group10k2013.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
 
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

Commission file number 1-15731
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Bermuda
 
98-0365432
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Wessex House – 2nd Floor
45 Reid Street
PO Box HM 845
Hamilton HM DX, Bermuda
441-295-0006
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive office) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
 
Title of Each Class
Common Shares, $.01 par value per share
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

YES
X
 
NO
 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

YES
   
NO
X

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

YES
X
 
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).

YES
X
 
NO
 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

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

YES
   
NO
X

The aggregate market value on June 30, 2013, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter, of the voting shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $6,231,902 thousand.

At February 1, 2014, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common shares was 47,374,165.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference into Part III hereof from the registrant’s proxy statement for the 2013 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
 
 
 

 
 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORM 10-K



 
Page
 
PART I
     
Item 1.
Business
1
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
27
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
40
Item 2.
Properties
40
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
40
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
40
     
     
PART II
     
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
40
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
43
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
44
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
81
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
81
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
81
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
81
Item 9B.
Other Information
82
     
     
PART III
     
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
82
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
82
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
82
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
82
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
83
     
     
PART IV
     
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
83

 
 

 
 
PART I

Unless otherwise indicated, all financial data in this document have been prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  As used in this document, “Group” means Everest Re Group, Ltd.; “Holdings Ireland” means Everest Underwriting Group (Ireland) Limited; “Ireland Re” means Everest Reinsurance Company (Ireland), Limited; “Holdings” means Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.; “Everest Re” means Everest Reinsurance Company and its subsidiaries (unless the context otherwise requires); and the “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our” means Everest Re Group, Ltd. and its subsidiaries.

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

The Company.
Group, a Bermuda company, was established in 1999 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings.  On February 24, 2000, a corporate restructuring was completed and Group became the new parent holding company of Holdings.  Holdings continues to be the holding company for the Company’s U.S. based operations.  Holders of shares of common stock of Holdings automatically became holders of the same number of common shares of Group.  Prior to the restructuring, Group had no significant assets or capitalization and had not engaged in any business or prior activities other than in connection with the restructuring.

In connection with the February 24, 2000 restructuring, Group established a Bermuda-based reinsurance subsidiary, Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd. (“Bermuda Re”), which commenced business in the second half of 2000.  Group also formed Everest Global Services, Inc., a Delaware subsidiary, to perform administrative functions for Group and its U.S. based and non-U.S. based subsidiaries.

On December 30, 2008, Group contributed Holdings to its Irish holding company, Holdings Ireland.  Holdings Ireland is a direct subsidiary of Group and was established to serve as a holding company for the U.S. and Irish reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries.

Holdings, a Delaware corporation, was established in 1993 to serve as the parent holding company of Everest Re, a Delaware property and casualty reinsurer formed in 1973.  Until October 6, 1995, Holdings was an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“The Prudential”).  On October 6, 1995, The Prudential sold its entire interest in Holdings in an initial public offering.

Effective February 27, 2013, the Company established a new subsidiary, Mt. Logan Re Ltd. (“Mt. Logan Re”) and effective July 1, 2013, Mt. Logan Re established separate segregated accounts and issued non-voting redeemable preferred shares to capitalize the segregated accounts.  Accordingly, the financial position and operating results for Mt. Logan Re are consolidated with the Company and the non-controlling interests in Mt. Logan Re’s operating results and equity are presented as separate captions in the Company’s financial statements.

The Company’s principal business, conducted through its operating segments, is the underwriting of reinsurance and insurance in the U.S., Bermuda and international markets.  The Company had gross written premiums, in 2013, of $5.2 billion with approximately 76% representing reinsurance and 24% representing insurance.  Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2013 was $7.0 billion.  The Company underwrites reinsurance both through brokers and directly with ceding companies, giving it the flexibility to pursue business based on the ceding company’s preferred reinsurance purchasing method.  The Company underwrites insurance principally through general agent relationships, brokers and surplus lines brokers.  Group’s active operating subsidiaries, excluding Mt. Logan Re and Mt. McKinley Insurance Company (“Mt. McKinley”), which is in run-off, are each rated A+ (“Superior”) by A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), a leading provider of insurer ratings that assigns financial strength ratings to insurance companies based on their ability to meet their obligations to policyholders.

 
1

 

Following is a summary of the Company’s principal operating subsidiaries:

·  
Bermuda Re, a Bermuda insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Group, is registered in Bermuda as a Class 4 insurer and long-term insurer and is authorized to write property and casualty and life and annuity business.  Bermuda Re commenced business in the second half of 2000.  Bermuda Re’s UK branch writes property and casualty reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets.  At December 31, 2013, Bermuda Re had shareholder’s equity of $3.0 billion.

·  
Everest International Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Everest International”), a Bermuda insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Group, is registered in Bermuda as a Class 4 insurer and is authorized to write property and casualty business.  Through 2013, all of Everest International’s business has been inter-affiliate quota share reinsurance assumed from Everest Re, the UK branch of Bermuda Re and Ireland Re.  At December 31, 2013, Everest International had shareholder’s equity of $369.2 million.

·  
Mt. Logan Re, a Bermuda insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Group, is registered in Bermuda as a Class 3 insurer and is authorized to write property and casualty reinsurance.  Through 2013, all of Mt. Logan Re’s business has been inter-affiliate reinsurance assumed from Everest Re, the UK branch of Bermuda Re and Ireland Re, and all business has been written through segregated cells.  At December 31, 2013, Mt. Logan Re had shareholders’ equity of $129.0 million.

·  
Ireland Re, an Ireland reinsurance company and an indirect subsidiary of Group, is licensed to write non-life reinsurance, both directly and through brokers, for the London and European markets.

·  
Everest Re, a Delaware insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Holdings, is a licensed property and casualty insurer and/or reinsurer in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and is authorized to conduct reinsurance business in Canada, Singapore and Brazil.  Everest Re underwrites property and casualty reinsurance for insurance and reinsurance companies in the U.S. and international markets.  At December 31, 2013, Everest Re had statutory surplus of $2.8 billion.

·  
Everest Insurance Company of Canada (“Everest Canada”), a Canadian insurance company and direct subsidiary of Holdings Ireland, is licensed to write property and casualty insurance in all Canadian provinces.

·  
Everest National Insurance Company (“Everest National”), a Delaware insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Everest Re, is licensed in 50 states and the District of Columbia and is authorized to write property and casualty insurance on an admitted basis in the jurisdictions in which it is licensed.  The majority of Everest National’s business is reinsured by its parent, Everest Re.

·  
Everest Indemnity Insurance Company (“Everest Indemnity”), a Delaware insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Everest Re, writes excess and surplus lines insurance business in the U.S. on a non-admitted basis.  Excess and surplus lines insurance is specialty property and liability coverage that an insurer not licensed to write insurance in a particular jurisdiction is permitted to provide to insureds when the specific specialty coverage is unavailable from admitted insurers.  Everest Indemnity is licensed in Delaware and is eligible to write business on a non-admitted basis in all other states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.  The majority of Everest Indemnity’s business is reinsured by its parent, Everest Re.

·  
Everest Security Insurance Company (“Everest Security”), a Georgia insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Everest Re, writes property and casualty insurance on an admitted basis in Georgia and Alabama.  The majority of Everest Security’s business is reinsured by its parent, Everest Re.

Mt. McKinley, a Delaware insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Holdings, was acquired by Holdings in September 2000 from The Prudential.  In 1985, Mt. McKinley ceased writing new and renewal insurance and commenced a run-off operation to service claims arising from its previously written business.  Effective September 19, 2000, Mt. McKinley and Bermuda Re entered into a loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement, whereby Mt. McKinley transferred, for arm’s-length consideration, all of its net insurance exposures and reserves to Bermuda Re.

 
2

 
 
·  
Heartland Crop Insurance, Inc. (“Heartland”), a Kansas based managing general agent and a direct subsidiary of Holdings, was acquired on January 2, 2011.  Heartland specializes in crop insurance, which is written mainly through Everest National.

Reinsurance Industry Overview.
Reinsurance is an arrangement in which an insurance company, the reinsurer, agrees to indemnify another insurance or reinsurance company, the ceding company, against all or a portion of the insurance risks underwritten by the ceding company under one or more insurance contracts.  Reinsurance can provide a ceding company with several benefits, including a reduction in its net liability on individual risks or classes of risks, catastrophe protection from large and/or multiple losses and/or a reduction in operating leverage as measured by the ratio of net premiums and reserves to capital.  Reinsurance also provides a ceding company with additional underwriting capacity by permitting it to accept larger risks and write more business than would be acceptable relative to the ceding company’s financial resources.  Reinsurance does not discharge the ceding company from its liability to policyholders; rather, it reimburses the ceding company for covered losses.

There are two basic types of reinsurance arrangements:  treaty and facultative.  Treaty reinsurance obligates the ceding company to cede and the reinsurer to assume a specified portion of a type or category of risks insured by the ceding company.  Treaty reinsurers do not separately evaluate each of the individual risks assumed under their treaties, instead, the reinsurer relies upon the pricing and underwriting decisions made by the ceding company.  In facultative reinsurance, the ceding company cedes and the reinsurer assumes all or part of the risk under a single insurance contract. Facultative reinsurance is negotiated separately for each insurance contract that is reinsured.  Facultative reinsurance, when purchased by ceding companies, usually is intended to cover individual risks not covered by their reinsurance treaties because of the dollar limits involved or because the risk is unusual.

Both treaty and facultative reinsurance can be written on either a pro rata basis or an excess of loss basis.  Under pro rata reinsurance, the ceding company and the reinsurer share the premiums as well as the losses and expenses in an agreed proportion.  Under excess of loss reinsurance, the reinsurer indemnifies the ceding company against all or a specified portion of losses and expenses in excess of a specified dollar amount, known as the ceding company's retention or reinsurer's attachment point, generally subject to a negotiated reinsurance contract limit.

In pro rata reinsurance, the reinsurer generally pays the ceding company a ceding commission.  The ceding commission generally is based on the ceding company’s cost of acquiring the business being reinsured (commissions, premium taxes, assessments and miscellaneous administrative expense and may contain profit sharing provisions, whereby the ceding commission is adjusted based on loss experience).  Premiums paid by the ceding company to a reinsurer for excess of loss reinsurance are not directly proportional to the premiums that the ceding company receives because the reinsurer does not assume a proportionate risk.  There is usually no ceding commission on excess of loss reinsurance.

Reinsurers may purchase reinsurance to cover their own risk exposure. Reinsurance of a reinsurer's business is called a retrocession.  Reinsurance companies cede risks under retrocessional agreements to other reinsurers, known as retrocessionaires, for reasons similar to those that cause insurers to purchase reinsurance: to reduce net liability on individual or classes of risks, protect against catastrophic losses, stabilize financial ratios and obtain additional underwriting capacity.

Reinsurance can be written through intermediaries, generally professional reinsurance brokers, or directly with ceding companies.  From a ceding company's perspective, the broker and the direct distribution channels have advantages and disadvantages.  A ceding company's decision to select one distribution channel over the other will be influenced by its perception of such advantages and disadvantages relative to the reinsurance coverage being placed.

 
3

 
 
Business Strategy.
The Company’s business strategy is to sustain its leadership position within targeted reinsurance and insurance markets, provide effective management throughout the property and casualty underwriting cycle and thereby achieve an attractive return for its shareholders.  The Company’s underwriting strategies seek to capitalize on its i) financial strength and capacity, ii) global franchise, iii) stable and experienced management team, iv) diversified product and distribution offerings, v) underwriting expertise and disciplined approach, vi) efficient and low-cost operating structure and vii) effective enterprise risk management practices.

The Company offers treaty and facultative reinsurance and admitted and non-admitted insurance. The Company’s products include the full range of property and casualty reinsurance and insurance coverages, including marine, aviation, surety, errors and omissions liability (“E&O”), directors’ and officers’ liability (“D&O”), medical malpractice, other specialty lines, accident and health (“A&H”) and workers’ compensation.

The Company’s underwriting strategies emphasizes underwriting profitability over premium volume.  Key elements of this strategy include careful risk selection, appropriate pricing through strict underwriting discipline and adjustment of the Company’s business mix in response to changing market conditions.  The Company focuses on reinsuring companies that effectively manage the underwriting cycle through proper analysis and pricing of underlying risks and whose underwriting guidelines and performance are compatible with its objectives.

The Company’s underwriting strategies emphasizes flexibility and responsiveness to changing market conditions, such as increased demand or favorable pricing trends.  The Company believes that its existing strengths, including its broad underwriting expertise, global presence, strong financial ratings and substantial capital, facilitate adjustments to its mix of business geographically, by line of business and by type of coverage, allowing it to participate in those market opportunities that provide the greatest potential for underwriting profitability.  The Company’s insurance operations complement these strategies by accessing business that is not available on a reinsurance basis.  The Company carefully monitors its mix of business across all operations to avoid unacceptable geographic or other risk concentrations.

Marketing.
The Company writes business on a worldwide basis for many different customers and lines of business, thereby obtaining a broad spread of risk.  The Company is not substantially dependent on any single customer, small group of customers, line of business or geographic area.  For the 2013 calendar year, no single customer (ceding company or insured) generated more than 4.9% of the Company’s gross written premiums.  The Company believes that a reduction of business from any one customer would not have a material adverse effect on its future financial condition or results of operations.

Approximately 65%, 24% and 11% of the Company’s 2013 gross written premiums were written in the broker reinsurance, insurance markets and direct reinsurance, respectively.

The broker reinsurance market consists of several substantial national and international brokers and a number of smaller specialized brokers.  Brokers do not have the authority to bind the Company with respect to reinsurance agreements, nor does the Company commit in advance to accept any portion of a broker’s submitted business.  Reinsurance business from any ceding company, whether new or renewal, is subject to acceptance by the Company.  Brokerage fees are generally paid by reinsurers.  The Company’s ten largest brokers accounted for an aggregate of approximately 59% of gross written premiums in 2013.  The largest broker, Marsh and McLennan, accounts for approximately 21% of gross written premiums.  The second largest broker, Aon Benfield Re, accounted for approximately 19% of gross written premiums.  The Company believes that a reduction of business assumed from any one broker would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The direct reinsurance market remains an important distribution channel for reinsurance business written by the Company.  Direct placement of reinsurance enables the Company to access clients who prefer to place their reinsurance directly with reinsurers based upon the reinsurer’s in-depth understanding of the ceding company’s needs.

 
4

 
 
The Company’s insurance business writes direct business targeting commercial, property and casualty.  It also writes business through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers.  In 2013, Arrowhead General Insurance Agency accounted for approximately 5% of the Company’s gross written premium.  No other single general agent generated more than 3% of the Company’s gross written premiums.

The Company continually evaluates each business relationship, including the underwriting expertise and experience brought to bear through the involved distribution channel, performs analyses to evaluate financial security, monitors performance and adjusts underwriting decisions accordingly.

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 foreign property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’s branches in Canada and Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey. The Bermuda operation provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets through brokers and directly with ceding companies from its Bermuda office and reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets through its UK branch and Ireland Re.  The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance, including medical stop loss insurance, directly and through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers within the U.S. and Canada.  The Mt. Logan Re segment represents business written for the segregated accounts of Mt. Logan Re, which were formed on July 1, 2013.  The Mt. Logan Re business represents a diversified set of catastrophe exposures, diversified by risk/peril and across different geographical regions globally.

These segments, with the exception of Mt. Logan Re, 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.  The Mt. Logan Re segment is managed independently and seeks to write a diverse portfolio of catastrophe risks for each segregated account to achieve desired risk and return criteria.

Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses (“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.

Mt. Logan Re’s business is sourced through operating subsidiaries of the Company; however, the activity is only reflected in the Mt. Logan Re segment.  For other inter-affiliate reinsurance, business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced, consistent with how the business is managed.

Except for Mt. Logan Re, 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.

Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses.  Underwriting results are measured using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which, respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned.  The Company utilizes inter-affiliate reinsurance, although such reinsurance does not materially impact segment results, as business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced.  For selected financial information regarding these segments, see ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” -  Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and ITEM 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - Segment Results”.

 
5

 
 
Underwriting Operations.
The following five year table presents the distribution of the Company’s gross written premiums by its segments:  U.S. Reinsurance, International, Bermuda and Insurance.  The premiums for each segment are further split between property and casualty business and, for reinsurance business, between pro rata or excess of loss business:
 
   
Gross Written Premiums by Segment
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
U.S. Reinsurance
                                                           
Property
                                                           
Pro Rata (1)
  $ 631.2       12.1 %   $ 313.2       7.3 %   $ 594.9       13.9 %   $ 698.2       16.6 %   $ 648.2       15.7 %
Excess
    631.7       12.1 %     534.8       12.4 %     380.6       8.9 %     315.9       7.5 %     330.5       8.0 %
Casualty
                                                                               
Pro Rata (1)
    342.5       6.6 %     273.6       6.3 %     215.5       5.0 %     200.0       4.8 %     194.3       4.7 %
Excess
    204.4       3.9 %     189.1       4.4 %     155.8       3.6 %     181.3       4.3 %     234.0       5.7 %
Total (2)
    1,809.7       34.7 %     1,310.7       30.4 %     1,346.8       31.4 %     1,395.4       33.2 %     1,407.1       34.1 %
                                                                                 
International
                                                                               
Property
                                                                               
Pro Rata (1)
    673.4       12.9 %     630.9       14.6 %     713.0       16.6 %     701.6       16.7 %     670.2       16.2 %
Excess
    426.5       8.2 %     365.9       8.5 %     315.7       7.4 %     291.6       6.9 %     241.9       5.9 %
Casualty
                                                                               
Pro Rata (1)
    134.4       2.6 %     102.6       2.4 %     122.2       2.9 %     120.3       2.9 %     94.0       2.3 %
Excess
    111.5       2.1 %     92.9       2.2 %     87.6       2.0 %     93.4       2.2 %     78.4       1.9 %
Total (2)
    1,345.8       25.8 %     1,192.3       27.7 %     1,238.4       28.9 %     1,207.0       28.7 %     1,084.5       26.3 %
                                                                                 
Bermuda
                                                                               
Property
                                                                               
Pro Rata (1)
    244.6       4.7 %     208.3       4.8 %     213.2       5.0 %     226.1       5.4 %     291.1       7.1 %
Excess
    161.5       3.1 %     145.1       3.4 %     162.6       3.8 %     173.5       4.1 %     180.4       4.4 %
Casualty
                                                                               
Pro Rata (1)
    213.9       4.1 %     228.9       5.3 %     204.9       4.8 %     205.0       4.9 %     185.6       4.5 %
Excess
    154.2       3.0 %     152.1       3.5 %     144.5       3.4 %     128.4       3.1 %     137.8       3.3 %
Total (2)
    774.3       14.9 %     734.4       17.1 %     725.3       17.0 %     733.0       17.5 %     794.8       19.3 %
                                                                                 
Total Reinsurance
                                                                               
Property
                                                                               
Pro Rata (1)
    1,549.2       29.7 %     1,152.4       26.7 %     1,521.1       35.5 %     1,625.9       38.7 %     1,609.5       39.0 %
Excess
    1,219.7       23.4 %     1,045.8       24.3 %     858.9       20.0 %     781.0       18.6 %     752.8       18.2 %
Casualty
                                                                               
Pro Rata (1)
    690.7       13.2 %     605.1       14.0 %     542.6       12.7 %     525.3       12.5 %     473.9       11.5 %
Excess
    470.1       9.0 %     434.1       10.1 %     387.9       9.0 %     403.1       9.6 %     450.2       10.9 %
Total (2)
    3,929.7       75.3 %     3,237.4       75.1 %     3,310.6       77.2 %     3,335.3       79.4 %     3,286.4       79.6 %
                                                                                 
Insurance
                                                                               
Property
                                                                               
Pro Rata (1)
    545.6       10.5 %     459.2       10.7 %     341.9       8.0 %     130.1       3.1 %     112.6       2.7 %
Excess
    -       0.0 %     -       0.0 %     -       0.0 %     -       0.0 %     -       0.0 %
Casualty
                                                                               
Pro Rata (1)
    723.2       13.9 %     613.9       14.2 %     633.8       14.8 %     735.4       17.5 %     729.9       17.7 %
Excess
    -       0.0 %     -       0.0 %     -       0.0 %     -       0.0 %     -       0.0 %
Total (2)
    1,268.7       24.3 %     1,073.1       24.9 %     975.6       22.8 %     865.4       20.6 %     842.6       20.4 %
                                                                                 
Mt. Logan Re
                                                                               
Property
                                                                               
Pro Rata (1)
    -       0.0 %     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Excess
    20.2       0.4 %     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Casualty
                                                                               
Pro Rata (1)
    -       0.0 %     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Excess
    -       0.0 %     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total (2)
    20.2       0.4 %     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                                                 
Total Company
                                                                               
Property
                                                                               
Pro Rata (1)
    2,094.8       40.1 %     1,611.6       37.4 %     1,863.0       43.5 %     1,756.0       41.8 %     1,722.2       41.7 %
Excess
    1,239.9       23.8 %     1,045.8       24.3 %     858.9       20.0 %     781.0       18.6 %     752.7       18.2 %
Casualty
                                                                               
Pro Rata (1)
    1,413.9       27.1 %     1,219.1       28.3 %     1,176.3       27.4 %     1,260.6       30.0 %     1,203.9       29.2 %
Excess
    470.1       9.0 %     434.1       10.1 %     387.9       9.1 %     403.1       9.6 %     450.2       10.9 %
Total (2)
  $ 5,218.6       100.0 %   $ 4,310.5       100.0 %   $ 4,286.2       100.0 %   $ 4,200.7       100.0 %   $ 4,129.0       100.0 %
__________________
                                                                               
(1) For purposes of the presentation above, pro rata includes all insurance and reinsurance attaching to the first dollar of loss incurred by the ceding company.
                 
(2) Certain totals and subtotals may not reconcile due to rounding.
                                                         

 
6

 
 
U.S. Reinsurance Segment.  The Company’s U.S. Reinsurance segment 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 within the U.S.  The marine and aviation business is written primarily through brokers and contains a significant international component. Surety business consists mainly of reinsurance of contract surety bonds.  The Company targets certain brokers and, through the broker market, specialty companies and small to medium sized standard lines companies.  The Company also targets companies that place their business predominantly in the direct market, including small to medium sized regional ceding companies, and seeks to develop long-term relationships with those companies.  In addition, the U.S. Reinsurance segment writes portions of reinsurance programs for large, national insurance companies.

In 2013, $1,047.1 million of gross written premiums were attributable to U.S. treaty property business, of which 51.0% was written on an excess of loss basis and 49.0% was written on a pro rata basis.  The Company’s property underwriters utilize sophisticated underwriting methods to analyze and price property business. The Company manages its exposures to catastrophe and other large losses by limiting exposures on individual contracts and limiting aggregate exposures to catastrophes in any particular zone and across contiguous zones.

U.S. treaty casualty business accounted for $460.3 million of gross written premiums in 2013, of which 66.6% was written on a pro rata basis and 33.4% was written on an excess of loss basis.  The treaty casualty business consists of professional liability, D&O liability, workers’ compensation, excess and surplus lines and other liability coverages.  As a result of the complex technical nature of most of these risks, the Company’s casualty underwriters tend to specialize by line of business and work closely with the Company’s pricing actuaries.

The Company’s facultative unit conducts business both through brokers and directly with ceding companies, and consists of three underwriting units representing property, casualty, and national brokerage lines of business.  Business is written from a facultative headquarters office in New York and satellite offices in Chicago and Oakland.  In 2013, $41.2 million, $47.8 million and $15.2 million of gross written premiums were attributable to the property, casualty and national brokerage lines of business, respectively.

The marine and aviation unit’s 2013 gross written premiums totaled $117.1 million, substantially all of which was written on a treaty basis and sourced through reinsurance brokers.  Of the marine and aviation gross written premiums in 2013, marine treaties represented 66.9% and consisted mainly of hull and cargo coverage.  In 2013, the marine unit’s premiums were written 48.1% on an excess of loss basis and 51.9% on a pro rata basis.  Of the marine and aviation gross written premiums in 2013, aviation premiums accounted for 33.1% and included reinsurance of airline and general aviation risks.  In 2013, the aviation unit's premiums were written 92.7% on a pro rata basis and 7.3% on an excess of loss basis.

In 2013, gross written premiums of the surety unit totaled $46.9 million, 93.2% of which was written on a pro rata basis.  Most of the portfolio is reinsurance of contract surety bonds written directly with ceding companies, with the remainder being trade credit reinsurance, mostly in international markets.

In 2013, gross written premium of the A&H reinsurance unit totaled $34.1 million, primarily written through brokers.

In 2013, 94.5% and 5.5% of the U.S. Reinsurance segment’s gross written premiums were written in the broker reinsurance and direct reinsurance markets, respectively.

International Segment.  The Company’s International segment focuses on opportunities in the international reinsurance markets.  The Company targets several international markets, including: Canada, with a branch in Toronto; Asia, with a branch in Singapore; and Latin America, Brazil, Africa and the Middle East, which business is serviced from Everest Re’s Miami and New Jersey offices.  The Company also writes from New Jersey “home-foreign” business, which provides reinsurance on the international portfolios of U.S. insurers.  Of the Company’s 2013 international gross written premiums, 81.7% represented property business, while 18.3% represented casualty business.  As with its U.S. operations, the Company’s International segment focuses on financially sound companies that have strong management and underwriting discipline and
 
 
7

 
 
expertise.  Of the Company’s international business, 70.1% was written through brokers, with 29.9% written directly with ceding companies.

Gross written premiums of the Company’s Canadian branch totaled $169.1 million in 2013 and consisted of 33.6% of excess casualty business, 40.5% of excess property business, 18.2% of pro rata casualty business and 7.7% of pro rata property business.  Of the Canadian gross written premiums, 86.1% consisted of treaty reinsurance, while 13.9% was facultative reinsurance.

The Company’s Singapore branch covers the Asian markets and accounted for $278.1 million of gross written premiums in 2013 and consisted of 47.8% of pro rata property business, 49.0% of excess property business, 2.4% of pro rata casualty business and 0.8% of excess casualty business.

International business written out of Everest Re’s Miami and New Jersey offices accounted for $898.5 million of gross written premiums in 2013 and consisted of 58.7% of pro rata treaty property business, 21.7% of excess treaty property business, 10.8% of pro rata treaty casualty business, 3.6% of excess treaty casualty business and 5.2% of facultative property and casualty business.  Of this international business, 73.3% was sourced from Latin America, 11.6% was sourced from the Middle East, 7.0% was sourced from Africa and 8.1% was home-foreign business.

Bermuda Segment.  The Company’s Bermuda segment writes property and casualty reinsurance through Bermuda Re and property and casualty reinsurance through its UK branch as well as through Ireland Re.  In 2013, Bermuda Re had gross written premiums of $425.1 million, virtually all of which was treaty reinsurance.

In 2013, the UK branch of Bermuda Re wrote $232.1 million of gross treaty reinsurance premium consisting of 47.7% of excess casualty business, 20.2% of pro rata property business, 22.0% of excess property business and 10.1% of pro rata casualty business.

In 2013, Ireland Re wrote $117.1 million of gross treaty reinsurance premium consisting of 45.1% of pro rata property business, 36.6% of excess property business, 9.2% of excess casualty business and 9.1% of pro rata casualty business.

Insurance Segment. The Insurance segment writes property and casualty insurance, including medical stop loss insurance, directly and through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers within the U.S. and Canada.  In 2013, the Company’s Insurance segment wrote $1,268.7 million of gross written premiums, of which 57.0% was casualty and 43.0% was property, principally targeting commercial property and casualty business.  Business written through general agents with program administrators represented 40.9% of the premium with the remainder written directly through the Company’s offices. Workers’ compensation business accounted for $369.6 million, or 29.1% of the total business written, including $299.3 million, or 81.0%, of workers’ compensation business written in California.  In addition, crop insurance business written was $324.7 million; professional liability business written was $204.5 million; A&H insurance business written was $83.6 million; other short-tail/package business written was $119.6 million; other liability business written was $98.7 million; and non-standard auto insurance business written through retail agents was $68.0 million.  With respect to insurance written through general agents and surplus lines brokers, the Company supplements the initial underwriting process with periodic claims, underwriting and operational reviews and ongoing monitoring.

Mt. Logan Re Segment.  The Mt. Logan Re segment represents business written for the segregated accounts of Mt. Logan Re, which were formed on July 1, 2013.  The Mt. Logan Re business represents a diversified set of catastrophe exposures, diversified by risk/peril and across different geographical regions globally.  Mt. Logan Re’s business is sourced through operating subsidiaries of the Company; however, the activity is only reflected in the Mt. Logan Re segment.  For other inter-affiliate reinsurance, business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced, consistent with how the business is managed. Gross written premium for 2013 was $20.2 million.

 
8

 

Geographic Areas.  The Company conducts its business in Bermuda, the U.S. and a number of foreign countries.  For select financial information about geographic areas, see ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” -  Note 20 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  Risks attendant to the foreign operations of the Company parallel those attendant to the U.S. operations of the Company, with the primary exception of foreign exchange risks.  For more information about the risks, see ITEM 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Safe Harbor Disclosure”.

Underwriting.
One of the Company’s strategies is to "lead" as many of the reinsurance treaties it underwrites as possible.  The Company leads on approximately two-thirds of its treaty reinsurance business as measured by premium.  The lead reinsurer on a treaty generally accepts one of the largest percentage shares of the treaty and is in the strongest position to negotiate price, terms and conditions.  Management believes this strategy enables it to obtain more favorable terms and conditions on the treaties on which it participates.  When the Company does not lead the treaty, it may still suggest changes to any aspect of the treaty.  The Company may decline to participate on a treaty based upon its assessment of all relevant factors.

The Company’s treaty underwriting process involves a team approach among the Company’s underwriters, actuaries and claim staff.  Treaties are reviewed for compliance with the Company’s general underwriting standards and most larger treaties are subjected to detailed actuarial analysis.  The actuarial models used in such analyses are tailored in each case to the subject exposures and loss experience.  The Company does not separately evaluate each of the individual risks assumed under its treaties.  The Company does, however, evaluate the underwriting guidelines of its ceding companies to determine their adequacy prior to entering into a treaty.  The Company may also conduct underwriting, operational and claim audits at the offices of ceding companies to monitor adherence to underwriting guidelines.  Underwriting audits focus on the quality of the underwriting staff, pricing and risk selection and rate monitoring over time.  Claim audits may be performed in order to evaluate the client’s claims handling abilities and practices.

The Company’s facultative underwriters operate within guidelines specifying acceptable types of risks, limits and maximum risk exposures.  Specified classes of large premium U.S. risks are referred to Everest Re’s New York facultative headquarters for specific review before premium quotations are given to clients.  In addition, the Company’s guidelines require certain types of risks to be submitted for review because of their aggregate limits, complexity or volatility, regardless of premium amount on the underlying contract.  Non-U.S. risks exhibiting similar characteristics are reviewed by senior managers within the involved operations.

The Company’s insurance operations principally write casualty coverages for homogeneous risks through select program managers.  These programs are evaluated based upon actuarial analysis and the program manager’s capabilities.  The Company’s rates, forms and underwriting guidelines are tailored to specific risk types.  The Company’s underwriting, actuarial, claim and financial functions work closely with its program managers to establish appropriate underwriting and processing guidelines as well as appropriate performance monitoring mechanisms.

Risk Management of Underwriting and Retrocession Arrangements

Underwriting Risk and Accumulation Controls. Each segment and business unit manages its underwriting risk in accordance with established guidelines. These guidelines place dollar limits on the amount of business that can be written based on a variety of factors, including ceding company profile, line of business, geographic location and risk hazards. In each case, the guidelines permit limited exceptions, which must be authorized by the Company’s senior management. Management regularly reviews and revises these guidelines in response to changes in business unit market conditions, risk versus reward analyses and the Company’s enterprise and underwriting risk management processes.

 
9

 

The operating results and financial condition of the Company can be adversely affected by catastrophe and other large losses. The Company manages its exposure to catastrophes and other large losses by:

·  
selective underwriting practices;

·  
diversifying its risk portfolio by geographic area and by types and classes of business;

·  
limiting its aggregate catastrophe loss exposure in any particular geographic zone and contiguous zones;

·  
purchasing reinsurance and/or retrocessional protection to the extent that such coverage can be secured cost-effectively. See “Reinsurance and Retrocession Arrangements”.

Like other insurance and reinsurance companies, the Company is exposed to multiple insured losses arising out of a single occurrence, whether a natural event, such as a hurricane or an earthquake, or other catastrophe, such as an explosion at a major factory.  A large catastrophic event can be expected to generate insured losses to multiple reinsurance treaties, facultative certificates and across lines of business.

The Company focuses on potential losses that could result from any single event or series of events as part of its evaluation and monitoring of its aggregate exposures to catastrophic events. Accordingly, the Company employs various techniques to estimate the amount of loss it could sustain from any single catastrophic event or series of events in various geographic areas. These techniques range from deterministic approaches, such as tracking aggregate limits exposed in catastrophe-prone zones and applying reasonable damage factors, to modeled approaches that attempt to scientifically measure catastrophe loss exposure using sophisticated Monte Carlo simulation techniques that forecast frequency and severity of expected losses on a probabilistic basis.

No single computer model or group of models is currently capable of projecting the amount and probability of loss in all global geographic regions in which the Company conducts business. In addition, the form, quality and granularity of underwriting exposure data furnished by ceding companies is not uniformly compatible with the data requirements for the Company’s licensed models, which adds to the inherent imprecision in the potential loss projections. Further, the results from multiple models and analytical methods must be combined and interpolated to estimate potential losses by and across business units.  Also, while most models have been updated to incorporate claims information from recent catastrophic events, catastrophe model projections are still inherently imprecise.  In addition, uncertainties with respect to future climatic patterns and cycles add to the already significant uncertainty of loss projections from models using historic long term frequency and severity data.

Nevertheless, when combined with traditional risk management techniques and sound underwriting judgment, catastrophe models are a useful tool for underwriters to price catastrophe exposed risks and for providing management with quantitative analyses with which to monitor and manage catastrophic risk exposures by zone and across zones for individual and multiple events.

Projected catastrophe losses are generally summarized in terms of the probable maximum loss (“PML”).  The Company defines PML as its anticipated loss, taking into account contract terms and limits, caused by a single catastrophe affecting a broad contiguous geographic area, such as that caused by a hurricane or earthquake.  The PML will vary depending upon the modeled simulated losses and the make-up of the in force book of business.  The projected severity levels are described in terms of “return periods”, such as “100-year events” and “250-year events”.  For example, a 100-year PML is the estimated loss to the current in-force portfolio from a single event which has a 1% probability of being exceeded in a twelve month period.  In other words, it corresponds to a 99% probability that the loss from a single event will fall below the indicated PML.  It is important to note that PMLs are estimates.  Modeled events are hypothetical events produced by a stochastic model.  As a result, there can be no assurance that any actual event will align with the modeled event or that actual losses from events similar to the modeled events will not vary materially from the modeled event PML.

 
10

 

From an enterprise risk management perspective, management sets limits on the levels of catastrophe loss exposure the Company may underwrite.  The limits are revised periodically based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the Company’s financial resources and expected earnings and risk/reward analyses of the business being underwritten.

The Company may purchase reinsurance to cover specific business written or the potential accumulation or aggregation of exposures across some or all of its operations.  Reinsurance purchasing decisions consider both the potential coverage and market conditions including the pricing, terms, conditions and availability of coverage, with the aim of securing cost effective protection.  The amount of reinsurance purchased has varied over time, reflecting the Company’s view of its exposures and the cost of reinsurance.

Management estimates that the projected net economic loss from its largest 100-year event in a given zone represents approximately 11% of its projected 2014 shareholders’ equity.  Economic loss is the PML exposure, net of third party reinsurance and the noncontrolling interests of Mt. Logan Re, reduced by estimated reinstatement premiums to renew coverage and estimated income taxes.  The impact of income taxes on the PML depends on the distribution of the losses by corporate entity, which is also affected by inter-affiliate reinsurance.  Management also monitors and controls its largest PMLs at multiple points along the loss distribution curve, such as loss amounts at the 20, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 year return periods.  This process enables management to identify and control exposure accumulations and to integrate such exposures into enterprise risk, underwriting and capital management decisions.

The Company’s catastrophe loss projections, segmented by risk zones, are updated quarterly and reviewed as part of a formal risk management review process. The table below reflects the Company’s PML exposure, net of third party reinsurance and the noncontrolling interests of Mt. Logan Re, at various return times for its top three zones/perils (as ranked by the largest 1 in 100 year events) based on loss projection data as of January 1, 2014:
 
Return Periods (in years)
 
1 in 20
 
1 in 50
 
1 in 100
 
1 in 250
 
1 in 500
 
1 in 1,000
Exceeding Probability
   5.0%    2.0%    1.0%    0.4%    0.2%    0.1%
(Dollars in millions)
                                               
Zone/ Peril
                                               
Southeast U.S., Wind
  $ 600     $ 950     $ 1,231     $ 1,606     $ 1,867     $ 2,052  
California, Earthquake
    125       464       854       1,377       1,731       1,976  
Europe, Wind
    177       452       661       883       1,030       1,115  
 
The projected net economic losses for the top three zones/perils scheduled above are as follows:
 
Return Periods (in years)
 
1 in 20
 
1 in 50
 
1 in 100
 
1 in 250
 
1 in 500
 
1 in 1,000
Exceeding Probability
   5.0%    2.0%    1.0%    0.4%    0.2%    0.1%
(Dollars in millions)
                                               
Zone/ Peril
                                               
Southeast U.S., Wind
  $ 397     $ 610     $ 796     $ 1,029     $ 1,200     $ 1,324  
California, Earthquake
    103       330       589       942       1,168       1,326  
Europe, Wind
    146       366       533       713       822       890  
 
The Company believes that its methods of monitoring, analyzing and managing catastrophe exposures provide a credible risk management framework, which are integrated with its enterprise risk management, underwriting and capital management plans.  However, there is much uncertainty and imprecision inherent in the catastrophe models and the catastrophe loss estimation process generally.  As a result, there can be no assurance that the Company will not experience losses from individual events that exceed the PML or other return period projections, perhaps by a material amount.  Nor can there be assurance that the Company will not experience events impacting multiple zones, or multiple severe events that could, in the aggregate, exceed the Company’s PML expectations by a significant amount.

