  
(48
)
 
9,840
  
(300
)
 
11,831
  
(348
)
Corporate securities  989,478   (23,269)  265,588   (14,773)  1,255,066   (38,042) 
191,106
  
(8,266
)
 
307,906
  
(14,790
)
 
499,012
  
(23,056
)
Asset-backed securities  91,624   (1,165)  12,889   (155)  104,513   (1,320) 
295,890
  
(833
)
 
52,686
  
(102
)
 
348,576
  
(935
)
Mortgage-backed securities                                          
Commercial  22,409   (396)  26,002   (537)  48,411   (933) 
1,578
  
(2
)
 
17,342
  
(70
)
 
18,920
  
(72
)
Agency residential  48,576   (1,119)  36,445   (1,822)  85,021   (2,941) 
13,049
  
(32
)
 
38,667
  
(355
)
 
51,716
  
(387
)
Non-agency residential  698   -   -   -   698   -  
1,435
  -  -  -  
1,435
  - 
Foreign government securities  230,922   (3,184)  153,714   (9,981)  384,636   (13,165) 
16,603
  
(124
)
 
138,472
  
(6,393
)
 
155,075
  
(6,517
)
Foreign corporate securities  351,496   (10,103)  240,213   (16,000)  591,709   (26,103)  
27,650
   
(350
)
  
225,895
   
(14,563
)
  
253,545
   
(14,913
)
Total fixed maturity securities $2,337,198  $(50,976) $1,003,870  $(53,957) $3,341,068  $(104,933) 
$
587,262
  
$
(9,667
)
 
$
1,094,950
  
$
(38,604
)
 
$
1,682,212
  
$
(48,271
)



 Duration of Unrealized Loss at September 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 $232,647  $(1,363) $51,818  $(5,280) $284,465  $(6,643) 
$
37,823
  
$
(624
)
 
$
188,033
  
$
(9,133
)
 
$
225,856
  
$
(9,757
)
Due in one year through five years  1,305,379   (26,391)  692,804   (33,773)  1,998,183   (60,164) 
115,774
  
(960
)
 
593,416
  
(15,494
)
 
709,190
  
(16,454
)
Due in five years through ten years  414,043   (11,906)  147,476   (10,707)  561,519   (22,613) 
101,238
  
(6,438
)
 
95,780
  
(3,859
)
 
197,018
  
(10,297
)
Due after ten years  221,822   (8,636)  36,436   (1,683)  258,258   (10,319) 
20,475
  
(778
)
 
109,026
  
(9,591
)
 
129,501
  
(10,369
)
Asset-backed securities  91,624   (1,165)  12,889   (155)  104,513   (1,320) 
295,890
  
(833
)
 
52,686
  
(102
)
 
348,576
  
(935
)
Mortgage-backed securities  71,683   (1,515)  62,447   (2,359)  134,130   (3,874)  
16,062
   
(34
)
  
56,009
   
(425
)
  
72,071
   
(459
)
Total fixed maturity securities $2,337,198  $(50,976) $1,003,870  $(53,957) $3,341,068  $(104,933) 
$
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 SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 were $3,341,068$1,682,212 thousand and $104,933$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 SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, did not exceed 14.0%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 $50,976$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 foreign government securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $38,253$1,291 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency.  The $53,957$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.  Of these
10

unrealized losses $52,199$26,147 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 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
11


at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency.  The $27,819$24,792 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, $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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Fixed maturities $51,834  $48,335  $142,776  $144,916  
$
65,374
  
$
48,523
  
$
132,428
  
$
90,942
 
Equity securities  2,651   6,267   10,681   19,385  
2,319
  
3,627
  
3,750
  
8,030
 
Short-term investments and cash  2,110   648   4,340   1,628  
3,169
  
1,302
  
5,905
  
2,230
 
Other invested assets                            
Limited partnerships  25,573   11,878   54,213   20,632  
15,116
  
14,168
  
23,171
  
28,640
 
Dividends from preferred shares of affiliate  7,758   7,758   23,274   23,274  
7,758
  
7,758
  
15,516
  
15,516
 
Other  6,061   1,484   10,716   4,232   
3,299
   
1,460
   
6,279
   
4,655
 
Gross investment income before adjustments  95,987   76,370   246,000   214,067  
97,035
  
76,838
  
187,049
  
150,013
 
Funds held interest income (expense)  906   1,098   4,505   4,015  
1,445
  
731
  
4,326
  
3,599
 
Interest income from Parent  1,075   1,075   3,225   3,225   -   
1,075
   -   
2,150
 
Gross investment income  97,968   78,543   253,730   221,307  
98,480
  
78,644
  
191,375
  
155,762
 
Investment expenses  (7,670)  (5,126)  (21,453)  (15,141)  
(7,771
)
  
(6,574
)
  
(16,132
)
  
(13,783
)
Net investment income $90,298  $73,417  $232,277  $206,166  
$
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 $331,814$565,479 thousand in limited partnerships and private placement loans at SeptemberJune 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.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the Company participated in a private placement liquidity sweep facility ("(“the facility"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'sCompany’s participation in the facility was classified within other invested assets on the Company'sCompany’s Balance Sheets.

In
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'sCompany’s balance sheet, rather than as part of other invested assets.  As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the market value of investments in the facility consolidated within the Company'sCompany’s balance sheets is $471,641was $305,548 thousand.

Other invested assets, at fair value, as of SeptemberJune 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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 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 $(2,834) $(1,473) $(3,741) $(4,179) 
$
(4,929
)
 
$
(872
)
 
$
(7,219
)
 
$
(907
)
Gains (losses) from sales  (1,288)  3,842   4,670   16,814  
(2,313
)
 
(172
)
 
1,113
  
5,958
 
Fixed maturity securities, fair value:                            
Gains (losses) from sales  (717)  -   (1,799)  -  
356
  
(1,068
)
 
356
  
(1,082
)
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  584   -   1,542   -  -  
958
  
13
  
958
 
Equity securities, fair value:                            
Gains (losses) from sales  9,915   (1,479)  5,833   3,465  
(1,314
)
 
(1,601
)
 
3,730
  
(4,082
)
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  36,269   29,645   34,805   82,006  
25,829
  
25,550
  
103,675
  
(1,464
)
Other invested assets  913   85   1,497   84  
(152
)
 
581
  
244
  
584
 
Other invested assets, fair value:                            
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments  (12,816)  197,869   (115,252)  155,775  
125,024
  
(65,647
)
 
175,651
  
(102,436
)
Short-term investment gains (losses)  (8)  -   (9)  1   
62
   -   
56
   
(1
)
Total net realized capital gains (losses) $30,018  $228,489  $(72,454) $253,966  
$
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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities $184,810  $410,636  $554,733  $1,063,126  $403,419  $214,942  $2,007,308  $369,923 
Gross gains from sales  2,519   7,931   11,512   23,674  3,133  2,066  11,237  8,993 
Gross losses from sales  (4,524)  (4,089)  (8,641)  (6,860) (5,090) (3,306) (9,768) (4,117)
                            
Proceeds from sales of equity securities $186,403  $52,754  $616,330  $302,407  $79,735  $301,448  $148,973  $429,927 
Gross gains from sales  13,764   2,199   21,670   13,774  2,577  4,678  8,248  7,906 
Gross losses from sales  (3,849)  (3,678)  (15,837)  (10,309) (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:


 Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended Six Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 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  2,431,606   2,157,498  
1,615,277
  
1,451,011
 
Prior years  480,706   (117,747)  
24,041
   
491,004
 
Total incurred losses and LAE  2,912,312   2,039,751   
1,639,318
   
1,942,015
 
              
Paid related to:              
Current year  639,528   1,607,601  
391,381
  
378,985
 
Prior years  1,129,263   957,933   
1,144,204
   
912,199
 
Total paid losses and LAE  1,768,791   2,565,534   
1,535,585
   
1,291,184
 
              
Foreign exchange/translation adjustment  (23,093)  10,046   
228
   
(16,509
)
              
Net reserves at December 31  4,736,188   3,615,760 
Net reserves end of period
 
5,573,437
  
4,250,082
 
Plus reinsurance recoverables  4,783,290   5,727,268   
4,574,975
   
5,037,479
 
Gross reserves at December 31 $9,519,478  $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 $480,706$24,041 thousand for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and decreased by $117,747$491,004 thousand for the yearsix months ended December 31, 2017.June 30, 2018, respectively.  The increase for the nine months ended September 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.

14


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


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 toAt June 30, 2019, $474,322 thousand of fixed maturities, market value were fair valued using unobservable inputs.  The majority of the unavailability of prices for one-hundredfixed maturities, market value, $412,095 thousand   were valued by investment managers’ valuation committees and three private placement securities at September 30, 2018, an investment manager's valuation committee valued one hundred onea majority of these private placement securities at $377,938 thousand. In addition,fair values were substantiated by valuations from independent third parties.  The Company has procedures in place to review and evaluate these independent third party valuations.  The remaining Level 3 fixed maturities of $62,228 thousand were fair valued by the Company valued two private placement securities at $13,750 thousand, representingeither par or amortized cost, which the Company believes 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 SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018 of $241,537$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.
15


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.