 
11

 
 
Terrorism Risk.  The Company has limited exposure to losses from terrorism risk.  While the Company writes some reinsurance contracts covering terrorism, the Company’s risk management philosophy is to limit the amount of exposure by geographic region, and to strictly manage coverage for properties in areas that may be considered a target for terrorists.  Although providing terrorism coverage on reinsurance contracts is negotiable, most insurance policies mandate inclusion of terrorism coverage. As a result, the Company is exposed to losses from terrorism on its Insurance book of business, particularly its workers’ compensation and property policies.  However, the Insurance book generally does not insure large corporations or corporate locations that represent large concentrations of risk.

Because of the limited nature of terrorism exposure, the U.S. Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 and its amendments do not have a significant impact on company operations.

Reinsurance and Retrocession Arrangements.  The Company does not typically purchase significant retrocessional coverage for specific reinsurance business written, but it will do so when management deems it to be prudent and/or cost-effective to reinsure a portion of the risks being assumed.  The Company participates in “common account” retrocessional arrangements for certain reinsurance treaties whereby a ceding company purchases reinsurance for the benefit of itself and its reinsurers under one or more of its reinsurance treaties.  Common account retrocessional arrangements reduce the effect of individual or aggregate losses to all participating companies, including the ceding company, with respect to the involved treaties.

The Company typically considers the purchase of reinsurance to cover insurance program exposures written by the Insurance segment.  The type of reinsurance coverage considered is dependent upon individual risk exposures, individual program exposures, aggregate exposures by line of business, overall segment and corporate wide exposures and the cost effectiveness of available reinsurance.  Facultative reinsurance will typically be considered for large individual exposures and quota share reinsurance will generally be considered for entire programs of business.

The Company also considers purchasing corporate level retrocessional protection covering the potential accumulation of exposures.  Such consideration includes balancing the underlying exposures against the availability of cost-effective retrocessional protection.

All of the Company’s reinsurance and retrocessional agreements transfer significant reinsurance risk and therefore, are accounted for as reinsurance in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance.

At December 31, 2013, the Company had $540.9 million in reinsurance receivables with respect to both paid and unpaid losses ceded.  Of this amount, $145.4 million, or 26.9%, was receivable from C.V. Starr (Bermuda) (“C.V. Starr”); $95.3 million, or 17.6% was receivable from Federal Crop Insurance Company (“FCIC”); $43.9 million, or 8.1%, was receivable from Transatlantic Reinsurance Company (“Transatlantic”); $37.7 million, or 7.0% was receivable from Berkley Insurance Company (“Berkley”); and $27.4 million, or 5.1%, was receivable from Munich Reinsurance America Inc. (“Munich Re”).  The receivable from C.V. Starr is fully collateralized by a trust agreement.  No other retrocessionaire accounted for more than 5% of the Company’s receivables. Although management carefully selects its reinsurers, the Company is subject to credit risk with respect to its reinsurance because the ceding of risk to reinsurers does not relieve the Company of its liability to insureds or ceding companies.  See ITEM 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition”.

 
12

 
 
Claims.
Reinsurance claims are managed by the Company’s professional claims staff whose responsibilities include reviewing initial loss reports and coverage issues, monitoring claims handling activities of ceding companies, establishing and adjusting proper case reserves and approving payment of claims.  In addition to claims assessment, processing and payment, the claims staff selectively conducts comprehensive claim audits of both specific claims and overall claim procedures at the offices of selected ceding companies.  Insurance claims, except those relating to Mt. McKinley’s business, are generally handled by third party claims service providers who have limited authority and are subject to oversight by the Company’s professional claims staff.

The Company intensively manages its asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) exposures through dedicated, centrally managed claim staffs for Mt. McKinley and Everest Re. Both are staffed with experienced claim and legal professionals who specialize in the handling of such exposures.  These units actively manage each individual insured and reinsured account, responding to claim developments with evaluations of the involved exposures and adjustment of reserves as appropriate.  Specific or general claim developments that may have material implications for the Company are regularly communicated to senior management, actuarial, legal and financial areas.  Senior management and claim management personnel meet at least quarterly to review the Company’s overall reserve positions and make changes, if appropriate.  The Company continually reviews its internal processing, communications and analytics, seeking to enhance the management of its A&E exposures, in particular in regard to changes in asbestos claims and litigation.

Reserves for Unpaid Property and Casualty Losses and LAE.
Significant periods of time may elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting of the loss to the insurer and the reinsurer and the payment of that loss by the insurer and subsequent payments to the insurer by the reinsurer.  To recognize liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE, insurers and reinsurers establish reserves, which are balance sheet liabilities representing estimates of future amounts needed to pay reported and unreported claims and related expenses for losses that have already occurred.  Actual losses and LAE paid may deviate, perhaps substantially, from such reserves.  To the extent reserves prove to be insufficient to cover actual losses and LAE after taking into account available reinsurance coverage, the Company would have to recognize such reserve shortfalls and incur a charge to earnings, which could be material in the period such recognition takes place.  See ITEM 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Loss and LAE Reserves”.

As part of the reserving process, insurers and reinsurers evaluate historical data and trends and make judgments as to the impact of various factors such as legislative and judicial developments that may affect future claim amounts, changes in social and political attitudes that may increase loss exposures and inflationary and general economic trends. While the reserving process is difficult and subjective for insurance companies, the inherent uncertainties of estimating such reserves are even greater for the reinsurer, due primarily to the longer time between the date of an occurrence and the reporting of any attendant claims to the reinsurer, the diversity of development patterns among different types of reinsurance treaties or facultative contracts, the necessary reliance on the ceding companies for information regarding reported claims and differing reserving practices among ceding companies. In addition, trends that have affected development of liabilities in the past may not necessarily occur or affect liability development in the same manner or to the same degree in the future.  As a result, actual losses and LAE may deviate, perhaps substantially, from estimates of reserves reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Like many other property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies, the Company has experienced adverse loss development for prior accident years, which has led to increases in losses and LAE reserves and corresponding charges to income (loss) in the periods in which the adjustments were made.  There can be no assurance that adverse development from prior years will not continue in the future or that such adverse development will not have a material adverse effect on net income (loss).

Changes in Historical Reserves.
The following table shows changes in historical loss reserves for the Company for 2003 and subsequent years.  The table is presented on a GAAP basis except that the Company’s loss reserves for its Canadian branch operations are presented in Canadian dollars, the impact of which is not material.  The top line of the table shows the estimated reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recorded at each year end date.  The upper (paid) portion of the table presents the related cumulative amounts paid through each subsequent year end.  The lower (liability re-estimated) portion shows the re-estimated amount of the original reserves as of the end
 
 
13

 
 
of each succeeding year.  The reserve estimates have been revised as more information became known about the actual claims for which the reserves were carried.  The cumulative (deficiency)/redundancy line represents the cumulative change in estimates since the initial reserve was established.  It is equal to the initial reserve less the latest estimate of the ultimate liability.

Since the Company has international operations, some of its loss reserves are established in foreign currencies and converted to U.S. dollars for financial reporting.  Changes in conversion rates from period to period impact the U.S. dollar value of carried reserves and correspondingly, the cumulative deficiency line of the table.  However, unlike other reserve development that affects net income (loss), the impact of currency translation is a component of other comprehensive income (loss).  To differentiate these two reserve development components, the translation impacts for each calendar year are reflected in the table of Effects on Pre-tax Income Resulting from Reserve Re-estimates.

Each amount other than the original reserves in the top half of the table below includes the effects of all changes in amounts for prior periods. For example, if a loss settled in 2006 for $100,000, was first reserved in 2003 at $60,000 and remained unchanged until settlement, the $40,000 deficiency (actual loss minus original estimate) would affect the cumulative deficiency for each of the years in 2003 through 2005.  Conditions and trends that have affected development of the ultimate liability in the past are not indicative of future developments.  Accordingly, it is not appropriate to extrapolate future redundancies or deficiencies based on this table.
 
Ten Year GAAP Loss Development Table Presented Net of Reinsurance with Supplemental Gross Data (1) (2)
 
                                                                   
(Dollars in millions)
 
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
 
Net Reserves for unpaid
                                                                 
loss and LAE
  $ 5,158.4     $ 6,766.9     $ 8,175.4     $ 8,078.9     $ 8,324.7     $ 8,214.7     $ 8,315.9     $ 8,650.7     $ 9,553.0     $ 9,464.6     $ 9,235.3  
Paid (cumulative) as of:
                                                                                       
One year later
    1,141.7       1,553.1       2,116.9       1,915.4       1,816.4       1,997.2       1,988.7       2,008.3       2,220.2       2,353.8          
Two years later
    1,932.6       2,412.3       3,447.8       3,192.8       3,182.2       3,405.8       3,231.2       3,238.9       3,852.4                  
Three years later
    2,404.6       3,181.4       4,485.2       4,246.3       4,191.7       4,335.1       4,043.9       4,352.7                          
Four years later
    2,928.5       3,854.8       5,306.5       5,036.3       4,791.8       4,914.8       4,903.9                                  
Five years later
    3,451.1       4,459.5       5,950.6       5,446.9       5,206.8       5,601.3                                          
Six years later
    3,948.3       4,952.9       6,281.7       5,745.7       5,777.5                                                  
Seven years later
    4,340.8       5,190.5       6,523.7       6,211.7                                                          
Eight years later
    4,510.9       5,387.3       6,920.0                                                                  
Nine years later
    4,673.5       5,726.3                                                                          
Ten years later
    4,969.0                                                                                  
Net Liability re-estimated as of:
                                                                                       
One year later
    5,470.4       6,633.7       8,419.8       8,356.7       8,112.9       8,461.9       8,229.4       8,648.2       9,572.4       9,424.1          
Two years later
    5,407.1       6,740.5       8,609.2       8,186.3       8,307.6       8,382.7       8,273.9       8,657.3       9,558.7                  
Three years later
    5,654.5       7,059.9       8,489.7       8,398.7       8,267.1       8,426.5       8,274.1       8,663.2                          
Four years later
    6,073.1       6,996.7       8,683.8       8,401.8       8,298.4       8,408.3       8,248.0                                  
Five years later
    6,093.4       7,162.2       8,729.6       8,427.4       8,272.5       8,416.5                                          
Six years later
    6,227.0       7,246.3       8,752.3       8,399.8       8,317.8                                                  
Seven years later
    6,329.0       7,256.8       8,750.3       8,467.3                                                          
Eight years later
    6,336.3       7,272.2       8,829.8                                                                  
Nine years later
    6,339.4       7,323.8                                                                          
Ten years later
    6,378.5                                                                                  
                                                                                         
Cumulative (deficiency)/redundancy
  $ (1,220.0 )   $ (556.9 )   $ (654.4 )   $ (388.4 )   $ 7.0     $ (201.9 )   $ 67.9     $ (12.5 )   $ (5.7 )   $ 40.5          
                                                                                         
Gross liability - end of year
  $ 6,424.7     $ 7,886.6     $ 9,175.1     $ 8,888.0     $ 9,032.2     $ 8,905.9     $ 8,957.4     $ 9,340.1     $ 10,134.0     $ 10,067.5     $ 9,709.3  
Reinsurance receivable
    1,266.3       1,119.6       999.7       809.1       707.4       691.2       641.5       689.4       581.1       602.8       474.0  
Net liability-end of year
  $ 5,158.4     $ 6,766.9     $ 8,175.4     $ 8,078.9     $ 8,324.7     $ 8,214.7     $ 8,315.9     $ 8,650.7     $ 9,553.0     $ 9,464.6     $ 9,235.3  
Gross re-estimated liability
                                                                                       
at December 31, 2013
  $ 7,822.9     $ 8,552.4     $ 9,940.8     $ 9,329.0     $ 9,091.3     $ 9,257.0     $ 9,077.3     $ 9,533.3     $ 10,319.1     $ 10,210.0          
Re-estimated receivable
                                                                                       
at December 31, 2013
    1,444.4       1,228.5       1,111.0       861.6       773.6       840.4       829.3       870.0       760.4       785.9          
Net re-estimated liability
                                                                                       
at December 31, 2013
  $ 6,378.5     $ 7,323.8     $ 8,829.8     $ 8,467.3     $ 8,317.8     $ 8,416.5     $ 8,248.0     $ 8,663.2     $ 9,558.7     $ 9,424.1          
Gross cumulative
                                                                                       
(deficiency)/redundancy
  $ (1,398.2 )   $ (665.8 )   $ (765.7 )   $ (441.0 )   $ (59.2 )   $ (351.1 )   $ (119.9 )   $ (193.1 )   $ (185.1 )   $ (142.5 )        
                                                                                         
(1) The Canadian Branch reserves are reflected in Canadian dollars.
                                                                         
(2) Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.
                                                                                 

 
14

 

There has been minimal development in reserves since 2006.  Three classes of business were the principal contributors to the deficiencies through 2006: 1) the run-off of asbestos claims for both direct and reinsurance business has significantly contributed to the cumulative deficiencies for all years presented through 2006; 2) professional liability reinsurance, general casualty reinsurance and workers’ compensation insurance contributed to the deficiencies for year 2003; and 3) property catastrophe adverse development contributed to the deficiency for 2005.

In the professional liability reinsurance class, the early 2000s saw a proliferation of claims relating to bankruptcies and other corporate, financial and/or management improprieties.  This resulted in an increase in the frequency and severity of claims under the professional liability policies reinsured by the Company.  In the general casualty area, the Company has experienced claim frequency and severity greater than expected in the Company’s pricing and initial reserving assumptions.

In the workers’ compensation insurance class, the majority of which was written in California, the Company has experienced adverse development primarily for accident year 2002 due to higher than expected claim frequency and severity.  As a result of significant growth in this book of business in a challenging business environment, the Company’s writings in this class were subject to more relative variability than in some of its established and/or stable lines of business.  Although cumulative results through 2013 continue to be profitable for this book of business, there was some deterioration in claim frequency and severity related to older accident years.

The adverse development on the 2008 outstanding reserves was primarily attributable to foreign exchange rate movements resulting in an increase in the U.S. dollar reserves.  In addition, the Company experienced adverse development on liability exposures for sub-prime for accident years 2006-2008 and contractors’ liability exposures for accident years 2003-2005.  The contractor liability exposures are currently in run-off.  The Company also experienced adverse development on property lines but was offset by favorable development on other casualty lines.

The Company’s loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate liability.  While there can be no assurance that these reserves will not need to be increased in the future, management believes that the Company’s existing reserves and reserving methodologies reduce the likelihood that any such increases would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  These statements regarding the Company’s loss reserves are forward looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained therein.  See ITEM 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Safe Harbor Disclosure”.

 
15

 

The following table is derived from the Ten Year GAAP Loss Development Table above and summarizes the effect of reserve re-estimates, net of reinsurance, on calendar year operations by accident year for the same ten year period ended December 31, 2013.  Each column represents the amount of net reserve re-estimates made in the indicated calendar year and shows the accident years to which the re-estimates are applicable.  The amounts in the total accident year column on the far right represent the cumulative reserve re-estimates for the indicated accident years.

Since the Company has operations in many countries, part of the Company’s loss and LAE reserves are in foreign currencies and translated to U.S. dollars for each reporting period.  Fluctuations in the exchange rates for the currencies, period over period, affect the U.S. dollar amount of outstanding reserves.  The translation adjustment line at the bottom of the table eliminates the impact of the exchange fluctuations from the reserve re-estimates.
 
Effects on Pre-tax Income Resulting from Reserves Re-estimates
 
                                                               
Cumulative
 
                                                               
Re-estimates
 
                                                               
for Each
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
Accident Year
 
Accident Years
                                                                 
2003 and prior
  $ (312.0 )   $ 63.4     $ (247.5 )   $ (418.6 )   $ (20.3 )   $ (133.5 )   $ (102.2 )   $ (7.4 )   $ (3.1 )   $ (39.1 )   $ (1,220.0 )
2004
            69.9       140.7       99.2       83.5       (32.1 )     18.1       (3.2 )     (12.3 )     (12.5 )     351.1  
2005
                    (137.6 )     130.1       56.3       (28.6 )     38.2       (12.1 )     17.4       (27.8 )     35.8  
2006
                            (88.4 )     50.9       (18.3 )     42.8       (3.0 )     25.7       11.9       21.5  
2007
                                    41.5       17.6       43.6       (5.7 )     (1.8 )     22.3       117.6  
2008
                                            (52.5 )     38.6       (12.4 )     (7.7 )     37.0       3.0  
2009
                                                    7.4       (0.8 )     (18.5 )     34.4       22.6  
2010
                                                            47.1       (8.9 )     (32.1 )     6.1  
2011
                                                                    (10.2 )     19.6       9.3  
2012
                                                                            26.9       26.9  
Total calendar year effect
  $ (312.0 )   $ 133.3     $ (244.4 )   $ (277.8 )   $ 211.8     $ (247.2 )   $ 86.5     $ 2.5     $ (19.4 )   $ 40.5          
Canada (1)
    (16.3 )     (6.6 )     (0.5 )     (49.6 )     63.7       (39.4 )     (21.2 )     9.7       (9.9 )     26.4          
Translation adjustment
    78.9       (100.3 )     109.3       120.9       (310.4 )     157.8       (34.5 )     (15.9 )     32.9       (48.6 )        
Re-estimate of net reserve after translation adjustment
$ (249.4 )   $ 26.4     $ (135.6 )   $ (206.5 )   $ (34.9 )   $ (128.8 )   $ 30.9     $ (3.7 )   $ 3.7     $ 18.2          
                                                                                         
(1)  This adjustment converts Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars.
                                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                                 
 
The reserve development by accident year reflected in the above table was generally the result of the same factors described above that caused the deficiencies shown in the Ten Year GAAP Loss Development Table. The unfavorable development experienced in the 2003 and prior accident years relate principally to the previously discussed asbestos development.  Other business areas contributing to adverse development were casualty reinsurance, including professional liability classes, and workers’ compensation insurance, where, in retrospect, the Company’s initial estimates of losses were underestimated principally as the result of unanticipated variability in the underlying exposures.  The favorable development for accident year 2004 relates primarily to favorable experience with respect to property reinsurance business.  In addition, casualty reinsurance has reflected favorable development for accident years 2004 to 2006.

The Company’s loss reserving methodologies continuously monitor the emergence of loss and loss development trends, seeking, on a timely basis, to both adjust reserves for the impact of trend shifts and to factor the impact of such shifts into the Company’s underwriting and pricing on a prospective basis.

 
16

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of beginning and ending reserve balances for the periods indicated on a GAAP basis:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
                   
Gross reserves at beginning of period
  $ 10,069.1     $ 10,123.2     $ 9,340.2  
Incurred related to:
                       
Current year
    2,818.5       2,748.9       3,722.5  
Prior years
    (18.2 )     (3.7 )     3.7  
Total incurred losses
    2,800.3       2,745.3       3,726.2  
Paid related to:
                       
Current year
    664.7       633.9       810.5  
Prior years
    2,353.8       2,220.2       2,008.3  
Total paid losses
    3,018.5       2,854.1       2,818.8  
Foreign exchange/translation adjustment
    (48.6 )     32.9       (15.9 )
Change in reinsurance receivables on unpaid losses and LAE
    (128.9 )     21.8       (108.4 )
Gross reserves at end of period
  $ 9,673.2     $ 10,069.1     $ 10,123.2  
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                       
 
Incurred prior years’ reserves decreased by $18.2 million, decreased by $3.7 million and increased by $3.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The decrease for 2013 was attributable to a $148.8 million decrease in reinsurance business, primarily related to favorable development on treaty property reserves, partially offset by a $130.5 million increase in insurance business primarily related to development on contractors’ liability, umbrella and workers compensation reserves.

The decrease for 2012 was attributable to a $57.2 million decrease in reinsurance business, primarily related to favorable development on treaty casualty reserves, partially offset by a $53.5 million increase in insurance business primarily related to development on contractors’ liability and workers compensation reserves.

The increase for 2011 was attributable to a $113.8 million increase in the insurance and US reinsurance business primarily related to development on contractors’ liability, excess casualty and California workers compensation reserves, partially offset by a $110.1 million decrease in non-US reinsurance business, primarily related to favorable development on non-catastrophe property reserves.

Reserves for Asbestos and Environmental Losses and LAE.
At December 31, 2013, the Company’s gross reserves for A&E claims represented 4.2% of its total reserves.  The Company’s A&E liabilities stem from Mt. McKinley’s direct insurance business and Everest Re’s assumed reinsurance business.  There are significant uncertainties in estimating the amount of the Company’s potential losses from A&E claims and ultimate values cannot be estimated using traditional reserving techniques.  See ITEM 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Asbestos and Environmental Exposures” and Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the composition of the Company’s total reserves for A&E losses, gross and net of reinsurance, for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gross reserves
  $ 402.5     $ 442.8     $ 499.9  
Reinsurance receivable
    (15.8 )     (17.1 )     (19.8 )
Net reserves
  $ 386.7     $ 425.7     $ 480.2  
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                       

 
17

 

Additional losses, including those relating to latent injuries and other exposures, which are as yet unrecognized, the type or magnitude of which cannot be foreseen by either the Company or the industry, may emerge in the future. Such future emergence could have material adverse effects on the Company’s future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Future Policy Benefit Reserves.
The Company wrote a limited amount of life and annuity reinsurance in its Bermuda segment.  Future policy benefit liabilities for annuities are reported at the accumulated fund balance of these contracts.  Reserves for those liabilities include mortality provisions with respect to life and annuity claims, both reported and unreported.  Actual experience in a particular period may be worse than assumed experience and, consequently, may adversely affect the Company’s operating results for that period. See ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1F of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Activity in the reserve for future policy benefits is summarized for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 66.1     $ 67.2     $ 63.0  
Liabilities assumed
    0.1       0.1       0.2  
Adjustments to reserves
    (3.1 )     2.4       8.4  
Benefits paid in the current year
    (3.6 )     (3.6 )     (4.4 )
Balance at end of year
  $ 59.5     $ 66.1     $ 67.2  
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                       
 
Investments.
The board of directors of each of the Company’s operating subsidiaries is responsible for establishing investment policy and guidelines and, together with senior management, for overseeing their execution.

The Company’s principal investment objectives are to ensure funds are available to meet its insurance and reinsurance obligations and to maximize after-tax investment income while maintaining a high quality diversified investment portfolio.  Considering these objectives, the Company views its investment portfolio as having two components: 1) the investments needed to satisfy outstanding liabilities (its core fixed maturities portfolio) and 2) investments funded by the Company’s shareholders’ equity.

For the portion needed to satisfy global outstanding liabilities, the Company generally invests in taxable and tax-preferenced fixed income securities with an average credit quality of Aa3.  For the U.S. portion of this portfolio, our mix of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with the Company’s current and projected U.S. operating results, market conditions and our tax position.  This global fixed maturity securities portfolio is externally managed by an independent, professional investment manager using portfolio guidelines approved by the Company.

Over the past several years, the Company has expanded the allocation of its investments funded by shareholders’ equity to include:  1) a greater percentage of publicly traded equity securities, 2) emerging market fixed maturities through mutual fund structures, as well as individual holdings, 3) high yield fixed maturities, 4) bank loan securities and 5) private equity limited partnership investments.  The objective of this portfolio diversification is to enhance the risk-adjusted total return of the investment portfolio by allocating a prudent portion of the portfolio to higher return asset classes, which are also less subject to changes in value with movements in interest rates.  The Company limits its allocation to these asset classes because of 1) the potential for volatility in their values and 2) the impact of these investments on regulatory and rating agency capital adequacy models.  The Company uses investment managers experienced in these markets and adjusts its allocation to these investments based upon market conditions.  At December 31, 2013, the market value of investments in these investment market sectors, carried at both market and fair value, approximated 62% of shareholders’ equity.

 
18

 

The duration of an investment is based on the maturity of the security but also reflects the payment of interest and the possibility of early prepayments.  The Company’s fixed income investment guidelines include a general duration guideline.  This investment duration guideline is established and periodically revised by management, which considers economic and business factors, as well as the Company’s average duration of potential liabilities, which, at December 31, 2013, is estimated at approximately 3.7 years, based on the estimated payouts of underwriting liabilities using standard duration calculations.

The duration of the fixed income portfolio at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was 3.2 years and 3.0 years, respectively.  The Company has shortened the duration of its portfolio in recent years in response to very low available yields, particularly on securities with longer maturities.  As a result, the Company has focused on purchasing high quality, shorter duration investments and investments with floating rate yields.  These investments will be less subject to decline in market value if interest rates rise in the future, as forecasted by most investment analysts.

For each currency in which the Company has established substantial loss and LAE reserves, the Company seeks to maintain invested assets denominated in such currency in an amount approximately equal to the estimated liabilities.  Approximately 32% of the Company’s consolidated reserves for losses and LAE and unearned premiums represent amounts payable in foreign currencies.

The Company’s net investment income was $548.5 million, $600.2 million and $620.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The decrease from 2012 to 2013 was primarily due to the decline in reported income from fixed maturity securities, primarily due to the effects of lower reinvestment rates over the past several years, from equity securities, due to the liquidation of some mutual funds and from limited partnership investments.

The Company had net realized capital gains for 2013 of $300.2 million.  In 2013, the Company recorded $258.9 million of gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities and $42.4 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $1.1 million of other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities.  In 2012, net realized capital gains were $164.4 million due to $118.1 million of gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities and $56.3 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $10.0 million of other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities.  In 2011, net realized capital gains were $6.9 million due to $27.5 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $16.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities and $4.4 million of losses due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities.

The Company’s cash and invested assets totaled $16.6 billion at December 31, 2013, which consisted of 87.3% fixed maturities and cash, of which 89.5% were investment grade; 9.7% equity securities and 3.0% other invested assets. The average maturity of fixed maturity securities was 4.3 years at December 31, 2013, and their overall duration was 3.2 years.

As of December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any direct investments in commercial real estate or direct commercial mortgages or any material holdings of derivative investments (other than equity index put option contracts as discussed in ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) or securities of issuers that are experiencing cash flow difficulty to an extent that the Company’s management believes could threaten the issuer’s ability to meet debt service payments, except where other-than-temporary impairments have been recognized.

The Company’s investment portfolio includes structured commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) with a book value of $254.8 million and a market value of $270.4 million.  CMBS securities comprising more than 56% of the December 31, 2013 market value are rated AAA by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“Standard & Poor’s”).  Furthermore, securities comprising more than 85% of the market value are rated investment grade by Standard & Poor’s.

 
19

 

At December 31, 2013, the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio included $1.4 million in book value of asset-backed securities with sub-prime mortgage loan exposure and the market value of these investments was $1.5 million.  Sub-prime mortgage loans generally represent loans made to borrowers with limited or blemished credit records.

The following table reflects investment results for the Company for the periods indicated:
 
   
December 31,
 
                     
Pre-tax
   
Pre-tax
 
         
Pre-tax
   
Pre-tax
   
Realized Net
   
Unrealized Net
 
   
Average
   
Investment
   
Effective
   
Capital (Losses)
   
Capital Gains
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Investments (1)
   
Income (2)
   
Yield
   
Gains (3)
   
(Losses)
 
2013
  $ 16,472.5     $ 548.5       3.33 %   $ 300.2     $ (467.2 )
2012
    16,220.9       600.2       3.70 %     164.4       161.0  
2011
    15,680.9       620.0       3.95 %     6.9       106.6  
2010
    15,297.4       653.5       4.27 %     101.9       48.4  
2009
    14,472.8       547.8       3.79 %     (2.3 )     636.7  
_________________________________________________________
(1)    Average of the beginning and ending carrying values of investments and cash, less net funds held, future policy benefit reserve, and non-interest bearing cash. Bonds,
 
         common stock and redeemable and non-redeemable preferred stocks are carried at market value. Common stock which are actively managed are carried at fair value.
 
(2)    After investment expenses, excluding realized net capital gains (losses).
                                 
(3)    Included in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, are fair value re-measurements of $258.9 million, $118.1 million, ($4.4) million, $70.4 million and $40.2 million, respectively.
 
                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                       
 
The amortized cost, market value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of available for sale, fixed maturity and equity security investments, carried at market value, are as follows for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31, 2013
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Market
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Cost
   
Appreciation
   
Depreciation
   
Value
 
Fixed maturity securities
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                       
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 160.0     $ 2.7     $ (1.7 )   $ 161.0  
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    970.7       40.8       (9.0 )     1,002.5  
Corporate securities
    3,950.9       155.6       (27.1 )     4,079.4  
Asset-backed securities
    170.0       3.5       (0.4 )     173.0  
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
    254.8       16.7       (1.0 )     270.4  
Agency residential
    2,294.7       34.5       (50.2 )     2,279.1  
Non-agency residential
    4.8       0.2       (0.2 )     4.8  
Foreign government securities
    1,740.3       69.8       (29.3 )     1,780.8  
Foreign corporate securities
    2,844.9       86.5       (45.6 )     2,885.8  
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 12,391.2     $ 410.3     $ (164.6 )   $ 12,636.9  
Equity securities
  $ 148.3     $ 4.3     $ (8.6 )   $ 144.1  
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               

 
20

 
 

   
At December 31, 2012
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Market
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Cost
   
Appreciation
   
Depreciation
   
Value
 
Fixed maturity securities
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                       
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 302.0     $ 11.1     $ (1.0 )   $ 312.1  
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    1,215.0       78.1       (1.1 )     1,292.0  
Corporate securities
    3,795.0       247.4       (7.1 )     4,035.3  
Asset-backed securities
    169.6       7.3       (0.3 )     176.6  
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
    294.6       28.0       (2.5 )     320.1  
Agency residential
    2,091.7       63.8       (3.3 )     2,152.2  
Non-agency residential
    7.7       0.6       (0.2 )     8.1  
Foreign government securities
    1,785.7       133.0       (6.5 )     1,912.2  
Foreign corporate securities
    2,783.6       159.6       (10.1 )     2,933.1  
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 12,444.9     $ 728.9     $ (32.1 )   $ 13,141.7  
Equity securities
  $ 131.6     $ 11.9     $ -     $ 143.5  
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               
 
The following table represents the credit quality distribution of the Company’s fixed maturities for the periods indicated:
 
     
At December 31,
 
     
2013
   
2012
 
(Dollars in millions)
   
Market
   
Percent of
   
Market
   
Percent of
 
Rating Agency Credit Quality Distribution:
   
Value
   
Total
   
Value
   
Total
 
AAA
    $ 4,418.1       35.0 %   $ 5,097.3       38.8 %
AA
      2,750.2       21.8 %     2,343.1       17.8 %
A       2,502.1       19.8 %     2,676.4       20.4 %
BBB
      1,460.8       11.6 %     1,612.6       12.3 %
BB
      975.0       7.7 %     997.2       7.6 %
B       426.9       3.4 %     337.7       2.6 %
Other
      103.8       0.7 %     77.4       0.5 %
Total
    $ 12,636.9       100.0 %   $ 13,141.7       100.0 %
                                     
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                 
 
The following table summarizes fixed maturities by contractual maturity for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
Market
   
Percent of
   
Market
   
Percent of
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Value
   
Total
   
Value
   
Total
 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale
                       
Due in one year or less
  $ 1,067.8       8.5 %   $ 957.7       7.3 %
Due after one year through five years
    5,740.7       45.4 %     5,741.3       43.7 %
Due after five years through ten years
    2,101.2       16.6 %     2,511.5       19.1 %
Due after ten years
    999.9       7.9 %     1,274.2       9.7 %
Asset-backed securities
    173.0       1.4 %     176.6       1.3 %
Mortgage-backed securities
    2,554.3       20.2 %     2,480.4       18.9 %
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 12,636.9       100.0 %   $ 13,141.7       100.0 %
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               

 
21

 

Financial Strength Ratings.
The following table shows the current financial strength ratings of the Company’s operating subsidiaries as reported by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.  These ratings are based upon factors of concern to policyholders and should not be considered an indication of the degree or lack of risk involved in a direct or indirect equity investment in an insurance or reinsurance company.

All of the below-mentioned ratings are continually monitored and revised, if necessary, by each of the rating agencies.  The ratings presented in the following table were in effect as of February 28, 2014.

The Company believes that its ratings, in general, are important to its operations because they provide the Company’s customers and investors with an independent assessment of the Company’s underlying financial strength using a scale that provides for relative comparisons.  Strong financial ratings are particularly important for reinsurance companies.  Ceding companies must rely on their reinsurers to pay covered losses well into the future.  As a result, a highly rated reinsurer is generally preferred.
 
Operating Subsidiary:
 
A.M. Best
 
Standard & Poor's
 
Moody's
             
Everest Re
 
A+ (Superior)
 
A+ (Strong)
 
A1 (upper-medium)
Bermuda Re
 
A+ (Superior)
 
A+ (Strong)
 
A1 (upper-medium)
Ireland Re
 
A+ (Superior)
 
A+ (Strong)
 
Not Rated
Everest International
 
A+ (Superior)
 
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
Everest National
 
A+ (Superior)
 
A+ (Strong)
 
Not Rated
Everest Indemnity
 
A+ (Superior)
 
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
Everest Security
 
A+ (Superior)
 
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
Everest Canada
 
A+ (Superior)
 
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
Mt. McKinley
 
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
Mt. Logan Re
 
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
 
A.M. Best states that the “A+” (“Superior”) rating is assigned to those companies which, in its opinion, have a superior ability to meet their ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations based on A.M. Best’s comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a company’s balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile.  A.M. Best affirmed these ratings on July 25, 2013.  Standard & Poor’s states that the “A+” rating is assigned to those insurance companies which, in its opinion, have strong financial security characteristics with respect to their ability to pay under its insurance policies and contracts in accordance with their terms.  Standard & Poor’s affirmed these ratings on May 23, 2013.  Moody’s states that an “A1” rating is assigned to companies that, in their opinion, offer upper-medium grade security and are subject to low credit risk.

Subsidiaries other than Everest Re and Bermuda Re may not be rated by some or any rating agencies because such ratings are not considered essential by the individual subsidiary’s customers or because of the limited nature of the subsidiary’s operations.  In particular, Mt. McKinley is not rated because it is in run-off status.

Debt Ratings.
The following table shows the debt ratings by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s of the Holdings’ senior notes due October 15, 2014 and long term notes due May 1, 2067 both of which are considered investment grade.  Debt ratings are the rating agencies’ current assessment of the credit worthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation.
 
 
A.M. Best
 
Standard & Poor's
 
Moody's
Senior Notes
a-
(Strong)
 
A-
(Strong)
 
Baa1
(Medium Grade)
Long Term Notes
bbb
(Adequate)
 
BBB
(Adequate)
 
Baa2
(Medium Grade)
 
A debt rating of “a-” is assigned by A.M. Best where the issuer, in A.M. Best’s opinion, has a strong ability to meet the terms of the obligation.  A.M. Best assigns a debt rating in the “bbb” range where the issuer, in A.M. Best’s opinion, has adequate ability to meet the terms of the obligation.  Standard & Poor’s assigns a debt rating in the “A” range to issuers that exhibit strong capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments on obligations as they come due.  A debt rating in the “BBB” range is assigned by Standard &
 
 
22

 
 
Poor’s where the obligation exhibits adequate protection parameters although adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.  According to Moody’s, a debt rating of “Baa” is assigned to issues that are considered medium-grade obligations and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

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

The Company competes in the U.S., Bermuda and international reinsurance and insurance markets with numerous global competitors.  The Company’s competitors include independent reinsurance and insurance companies, subsidiaries or affiliates of established worldwide insurance companies, reinsurance departments of certain insurance companies and domestic and international underwriting operations, including underwriting syndicates at Lloyd’s.  Some of these competitors have greater financial resources than the Company 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 the potential for securitization of reinsurance and insurance risks through capital markets provide additional sources of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.

Worldwide insurance and reinsurance market conditions continued to be very competitive, particularly in the casualty lines of business.  Generally, there was ample insurance and reinsurance capacity relative to demand.  Competition and its effect on rates, terms and conditions vary widely by market and coverage yet continued to be most prevalent in the U.S. casualty insurance and reinsurance markets and additional capacity from the capital markets is impacting worldwide catastrophe rates.

Catastrophe rates tend to fluctuate by global region, particularly areas recently impacted by large catastrophic events.  During the second and third quarters of 2013, Canada experienced historic flooding in Alberta and Toronto, which will likely result in higher future catastrophe rates.  Although there were flooding and wind storm events in Europe and Asia in the latter part of 2013, the overall 2013 catastrophe losses for the industry were lower than average.  This lower level of losses, combined with increased competition is putting downward pressure on rates in certain geographical areas.

Overall, the Company believes that current marketplace conditions, particularly for catastrophe coverages, provide profit opportunities for it given its strong ratings, distribution system, reputation and expertise.  The Company continues to employ its strategy of targeting business that offers the greatest profit potential, while maintaining balance and diversification in its overall portfolio.

Employees.
As of February 1, 2014, the Company employed 1,063 persons.  Management believes that employee relations are good.  None of the Company’s employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements, and the Company is not aware of any current efforts to implement such agreements.

 
23

 
 
Regulatory Matters.
The Company and its insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulation under the insurance statutes of the various jurisdictions in which they conduct business, including essentially all states of the U.S., Canada, Singapore, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Bermuda.  These regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and are generally designed to protect ceding insurance companies and policyholders by regulating the Company’s conduct of business, financial integrity and ability to meet its obligations.  Many of these regulations require reporting of information designed to allow insurance regulators to closely monitor the Company’s performance.

Insurance Holding Company Regulation.  Under applicable U.S. laws and regulations, no person, corporation or other entity may acquire a controlling interest in the Company, unless such person, corporation or entity has obtained the prior approval for such acquisition from the insurance commissioners of Delaware and the other states in which the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are domiciled or deemed domiciled, currently California and Georgia.  Under these laws, “control” is presumed when any person acquires, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting securities of an insurance company.  To obtain the approval of any change in control, the proposed acquirer must file an application with the relevant insurance commissioner disclosing, among other things, the background of the acquirer and that of its directors and officers, the acquirer’s financial condition and its proposed changes in the management and operations of the insurance company.  U.S. state regulators also require prior notice or regulatory approval of material inter-affiliate transactions within the holding company structure.