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 SeptemberJune 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) September 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 $766,485  $-  $766,485  $-  
$
901,249
  
$
-  
$
901,249
  
$
- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  514,026   -   514,026   -  
527,706
  -  
527,706
  - 
Corporate securities  2,225,862   -   1,848,708   377,154  
2,554,690
  -  
2,082,461
  
472,229
 
Asset-backed securities  149,555   -   149,555   -  
517,207
  -  
517,207
  - 
Mortgage-backed securities                            
Commercial  48,411   -   48,411   -  
286,611
  -  
286,611
  - 
Agency residential  92,196   -   92,196   -  
616,591
  -  
616,591
  - 
Non-agency residential  2,127   -   2,127   -  
2,704
  -  
2,704
  - 
Foreign government securities  519,093   -   519,093   -  
535,728
  -  
535,728
  - 
Foreign corporate securities  915,699   -   903,538   12,161   
1,029,485
   -   
1,027,392
   
2,093
 
Total fixed maturities, market value  5,233,454   -   4,844,139   389,315  
6,971,971
  -  
6,497,649
  
474,322
 
                            
Fixed maturities, fair value  2,373   -   -   2,373  -  -  -  - 
Equity securities, fair value  850,539   824,356   26,183   -  
751,642
  
690,230
  
61,412
  - 
Other invested assets, fair value  1,692,221   -   -   1,692,221  
1,892,988
  -  -  
1,892,988
 


There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 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:     Fair Value Measurement Using: 
    Quoted Prices           Quoted Prices       
    in Active  Significant        in Active  Significant    
    Markets for  Other  Significant     Markets for  Other  Significant 
    Identical  Observable  Unobservable     Identical  Observable  Unobservable 
    Assets  Inputs  Inputs     Assets  Inputs  Inputs 
(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2017  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  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 $664,513  $-  $664,513  $-  
$
2,242,797
  
$
-  
$
2,242,797
  
$
- 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions  585,469   -   585,469   -  
499,089
  -  
499,089
  - 
Corporate securities  2,024,209   -   1,865,988   158,221  
2,216,153
  -  
1,839,903
  
376,250
 
Asset-backed securities  138,024   -   138,024   -  
221,255
  -  
221,255
  - 
Mortgage-backed securities                            
Commercial  51,751   -   51,751   -  
136,604
  -  
136,604
  - 
Agency residential  113,288   -   113,288   -  
148,774
  -  
148,774
  - 
Non-agency residential  58   -   58   -  
3,114
  -  
3,114
  - 
Foreign government securities  523,620   -   523,620   -  
579,586
  -  
579,586
  - 
Foreign corporate securities  870,989   -   864,037   6,952   
914,703
   -   
906,959
   
7,744
 
Total fixed maturities, market value  4,971,921   -   4,806,748   165,173  
6,962,075
  -  
6,578,081
  
383,994
 
                            
Fixed maturities, fair value
 
2,337
  -  -  
2,337
 
Equity securities, fair value  822,375   800,542   21,833   -  
564,338
  
540,894
  
23,444
  - 
Other invested assets, fair value  1,807,473   -   -   1,807,473  
1,717,336
  -  -  
1,717,336
 
17


In addition, $110,029$154,908 thousand and $79,505$117,662 thousand of investments within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets as of SeptemberJune 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  Total Fixed Maturities, Market Value 
 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  Three Months Ended June 30, 2019  Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 
 Corporate  Foreign     Corporate  Foreign     Corporate  Foreign     Corporate  Foreign    
(Dollars in thousands) Securities  Corporate  Total  Securities  Corporate  Total  Securities  Corporate  Total  Securities  Corporate  Total 
Beginning balance $329,249  $12,615  $341,864  $158,221  $6,952  $165,173  
$
367,178
  
$
7,298
  
$
374,476
  
$
376,250
  
$
7,744
  
$
383,994
 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                                          
Included in earnings  (1,935)  (472)  (2,407)  (590)  (882)  (1,472) 
(2,528
)
 
(238
)
 
(2,766
)
 
2,330
  
(119
)
 
2,211
 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  (450)  -   (450)  (25)  -   (25) 
1,870
  -  
1,870
  
2,444
  -  
2,444
 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  50,290   18   50,308   219,548   4,341   223,889  
101,732
  
(4,967
)
 
96,765
  
89,686
  
(5,532
)
 
84,154
 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   -   -   -   1,750   1,750   
3,977
   -   
3,977
   
1,519
   -   
1,519
 
Ending balance $377,154  $12,161  $389,315  $377,154  $12,161  $389,315  
$
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  Total Fixed Maturities, Market Value 
 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017  Three Months Ended June 30, 2018  Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 
 Corporate  Foreign     Corporate  Foreign     Corporate  Foreign     Corporate  Foreign    
(Dollars in thousands) Securities  Corporate  Total  Securities  Corporate  Total  Securities  Corporate  Total  Securities  Corporate  Total 
Beginning balance $86,140  $3,151  $89,291  $65,197  $2,538  $67,735  
$
168,590
  
$
11,368
  
$
179,958
  
$
158,221
  
$
6,952
  
$
165,173
 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                                          
Included in earnings  283   210   493   1,208   314   1,522  
623
  
(504
)
 
119
  
1,345
  
(410
)
 
935
 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  18   (230)  (212)  161   (230)  (69) 
190
  -  
190
  
425
  -  
425
 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  15,628   -   15,628   35,503   509   36,012  
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 $102,069  $3,131  $105,200  $102,069  $3,131  $105,200  
$
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.)                

18



  Total Fixed Maturities, Fair Value 
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2018  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 
  Foreign     Foreign    
(Dollars in thousands) Corporate  Total  Corporate  Total 
Beginning balance fixed maturities at fair value $3,192  $3,192  $-  $- 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)                
Included in earnings  (101)  (101)  (257)  (257)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)  (32)  (32)  -   - 
Purchases, issuances and settlements  (686)  (686)  2,630   2,630 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3  -   -   -   - 
Ending balance $2,373  $2,373  $2,373  $2,373 
                 
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 September 30, 2017Nine Months Ended September 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.)
  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.)                


The net transfers to/(from) level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs were $0 thousand and $1,750 thousand for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 for fixed maturities, market value.value were $3,977 thousand and $1,519 thousand for the three and six months ended June 30, 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 SeptemberJune 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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Other invested assets, fair value:                        
Beginning balance $1,705,037  $1,724,532  $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  (12,816)  197,870   (115,252)  155,776  
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 $1,692,221  $1,922,402  $1,692,221  $1,922,402  
$
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 September 30, At December 31, At June 30,  At December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018 2017 2019  2018 
The Prudential $143,592  $144,618  $141,386  $142,754 
Unaffiliated life insurance company  34,038  $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 September 30, 2018  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  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  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary $(9,109) $1,919  $(7,190) $(92,026) $19,561  $(72,465) $86,524  $(18,138) $68,386  $198,965  $(41,868) $157,097 
URA(D) on securities - OTTI  326   (68)  258   691   (145)  546  (368) 77  (291) $(700) 147  $(553)
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)  3,210   (676)  2,534   (2,425)  278   (2,147) 7,394  (1,536) 5,858  5,862  (1,020) 4,842 
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (3,723)  793   (2,930)  (31,781)  6,697   (25,084) (9,465) 1,990  (7,475) 2,645  (556) 2,089 
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss)  2,298   (482)  1,816   6,893   (1,447)  5,446   1,457   (306)  1,151   2,914   (612)  2,302 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) $(6,998) $1,486  $(5,512) $(118,648) $24,944  $(93,704) $85,542  $(17,913) $67,629  $209,686  $(43,909) $165,777 
                                          
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                          



 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017  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  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax  Before Tax  Tax Effect  Net of Tax 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary $852  $(219) $633  $24,656  $(8,279) $16,377  $(23,527) $5,152  $(18,375) $(82,917) $17,642  $(65,275)
URA(D) on securities - OTTI  (158)  55   (103)  (3,974)  1,391   (2,583) 266  (56) 210  365  (77) 288 
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)  (2,454)  780   (1,674)  (12,719)  4,101   (8,618) 463  (309) 154  (5,635) 954  (4,681)
Foreign currency translation adjustments  52,740   (18,459)  34,281   66,492   (23,272)  43,220  (26,362) 5,550  (20,812) (28,058) 5,904  (22,154)
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss)  2,107   (738)  1,369   8,273   (2,896)  5,377   2,297   (482)  1,815   4,595   (965)  3,630 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) $53,088  $(18,581) $34,507  $82,729  $(28,955) $53,774  $(46,863) $9,855  $(37,008) $(111,650) $23,458  $(88,192)
                                          
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                          


20

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


 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended    Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended   
 September 30,  September 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 $3,210  $(2,454) $(2,425) $(12,719) Other net realized capital gains (losses) $7,394  $463  $5,862  $(5,635) Other net realized capital gains (losses)
  (676)  780   278   4,101  Income tax expense (benefit)  (1,536)  (309)  (1,020)  954  Income tax expense (benefit)
 $2,534  $(1,674) $(2,147) $(8,618) Net income (loss) $5,858  $154  $4,842  $(4,681) Net income (loss)
                                          
Benefit plan net gain (loss) $2,298  $2,107  $6,893  $8,273  Other underwriting expenses $1,457  $2,297  $2,914  $4,595  Other underwriting expenses
  (482)  (738)  (1,447)  (2,896) Income tax expense (benefit)  (306)  (482)  (612)  (965) Income tax expense (benefit)
 $1,816  $1,369  $5,446  $5,377  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:


 Nine Months Ended  Twelve Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 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 Accounting Standards Update 2016-01  (2,447)  - 
Change to beginning balance due to adoption of ASU 2016-01
 
-
  
-
  
-
  
(2,447
)
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - temporary  (74,612)  (5,284) 
74,244
  
(18,221
)
 
161,939
  
(69,956
)
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI  546   (2,949)  
(291
)
  
210
   
(553
)
  
288
 
Reclass due to early adoption of ASU 2018-02  -   6,634 
Ending balance of URA (D) on securities  (39,071)  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  (25,084)  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  8,461   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)  5,446   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)  (66,483)  (71,929)  
(65,116
)
  
(68,299
)
  
(65,116
)
  
(68,299
)
                    
Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $(97,093) $(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 SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the total amount on deposit in the trust account was $547,603$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.