The Insurance Companies Act of Canada requires prior approval by the Minister of Finance of anyone acquiring a significant interest in an insurance company authorized to do business in Canada.  In addition, the Company is subject to regulation by the insurance regulators of other states and foreign jurisdictions in which it is authorized to do business.  Certain of these states and foreign jurisdictions impose regulations regulating the ability of any person to acquire control of an insurance company authorized to do business in that jurisdiction without appropriate regulatory approval similar to those described above.

Dividends.  Under Bermuda law, Group is prohibited from declaring or paying a dividend if such payment would reduce the realizable value of its assets to an amount less than the aggregate value of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium (additional paid-in capital) accounts.  Group’s ability to pay dividends and its operating expenses is partially dependent upon dividends from its subsidiaries.  The payment of dividends by insurance subsidiaries is limited under Bermuda law as well as the laws of the various U.S. states in which Group’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are domiciled or deemed domiciled.  The limitations are generally based upon net income (loss) and compliance with applicable policyholders’ surplus or minimum solvency and liquidity requirements as determined in accordance with the relevant statutory accounting practices.  Under Irish corporate and regulatory law, Holdings Ireland and its subsidiaries are limited as to the dividends they can pay based on retained earnings and net income (loss) and/or capital and minimum solvency requirements.  As Holdings has outstanding debt obligations, it is dependent upon dividends and other permissible payments from its operating subsidiaries to enable it to meet its debt and operating expense obligations and to pay dividends.

Under Bermuda law, Bermuda Re and Everest International are unable to declare or make payment of a dividend if they fail to meet their minimum solvency margin or minimum liquidity ratio.  As a long term insurer, Bermuda Re is also unable to declare or pay a dividend to anyone who is not a policyholder unless, after payment of the dividend, the value of the assets in their long term business fund, as certified by their approved actuary, exceeds their liabilities for long term business by at least the $250,000 minimum solvency margin.  Prior approval of the Bermuda Monetary Authority is required if Bermuda Re’s or Everest International’s dividend payments would exceed 25% of their prior year end statutory capital and surplus.  At December 31, 2013, Bermuda Re and Everest International exceeded their solvency and liquidity requirements by a significant margin.

The payment of dividends to Holdings by Everest Re is subject to limitations imposed by Delaware law.  Generally, Everest Re may only pay dividends out of its statutory earned surplus, which was $2,814.3 million at December 31, 2013, and only after it has given 10 days prior notice to the Delaware Insurance Commissioner.  During this 10-day period, the Commissioner may, by order, limit or disallow the payment of ordinary dividends if the Commissioner finds the insurer to be presently or potentially in financial distress.  Further, the maximum amount of dividends that may be paid without the prior approval of the Delaware
 
 
24

 
 
Insurance Commissioner in any twelve month period is the greater of (1) 10% of the insurer’s statutory surplus as of the end of the prior calendar year or (2) the insurer’s statutory net income (loss), not including realized capital gains (losses), for the prior calendar year.  Accordingly, the maximum amount that will be available for the payment of dividends by Everest Re in 2014 without triggering the requirement for prior approval of regulatory authorities in connection with a dividend is $538.2 million.

Insurance Regulation.  Bermuda Re, Everest International and Mt. Logan Re  are not admitted to do business in any jurisdiction in the U.S.  These entities conduct their insurance business from their offices in Bermuda, and in the case of Bermuda Re, its branch in the UK.  In Bermuda, Bermuda Re, Everest International and Mt. Logan Re are regulated by the Insurance Act 1978 (as amended) and related regulations (the “Act”).  The Act establishes solvency and liquidity standards and auditing and reporting requirements and subjects Bermuda Re, Everest International and Mt. Logan Re to the supervision, investigation and intervention powers of the Bermuda Monetary Authority.  Under the Act, Bermuda Re and Everest International, as Class 4 insurers, are each required to maintain a principal office in Bermuda, to maintain a minimum of $100 million in statutory capital and surplus, to have an independent auditor approved by the Bermuda Monetary Authority conduct an annual audit and report on their respective statutory and U.S. GAAP financial statements and filings and to have an appointed loss reserve specialist (also approved by the Bermuda Monetary Authority) review and report on their respective loss reserves annually.  Under the Act and the Segregated Accounts Companies Act 2000, Mt. Logan Re is licensed as a Class 3 insurer and is deemed a segregated cell company.

Bermuda Re is also registered under the Act as long term insurer and is thereby authorized to write life and annuity business.  As a long term insurer, Bermuda Re is required to maintain $250,000 in statutory capital separate from their Class 4 minimum statutory capital and surplus, to maintain long term business funds, to separately account for this business and to have an approved actuary prepare a certificate concerning their long term business assets and liabilities to be filed annually.  Bermuda Re’s operations in the United Kingdom and worldwide are subject to regulation by the Financial Services Authority (the “FSA”).  The FSA imposes solvency, capital adequacy, audit, financial reporting and other regulatory requirements on insurers transacting business in the United Kingdom.  Bermuda Re presently meets or exceeds all of the FSA’s solvency and capital requirements.

U.S. domestic property and casualty insurers, including reinsurers, are subject to regulation by their state of domicile and by those states in which they are licensed.  The regulation of reinsurers is typically focused on financial condition, investments, management and operation.  The rates and policy terms of reinsurance agreements are generally not subject to direct regulation by any governmental authority.

The operations of Everest Re’s foreign branch offices in Canada and Singapore are subject to regulation by the insurance regulatory officials of those jurisdictions.  Management believes that the Company is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations pertaining to its business and operations.

Everest Indemnity, Everest National, Everest Security and Mt. McKinley are subject to regulations similar to the U.S. regulations applicable to Everest Re.  In addition, Everest National and Everest Security must comply with substantial regulatory requirements in each state where they conduct business.  These additional requirements include, but are not limited to, rate and policy form requirements, requirements with regard to licensing, agent appointments, participation in residual markets and claim handling procedures.  These regulations are primarily designed for the protection of policyholders.

Licenses.  Everest Re is a licensed property and casualty insurer and/or reinsurer in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.  In New Hampshire and Puerto Rico, Everest Re is licensed for reinsurance only.  Such licensing enables U.S. domestic ceding company clients to take credit for uncollateralized reinsurance receivables from Everest Re in their statutory financial statements.

Everest Re is licensed as a property and casualty reinsurer in Canada. It is also authorized to conduct reinsurance business in Singapore and Brazil.  Everest Re can also write reinsurance in other foreign countries. Because some jurisdictions require a reinsurer to register in order to be an acceptable market for local insurers, Everest Re is registered as a foreign insurer and/or reinsurer in the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela and the Philippines. Everest National is licensed in 50 states and the District of Columbia.  Everest Indemnity
 
 
25

 
 
is licensed in Delaware and is eligible to write insurance on a surplus lines basis in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.  Everest Security is licensed in Georgia and Alabama.  Mt. McKinley is licensed in Delaware and California.  Bermuda Re and Everest International are registered as Class 4 insurers in Bermuda, and Bermuda Re is also registered as a long term insurer in Bermuda.  Bermuda Re is also an authorized reinsurer in the U.K.  Mt. Logan Re is registered as a Class 3 insurer in Bermuda.  Ireland Re is licensed to write non-life reinsurance for the London and European markets.  Everest Canada is licensed to write property and casualty insurance in Canada.

Periodic Examinations.  Everest Re, Everest National, Everest Indemnity, Everest Security and Mt. McKinley are subject to periodic financial examination (usually every three to four years) of their affairs by the insurance departments of the states in which they are licensed, authorized or accredited.  Everest Re’s, Everest National’s, Everest Security’s, Everest Indemnity’s and Mt. McKinley’s last examination reports were as of December 31, 2010.  None of these reports contained any material findings or recommendations.  In addition, U.S. insurance companies are subject to examinations by the various state insurance departments where they are licensed concerning compliance with applicable conduct of business regulations.

NAIC Risk-Based Capital Requirements.  The U.S. National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) has developed a formula to measure the amount of capital appropriate for a property and casualty insurance company to support its overall business operations in light of its size and risk profile.  The major categories of a company’s risk profile are its asset risk, credit risk, and underwriting risk.  The standards are an effort by the NAIC to prevent insolvencies, to ward off other financial difficulties of insurance companies and to establish uniform regulatory standards among state insurance departments.

Under the approved formula, a company’s statutory surplus is compared to its risk based capital (“RBC”).  If this ratio is above a minimum threshold, no action is necessary.  Below this threshold are four distinct action levels at which an insurer’s domiciliary state regulator can intervene with increasing degrees of authority over an insurer as the ratio of surplus to RBC decreases.  The mildest intervention requires an insurer to submit a plan of appropriate corrective actions.  The most severe action requires an insurer to be rehabilitated or liquidated.

Based on their financial positions at December 31, 2013, Everest Re, Everest National, Everest Indemnity and Everest Security significantly exceed the minimum thresholds.  Since Mt. McKinley ceased writing new and renewal insurance in 1985, its domiciliary regulator, the Delaware Insurance Commissioner, has exempted Mt. McKinley from complying with RBC requirements.

Various proposals to change the RBC formula arise from time to time.  The Company is unable to predict whether any such proposal will be adopted, the form in which any such proposals would be adopted or the effect, if any, the adoption of any such proposal or change in the RBC calculations would have on the Company.

Tax Matters.
The following summary of the taxation of the Company is based on current law.  There can be no assurance that legislative, judicial, or administrative changes will not be enacted that materially affect this summary.

Bermuda.  Under Bermuda law, no income, withholding or capital gains taxes are imposed upon Group and its Bermuda subsidiaries.  Group and its Bermuda subsidiaries have received an undertaking from the Minister of Finance in Bermuda that, in the event of any taxes being imposed, Group and its Bermuda subsidiaries will be exempt from taxation in Bermuda until March 2035.  Non-Bermuda branches of Bermuda subsidiaries are subject to local taxes in the jurisdictions in which they operate.

 
United States.  Group’s U.S. subsidiaries conduct business in and are subject to taxation in the U.S.  Non-U.S. branches of U.S. subsidiaries are subject to local taxation in the jurisdictions in which they operate.  Should the U.S. subsidiaries distribute current or accumulated earnings and profits in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to withholding taxes.  The cumulative amount that would be subject to withholding tax, if distributed, is not practicable to compute.  Group and its Bermuda subsidiaries believe that they have operated and will continue to operate their businesses in a manner that will not cause them to generate income treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S.  On this basis, Group does not expect that it and its Bermuda subsidiaries will be required to pay U.S.
 
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corporate income taxes other than withholding taxes on certain investment income and premium excise taxes.  If Group or its Bermuda subsidiaries were to become subject to U.S. income tax, there could be a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
United Kingdom.  Bermuda Re’s UK branch conducts business in the UK and is subject to taxation in the UK.  Bermuda Re believes that it has operated and will continue to operate its Bermuda operation in a manner which will not cause them to be subject to UK taxation.  If Bermuda Re’s Bermuda operations were to become subject to UK income tax, there could be a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

Ireland.  Holdings Ireland and Ireland Re conduct business in Ireland and are subject to taxation in Ireland.

Available Information.
The Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and amendments to those reports are available free of charge through the Company’s internet website at http://www.everestregroup.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information provided in this report, the following risk factors should be considered when evaluating an investment in our securities.  If the circumstances contemplated by the individual risk factors materialize, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected and the trading price of our common shares could decline significantly.

RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS

Fluctuations in the financial markets could result in investment losses.

Prolonged and severe disruptions in the public debt and equity markets, such as occurred during 2008, could result in significant realized and unrealized losses in our investment portfolio.  Although financial markets have significantly improved since 2008, they could deteriorate in the future.  Such declines in the financial markets could result in significant realized and unrealized losses on investments and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, equity, business and insurer financial strength and debt ratings.

Our results could be adversely affected by catastrophic events.

We are exposed to unpredictable catastrophic events, including weather-related and other natural catastrophes, as well as acts of terrorism.  Any material reduction in our operating results caused by the occurrence of one or more catastrophes could inhibit our ability to pay dividends or to meet our interest and principal payment obligations.  Subsequent to April 1, 2010, we define a catastrophe as an event that causes a loss on property exposures before reinsurance of at least $10.0 million, before corporate level reinsurance and taxes.  Prior to April 1, 2010, we used a threshold of $5.0 million.  By way of illustration, during the past five calendar years, pre-tax catastrophe losses, net of contract specific reinsurance but before cessions under corporate reinsurance programs, were as follows:
 
Calendar year:
 
Pre-tax catastrophe losses
 
(Dollars in millions)
     
2013
  $ 195.0  
2012
    410.0  
2011
    1,300.4  
2010
    571.1  
2009
    67.4  

 
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Our losses from future catastrophic events could exceed our projections.

We use projections of possible losses from future catastrophic events of varying types and magnitudes as a strategic underwriting tool.  We use these loss projections to estimate our potential catastrophe losses in certain geographic areas and decide on the purchase of retrocessional coverage or other actions to limit the extent of potential losses in a given geographic area.  These loss projections are approximations, reliant on a mix of quantitative and qualitative processes, and actual losses may exceed the projections by a material amount, resulting in a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

If our loss reserves are inadequate to meet our actual losses, our net income would be reduced or we could incur a loss.

We are required to maintain reserves to cover our estimated ultimate liability of losses and LAE for both reported and unreported claims incurred.  These reserves are only estimates of what we believe the settlement and administration of claims will cost based on facts and circumstances known to us.  In setting reserves for our reinsurance liabilities, we rely on claim data supplied by our ceding companies and brokers and we employ actuarial and statistical projections.  The information received from our ceding companies is not always timely or accurate, which can contribute to inaccuracies in our loss projections.  Because of the uncertainties that surround our estimates of loss and LAE reserves, we cannot be certain that ultimate losses and LAE payments will not exceed our estimates.  If our reserves are deficient, we would be required to increase loss reserves in the period in which such deficiencies are identified which would cause a charge to our earnings and a reduction of capital.  By way of illustration, during the past five calendar years, the reserve re-estimation process resulted in a decrease to our pre-tax net income in two of the years:
 
Calendar year:
 
Effect on pre-tax net income
(Dollars in millions)
       
2013
  $ 18.2  
increase
2012
    3.7  
increase
2011
    3.7  
 decrease
2010
    30.9  
increase
2009
    128.8  
 decrease

See ITEM 1,  “Business - Changes in Historical Reserves,” which provides a more detailed chart showing the effect of reserve re-estimates on calendar year operating results for the past ten years.

The difficulty in estimating our reserves is significantly more challenging as it relates to reserving for potential A&E liabilities. At year-end 2013, 4.2% of our gross reserves were comprised of A&E reserves. A&E liabilities are especially hard to estimate for many reasons, including the long delays between exposure and manifestation of any bodily injury or property damage, difficulty in identifying the source of the asbestos or environmental contamination, long reporting delays and difficulty in properly allocating liability for the asbestos or environmental damage.  Legal tactics and judicial and legislative developments affecting the scope of insurers’ liability, which can be difficult to predict, also contribute to uncertainties in estimating reserves for A&E liabilities.

The failure to accurately assess underwriting risk and establish adequate premium rates could reduce our net income or result in a net loss.

Our success depends on our ability to accurately assess the risks associated with the businesses on which the risk is retained.  If we fail to accurately assess the risks we retain, we may fail to establish adequate premium rates to cover our losses and LAE.  This could reduce our net income and even result in a net loss.

In addition, losses may arise from events or exposures that are not anticipated when the coverage is priced.  In addition to unanticipated events, we also face the unanticipated expansion of our exposures, particularly in long-tail liability lines.  An example of this is the expansion over time of the scope of insurers’ legal liability within the mass tort arena, particularly for A&E exposures discussed above.

 
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Decreases in pricing for property and casualty reinsurance and insurance could reduce our net income.

The worldwide reinsurance and insurance businesses are highly competitive, as well as cyclical by product and market.  These cycles, as well as other factors that influence aggregate supply and demand for property and casualty insurance and reinsurance products, are outside of our control.  The supply of (re)insurance is driven by prevailing prices and levels of capacity that may fluctuate in response to a number of factors including large catastrophic losses and investment returns being realized in the insurance industry. Demand for (re)insurance is influenced by underwriting results of insurers and insureds, including catastrophe losses, and prevailing general economic conditions. If any of these factors were to result in a decline in the demand for (re)insurance or an overall increase in (re)insurance capacity, our net income could decrease.

If rating agencies downgrade the ratings of our insurance subsidiaries, future prospects for growth and profitability could be significantly and adversely affected.

Our active insurance company subsidiaries currently hold financial strength ratings assigned by third-party rating agencies which assess and rate the claims paying ability and financial strength of insurers and reinsurers. Our active subsidiaries carry an “A+” (“Superior”) rating from A.M. Best. Everest Re, Bermuda Re, Ireland Re and Everest National hold an “A+” (“Strong”) rating from Standard & Poor’s. Everest Re and Bermuda Re hold an “A1” (“upper-medium grade”) rating from Moody’s.  Financial strength ratings are used by client companies and agents and brokers that place the business as an important means of assessing the financial strength and quality of reinsurers. A downgrade or withdrawal of any of these ratings might adversely affect our ability to market our insurance products and could have a material and adverse effect on future prospects for growth and profitability.

Consistent with market practice, much of our treaty reinsurance business allows the ceding company to terminate the contract or seek collateralization of our obligations in the event of a rating downgrade below a certain threshold.  The termination provision would generally be triggered if a rating fell below A.M. Best’s A- rating level, which is three levels below Everest Re’s current rating of A+. To a lesser extent, Everest Re also has modest exposure to reinsurance contracts that contain provisions for obligatory funding of outstanding liabilities in the event of a rating agency downgrade.  Those provisions would also generally be triggered if Everest Re’s rating fell below A.M. Best’s A- rating level.

The failure of our insureds, intermediaries and reinsurers to satisfy their obligations to us could reduce our income.

In accordance with industry practice, we have uncollateralized receivables from insureds, agents and brokers and/or rely on agents and brokers to process our payments.  We may not be able to collect amounts due from insureds, agents and brokers, resulting in a reduction to net income.

We are subject to credit risk of reinsurers in connection with retrocessional arrangements because the transfer of risk to a reinsurer does not relieve us of our liability to the insured. In addition, reinsurers may be unwilling to pay us even though they are able to do so.  The failure of one or more of our reinsurers to honor their obligations to us in a timely fashion would impact our cash flow and reduce our net income and could cause us to incur a significant loss.

 
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If we are unable or choose not to purchase reinsurance and transfer risk to reinsurers, our net income could be reduced or we could incur a net loss in the event of unusual loss experience.

We are generally less reliant on the purchase of reinsurance than many of our competitors, in part because of our strategic emphasis on underwriting discipline and management of the cycles inherent in our business.  We try to separate our risk taking process from our risk mitigation process in order to avoid developing too great a reliance on reinsurance.  We generally purchase reinsurance from other third parties only when we expect a net benefit.  The percentage of business that we reinsure may vary considerably from year to year, depending on our view of the relationship between cost and expected benefit for the contract period.
 
 
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
Percentage of ceded written premiums to gross written premiums
4.1%
5.3%
4.1%
6.1%
4.8%
 
Changes in the availability and cost of reinsurance, which are subject to market conditions that are outside of our control, have reduced to some extent our ability to use reinsurance to tailor the risks we assume on a contract or program basis or to mitigate or balance exposures across our reinsurance operations.  Because we have purchased minimal reinsurance in recent years, our net income could be reduced following a large unreinsured event or adverse overall claims experience.

Our industry is highly competitive and we may not be able to compete successfully in the future.

Our industry is highly competitive and subject to pricing cycles that can be pronounced. We compete globally in the United States, Bermuda and international reinsurance and insurance markets with numerous competitors.  Our competitors include independent reinsurance and insurance companies, subsidiaries or affiliates of established worldwide insurance companies, reinsurance departments of certain insurance companies and domestic and international underwriting operations, including underwriting syndicates at Lloyd’s.

According to Standard & Poor’s, we rank among the top ten global reinsurance groups, where  more than two-thirds of the market share is concentrated.  The worldwide net premium written by the Top 40 global reinsurance groups, for both life and non-life business, was estimated to be $185 billion in 2012 according to data compiled by Standard & Poor’s.  The leaders in this market are Munich Re, Swiss Re, Hannover Ruckversicherung AG, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and syndicates at Lloyd’s.  Some of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do and have established long term and continuing business relationships throughout the industry, which can be a significant competitive advantage.  In addition, the lack of strong barriers to entry into the reinsurance business and the entry of alternative capital market products and vehicles provide additional sources of reinsurance and insurance capacity and increased competition.

We are dependent on our key personnel.

Our success has been, and will continue to be, dependent on our ability to retain the services of our Chairman, Joseph V. Taranto (age 64) and existing key executive officers and to attract and retain additional qualified personnel in the future.  The loss of the services of any key executive officer or the inability to hire and retain other highly qualified personnel in the future could adversely affect our ability to conduct business.  Generally, we consider key executive officers to be those individuals who have the greatest influence in setting overall policy and controlling operations: President and Chief Executive Officer, Dominic J. Addesso (age 60), Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Craig Howie (age 50), Executive Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer, John P. Doucette (age 48) and Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary, Sanjoy Mukherjee (age 47).  We currently have an agreement with Mr. Taranto to serve as a non-employee Director and Chairman of the Board through December 31, 2016, subject to Mr. Taranto’s annual election to the Board by its shareholders during its Annual General Meetings that occur over the term of the agreement.  We have employment contracts with Mr. Addesso, Mr. Doucette and Mr. Mukherjee, which have been filed with the SEC and provide for terms of employment ending on December 31, 2016 for Mr. Addesso and September 1, 2016 for Mr. Doucette and Mr. Mukherjee.

 
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Special considerations apply to our Bermuda operations.  Under Bermuda law, non-Bermudians, other than spouses of Bermudians and individuals holding permanent or working resident certificates, are not permitted to engage in any gainful occupation in Bermuda without a work permit issued by the Bermuda government.  A work permit is only granted or extended if the employer can show that, after a proper public advertisement, no Bermudian, spouse of a Bermudian or individual holding a permanent or working resident certificate is available who meets the minimum standards reasonably required for the position.  The Bermuda government places a six-year term limit on individuals with work permits, subject to specified exemptions for persons deemed to be key employees of businesses with a significant physical presence in Bermuda.  Currently, all four of our Bermuda-based professional employees who require work permits have been granted permits by the Bermuda government that expire at various times between February 2015 and February 2017.  This includes Mark de Saram, the chief executive officer of our Bermuda reinsurance operation.  In the event his work permit were not renewed, we could lose his services, thereby adversely affecting our ability to conduct our business in Bermuda until we were able to replace him with an individual in Bermuda who did not require a work permit or who was granted the permit.  The Company has an employment contract with Mr. de Saram, which was filed with the SEC and provides for term of employment ending on November 1, 2014.

Our investment values and investment income could decline because they are exposed to interest rate, credit, and market risks.

A significant portion of our investment portfolio consists of fixed income securities and smaller portions consist of equity securities and other investments.  Both the fair market value of our invested assets and associated investment income fluctuate depending on general economic and market conditions.  For example, the fair market value of our predominant fixed income portfolio generally increases or decreases inversely to fluctuations in interest rates.  The market value of our fixed income securities could also decrease as a result of a downturn in the business cycle that causes the credit quality of such securities to deteriorate.  The net investment income that we realize from future investments in fixed income securities will generally increase or decrease with interest rates.

Interest rate fluctuations also can cause net investment income from fixed income investments that carry prepayment risk, such as mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, to differ from the income anticipated from those securities at the time of purchase.  In addition, if issuers of individual investments are unable to meet their obligations, investment income will be reduced and realized capital losses may arise.

The majority of our fixed income securities are classified as available for sale and temporary changes in the market value of these investments are reflected as changes to our shareholders’ equity.  Our actively managed equity security portfolios are fair valued and any changes in fair value are reflected as net realized capital gains or losses.  As a result, a decline in the value of our securities reduces our capital or could cause us to incur a loss.

We have invested a portion of our investment portfolio in equity securities. The value of these assets fluctuates with changes in the markets. In times of economic weakness, the fair value of these assets may decline, and may negatively impact net income.  We also invest in non-traditional investments which have different risk characteristics than traditional fixed income and equity securities. These alternative investments are comprised primarily of private equity limited partnerships.  The changes in value and investment income/(loss) for these partnerships may be more volatile than over-the-counter securities.

 
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The following table quantifies the portion of our investment portfolio that consists of fixed income securities, equity securities and investments that carry prepayment risk.
 
   
At
       
(Dollars in millions)
 
December 31, 2013
   
% of Total
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
           
Commercial
  $ 270.5       1.6 %
Agency residential
    2,279.1       13.7 %
Non-agency residential
    4.8       0.0 %
Other asset-backed
    173.0       1.1 %
Total asset-backed
    2,727.4       16.4 %
Other fixed income
    9,909.5       59.7 %
Total fixed income, at market value
    12,636.9       76.1 %
Fixed maturities, at fair value
    19.4       0.1 %
Equity securities, at market value
    144.1       0.9 %
Equity securities, at fair value
    1,462.1       8.8 %
Other invested assets
    508.4       3.1 %
Cash and short-term investments
    1,825.6       11.0 %
Total investments and cash
  $ 16,596.5       100.0 %
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
               
 
We may experience foreign currency exchange losses that reduce our net income and capital levels.

Through our Bermuda and international operations, we conduct business in a variety of foreign (non-U.S.) currencies, principally the Euro, the British pound, the Canadian dollar, and the Singapore dollar. Assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are exposed to changes in currency exchange rates. Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, and exchange rate fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar may materially impact our results and financial position. In 2013, we wrote approximately 28.8% of our coverages in non-U.S. currencies; as of December 31, 2013, we maintained approximately 15.7% of our investment portfolio in investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies.  During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the impact on our quarterly pre-tax net income from exchange rate fluctuations ranged from a loss of $17.0 million to a gain of $31.8 million.

We are subject to cybersecurity risks that could negatively impact our business operations.

We are dependent upon our information technology platform, including our processing systems, data and electronic transmissions in our business operations.  Security breaches could expose us to the loss or misuse of our information, litigation and potential liability.  In addition, cyber incidents that impact the availability, reliability, speed, accuracy or other proper functioning of these systems could have a significant negative impact on our operations and possibly our results.  An incident could also result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, damage our reputation, cause a loss of customers or give rise to monetary fines and other penalties, which could be significant.  Management is not aware of a cybersecurity incident that has had a material impact on our operations.

 
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RISKS RELATING TO REGULATION

Insurance laws and regulations restrict our ability to operate and any failure to comply with those laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are subject to extensive and increasing regulation under U.S., state and foreign insurance laws.  These laws limit the amount of dividends that can be paid to us by our operating subsidiaries, impose restrictions on the amount and type of investments that we can hold, prescribe solvency, accounting and internal control standards that must be met and maintained and require us to maintain reserves.  These laws also require disclosure of material inter-affiliate transactions and require prior approval of “extraordinary” transactions.  Such “extraordinary” transactions include declaring dividends from operating subsidiaries that exceed statutory thresholds.  These laws also generally require approval of changes of control of insurance companies.  The application of these laws could affect our liquidity and ability to pay dividends, interest and other payments on securities, as applicable, and could restrict our ability to expand our business operations through acquisitions of new insurance subsidiaries.  We may not have or maintain all required licenses and approvals or fully comply with the wide variety of applicable laws and regulations or the relevant authority’s interpretation of the laws and regulations.  If we do not have the requisite licenses and approvals or do not comply with applicable regulatory requirements, the insurance regulatory authorities could preclude or temporarily suspend us from carrying on some or all of our activities or monetarily penalize us.  These types of actions could have a material adverse effect on our business.  To date, no material fine, penalty or restriction has been imposed on us for failure to comply with any insurance law or regulation.

As a result of the recent dislocation of the financial markets, Congress and the Presidential administration in the United States are implementing changes in the way the financial services industry is regulated.  Some of these changes are also impacting the insurance industry. For example, the United States Department of Treasury has recently established the Federal Insurance Office with the authority to monitor all aspects of the insurance sector, monitor the extent to which traditionally underserved communities and consumers have access to affordable non-health insurance products, to represent the United States on prudential aspects of international insurance matters, to assist with administration of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program and to advise on important national and international insurance matters.  In addition, regulatory bodies in Europe are developing a new capital adequacy directive for insurers and reinsurers.  The future impact of such initiatives, if any, on our operation, net income (loss) or financial condition cannot be determined at this time.

Regulatory challenges in the United States could adversely affect the ability of Bermuda Re to conduct business.

Bermuda Re does not intend to be licensed or admitted as an insurer or reinsurer in any U.S. jurisdiction.  Under current law, Bermuda Re generally will be permitted to reinsure U.S. risks from its office in Bermuda without obtaining those licenses.  However, the insurance and reinsurance regulatory framework is subject to periodic legislative review and revision.  In the past, there have been congressional and other initiatives in the United States regarding increased supervision and regulation of the insurance industry, including proposals to supervise and regulate reinsurers domiciled outside the United States.  If Bermuda Re were to become subject to any insurance laws of the United States or any U.S. state at any time in the future, it might be required to post deposits or maintain minimum surplus levels and might be prohibited from engaging in lines of business or from writing some types of policies.  Complying with those laws could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct business in Bermuda and international markets.

 
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Bermuda Re may need to be licensed or admitted in additional jurisdictions to develop its business.

As Bermuda Re’s business develops, it will monitor the need to obtain licenses in jurisdictions other than Bermuda and the U.K., where it has an authorized branch, in order to comply with applicable law or to be able to engage in additional insurance-related activities.  In addition, Bermuda Re may be at a competitive disadvantage in jurisdictions where it is not licensed or does not enjoy an exemption from licensing relative to competitors that are so licensed or exempt from licensing.  Bermuda Re may not be able to obtain any additional licenses that it determines are necessary or desirable.  Furthermore, the process of obtaining those licenses is often costly and may take a long time.

Bermuda Re’s ability to write reinsurance may be severely limited if it is unable to arrange for security to back its reinsurance.

Many jurisdictions do not permit insurance companies to take credit for reinsurance obtained from unlicensed or non-admitted insurers on their statutory financial statements without appropriate security.  Bermuda Re’s reinsurance clients typically require it to post a letter of credit or enter into other security arrangements.  If Bermuda Re is unable to obtain or maintain a letter of credit facility on commercially acceptable terms or is unable to arrange for other types of security, its ability to operate its business may be severely limited.  If Bermuda Re defaults on any letter of credit that it obtains, it may be required to prematurely liquidate a substantial portion of its investment portfolio and other assets pledged as collateral.

RISKS RELATING TO GROUP’S SECURITIES

Because of our holding company structure, our ability to pay dividends, interest and principal is dependent on our receipt of dividends, loan payments and other funds from our subsidiaries.

Group and Holdings are holding companies, each of whose most significant asset consists of the stock of its operating subsidiaries.  As a result, each of Group’s and Holdings’ ability to pay dividends, interest or other payments on its securities in the future will depend on the earnings and cash flows of the operating subsidiaries and the ability of the subsidiaries to pay dividends or to advance or repay funds to it.  This ability is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors beyond our control.  Payment of dividends and advances and repayments from some of the operating subsidiaries are regulated by U.S., state and foreign insurance laws and regulatory restrictions, including minimum solvency and liquidity thresholds.  Accordingly, the operating subsidiaries may not be able to pay dividends or advance or repay funds to Group and Holdings in the future, which could prevent us from paying dividends, interest or other payments on our securities.

Provisions in Group’s bye-laws could have an anti-takeover effect, which could diminish the value of its common shares.

Group’s bye-laws contain provisions that may entrench directors and make it more difficult for shareholders to replace directors even if the shareholders consider it beneficial to do so.  In addition, these provisions could delay or prevent a change of control that a shareholder might consider favorable.  The effect of these provisions could be to prevent a shareholder from receiving the benefit from any premium over the market price of our common shares offered by a bidder in a potential takeover.  Even in the absence of an attempt to effect a change in management or a takeover attempt, these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common shares if they are viewed as discouraging takeover attempts in the future.

 
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For example, Group’s bye-laws contain the following provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect:

·  
directors currently serve staggered three-year terms, meaning that the members of only one of three classes of directors are selected each year (although the staggered board structure will be phased out between 2012 and 2014);

·  
shareholders have limited ability to remove directors;

·  
the total voting power of any shareholder owning more than 9.9% of the common shares will be reduced to 9.9% of the total voting power of the common shares;

·  
the board of directors may decline to register any transfer of common shares if it has reason to believe that the transfer would result in:

i.)  
any person that is not an investment company beneficially owning more than 5.0% of any class of the issued and outstanding share capital of Group,

ii.)  
any person holding controlled shares in excess of 9.9% of any class of the issued and outstanding share capital of Group, or

iii.)  
any adverse tax, regulatory or legal consequences to Group, any of its subsidiaries or any of its shareholders;

·  
Group also has the option to redeem or purchase all or part of a shareholder’s common shares to the extent the board of directors determines it is necessary or advisable to avoid or cure any adverse or potential adverse consequences if:

i.)  
any person that is not an investment company beneficially owns more than 5.0% of any class of the issued and outstanding share capital of Group,
 
 
ii.)  
any person holds controlled shares in excess of 9.9% of any class of the issued and outstanding share capital of Group, or
 
 
iii.)  
share ownership by any person may result in adverse tax, regulatory or legal consequences to Group, any of its subsidiaries or any other shareholder.

The Board of Directors has indicated that it will apply these bye-law provisions in such manner that “passive institutional investors” will be treated similarly to investment companies.  For this purpose, “passive institutional investors” include all persons who are eligible, pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b)(1) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (“the Exchange Act”) to file a short-form statement on Schedule 13G, other than an insurance company or any parent holding company or control person of an insurance company.

Applicable insurance laws may also have an anti-takeover effect.

Before a person can acquire control of a U.S. insurance company, prior written approval must be obtained from the insurance commissioner of the state where that insurance company is domiciled or deemed commercially domiciled.  Prior to granting approval of an application to acquire control of a domestic insurance company, a state insurance commissioner will consider such factors as the financial strength of the applicant, the integrity and competence of the applicant’s board of directors and executive officers, the acquiror’s plans for the future operations of the insurance company and any anti-competitive results that may arise from the consummation of the acquisition of control.  Because any person who acquired control of Group would thereby acquire indirect control of its insurance company subsidiaries in the U.S., the insurance change of control laws of Delaware, California and Georgia would apply to such a transaction.  This could have the effect of delaying or even preventing such a change of control.

 
35

 

The ownership of common shares of Group by Holdings may have an impact on securing approval of shareholder proposals that Group’s management supports.

As of December 31, 2013, Holdings owned 9,719,971 or 17.0% of the outstanding common shares of Group.  Under Group’s bye-laws, the total voting power of any shareholder owning more than 9.9% of the common shares is reduced to 9.9% of the total voting power of the common shares.  Nevertheless, Holdings, which is controlled by Group, has the ability to vote 9.9% of the total voting power of Group’s common shares.

Investors in Group may have more difficulty in protecting their interests than investors in a U.S. corporation.

The Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda (the “Companies Act”), differs in material respects from the laws applicable to U.S. corporations and their shareholders.  The following is a summary of material differences between the Companies Act, as modified in some instances by provisions of Group’s bye-laws, and Delaware corporate law that could make it more difficult for investors in Group to protect their interests than investors in a U.S. corporation.  Because the following statements are summaries, they do not address all aspects of Bermuda law that may be relevant to Group and its shareholders.

Alternate Directors.  Group’s bye-laws provide, as permitted by Bermuda law, that each director may appoint an alternate director, who shall have the power to attend and vote at any meeting of the board of directors or committee at which that director is not personally present and to sign written consents in place of that director.  Delaware law does not provide for alternate directors.

Committees of the Board of Directors.  Group’s bye-laws provide, as permitted by Bermuda law, that the board of directors may delegate any of its powers to committees that the board appoints, and those committees may consist partly or entirely of non-directors.  Delaware law allows the board of directors of a corporation to delegate many of its powers to committees, but those committees may consist only of directors.

Interested Directors.  Bermuda law and Group’s bye-laws provide that if a director has a personal interest in a transaction to which the company is also a party and if the director discloses the nature of this personal interest at the first opportunity, either at a meeting of directors or in writing to the directors, then the company will not be able to declare the transaction void solely due to the existence of that personal interest and the director will not be liable to the company for any profit realized from the transaction.  In addition, after a director has made the declaration of interest referred to above, he or she is allowed to be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present and to vote on a transaction in which he or she has an interest, unless disqualified from doing so by the chairman of the relevant board meeting.  Under Delaware law, an interested director could be held liable for a transaction in which that director derived an improper personal benefit.  Additionally, under Delaware law, a corporation may be able to declare a transaction with an interested director to be void unless one of the following conditions is fulfilled:

·  
the material facts as to the interested director’s relationship or interests are disclosed or are known to the board of directors and the board in good faith authorizes the transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors;

·  
the material facts are disclosed or are known to the shareholders entitled to vote on the transaction and the transaction is specifically approved in good faith by the holders of a majority of the voting shares; or

·  
the transaction is fair to the corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified.

Transactions with Significant Shareholders.  As a Bermuda company, Group may enter into business transactions with its significant shareholders, including asset sales, in which a significant shareholder receives, or could receive, a financial benefit that is greater than that received, or to be received, by other shareholders with prior approval from Group’s board of directors but without obtaining prior approval from the shareholders.  In the case of an amalgamation, in which two or more companies join together and continue as a single company, a resolution of shareholders approved by a majority of at least 75% of the votes cast is required in addition to the approval of the board of directors, except in the case of an amalgamation with and between wholly-owned subsidiaries.  If Group was a Delaware corporation, any
 
 
36

 
 
business combination with an interested shareholder (which, for this purpose, would include mergers and asset sales of greater than 10% of Group’s assets that would otherwise be considered transactions in the ordinary course of business) within a period of three years from the time the person became an interested shareholder would require prior approval from shareholders holding at least 66 2/3% of Group’s outstanding common shares not owned by the interested shareholder, unless the transaction qualified for one of the exemptions in the relevant Delaware statute or Group opted out of the statute.  For purposes of the Delaware statute, an “interested shareholder” is generally defined as a person who together with that person’s affiliates and associates owns, or within the previous three years did own, 15% or more of a corporation’s outstanding voting shares.

Takeovers.  Under Bermuda law, if an acquiror makes an offer for shares of a company and, within four months of the offer, the holders of not less than 90% of the shares that are the subject of the offer tender their shares, the acquiror may give the nontendering shareholders notice requiring them to transfer their shares on the terms of the offer.  Within one month of receiving the notice, dissenting shareholders may apply to the court objecting to the transfer.  The burden is on the dissenting shareholders to show that the court should exercise its discretion to enjoin the transfer.  The court will be unlikely to do this unless there is evidence of fraud or bad faith or collusion between the acquiror and the tendering shareholders aimed at unfairly forcing out minority shareholders.  Under another provision of Bermuda law, the holders of 95% of the shares of a company (the “acquiring shareholders”) may give notice to the remaining shareholders requiring them to sell their shares on the terms described in the notice.  Within one month of receiving the notice, dissenting shareholders may apply to the court for an appraisal of their shares.  Within one month of the court’s appraisal, the acquiring shareholders are entitled either to acquire all shares involved at the price fixed by the court or cancel the notice given to the remaining shareholders.  If shares were acquired under the notice at a price below the court’s appraisal price, the acquiring shareholders must either pay the difference in price or cancel the notice and return the shares thus acquired to the shareholder, who must then refund the purchase price.  There are no comparable provisions under Delaware law.

Inspection of Corporate Records.  Members of the general public have the right to inspect the public documents of Group available at the office of the Registrar of Companies and Group’s registered office, both in Bermuda.  These documents include the memorandum of association, which describes Group’s permitted purposes and powers, any amendments to the memorandum of association and documents relating to any increase or reduction in Group’s authorized share capital. Shareholders of Group have the additional right to inspect Group’s bye-laws, minutes of general meetings of shareholders and audited financial statements that must be presented to the annual general meeting of shareholders.  The register of shareholders of Group also is open to inspection by shareholders and to members of the public without charge.  Group is required to maintain its share register at its registered office in Bermuda.  Group also maintains a branch register in the offices of its transfer agent in the U.S., which is open for public inspection as required under the Companies Act.  Group is required to keep at its registered office a register of its directors and officers that is open for inspection by members of the public without charge.  However, Bermuda law does not provide a general right for shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records.  Under Delaware law, any shareholder may inspect or obtain copies of a corporation’s shareholder list and its other books and records for any purpose reasonably related to that person’s interest as a shareholder.

Shareholder’s Suits.  The rights of shareholders under Bermuda law are not as extensive as the rights of shareholders under legislation or judicial precedent in many U.S. jurisdictions.  Class actions and derivative actions are generally not available to shareholders under the laws of Bermuda.  However, the Bermuda courts ordinarily would be expected to follow English case law precedent, which would permit a shareholder to bring an action in the name of Group to remedy a wrong done to Group where the act complained of is alleged to be beyond the corporate power of Group or illegal or would result in the violation of Group’s memorandum of association or bye-laws.  Furthermore, the court would give consideration to acts that are alleged to constitute a fraud against the minority shareholders or where an act requires the approval of a greater percentage of Group’s shareholders than actually approved it.  The winning party in an action of this type generally would be able to recover a portion of attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with the action. Under Delaware law, class actions and derivative actions generally are available to stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste and actions not taken in accordance with applicable law.  In these types of actions, the court has discretion to permit the winning party to recover its attorneys’ fees.

 
37

 


Limitation of Liability of Directors and Officers.  Group’s bye-laws provide that Group and its shareholders waive all claims or rights of action that they might have, individually or in the right of the Company, against any director or officer for any act or failure to act in the performance of that director’s or officer’s duties.  However, this waiver does not apply to claims or rights of action that arise out of fraud or dishonesty.  This waiver may have the effect of barring claims arising under U.S. federal securities laws. Under Delaware law, a corporation may include in its certificate of incorporation provisions limiting the personal liability of its directors to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for many types of breach of fiduciary duty.  However, these provisions may not limit liability for any breach of the duty of loyalty, acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, the authorization of unlawful dividends, stock repurchases or stock redemptions, or any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit.  Moreover, Delaware provisions would not be likely to bar claims arising under U.S. federal securities laws.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers.  Group’s bye-laws provide that Group shall indemnify its directors or officers to the full extent permitted by law against all actions, costs, charges, liabilities, loss, damage or expense incurred or suffered by them by reason of any act done, concurred in or omitted in the conduct of Group’s business or in the discharge of their duties.  Under Bermuda law, this indemnification may not extend to any matter involving fraud or dishonesty of which a director or officer may be guilty in relation to the company, as determined in a final judgment or decree not subject to appeal.  Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify a director or officer who becomes a party to an action, suit or proceeding because of his position as a director or officer if (1) the director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and (2) if the action or proceeding involves a criminal offense, the director or officer had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

Enforcement of Civil Liabilities.  Group is organized under the laws of Bermuda. Some of its directors and officers may reside outside the U.S.  A substantial portion of our assets are or may be located in jurisdictions outside the U.S.  As a result, a person may not be able to affect service of process within the U.S. on directors and officers of Group and those experts who reside outside the U.S.  A person also may not be able to recover against them or Group on judgments of U.S. courts or to obtain original judgments against them or Group in Bermuda courts, including judgments predicated upon civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.

Dividends.  Bermuda law does not allow a company to declare or pay a dividend, or make a distribution out of contributed surplus, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company, after the payment is made, would be unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or that the realizable value of the company’s assets would be less, as a result of the payment, than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium accounts.  The share capital account represents the aggregate par value of issued shares, and the share premium account represents the aggregate amount paid for issued shares over and above their par value.  Under Delaware law, subject to any restrictions contained in a company’s certificate of incorporation, a company may pay dividends out of the surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.  Surplus is the amount by which the net assets of a corporation exceed its stated capital. Delaware law also provides that dividends may not be paid out of net profits at any time when stated capital is less than the capital represented by the outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets.

 
38

 

RISKS RELATING TO TAXATION

If U.S. tax law changes, our net income may be reduced.

In the last few years, some members of Congress have expressed concern about U.S. corporations that move their place of incorporation to low-tax jurisdictions.  Also, some members of Congress have expressed concern over a competitive advantage that foreign-controlled insurers and reinsurers may have over U.S. controlled insurers and reinsurers due to the purchase of reinsurance by U.S. insurers from affiliates operating in some foreign jurisdictions, including Bermuda.  It is possible that future legislation that would be disadvantageous to our Bermuda insurance subsidiaries could be enacted.  If any such legislation were enacted, the U.S. tax burden on our Bermuda operations, or on some business ceded from our licensed U.S. insurance subsidiaries to some offshore reinsurers, could be increased.  This would reduce our net income.

Group and/or Bermuda Re may be subject to U.S. corporate income tax, which would reduce our net income.

Bermuda Re. The income of Bermuda Re is a significant portion of our worldwide income from operations.  We have established guidelines for the conduct of our operations that are designed to ensure that Bermuda Re is not engaged in the conduct of a trade or business in the U.S.  Based on its compliance with those guidelines, we believe that Bermuda Re should not be required to pay U.S. corporate income tax, other than withholding tax on U.S. source dividend income.  However, if the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) were to successfully assert that Bermuda Re was engaged in a trade or business, Bermuda Re would be required to pay U.S. corporate income tax on all of its income and possibly the U.S. branch profits tax.  However, if the IRS were to successfully assert that Bermuda Re was engaged in a U.S. trade or business, we believe the U.S.-Bermuda tax treaty would preclude the IRS from taxing Bermuda Re’s income except to the extent that its income was attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by that subsidiary.  We do not believe that Bermuda Re has a permanent establishment in the U.S.  If the IRS were to successfully assert that Bermuda Re did have income attributable to a permanent establishment in the U.S., Bermuda Re would be subject to U.S. tax only on that income.

Group.  We conduct our operations in a manner designed to minimize our U.S. tax exposure.  Based on our compliance with guidelines designed to ensure that we generate only immaterial amounts, if any, of income that is subject to the taxing jurisdiction of the U.S., we believe that we should be required to pay only immaterial amounts, if any, of U.S. corporate income tax, other than withholding tax on U.S. source dividend income.  However, if the IRS successfully asserted that we had material amounts of income that was subject to the taxing jurisdiction of the U.S., we would be required to pay U.S. corporate income tax on that income, and possibly the U.S. branch profits tax.  The imposition of such tax would reduce our net income.

If Bermuda Re became subject to U.S. income tax on its income, or if we became subject to U.S. income tax, our income could also be subject to the U.S. branch profits tax. In that event, Group and Bermuda Re would be subject to taxation at a higher combined effective rate than if they were organized as U.S. corporations.  The combined effect of the 35% U.S. corporate income tax rate and the 30% branch profits tax rate is a net tax rate of 54.5%.  The imposition of these taxes would reduce our net income.

Group and/or Bermuda Re may become subject to Bermuda tax, which would reduce our net income.

Group and Bermuda Re are not subject to income or profits tax, withholding tax or capital gains taxes in Bermuda.  Both companies have received an assurance from the Bermuda Minister of Finance under The Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Amendment Act of 2011 to the effect that if any legislation is enacted in Bermuda that imposes any tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, then that tax will not apply to us or to any of our operations or our shares, debentures or other obligations until March 31, 2035.  This assurance does not prevent the application of any of those taxes to persons ordinarily resident in Bermuda and does not prevent the imposition of any tax payable in accordance with the provisions of The Land Tax Act 1967 of Bermuda or otherwise payable in relation to any land leased to Group or Bermuda Re.

 
39

 

Our net income will be reduced if U.S. excise and withholding taxes are increased.

Bermuda Re is subject to federal excise tax on reinsurance and insurance premiums with respect to risks located in the U.S.  In addition, Bermuda Re is subject to withholding tax on dividend income from U.S. sources.  These taxes could increase and other taxes could be imposed in the future on Bermuda Re’s business, which would reduce our net income.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

Everest Re’s corporate offices are located in approximately 230,500 square feet of leased office space in Liberty Corner, New Jersey.  Bermuda Re’s corporate offices are located in approximately 3,600 total square feet of leased office space in Hamilton, Bermuda.  The Company’s other nineteen locations occupy a total of approximately 145,300 square feet, all of which are leased.  Management believes that the above-described office space is adequate for its current and anticipated needs.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

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

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information.
The common shares of Group trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol, “RE”.  The quarterly high and low market prices of Group’s common shares for the periods indicated were:
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
High
   
Low
   
High
   
Low
 
First Quarter
  $ 130.64     $ 110.91     $ 93.87     $ 83.35  
Second Quarter
    135.97       123.65       105.13       92.45  
Third Quarter
    145.51       126.36       110.89       100.30  
Fourth Quarter
    159.13       144.81       114.60       101.72  
 
Number of Holders of Common Shares.
The number of record holders of common shares as of February 1, 2014 was 219.  That number does not include the beneficial owners of shares held in “street” name or held through participants in depositories, such as The Depository Trust Company.

 
40

 


Dividend History and Restrictions.
In 1995, the Board of Directors of the Company established a policy of declaring regular quarterly cash dividends and has paid a regular quarterly dividend in each quarter since the fourth quarter of 1995.  The Company declared and paid its quarterly cash dividend of $0.48 per share for each of the four quarters of 2012 and for the first three quarters of 2013.  The Company declared and paid its quarterly cash dividend of $0.75 per share for the fourth quarter of 2013.  On February 26, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.75 per share, payable on or before March 26, 2014 to shareholders of record on March 12, 2014.

The declaration and payment of future dividends, if any, by the Company will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including the Company’s earnings, financial condition, business needs and growth objectives, capital and surplus requirements of its operating subsidiaries, regulatory restrictions, rating agency considerations and other factors.  As an insurance holding company, the Company is partially dependent on dividends and other permitted payments from its subsidiaries to pay cash dividends to its shareholders.  The payment of dividends to Group by Holdings and to Holdings by Everest Re is subject to Delaware regulatory restrictions and the payment of dividends to Group by Bermuda Re is subject to Bermuda insurance regulatory restrictions.  See “Regulatory Matters – Dividends” and ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
   
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
   
(d)
 
                     
Maximum Number (or
 
               
Total Number of
   
Approximate Dollar
 
               
Shares (or Units)
   
Value) of Shares (or
 
               
Purchased as Part
   
Units) that May Yet
 
   
Total Number of
         
of Publicly
   
Be Purchased Under
 
   
Shares (or Units)
   
Average Price Paid
   
Announced Plans or
   
the Plans or
 
Period
 
Purchased
   
per Share (or Unit)
   
Programs
   
Programs (1)
 
January 1 - 31, 2013
    343,981     $ 109.9112       343,981       3,962,541  
February 1 - 28, 2013
    692,480     $ 122.3512       665,512       3,297,029  
March 1 - 31, 2013
    943,004     $ 126.9520       940,814       2,356,215  
April 1 - 30, 2013
    88,100     $ 129.2677       88,100       2,268,115  
May 1 - 31, 2013
    1,500,308     $ 133.4148       1,498,607       5,769,508  
June 1 - 30, 2013
    -     $ -       -       5,769,508  
July 1 - 31, 2013
    -     $ -       -       5,769,508  
August 1 - 31, 2013
    417,835     $ 138.1231       417,835       5,351,673  
September 1 - 30, 2013
    311,849     $ 137.8958       306,819       5,044,854  
October 1 - 31, 2013
    37,168     $ 150.7867       37,168       5,007,686  
November 1 - 30, 2013
    53,791     $ 152.9850       52,655       4,955,031  
December 1 - 31, 2013
    426,382     $ 152.5836       382,614       4,572,417  
Total
    4,814,898     $ -       4,734,105       4,572,417  
 
(1)       On September 21, 2004, the Company’s board of directors approved an amended share repurchase program authorizing the Company and/or its subsidiary Holdings to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 of the Company’s common shares through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or both.  On July 21, 2008; February 24, 2010; February 22, 2012; and May 15, 2013, the Company’s executive committee of the Board of Directors approved subsequent amendments to the share repurchase program authorizing the Company and/or its subsidiary Holdings, to purchase up to a current aggregate of 25,000,000 of the Company’s shares (recognizing that the number of shares authorized for repurchase has been reduced by those shares that have already been purchased) in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or both.  Through February 21, 2014, the Company purchased an additional 863,673 shares for $127.0 million under the share repurchase program.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

None.

 
41

 
 
Performance Graph.
The following Performance Graph compares cumulative total shareholder returns on the Common Shares (assuming reinvestment of dividends) from December 31, 2008 through December 31, 2013, with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and the Standard & Poor’s Insurance (Property and Casualty) Index.
 
 
12/08
 
12/09
 
12/10
 
12/11
 
12/12
 
12/13
Everest Re Group, Ltd.
100.00
 
115.50
 
117.12
 
118.75
 
158.29
 
227.98
S&P 500
100.00
 
126.46
 
145.51
 
148.59
 
172.37
 
228.19
S&P Property & Casualty Insurance
100.00
 
112.35
 
122.39
 
122.08
 
146.63
 
202.78
 
*$100 invested on 12/31/08 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending December 31.
           
 
Copyright© 2014 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.
 
 
42 

 
 
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected consolidated GAAP financial data of the Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, were derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company.  The following financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Operating data:
                             
Gross written premiums
  $ 5,218.6     $ 4,310.5     $ 4,286.2     $ 4,200.7     $ 4,129.0  
Net written premiums
    5,004.8       4,081.1       4,108.9       3,945.6       3,929.8  
Premiums earned
    4,753.5       4,164.6       4,101.3       3,934.6       3,894.1  
Net investment income
    548.5       600.2       620.0       653.5       547.8  
Realized gain on debt repurchase
    -       -       -       -       78.3  
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    300.2       164.4       6.9       101.9       (2.3 )
Incurred losses and loss adjustment
                                       
expenses (including catastrophes)
    2,800.3       2,745.3       3,726.2       2,945.7       2,374.1  
Net catastrophe losses (1)
    177.7       361.1       1,237.6       544.1       65.2  
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
    977.6       952.7       950.5       931.9       928.3  
Other underwriting expenses
    237.1       207.7       182.4       166.3       167.2  
Corporate expenses
    24.8       24.0       16.5       14.9       17.6  
Interest, fees and bond issue cost
                                       
amortization expense
    46.1       53.7       52.3       55.8       72.1  
Income (loss) before taxes
    1,555.0       939.5       (233.9 )     591.2       939.3  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    289.7       110.6       (153.5 )     (19.5 )     132.3  
Net income (loss) (2)
    1,265.3       829.0       (80.5 )     610.8       807.0  
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (5.9 )     -       -       -       -  
Net income (loss) attributable to Everest Re Group
    1,259.4       829.0       (80.5 )     610.8       807.0  
                                         
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVEREST RE:
                                 
Basic (3)
  $ 25.67     $ 15.85     $ (1.49 )   $ 10.73     $ 13.26  
                                         
Diluted (4)
  $ 25.44     $ 15.79     $ (1.49 )   $ 10.70     $ 13.22  
                                         
Dividends declared
  $ 2.19     $ 1.92     $ 1.92     $ 1.92     $ 1.92  
                                         
Certain GAAP financial ratios: (5)
                                       
Loss ratio
    58.9 %     65.9 %     90.9 %     74.9 %     61.0 %
Other underwriting expense ratio
    25.6 %     27.9 %     27.6 %     27.9 %     28.1 %
Combined ratio (2)
    84.5 %     93.8 %     118.5 %     102.8 %     89.1 %
                                         
Balance sheet data (at end of period):
                                       
Total investments and cash
  $ 16,596.5     $ 16,576.2     $ 15,797.4     $ 15,365.0     $ 14,918.8  
Total assets
    19,808.0       19,777.9       18,893.6       18,384.2       17,970.9  
Loss and LAE reserves
    9,673.2       10,069.1       10,123.2       9,340.2       8,937.9  
Total debt
    488.3       818.2       818.1       868.1       1,018.0  
Total liabilities
    12,746.4       13,044.4       12,822.2       12,100.7       11,869.2  
Redeemable noncontrolling interests - Mt. Logan Re
    93.4       -       -       -       -  
Shareholders' equity
    6,968.3       6,733.5       6,071.4       6,283.5       6,101.7  
Book value per share (6)
    146.57       130.96       112.99       115.45       102.87  
_____________________________
                                       
(1)  
Catastrophe losses are presented net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums.  Effective April 1, 2010, a catastrophe is defined, for purposes of the consolidated Selected Financial Data, as an event that caused a loss on property exposures before reinsurance of at least $10.0 million before corporate level reinsurance and taxes.  All prior periods reflect a catastrophe as a property event with expected reported losses of at least $5.0 million before corporate level reinsurance and taxes.  Catastrophe insurance provides coverage for one event.  When limits are exhausted, some contractual arrangements provide for the availability of additional coverage upon the payment of additional premium.  This additional premium is referred to as reinstatement premium.
(2)  
Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.
(3)  
Based on weighted average basic common shares outstanding of 48.6 million, 51.9 million, 53.8 million, 56.6 million and 60.7 million for 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(4)  
Based on weighted average diluted common shares outstanding of 49.1 million, 52.1 million, 56.8 million and 60.8 million for 2013, 2012, 2010, and 2009, respectively.  Diluted calculation was not applicable for 2011.
(5)  
Loss ratio is the GAAP losses and LAE incurred as a percentage of GAAP net premiums earned.  Underwriting expense ratio is the GAAP commissions, brokerage, taxes, fees and other underwriting expenses as a percentage of GAAP net premiums earned.  Combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and underwriting expense ratio.
(6)  
Based on 47.5 million, 51.4 million, 53.7 million, 54.4 million and 59.3 million common shares outstanding for December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
 
43

 
 
ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition.  It should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes thereto presented under ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.

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

We compete in the U.S., Bermuda and international reinsurance and insurance markets with numerous global competitors.  Our competitors include independent reinsurance and insurance companies, subsidiaries or affiliates of established worldwide insurance companies, reinsurance departments of certain insurance companies and domestic and international underwriting operations, including underwriting syndicates at Lloyd’s.  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 the potential for securitization of reinsurance and insurance risks through capital markets provide additional sources of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.

Worldwide insurance and reinsurance market conditions continued to be very competitive, particularly in the casualty lines of business.  Generally, there was ample insurance and reinsurance capacity relative to demand.  Competition and its effect on rates, terms and conditions vary widely by market and coverage yet continued to be most prevalent in the U.S. casualty insurance and reinsurance markets and additional capacity from the capital markets is impacting worldwide catastrophe rates.

Catastrophe rates tend to fluctuate by global region, particularly areas recently impacted by large catastrophic events.  During the second and third quarters of 2013, Canada experienced historic flooding in Alberta and Toronto, which will likely result in higher future catastrophe rates.  Although there were flooding and wind storm events in Europe and Asia in the latter part of 2013, the overall 2013 catastrophe losses for the industry were lower than average.  This lower level of losses, combined with increased competition is putting downward pressure on rates in certain geographical areas.

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

 
44

 
 
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 shareholders’ equity for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
   
Percentage Increase/(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
      2013/2012       2012/2011  
Gross written premiums
  $ 5,218.6     $ 4,310.5     $ 4,286.2       21.1 %     0.6 %
Net written premiums
    5,004.8       4,081.1       4,108.9       22.6 %     -0.7 %
                                         
REVENUES:
                                       
Premiums earned
  $ 4,753.5     $ 4,164.6     $ 4,101.3       14.1 %     1.5 %
Net investment income
    548.5       600.2       620.0       -8.6 %     -3.2 %
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    300.2       164.4       6.9       82.6 %  
NM
Net derivative gain (loss)
    44.0       (9.7 )     (11.3 )  
NM
    -13.5 %
Other income (expense)
    (5.5 )     3.3       (23.1 )  
NM
    -114.4 %
Total revenues
    5,640.8       4,922.8       4,694.0       14.6 %     4.9 %
                                         
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                                       
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
    2,800.3       2,745.3       3,726.2       2.0 %     -26.3 %
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
    977.6       952.7       950.5       2.6 %     0.2 %
Other underwriting expenses
    237.1       207.7       182.4       14.2 %     13.8 %
Corporate expenses
    24.8       24.0       16.5       3.5 %     45.7 %
Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense
    46.1       53.7       52.3       -14.1 %     2.6 %
Total claims and expenses
    4,085.9       3,983.3       4,927.9       2.6 %     -19.2 %
                                         
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    1,555.0       939.5       (233.9 )     65.5 %  
NM
Income tax expense (benefit)
    289.7       110.6       (153.5 )     162.0 %     -172.1 %
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 1,265.3     $ 829.0     $ (80.5 )     52.6 %  
NM
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (5.9 )     -       -    
NM
 
NM
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVEREST RE GROUP
  $ 1,259.4     $ 829.0     $ (80.5 )     51.9 %  
NM
                                         
RATIOS:
                         
Point Change
 
Loss ratio
    58.9 %     65.9 %     90.9 %     (7.0 )     (25.0 )
Commission and brokerage ratio
    20.6 %     22.9 %     23.2 %     (2.3 )     (0.3 )
Other underwriting expense ratio
    5.0 %     5.0 %     4.4 %     -       0.6  
Combined ratio
    84.5 %     93.8 %     118.5 %     (9.3 )     (24.7 )
                                         
   
At December 31,
   
Percentage Increase/(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
    2013       2012       2011       2013/2012       2012/2011  
Balance sheet data:
                                       
Total investments and cash
  $ 16,596.5     $ 16,576.2     $ 15,797.4       0.1 %     4.9 %
Total assets
    19,808.0       19,777.9       18,893.6       0.2 %     4.7 %
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
    9,673.2       10,069.1       10,123.2       -3.9 %     -0.5 %
Total debt
    488.3       818.2       818.1       -40.3 %     0.0 %
Total liabilities
    12,746.4       13,044.4       12,822.2       -2.3 %     1.7 %
Redeemable noncontrolling interests - Mt. Logan Re
    93.4       -       -    
NM
 
NM
Shareholders' equity
    6,968.3       6,733.5       6,071.4       3.5 %     10.9 %
Book value per share
    146.57       130.96       112.99       11.9 %     15.9 %
                                         
(NM, not meaningful)
                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                       
 
Revenues.
Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 21.1% to $5,218.6 million in 2013, compared to $4,310.5 million in 2012, reflecting a $692.3 million, or 21.4%, increase in our reinsurance business, a $195.6 million, or 18.2%, increase in our insurance business and $20.2 million from our new Mt. Logan Re segment.  The increase in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to the impact of a Florida quota share reinsurance contract as well as new business, increased participations on existing business, and higher original rates on subject business.  Excluding the year over year impact of the large Florida quota share reinsurance contract, gross written premiums increased 15.0% and reinsurance premiums increased 13.4%, compared to the prior year.  The increase in insurance premiums was primarily due to the growth in California workers’ compensation, crop and non-standard auto business.  Net written premiums increased by 22.6% to $5,004.8 million in 2013 compared to $4,081.1 million in 2012, which is consistent with the increase in
 
 
45

 
 
gross written premiums.  Premiums earned increased by 14.1% to $4,753.5 million in 2013, compared to $4,164.6 million in 2012.  Unlike written premiums, premiums earned were minimally impacted by the Florida quota share reinsurance contract.  The change in premiums earned was comparable to net written premiums, excluding the impact of the Florida quota share reinsurance contract.

Gross written premiums increased by 0.6% to $4,310.5 million in 2012, compared to $4,286.2 million in 2011, reflecting a $97.5 million increase in our insurance business, partially offset by a $73.1 million decrease in our reinsurance business. The increase in insurance premiums was primarily due to the growth in crop and primary A&H medical stop loss insurance, partially offset by the termination and runoff of several large casualty programs.  The decrease in reinsurance premiums was primarily due to the non-renewal of a large Florida quota share reinsurance contract and a $42.5 million decline due to movement in foreign exchange rates, partially offset by increases in new business and rate increases on renewals, particularly for catastrophe exposed contracts.  Eliminating the effects of reinstatement premiums, which were higher in 2011 due to a higher level of catastrophe losses, and foreign currency fluctuations, gross written premiums were up 2% year over year.  Net written premiums decreased 0.7% to $4,081.1 million in 2012 compared to $4,108.9 million in 2011.  The variance between the changes in gross and net written premiums was primarily attributable to the growth in the crop business, for which the Company uses a higher level of reinsurance.  Premiums earned increased by 1.5% to $4,164.6 million in 2012, compared to $4,101.3 million in 2011.  The fluctuations in premiums earned in comparison to net written premiums were primarily attributable to changes in the mix of business, particularly crop insurance which has a different premiums earning pattern.

Net Investment Income.  Net investment income decreased by 8.6% to $548.5 million in 2013 compared with net investment income of $600.2 million in 2012.  Net pre-tax investment income, as a percentage of average invested assets, was 3.5% in 2013 compared to 3.9% in 2012.  The decline in income and yield was primarily the result of lower reinvestment rates for the fixed income portfolios, less dividend income from equity investments and a decrease in our limited partnership income.

Net investment income decreased by 3.2% to $600.2 million in 2012 compared with net investment income of $620.0 million in 2011.  Net pre-tax investment income, as a percentage of average invested assets, was 3.9% in 2012 compared to 4.1% in 2011.  The decline in income and yield was primarily the result of lower reinvestment rates for the fixed income portfolio, partially offset by an increase in our limited partnership income.

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).  Net realized capital gains were $300.2 million, $164.4 million and $6.9 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The $300.2 million was comprised of $258.9 million of gains from fair value re-measurements and $42.4 million of net realized capital gains from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities, which were partially offset by $1.1 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  The net realized capital gains of $164.4 million in 2012 were the result of $118.1 million of gains from fair value re-measurements and $56.3 million of net realized capital gains from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities, which were partially offset by $10.0 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  The net realized capital gains of $6.9 million in 2011 were the result of $27.5 million of net realized capital gains from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities which was partially offset by $4.4 million of losses from fair value re-measurements and $16.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments.

Net Derivative Gain (Loss).  In 2005 and prior, we sold seven equity index put option contracts, which remain outstanding.  These contracts meet the definition of a derivative in accordance with FASB guidance and as such, are fair valued each quarter with the change recorded as net derivative gain or loss in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  As a result of these adjustments in value, we recognized net derivative gains of $44.0 million in 2013 and net derivative losses of $9.7 million and $11.3 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The change in the fair value of these equity index put option contracts is indicative of the change in the equity markets and interest rates over the same periods.

Other Income (Expense).  We recorded other expense of $5.5 million in 2013, other income of $3.3 million in 2012 and other expense of $23.1 million in 2011.  The changes were primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for the corresponding periods.

 
46

 
 
Claims and Expenses.
Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.  The following table presents our incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
   
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2013
                                         
Attritional (a)
  $ 2,623.5       55.2 %     $ (18.2 )     -0.4 %     $ 2,605.3       54.8 %  
Catastrophes
    195.0       4.1 %       -       0.0 %       195.0       4.1 %  
Total
  $ 2,818.5       59.3 %     $ (18.2 )     -0.4 %     $ 2,800.3       58.9 %  
                                                       
2012
                                                     
Attritional (a)
  $ 2,338.9       56.2 %     $ (3.7 )     -0.1 %     $ 2,335.2       56.1 %  
Catastrophes
    410.0       9.8 %       -       0.0 %       410.0       9.8 %  
Total
  $ 2,748.9       66.0 %     $ (3.7 )     -0.1 %     $ 2,745.3       65.9 %  
                                                       
2011
                                                     
Attritional (a)
  $ 2,422.1       59.1 %     $ 3.7       0.1 %     $ 2,425.8       59.2 %  
Catastrophes
    1,300.4       31.7 %       -       0.0 %       1,300.4       31.7 %  
Total
  $ 3,722.5       90.8 %     $ 3.7       0.1 %     $ 3,726.2       90.9 %  
                                                       
Variance 2013/2012
                                                     
Attritional (a)
  $ 284.6       (1.0 )
pts
  $ (14.5 )     (0.3 )
pts
  $ 270.1       (1.3 )
pts
Catastrophes
    (215.0 )     (5.7 )
pts
    -       -  
pts
    (215.0 )     (5.7 )
pts
Total
  $ 69.6       (6.7 )
pts
  $ (14.5 )     (0.3 )
pts
  $ 55.0       (7.0 )
pts
                                                       
Variance 2012/2011
                                                     
Attritional (a)
  $ (83.2 )     (2.9 )
pts
  $ (7.4 )     (0.2 )
pts
  $ (90.6 )     (3.1 )
pts
Catastrophes
    (890.4 )     (21.9 )
pts
    -       -  
pts
    (890.4 )     (21.9 )
pts
Total
  $ (973.6 )     (24.8 )
pts
  $ (7.4 )     (0.2 )
pts
  $ (980.9 )     (25.0 )
pts
                                                       
(a) Attritional losses exclude catastrophe losses.
                                               
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                               
 
Incurred losses and LAE increased by 2.0% to $2,800.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $2,745.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to increases in current year attritional losses, partially offset by the decline in current year catastrophe losses.  The increase in current year attritional losses of $284.6 million is primarily due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned.  Despite the increase in current year attritional losses, the current year attritional loss ratio decreased by 1.0 points due to the shift in the mix of business towards excess of loss business, which generally results in lower loss ratios.  Current year catastrophe losses for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $195.0 million, or 4.1 points, due to Canadian floods ($79.7 million), U.S. storms ($44.8 million), Typhoon Fitow ($30.0 million), German hailstorms ($20.5 million) and European floods ($20.0 million).  The $410.0 million of current year catastrophe losses for 2012 represented 9.8 points and related to Superstorm Sandy ($325.0 million), U.S. storms ($60.0 million) and Hurricane Isaac ($25.0 million).

Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 26.3% to $2,745.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $3,726.2 million in 2011, representing 25.0 loss ratio points. Current year 2012 catastrophe losses discussed above were lower by $890.4 million, or 21.9 points, period over period.  The $1,300.4 million of current year catastrophe losses for 2011 related primarily to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami ($531.7 million), the 2011 New Zealand earthquake ($305.8 million), the Thailand floods ($225.0 million), U.S. storms ($60.6 million), the 2011 Australian floods ($56.1 million) and Hurricane Irene ($38.0 million) as well as $50.0 million of IBNR reserves for these 2011 catastrophe events collectively, which were not allocated to a specific event.  During 2012 and 2013, $41.0 million and $3.9 million, respectively, of the IBNR reserve was allocated to specific 2011 catastrophes, leaving $5.1 million of unallocated IBNR reserves at December 31, 2013.  Current year attritional losses decreased $83.2 million, representing 2.9 loss ratio points, due to a shift in mix of business towards excess of loss business, which generally has lower attritional losses.

 
47

 

Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees.  Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by 2.6% to $977.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $952.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.  The year over year changes were primarily due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, partially offset by an increase in excess of loss business in 2013 which carries a lower commission rate than pro rata business.

Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by 0.2% to $952.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $950.5 million in 2011.  The increase is due primarily to the one-time effect of the non-renewal of a Florida quota share contract and the adoption of new accounting standards concerning the accounting for acquisition costs, which increased expenses in 2012.  The increased expenses resulting from these two factors were partially offset by an increase in excess of loss business which carries a lower commission than pro rata business.

Other Underwriting Expenses.  Other underwriting expenses were $237.1 million, $207.7 million and $182.4 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.   The increase in other underwriting expenses for 2013 compared to 2012 was mainly due to the impact of higher premiums earned and higher compensation expenses.  The increase in other underwriting expenses for 2012 compared to 2011 was mainly due to higher share-based compensation expenses and employee benefit plan expenses.

Corporate Expenses.  Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, were $24.8 million, $24.0 million and $16.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The increase in corporate expenses were mainly due to higher share-based compensation expense.

Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense.  Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $46.1 million and $53.7 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The decrease was primarily due to the redemption of $329.9 million of trust preferred securities in May 2013.  The year over year decrease was partially offset by $7.7 million of amortization expense on remaining capitalized issuance costs related to the redeemed securities.

Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $53.7 million and $52.3 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The increase was primarily due to additional costs for the new Group Credit Facility signed in June, 2012.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit).  We had income tax expenses of $289.7 million and $110.6 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively, and income tax benefits of $153.5 million in 2011.  Our income tax is primarily a function of the statutory tax rates and corresponding pre-tax income in the jurisdictions where we operate, coupled with the impact from tax-preferenced investment income.  Variations in our effective tax rate generally result from changes in the relative levels of pre-tax income among jurisdictions with different tax rates.  The increase in the tax expense/(benefit) between 2013 and 2012, as well as 2012 versus 2011, is primarily due to higher taxable income from improved underwriting margins and capital gains in each successive year.  The income tax expense for year ended December 31, 2012, also reflects tax benefits of $17.5 million realized due to corrections of understatements in the deferred tax asset account and $31.9 million of tax benefits from a reduction in our reserve for uncertain tax positions due to the re-measurement of our exposure following the closing of an IRS audit.

Net Income (Loss).
Our net income was $1,265.3 million and $829.0 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The changes were primarily driven by the financial component fluctuations explained above.

Our net income was $829.0 million in 2012 and our net loss was $80.5 in 2011.  The increase was primarily driven by the decline in catastrophe losses in 2012.

 
48

 

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Everest Re Group.
Our net income attributable to Everest Re Group was $1,259.4 million and $829.0 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively, and our net loss attributable to Everest Re Group was $80.5 million in 2011.  The changes were primarily driven by the financial component fluctuations described above, as well as the impact of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in 2013.

Ratios.
Our combined ratio decreased by 9.3 points to 84.5% in 2013 compared to 93.8% in 2012.  The loss ratio component decreased 7.0 points in 2013, over the same period last year primarily due to the $215.0 million decrease in current year catastrophe losses, which lowered the loss ratio by 5.7 points.  The commission and brokerage ratio components decreased 2.3 points in 2013 due to the one time impact of the termination of the Florida quota share contract in 2012 and the increase in excess of loss business which carries a lower commission than pro rata business.  The other underwriting expense ratio components remained flat in 2013 over the same period last year.

Our combined ratio decreased by 24.7 points to 93.8% in 2012 compared to 118.5% in 2011.  The loss ratio component decreased 25.0 points in 2012 over the same period last year primarily due to the decline in catastrophe losses in 2012 compared to 2011.  The commission and brokerage ratio component slightly decreased over the same period last year due to an increase in excess of loss business which carries a lower commission than pro rata business, partially offset by the one-time effect of the non-renewal of the Florida quota share and the adoption of new accounting standards concerning the accounting for acquisition costs.  Eliminating the impact of reinstatement premiums, contingent commissions, and these one-time items, the commission and brokerage ratio improved 1.5 points to 21.2% driven by the shift in the mix of business.  The other underwriting expense ratio component increased slightly from the same period last year due to higher employee benefit costs.

Shareholders’ Equity.
Shareholders’ equity increased by $234.8 million to $6,968.3 million at December 31, 2013 from $6,733.5 million at December 31, 2012, principally as a result of $1,259.4 million of net income attributable to Everest Re Group, share-based compensation transactions of $83.3 million and $23.6 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments, partially offset by repurchases of 4.7 million common shares for $621.9 million, $402.8 million of unrealized depreciation on investments, net of tax, $106.7 million of shareholder dividends and $0.2 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments.

Shareholders’ equity increased by $662.1 million to $6,733.5 million at December 31, 2012 from $6,071.4 million at December 31, 2011, principally as a result of $829.0 million of net income, $154.3 million of unrealized appreciation on investments, net of tax, share-based compensation transactions of $53.5 million, $22.7 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments, partially offset by repurchases of 3.0 million common shares for $290.0 million, $100.4 million of shareholder dividends and $7.0 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments.

Consolidated Investment Results

Net Investment Income.
Net investment income decreased by 8.6% to $548.5 million in 2013 compared to $600.2 million in 2012, primarily due to declines in income from our fixed maturities, reflective of declining reinvestment rates, from our equities, due to the partial liquidation of some mutual funds and from our limited partnership investments.

Net investment income decreased by 3.2% to $600.2 million in 2012 compared to $620.0 million in 2011, primarily due to declines in income from our fixed maturities, reflective of declining reinvestment rates, partially offset by an increase in income from our limited partnership investments.