22


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 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.


       September 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  $396,924  $395,924  $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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Interest expense incurred $4,868  $4,868  $14,604  $14,604  $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 September 30, 2018  December 31, 2017 
    Original       Consolidated Balance     Consolidated Balance    
(Dollars in thousands)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 $236,634  $234,981  $236,561  $233,072 

     Maturity Date June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 
    Original       Consolidated Balance     Consolidated Balance    
(Dollars in thousands)Date Issued Principal Amount Scheduled Final  Sheet Amount  Market Value  Sheet Amount  Market Value 
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, 2019 to August 15, 2018 to November 14, 20182019 is 4.70%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  Nine Months Ended  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 September 30,  September 30,     
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Interest expense incurred $2,875  $2,240  $7,968  $9,210  $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

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.

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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
U.S. Reinsurance
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Gross written premiums $940,839  $908,346  $2,237,170  $1,962,297  
$
641,763
  
$
652,110
  
$
1,405,903
  
$
1,296,332
 
Net written premiums  703,944   295,645   1,557,706   649,883  
487,694
  
429,931
  
1,105,835
  
853,762
 
                            
Premiums earned $528,867  $242,350  $1,437,761  $652,953  
$
605,136
  
$
467,509
  
$
1,180,040
  
$
908,894
 
Incurred losses and LAE  394,621   678,926   1,404,349   919,107  
367,473
  
708,524
  
684,111
  
1,009,728
 
Commission and brokerage  156,500   31,698   432,531   115,243  
172,589
  
148,711
  
339,692
  
276,031
 
Other underwriting expenses  16,250   12,094   48,608   40,623   
15,728
   
15,472
   
31,319
   
32,358
 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(38,504) $(480,368) $(447,727) $(422,020) 
$
49,346
  
$
(405,198
)
 
$
124,918
  
$
(409,223
)



 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
International
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Gross written premiums $363,359  $363,186  $1,129,097  $975,296  
$
372,671
  
$
398,714
  
$
761,642
  
$
765,738
 
Net written premiums  340,701   130,180   1,012,933   345,387  
350,219
  
337,357
  
708,077
  
672,232
 
                            
Premiums earned $331,921  $123,915  $1,003,993  $355,366  
$
353,086
  
$
343,133
  
$
675,460
  
$
672,072
 
Incurred losses and LAE  315,850   410,543   751,696   557,416  
213,808
  
259,487
  
450,884
  
435,846
 
Commission and brokerage  78,180   25,101   240,953   72,426  
85,974
  
84,379
  
155,836
  
162,773
 
Other underwriting expenses  9,991   8,241   29,946   26,293   
9,632
   
9,869
   
18,097
   
19,955
 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(72,100) $(319,970) $(18,602) $(300,769) 
$
43,672
  
$
(10,602
)
 
$
50,643
  
$
53,498
 



 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Insurance
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Gross written premiums $454,993  $429,593  $1,491,438  $1,351,491  
$
673,603
  
$
581,460
  
$
1,205,374
  
$
1,036,445
 
Net written premiums  333,836   144,935   1,105,223   442,237  
481,952
  
423,066
  
898,196
  
771,387
 
                            
Premiums earned $369,983  $152,242  $1,084,863  $449,440  
$
417,401
  
$
369,194
  
$
790,577
  
$
714,880
 
Incurred losses and LAE  259,826   242,089   756,267   441,985  
261,941
  
260,749
  
504,323
  
496,441
 
Commission and brokerage  53,532   (22,254)  159,187   (40,104) 
58,212
  
54,912
  
109,465
  
105,655
 
Other underwriting expenses  52,559   37,378   151,823   114,889   
57,991
   
48,885
   
112,317
   
99,264
 
Underwriting gain (loss) $4,066  $(104,971) $17,586  $(67,330) 
$
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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Underwriting gain (loss) $(106,538) $(905,309) $(448,743) $(790,119) 
$
132,275
  
$
(411,152
)
 
$
240,033
  
$
(342,205
)
Net investment income  90,298   73,417   232,277   206,166  
90,709
  
72,070
  
175,243
  
141,979
 
Net realized capital gains (losses)  30,018   228,489   (72,454)  253,966  
142,563
  
(42,271
)
 
277,619
  
(102,472
)
Corporate expense  (2,488)  (1,132)  (7,597)  (6,241) 
(2,519
)
 
(1,513
)
 
(4,170
)
 
(5,109
)
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  (7,796)  (7,161)  (22,732)  (23,974) 
(9,684
)
 
(7,623
)
 
(19,512
)
 
(14,936
)
Other income (expense)  (1,385)  1,486   1,420   21,996   
(3,812
)
  
77,682
   
(5,026
)
  
2,805
 
Income (loss) before taxes $2,109  $(610,210) $(317,829) $(338,206) 
$
349,532
  
$
(312,807
)
 
$
664,187
  
$
(319,938
)
                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                


26

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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Canada gross written premiums $41,005  $30,625  $125,586  $94,777  $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 SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.  Interest income in the amount of $3,225$0 thousand and $2,150 thousand was recorded by Holdings for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, 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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 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  $23,274  $23,274  $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.Affiliates


  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017 
Expenses incurred $27,238  $25,465  $82,684  $71,694 


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
              
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


(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


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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Bermuda Re
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Ceded written premiums $146,513  $911,866  $421,804  $2,228,538  
$
19,534
  
$
142,971
  
$
71,007
  
$
275,291
 
Ceded earned premiums  148,228   796,194   432,459   2,005,965  
16,598
  
148,073
  
69,122
  
284,231
 
Ceded losses and LAE  34,683   650,460   70,791   1,379,164  
(3,417
)
 
(157,443
)
 
8,316
  
36,108
 



 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Everest International
 September 30, September 30, June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Ceded written premiums $-  $21  $-  $(4) 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
 
Ceded earned premiums  -   38   -   13  
-
  
-
  
-
  
-
 
Ceded losses and LAE  (5)  (13)  (362)  (631) 
(46
)
 
(357
)
 
(36
)
 
(357
)



 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Everest Canada
 September 30, September 30, June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Assumed written premiums $-  $13,028  $-  $39,008  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
 
Assumed earned premiums  -   13,464   -   38,201  
-
  
-
  
-
  
-
 
Assumed losses and LAE  (1,388)  7,448   1,958   21,418  
2,296
  
373
  
695
  
3,346
 


29


 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Lloyd's Syndicate 2786
 September 30, September 30, June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Assumed written premiums $1,056  $15,984  $795  $34,069  
$
483
  
$
2,421
  
$
(8,726
)
 
$
(261
)
Assumed earned premiums  2,876   15,042   13,826   31,766  
1,596
  
6,064
  
(17,231
)
 
10,950
 
Assumed losses and LAE  2,883   7,893   10,909   16,157  
4,391
  
1,441
  
(3,527
)
 
8,026
 


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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
Mt. Logan Re Segregated Accounts
 September 30, September 30, June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Ceded written premiums $53,340  $54,057  $154,779  $131,939  
$
51,289
  
$
40,622
  
$
114,512
  
$
101,439
 
Ceded earned premiums  44,699   46,696   149,674   131,361  
61,812
  
54,885
  
106,634
  
104,975
 
Ceded losses and LAE  23,087   180,540   130,994   223,973  
30,159
  
92,100
  
64,781
  
107,907
 
                            
Assumed written premiums $3,219  $2,587  $7,866  $9,082  
-
  
1,604
  
-
  
4,647
 
Assumed earned premiums  3,219   2,587   7,866   9,082  
-
  
1,604
  
-
  
4,647
 
Assumed losses and LAE  -   -   -   -  
-
  
-
  
-
  
-
 


29


13.14.      RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company maintains both qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans and a retiree health plan for its U.S. employees employed prior to April 1, 2010.  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  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Service cost $2,977  $2,737  $8,931  $9,335  
$
2,276
  
$
2,977
  
$
4,553
  
$
5,954
 
Interest cost  2,585   2,509   7,754   7,060  
2,930
  
2,585
  
5,860
  
5,170
 
Expected return on plan assets  (3,670)  (3,263)  (11,011)  (9,572) 
(5,016
)
 
(3,670
)
 
(10,031
)
 
(7,341
)
Amortization of net (income) loss  2,237   2,091   6,710   8,172  
1,601
  
2,237
  
3,203
  
4,473
 
FAS 88 settlement charge
  
104
   
-
   
208
   
-
 
Net periodic benefit cost $4,129  $4,074  $12,384  $14,995  
$
1,895
  
$
4,129
  
$
3,793
  
$
8,256
 



Other Benefits
 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in thousands) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Service cost $446  $392  $1,339  $1,273  
$
286
  
$
446
  
$
573
  
$
893
 
Interest cost  307   296   920   793  
295
  
307
  
590
  
614
 
Amortization of prior service cost  (33)  (33)  (98)  (98) 
(144
)
 
(33
)
 
(289
)
 
(66
)
Amortization of net (income) loss  94   48   282   199   
-
   
94
   
-
   
188
 
Net periodic benefit cost $814  $703  $2,443  $2,167  
$
437
  
$
814
  
$
874
  
$
1,629
 
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                            


30

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 contributed $77,000 thousanddid not make any contributions to the qualified pension benefit plan duringfor the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018.  The Company contributed $10,000 thousand to the qualified pension benefit plan during the three2019 and nine months ended September 30, 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.