 
49

 

The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Fixed maturities
  $ 473.5     $ 489.8     $ 522.0  
Equity securities
    45.4       59.2       57.6  
Short-term investments and cash
    1.3       1.3       1.3  
Other invested assets
                       
Limited partnerships
    46.9       64.9       56.9  
Other
    7.3       3.9       2.7  
Gross investment income before adjustments
    574.4       619.0       640.4  
Funds held interest income (expense)
    10.6       10.6       2.3  
Future policy benefit reserve income (expense)
    (2.8 )     (2.9 )     (3.0 )
Gross investment income
    582.3       626.6       639.8  
Investment expenses
    (33.8 )     (26.4 )     (19.7 )
Net investment income
  $ 548.5     $ 600.2     $ 620.0  
      .                  
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                       

The following tables show a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated.
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 31
3.2%
 
3.5%
 
3.9%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 31
2.8%
 
3.0%
 
3.4%
           
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets
3.5%
 
3.9%
 
4.1%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets
2.9%
 
3.3%
 
3.6%
 

 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Fixed income portfolio total return
0.4%
 
4.8%
 
4.7%
Barclay's Capital - U.S. aggregate index
-2.0%
 
4.2%
 
7.8%
           
Common equity portfolio total return
22.4%
 
13.8%
 
2.7%
S&P 500 index
32.4%
 
16.0%
 
2.1%
           
Other invested asset portfolio total return
16.9%
 
16.0%
 
13.5%
 
The pre-tax equivalent total return for the bond portfolio was approximately 0.6%, 5.0% and 5.1%, respectively, in 2013, 2012 and 2011.  The pre-tax equivalent return adjusts the yield on tax-exempt bonds to the fully taxable equivalent.

Our fixed income and equity portfolios have different compositions than the benchmark indexes.  Our equity portfolios reflect an emphasis on dividend yield and growth equities, while the index is comprised of the largest 500 equities by market capitalization.

As indicated above, there is a relatively large variation between the total return on our fixed income portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2011 versus the Barclay’s - U.S. aggregate index for the same period.   One of the reasons is that the duration of our portfolio is much shorter than the duration of the index.  Historically, our duration has been shorter than the index because we align our investment portfolio with our liabilities.  In addition, we shortened our duration in anticipation of a reversing trend in interest rate movements.  With interest rates continuing to decline in 2011, the index benefited from its longer duration; however, in the longer term, there will be a benefit from a reduced exposure to unrealized market valuation losses on our fixed income portfolio if interest rates rise.  Our total return was more comparable to the index in 2013 and 2012 as interest rates remained fairly steady.  The composition of the index is also different from our portfolio as we hold foreign securities to match our foreign liabilities, while the index is comprised of only U.S. securities.

 
50

 

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).
The following table presents the composition of our net realized capital gains (losses) for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
     2013/2012    2012/2011
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
Variance
 
Variance
Gains (losses) from sales:
                                 
     Fixed maturity securities, market value:
                                 
         Gains
  $ 37.7     $ 31.9     $ 85.5     $ 5.8     $ (53.6 )
         Losses
    (30.9 )     (17.2 )     (65.1 )     (13.7 )     47.9  
     Total
    6.8       14.7       20.4       (7.9 )     (5.7 )
                                         
Fixed maturity securities, fair value:
                                       
         Gains
    0.5       6.3       1.1       (5.8 )     5.2  
         Losses
    (0.3 )     (0.6 )     (2.0 )     0.3       1.4  
     Total
    0.2       5.7       (0.9 )     (5.5 )     6.6  
                                         
     Equity securities, market value:
                                       
         Gains
    3.0       16.7       0.2       (13.7 )     16.5  
         Losses
    (0.3 )     (1.8 )     (0.2 )     1.5       (1.6 )
     Total
    2.6       14.9       -       (12.3 )     14.9  
                                         
     Equity securities, fair value:
                                       
         Gains
    41.8       41.1       16.1       0.7       25.0  
         Losses
    (9.0 )     (20.1 )     (8.1 )     11.1       (12.0 )
     Total
    32.7       21.0       8.0       11.7       13.0  
                                         
Total net realized capital gains (losses) from sales:
                                       
         Gains
    82.8       96.0       102.9       (13.2 )     (6.9 )
         Losses
    (40.5 )     (39.6 )     (75.4 )     (0.9 )     35.8  
     Total
    42.4       56.3       27.5       (13.9 )     28.8  
                                         
Other-than-temporary impairments:
    (1.1 )     (10.0 )     (16.2 )     8.9       6.2  
                                         
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:
                                       
     Fixed maturities, fair value
    0.3       1.9       (15.5 )     (1.6 )     17.4  
     Equity securities, fair value
    258.6       116.2       11.1       142.4       105.1  
Total
    258.9       118.1       (4.4 )     140.8       122.5  
                                         
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
  $ 300.2     $ 164.4     $ 6.9     $ 135.8     $ 157.5  
                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                       
 
Net realized capital gains were $300.2 million in 2013 compared to net realized capital gains of $164.4 million and $6.9 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.  In 2013, we recorded $258.9 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities and $42.4 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $1.1 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  The fixed maturity and equity sales in 2013 related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts along with maintaining a balanced foreign currency exposure.  In 2012, we recorded $118.1 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities and $56.3 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $10.0 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  The fixed maturity sales in 2012 related primarily to maintaining a balanced foreign currency exposure and the equity sales related primarily to reducing our equity exposure.  In 2011, we recorded $27.5 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $16.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments and $4.4 million of net realized capital losses due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity and equity securities.  The gains and losses on the sales of fixed maturity securities included the impact of selling part of our municipal bond portfolio as credit concerns arose in this market sector.

 
51

 

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 foreign property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’s branches in Canada and Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey. The Bermuda operation provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets through brokers and directly with ceding companies from its Bermuda office and reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets through its UK branch and Ireland Re.  The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance, including medical stop loss insurance, directly and through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers within the U.S. and Canada.  The Mt. Logan Re segment represents business written for the segregated accounts of Mt. Logan Re, which were formed on July 1, 2013.  The Mt. Logan Re business represents a diversified set of catastrophe exposures, diversified by risk/peril and across different geographical regions globally.

These segments, with the exception of Mt. Logan Re, 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.  The Mt. Logan Re segment is managed independently and seeks to write a diverse portfolio of catastrophe risks for each segregated account to achieve desired risk and return criteria.

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.

Mt. Logan Re’s business is sourced through operating subsidiaries of the Company; however, the activity is only reflected in the Mt. Logan Re segment.  For other inter-affiliate reinsurance, business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced, consistent with how the business is managed.

Except for Mt. Logan Re, 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.

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

 
52

 

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.
 
      Years Ended December 31,      2013/2012    2012/2011  
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
Variance
 
% Change
 
Variance
   
% Change
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 1,809.7     $ 1,310.7     $ 1,346.8     $ 499.0       38.1 %   $ (36.1 )     -2.7 %
Net written premiums
    1,807.1       1,306.5       1,344.3       500.6       38.3 %     (37.8 )     -2.8 %
                                                         
Premiums earned
  $ 1,671.5     $ 1,416.4     $ 1,312.7     $ 255.1       18.0 %   $ 103.7       7.9 %
Incurred losses and LAE
    814.7       1,050.4       1,034.1       (235.7 )     -22.4 %     16.3       1.6 %
Commission and brokerage
    366.9       350.6       327.8       16.3       4.6 %     22.8       7.0 %
Other underwriting expenses
    47.2       44.8       39.3       2.4       5.4 %     5.5       14.0 %
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 442.8     $ (29.4 )   $ (88.5 )   $ 472.2    
NM
  $ 59.1       -66.8 %
                                                         
                                   
Point Chg
           
Point Chg
 
Loss ratio
    48.7 %     74.2 %     78.8 %             (25.5 )             (4.6 )
Commission and brokerage ratio
    21.9 %     24.8 %     25.0 %             (2.9 )             (0.2 )
Other underwriting expense ratio
    2.9 %     3.1 %     2.9 %             (0.2 )             0.2  
Combined ratio
    73.5 %     102.1 %     106.7 %             (28.6 )             (4.6 )
                                                         
(NM, not meaningful)
                                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                 
 
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 38.1% to $1,809.7 million in 2013 from $1,310.7 million in 2012, primarily due to the impact of a large Florida quota share reinsurance contract, new business opportunities, particularly for contracts with catastrophe exposed risks and higher subject premium on casualty quota share business as rates began to rise in these markets.  Excluding the impact of the Florida quota share reinsurance contract, gross written premiums increased 17.8%.  Net written premiums increased by 38.3% to $1,807.1 million in 2013 compared to $1,306.5 million in 2012, which is in line with the increase in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned increased 18.0% to $1,671.5 million in 2013 compared to $1,416.4 million in 2012.  Premiums earned were only minimally impacted by the Florida quota share reinsurance contract that affected written premiums.  The change in premiums earned was relatively comparable to net written premiums, excluding the Florida quota share reinsurance contract.

Gross written premiums decreased by 2.7% to $1,310.7 million in 2012 from $1,346.8 million in 2011, primarily due to the non-renewal of a large Florida quota share reinsurance contract, partially offset by increased new business and higher premium rates on renewals, particularly for contracts with catastrophe exposed risks.  Net written premiums decreased by 2.8% to $1,306.5 million in 2012 compared to $1,344.3 million in 2011, which is in line with the decrease in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned increased by 7.9% to $1,416.4 million in 2012 compared to $1,312.7 million in 2011.  The variance difference between premiums earned and net written premiums is primarily attributable to the non-renewal of the large Florida quota share reinsurance contract, which had a larger negative impact on gross and net written premiums, increases in new business, rate increases on renewals, particularly for catastrophe exposed contracts and changes in the mix of business.

 
53

 

Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the U.S. Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
   
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2013
                                         
Attritional
  $ 781.8       46.7 %     $ (36.7 )     -2.2 %     $ 745.2       44.5 %  
Catastrophes
    51.8       3.1 %       17.7       1.1 %       69.5       4.2 %  
Total segment
  $ 833.6       49.8 %     $ (18.9 )     -1.1 %     $ 814.7       48.7 %  
                                                       
2012
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 706.8       49.9 %     $ (27.2 )     -1.9 %     $ 679.6       48.0 %  
Catastrophes
    372.6       26.3 %       (1.8 )     -0.1 %       370.8       26.2 %  
Total segment
  $ 1,079.4       76.2 %     $ (29.0 )     -2.0 %     $ 1,050.4       74.2 %  
                                                       
2011
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 720.3       54.9 %     $ 41.0       3.1 %     $ 761.3       58.0 %  
Catastrophes
    262.0       20.0 %       10.8       0.8 %       272.8       20.8 %  
Total segment
  $ 982.3       74.9 %     $ 51.8       3.9 %     $ 1,034.1       78.8 %  
                                                       
Variance 2013/2012
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 75.0       (3.2 )
pts
  $ (9.5 )     (0.3 )
pts
  $ 65.6       (3.5 )
pts
Catastrophes
    (320.8 )     (23.2 )
pts
    19.5       1.2  
pts
    (301.3 )     (22.0 )
pts
Total segment
  $ (245.8 )     (26.4 )
pts
  $ 10.1       0.9  
pts
  $ (235.7 )     (25.5 )
pts
                                                       
Variance 2012/2011
                                                     
Attritional
  $ (13.5 )     (5.0 )
pts
  $ (68.2 )     (5.0 )
pts
  $ (81.7 )     (10.0 )
pts
Catastrophes
    110.6       6.3  
pts
    (12.6 )     (0.9 )
pts
    98.0       5.4  
pts
Total segment
  $ 97.1       1.3  
pts
  $ (80.8 )     (5.9 )
pts
  $ 16.3       (4.6 )
pts
                                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                               
 
Incurred losses decreased by 22.4% to $814.7 million in 2013 compared to $1,050.4 million in 2012, primarily due to the decrease in current year catastrophe losses, partially offset by an increase of $75.0 million in current year attritional losses due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned.  Current year catastrophe losses for 2013, were $51.8 million, mainly due to U.S. Storms ($44.8 million) , the European floods ($5.0 million) and the Canadian Floods ($2.0 million), compared to $372.6 million of current year catastrophe losses for 2012, which related to Superstorm Sandy ($289.0 million), U.S. storms ($59.8 million) and Hurricane Isaac ($23.8 million).  Despite the increase in current year attritional losses, the current year attritional loss ratio decreased 3.2 points due to the continued shift in business to excess of loss contracts which generally have lower attritional losses than pro rata contracts.

Incurred losses increased by 1.6% to $1,050.4 million in 2012 compared to $1,034.1 in 2011, primarily as a result of the $98.0 million (5.4 points) increase in catastrophe losses for 2012 (outlined above) compared to 2011.  The $262.0 million of current year catastrophe losses for 2011 related primarily to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami ($71.5 million), the 2011 New Zealand earthquake ($63.0 million), U.S. tornadoes ($58.2 million), Hurricane Irene ($27.5 million) and the Thailand floods ($17.0 million).  The current year attritional losses decreased $13.5 million due primarily to a shift in business to excess of loss contracts which generally have lower attritional losses than pro rata contracts.

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage expenses increased by 4.6% to $366.9 million in 2013 compared to $350.6 million in 2012.  The year over year change was primarily due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, partially offset by the impact of the termination of the large Florida quota share reinsurance contract in second quarter 2012 as well as the adoption of new accounting standards concerning the accounting for acquisition costs, which increased expenses in 2012.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $47.2 million in 2013 from $44.8 million in 2012, primarily due to increased compensation expenses and higher premiums earned.

 
54

 

Commission and brokerage expenses increased by 7.0% to $350.6 million in 2012 compared to $327.8 million in 2011.  These variances were primarily due to the increase in premiums earned and the effect on commissions resulting from the non-renewal of a Florida quota share contract.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $44.8 million in 2012 from $39.3 million in 2011.  These increases were primarily due to higher share-based compensation and employee benefit plan expenses.

International.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the International segment for the periods indicated.
 
      Years Ended December 31,      2013/2012    2012/2011
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
Variance
   
% Change
   
Variance
   
% Change
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 1,345.8     $ 1,192.3     $ 1,238.4     $ 153.5       12.9 %   $ (46.1 )     -3.7 %
Net written premiums
    1,327.4       1,188.7       1,218.6       138.7       11.7 %     (29.8 )     -2.4 %
                                                         
Premiums earned
  $ 1,289.3     $ 1,214.8     $ 1,244.5     $ 74.5       6.1 %   $ (29.7 )     -2.4 %
Incurred losses and LAE
    675.4       586.3       1,372.3       89.0       15.2 %     (786.0 )     -57.3 %
Commission and brokerage
    295.9       300.1       311.0       (4.2 )     -1.4 %     (10.9 )     -3.5 %
Other underwriting expenses
    33.9       29.3       27.3       4.6       15.8 %     2.0       7.3 %
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 284.2     $ 299.1     $ (466.1 )   $ (14.9 )     -5.0 %   $ 765.2       -164.2 %
                                                         
                                   
Point Chg
           
Point Chg
 
Loss ratio
    52.4 %     48.3 %     110.3 %             4.1               (62.0 )
Commission and brokerage ratio
    22.9 %     24.7 %     25.0 %             (1.8 )             (0.3 )
Other underwriting expense ratio
    2.7 %     2.4 %     2.2 %             0.3               0.2  
Combined ratio
    78.0 %     75.4 %     137.5 %             2.6               (62.1 )
                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                 
 
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 12.9% to $1,345.8 million in 2013 compared to $1,192.3 million in 2012, primarily due to growth in Latin and South America business.  Net written premiums increased by 11.7% to $1,327.4 million in 2013 compared to $1,188.7 million in 2012, which is consistent with the increase in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned increased 6.1% to $1,289.3 million in 2013 compared to $1,214.8 million in 2012.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums decreased by 3.7% to $1,192.3 million in 2012 compared to $1,238.4 million in 2011, primarily due to a shift in the mix of business towards excess of loss business, which generates a lower premium rate commensurate with lower loss exposure, a $25.0 million decline due to the impact of foreign exchange rate movement and a lower level of reinstatement premiums in 2012.  Net written premiums decreased by 2.4% to $1,188.7 million in 2012 compared to $1,218.6 million in 2011, principally as a result of the decrease in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned decreased 2.4% to $1,214.8 million 2012 compared to $1,244.5 million in 2011.  The change in premiums earned is comparable to the change in net written premiums.

 
55

 

Incurred Losses and LAE.  The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the International segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
   
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2013
                                         
Attritional
  $ 631.6       49.0 %     $ (57.3 )     -4.4 %     $ 574.3       44.6 %  
Catastrophes
    104.4       8.1 %       (3.3 )     -0.3 %       101.1       7.8 %  
Total segment
  $ 736.0       57.1 %     $ (60.6 )     -4.7 %     $ 675.4       52.4 %  
                                                       
2012
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 589.0       48.5 %     $ (12.2 )     -1.0 %     $ 576.8       47.5 %  
Catastrophes
    16.6       1.4 %       (7.1 )     -0.6 %       9.5       0.8 %  
Total segment
  $ 605.6       49.9 %     $ (19.3 )     -1.6 %     $ 586.3       48.3 %  
                                                       
2011
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 640.3       51.5 %     $ (108.2 )     -8.7 %     $ 532.1       42.8 %  
Catastrophes
    845.3       67.9 %       (5.1 )     -0.4 %       840.2       67.5 %  
Total segment
  $ 1,485.6       119.4 %     $ (113.3 )     -9.1 %     $ 1,372.3       110.3 %  
                                                       
Variance 2013/2012
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 42.6       0.5  
pts
  $ (45.1 )     (3.4 )
pts
  $ (2.5 )     (2.9 )
pts
Catastrophes
    87.8       6.7  
pts
    3.8       0.3  
pts
    91.6       7.0  
pts
Total segment
  $ 130.4       7.2  
pts
  $ (41.3 )     (3.1 )
pts
  $ 89.0       4.1  
pts
                                                       
Variance 2012/2011
                                                     
Attritional
  $ (51.3 )     (3.0 )
pts
  $ 96.0       7.7  
pts
  $ 44.7       4.7  
pts
Catastrophes
    (828.7 )     (66.5 )
pts
    (2.0 )     (0.2 )
pts
    (830.7 )     (66.7 )
pts
Total segment
  $ (880.0 )     (69.5 )
pts
  $ 94.0       7.5  
pts
  $ (786.0 )     (62.0 )
pts
                                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                               
 
Incurred losses and LAE increased by 15.2% to $675.4 million in 2013 compared to $586.3 million in 2012, representing 4.1 loss ratio points. Current year catastrophe losses were $104.4 million in 2013, due to the Canadian floods ($75.2 million) and Typhoon Fitow ($29.2 million).  The current year catastrophe losses of $16.6 million in 2012 related primarily to Superstorm Sandy ($16.5 million).  The current year attritional losses increased by $42.6 million primarily due to the increase in premiums earned as the current year attritional loss ratio was relatively flat period over period.

Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 57.3% to $586.3 million in 2012 compared to $1,372.3 million in 2011, representing 62.0 loss ratio points.  The decrease was principally due to an $828.7 million (66.5 points) decrease in current year catastrophe losses for 2012 (outlined above) compared to 2011.  The $845.3 million of 2011 current year catastrophes related primarily to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami ($372.3 million), the 2011 Thailand floods ($180.0 million), the 2011 New Zealand earthquake ($177.0 million) and the 2011 Australian floods ($47.1 million).  Current years’ attritional losses decreased by $51.3 million (3.0 points) due to rate increases in the Asian markets, particularly for catastrophe-exposed risks and a shift in the mix of business towards property catastrophe and excess of loss business, which generally have lower loss ratios.

Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage decreased 1.4% to $295.9 million in 2013 compared to $300.1 million in 2012.  This decrease was primarily due to the shift in the mix of business towards property catastrophe and excess of loss business, which have lower commission rates, partially offset by the impact of the increase in premiums earned.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $33.9 million in 2013 compared to $29.3 million in 2012.  These increases relate to higher compensation expenses.

Commission and brokerage decreased 3.5% to $300.1 million in 2012 compared to $311.0 million in 2011.  This is consistent with the reduction in earned premium and a shift in the mix of business towards property catastrophe and excess of loss business which have lower commission rates.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $29.3 million in 2012 compared to $27.3 million for the same period in 2011.  The increase relates to higher personnel benefit costs.

 
56

 
 
Bermuda.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Bermuda segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
     2013/2012    2012/2011
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
Variance
   
% Change
   
Variance
   
% Change
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 774.3     $ 734.4     $ 725.3     $ 39.9       5.4 %   $ 9.1       1.3 %
Net written premiums
    765.7       733.8       725.5       31.9       4.3 %     8.2       1.1 %
                                                         
Premiums earned
  $ 738.0     $ 680.9     $ 723.0     $ 57.0       8.4 %   $ (42.0 )     -5.8 %
Incurred losses and LAE
    374.4       408.2       613.9       (33.9 )     -8.3 %     (205.6 )     -33.5 %
Commission and brokerage
    179.1       184.4       174.0       (5.2 )     -2.8 %     10.3       5.9 %
Other underwriting expenses
    34.7       30.6       26.3       4.0       13.2 %     4.3       16.4 %
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 149.8     $ 57.8     $ (91.2 )   $ 92.1       159.4 %   $ 149.0       -163.3 %
                                                         
                                   
Point Chg
           
Point Chg
 
Loss ratio
    50.7 %     60.0 %     84.9 %             (9.3 )             (24.9 )
Commission and brokerage ratio
    24.3 %     27.1 %     24.1 %             (2.8 )             3.0  
Other underwriting expense ratio
    4.7 %     4.4 %     3.6 %             0.3               0.8  
Combined ratio
    79.7 %     91.5 %     112.6 %             (11.8 )             (21.1 )
                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                 
 
Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 5.4% to $774.3 million in 2013 compared to $734.4 million in 2012, primarily due to continued growth of new business and increased premium on existing business written in our Bermuda and Ireland offices.  Net written premiums increased by 4.3% to $765.7 million in 2013 compared to $733.8 million in 2012, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned increased 8.4% to $738.0 million in 2013 compared to $680.9 million in 2012.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased 1.3% to $734.4 million in 2012 compared to $725.3 million in 2011, primarily due to continued growth of new business and increased premium on existing business written in our Bermuda office, partially offset by lower premiums from our European operations due to combined competitive conditions and a negative $14.7 million impact from movement in foreign exchange rates.  Net written premiums increased by 1.1% to $733.8 million in 2012 compared to $725.5 million in 2011, in line with the increase in gross written premiums.  Premiums earned decreased 5.8% to $680.9 million in 2012 compared to $723.0 million in 2011.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

 
57

 

Incurred Losses and LAE.  The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Bermuda segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
   
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2013
                                         
Attritional
  $ 408.1       55.3 %     $ (56.1 )     -7.6 %     $ 352.0       47.7 %  
Catastrophes
    35.5       4.8 %       (13.1 )     -1.8 %       22.4       3.0 %  
Total segment
  $ 443.6       60.1 %     $ (69.2 )     -9.4 %     $ 374.4       50.7 %  
                                                       
2012
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 403.0       59.2 %     $ (17.8 )     -2.6 %     $ 385.2       56.6 %  
Catastrophes
    14.1       2.1 %       8.9       1.3 %       23.0       3.4 %  
Total segment
  $ 417.1       61.3 %     $ (8.9 )     -1.3 %     $ 408.2       60.0 %  
                                                       
2011
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 420.1       58.0 %     $ 9.2       1.3 %     $ 429.4       59.3 %  
Catastrophes
    190.6       26.4 %       (6.1 )     -0.8 %       184.5       25.6 %  
Total segment
  $ 610.7       84.4 %     $ 3.1       0.5 %     $ 613.9       84.9 %  
                                                       
Variance 2013/2012
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 5.1       (3.9 )
pts
  $ (38.3 )     (5.0 )
pts
  $ (33.2 )     (8.9 )
pts
Catastrophes
    21.4       2.7  
pts
    (22.0 )     (3.1 )
pts
    (0.6 )     (0.4 )
pts
Total segment
  $ 26.5       (1.2 )
pts
  $ (60.3 )     (8.1 )
pts
  $ (33.9 )     (9.3 )
pts
                                                       
Variance 2012/2011
                                                     
Attritional
  $ (17.1 )     1.2  
pts
  $ (27.0 )     (3.9 )
pts
  $ (44.2 )     (2.7 )
pts
Catastrophes
    (176.5 )     (24.3 )
pts
    15.0       2.1  
pts
    (161.5 )     (22.2 )
pts
Total segment
  $ (193.6 )     (23.1 )
pts
  $ (12.0 )     (1.8 )
pts
  $ (205.6 )     (24.9 )
pts
                                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                               
 
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 8.3% to $374.4 million in 2013 compared to $408.2 million in 2012 primarily due to favorable prior year development in 2013 compared to 2012 for both attritional and catastrophe losses, partially offset by increases in current year catastrophe losses and current year attritional losses.  The favorable prior year development on attritional losses was primarily related to the outcome of reserve studies on property business.  Current year catastrophe losses were $35.5 million in 2013, due to the German hailstorms ($20.5 million) and the European floods ($15.0 million), which was partially offset by a $13.1 million reduction to prior year catastrophe loss estimates, largely attributable to the 2011 Japan earthquake.  The $14.1 million of current year catastrophe losses for 2012 related primarily to Superstorm Sandy ($14.0 million).  The current year attritional losses increased by $5.1 million due to the impact of higher premiums earned, but the current year attritional loss ratio declined by 3.9 points. This is primarily due to a shift in the mix of business to excess of loss contracts which generally results in lower loss ratios.

Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 33.5% to $408.2 million in 2012 compared to $613.9 million in 2011.  The decrease was principally due to a $176.5 million (24.3 points) decrease in current year catastrophe losses for 2012 (outlined above) compared to 2011.  The $190.6 million of 2011 current year catastrophe losses related primarily to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami ($88.0 million), the 2011 New Zealand earthquake ($65.8 million) and the Thailand floods ($28.0 million).  The current year attritional losses also decreased by $17.1 million (1.2 points), which is primarily due to the decline in premiums earned.

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage decreased by 2.8% to $179.1 million in 2013 compared to $184.4 million in 2012 reflecting the impact from the change in the mix of business to contracts with lower commission rates and higher contingent commission payouts in 2012, mitigated by the impact of higher premiums earned.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $34.7 million in 2013 compared to $30.6 million for the same period in 2012.  The year over year increase was primarily attributable to higher premiums earned in 2013.

 
58

 
 
Commission and brokerage increased by 5.9% to $184.4 million in 2012 compared to $174.0 million in 2011 reflecting higher contingent commissions in 2012.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $30.6 million in 2012 compared to $26.3 million for the same period in 2011.  The increases are primarily attributable to higher personnel benefit costs.

Insurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
     2013/2012    2012/2011
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
Variance
   
% Change
   
Variance
   
% Change
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 1,268.7     $ 1,073.1     $ 975.6     $ 195.6       18.2 %   $ 97.5       10.0 %
Net written premiums
    1,086.2       852.1       820.5       234.1       27.5 %     31.6       3.9 %
                                                         
Premiums earned
  $ 1,037.4     $ 852.4     $ 821.2     $ 185.0       21.7 %   $ 31.3       3.8 %
Incurred losses and LAE
    931.5       700.3       705.9       231.2       33.0 %     (5.6 )     -0.8 %
Commission and brokerage
    133.7       117.6       137.7       16.1       13.7 %     (20.1 )     -14.6 %
Other underwriting expenses
    119.3       103.0       89.5       16.3       15.8 %     13.5       15.1 %
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ (147.0 )   $ (68.5 )   $ (111.9 )   $ (78.6 )     114.8 %   $ 43.5       -38.8 %
                                                         
                                   
Point Chg
           
Point Chg
 
Loss ratio
    89.8 %     82.2 %     86.0 %             7.6               (3.8 )
Commission and brokerage ratio
    12.9 %     13.8 %     16.8 %             (0.9 )             (3.0 )
Other underwriting expense ratio
    11.5 %     12.0 %     10.8 %             (0.5 )             1.2  
Combined ratio
    114.2 %     108.0 %     113.6 %             6.2               (5.6 )
                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                 
 
Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 18.2% to $1,268.7 million in 2013 compared to $1,073.1 million in 2012.  This increase was primarily driven by California workers’ compensation, crop and non-standard auto business.  Net written premiums increased by 27.5% to $1,086.2 million in 2013 compared to $852.1 million in 2012.  The larger increase in net written premiums compared to gross written premiums is mainly due to less use of reinsurance, particularly on the crop business.  Premiums earned increased 21.7% to $1,037.4 million in 2013 compared to $852.4 million in 2012.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 10.0% to $1,073.1 million in 2012 compared to $975.6 million in 2011. This increase was primarily driven by crop and primary A&H medical stop loss business, partially offset by the termination and runoff of several large casualty programs.  Net written premiums increased by 3.9% to $852.1 million in 2012 compared to $820.5 million in 2011.  The lower increase in net written premiums in comparison to gross written premiums is primarily attributable to a higher level of reinsurance employed for the crop business.  Premiums earned increased 3.8% to $852.4 million in 2012 compared to $821.2 million in 2011.  The change in premiums earned is relatively consistent with the increase in net written premiums.

 
59

 

Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
   
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2013
                                         
Attritional
  $ 798.6       77.0 %     $ 131.9       12.7 %     $ 930.5       89.7 %  
Catastrophes
    2.3       0.2 %       (1.3 )     -0.1 %       1.0       0.1 %  
Total segment
  $ 800.9       77.2 %     $ 130.6       12.6 %     $ 931.5       89.8 %  
                                                       
2012
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 640.1       75.1 %     $ 53.5       6.3 %     $ 693.6       81.4 %  
Catastrophes
    6.7       0.8 %       -       0.0 %       6.7       0.8 %  
Total segment
  $ 646.8       75.9 %     $ 53.5       6.3 %     $ 700.3       82.2 %  
                                                       
2011
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 641.4       78.2 %     $ 61.7       7.5 %     $ 703.1       85.7 %  
Catastrophes
    2.5       0.3 %       0.3       0.0 %       2.8       0.3 %  
Total segment
  $ 643.9       78.5 %     $ 62.0       7.5 %     $ 705.9       86.0 %  
                                                       
Variance 2013/2012
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 158.5       1.9  
pts
  $ 78.4       6.4  
pts
  $ 236.9       8.3  
pts
Catastrophes
    (4.4 )     (0.6 )
pts
    (1.3 )     (0.1 )
pts
    (5.7 )     (0.7 )
pts
Total segment
  $ 154.1       1.3  
pts
  $ 77.1       6.3  
pts
  $ 231.2       7.6  
pts
                                                       
Variance 2012/2011
                                                     
Attritional
  $ (1.3 )     (3.1 )
pts
  $ (8.2 )     (1.2 )
pts
  $ (9.5 )     (4.3 )
pts
Catastrophes
    4.2       0.5  
pts
    (0.3 )     -  
pts
    3.9       0.5  
pts
Total segment
  $ 2.9       (2.6 )
pts
  $ (8.5 )     (1.2 )
pts
  $ (5.6 )     (3.8 )
pts
                                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                               
 
Incurred losses and LAE increased by 33.0% to $931.5 million in 2013 compared to $700.3 million in 2012 mainly due to increases in current year attritional losses and higher unfavorable prior year development on attritional losses in 2013 compared to 2012.  The current year attritional losses increased by $158.5 million primarily due to the impact of higher premiums earned and a higher current year attritional loss ratio on the crop book, which was impacted by a decline in corn commodity prices and lower yields in several of our key states.  The prior year development on attritional losses was primarily related to workers’ compensation, construction liability and umbrella business. The construction liability and umbrella development related to programs that were discontinued several years ago.  Current year catastrophe losses were $2.3 million in 2013, due to Canadian floods.  The $6.7 million of current year catastrophe losses for 2012 were primarily due to Superstorm Sandy ($5.5 million).

Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 0.8% to $700.3 million in 2012 compared to $705.9 million in 2011. This was primarily due to a decrease of $9.5 million (4.3 points) in attritional losses resulting primarily from lower prior years’ losses in 2012 resulting from development on excess casualty and California workers’ compensation reserves, as well as a shift in the mix of business towards shorter-tail lines of business.  This decrease was partially offset by a $4.2 million increase in current year catastrophe losses primarily due to Superstorm Sandy.

Segment Expenses Commission and brokerage increased by 13.7% to $133.7 million in 2013 compared to $117.6 million in 2012.  The year over year increase was primarily driven by the growth in premiums earned, partially offset by the impact of the accounting change for acquisition costs, which had the impact of increasing expenses in 2012.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $119.3 million in 2013 compared to $103.0 million for 2012.  These increases were primarily the result of increased premiums earned and compensation costs.

Commission and brokerage decreased by 14.6% to $117.6 million in 2012 compared to $137.7 million in 2011, driven by growth in direct distribution business, which has lower acquisition costs.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $103.0 million in 2012 compared to $89.5 million for the same period in 2011.  These increases are primarily the result of increased personnel benefit costs.

 
60

 
 
Mt. Logan Re.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Mt. Logan Re segment for the year ended 2013.  The initial reporting period for this segment began in the third quarter of 2013.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
     2013/2012    2012/2011
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
Variance
   
% Change
   
Variance
   
% Change
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 20.2     $ -     $ -     $ 20.2    
NM
  $ -    
NM
Net written premiums
    18.4       -       -       18.4    
NM
    -    
NM
                                                       
Premiums earned
  $ 17.3     $ -     $ -     $ 17.3    
NM
  $ -    
NM
Incurred losses and LAE
    4.4       -       -       4.4    
NM
    -    
NM
Commission and brokerage
    2.0       -       -       2.0    
NM
    -    
NM
Other underwriting expenses
    2.1       -       -       2.1    
NM
    -    
NM
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 8.8     $ -     $ -     $ 8.8    
NM
  $ -    
NM
                                                       
                                   
Point Chg
           
Point Chg
 
Loss ratio
    25.4 %     -       -               25.4               -  
Commission and brokerage ratio
    11.3 %     -       -               11.3               -  
Other underwriting expense ratio
    12.1 %     -       -               12.1               -  
Combined ratio
    48.8 %     -       -               48.8               -  
                                                         
(NM, not meaningful)
                                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                 


Premiums.  Gross written premiums were $20.2 million in 2013.  Net written premiums were $18.4 million in 2013, which is comparable to gross written premiums since the segment retains most of the business written.  Premiums earned were $17.3 million in 2013.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Mt. Logan Re segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
   
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2013
                                         
Attritional
  $ 3.3       19.4 %     $ -       0.0 %     $ 3.3       19.4 %  
Catastrophes
    1.0       6.0 %       -       0.0 %       1.0       6.0 %  
Total segment
  $ 4.4       25.4 %     $ -       0.0 %     $ 4.4       25.4 %  
                                                       
2012
                                                     
Attritional
  $ -       -       $ -       -       $ -       -    
Catastrophes
    -       -         -       -         -       -    
Total segment
  $ -       -       $ -       -       $ -       -    
                                                       
2011
                                                     
Attritional
  $ -       -       $ -       -       $ -       -    
Catastrophes
    -       -         -       -         -       -    
Total segment
  $ -       -       $ -       -       $ -       -    
                                                       
Variance 2013/2012
                                                     
Attritional
  $ 3.3       19.4  
pts
  $ -       -  
pts
  $ 3.3       19.4  
pts
Catastrophes
    1.0       6.0  
pts
    -       -  
pts
    1.0       6.0  
pts
Total segment
  $ 4.4       25.4  
pts
  $ -       -  
pts
  $ 4.4       25.4  
pts
                                                       
Variance 2012/2011
                                                     
Attritional
  $ -       -  
pts
  $ -       -  
pts
  $ -       -  
pts
Catastrophes
    -       -  
pts
    -       -  
pts
    -       -  
pts
Total segment
  $ -       -  
pts
  $ -       -  
pts
  $ -       -  
pts
                                                       
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                               
 
 
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Incurred losses and LAE were $4.4 million in 2013.  Current year catastrophe losses were $1.0 million in 2013, due to Typhoon Fitow ($0.8 million) and the Canadian floods ($0.2 million).  Current year attritional losses were $3.3 million in 2013.

Segment Expenses Commission and brokerage was $2.0 million in 2013.  Segment other underwriting expenses were $2.1 million in 2013.

Critical Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of the critical accounting policies related to accounting estimates that (1) require management to make assumptions about highly uncertain matters and (2) could materially impact the consolidated financial statements if management made different assumptions.

Loss and LAE Reserves.  Our most critical accounting policy is the determination of our loss and LAE reserves.  We maintain reserves equal to our estimated ultimate liability for losses and LAE for reported and unreported claims for our insurance and reinsurance businesses.  Because reserves are based on estimates of ultimate losses and LAE by underwriting or accident year, we use a variety of statistical and actuarial techniques to monitor reserve adequacy over time, evaluate new information as it becomes known and adjust reserves whenever an adjustment appears warranted.  We consider many factors when setting reserves including:  (1) our exposure base and projected ultimate premiums earned; (2) our expected loss ratios by product and class of business, which are developed collaboratively by underwriters and actuaries; (3) actuarial methodologies which analyze our loss reporting and payment experience, reports from ceding companies and historical trends, such as reserving patterns, loss payments and product mix; (4) current legal interpretations of coverage and liability; (5) economic conditions; and (6) uncertainties discussed below regarding our liability for A&E claims. Our insurance and reinsurance loss and LAE reserves represent our best estimate of our ultimate liability. Actual losses and LAE ultimately paid may deviate, perhaps substantially, from such reserves.  Our net income (loss) will be impacted in a period in which the change in estimated ultimate losses and LAE is recorded.  See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

It is more difficult to accurately estimate loss reserves for reinsurance liabilities than for insurance liabilities.  At December 31, 2013, we had reinsurance reserves of $7,306.5 million and insurance loss reserves of $2,366.7 million, of which $323.1 million and $79.4 million, respectively, were loss reserves for A&E liabilities.  A detailed discussion of additional considerations related to A&E exposures follows later in this section.

The detailed data required to evaluate ultimate losses for our insurance business is accumulated from our underwriting and claim systems.  Reserving for reinsurance requires evaluation of loss information received from ceding companies.  Ceding companies report losses to us in many forms dependent on the type of contract and the agreed or contractual reporting requirements. Generally, proportional/quota share contracts require the submission of a monthly/quarterly account, which includes premium and loss activity for the period with corresponding reserves as established by the ceding company. This information is recorded into our records. For certain proportional contracts, we may require a detailed loss report for claims that exceed a certain dollar threshold or relate to a particular type of loss.  Excess of loss and facultative contracts generally require individual loss reporting with precautionary notices provided when a loss reaches a significant percentage of the attachment point of the contract or when certain causes of loss or types of injury occur.  Our experienced claims staff handles individual loss reports and supporting claim information.  Based on our evaluation of a claim, we may establish additional case reserves (ACRs) in addition to the case reserves reported by the ceding company.  To ensure ceding companies are submitting required and accurate data, the Underwriting, Claim, Reinsurance Accounting and Internal Audit departments of the Company perform various reviews of our ceding companies, particularly larger ceding companies, including on-site audits.

 
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We sort both our reinsurance and insurance reserves into exposure groupings for actuarial analysis.  We assign our business to exposure groupings so that the underlying exposures have reasonably homogeneous loss development characteristics and are large enough to facilitate credible estimation of ultimate losses.  We periodically review our exposure groupings and we may change our groupings over time as our business changes.  We currently use over 200 exposure groupings to develop our reserve estimates.  One of the key selection characteristics for the exposure groupings is the historical duration of the claims settlement process.  Business in which claims are reported and settled relatively quickly are commonly referred to as short tail lines, principally property lines.  On the other hand, casualty claims tend to take longer to be reported and settled and casualty lines are generally referred to as long tail lines.  Our estimates of ultimate losses for shorter tail lines, with the exception of loss estimates for large catastrophic events, generally exhibit less volatility than those for the longer tail lines.

We use similar actuarial methodologies, such as expected loss ratio, chain ladder reserving methods and Borhuetter Ferguson, supplemented by judgment where appropriate, to estimate our ultimate losses and LAE for each exposure group. Although we use similar actuarial methodologies for both short tail and long tail lines, the faster reporting of experience for the short tail lines allows us to have greater confidence in our estimates of ultimate losses for short tail lines at an earlier stage than for long tail lines.  As a result, we utilize, as well, exposure-based methods to estimate our ultimate losses for longer tail lines, especially for immature accident years.  For both short and long tail lines, we supplement these general approaches with analytically based judgments.  We cannot estimate losses from widespread catastrophic events, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, using traditional actuarial methods.  We estimate losses for these types of events based on information derived from catastrophe models, quantitative and qualitative exposure analyses, reports and communications from ceding companies and development patterns for historically similar events.  Due to the inherent uncertainty in estimating such losses, these estimates are subject to variability, which increases with the severity and complexity of the underlying event.

Our key actuarial assumptions contain no explicit provisions for reserve uncertainty nor do we supplement the actuarially determined reserves for uncertainty.

Our carried reserves at each reporting date are our best estimate of ultimate unpaid losses and LAE at that date.  We complete detailed reserve studies for each exposure group annually for our reinsurance and insurance operations.  The completed annual reinsurance reserve studies are “rolled forward” for each accounting period until the subsequent reserve study is completed.  Analyzing the roll-forward process involves comparing actual reported losses to expected losses based on the most recent reserve study.  We analyze significant variances between actual and expected losses and post adjustments to our reserves as warranted.

Given the inherent variability in our loss reserves, we have developed an estimated range of possible gross reserve levels.  A table of ranges by segment, accompanied by commentary on potential and historical variability, is included in “Financial Condition - Loss and LAE Reserves”.  The ranges are statistically developed using the exposure groups used in the reserve estimation process and aggregated to the segment level.  For each exposure group, our actuaries calculate a range for each accident year based principally on two variables.  The first is the historical changes in losses and LAE incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) for each accident year over time; the second is volatility of each accident year’s held reserves related to estimated ultimate losses, also over time.  Both are measured at various ages from the end of the accident year through the final payout of the year’s losses.  Ranges are developed for the exposure groups using statistical methods to adjust for diversification; the ranges for the exposure groups are aggregated to the segment level, likewise, with an adjustment for diversification.  Our estimates of our reserve variability may not be comparable to those of other companies because there are no consistently applied actuarial or accounting standards governing such presentations.  Our recorded reserves reflect our best point estimate of our liabilities and our actuarial methodologies focus on developing such point estimates.  We calculate the ranges subsequently, based on the historical variability of such reserves.

 
63

 

Asbestos and Environmental Exposures.  We continue to receive claims under expired insurance and reinsurance contracts asserting injuries and/or damages relating to or resulting from environmental pollution and hazardous substances, including asbestos.  Environmental claims typically assert liability for (a) the mitigation or remediation of environmental contamination or (b) bodily injury or property damage caused by the release of hazardous substances into the land, air or water.  Asbestos claims typically assert liability for bodily injury from exposure to asbestos or for property damage resulting from asbestos or products containing asbestos.

Our reserves include an estimate of our ultimate liability for A&E claims.  Our A&E liabilities emanate from Mt. McKinley’s direct insurance business and Everest Re’s assumed reinsurance business.  There are significant uncertainties surrounding our estimates of our potential losses from A&E claims. Among the uncertainties are: (a) potentially long waiting periods between exposure and manifestation of any bodily injury or property damage; (b) difficulty in identifying sources of asbestos or environmental contamination; (c) difficulty in properly allocating responsibility and/or liability for asbestos or environmental damage; (d) changes in underlying laws and judicial interpretation of those laws; (e) the potential for an asbestos or environmental claim to involve many insurance providers over many policy periods; (f) questions concerning interpretation and application of insurance and reinsurance coverage; and (g) uncertainty regarding the number and identity of insureds with potential asbestos or environmental exposure.

Due to the uncertainties discussed above, the ultimate losses attributable to A&E, and particularly asbestos, may be subject to more variability than are non-A&E reserves and such variation could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows.  See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Notes 1 and 3 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reinsurance Receivables.  We have purchased reinsurance to reduce our exposure to adverse claim experience, large claims and catastrophic loss occurrences.  Our ceded reinsurance provides for recovery from reinsurers of a portion of losses and loss expenses under certain circumstances.  Such reinsurance does not relieve us of our obligation to our policyholders.  In the event our reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations under these agreements or are able to successfully challenge losses ceded by us under the contracts, we will not be able to realize the full value of the reinsurance receivable balance.  To minimize exposure from uncollectible reinsurance receivables, we have a reinsurance security committee that evaluates the financial strength of each reinsurer prior to our entering into a reinsurance arrangement.  In some cases, we may hold full or partial collateral for the receivable, including letters of credit, trust assets and cash.  Additionally, creditworthy foreign reinsurers of business written in the U.S. are generally required to secure their obligations.  We have established reserves for uncollectible balances based on our assessment of the collectability of the outstanding balances. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the reserve for uncollectible balances was $21.6 million.  Actual uncollectible amounts may vary, perhaps substantially, from such reserves, impacting income (loss) in the period in which the change in reserves is made. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” -  Note 13 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Financial Condition – Reinsurance Receivables” below.

Premiums Written and Earned.  Premiums written by us are earned ratably over the coverage periods of the related insurance and reinsurance contracts.  We establish unearned premium reserves to cover the unexpired portion of each contract.  Such reserves, for assumed reinsurance, are computed using pro rata methods based on statistical data received from ceding companies.  Premiums earned, and the related costs, which have not yet been reported to us, are estimated and accrued.  Because of the inherent lag in the reporting of written and earned premiums by our ceding companies, we use standard accepted actuarial methodologies to estimate earned but not reported premium at each financial reporting date. These earned but not reported premiums are combined with reported earned premiums to comprise our total premiums earned for determination of our incurred losses and loss and LAE reserves.  Commission expense and incurred losses related to the change in earned but not reported premium are included in current period company and segment financial results.  See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” -  Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
64

 

The following table displays the estimated components of earned but not reported premiums by segment for the periods indicated.
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
U.S. Reinsurance
  $ 336.0     $ 246.6     $ 308.2  
International
    231.5       211.0       216.8  
Bermuda
    207.8       194.0       196.9  
Insurance
    -       -       -  
Mt. Logan
    0.3       -       -  
Total
  $ 775.6     $ 651.6     $ 722.0  
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                       
 
Investment Valuation.  Our fixed income investments are classified for accounting purposes as available for sale and are carried at market value or fair value in our consolidated balance sheets.  Our equity securities are also held as available for sale and are carried at market or fair value.  Most securities we own are traded on national exchanges where market values are readily available.  Some of our commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) are valued using cash flow models and risk-adjusted discount rates.  We hold some privately placed securities, less than 0.04% of the portfolio, that are either valued by brokers or an investment advisor.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, our investment portfolio included $469.1 million and $548.9 million, respectively, of limited partnership investments whose values are reported pursuant to the equity method of accounting.  We carry these investments at values provided by the managements of the limited partnerships and due to inherent reporting lags, the carrying values are based on values with “as of” dates from one month to one quarter prior to our financial statement date.

At December 31, 2013, we had net unrealized gains, net of tax, of $201.2 million compared to $603.9 million at December 31, 2012.  Gains and losses from market fluctuations for investments held at market value are reflected as comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated balance sheets.  Gains and losses from market fluctuations for investments held at fair value are reflected as net realized capital gains and losses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  Market value declines for the fixed income portfolio, which are considered credit other-than-temporary impairments, are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), as realized capital losses.  We consider many factors when determining whether a market value decline is other-than-temporary, including:  (1) we have no intent to sell and, more likely than not, will not be required to sell prior to recovery, (2) the length of time the market value has been below book value, (3) the credit strength of the issuer, (4) the issuer’s market sector, (5) the length of time to maturity and (6) for asset-backed securities, changes in prepayments, credit enhancements and underlying default rates.  If management’s assessments change in the future, we may ultimately record a realized loss after management originally concluded that the decline in value was temporary.  See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Cash and Invested Assets.  Aggregate invested assets, including cash and short-term investments, were $16,596.5 million at December 31, 2013, an increase of $20.3 million compared to $16,576.2 million at December 31, 2012.  This increase was primarily the result of $1,098.3 million of cash flows from operations, $258.9 million in fair value re-measurements, $143.0 million of subscription advances for third party investment into Mt. Logan Re, $87.5 million from external third party capital investment into Mt. Logan Re, $51.5 million from common share issuance under share based compensation plans, net of expense incurred, and $45.9 million in equity adjustments of our limited partnership investments, partially offset by $621.9 million paid for share repurchases, $467.2 million of pre-tax unrealized depreciation, $329.9 million paid to redeem junior subordinated debt securities, $106.7 million paid out in dividends to shareholders, $66.5 million of amortization bond premium, $54.2 million due to fluctuations in foreign currencies and $2.8 million of unsettled securities.

 
65

 

Our principal investment objectives are to ensure funds are available to meet our insurance and reinsurance obligations and to maximize after-tax investment income while maintaining a high quality diversified investment portfolio.  Considering these objectives, we view our investment portfolio as having two components: 1) the investments needed to satisfy outstanding liabilities (our core fixed maturities portfolio) and 2) investments funded by our shareholders’ equity.

For the portion needed to satisfy global outstanding liabilities, we generally invest in taxable and tax-preferenced fixed income securities with an average credit quality of Aa3.  For the U.S. portion of this portfolio, our mix of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected U.S. operating results, market conditions and our tax position.  This global fixed maturity securities portfolio is externally managed by an independent, professional investment manager using portfolio guidelines approved by internal management.

Our global portfolio included $1,780.8 million of foreign government securities at December 31, 2013, of which $816.0 million were European sovereign securities.  Approximately 51.8%, 21.4%, 6.6% and 5.4% of European sovereign securities represented securities held in the governments of the United Kingdom, France, Austria and the Netherlands, respectively.  No other countries represented more than 5% of the European sovereign securities.  We held no sovereign securities of Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece or Spain at December 31, 2013.

Over the past several years, we have expanded the allocation of our investments funded by shareholders’ equity to include:  1) a greater percentage of publicly traded equity securities, 2) emerging market fixed maturities through mutual fund structures, as well as individual holdings, 3) high yield fixed maturities, 4) bank loan securities and 5) private equity limited partnership investments.  The objective of this portfolio diversification is to enhance the risk-adjusted total return of the investment portfolio by allocating a prudent portion of the portfolio to higher return asset classes, which are also less subject to changes in value with movements in interest rates.  We limit our allocation to these asset classes because of 1) the potential for volatility in their values and 2) the impact of these investments on regulatory and rating agency capital adequacy models.  We use investment managers experienced in these markets and adjust our allocation to these investments based upon market conditions.  At December 31, 2013, the market value of investments in these investment market sectors, carried at both market and fair value, approximated 62% of shareholders’ equity.

The Company’s limited partnership investments are comprised of limited partnerships that invest in private equities.  Generally, the limited partnerships are reported on a quarter lag.  We receive annual audited financial statements for all of the limited partnerships which are prepared using fair value accounting in accordance with FASB guidance.  For the quarterly reports, the Company’s staff performs reviews of the financial reports for any unusual changes in carrying value.  If the Company becomes aware of a significant decline in value during the lag reporting period, the loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.

The tables below summarize the composition and characteristics of our investment portfolio as of the dates indicated.
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Fixed maturities, market value
  $ 12,636.9       76.1 %   $ 13,141.7       79.3 %
Fixed maturities, fair value
    19.4       0.1 %     41.5       0.2 %
Equity securities, market value
    144.1       0.9 %     143.5       0.9 %
Equity securities, fair value
    1,462.1       8.8 %     1,255.6       7.6 %
Short-term investments
    1,214.2       7.3 %     860.4       5.2 %
Other invested assets
    508.4       3.1 %     596.6       3.6 %
Cash
    611.4       3.7 %     537.1       3.2 %
Total investments and cash
  $ 16,596.5       100.0 %   $ 16,576.2       100.0 %
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               

 
66

 

 
At December 31,
 
2013
   
2012
Fixed income portfolio duration (years)
 3.2
   
 3.0
 
Fixed income composite credit quality
Aa3
   
Aa3
 
Imbedded end of period yield, pre-tax
3.2%
   
3.5%
 
Imbedded end of period yield, after-tax
2.8%
   
3.0%
 

The following table provides a comparison of our total return by asset class relative to broadly accepted industry benchmarks for the periods indicated.
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Fixed income portfolio total return
0.4%
 
4.8%
 
4.7%
Barclay's Capital - U.S. aggregate index
-2.0%
 
4.2%
 
7.8%
           
Common equity portfolio total return
22.4%
 
13.8%
 
2.7%
S&P 500 index
32.4%
 
16.0%
 
2.1%
           
Other invested asset portfolio total return
16.9%
 
16.0%
 
13.5%
 
The pre-tax equivalent total return for the bond portfolio was approximately 0.6%, 5.0% and 5.1%, respectively, for 2013, 2012 and 2011.  The pre-tax equivalent return adjusts the yield on tax-exempt bonds to the fully taxable equivalent.

Our fixed income and equity portfolios have different compositions than the benchmark indexes.  Our equity portfolios reflect an emphasis on dividend yield and growth equities, while the index is comprised of the largest 500 equities by market capitalization.

As indicated above, there is a relatively large variation between the total return on our fixed income portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2011 versus the Barclay’s - U.S. aggregate index for the same period.   One of the reasons is that the duration of our portfolio is much shorter than the duration of the index.  Historically, our duration has been shorter than the index because we align our investment portfolio with our liabilities.  In addition, we shortened our duration in anticipation of a reversing trend in interest rate movements.  With interest rates continuing to decline in 2011, the index benefited from its longer duration; however, in the longer term, there will be a benefit from a reduced exposure to unrealized market valuation losses on our fixed income portfolio if interest rates rise.  Our total return was more comparable to the index in 2013 and 2012 as interest rates remained fairly steady.  The composition of the index is also different from our portfolio as we hold foreign securities to match our foreign liabilities, while the index is comprised of only U.S. securities.

Reinsurance Receivables.
Reinsurance receivables for both paid and recoverable on unpaid losses totaled $540.9 million and $659.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  At December 31, 2013, $145.4 million, or 26.9%, was receivable from C.V. Starr; $95.3 million, or 17.6% was receivable from FCIC; $43.9 million, or 8.1%, was receivable from Transatlantic; $37.7 million, or 7.0% was receivable from Berkley; and $27.4 million, or 5.1%, was receivable from Munich Re.  The receivable from C.V. Starr is fully collateralized by a trust agreement.  No other retrocessionaire accounted for more than 5% of our receivables.

Loss and LAE Reserves.   Gross loss and LAE reserves totaled $9,673.2 million and $10,069.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 
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The following tables summarize gross outstanding loss and LAE reserves by segment, classified by case reserves and IBNR reserves, for the periods indicated.
 
   
At December 31, 2013
 
   
Case
   
IBNR
   
Total
   
% of
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Reserves
   
Reserves
   
Reserves
   
Total
 
U.S. Reinsurance
  $ 1,522.5     $ 1,819.0     $ 3,341.5       34.5 %
International
    1,007.4       686.5       1,694.0       17.5 %
Bermuda
    885.3       1,166.3       2,051.5       21.2 %
Insurance
    967.3       1,212.2       2,179.5       22.5 %
Mt. Logan Re
    1.8       2.5       4.3       0.1 %
Total excluding A&E
    4,384.3       4,886.5       9,270.8       95.8 %
A&E
    250.3       152.2       402.5       4.2 %
Total including A&E
  $ 4,634.6     $ 5,038.6     $ 9,673.2       100.0 %
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               

 
   
At December 31, 2012
 
   
Case
   
IBNR
   
Total
   
% of
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Reserves
   
Reserves
   
Reserves
   
Total
 
U.S. Reinsurance
  $ 1,538.6     $ 2,082.6     $ 3,621.2       36.0 %
International
    1,121.5       695.3       1,816.8       18.0 %
Bermuda
    826.1       1,135.9       1,962.0       19.5 %
Insurance
    1,098.1       1,128.1       2,226.2       22.1 %
Mt. Logan Re
    -       -       -       0.0 %
Total excluding A&E
    4,584.3       5,041.9       9,626.2       95.6 %
A&E
    265.8       177.1       442.9       4.4 %
Total including A&E
  $ 4,850.1     $ 5,219.0     $ 10,069.1       100.0 %
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               
 
Changes in premiums earned and business mix, reserve re-estimations, catastrophe losses and changes in catastrophe loss reserves and claim settlement activity all impact loss and LAE reserves by segment and in total.

Our loss and LAE reserves represent our best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims.  We continuously re-evaluate our reserves, including re-estimates of prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, newly reported loss and claim experience.  Changes in reserves resulting from such re-evaluations are reflected in incurred losses in the period when the re-evaluation is made.  Our analytical methods and processes operate at multiple levels including individual contracts, groupings of like contracts, classes and lines of business, internal business units, segments, legal entities, and in the aggregate.  In order to set appropriate reserves, we make qualitative and quantitative analyses and judgments at these various levels.  Additionally, the attribution of reserves, changes in reserves and incurred losses among accident years requires qualitative and quantitative adjustments and allocations at these various levels.  We utilize actuarial science, business expertise and management judgment in a manner intended to ensure the accuracy and consistency of our reserving practices.  Nevertheless, our reserves are estimates, which are subject to variation, which may be significant.

There can be no assurance that reserves for, and losses from, claim obligations will not increase in the future, possibly by a material amount.  However, we believe that our existing reserves and reserving methodologies lessen the probability that any such increase would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  In this context, we note that over the past 10 years, our calendar year operations have been affected by effects from prior period reserve re-estimates, ranging from a favorable $30.9 million in 2010, representing 0.4% of the net prior period reserves for the year in which the adjustment was made, to an unfavorable $249.4 million in 2004, representing 4.8% of the net prior period reserves for the year in which the adjustment was made.

 
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We have included ranges for loss reserve estimates determined by our actuaries, which have been developed through a combination of objective and subjective criteria.  Our presentation of this information may not be directly comparable to similar presentations of other companies as there are no consistently applied actuarial or accounting standards governing such presentations.  Our recorded reserves are an aggregation of our best point estimates for approximately 200 reserve groups and reflect our best point estimate of our liabilities. Our actuarial methodologies develop point estimates rather than ranges and the ranges are developed subsequently based upon historical and prospective variability measures.

The following table below represents the reserve levels and ranges for each of our business segments for the period indicated.
 
   
Outstanding Reserves and Ranges By Segment (1)
 
   
At December 31, 2013
 
   
As
   
Low
   
Low
   
High
   
High
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Reported
   
Range % (2)
   
Range (2)
   
Range % (2)
   
Range (2)
 
Gross Reserves By Segment
                             
U.S. Reinsurance
  $ 3,341.5       -12.2 %   $ 2,932.3       12.2 %   $ 3,750.6  
International
    1,694.0       -9.4 %     1,534.8       9.4 %     1,853.1  
Bermuda
    2,051.5       -9.7 %     1,851.9       9.7 %     2,251.2  
Insurance
    2,179.5       -15.3 %     1,845.8       15.3 %     2,513.1  
Mt. Logan Re
    4.3       0.0 %     4.3       0.0 %     4.3  
Total Gross Reserves (excluding A&E)
    9,270.8       -8.9 %     8,446.2       8.9 %     10,095.4  
A&E (All Segments)
    402.5       -13.7 %     347.3       13.7 %     457.6  
Total Gross Reserves
  $ 9,673.2       -8.8 %     8,820.2       8.8 %     10,526.3  
                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                       
______________________________________________________
(1)  
There can be no assurance that reserves will not ultimately exceed the indicated ranges requiring additional income (loss) statement expense.
(2)  
Although totals are displayed for both the low and high range amounts, it should be noted that statistically the range of the total is not equal to the sum of the ranges of the segments.

Depending on the specific segment, the range derived for the loss reserves, excluding reserves for Mt. Logan Re and A&E exposures, ranges from minus 9.4% to minus 15.3% for the low range and from plus 9.4% to plus 15.3% for the high range.  Both the higher and lower ranges are associated with the Insurance segment.  The size of the range is dependent upon the level of confidence associated with the outcome.  Within each range, our best estimate of loss reserves is based upon the point estimate derived by our actuaries in detailed reserve studies.  Such ranges are necessarily subjective due to the lack of generally accepted actuarial standards with respect to their development.  For the above presentation, we have assumed what we believe is a reasonable confidence level but note that there can be no assurance that our claim obligations will not vary outside of these ranges.

Additional losses, including those relating to latent injuries, and other exposures, which are as yet unrecognized, the type or magnitude of which cannot be foreseen by us or the reinsurance and insurance industry generally, may emerge in the future.  Such future emergence, to the extent not covered by existing retrocessional contracts, could have material adverse effects on our future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 
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Asbestos and Environmental Exposures.  A&E exposures represent a separate exposure group for monitoring and evaluating reserve adequacy.  The following table summarizes incurred losses and outstanding loss reserves with respect to A&E reserves on both a gross and net of retrocessions basis for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gross reserves
  $ 402.5     $ 442.8     $ 499.9  
Reinsurance receivable
    (15.8 )     (17.1 )     (19.8 )
Net reserves
  $ 386.7     $ 425.7     $ 480.2  
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                       
 
With respect to asbestos only, at December 31, 2013, we had gross asbestos loss reserves of $382.4 million, or 95.0%, of total A&E reserves, of which $306.8 million was for assumed business and $75.6 million was for direct business.

Ultimate loss projections for A&E liabilities cannot be accomplished using standard actuarial techniques.  We believe that our A&E reserves represent our best estimate of the ultimate liability; however, there can be no assurance that ultimate loss payments will not exceed such reserves, perhaps by a significant amount.

Industry analysts use the “survival ratio” to compare the A&E reserves among companies with such liabilities.  The survival ratio is typically calculated by dividing a company’s current net reserves by the three year average of annual paid losses.  Hence, the survival ratio equals the number of years that it would take to exhaust the current reserves if future loss payments were to continue at historical levels.  Using this measurement, our net three year asbestos survival ratio was 8.0 years at December 31, 2013.  These metrics can be skewed by individual large settlements occurring in the prior three years and therefore, may not be indicative of the timing of future payments.

Shareholders’ Equity.  Our shareholders’ equity increased to $6,968.3 million as of December 31, 2013 from $6,733.5 million as of December 31, 2012.  This increase was result of $1,259.4 million of net income attributable to Everest Re Group, share-based compensation transactions of $83.3 million, and $23.6 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments, partially offset by repurchases of 4.7 million common shares for $621.9 million, $402.8 million of unrealized depreciation on investments, net of tax, $106.7 million of shareholder dividends and $0.2 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments.

Our shareholders’ equity increased to $6,733.5 million as of December 31, 2012 from $6,071.4 million as of December 31, 2011.  This increase was the result of $829.0 million of net income, $154.3 million of unrealized appreciation on investments, net of tax, share-based compensation transactions of $53.5 million, $22.7 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments, partially offset by repurchases of 3.0 million common shares for $290.0 million, $100.4 million of shareholder dividends and $7.0 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Capital.  Our business operations are in part dependent on our financial strength and financial strength ratings, and the market’s perception of our financial strength, as measured by shareholders’ equity, which was $6,968.3 million at December 31, 2013 and $6,733.5 million at December 31, 2012.  On March 25, 2013, Moody’s downgraded the Company and its subsidiaries, including the senior debt of Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., by one level.  While Moody’s believes that our profitability, fixed charge coverage and market position are very good, the rating agency concluded that our business franchise and diversity and predictability of earnings position us more appropriately with peers at the adjusted rating level.  A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s affirmed ratings for the Company and its subsidiaries on July 25, 2013 and May 23, 2013, respectively.  We continue to possess significant financial flexibility and access to the debt and equity markets as a result of our perceived financial strength, as evidenced by the financial strength ratings as assigned by independent rating agencies.

 
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From time to time, we have used open market share repurchases to adjust our capital position and enhance long term expected returns to our shareholders.  On May 15, 2013, our existing Board authorization to purchase up to 20 million of our shares was amended to authorize the purchase of up to 25 million shares.  As of December 31, 2013, we had repurchased 20.4 million shares under this authorization.

On October 14, 2011, we renewed our shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as a Well Known Seasoned Issuer.  This shelf registration statement can be used by Group to register common shares, preferred shares, debt securities, warrants, share purchase contracts and share purchase units; by Holdings to register debt securities and by Everest Re Capital Trust III (“Capital Trust III”) to register trust preferred securities.

Liquidity.  Our principal investment objectives are to ensure funds are available to meet our insurance and reinsurance obligations and to maximize after-tax investment income while maintaining a high quality diversified investment portfolio.  Considering these objectives, we view our investment portfolio as having two components: 1) the investments needed to satisfy outstanding liabilities (our core fixed maturities portfolio) and 2) investments funded by our shareholders’ equity.

For the portion needed to satisfy global outstanding liabilities, we generally invest in taxable and tax-preferenced fixed income securities with an average credit quality of Aa3.  For the U.S. portion of this portfolio, our mix of taxable and tax-preferenced investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected U.S. operating results, market conditions and our tax position.  This global fixed maturity securities portfolio is externally managed by an independent, professional investment manager using portfolio guidelines approved by internal management.

Over the past several years, we have expanded the allocation of our investments funded by shareholders’ equity to include:  1) a greater percentage of publicly traded equity securities, 2) emerging market fixed maturities through mutual fund structures as well as individual holdings, 3) high yield fixed maturities, 4) bank loan securities and 5) private equity limited partnership investments.  The objective of this portfolio diversification is to enhance the risk-adjusted total return of the investment portfolio by allocating a prudent portion of the portfolio to higher return asset classes, which are also less subject to changes in value with movements in interest rates.  We limit our allocation to these asset classes because of 1) the potential for volatility in their values and 2) the impact of these investments on regulatory and rating agency capital adequacy models.  We use investment managers experienced in these markets and adjust our allocation to these investments based upon market conditions.  At December 31, 2013, the market value of investments in these investment market sectors, carried at both market and fair value, approximated 62% of shareholders’ equity.

Our liquidity requirements are generally met from positive cash flow from operations.  Positive cash flow results from reinsurance and insurance premiums being collected prior to disbursements for claims, which disbursements generally take place over an extended period after the collection of premiums, sometimes a period of many years.  Collected premiums are generally invested, prior to their use in such disbursements, and investment income provides additional funding for loss payments.  Our net cash flows from operating activities were $1,098.3 million, $694.6 million and $717.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Additionally, these cash flows reflected net tax payments of $69.3 million and $59.8 million and a net tax refund of $44.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively and net catastrophe loss payments of $490.7 million, $551.3 million and $559.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

If disbursements for claims and benefits, policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses were to exceed premium inflows, cash flow from reinsurance and insurance operations would be negative.  The effect on cash flow from insurance operations would be partially offset by cash flow from investment income.  Additionally, cash inflows from investment maturities and dispositions, both short-term investments and longer term maturities are available to supplement other operating cash flows.

 
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As the timing of payments for claims and benefits cannot be predicted with certainty, we maintain portfolios of long term invested assets with varying maturities, along with short-term investments that provide additional liquidity for payment of claims.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we held cash and short-term investments of $1,825.6 million and $1,397.4 million, respectively.  All of our short-term investments are readily marketable and can be converted to cash.  In addition to these cash and short-term investments, at December 31, 2013, we had $1,067.8 million of available for sale fixed maturity securities maturing within one year or less, $5,740.7 million maturing within one to five years and $3,101.1 million maturing after five years.  Our $1,606.2 million of equity securities are comprised primarily of publicly traded securities that can be easily liquidated.  We believe that these fixed maturity and equity securities, in conjunction with the short-term investments and positive cash flow from operations, provide ample sources of liquidity for the expected payment of losses in the near future.  We do not anticipate selling securities or using available credit facilities to pay losses and LAE but have the ability to do so.  Sales of securities might result in realized capital gains or losses.  At December 31, 2013 we had $241.5 million of net pre-tax unrealized appreciation, comprised of $414.7 million of pre-tax unrealized appreciation and $173.2 million of pre-tax unrealized depreciation.

Management expects annual positive cash flow from operations, which in general reflects the strength of overall pricing, to persist over the near term, absent any unusual catastrophe activity.  In the intermediate and long term, our cash flow from operations will be impacted to the extent by which competitive pressures affect overall pricing in our markets and by which our premium receipts are impacted from our strategy of emphasizing underwriting profitability over premium volume.

Effective June 22, 2012, Group, Bermuda Re and Everest International entered into a four year, $800.0 million senior credit facility with a syndicate of lenders, which amended and restated in its entirety the July 27, 2007, five year, $850.0 million senior credit facility.  Both the June 22, 2012 and July 27, 2007 senior credit facilities, which have similar terms, are referred to as the “Group Credit Facility”.  Wells Fargo Corporation (“Wells Fargo Bank”) is the administrative agent for the Group Credit Facility, which consists of two tranches.  Tranche one provides up to $200.0 million of unsecured revolving credit for liquidity and general corporate purposes, and for the issuance of unsecured standby letters of credit.  The interest on the revolving loans shall, at the Company’s option, be either (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) an adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin.  The Base Rate is the higher of (a) the prime commercial lending rate established by Wells Fargo Bank, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% per annum or (c) the one month LIBOR Rate plus 1.0% per annum. The amount of margin and the fees payable for the Group Credit Facility depends on Group’s senior unsecured debt rating.  Tranche two exclusively provides up to $600.0 million for the issuance of standby letters of credit on a collateralized basis.

The Group Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and to maintain a minimum net worth.  Minimum net worth is an amount equal to the sum of $4,250.0 million plus 25% of consolidated net income for each of Group’s fiscal quarters, for which statements are available ending on or after January 1, 2012 and for which consolidated net income is positive, plus 25% of any increase in consolidated net worth during such period attributable to the issuance of ordinary and preferred shares, which at December 31, 2013, was $4,806.2 million.  As of December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all Group Credit Facility covenants.

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no outstanding short-term borrowings from the Group Credit Facility revolving credit line.  The highest amount outstanding for year ended December 31, 2013, was $50.0 million for the period from October 31, 2013 to December 2, 2013.  There were no short-term borrowings outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2012.  At December 31, 2013, the Group Credit Facility had no outstanding letters of credit under tranche one and $502.1 million outstanding letters of credit under tranche two.  At December 31, 2012, the Group Credit Facility had no outstanding letters of credit under tranche one and $463.2 million outstanding letters of credit under tranche two.

 
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Effective August 15, 2011, Holdings entered into a new three year, $150.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders, replacing the August 23, 2006 five year senior revolving credit facility.  Both the August 15, 2011 and August 23, 2006 revolving credit agreements, which have similar terms, are referred to as the “Holdings Credit Facility”.  Citibank N.A. is the administrative agent for the Holdings Credit Facility.  The Holdings Credit Facility may be used for liquidity and general corporate purposes.  The Holdings Credit Facility provides for the borrowing of up to $150.0 million with interest at a rate selected by Holdings equal to either, (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) a periodic fixed rate equal to the Eurodollar Rate plus an applicable margin.  The Base Rate means a fluctuating interest rate per annum in effect from time to time to be equal to the higher of (a) the rate of interest publicly announced by Citibank as its base rate, (b) 0.5% per annum above the Federal Funds Rate or (c) 1% above the one month LIBOR, in each case plus the applicable margin.  The amount of margin and the fees payable for the Holdings Credit Facility depends upon Holdings’ senior unsecured debt rating.

The Holdings Credit Facility requires Holdings to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and Everest Re to maintain its statutory surplus at $1,875.0 million plus 25% of future aggregate net income and 25% of future aggregate capital contributions after December 31, 2010, which at December 31, 2013, was $2,128.1 million.  As of December 31, 2013, Holdings was in compliance with all Holdings Credit Facility covenants.

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no outstanding short-term borrowings from the Holdings Credit Facility revolving credit line.  The highest amount outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2013, was $40.0 million for the period from May 22, 2013 to July 24, 2013.  There were no short-term borrowings outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2012.  At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Holdings Credit Facility had outstanding letters of credit of $0.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

Costs incurred in connection with the Group Credit Facility and the Holdings Credit Facility were $1.0 million and $2.9 million for December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

On May 24, 2013, Holdings elected to redeem all of the outstanding $329.9 million of 6.2% junior subordinated debt securities.  Funds to redeem the debt were from operating cash flows and $40.0 million of borrowings from Holdings Credit Facility, which was repaid on July 24, 2013.

Holdings $250.0 million of senior notes are due on October 15, 2014.  These notes can either be retired with operating cash flows or refinanced, depending upon market conditions at the time of maturity.

Exposure to Catastrophes.  Like other insurance and reinsurance companies, we are exposed to multiple insured losses arising out of a single occurrence, whether a natural event, such as a hurricane or an earthquake, or other catastrophe, such as an explosion at a major factory. A large catastrophic event can be expected to generate insured losses to multiple reinsurance treaties, facultative certificates and across lines of business.

We focus on potential losses that could result from any single event, or series of events as part of our evaluation and monitoring of our aggregate exposures to catastrophic events. Accordingly, we employ various techniques to estimate the amount of loss we could sustain from any single catastrophic event or series of events in various geographic areas. These techniques range from deterministic approaches, such as tracking aggregate limits exposed in catastrophe-prone zones and applying reasonable damage factors, to modeled approaches that attempt to scientifically measure catastrophe loss exposure using sophisticated Monte Carlo simulation techniques that forecast frequency and severity of expected losses on a probabilistic basis.

 
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No single universal model or group of models is currently capable of projecting the amount and probability of loss in all global geographic regions in which we conduct business. In addition, the form, quality and granularity of underwriting exposure data furnished by ceding companies is not uniformly compatible with the data requirements for our licensed models, which adds to the inherent imprecision in the potential loss projections. Further, the results from multiple models and analytical methods must be combined and interpolated to estimate potential losses by and across business units.  Also, while most models have been updated to incorporate claim information from recent catastrophic events, catastrophe model projections are still inherently imprecise.  In addition, uncertainties with respect to future climatic patterns and cycles add to the already significant uncertainty of loss projections from models using historic long term frequency and severity data.

Nevertheless, when combined with traditional risk management techniques and sound underwriting judgment, catastrophe models are a useful tool for underwriters to price catastrophe exposed risks and for providing management with quantitative analyses with which to monitor and manage catastrophic risk exposures by zone and across zones for individual and multiple events.

Projected catastrophe losses are generally summarized in terms of the PML.  We define PML as our anticipated loss, taking into account contract terms and limits, caused by a single catastrophe affecting a broad contiguous geographic area, such as that caused by a hurricane or earthquake.  The PML will vary depending upon the modeled simulated losses and the make-up of the in force book of business.  The projected severity levels are described in terms of “return periods”, such as “100-year events” and “250-year events”. For example, a 100-year PML is the estimated loss to the current in-force portfolio from a single event which has a 1% probability of being exceeded in a twelve month period.  In other words, it corresponds to a 99% probability that the loss from a single event will fall below the indicated PML.  It is important to note that PMLs are estimates.  Modeled events are hypothetical events produced by a stochastic model.  As a result, there can be no assurance that any actual event will align with the modeled event or that actual losses from events similar to the modeled events will not vary materially from the modeled event PML.

From an enterprise risk management perspective, management sets limits on the levels of catastrophe loss exposure we may underwrite.  The limits are revised periodically based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to our financial resources and expected earnings and risk/reward analyses of the business being underwritten.

Management estimates that the projected net economic loss from its largest 100-year event in a given zone represents approximately 11% of its projected 2014 shareholders’ equity.  Economic loss is the PML exposure, net of third party reinsurance and the noncontrolling interests of Mt. Logan Re, reduced by estimated reinstatement premiums to renew coverage and estimated income taxes.  The impact of income taxes on the PML depends on the distribution of the losses by corporate entity, which is also affected by inter-affiliate reinsurance. Management also monitors and controls its largest PMLs at multiple points along the loss distribution curve, such as loss amounts at the 20, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 year return periods.  This process enables management to identify and control exposure accumulations and to integrate such exposures into enterprise risk, underwriting and capital management decisions.

Our catastrophe loss projections, segmented by risk zones, are updated quarterly and reviewed as part of a formal risk management review process.