30


15.16.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated known recognized and non-recognized subsequent events.  In October 2018, Hurricane Michael impacted the Southeastern United States and there are currently active wildfires in Northern and Southern California.  DueThe Company does not have any subsequent events to the recentness of these events, the Company is unable to estimate the amount of losses at this time.  However, the Company anticipates that the losses will adversely impact fourth quarter financial statements.report.


31

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.  Catastrophe events are also impacting 2018 results with Hurricanes Florence and Michael, Typhoons Jebi and Trami, Cyclone Mekunu, Japan floods and California wildfires.  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.
32


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  Nine Months Ended  Percentage  Three Months Ended  Percentage  Six Months Ended  Percentage 
 September 30,  Increase/  September 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 $1,759.2  $1,701.1   3.4% $4,857.7  $4,289.1   13.3% 
$
1,688.0
  
$
1,632.3
  
3.4
%
 
$
3,372.9
  
$
3,098.5
  
8.9
%
Net written premiums  1,378.5   570.8   141.5%  3,675.9   1,437.5   155.7% 
1,319.9
  
1,190.4
  
10.9
%
 
2,712.1
  
2,297.4
  
18.1
%
                                          
REVENUES:                                          
Premiums earned $1,230.8  $518.5   137.4% $3,526.6  $1,457.8   141.9% 
$
1,375.6
  
$
1,179.8
  
16.6
%
 
$
2,646.1
  
$
2,295.8
  
15.3
%
Net investment income  90.3   73.4   23.0%  232.3   206.2   12.7% 
90.7
  
72.1
  
25.9
%
 
175.2
  
142.0
  
23.4
%
Net realized capital gains (losses)  30.0   228.5   -86.9%  (72.5)  254.0   -128.5% 
142.6
  
(42.3
)
 NM  
277.6
  
(102.5
)
 NM 
Other income (expense)  (1.4)  1.5   -193.2%  1.4   22.0   -93.5%  
(3.8
)
  
77.7
  
-104.9
%
  
(5.0
)
  
2.8
  NM 
Total revenues  1,349.7   821.9   64.2%  3,687.9   1,939.9   90.1%  
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  970.3   1,331.6   -27.1%  2,912.3   1,918.5   51.8% 
843.2
  
1,228.8
  
-31.4
%
 
1,639.3
  
1,942.0
  
-15.6
%
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees  288.2   34.5  NM   832.7   147.6  NM  
316.8
  
288.0
  
10.0
%
 
605.0
  
544.5
  
11.1
%
Other underwriting expenses  78.8   57.7   36.5%  230.4   181.8   26.7% 
83.3
  
74.2
  
12.3
%
 
161.7
  
151.6
  
6.7
%
Corporate expense  2.5   1.1   119.8%  7.6   6.2   21.7% 
2.5
  
1.5
  
66.5
%
 
4.2
  
5.1
  
-18.4
%
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense  7.8   7.2   8.9%  22.7   24.0   -5.2%  
9.7
   
7.6
  
27.0
%
  
19.5
   
14.9
  
30.6
%
Total claims and expenses  1,347.6   1,432.1   -5.9%  4,005.7   2,278.1   75.8%  
1,255.5
   
1,600.1
  
-21.5
%
  
2,429.7
   
2,658.1
  
-8.6
%
                                          
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  2.1   (610.2)  -100.3%  (317.8)  (338.2)  -6.0% 
349.5
  
(312.8
)
 
-211.7
%
 
664.2
  
(319.9
)
 NM 
Income tax expense (benefit)  (22.6)  (220.5)  -89.8%  (64.9)  (153.3)  -57.7%  
67.6
   
(47.4
)
 
-242.7
%
  
131.1
   
(42.4
)
 NM 
NET INCOME (LOSS) $24.7  $(389.7)  -106.3% $(252.9) $(184.9)  36.8% 
$
281.9
  
$
(265.4
)
 
-206.2
%
 
$
533.1
  
$
(277.6
)
 NM 
                                          
RATIOS:         Point Change          Point Change        Point Change        Point Change 
Loss ratio  78.8%  256.8%  (178.0)  82.6%  131.6%  (49.0) 
61.3
%
 
104.1
%
 
(42.8
)
 
62.0
%
 
84.6
%
 
(22.6
)
Commission and brokerage ratio  23.4%  6.7%  16.7   23.6%  10.1%  13.5  
23.0
%
 
24.4
%
 
(1.4
)
 
22.9
%
 
23.7
%
 
(0.8
)
Other underwriting expense ratio  6.5%  11.1%  (4.6)  6.5%  12.5%  (6.0)  
6.1
%
  
6.3
%
  
(0.2
)
  
6.1
%
  
6.6
%
  
(0.6
)
Combined ratio  108.7%  274.6%  (165.9)  112.7%  154.2%  (41.5)  
90.4
%
  
134.8
%
  
(44.4
)
  
90.9
%
  
114.9
%
  
(24.0
)
                                          
             At  At  Percentage           At  At  Percentage 
             September 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             $9,579.4  $8,911.5   7.5%          
$
11,305.7
  
$
10,707.4
  
5.6
%
Total assets              17,837.1   17,888.5   -0.3%          
19,235.8
  
18,688.2
  
2.9
%
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves              9,519.5   9,343.0   1.9%          
10,148.4
  
10,167.0
  
-0.2
%
Total debt              633.6   633.4   0.0%          
633.7
  
933.6
  
-32.1
%
Total liabilities              12,770.8   12,475.8   2.4%          
13,492.1
  
13,643.5
  
-1.1
%
Stockholder's equity              5,066.2   5,412.7   -6.4%          
5,743.7
  
5,044.7
  
13.9
%
                                          
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)                                          
(NM, not meaningful)                                          


33


Revenues.

Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 3.4% to $1,759.2$1,688.0 million for the three months ended September June 30, 2018,2019, compared to $1,701.1$1,632.3 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, reflecting a $32.7$92.1 million, or 2.6%, increase in our reinsurance business and a $25.4 million, or 5.9%15.8%, increase in our insurance business.  The increasebusiness and a $36.4 million, or 3.5% decrease in our reinsurance premiums was mainly due to the increase in treaty casualty business, partially offset by a decline in treaty property business primarily as a result of $138.7 million of lower reinstatement premiums in the third quarter of 2018 compared with the third quarter of 2017 as a result of lower catastrophe losses in 2018.business.  The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to increases in many lines of business, including property, casualty, propertyenergy and energy.  Gross written premiums increased by 13.3% to $4,857.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $4,289.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, reflecting a $428.7 million, or 14.6%, increase in our reinsurance business and a $139.9 million, or 10.4%, increase in our insurance business.specialty lines.  The increasedecrease in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to the increasesdecreases in treaty property business, treaty casualty business and Latin American business,writings, partially offset by an increase in treaty casualty writings.  Gross written premiums increased by 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, reflecting a $110.8$168.9 million, declineor
33

16.3%, increase in reinstatement premiums.our insurance business and a $105.5 million, or 5.1%, increase 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.  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 141.5%10.9% to $1,378.5$1,319.9 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, compared to $570.8$1,990.4 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, and increased by 155.7%18.1% to $3,675.9$2,712.1 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, compared to $1,437.5$2,297.4 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 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 SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 were $146.5$19.5 million compared with $911.9$143.0 million during the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018.  Premiums ceded to Bermuda Re during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 were $421.8$71.0 million compared with $2,228.5$275.3 million during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018.  Premiums earned increased by 137.4%16.6% to $1,230.8$1,375.6 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, compared to $518.5$1,179.8 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, and increased by 141.9%15.3% to $3,526.6$2,646.1 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, compared to $1,457.8$2,295.8 million for the ninesix months ended September 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 23.0%25.9% to $90.3$90.7 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared with net investment income of $73.4$72.1 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and2018.  Net investment income increased by 12.7%23.4% to $232.3$175.2 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared with net investment income of $206.2$142.0 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018.  Net pre-tax investment income as a percentage of average invested assets was 3.9%3.3% for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019 compared to 3.0%3.2% for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, and was 3.4%3.2% for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 compared to 2.8% for the nine months ended September2019 and June 30, 2017, respectively.2018.  The increases for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were primarily due to increases in limited partnership income, partially offset by a declineincrease in income was primarily the result of higher income from equity securities.our growing fixed maturity portfolio.

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).  Net realized capital gains were $30.0$142.6 million and $228.5net realized capital losses were $42.3 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20192018 and 2017,2018, respectively.  The net realized capital gains of $30.0$142.6 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019 were comprised of $$150.723.9 million of gains from fair value re-measurements, and $8.9 million of gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $2.8$4.9 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  The net realized capital gains of $228.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were comprised of $227.5other than temporary impairments and $3.3 million of gains from fair value re-measurements and $2.4 million of gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $1.5 million of other-than-temporary impairments.

34


Net realized capitalnet losses were $72.5 million and net realized capital gains were $254.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  The net realized capital losses of $72.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, were comprised of $79.0 million of losses from fair value re-measurements and $3.7 million of other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by $10.2 million of gains from sales of investments.  The net realized capital gainslosses of $254.0$42.3 million for the ninethree months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018 were comprised of $237.839.1 million of losses from fair value re-measurements, $2.3 million of losses from sales of investments and $0.9 million of other-than-temporary investments.