We believe that our greatest worldwide 1 in 100 year exposure to a single catastrophic event is to a hurricane affecting the U.S. southeast coast, where we estimate we have a PML exposure, net of third party reinsurance and the noncontrolling interests of Mt. Logan Re, of $1,231.0 million.  See also table under ITEM 1, “Business - Risk Management of Underwriting and Retrocession Arrangements”.

If such a single catastrophe loss were to occur, management estimates that the economic loss to us would be approximately $796.0 million.  The estimate involves multiple variables, including which Everest entity would experience the loss, and as a result there can be no assurance that this amount would not be exceeded.

 
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We may purchase reinsurance to cover specific business written or the potential accumulation or aggregation of exposures across some or all of our operations.  Reinsurance purchasing decisions consider both the potential coverage and market conditions including the pricing, terms, conditions and availability of coverage, with the aim of securing cost effective protection.  The amount of reinsurance purchased has varied over time, reflecting our view of our exposures and the cost of reinsurance.

Information Technology.  Our information technology is a key component of our business operations and is supported by a team of knowledgeable professionals.  The majority of our information technology platform is located at our service processing center in New Jersey but processing is performed at the office locations of our operating subsidiaries and branches.  In addition, our main-frame processing is performed by a third party vendor at a separate location.  We have implemented procedures that seek to ensure that our key business systems are protected (or secured) and data are backed up and stored at off-site locations so that they can be restored promptly if necessary.  We have documented business continuity plans to provide uninterrupted services for minor service issues and disaster recovery plans with alternative secure data centers for broader outages.

Our business operations depend on the proper functioning and availability of our information technology platform, which includes data processing and related electronic communications.  We communicate electronically internally and with our brokers, program managers and third party vendors.  Some of these electronic communications involve personal, confidential and proprietary information.  We seek to ensure that all of our systems, data and electronic transmissions are appropriately protected from cybersecurity attacks with the latest technology safeguards.  These include, but are not limited to, requiring an independent assessment of outside vendor’s computing environment relative to the services they are providing us.

Despite these safeguards, a significant cyber incident, including system failure, security breach, disruption by malware or other damage could interrupt or delay our operations.  This type of incident may result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws.  Management is not aware of a cybersecurity incident that has had a material impact on our operations.

Contractual Obligations.  The following table shows our contractual obligations for the period indicated.
 
   
Payments due by period
 
         
Less than
               
More than
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Total
   
1 year
   
1-3 years
   
3-5 years
   
5 years
 
5.40% Senior notes
  $ 250.0     $ 250.0     $ -     $ -     $ -  
6.6% Long term notes
    238.4       -       -       -       238.4  
Interest expense (1)
    856.0       29.2       31.5       31.5       763.8  
Employee benefit plans
    62.1       17.5       3.9       4.4       36.3  
Operating lease agreements
    83.5       11.6       24.3       21.2       26.4  
Gross reserve for losses and LAE (2)
    9,673.2       2,413.1       3,767.0       1,210.3       2,282.9  
Total
  $ 11,163.2     $ 2,721.4     $ 3,826.7     $ 1,267.4     $ 3,347.8  
                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                       
______________________________________________________________________
 
(1)  
Interest expense on 6.6% long term notes is assumed to be fixed through contractual term.
(2)  
Loss and LAE reserves represent our best estimate of losses from claim and related settlement costs.  Both the amounts and timing of such payments are estimates, and the inherent variability of resolving claims as well as changes in market conditions make the timing of cash flows uncertain.  Therefore, the ultimate amount and timing of loss and LAE payments could differ from our estimates.

The contractual obligations for senior notes and long term notes are the responsibility of Holdings.  We have sufficient cash flow, liquidity, investments and access to capital markets to satisfy these obligations.  Holdings generally depends upon dividends from Everest Re, its operating insurance subsidiary for its funding, capital contributions from Group or access to the capital markets.  Our various operating insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries have sufficient cash flow, liquidity and investments to settle outstanding reserves for losses and LAE.  Management believes that we, and each of our entities, have sufficient financial resources or ready access thereto, to meet all obligations.

 
75

 
 
Dividends.
During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we declared and paid shareholder dividends of $106.7 million, $100.4 million and $103.8 million, respectively.  As an insurance holding company, we are partially dependent on dividends and other permitted payments from our subsidiaries to pay cash dividends to our shareholders.  The payment of dividends to Group by Holdings Ireland is subject to Irish corporate and regulatory restrictions; the payment of dividends to Holdings Ireland by Holdings and to Holdings by Everest Re is subject to Delaware regulatory restrictions; and the payment of dividends to Group by either Bermuda Re or Everest International is subject to Bermuda insurance regulatory restrictions.  Management expects that, absent extraordinary catastrophe losses, such restrictions should not affect Everest Re’s ability to declare and pay dividends sufficient to support Holdings’ general corporate needs and that Holdings Ireland, Bermuda Re and Everest International will have the ability to declare and pay dividends sufficient to support Group’s general corporate needs.  For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, Everest Re paid dividends to Holdings of $359.0 million, $100.0 million and $75.0 million, respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, Bermuda Re paid dividends to Group of $575.0 million, $425.0 million and $190.0 million, respectively, and Everest International paid dividends to Group of $90.0 million, $40.0 million and $0.0 million, respectively.  See ITEM 1, “Business – Regulatory Matters – Dividends” and ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Application of Recently Issued Accounting Guidance.
Intangibles-Goodwill or Other.  In September 2011, the FASB amended the authoritative guidance for disclosures on Goodwill Impairment.  The amendment allows an entity first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis in determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test.  This guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company implemented this guidance as of January 1, 2012.

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

Common Fair Value Measurement. In May 2011, FASB issued amendments to existing guidance to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The amendments change wording used to describe many GAAP fair value measurement requirements and disclosures. FASB does not intend for the amendments to cause a change in application of fair value accounting guidance.  The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company implemented this guidance prospectively as of January 1, 2012.

Treatment of Insurance Contract Acquisition Costs. In October 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for the accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts.  The guidance identifies the incremental direct costs of contract acquisition and costs directly related to acquisition activities that should be capitalized.  This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company implemented this guidance as of January 1, 2012 and determined that $13.5 million of previously deferrable acquisition costs would be expensed, including $10.9 million and $2.6 million expensed in 2012 and 2013, respectively.  If the guidance had been applicable for 2011, the Company would have expensed $13.9 million of deferrable acquisition costs.  No additional expense will be incurred related to this guidance implementation in future periods.

 
76

 

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

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

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 $16.6 billion investment portfolio, at December 31, 2013, is principally comprised of fixed maturity securities, which are generally subject to interest rate risk and some foreign currency exchange rate risk, and some equity securities, which are subject to price fluctuations and some foreign exchange rate risk.  The overall economic impact of the foreign exchange risks on the investment portfolio is partially mitigated by changes in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated liabilities and their associated income statement impact.

Interest rate risk is the potential change in value of the fixed maturity securities portfolio, including short-term investments, from a change in market interest rates.  In a declining interest rate environment, it includes prepayment risk on the $2,554.3 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $12,656.3 million fixed maturity portfolio.  Prepayment risk results from potential accelerated principal payments that shorten the average life and thus the expected yield of the security.

The tables below display the potential impact of market value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity portfolio (including $1,214.2 million of short-term investments) for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates.  For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually.  To generate appropriate price estimates on mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account.  For legal entities with a non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the market value change under the various interest rate change scenarios.
 
   
Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
 
   
At December 31, 2013
 
      -200       -100       0       100       200  
(Dollars in millions)
                                       
Total Market/Fair Value
  $ 14,628.1     $ 14,264.1     $ 13,870.5     $ 13,458.9     $ 13,045.0  
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    5.5 %     2.8 %     0.0 %     -3.0 %     -6.0 %
Change in Unrealized Appreciation
                                       
After-tax from Base ($)
  $ 640.8     $ 333.2     $ -     $ (348.3 )   $ (698.6 )

 
77

 

   
Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
 
   
At December 31, 2012
 
      -200       -100       0       100       200  
(Dollars in millions)
                                       
Total Market/Fair Value
  $ 14,788.1     $ 14,417.9     $ 14,043.5     $ 13,645.7     $ 13,228.2  
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    5.3 %     2.7 %     0.0 %     -2.8 %     -5.8 %
Change in Unrealized Appreciation
                                       
After-tax from Base ($)
  $ 627.5     $ 315.5     $ -     $ (335.5 )   $ (687.5 )
 
We had $9,673.2 million and $10,069.1 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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 of approximately 3.7 years, which is reasonably consistent with our fixed income portfolio.  If we were to discount our loss and LAE reserves, net of ceded reserves, the discount would be approximately $1.1 billion resulting in a discounted reserve balance of approximately $8.1 billion, representing approximately 58.1% of the value of the fixed maturity investment portfolio funds.

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 and mutual funds, which invest principally in high quality common and preferred stocks that are traded on the major exchanges, and mutual fund investments in emerging market debt.  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 tables below display 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 period indicated.
 
   
Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values
 
   
At December 31, 2013
 
(Dollars in millions)
    -20%     -10%     0%     10%     20%
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio
  $ 1,284.9     $ 1,445.5     $ 1,606.2     $ 1,766.8     $ 1,927.4  
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value
  $ (223.4 )   $ (111.7 )   $ -     $ 111.7     $ 223.4  
 
   
Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values
 
   
At December 31, 2012
 
(Dollars in millions)
    -20%     -10%     0%     10%     20%
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio
  $ 1,119.2     $ 1,259.1     $ 1,399.1     $ 1,539.0     $ 1,678.9  
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value
  $ (191.1 )   $ (95.6 )   $ -     $ 95.6     $ 191.1  
 
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./Bermuda (“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 Canadian Dollar, the Singapore Dollar, the British Pound Sterling and the Euro.  We mitigate foreign exchange exposure by generally matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresponding operating liabilities.  In accordance with FASB guidance, we translate the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar.  This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income.  As of December 31, 2013, there has been no material change in exposure to foreign exchange rates as compared to December 31, 2012.

 
78

 

The tables below display the potential impact of a parallel and immediate 10% and 20% increase and decrease in foreign exchange rates on the valuation of invested assets subject to foreign currency exposure for the periods indicated.  This analysis includes the after-tax impact of translation from transactional currency to functional currency as well as the after-tax impact of translation from functional currency to the U.S. dollar reporting currency.
 
   
Change in Foreign Exchange Rates in Percent
 
   
At December 31, 2013
 
(Dollars in millions)
    -20%     -10%     0%     10%     20%
Total After-tax Foreign Exchange Exposure
  $ (378.9 )   $ (189.5 )   $ -     $ 189.5     $ 378.9  
 
 
   
Change in Foreign Exchange Rates in Percent
 
   
At December 31, 2012
 
(Dollars in millions)
    -20%     -10%     0%     10%     20%
Total After-tax Foreign Exchange Exposure
  $ (389.2 )   $ (194.6 )   $ -     $ 194.6     $ 389.2  
 
Equity Index Put Option Contracts.  Although not considered material in the context of our aggregate exposure to market sensitive instruments, we have issued six equity index put option contracts based on the Standard & Poor’s 500 (“S&P 500”) index and one equity index put option contract based on the FTSE 100 index, that are market sensitive and sufficiently unique to warrant supplemental disclosure.

We sold six equity index put option contracts, based on the S&P 500 index, for total consideration, net of commissions, of $22.5 million.  At December 31, 2013, fair value for these equity index put option contracts was $29.3 million.  These equity index put option contracts each have a single exercise date, with maturities ranging from 12 to 30 years and strike prices ranging from $1,141.21 to $1,540.63.  The S&P 500 index value at December 31, 2013 was $1,848.36.  No amounts will be payable under these equity index put option contracts if the S&P 500 index is at, or above, the strike prices on the exercise dates, which fall between June 2017 and March 2031.  If the S&P 500 index is lower than the strike price on the applicable exercise date, the amount due would vary proportionately with the percentage by which the index is below the strike price.  Based on historical index volatilities and trends and the December 31, 2013 S&P 500 index value, we estimate the probability that each equity index put option contract of the S&P 500 index falling below the strike price on the exercise date to be less than 25%.  The theoretical maximum payouts under these six equity index put option contracts would occur if on each of the exercise dates the S&P 500 index value were zero.  At December 31, 2013, the present value of these theoretical maximum payouts using a 3% discount factor was $407.8 million.  Conversely, if the contracts had all expired on December 31, 2013, with the S&P index at $1,848.36, there would be no settlement amount.

We sold one equity index put option contract based on the FTSE 100 index for total consideration, net of commissions, of $6.7 million.  At December 31, 2013, fair value for this equity index put option contract was $6.1 million.  This equity index put option contract has an exercise date of July 2020 and a strike price of ₤5,989.75.  The FTSE 100 index value at December 31, 2013 was ₤6,749.10.  No amount will be payable under this equity index put option contract if the FTSE 100 index is at, or above, the strike price on the exercise date.  If the FTSE 100 index is lower than the strike price on the exercise date, the amount due will vary proportionately with the percentage by which the index is below the strike price.  Based on historical index volatilities and trends and the December 31, 2013 FTSE 100 index value, we estimate the probability that the equity index put option contract of the FTSE 100 index will fall below the strike price on the exercise date to be less than 37%.  The theoretical maximum payout under the equity index put option contract would occur if on the exercise date the FTSE 100 index value was zero.  At December 31, 2013, the present value of the theoretical maximum payout using a 3% discount factor and current exchange rate was $44.7 million.  Conversely, if the contract had expired on December 31, 2013, with the FTSE index at ₤6,749.10, there would be no settlement amount.

 
79

 

Because the equity index put option contracts meet the definition of a derivative, we report the fair value of these instruments in our consolidated balance sheets as a liability and record any changes to fair value in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as a net derivative gain (loss).  Our financial statements reflect fair values for our obligations on these equity index put option contracts at December 31, 2013, of $35.4 million; even though it may not be likely that the ultimate settlement of these transactions would require a payment that would exceed the initial consideration received, or any payment at all.

As there is no active market for these instruments, the determination of their fair value is based on an industry accepted option pricing model, which requires estimates and assumptions, including those regarding volatility and expected rates of return.

The tables below display the impact of potential movements in interest rates and the equity indices, which are the principal factors affecting fair value of these instruments, looking forward from the fair value for the period indicated.  As these are estimates, there can be no assurance regarding future market performance.  The asymmetrical results of the interest rate and S&P 500 and FTSE 100 indices shift reflect that the liability cannot fall below zero whereas it can increase to its theoretical maximum.
 
   
Equity Indices Put Options Obligation – Sensitivity Analysis
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
At December 31, 2013
 
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points:
    -200       -100       0       100       200  
Total Fair Value
  $ 61.3     $ 46.7     $ 35.4     $ 26.8     $ 20.3  
Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    -73.1 %     -31.7 %     0.0 %     24.2 %     42.7 %
                                         
Equity Indices Shift in Points (S&P 500/FTSE 100):
    -500/-2000       -250/-1000       0       250/1000       500/2000  
Total Fair Value
  $ 72.3     $ 50.2     $ 35.4     $ 25.5     $ 18.7  
Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    -104.1 %     -41.7 %     0.0 %     28.1 %     47.1 %
                                         
Combined Interest Rate /
    -200/       -100/               100/       200/  
   Equity Indices Shift (S&P 500/FTSE 100):
    -500/-2000       -250/-1000       0/0       250/1000       500/2000  
Total Fair Value
  $ 112.0     $ 64.3     $ 35.4     $ 18.8     $ 9.6  
Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    -216.2 %     -81.6 %     0.0 %     47.0 %     72.8 %
 
 
   
Equity Indices Put Options Obligation – Sensitivity Analysis
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
At December 31, 2012
 
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points:
    -200       -100       0       100       200  
Total Fair Value
  $ 129.0     $ 101.4     $ 79.5     $ 62.1     $ 48.4  
Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    -62.3 %     -27.6 %     0.0 %     21.8 %     39.1 %
                                         
Equity Indices Shift in Points (S&P 500/FTSE 100):
    -500/-2000       -250/-1000       0       250/1000       500/2000  
Total Fair Value
  $ 149.9     $ 108.7     $ 79.5     $ 58.9     $ 44.3  
Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    -88.6 %     -36.8 %     0.0 %     25.9 %     44.3 %
                                         
Combined Interest Rate /
    -200/       -100/               100/       200/  
   Equity Indices Shift (S&P 500/FTSE 100):
    -500/-2000       -250/-1000       0/0       250/1000       500/2000  
Total Fair Value
  $ 219.1     $ 135.1     $ 79.5     $ 44.8     $ 24.4  
Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    -175.7 %     -70.0 %     0.0 %     43.6 %     69.3 %
 

 
80

 
 
Safe Harbor Disclosure.
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws.  We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the federal securities laws.  In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “plan”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” and “intend”.  Forward-looking statements contained in this report include information regarding our reserves for losses and LAE, the adequacy of capital in relation to regulatory required capital, the adequacy of our provision for uncollectible balances, estimates of our catastrophe exposure, the effects of catastrophic events on our financial statements, the ability of Everest Re, Holdings, Holdings Ireland and Bermuda Re to pay dividends and the settlement costs of our specialized equity index put option contracts.  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”.  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 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
See “Market Sensitive Instruments” in ITEM 7.


ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
The financial statements and schedules listed in the accompanying Index to Financial Statements and Schedules on page F-1 are filed as part of this report.


ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.
 
 
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act).  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting.  Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 
81

 

Management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013.  In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 1992 (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.  Based on our assessment we concluded that, as of December 31, 2013, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which appears herein.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
As required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter covered by this annual 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 fourth quarter.


ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.


PART III

ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Reference is made to the sections captioned “Information Concerning Nominees”, “Information Concerning Continuing Directors and Executive Officers”, “Audit Committee”, “Nominating and Governance Committee”, “Code of Ethics for CEO and Senior Financial Officers” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our proxy statement for the 2014 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the Commission within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (the “Proxy Statement”), which sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Reference is made to the sections captioned “Directors’ Compensation” and “Compensation of Executive Officers” in the Proxy Statement, which are incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

Reference is made to the sections captioned “Common Share Ownership by Directors and Executive Officers”, “Principal Beneficial Owners of Common Shares” and “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” in the Proxy Statement, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
Reference is made to the section captioned “Certain Transactions with Directors” in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.


 
82

 

ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
Reference is made to the section captioned “Audit Committee Report” in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.


PART IV


ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
Financial Statements and Schedules.
The financial statements and schedules listed in the accompanying Index to Financial Statements and Schedules on page F-1 are filed as part of this report.

Exhibits.
The exhibits listed on the accompanying Index to Exhibits on page E-1 are filed as part of this report except that the certifications in Exhibit 32 are being furnished to the SEC, rather than filed with the SEC, as permitted under applicable SEC rules.

 
83

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 on March 3, 2014.


 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
 
       
       
 
By:
/S/ DOMINIC J. ADDESSO
 
   
Dominic J. Addesso
 
   
(President and Chief Executive Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
/S/ DOMINIC J. ADDESSO
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
 
March 3, 2014
Dominic J. Addesso
   
         
/S/ CRAIG HOWIE
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
March 3, 2014
Craig Howie
   
         
/S/ KEITH T. SHOEMAKER
 
Comptroller (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
March 3, 2014
Keith T. Shoemaker
       
         
/S/ JOSEPH V. TARANTO
 
Chairman
 
March 3, 2014
Joseph V. Taranto
   
         
/S/ JOHN J. AMORE
 
Director
 
March 3, 2014
John J. Amore
       
         
/S/ JOHN R. DUNNE
 
Director
 
March 3, 2014
John R. Dunne
       
         
/S/ WILLIAM F. GALTHEY, JR.
 
Director
 
March 3, 2014
William F. Galtney, Jr.
       
         
/S/ JOHN P. PHELAN
 
Director
 
March 3, 2014
John P. Phelan
       
         
/S/ ROGER M. SINGER
 
Director
 
March 3, 2014
Roger M. Singer
       
         
/S/ JOHN A. WEBER
 
Director
 
March 3, 2014
John A. Weber
       
         

 
84

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
       
Exhibit No.
       
 
  2.1
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger among Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., Everest Re Group, Ltd. and Everest Re Merger Corporation, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-87361)
       
 
  3.1
 
Memorandum of Association of Everest Re Group, Ltd., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-87361)
       
 
  3.2
 
Bye-Laws of Everest Re Group, Ltd., incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 3.2 to the Everest Re Group, Ltd., Quarterly Report for Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 (the “second quarter 2011 10-Q”)
       
 
  4.1
 
Specimen Everest Re Group, Ltd. common share certificate, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-87361)
       
 
  4.2
 
Indenture, dated March 14, 2000, between Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. and The Chase Manhattan Bank (now known as JPMorgan Chase Bank), as Trustee, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2000
       
 
  4.3
 
Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated November 14, 2002, between Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank as Trustee, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-106595)
       
 
  4.4
 
Second Supplemental Indenture relating to Holdings 6.20% Junior Subordinated Debt Securities due March 29, 2034, dated as of March 29, 2004, among Holdings, Group and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2004 (the “March 30, 2004 8-K”)
       
 
  4.5
 
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of Everest Re Capital Trust II, dated as of March 29, 2004, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the March 30, 2004 8-K
       
 
  4.6
 
Guarantee Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2004, between Holdings and JPMorgan Chase Bank, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the March 30, 2004 8-K
       
 
  4.7
 
Expense Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2004, between Holdings and Everest Re Capital Trust, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the March 30, 2004 8-K
       
 
  4.8
 
Third Supplemental Indenture relating to Holdings 5.40% Senior Notes due October 15, 2014, dated as of October 12, 2004, among Holdings and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. Form 8-K filed on October 12, 2004
       
  *
10.1
 
 
Everest Re Group, Ltd. Annual Incentive Plan effective January 1, 1999, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 (the “1998 10-K”)
       
    *
10.2
 
Everest Re Group, Ltd. 1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-05771)
       
    *
10.3
 
Everest Re Group, Ltd. 2003 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-105483)
 
 
 
E-1

 
 
 
       
    *
10.4
 
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement under the Everest Re Group, Ltd. 2003 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to Everest Re Group, Ltd., Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004
       
    *
10.5
 
Amendment of Everest Re Group, Ltd. 2003 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan adopted by shareholders at the annual general meeting on May 25, 2005, incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B to the 2005 Proxy Statement filed on April 14, 2005
       
    *
10.6
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Everest Re Group, Ltd. 2003 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on September 22, 2005
       
 
10.7
 
 
Completion of Tender Offer relating to Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. 6.60% Fixed to Floating Rate Long Term Subordinated Notes (LoTSSM) dated March 19, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2009
       
    *
10.8
 
Everest Re Group, Ltd. 2009 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. second quarter 2009 10-Q
       
*
10.9
 
Everest Re Group, Ltd. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan for employees is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form S-8 filed on September 30, 2010
       
    *
10.10
 
 
Employment Agreement between Everest Global Services, Inc., Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. and Joseph V. Taranto, dated January 1, 2011, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2011
       
    *
10.11
 
 
Change of Control Agreement between and among Everest Reinsurance Company, Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., Everest Re Group, Ltd., Everest Global Services, Inc. and Joseph V. Taranto, dated January 1, 2011, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2011
       
    *
10.12
 
 
Amendment of Executive Performance Annual Incentive Plan adopted by shareholders at the annual general meeting on May 18, 2011, incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B to the 2011 Proxy Statement filed on April 15, 2011
       
    *
10.13
 
 
Employment Agreement between Everest Global Services, Inc., Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. and Dominic J. Addesso, dated June 16, 2011, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on June 20, 2011
       
    *
10.14
 
 
 
Employment Agreement between Everest Global Services, Inc., Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. and Joseph V. Taranto, dated January 1, 2011, This employment supersedes the prior agreement between registrant and Joseph V. Taranto dated March 25, 2011.  This new agreement dated January 1, 2011, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on June 20, 2011
       
 
10.15
 
Credit Agreement, dated August 15, 2011, between Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., the lenders named therein and Citibank, National Association, as administrative agent, providing for a $150.0 million three year revolving credit facility, filed herewith.  This new agreement replaces the August 23, 2006 five year senior revolving credit facility
 
 
 
E-2

 
 
       
 
10.16
 
 
Credit Agreement, dated June 22, 2012, between Everest Re Group, Ltd., Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd. and Everest International Reinsurance, Ltd., certain lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, providing for an $800.0 million four year senior credit facility, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2012.  This new agreement replaces the July 27, 2007 five year, $850.0 million senior credit facility
       
    *
10.17
 
Employment agreement between Everest Global Services, Inc., Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. and Dominic J. Addesso, dated July 1, 2012, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on July 20, 2012
       
    *
10.18
 
Employment agreement between Everest Global Services, Inc., Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. and Joseph V. Taranto, dated July 1, 2012, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on July 20, 2012
       
    *
10.19
 
Change of Control Agreement between and among Everest Reinsurance Company, Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., Everest Re Group, Ltd., Everest Global Services, Inc. and Joseph V. Taranto, dated January 1, 2012, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on July 20, 2012
       
    *
10.20
 
Employment agreement between Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd. and Mark S. deSaram, dated September 13, 2012, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on December 4, 2012
       
*
10.21
 
 
Chairmanship agreement between Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd. and Joseph V. Taranto, dated June 19, 2013 and effective January 1, 2014, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on June 24, 2013.
       
    *
10.22
 
Employment agreement between Everest Global Services, Inc., and Sanjoy Mukherjee, dated September 1, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on August 16, 2013
       
    *
10.23
 
Employment agreement between Everest Global Services, Inc., and John P. Doucette, dated September 1, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on September 13, 2013
 
 
21.1
 
Subsidiaries of the registrant, filed herewith
 
         
 
23.1
 
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, filed herewith
 
         
  31.1   Section 302 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso, filed herewith  
         
  31.2   Section 302 Certification of Craig Howie, filed herewith  
         
  32.1   Section 906 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso and Craig Howie, furnished herewith  
         
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
       
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
       
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
       
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
       
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
       
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
       
*  Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
 
E-3

 
 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
 
 
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
       
 
Pages
       
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-2
       
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012
F-4
       
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended
 
 
December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
F-5
       
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended
 
 
 December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
F-6
       
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
 
 
 December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
F-7
       
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-8
       
Schedules
 
       
I
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties at December 31, 2013
S-1
       
II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant:
 
       
   
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012
S-2
       
   
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
S-3
       
   
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
S-4
       
III
Supplementary Insurance Information for the Years Ended
 
   
December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
S-5
     
IV
Reinsurance for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
S-6
       
Schedules other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are not applicable or the information is otherwise contained in the Financial Statements.
       
       
       

 
 
F-1

 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
      of Everest Re Group, Ltd.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Everest Re Group, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework 1992 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedules, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
 
 
F-2

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.



PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
New York, New York
March 3, 2014

 
 
F-3

 

EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars and share amounts in thousands, except par value per share)
 
2013
   
2012
 
             
ASSETS:
           
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value
  $ 12,636,907     $ 13,141,657  
    (amortized cost: 2013, $12,391,164; 2012, $12,444,880)
               
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value
    19,388       41,470  
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2013, $148,342; 2012, $131,630)
    144,081       143,493  
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value
    1,462,079       1,255,557  
Short-term investments
    1,214,199       860,379  
Other invested assets (cost: 2013, $508,447; 2012, $596,590)
    508,447       596,590  
Cash
    611,382       537,050  
       Total investments and cash
    16,596,483       16,576,196  
Accrued investment income
    119,058       130,209  
Premiums receivable
    1,453,114       1,237,859  
Reinsurance receivables
    540,883       659,081  
Funds held by reinsureds
    228,000       228,375  
Deferred acquisition costs
    363,721       303,268  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    81,779       71,107  
Deferred tax asset
    146,281       262,024  
Income taxes recoverable
    32,053       68,442  
Other assets
    246,664       241,346  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 19,808,036     $ 19,777,907  
                 
LIABILITIES:
               
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 9,673,240     $ 10,069,055  
Future policy benefit reserve
    59,512       66,107  
Unearned premium reserve
    1,579,945       1,322,525  
Funds held under reinsurance treaties
    2,692       2,755  
Commission reserves
    66,160       65,533  
Other net payable to reinsurers
    116,387       162,778  
Losses in course of payment
    332,631       191,076  
5.4% Senior notes due 10/15/2014
    249,958       249,907  
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067
    238,361       238,357  
Junior subordinated debt securities payable
    -       329,897  
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings
    4,781       4,781  
Equity index put option liability
    35,423       79,467  
Unsettled securities payable
    53,867       48,830  
Other liabilities
    333,425       213,372  
       Total liabilities
    12,746,382       13,044,440  
                 
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:
               
Redeemable noncontrolling interests - Mt. Logan Re
    93,378       -  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
               
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Preferred shares, par value: $0.01; 50,000 shares authorized;
               
    no shares issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Common shares, par value: $0.01; 200,000 shares authorized; (2013) 67,965
               
    and (2012) 67,105 outstanding before treasury shares
    680       671  
Additional paid-in capital
    2,029,774       1,946,439  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense
               
    (benefit) of $57,661 at 2013 and $119,629 at 2012
    157,728       537,049  
Treasury shares, at cost; 20,422 shares (2013) and 15,687 shares (2012)
    (1,985,873 )     (1,363,958 )
Retained earnings
    6,765,967       5,613,266  
       Total shareholders' equity attributable to Everest Re Group
    6,968,276       6,733,467  
TOTAL LIABILITIES, NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS  AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 19,808,036     $ 19,777,907  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
               

 
 
F-4

 
 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
                   
REVENUES:
                 
Premiums earned
  $ 4,753,543     $ 4,164,628     $ 4,101,347  
Net investment income
    548,509       600,202       620,041  
Net realized capital gains (losses):
                       
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
    (1,052 )     (10,022 )     (16,223 )
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
                       
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -       -  
Other net realized capital gains (losses)
    301,279       174,422       23,146  
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
    300,227       164,400       6,923  
Net derivative gain (loss)
    44,044       (9,738 )     (11,261 )
Other income (expense)
    (5,487 )     3,318       (23,089 )
Total revenues
    5,640,836       4,922,810       4,693,961  
                         
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                       
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
    2,800,251       2,745,265       3,726,204  
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
    977,558       952,701       950,521  
Other underwriting expenses
    237,126       207,659       182,403  
Corporate expenses
    24,817       23,976       16,461  
Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense
    46,118       53,683       52,319  
Total claims and expenses
    4,085,870       3,983,284       4,927,908  
                         
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    1,554,966       939,526       (233,947 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    289,706       110,572       (153,461 )
                         
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 1,265,260     $ 828,954     $ (80,486 )
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (5,878 )     -       -  
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVEREST RE GROUP
  $ 1,259,382     $ 828,954     $ (80,486 )
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                       
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period
    (395,797 )     174,025       91,481  
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
    (6,977 )     (19,676 )     (11,340 )
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period
    (402,774 )     154,349       80,141  
                         
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (162 )     22,698       (15,969 )
                         
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) for the period
    17,837       (11,771 )     (31,776 )
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)
    5,778       4,795       2,324  
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period
    23,615       (6,976 )     (29,452 )
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (379,321 )     170,071       34,720  
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    -       -       -  
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax attributable to Everest Re Group
    (379,321 )     170,071       34,720  
                         
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 880,061     $ 999,025     $ (45,766 )
                         
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVEREST RE GROUP:
                       
Basic
  $ 25.67     $ 15.85     $ (1.49 )
Diluted
    25.44       15.79       (1.49 )
Dividends declared
    2.19       1.92       1.92  
                         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
                       

 
 
F-5

 
 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share and dividends per share amounts)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
                   
COMMON SHARES (shares outstanding):
                 
Balance, beginning of period
    51,417,962       53,735,551       54,428,168  
Issued during the period, net
    859,275       650,836       437,427  
Treasury shares acquired
    (4,734,105 )     (2,968,425 )     (1,130,044 )
Balance, end of period
    47,543,132       51,417,962       53,735,551  
                         
COMMON SHARES (par value):
                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 671     $ 665     $ 660  
Issued during the period, net
    9       6       5  
Balance, end of period
    680       671       665  
                         
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:
                       
Balance, beginning of period
    1,946,439       1,892,988       1,863,031  
Share-based compensation plans
    83,335       53,451       29,957  
Balance, end of period
    2,029,774       1,946,439       1,892,988  
                         
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),
                       
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:
                       
Balance, beginning of period
    537,049       366,978       332,258  
Net increase (decrease) during the period
    (379,321 )     170,071       34,720  
Balance, end of period
    157,728       537,049       366,978  
                         
RETAINED EARNINGS:
                       
Balance, beginning of period
    5,613,266       4,884,714       5,069,048  
Net income (loss) attributable to Everest Re Group
    1,259,382       828,954       (80,486 )
Dividends declared ($2.19 per share in 2013 and
                       
$1.92 per share in 2012 and 2011)
    (106,681 )     (100,402 )     (103,848 )
Balance, end of period
    6,765,967       5,613,266       4,884,714  
                         
TREASURY SHARES AT COST:
                       
Balance, beginning of period
    (1,363,958 )     (1,073,970 )     (981,480 )
Purchase of treasury shares
    (621,915 )     (289,988 )     (92,490 )
Balance, end of period
    (1,985,873 )     (1,363,958 )     (1,073,970 )
                         
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, END OF PERIOD
  $ 6,968,276     $ 6,733,467     $ 6,071,375  
                         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
                       

 
 
F-6

 
 
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,265,260     $ 828,954     $ (80,486 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable
    (217,678 )     (153,694 )     (235,560 )
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net
    162       42,298       18,236  
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables
    118,963       (55,274 )     97,549  
Decrease (increase) in current income taxes
    36,233       (26,831 )     82,702  
Decrease (increase) in deferred tax asset
    177,615       64,909       (194,029 )
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums
    (12,777 )     16,358       46,374  
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (374,027 )     (169,595 )     826,230  
Increase (decrease) in future policy benefit reserve
    (6,595 )     (1,080 )     4,185  
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums
    261,959       (98,418 )     (39,822 )
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers
    (45,043 )     100,566       4,911  
Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment
    142,192       173,232       18,477  
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships
    (45,905 )     (63,779 )     (56,549 )
Distribution of limited partnership income
    56,982       30,718       58,218  
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
    (57,212 )     76,788       108,611  
Non-cash compensation expense
    31,844       31,984       17,693  
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)
    66,461       61,844       47,872  
Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes
    54       52       49  
Net realized capital (gains) losses
    (300,227 )     (164,400 )     (6,923 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    1,098,261       694,632       717,738  
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value
    2,415,730       1,830,582       1,702,973  
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at fair value
    7,213       1,300       12,775  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value
    1,092,387       913,139       1,732,246  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    21,573       84,917       65,158  
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at market value
    46,142       280,807       27,207  
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    705,831       558,740       247,227  
Distributions from other invested assets
    100,081       53,736       108,055  
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    (3,543,776 )     (3,328,409 )     (3,238,113 )
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    (6,196 )     (7,955 )     (27,481 )
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    (59,756 )     (26,571 )     (127,837 )
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    (621,038 )     (426,507 )     (755,734 )
Cost of other invested assets acquired
    (21,935 )     (58,369 )     (64,832 )
Cost of businesses acquired
    -       -       (63,100 )
Net change in short-term investments
    (357,451 )     (175,043 )     100,969  
Net change in unsettled securities transactions
    (2,808 )     35,085       13,563  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (224,003 )     (264,548 )     (266,924 )
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Common shares issued during the period, net
    51,500       21,473       12,269  
Purchase of treasury shares
    (621,915 )     (289,988 )     (92,490 )
Revolving credit borrowings
    -       -       (50,000 )
Net cost of junior subordinated debt securities maturing
    (329,897 )     -       -  
Third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interest
    87,500       -       -  
Subscription advances for third party redeemable noncontrolling interest
    143,000       -       -  
Dividends paid to shareholders
    (106,681 )     (100,402 )     (103,848 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (776,493 )     (368,917 )     (234,069 )
                         
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
    (23,433 )     27,232       (26,502 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    74,332       88,399       190,243  
Cash, beginning of period
    537,050       448,651       258,408  
Cash, end of period
  $ 611,382     $ 537,050     $ 448,651  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                       
Income taxes paid (recovered)
  $ 69,302     $ 59,754     $ (44,537 )
Interest paid
    38,390       53,008       51,647  
                         
Non-cash transaction:
                       
Net assets acquired and liabilities assumed from business acquisitions
    -       -       19,130  
Conversion of equity securities - available for sale, at market value, to fixed
                       
maturity securities - available for sale, at market value, including accrued
                       
interest at time of conversion
    -       92,981       -  
                         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
                       


 
F-7

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A.  Business and Basis of Presentation.
Everest Re Group, Ltd. (“Group”), a Bermuda company, through its subsidiaries, principally provides reinsurance and insurance in the U.S., Bermuda and international markets.  As used in this document, “Company” means Group and its subsidiaries.  On December 30, 2008, Group contributed Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”) and its subsidiaries to its Irish holding company, Everest Underwriting Group (Ireland), Limited (“Holdings Ireland”).

Effective February 27, 2013, the Company established a new subsidiary, Mt. Logan Re Ltd. (“Mt. Logan Re”) and effective July 1, 2013, Mt. Logan Re established separate segregated accounts and issued non-voting redeemable preferred shares to capitalize the segregated accounts.  Accordingly, the financial position and operating results for Mt. Logan Re are consolidated with the Company and the non-controlling interests in Mt. Logan Re’s operating results and equity are presented as separate captions in the Company’s financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  The statements include all of the following domestic and foreign direct and indirect subsidiaries of Group:  Everest International Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Everest International”), Everest Global Services, Inc. (“Global Services”), Mt. Logan Re, Ltd., Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd. (“Bermuda Re”), Everest Re Advisors, Ltd., Everest Advisors (UK), Ltd., Holdings Ireland, Everest Reinsurance Company (Ireland) Limited (“Ireland Re”), Everest Insurance Company of Canada (“Everest Canada”), Premiere Insurance Underwriting Services (“Premiere”), Holdings, Heartland Crop Insurance, Inc. (“Heartland”), Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. (“Specialty”), Specialty Insurance Group - Leisure and Entertainment Risk Purchasing Group LLC (“Specialty RPG”), Mt. McKinley Insurance Company (“Mt. McKinley”), Mt. McKinley Managers, L.L.C., Workcare Southeast, Inc., Workcare Southeast of Georgia, Inc., Everest Reinsurance Company (“Everest Re”), Everest National Insurance Company (“Everest National”), Everest Reinsurance Company Ltda. (Brazil), Mt. Whitney Securities, Inc., Everest Indemnity Insurance Company (“Everest Indemnity”) and Everest Security Insurance Company (“Everest Security”).  All amounts are reported in U.S. dollars.