Net realized capital gains were $277.6 million and net realized capital losses were $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 $20.3$5.6 million of net gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $4.2$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 investments, partially offset by $1.3 million of gains from sales of investments.

Other Income (Expense).  We recorded other expense of $1.4$3.8 million and other income of $1.4$77.7 million for the three and nine months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.respectively.  We recorded other expense of $5.0 million and other income of $1.5 million and $22.0$2.8 million for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively2017, respectively.. The changes were primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.rates and changes in deferred gains under retroactive reinsurance agreements.

34

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 September 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 $772.3   62.7%  $3.2   0.3%  $775.5   63.0%  
$
673.5
  
57.0
%
  
$
(3.5
)
 
-0.3
%
  
$
670.0
  
56.7
%
 
Catastrophes  208.3   16.9%   (13.5)  -1.1%   194.8   15.8%   
64.6
   
5.5
%
 
  
494.2
   
41.9
%
 
  
558.8
   
47.4
%
 
Total $980.6   79.6%  $(10.3)  -0.8%  $970.3   78.8%  
$
738.1
   
62.5
%
 
 
$
490.7
   
41.6
%
 
 
$
1,228.8
   
104.1
%
 
                                                                  
2017
                                   
Variance 2019/2018
                             
Attritional $325.6   62.8%  $(0.9)  -0.2%  $324.7   62.6%  
$
153.0
  
3.1
 
pts
 
$
(10.3
)
 
(0.7
)
pts
 
$
142.7
  
2.4
 
pts
Catastrophes  1,007.8   194.4%   (0.9)  -0.2%   1,006.9   194.2%   
(64.7
)
  
(5.5
)
pts
  
(463.6
)
  
(39.7
)
pts
  
(528.3
)
  
(45.2
)
pts
Total $1,333.4   257.2%  $(1.8)  -0.4%  $1,331.6   256.8%  
$
88.3
   
(2.4
)
pts
 
$
(473.9
)
  
(40.4
)
pts
 
$
(385.6
)
  
(42.8
)
pts
                                    
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Attritional $446.7   (0.1)pts $4.1   0.5 pts $450.8   0.4 pts
Catastrophes  (799.5)  (177.5)pts  (12.6)  (0.9)pts  (812.1)  (178.4)pts
Total $(352.8)  (177.6)pts $(8.5)  (0.4)pts $(361.3)  (178.0)pts



 Nine Months Ended September 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 $2,158.7   61.3%  $-   0.0%  $2,158.7   61.3%  
$
1,386.4
  
60.4
%
  
$
(3.2
)
 
-0.1
%
  
$
1,383.2
  
60.3
%
 
Catastrophes  272.9   7.7%   480.7   13.6%   753.6   21.3%   
64.6
   
2.8
%
 
  
494.2
   
21.5
%
 
  
558.8
   
24.3
%
 
Total $2,431.6   69.0%  $480.7   13.6%  $2,912.3   82.6%  
$
1,451.0
   
63.2
%
 
 
$
491.0
   
21.4
%
 
 
$
1,942.0
   
84.6
%
 
                                                                  
2017
                                   
Attritional $878.8   60.3%  $4.4   0.3%  $883.2   60.6% 
Catastrophes  1,039.3   71.3%   (3.9)  -0.3%   1,035.3   71.0% 
Total $1,918.1   131.6%  $0.5   0.0%  $1,918.5   131.6% 
                                    
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Variance 2019/2018
                             
Attritional $1,279.9   1.0 pts $(4.4)  (0.3)pts $1,275.5   0.7 pts 
$
204.0
  
(0.3
)
pts
 
$
(10.6
)
 
(0.4
)
pts
 
$
193.3
  
(0.7
)
pts
Catastrophes  (766.4)  (63.6)pts  484.6   13.9 pts  (281.7)  (49.7)pts  
(39.7
)
  
(1.9
)
pts
  
(456.3
)
  
(20.1
)
pts
  
(496.0
)
  
(21.9
)
pts
Total $513.5   (62.6)pts $480.2   13.6 pts $993.8   (49.0)pts 
$
164.3
   
(2.2
)
pts
 
$
(467.0
)
  
(20.5
)
pts
 
$
(302.7
)
  
(22.6
)
pts
                                                                  
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                                                


35


Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 27.1%31.4% to $970.3$843.2 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019 compared to $1,331.6$1,228.8 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, primarily due to $463.6 million of less unfavorable development on prior year catastrophe losses and a decrease of $799.5 million in current year catastrophe losses of $64.7 million, partially offset by an increase in current year attritional losses of $446.7$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, 2019.  The $494.2 million of unfavorable development 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 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).
35

Incurred losses and LAE decreased 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, primarily due to $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, 2019 are primarily due to Townsville monsoon in Australia.  The $494.2 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses, for the six 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 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).

Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees.  Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased to $316.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $288.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.  Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased to $605.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $544.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.  The increases were mainly due to the impactimpacts of the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business.

Other Underwriting Expenses.  Other underwriting expenses increased slightly to $83.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $74.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.  Other underwriting expenses increased to $161.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $151.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.  These increases were primarily due to the increase in premiums earned, changes in the mix of business and changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewalcontinued expansion 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 $208.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, mainly related to Hurricane Florence ($77.0 million), Typhoon Jebi ($66.6 million), Typhoon Trami ($25.0 million), the 2018 California wildfires ($24.7 million) and Japan Floods ($15.0 million).  The current year catastrophe losses of $1,007.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Irma ($476.2 million), Hurricane Maria ($318.9 million), Hurricane Harvey ($180.7 million) and the Mexico City earthquake ($32.1 million).

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 51.8% to $2,912.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $1,918.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to an increase in current year attritional losses of $1,279.9 million, mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, changes in the mix of business 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 increase in incurred losses and LAE also resulted from $480.7 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2018, mainly related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the 2017 California wildfires. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $766.4 million of current year catastrophe losses.  The current year catastrophe losses of $272.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related to Hurricane Florence ($77.0 million), Typhoon Jebi ($66.6 million), Cyclone Mekunu ($47.7 million), Typhoon Trami ($25.0 million), the 2018 California wildfires ($24.7 million), the U.S. winter storms ($16.9 million) and Japan Floods ($15.0 million).  The current year catastrophe losses of $1,039.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Irma ($476.2 million), Hurricane Maria ($318.9 million), Hurricane Harvey ($180.7 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($32.1 million), the South Africa Knysna fires ($10.0 million), Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($8.3 million), the Peru storms ($6.9 million) and the 2017 US Midwest storms ($6.2 million).

Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees.  Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased to $288.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $34.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.  Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased to $832.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $147.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  The increase 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, increases in premiums earned with lower levels of reinstatement premium which do not have commissions and changes in the mix of business toward additional pro ratainsurance business.

Other Underwriting Expenses.  Other underwriting expenses were $78.8 million and $57.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Other underwriting expenses were $230.4 million and $181.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  The 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 increases in premium earned, costs incurred to support the expansion of the insurance business and higher variable compensation costs in 2018 compared to 2017.

Corporate Expenses.  Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, werehave increased to $2.5 million and $1.1from $1.5 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, and $7.6 decreased to $4.2 million and $6.2from $5.1 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.

Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense.  Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $7.8$9.7 million and $7.2$7.6 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.  Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $22.7$19.5 million and $24.0$14.9 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.  The changeschange in expense werewas primarily due to interest expense on the movements
36


$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, 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 SeptemberJune 30, 2018.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit).Income  We had an income tax expense of $67.6 million and an income tax benefit was $22.6of $47.4 million and $220.5 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We had an income tax expense of $131.1 million and 2017, respectively. Incomean income tax benefit was $64.9of $42.4 million and $153.3 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.  Income tax expense/benefit 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 income was $24.7$281.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, and our net loss was $389.7$265.4 million, for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Our net income was $533.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, and our net loss was $252.9$277.6 million, and $184.9 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  The changes were primarily driven by the financial component fluctuations explained above.
36


Ratios.
Our combined ratio decreased by 165.944.4 points to 108.7% 90.4% for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared to 274.6% 134.8% for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, and decreased by 41.524.0 points to 112.7% 90.9% for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared to 154.2% 114.9% for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018.  The loss ratio component decreased by 178.042.8 points and 49.022.6 points in for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, respectively, over the same period last year mainly due to a lower currentloss ratio on prior year catastrophe losses and changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements.2019 compared to 2018.  The commission and brokerage ratio component increaseddecreased to 23.4% 23.0% for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared to 6.7%24.4% for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, and increaseddecreased to 23.6% 22.9% for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared to 10.1%23.7% for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, reflecting changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements and changes in the mix of business and lower reinstatement premiums in 2018 compared to 2017.business.  The other underwriting expense ratio decreased slightly to 6.5% 6.1% for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 from 11.1%6.3% for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and decreased slightly to 6.5% 6.1% for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 from 12.5%6.6% for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, 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 $346.5$699.0 million to $5,066.2$5,743.7 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 from $5,412.7$5,044.7 million at December 31, 2017,2018, principally as a result of $252.9$533.1 million of net loss, $74.1income, $161.4 million of net unrealized depreciationappreciation on investments, net of tax, $2.3 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments and $25.1$2.1 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments, partially offset by $5.4 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments.

Consolidated Investment Results

Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased by 23.0%25.9% to $90.3$90.7 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared to $73.4with net investment income of $72.1 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018.  Net investment income increased by 12.7%23.4% to $232.3$175.2 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared to $206.2with net investment income of $142.0 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018.  The increases for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were primarily due to increases in limited partnership income, partially offset by a declineincrease in income was primarily the result of higher income from equity securities.

37

our growing fixed maturity portfolio.

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


 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Fixed maturities $51.9  $48.3  $142.8  $144.9  
$
65.3
  
$
48.5
  
$
132.4
  
$
90.9
 
Equity securities  2.7   6.3   10.7   19.4  
2.4
  
3.6
  
3.8
  
8.0
 
Short-term investments and cash  2.1   0.6   4.3   1.6  
3.2
  
1.3
  
5.9
  
2.2
 
Other invested assets                            
Limited partnerships  25.6   11.8   54.2   20.6  
15.1
  
14.1
  
23.2
  
28.6
 
Dividends from preferred shares of affiliate  7.8   7.8   23.3   23.3  
7.7
  
7.7
  
15.5
  
15.5
 
Other  6.0   1.5   10.7   4.2   
3.3
   
1.5
   
6.3
   
4.7
 
Gross investment income before adjustments  96.0   76.4   246.0   214.1  
97.1
  
76.8
  
187.1
  
150.0
 
Funds held interest income (expense)  0.9   1.1   4.5   4.0  
1.4
  
0.7
  
4.3
  
3.6
 
Interest income from Parent  1.1   1.1   3.2   3.2   
-
   
1.1
   
-
   
2.2
 
Gross investment income  98.0   78.5   253.7   221.3  
98.5
  
78.7
  
191.4
  
155.8
 
Investment expenses  (7.7)  (5.1)  (21.5)  (15.1)  
(7.8
)
  
(6.6
)
  
(16.1
)
  
(13.8
)
Net investment income $90.3  $73.4  $232.3  $206.2  
$
90.7
  
$
72.1
  
$
175.3
  
$
142.0
 
                            
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                            


37

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


     At At
     September 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 Ended
 June 30, June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets
3.3% 3.2% 3.2% 3.2%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets
2.7% 2.6% 2.6% 2.6%


 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets3.9% 3.0% 3.4% 2.8%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets3.1% 2.1% 2.7% 2.0%


38


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


 Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended 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 $2.5  $8.0  $(5.5) $11.5  $23.7  $(12.2) 
$
2.8
  
$
2.1
  
$
0.7
  
$
10.9
  
$
9.0
  
$
1.9
 
Losses  (3.8)  (4.1)  0.3   (6.8)  (6.9)  0.1   
(5.0
)
  
(2.2
)
  
(2.8
)
  
(9.7
)
  
(3.0
)
  
(6.7
)
Total  (1.3)  3.9   (5.2)  4.7   16.8   (12.1) 
(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  (0.7)  -   (0.7)  (1.8)  -   (1.8)  
-
   
(1.1
)
  
1.1
   
-
   
(1.1
)
  
1.1
 
Total  (0.7)  -   (0.7)  (1.8)  -   (1.8) 
0.4
  
(1.1
)
 
1.5
  
0.4
  
(1.1
)
 
1.5
 
                                          
Equity securities, fair value                                          
Gains  13.8   2.2   11.6   21.7   13.8   7.9  
2.5
  
4.7
  
(2.2
)
 
8.2
  
7.9
  
0.3
 
Losses  (3.8)  (3.7)  (0.1)  (15.8)  (10.3)  (5.5)  
(3.9
)
  
(6.3
)
  
2.4
   
(4.5
)
  
(12.0
)
  
7.5
 
Total  10.0   (1.5)  11.5   5.8   3.5   2.3  
(1.3
)
 
(1.6
)
 
0.3
  
3.7
  
(4.1
)
 
7.8
 
                                          
Other invested assets                                          
Gains  0.9   -   0.9   1.5   -   1.5  
-
  
0.6
  
(0.6
)
 
0.3
  
0.6
  
(0.3
)
Losses  -   -   -   -   -   -   
(0.1
)
  
-
   
(0.1
)
  
(0.1
)
  
-
   
(0.1
)
Total  0.9   -   0.9   1.5   -   1.5  
(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  17.2   10.2   7.0   34.7   37.5   (2.8) 
5.7
  
7.3
  
(1.6
)
 
19.9
  
17.4
  
2.5
 
Losses  (8.3)  (7.8)  (0.5)  (24.5)  (17.2)  (7.3)  
(9.0
)
  
(9.6
)
  
0.6
   
(14.3
)
  
(16.1
)
  
1.8
 
Total  8.9   2.4   6.4   10.2   20.3   (10.1)  
(3.3
)
  
(2.3
)
  
(1.0
)
  
5.6
   
1.3
   
4.3
 
                                          
Other than temporary impairments:
  (2.8)  (1.5)  (1.3)  (3.7)  (4.2)  0.5  
(4.9
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(4.0
)
 
(7.2
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(6.3
)
                                          
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:
                                          
Fixed maturities, fair value  0.5   -   0.5   1.5   -   1.5  
-
  
1.0
  
(1.0
)
 
-
  
1.0
  
(1.0
)
Equity securities, fair value  36.3   29.6   6.7   34.8   82.0   (47.2) 
25.8
  
25.5
  
0.3
  
103.6
  
(1.5
)
 
105.1
 
Other invested assets, fair value  (12.9)  197.9   (210.8)  (115.3)  155.8   (271.1)  
125.0
   
(65.6
)
  
190.6
   
175.6
   
(102.4
)
  
278.0
 
Total  23.9   227.5   (203.6)  (79.0)  237.8   (316.8)  
150.7
   
(39.1
)
  
189.8
   
279.2
   
(102.9
)
  
382.1
 
                                          
Total net realized gains (losses) $30.0  $228.5  $(198.5) $(72.5) $254.0  $(326.5) 
$
142.6
  
$
(42.3
)
 
$
184.9
  
$
277.6
  
$
(102.5
)
 
$
380.1
 
                                          
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                          


38


Net realized capital gains were $30.0$142.6 million and $228.5net realized capital losses were $42.3 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.  For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018, 2019, we recorded$ $150.723.9 million of gains from fair value re-measurements, and $8.9 partially offset by $4.9 million of gainsother-than-temporary impairments and $3.3 million of net losses from sales of investments, partially offset by $2.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments.investments.  For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 we recorded $227.5$39.1 million of net realized capital gains due tolosses from fair value re-measurements, and $2.4$2.3 million of net realized capital gainslosses from sales of investments partially offset by $1.5and $0.9 million of other-than-temporary impairments.investments.  The fixed maturity and equity sales related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts.

Net realized capital lossesgains were $72.5$277.6 million and net realized capital gainslosses were $254.0$102.5 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.  For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 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$79.0102.9 million of losses from fair value re-measurements and $3.7$0.9 million of other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by $10.2 1.3million of gains from sales of investments.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 we recorded $237.8 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements and $20.3 million of net realized capital gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $4.2 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.

39


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.

39

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

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


 Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended 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 $940.8  $908.3  $32.5   3.6% $2,237.2  $1,962.3  $274.9   14.0% 
$
641.8
  
$
652.1
  
$
(10.3
)
 
-1.6
%
 
$
1,405.9
  
$
1,296.3
  
$
109.6
  
8.5
%
Net written premiums  703.9   295.6   408.3   138.1%  1,557.7   649.9   907.8   139.7% 
487.7
  
429.9
  
57.8
  
13.4
%
 
1,105.8
  
853.8
  
252.0
  
29.5
%
                                                        
Premiums earned $528.9  $242.4  $286.5   118.2% $1,437.8  $653.0  $784.8   120.2% 
$
605.1
  
$
467.5
  
$
137.6
  
29.4
%
 
$
1,180.0
  
$
908.9
  
$
271.1
  
29.8
%
Incurred losses and LAE  394.6   678.9   (284.3)  -41.9%  1,404.3   919.1   485.2   52.8% 
367.5
  
708.5
  
(341.0
)
 
-48.1
%
 
684.1
  
1,009.7
  
(325.6
)
 
-32.2
%
Commission and brokerage  156.5   31.7   124.8  NM   432.5   115.2   317.3  NM  
172.6
  
148.7
  
23.9
  
16.1
%
 
339.7
  
276.0
  
63.7
  
23.1
%
Other underwriting expenses  16.3   12.1   4.2   34.4%  48.6   40.6   8.0   19.7%  
15.7
   
15.5
   
0.2
  
1.3
%
  
31.3
   
32.4
   
(1.1
)
 
-3.4
%
Underwriting gain (loss) $(38.5) $(480.4) $441.9   -92.0% $(447.7) $(422.0) $(25.7)  6.1% 
$
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  74.6%  280.1%      (205.5)  97.7%  140.8%      (43.1) 
60.7
%
 
151.6
%
    
(90.9
)
 
58.0
%
 
111.1
%
    
(53.1
)
Commission and brokerage ratio  29.6%  13.1%      16.5   30.1%  17.6%      12.5  
28.5
%
 
31.8
%
    
(3.3
)
 
28.8
%
 
30.4
%
    
(1.6
)
Other underwriting ratio  3.1%  5.0%      (1.9)  3.3%  6.2%      (2.9)  
2.6
%
  
3.3
%
     
(0.7
)
  
2.6
%
  
3.5
%
     
(0.9
)
Combined ratio  107.3%  298.2%      (190.9)  131.1%  164.6%      (33.5)  
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 3.6%1.6% to $940.8$641.8 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 from $908.3$652.1 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, primarily due to a decrease in treaty property writings, partially offset by an increase in treaty casualty business and marine and aviation business.  These increases were partially offset by a decline in treaty property business primarily as a result of $121.7 million of lower reinstatement premiums in the third quarter of 2018 compared with the third quarter of 2017 as a result of lower catastrophe losses in 2018.  Net written premiums increased by 138.1%13.4% to $703.9$487.7 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared to $295.6$429.9 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 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-
40


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 118.2%by 29.4% to $528.9$605.1 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared to $242.4$467.5 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 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 14.0% to $2,237.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $1,962.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to an increase in treaty property business, treaty casualty business and marine and aviation business, partially offset by lower reinstatement premiums.  Net written premiums increased by 139.7% to $1,557.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $649.9 million for the nine months ended September 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 120.2% to $1,437.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $653.0 million for the nine months ended September 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.

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


  Three Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2018
                             
Attritional $340.1   64.3%  $5.2   1.0%  $345.3   65.3% 
Catastrophes  97.5   18.4%   (48.2)  -9.1%   49.3   9.3% 
Total segment $437.6   82.7%  $(43.0)  -8.1%  $394.6   74.6% 
                                     
2017
                                   
Attritional $128.0   52.8%  $(0.4)  -0.2%  $127.5   52.6% 
Catastrophes  551.6   227.6%   (0.2)  -0.1%   551.4   227.5% 
Total segment $679.6   280.4%  $(0.6)  -0.3%  $678.9   280.1% 
                                     
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Attritional $212.1   11.5 pts $5.6   1.2 pts $217.8   12.7 pts
Catastrophes  (454.1)  (209.2)pts  (48.0)  (9.0)pts  (502.1)  (218.2)pts
Total segment $(242.0)  (197.7)pts $(42.4)  (7.8)pts $(284.3)  (205.5)pts



  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2018
                             
Attritional $901.8   62.7%  $-   0.0%  $901.8   62.7% 
Catastrophes  101.6   7.1%   401.0   27.9%   502.6   35.0% 
Total segment $1,003.4   69.8%  $401.0   27.9%  $1,404.3   97.7% 
                                     
2017
                                   
Attritional $374.8   57.4%  $(4.7)  -0.7%  $370.0   56.7% 
Catastrophes  553.2   84.7%   (4.1)  -0.6%   549.1   84.1% 
Total segment $928.0   142.1%  $(8.8)  -1.3%  $919.1   140.8% 
                                     
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Attritional $527.0   5.3 pts $4.7   0.7 pts $531.8   6.0 pts
Catastrophes  (451.6)  (77.6)pts  405.1   28.5 pts  (46.5)  (49.1)pts
Total segment $75.4   (72.3)pts $409.8   29.2 pts $485.2   (43.1)pts
                                     
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                   

41


Incurred losses decreased by 41.9% to $394.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $678.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.  The decline was primarily due to a decrease of $454.1 million in current year catastrophe losses and $48.2 million of favorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2018.  The decreases were partially offset by an increase of $212.1 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 $97.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 primarily related to Hurricane Florence ($58.0 million), the 2018 California wildfires ($23.2 million), Typhoon Jebi ($6.5 million), Japan Floods ($5.5 million), the U.S. winter storms ($2.3 million) and  Typhoon Trami ($2.0 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $551.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Irma ($348.6 million), Hurricane Harvey ($128.5 million), Hurricane Maria ($74.0 million), and the Mexico City earthquake ($1.1 million).

Incurred losses increased by 52.8% to $1,404.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $919.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  The increase was primarily due to a rise of $527.0 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 increase in incurred losses also resulted from $401.0 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2018 primarily related to Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria and the 2017 California wildfires.  The increases in loss estimates for Hurricane 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.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $451.6 million of current year catastrophe losses.  The current year catastrophe losses of $101.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily related to Hurricane Florence ($58.0 million), the 2018 California wildfires ($23.2 million), Typhoon Jebi ($6.5 million), the U.S. winter storms ($6.4 million), Japan Floods ($5.5 million) and  Typhoon Trami ($2.0 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $553.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Irma ($348.6 million), Hurricane Harvey ($128.5 million), Hurricane Maria ($74.0 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($1.1 million) and the 2017 U.S. Storms ($1.4 million).

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased to $156.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $31.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Commission and brokerage increased to $432.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $115.2 million for the nine months ended September 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, the 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 $16.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $12.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $48.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $40.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, mainly due to the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts, impact of the increases in premiums earned and higher variable compensation costs in 2018 compared to 2017.

42


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


  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2018  2017  Variance  % Change  2018  2017  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $363.4  $363.2  $0.2   0.1% $1,129.1  $975.3  $153.8   15.8%
Net written premiums  340.7   130.2   210.5   161.7%  1,012.9   345.4   667.5   193.3%
                                 
Premiums earned $331.9  $123.9  $208.0   167.9% $1,004.0  $355.4  $648.6   182.5%
Incurred losses and LAE  315.9   410.5   (94.7)  -23.1%  751.7   557.4   194.3   34.9%
Commission and brokerage  78.2   25.1   53.1   211.6%  241.0   72.4   168.5   232.7%
Other underwriting expenses  10.0   8.2   1.8   21.2%  29.9   26.3   3.7   13.9%
Underwriting gain (loss) $(72.1) $(320.0) $247.9   -77.5% $(18.6) $(300.8) $282.2   -93.8%
                                 
              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  95.2%  331.3%      (236.1)  74.9%  156.9%      (82.0)
Commission and brokerage ratio  23.6%  20.3%      3.3   24.0%  20.4%      3.6 
Other underwriting ratio  2.9%  6.6%      (3.7)  3.0%  7.3%      (4.4)
Combined ratio  121.7%  358.2%      (236.5)  101.9%  184.6%      (82.8)
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                
(NM, not meaningful)                                


Premiums.  Gross written premiums remained relatively flat at $363.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $363.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Net written premiums increased by 161.7% to $340.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $130.2 million for the three months ended September 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 167.9% to $331.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $123.9 million for the three months ended September 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 15.8% to $1,129.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $975.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to increases in Latin American business and business written through our Canada and Singapore branches.  Net written premiums increased by 193.3% to $1,012.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $345.4 million for the nine months ended September 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 182.5% to $1,004.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $355.4 million for the nine months ended September 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.

43


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


  Three Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2018
                             
Attritional $182.2   54.9%  $-   0.0%  $182.2   54.9% 
Catastrophes  96.3   29.0%   37.4   11.3%   133.7   40.3% 
Total segment $278.5   83.9%  $37.4   11.3%  $315.9   95.2% 
                                     
2017
                                   
Attritional $64.0   51.7%  $0.7   0.6%  $64.7   52.3% 
Catastrophes  346.6   279.7%   (0.8)  -0.7%   345.8   279.0% 
Total segment $410.6   331.4%  $(0.1)  -0.1%  $410.5   331.3% 
                                     
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Attritional $118.2   3.2 pts $(0.7)  (0.6)pts $117.5   2.6 pts
Catastrophes  (250.3)  (250.7)pts  38.2   12.0 pts  (212.2)  (238.7)pts
Total segment $(132.1)  (247.5)pts $37.5   11.4 pts $(94.7)  (236.1)pts



  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Current  Ratio %/ Prior  Ratio %/ Total  Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions) Year  Pt Change Years  Pt Change Incurred  Pt Change
2018
                             
Attritional $520.3   51.8%  $-   0.0%  $520.3   51.8% 
Catastrophes  146.3   14.6%   85.1   8.5%   231.4   23.1% 
Total segment $666.6   66.4%  $85.1   8.5%  $751.7   74.9% 
                                     
2017
                                   
Attritional $182.9   51.5%  $2.6   0.7%  $185.5   52.2% 
Catastrophes  371.7   104.6%   0.2   0.1%   371.9   104.7% 
Total segment $554.6   156.1%  $2.8   0.8%  $557.4   156.9% 
                                     
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Attritional $337.4   0.3 pts $(2.6)  (0.7)pts $334.8   (0.4)pts
Catastrophes  (225.4)  (90.0)pts  84.9   8.4 pts  (140.5)  (81.6)pts
Total segment $112.0   (89.7)pts $82.3   7.7 pts $194.3   (82.0)pts
                                     
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                   


Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 23.1% to $315.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $410.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a decrease of $250.3 million of on current year catastrophe losses, partially offset by an increase of $118.2 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 $37.4 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses mainly related to Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria.  The current year catastrophe losses of $96.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 primarily related to Typhoon Jebi ($60.1 million), Typhoon Trami ($23.0 million), Japan Floods ($9.5 million) and Hurricane Florence ($6.0 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $346.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Maria ($236.2 million), Hurricane Irma ($77.5 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($31.1 million) and Hurricane Harvey ($1.4 million).

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 34.9% to $751.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $557.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to an increase of $337.4 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 $85.1 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses mainly related to Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria. The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $225.4 million on current year catastrophe losses. The current year catastrophe losses of $146.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily related to Typhoon Jebi ($60.1
44


million), Cyclone Mekunu ($47.7 million), Typhoon Trami ($23.0 million), Japan Floods ($9.5 million) and Hurricane Florence ($6.0 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $371.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Maria ($236.2 million), Hurricane Irma ($77.5 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($31.1 million), the South Africa Knysna fires ($10.1 million), Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($8.3 million), the Peru storms ($7.1 million) and Hurricane Harvey ($1.4 million).

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased to $78.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $25.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Commission and brokerage increased to $241.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $72.4 million for the nine months ended September 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, the impact of increases in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business.

Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $10.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, and increased to $29.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $26.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  The increases were mainly due to the impact of the increases in premiums earned and higher variable compensation costs in 2018 compared to 2017.

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


  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(Dollars in millions) 2018  2017  Variance  % Change  2018  2017  Variance  % Change 
Gross written premiums $455.0  $429.6  $25.4   5.9% $1,491.4  $1,351.5  $139.9   10.4%
Net written premiums  333.8   144.9   188.9   130.3%  1,105.2   442.2   663.0   149.9%
                                 
Premiums earned $370.0  $152.2  $217.7   143.0% $1,084.9  $449.4  $635.4   141.4%
Incurred losses and LAE  259.8   242.1   17.7   7.3%  756.3   442.0   314.3   71.1%
Commission and brokerage  53.5   (22.3)  75.8  NM   159.2   (40.1)  199.3  NM 
Other underwriting expenses  52.6   37.4   15.2   40.6%  151.8   114.9   36.9   32.1%
Underwriting gain (loss) $4.1  $(105.0) $109.0   -103.9% $17.6  $(67.3) $84.9   -126.1%
                                 
              Point Chg              Point Chg 
Loss ratio  70.2%  159.0%      (88.8)  69.7%  98.3%      (28.6)
Commission and brokerage ratio  14.5%  -14.6%      29.1   14.7%  -8.9%      23.6 
Other underwriting ratio  14.2%  24.5%      (10.3)  14.0%  25.6%      (11.6)
Combined ratio  98.9%  168.9%      (70.0)  98.4%  115.0%      (16.6)
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)                                
(NM, not meaningful)                                


Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 5.9% to $455.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $429.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.  This increase was primarily driven by expansion of various insurance lines of business including casualty, property and energy.  Net written premiums increased by 130.3% to $333.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $144.9 million for the three months ended September 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 143.0% to $370.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $152.2 million for the three months ended September 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.

45period.


Gross written premiums increased by 10.4%8.5% to $1,491.4$1,405.9 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared to $1,351.5from $1,296.3 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 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 energy.a decline in treaty property business.  Net written premiums increased by 149.9%29.5% to $1,105.2$1,105.8 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared to $442.2$853.8 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 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 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 141.4%by 29.8% to $1,084.9$1,180.0 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared to $449.4$908.9 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 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 September 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 $250.0   67.5%  $(2.0)  -0.5%  $248.0   67.0%  
$
251.4
  
68.1
%
  
$
1.6
  
0.4
%
  
$
253.0
  
68.5
%
 
Catastrophes  14.5   3.9%   (2.7)  -0.7%   11.8   3.2%   
10.5
   
2.8
%
 
  
(2.7
)
  
-0.7
%
 
  
7.8
   
2.1
%
 
Total segment $264.5   71.4%  $(4.7)  -1.2%  $259.8   70.2%  
$
261.9
   
70.9
%
 
 
$
(1.1
)
  
-0.3
%
 
 
$
260.7
   
70.6
%
 
                                                                  
2017
                                   
Variance 2019/2018
                             
Attritional $133.6   87.7%  $(1.2)  -0.8%  $132.4   86.9%  
$
27.7
  
(1.2
)
pts
 
$
(20.3
)
 
(4.9
)
pts
 
$
7.4
  
(6.1
)
pts
Catastrophes  109.6   72.0%   0.1   0.1%   109.7   72.1%   
(10.5
)
  
(2.8
)
pts
  
4.2
   
1.1
 
pts
  
(6.3
)
  
(1.7
)
pts
Total segment $243.2   159.7%  $(1.1)  -0.7%  $242.1   159.0%  
$
17.2
   
(4.0
)
pts
 
$
(16.1
)
  
(3.8
)
pts
 
$
1.2
   
(7.8
)
pts
                                    
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Attritional $116.4   (20.2)pts $(0.8)  0.3 pts $115.6   (19.9)pts
Catastrophes  (95.1)  (68.1)pts  (2.8)  (0.8)pts  (97.9)  (68.9)pts
Total segment $21.3   (88.3)pts $(3.6)  (0.5)pts $17.7   (88.8)pts



 Nine Months Ended September 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 $736.7   67.9%  $-   0.0%  $736.7   67.9%  
$
486.7
  
68.0
%
  
$
2.0
  
0.3
%
  
$
488.7
  
68.3
%
 
Catastrophes  25.0   2.3%   (5.4)  -0.5%   19.6   1.8%   
10.5
   
1.5
%
 
  
(2.7
)
  
-0.4
%
 
  
7.8
   
1.1
%
 
Total segment $761.7   70.2%  $(5.4)  -0.5%  $756.3   69.7%  
$
497.2
   
69.5
%
 
 
$
(0.7
)
  
-0.1
%
 
 
$
496.4
   
69.4
%
 
                                                                  
2017
                                   
Attritional $321.2   71.4%  $6.5   1.4%  $327.7   72.8% 
Catastrophes  114.4   25.5%   (0.1)  0.0%   114.3   25.5% 
Total segment $435.6   96.9%  $6.4   1.4%  $442.0   98.3% 
                                    
Variance 2018/2017
                                   
Variance 2019/2018
                             
Attritional $415.5   (3.5)pts $(6.5)  (1.4)pts $409.0   (4.9)pts 
$
34.2
  
(2.1
)
pts
 
$
(20.7
)
 
(2.7
)
pts
 
$
13.5
  
(4.8
)
pts
Catastrophes  (89.4)  (23.2)pts  (5.3)  (0.5)pts  (94.7)  (23.7)pts  
(10.5
)
  
(1.5
)
pts
  
4.8
   
0.7
 
pts
  
(5.7
)
  
(0.8
)
pts
Total segment $326.1   (26.7)pts $(11.8)  (1.9)pts $314.3   (28.6)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 7.3%0.5% to $259.8$261.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $260.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, mainly due to an increase of $27.7 million in current year attritional losses mainly due to the increase in premiums earned, partially offset by  a net increase in favorable development of $20.3 million on prior year attritional losses.  There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended June 30, 2019.  The current year catastrophe losses of $10.5 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 compared to $242.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, mainly due to an increase of $116.4 million in current year attritional losses resulting from 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. The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $95.1 million in current year catastrophe losses.  The current year catastrophe losses of $14.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 primarily related to the Hurricane FlorenceU.S. winter storms ($13.0 million) and the 2018 California wildfires ($1.5 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $109.6
46


million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Harvey ($50.8 million), Hurricane Irma ($50.1 million) and Hurricane Maria ($8.710.5 million).

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 71.1%1.6% to $756.3$504.3 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared to $442.0$496.4 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, mainly due to an increase of $415.5$34.2 million in current year attritional losses resulting from the impact ofmainly due 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. The increase was partially offset by a decreasenet increase in favorable development of $89.4$20.7 million in prior year attritional losses.  There were no current year catastrophe losses.losses for the six months ended June 30, 2019.  The current year catastrophe losses of $25.0$10.5 million for the ninesix months ended September June 30, 2018 primarily related to Hurricane Florence ($13.0 million), the U.S. winter storms ($10.5 million) and the 2018 California wildfires ($1.5 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $114.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 primarily related to Hurricane Harvey ($50.8 million), Hurricane Irma ($50.1 million), Hurricane Maria ($8.7 million) and the 2017 US Midwest Storms ($4.8 million).

45

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased to $53.5$58.2 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 compared to ($22.3)$54.9 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018.  Commission and brokerage increased to $159.2$109.5 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 compared to ($40.1) million for the nine months ended September 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, the impact of increases in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business.

Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $52.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 compared to $37.4$105.7 million for the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182017. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $151.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $114.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increases were mainly due to the impact of the increasesincrease in premiums earned and changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements.

Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $58.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $48.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $112.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $99.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.  The increase was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and expenses related to the continued build out of the insurance business and higher variable compensation costs in 2018 compared to 2017.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 $9.6$11.3 billion investment portfolio, at SeptemberJune 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.
47


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 $142.7$905.9 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $5,235.8$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 $607.2$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 September 30, 2018  At June 30, 2019 
(Dollars in millions)  -200   -100   0   100   200   -200   -100   0   100   200 
Total Market/Fair Value $6,175.1  $6,008.0  $5,843.1  $5,679.4  $5,516.9  
$
7,813.7
  
$
7,576.0
  
$
7,340.9
  
$
7,101.2
  
$
6,862.5
 
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)  5.7%  2.8%  0.0%  -2.8%  -5.6% 
6.4
%
 
3.2
%
 
0.0
%
 
-3.3
%
 
-6.5
%
Change in Unrealized Appreciation                                   
After-tax from Base ($) $262.3  $130.3  $-  $(129.3) $(257.7) 
$
373.5
  
$
185.9
  
$
-
  
$
(189.4
)
 
$
(377.9
)


We had $9,519.5$10,148.4 million and $9,343.0$10,167.0 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of SeptemberJune 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 September 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 $680.4  $765.5  $850.5  $935.6  $1,020.6  
$
601.3
  
$
676.5
  
$
751.6
  
$
826.8
  
$
902.0
 
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value  (134.4)  (67.2)  -   67.2   134.4  
(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
48


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.


49


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.


50


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
5149

Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.

Signatures



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



     
  Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. 
  (Registrant) 
     
     
  /S/ CRAIG HOWIE 
  Craig Howie 
  Executive Vice President and 
   Chief Financial Officer 
     
  (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
     
     
     
Dated:  NovemberAugust 14, 20182019