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’ amounts to conform to the 2013 presentation.  One reclassification relates to a correction in the manner in which the Company reports distributions received from limited partnership investments in the consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  Prior to the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company incorrectly reflected all distributions as cash flows from investing activities in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  Starting with the fourth quarter of 2013, cash distributions from the limited partnerships that represent net investment income are reflected as cash flows from operating activities and distributions that represent the return of capital contributions are reflected as cash flows from investing activities.  For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, $30,718 thousand and $58,218 thousand have been reclassified from “Distributions from other invested assets” included in cash flows  from investing activities to “Distribution of limited partnership income” included in cash flows from operations.  The Company has determined that this error is not material to the financial statements of any prior period.
 
 
F-8

 
 
In addition, the Company has reclassified the following amounts from “Distributions from other invested assets” included in cash flows from investing activities to “Distribution of limited partnership income” included in cash flows from operations for interim reporting periods of 2013:  $33,686 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2013; $9,409 thousand and $43,095 thousand for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively; and $5,638 thousand and $48,733 thousand for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

B.  Investments.
Fixed maturity and equity security investments available for sale, at market value, reflect unrealized appreciation and depreciation, as a result of temporary changes in market value during the period, in shareholders’ equity, net of income taxes in “accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the consolidated balance sheets.  Fixed maturity and equity securities carried at fair value reflect fair value re-measurements as net realized capital gains and losses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  The Company records changes in fair value for its fixed maturities available for sale, at market value through shareholders’ equity, net of taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) since cash flows from these investments will be primarily used to settle its reserve for losses and loss adjustment expense liabilities.  The Company anticipates holding these investments for an extended period as the cash flow from interest and maturities will fund the projected payout of these liabilities. Fixed maturities carried at fair value represent a portfolio of convertible bond securities, which have characteristics similar to equity securities and at times, designated foreign denominated fixed maturity securities, which will be used to settle loss and loss adjustment reserves in the same currency.  The Company carries all of its equity securities at fair value except for mutual fund investments whose underlying investments are comprised of fixed maturity securities.  For equity securities, available for sale, at fair value, the Company reflects changes in value as net realized capital gains and losses since these securities may be sold in the near term depending on financial market conditions.  Interest income on all fixed maturities and dividend income on all equity securities are included as part of net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  Unrealized losses on fixed maturities, which are deemed other-than-temporary and related to the credit quality of a security, are charged to net income (loss) as net realized capital losses.  Short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates market value.  Realized gains or losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of identified cost.  For non-publicly traded securities, market prices are determined through the use of pricing models that evaluate securities relative to the U.S. Treasury yield curve, taking into account the issue type, credit quality, and cash flow characteristics of each security.  For publicly traded securities, market value is based on quoted market prices or valuation models that use observable market inputs.  When a sector of the financial markets is inactive or illiquid, the Company may use its own assumptions about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates to determine fair value.  Retrospective adjustments are employed to recalculate the values of asset-backed securities.  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 to effect the calculation of projected and prepayments for pass-through security types.  Other invested assets include limited partnerships, rabbi trusts and an affiliated entity.  Limited partnerships and the affiliated entity are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, which can be recorded on a monthly or quarterly lag.

C.  Uncollectible Receivable Balances.
The Company provides reserves for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable and premium receivable balances based on management’s assessment of the collectability of the outstanding balances.  Such reserves are presented in the table below for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Reinsurance receivables and premium receivables
  $ 29,905     $ 32,011  

 
F-9

 
 
D.  Deferred Acquisition Costs.
Acquisition costs, consisting principally of commissions and brokerage expenses and certain premium taxes and fees incurred at the time a contract or policy is issued and that vary with and are directly related to the Company’s reinsurance and insurance business, are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned.  Deferred acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value by line of business based on the related unearned premiums, anticipated claims and claim expenses and anticipated investment income.  Deferred acquisition costs amortized to income are presented in the table below for the periods indicated.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Deferred acquisition costs
  $ 977,558     $ 952,701     $ 950,521  
 
E.  Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
The reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) is based on individual case estimates and reports received from ceding companies.  A provision is included for losses and LAE incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) based on past experience.  A provision is also included for certain potential liabilities relating to asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) exposures, which liabilities cannot be estimated using traditional reserving techniques.  See also Note 3.  The reserves are reviewed periodically and any changes in estimates are reflected in earnings in the period the adjustment is made.  The Company’s loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate liability.  Loss and LAE reserves are presented gross of reinsurance receivables and incurred losses and LAE are presented net of reinsurance.

Accruals for commissions are established for reinsurance contracts that provide for the stated commission percentage to increase or decrease based on the loss experience of the contract.  Changes in estimates for such arrangements are recorded as commission expense.  Commission accruals for contracts with adjustable features are estimated based on expected loss and LAE.

F.  Future Policy Benefit Reserve.
Liabilities for future policy benefits on annuity policies are carried at their accumulated values.  Reserves for policy benefits include mortality claims in the process of settlement and IBNR claims.  Actual experience in a particular period may fluctuate from expected results.

G.  Premium Revenues.
Written premiums are earned ratably over the periods of the related insurance and reinsurance contracts.  Unearned premium reserves are established relative to the unexpired contract period.  Such reserves are established based upon reports received from ceding companies or estimated using pro rata methods based on statistical data.  Reinstatement premiums represent additional premium received on reinsurance coverages, most prevalently catastrophe related, when limits have been depleted under the original reinsurance contract and additional coverage is granted.  Written and earned premiums and the related costs, which have not yet been reported to the Company, are estimated and accrued.  Premiums are net of ceded reinsurance.

Payout annuity premiums are recognized as revenue over the premium-paying period of the policies.

H.  Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums.
Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent unearned premium reserves ceded to other reinsurers.  Prepaid reinsurance premiums for any foreign reinsurers comprising more than 10% of the outstanding balance at December 31, 2013 were collateralized either through a trust arrangement or letters of credit, thereby limiting the credit risk to the Company.

 
F-10

 
 
I.  Income Taxes.
Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return.  Foreign branches of subsidiaries file local tax returns as required.  Group and subsidiaries not included in Holdings’ consolidated tax return file separate company U.S. federal income tax returns as required.  Holdings Ireland files an Irish income tax return.  The UK branch of Bermuda Re files a UK income tax return.  Deferred income taxes have been recorded to recognize the tax effect of temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, which arise because of differences between GAAP and income tax accounting rules.

J.  Foreign Currency.
Assets and liabilities relating to foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date; revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates in effect during the reporting period.  Gains and losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements, net of deferred income taxes, are excluded from net income (loss) and accumulated in shareholders’ equity.  Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, other than debt securities available for sale, are recorded through the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) in other income (expense).  Gains and losses resulting from changes in the foreign currency exchange rates on debt securities, available for sale at market value, are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and any losses which are deemed other-than-temporary are changed to net income (loss) as net realized capital loss.

K.  Earnings Per Common Share.
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that would occur if options granted under various share-based compensation plans were exercised resulting in the issuance of common shares that would participate in the earnings of the entity.

Net income (loss) attributable to Everest Re Group per common share has been computed as per below, based upon weighted average common basic and dilutive shares outstanding.
 
     
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Everest Re Group per share:
                 
 
Numerator
                 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Everest Re Group
  $ 1,259,382     $ 828,954     $ (80,486 )
 
Less:  dividends declared-common shares and nonvested common shares
    (106,681 )     (100,402 )     (103,848 )
 
Undistributed earnings
    1,152,701       728,552       (184,334 )
 
Percentage allocated to common shareholders (1)
    99.1 %     99.2 %     99.3 %
        1,142,386       722,717       (183,134 )
 
Add:  dividends declared-common shareholders
    105,689       99,576       103,150  
 
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1,248,075     $ 822,293     $ (79,984 )
                           
 
Denominator
                       
 
Denominator for basic earnings per weighted-average common shares
    48,619       51,894       53,792  
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
 
Options
    437       173       124  
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per adjusted weighted-average common shares
    49,056       52,067       53,916  
                           
 
Per common share net income (loss)
                       
 
Basic
  $ 25.67     $ 15.85     $ (1.49 )
 
Diluted
  $ 25.44     $ 15.79     $ (1.49 )
                           
(1)
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
    48,619       51,894       53,792  
 
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and nonvested common shares expected to vest
    49,058       52,313       54,145  
 
Percentage allocated to common shareholders
    99.1 %     99.2 %     99.3 %
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                       

 
F-11

 
 
The table below presents the options to purchase common shares that were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of earnings per diluted share as they were anti-dilutive, for the periods indicated:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Anti-dilutive options
 -
 
 894,704
 
 1,490,730
 
All outstanding options expire on or between September 21, 2014 and September 19, 2022.

L.  Segmentation.
The Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in five segments:  U.S. Reinsurance, International, Bermuda, Insurance and Mt. Logan Re.  See also Note 20.

M.  Derivatives.
The Company sold seven equity index put option contracts, based on two indices, in 2001 and 2005, which remain outstanding.  The Company sold these equity index put options as insurance products with the intent of achieving a profit.  These equity index put option contracts meet the definition of a derivative under FASB guidance and the Company’s position in these equity index put option contracts is unhedged.  Accordingly, these equity index put option contracts are carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

The fair value of the equity index put options can be found in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as follows:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
               
Derivatives not designated as
 
Location of fair value
 
At December 31,
 
hedging instruments
 
in balance sheets
 
2013
 
2012
                 
Equity index put option contracts
 
Equity index put option liability
  $ 35,423     $ 79,467  
Total
      $ 35,423     $ 79,467  

The change in fair value of the equity index put option contracts can be found in the Company’s statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as follows:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                     
Derivatives not designated as
 
Location of gain (loss) in statements of
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
hedging instruments
 
operations and comprehensive income (loss)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
                       
Equity index put option contracts
 
Net derivative gain (loss)
  $ 44,044     $ (9,738 )   $ (11,261 )
Total
      $ 44,044     $ (9,738 )   $ (11,261 )
 
N.  Deposit Assets and Liabilities.
In the normal course of its operations, the Company may enter into contracts that do not meet risk transfer provisions.  Such contracts are accounted for using the deposit accounting method and are included in other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  For such contracts, the Company originally records deposit liabilities for an amount equivalent to the assets received.  Actuarial studies are used to estimate the final liabilities under such contracts with any change reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

O.  Share-Based Compensation.
Share-based compensation option or restricted share awards are fair valued at the grant date and expensed over the vesting period of the award.  The tax benefit on the recorded expense is deferred until the time the award is exercised or vests (becomes unrestricted).  See Note 18.

 
F-12

 
 
P.  Application of Recently Issued Accounting Standard Changes.
Intangibles-Goodwill or Other.  In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB“) amended the authoritative guidance for disclosures on Goodwill Impairment.  The amendment allows an entity first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis in determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test.  This guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company implemented this guidance as of January 1, 2012.

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

Common Fair Value Measurement. In May 2011, FASB issued amendments to existing guidance to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The amendments change wording used to describe many GAAP fair value measurement requirements and disclosures. FASB does not intend for the amendments to cause a change in application of fair value accounting guidance.  The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company implemented this guidance prospectively as of January 1, 2012.

Treatment of Insurance Contract Acquisition Costs. In October 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for the accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts.  The guidance identifies the incremental direct costs of contract acquisition and costs directly related to acquisition activities that should be capitalized.  This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company implemented this guidance as of January 1, 2012 and determined that $13,492 thousand of previously deferrable acquisition costs would be expensed, including $10,876 thousand and $2,616 thousand expensed in 2012 and 2013, respectively.  If the guidance had been applicable for 2011, the Company would have expensed $13,901 thousand of deferrable acquisition costs.  No additional expense will be incurred related to this guidance implementation in future periods.

 
F-13

 
 
2.  INVESTMENTS

The amortized cost, market value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of available for sale, fixed maturity and equity security investments, carried at market value, are as follows for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31, 2013
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Market
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Appreciation
   
Depreciation
   
Value
 
Fixed maturity securities
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                       
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 160,013     $ 2,690     $ (1,678 )   $ 161,025  
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    970,735       40,815       (9,022 )     1,002,528  
Corporate securities
    3,950,887       155,619       (27,090 )     4,079,416  
Asset-backed securities
    169,980       3,485       (422 )     173,043  
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
    254,765       16,683       (1,007 )     270,441  
Agency residential
    2,294,719       34,509       (50,175 )     2,279,053  
Non-agency residential
    4,816       229       (226 )     4,819  
Foreign government securities
    1,740,337       69,779       (29,347 )     1,780,769  
Foreign corporate securities
    2,844,912       86,529       (45,628 )     2,885,813  
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 12,391,164     $ 410,338     $ (164,595 )   $ 12,636,907  
Equity securities
  $ 148,342     $ 4,336     $ (8,597 )   $ 144,081  
 
   
At December 31, 2012
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Market
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Appreciation
   
Depreciation
   
Value
 
Fixed maturity securities
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                       
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 302,050     $ 11,079     $ (1,007 )   $ 312,122  
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    1,214,990       78,097       (1,124 )     1,291,963  
Corporate securities
    3,794,979       247,439       (7,098 )     4,035,320  
Asset-backed securities
    169,615       7,296       (333 )     176,578  
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
    294,596       27,965       (2,473 )     320,088  
Agency residential
    2,091,672       63,794       (3,331 )     2,152,135  
Non-agency residential
    7,660       590       (201 )     8,049  
Foreign government securities
    1,785,738       132,947       (6,457 )     1,912,228  
Foreign corporate securities
    2,783,580       159,632       (10,038 )     2,933,174  
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 12,444,880     $ 728,839     $ (32,062 )   $ 13,141,657  
Equity securities
  $ 131,630     $ 11,864     $ (1 )   $ 143,493  
 
The $1,780,769 thousand of foreign government securities at December 31, 2013 included $816,011 thousand of European sovereign securities.  Approximately 51.8%, 21.4%, 6.6% and 5.4% of European sovereign securities represented securities held in the governments of the United Kingdom, France, Austria and the Netherlands, respectively.  No other countries represented more than 5% of the European sovereign securities.  The Company held no sovereign securities of Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece or Spain at December 31, 2013.

In accordance with FASB guidance, the Company reclassified the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments from retained earnings into accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), on April 1, 2009.  The table below presents the pre-tax cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on those corporate securities, for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Pre-tax cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
  $ 3,169     $ 4,748  

 
F-14

 
 
The amortized cost and market value of fixed maturity securities are shown in the following table by contractual maturity.  Mortgage-backed securities are generally more likely to be prepaid than other fixed maturity securities. As the stated maturity of such securities may not be indicative of actual maturities, the totals for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are shown separately.
 
   
At December 31, 2013
   
At December 31, 2012
 
   
Amortized
   
Market
   
Amortized
   
Market
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Value
 
Fixed maturity securities – available for sale:
                       
    Due in one year or less
  $ 1,059,052     $ 1,067,799     $ 944,446     $ 957,775  
    Due after one year through five years
    5,565,112       5,740,662       5,463,158       5,741,258  
    Due after five years through ten years
    2,081,908       2,101,234       2,331,593       2,511,525  
    Due after ten years
    960,812       999,856       1,142,140       1,274,249  
Asset-backed securities
    169,980       173,043       169,615       176,578  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                               
Commercial
    254,765       270,441       294,596       320,088  
Agency residential
    2,294,719       2,279,053       2,091,672       2,152,135  
Non-agency residential
    4,816       4,819       7,660       8,049  
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 12,391,164     $ 12,636,907     $ 12,444,880     $ 13,141,657  
 
The changes in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the Company’s investments are derived from the following sources for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost
           
of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon:
           
Fixed maturity securities
  $ (449,456 )   $ 132,246  
Fixed maturity securities, other-than-temporary impairment
    (1,579 )     2,181  
Equity securities
    (16,124 )     26,553  
Other invested assets
    -       -  
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax
    (467,159 )     160,980  
Deferred tax benefit (expense)
    64,245       (6,714 )
Deferred tax benefit (expense), other-than-temporary impairment
    140       83  
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation),
               
net of deferred taxes, included in shareholders’ equity
  $ (402,774 )   $ 154,349  
 
The Company frequently reviews all of its fixed maturity, available for sale securities for declines in market value and focuses its attention on securities whose fair value has fallen below 80% of their amortized cost at the time of review.  The Company then assesses whether the decline in value is temporary or other-than-temporary.  In making its assessment, the Company evaluates the current market and interest rate environment as well as specific issuer information.  Generally, a change in a security’s value caused by a change in the market, interest rate or foreign exchange environment does not constitute an other-than-temporary impairment, but rather a temporary decline in market value.  Temporary declines in market value are recorded as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  If the Company determines that the decline is other-than-temporary and the Company does not have the intent to sell the security; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value.  The fair value adjustment that is credit or foreign exchange related is recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  The fair value adjustment that is non-credit related is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  The Company’s assessments are based on the issuers current and expected future financial position, timeliness with respect to interest and/or principal payments, speed of repayments and any applicable credit enhancements or breakeven constant default rates on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, as well as relevant information provided by rating agencies, investment advisors and analysts.

 
F-15

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

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

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


   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2013 By Security Type
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale
                                   
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                                   
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 74,847     $ (1,033 )   $ 8,751     $ (645 )   $ 83,598     $ (1,678 )
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    92,760       (4,852 )     39,689       (4,170 )     132,449       (9,022 )
Corporate securities
    959,396       (22,331 )     75,946       (4,759 )     1,035,342       (27,090 )
Asset-backed securities
    5,494       (6 )     1,128       (416 )     6,622       (422 )
Mortgage-backed securities
                                               
Commercial
    51       -       11,353       (1,007 )     11,404       (1,007 )
Agency residential
    1,220,845       (40,420 )     264,640       (9,755 )     1,485,485       (50,175 )
Non-agency residential
    1,758       (22 )     1,541       (204 )     3,299       (226 )
Foreign government securities
    409,252       (20,350 )     85,029       (8,997 )     494,281       (29,347 )
Foreign corporate securities
    872,907       (34,819 )     151,748       (10,809 )     1,024,655       (45,628 )
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 3,637,310     $ (123,833 )   $ 639,825     $ (40,762 )   $ 4,277,135     $ (164,595 )
Equity securities
    127,030       (8,597 )     -       -       127,030       (8,597 )
Total
  $ 3,764,340     $ (132,430 )   $ 639,825     $ (40,762 )   $ 4,404,165     $ (173,192 )

 
   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2013 By Maturity
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
 
Fixed maturity securities
                                   
Due in one year or less
  $ 143,098     $ (3,503 )   $ 46,691     $ (5,330 )   $ 189,789     $ (8,833 )
Due in one year through five years
    1,125,680       (25,365 )     204,779       (11,279 )     1,330,459       (36,644 )
Due in five years through ten years
    810,969       (35,169 )     48,064       (3,844 )     859,033       (39,013 )
Due after ten years
    329,415       (19,348 )     61,629       (8,927 )     391,044       (28,275 )
Asset-backed securities
    5,494       (6 )     1,128       (416 )     6,622       (422 )
Mortgage-backed securities
    1,222,654       (40,442 )     277,534       (10,966 )     1,500,188       (51,408 )
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 3,637,310     $ (123,833 )   $ 639,825     $ (40,762 )   $ 4,277,135     $ (164,595 )

 
F-16

 
 
The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2013 were $4,404,165 thousand and $173,192 thousand, respectively.  The market value of securities for the single issuer whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at December 31, 2013, did not exceed 0.4% of the overall market value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector.  The $123,833 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 agency residential mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $112,658 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization. The $40,762 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to domestic and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities, municipal securities and agency residential mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $38,964 thousand related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The gross unrealized depreciation for mortgage-backed securities included $273 thousand 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 and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, in each case subdivided according to length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated:
 
   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2012 By Security Type
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale
                                   
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                                   
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 21,468     $ (430 )   $ 3,386     $ (577 )   $ 24,854     $ (1,007 )
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    38,754       (1,073 )     5,781       (51 )     44,535       (1,124 )
Corporate securities
    174,665       (2,069 )     71,483       (5,029 )     246,148       (7,098 )
Asset-backed securities
    -       -       13,714       (333 )     13,714       (333 )
Mortgage-backed securities
                                               
Commercial
    -       -       50,999       (2,473 )     50,999       (2,473 )
Agency residential
    396,016       (2,215 )     67,781       (1,116 )     463,797       (3,331 )
Non-agency residential
    -       -       2,105       (201 )     2,105       (201 )
Foreign government securities
    85,032       (923 )     66,329       (5,534 )     151,361       (6,457 )
Foreign corporate securities
    197,029       (2,802 )     103,720       (7,236 )     300,749       (10,038 )
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 912,964     $ (9,512 )   $ 385,298     $ (22,550 )   $ 1,298,262     $ (32,062 )
Equity securities
    -       -       13       (1 )     13       (1 )
Total
  $ 912,964     $ (9,512 )   $ 385,311     $ (22,551 )   $ 1,298,275     $ (32,063 )


 
F-17

 
 
   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2012 By Maturity
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
   
Market Value
   
Depreciation
 
Fixed maturity securities
                                   
Due in one year or less
  $ 21,909     $ (502 )   $ 30,177     $ (3,631 )   $ 52,086     $ (4,133 )
Due in one year through five years
    261,625       (3,891 )     163,480       (12,748 )     425,105       (16,639 )
Due in five years through ten years
    135,391       (1,409 )     37,926       (1,431 )     173,317       (2,840 )
Due after ten years
    98,023       (1,495 )     19,116       (617 )     117,139       (2,112 )
Asset-backed securities
    -       -       13,714       (333 )     13,714       (333 )
Mortgage-backed securities
    396,016       (2,215 )     120,885       (3,790 )     516,901       (6,005 )
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 912,964     $ (9,512 )   $ 385,298     $ (22,550 )   $ 1,298,262     $ (32,062 )
 
The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2012 were $1,298,275 thousand and $32,063 thousand, respectively.  The market value of securities for the single issuer whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at December 31, 2012, did not exceed 0.3% of the overall market value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector.  The $9,512 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, as well as agency residential mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $7,982 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization. The $22,550 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to domestic and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $19,150 thousand related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  The non-investment grade securities with unrealized losses were mainly comprised of corporate and commercial mortgage-backed securities.  The gross unrealized depreciation for mortgage-backed securities included $250 thousand 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 table below for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 473,493     $ 489,801     $ 521,991  
Equity securities
    45,387       59,156       57,573  
Short-term investments and cash
    1,295       1,252       1,281  
Other invested assets
                       
Limited partnerships
    46,921       64,896       56,851  
Other
    7,329       3,851       2,741  
Gross investment income before adjustments
    574,425       618,956       640,437  
Funds held interest income (expense)
    10,613       10,580       2,349  
Future policy benefit reserve income (expense)
    (2,770 )     (2,902 )     (2,998 )
Gross investment income
    582,268       626,634       639,788  
Investment expenses
    (33,759 )     (26,432 )     (19,747 )
Net investment income
  $ 548,509     $ 600,202     $ 620,041  
 
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.

 
F-18

 
 
The Company had contractual commitments to invest up to an additional $79,547 thousand in limited partnerships at December 31, 2013.  These commitments will be funded when called in accordance with the partnership agreements, which have investment periods that expire, unless extended, through 2016.

The components of net realized capital gains (losses) are presented in the table below for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Fixed maturity securities, market value:
                 
Other-than-temporary impairments
  $ (1,052 )   $ (10,022 )   $ (16,223 )
Gains (losses) from sales
    6,792       14,708       20,378  
Fixed maturity securities, fair value:
                       
Gains (losses) from sales
    201       5,675       (905 )
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments
    307       1,941       (15,518 )
Equity securities, market value:
                       
Gains (losses) from sales
    2,648       14,920       38  
Equity securities, fair value:
                       
Gains (losses) from sales
    32,747       21,031       8,021  
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments
    258,569       116,163       11,130  
Short-term investments gain (loss)
    15       (16 )     2  
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
  $ 300,227     $ 164,400     $ 6,923  
 
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:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities
  $ 1,113,960     $ 998,056     $ 1,797,404  
Gross gains from sales
    38,141       38,144       86,519  
Gross losses from sales
    (31,148 )     (17,761 )     (67,046 )
                         
Proceeds from sales of equity securities
  $ 751,973     $ 839,547     $ 274,434  
Gross gains from sales
    44,703       57,814       16,325  
Gross losses from sales
    (9,308 )     (21,863 )     (8,266 )
 
During 2012, the Company redeemed one of its mutual fund investments reflected on the balance sheet as an equity security – available for sale, at market value.  As part of the redemption settlement, the Company received its proportionate share of the fund’s fixed maturities and related accrued interest in the amount of $92,981 thousand.  The Company has categorized the fixed maturities as available for sale, at market value.

Securities with a carrying value amount of $1,405,722 thousand at December 31, 2013 were on deposit with various state or governmental insurance departments in compliance with insurance laws.

 
F-19

 

3.  RESERVE FOR LOSSES, LAE AND FUTURE POLICY BENEFIT RESERVE

Reserves for losses and LAE.
Activity in the reserve for losses and LAE is summarized for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gross reserves at January 1
  $ 10,069,055     $ 10,123,215     $ 9,340,183  
      Less reinsurance recoverables
    (602,750 )     (580,998 )     (689,445 )
           Net reserves at January 1
    9,466,305       9,542,217       8,650,738  
                         
Incurred related to:
                       
      Current year
    2,818,490       2,748,925       3,722,513  
      Prior years
    (18,239 )     (3,660 )     3,691  
           Total incurred losses and LAE
    2,800,251       2,745,265       3,726,204  
                         
Paid related to:
                       
      Current year
    664,719       633,894       810,530  
      Prior years
    2,353,817       2,220,202       2,008,307  
           Total paid losses and LAE
    3,018,536       2,854,096       2,818,837  
                         
Foreign exchange/translation adjustment
    (48,646 )     32,919       (15,888 )
                         
Net reserves at December 31
    9,199,374       9,466,305       9,542,217  
      Plus reinsurance recoverables
    473,866       602,750       580,998  
           Gross reserves at December 31
  $ 9,673,240     $ 10,069,055     $ 10,123,215  
 
Incurred prior years’ reserves decreased by $18,239 thousand and $3,660 thousand and increased by $3,691 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The decrease for 2013 was attributable to a $148,788 thousand decrease in reinsurance business, primarily related to favorable development on treaty property reserves, partially offset by a $130,548 thousand increase in insurance business, primarily related to development on contractors’ liability, umbrella and workers compensation reserves.

The decrease for 2012 was attributable to a $57,205 thousand decrease in reinsurance business, primarily related to favorable development on treaty casualty reserves, partially offset by a $53,545 thousand increase in insurance business, primarily related to development on contractors’ liability and workers compensation reserves.

The increase for 2011 was attributable to a $113,833 thousand increase in insurance and U.S. reinsurance business, primarily related to development on contractors’ liability, excess casualty and California workers compensation reserves, partially offset by the $110,142 thousand decrease in non-US reinsurance business (Bermuda and International), primarily related to favorable development on non-catastrophe property reserves.

The Company continues to receive claims under expired insurance and reinsurance contracts asserting injuries and/or damages relating to or resulting from environmental pollution and hazardous substances, including asbestos.  Environmental claims typically assert liability for (a) the mitigation or remediation of environmental contamination or (b) bodily injury or property damage caused by the release of hazardous substances into the land, air or water.  Asbestos claims typically assert liability for bodily injury from exposure to asbestos or for property damage resulting from asbestos or products containing asbestos.

The Company’s reserves include an estimate of the Company’s ultimate liability for A&E claims.  The Company’s A&E liabilities emanate from Mt. McKinley’s direct insurance business and Everest Re’s assumed reinsurance business.  All of the contracts of insurance and reinsurance under which the Company has received claims during the past three years expired more than 20 years ago.  There are significant uncertainties surrounding the Company’s reserves for its A&E losses.

 
F-20

 
 
A&E exposures represent a separate exposure group for monitoring and evaluating reserve adequacy.  The following table summarizes incurred losses with respect to A&E reserves on both a gross and net of reinsurance basis for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gross basis:
                 
Beginning of period reserves
  $ 442,821     $ 499,911     $ 554,790  
Incurred losses
    5,599       132       752  
Paid losses
    (45,959 )     (57,222 )     (55,631 )
End of period reserves
  $ 402,461     $ 442,821     $ 499,911  
                         
Net basis:
                       
Beginning of period reserves
  $ 425,691     $ 480,160     $ 532,906  
Incurred losses
    5,400       124       764  
Paid losses
    (44,414 )     (54,593 )     (53,510 )
End of period reserves
  $ 386,677     $ 425,691     $ 480,160  
 
Reinsurance Receivables.  Reinsurance receivables for both paid and recoverable on unpaid losses totaled $540,883 thousand and $659,081 thousand at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  At December 31, 2013, $145,359 thousand, or 26.9%, was receivable from C.V. Starr (Bermuda); $95,269 thousand, or 17.6%, was receivable from Federal Crop Insurance Company; $43,931 thousand, or 8.1%, was receivable from Transatlantic Reinsurance Company; $37,663 thousand, or 7.0%, was receivable from Berkley Insurance Company; and $27,414 thousand, or 5.1%, was receivable from Munich Reinsurance America, Inc.  The receivable from C.V. Starr is fully collateralized by a trust agreement.  No other retrocessionaire accounted for more than 5% of our receivables.

Future Policy Benefit Reserve.
Activity in the reserve for future policy benefits is summarized for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 66,107     $ 67,187     $ 63,002  
Liabilities assumed
    103       126       176  
Adjustments to reserves
    (3,066 )     2,365       8,449  
Benefits paid in the current year
    (3,632 )     (3,571 )     (4,440 )
Balance at end of year
  $ 59,512     $ 66,107     $ 67,187  
 
4.  FAIR VALUE

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

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
 
F-21

 
 
Company may use its own assumptions about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates to determine fair value.  The Company made no such adjustments at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

The Company internally manages a small public equity portfolio which had a fair value at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 of $174,628 thousand and $117,602 thousand, respectively, and all prices were obtained from publically published sources.
 
Equity securities in U.S. denominated currency are categorized as Level 1, Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, since the securities are actively traded on an exchange and prices are based on quoted prices from the exchange.  Equity securities traded on foreign exchanges are categorized as Level 2 due to potential foreign exchange adjustments to fair or market value.

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

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, all Level 3 fixed maturity securities, were priced using single non-binding broker quotes since prices for these securities were not provided by normal pricing service companies.  The single broker quotes are provided by market makers or broker-dealers who are recognized as market participants in the markets in which they are providing the quotes.  The prices received from brokers are reviewed for reasonableness by the third party asset managers and the Company.

The Company sold seven equity index put option contracts, based on two indices, in 2001 and 2005, which remain outstanding.  The Company sold these equity index put options as insurance products with the intent of achieving a profit.  These equity index put option contracts meet the definition of a derivative under FASB guidance and the Company’s position in these equity index put option contracts is unhedged.  Accordingly, these equity index put option contracts are carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

The Company sold six equity index put option contracts, based on the Standard & Poor’s 500 (“S&P 500”) index, for total consideration, net of commissions, of $22,530 thousand.  At December 31, 2013, fair value for these equity index put option contracts was $29,308 thousand.  These equity index put option contracts each have a single exercise date, with maturities ranging from 12 to 30 years and strike prices ranging from $1,141.21 to $1,540.63.  No amounts will be payable under these equity index put option contracts if the S&P 500 index is at, or above, the strike prices on the exercise dates, which fall between June 2017 and March 2031.  If the S&P 500 index is lower than the strike price on the applicable exercise date, the amount due would vary proportionately with the percentage by which the index is below the strike price.  Based on historical index volatilities and trends and the December 31, 2013 S&P 500 index value, the Company estimates the probability that each equity index put option contract of the S&P 500 index falling below the strike price on the exercise date to be less than 25%.  The theoretical maximum payouts under these six equity index put option contracts would occur if on each of the exercise dates the S&P 500 index value were zero.  At December 31, 2013, the present value of these theoretical maximum payouts using a 3% discount factor was $407,779 thousand.  Conversely, if the contracts had all expired on December 31, 2013, with the S&P index at $1,848.36, there would have been no settlement amount.

The Company sold one equity index put option contract based on the FTSE 100 index for total consideration, net of commissions, of $6,706 thousand.  At December 31, 2013, fair value for this equity index put option contract was $6,115 thousand.  This equity index put option contract has an exercise date of July 2020 and a strike price of ₤5,989.75.  No amount will be payable under this equity index put option contract if the FTSE 100 index is at, or above, the strike price on the exercise date.  If the FTSE 100 index is lower than the strike price on the exercise date, the amount due will vary proportionately with the percentage by which the index is below the strike price.  Based on historical index volatilities and trends and the December 31, 2013 FTSE 100 index value, the Company estimates the probability that the equity index put option contract of the

 
 
F-22

 
 
FTSE 100 index will fall below the strike price on the exercise date to be less than 37%.  The theoretical maximum payout under the equity index put option contract would occur if on the exercise date the FTSE 100 index value was zero.  At December 31, 2013, the present value of the theoretical maximum payout using a 3% discount factor and current exchange rate was $44,663 thousand.  Conversely, if the contract had expired on December 31, 2013, with the FTSE index at ₤6,749.10, there would have been no settlement amount.

The Company’s equity index put option contracts contain provisions that require collateralization of the fair value, as calculated by the counterparty, above a specified threshold, which is based on the Company’s financial strength ratings (Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.) and/or debt ratings (Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services).  The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position on December 31, 2013, was $35,423 thousand for which the Company had posted collateral with a market value of $30,946 thousand.  If on December 31, 2013, the Company’s ratings were such that the collateral threshold was zero, the Company’s collateral requirement would increase by $55,000 thousand.

The fair value was calculated using an industry accepted option pricing model, Black-Scholes, which used the following assumptions:
 
 
At December 31, 2013
     
Contract
 
Contracts
 
based on
 
based on
 
FTSE 100
 
S & P 500 Index
 
Index
Equity index
 1,848.4
 
 6,749.1
Interest rate
1.48% to 4.17%
 
2.77%
Time to maturity
3.4 to 17.3 yrs
 
6.6 yrs
Volatility
21.0% to 25.1%
 
23.5%

 
 
F-23

 
 
The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets and liabilities, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the periods indicated:
 
         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
         
Quoted Prices
             
         
in Active
   
Significant
       
         
Markets for
   
Other
   
Significant
 
         
Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
         
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2013
 
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities, market value
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                       
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 161,025     $ -     $ 161,025     $ -  
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions
    1,002,528       -       1,002,528       -  
Corporate securities
    4,079,416       -       4,079,416       -  
Asset-backed securities
    173,043       -       167,744       5,299  
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
    270,441       -       270,441       -  
Agency residential
    2,279,053       -       2,279,053       -  
Non-agency residential
    4,819       -       4,472       347  
Foreign government securities
    1,780,769       -       1,780,769       -  
Foreign corporate securities
    2,885,813       -       2,885,332       481  
Total fixed maturities, market value
    12,636,907       -       12,630,780       6,127  
                                 
Fixed maturities, fair value
    19,388       -       19,388       -  
Equity securities, market value
    144,081       127,030       17,051       -  
Equity securities, fair value
    1,462,079       1,342,278       119,801       -  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Equity index put option contracts
  $ 35,423     $ -     $ -     $ 35,423  
 
There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.

 
 
F-24

 
 
The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets and liabilities, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the periods indicated:
 
         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
         
Quoted Prices
             
         
in Active
   
Significant
       
         
Markets for
   
Other
   
Significant
 
         
Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
         
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2012
 
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities, market value
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                       
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  $ 312,122     $ -     $ 312,122     $ -  
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions
    1,291,963       -       1,291,963       -  
Corporate securities
    4,035,320       -       4,035,320       -  
Asset-backed securities
    176,578       -       171,729       4,849  
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
    320,088       -       320,088       -  
Agency residential
    2,152,135       -       2,117,293       34,842  
Non-agency residential
    8,049       -       7,623       426  
Foreign government securities
    1,912,228       -       1,912,228       -  
Foreign corporate securities
    2,933,174       -       2,921,261       11,913  
Total fixed maturities, market value
    13,141,657       -       13,089,627       52,030  
                                 
Fixed maturities, fair value
    41,470       -       41,470       -  
Equity securities, market value
    143,493       126,395       17,098       -  
Equity securities, fair value
    1,255,557       1,114,997       140,560       -  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Equity index put option contracts
  $ 79,467     $ -     $ -     $ 79,467  
 
The following table presents the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs by asset type, for the periods indicated:
 
   
December 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
   
Asset-backed
 
Foreign
 
Foreign
 
Non-agency
 
Agency
     
Asset-backed
 
Foreign
 
Non-agency
 
Agency
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Securities
 
Corporate
 
Government
 
RMBS
 
RMBS
 
Total
 
Securities
 
Corporate
 
RMBS
 
RMBS
 
Total
Beginning balance
  $ 4,849     $ 11,913     $ -     $ 426     $ 34,842     $ 52,030     $ 16,937     $ 3,044     $ 486     $ -     $ 20,467  
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
                                            -                                          
Included in earnings
    258       (738 )     (112 )     161       -       (431 )     114       (34 )     172       (4 )     248  
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    (717 )     (587 )     (179 )     (38 )     -       (1,521 )     714       167       16       (194 )     703  
Purchases, issuances and settlements
    (624 )     2,858       516       (317 )     -       2,433       5,411       18,541       (248 )     35,040       58,744  
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
    1,533       (12,965 )     (225 )     115       (34,842 )     (46,384 )     (18,327 )     (9,805 )     -       -       (28,132 )
Ending balance
  $ 5,299     $ 481     $ -     $ 347     $ -     $ 6,127     $ 4,849     $ 11,913     $ 426     $ 34,842     $ 52,030  
                                                                                         
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 transfer from level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, of $46,384 thousand of investments during 2013 primarily relates to securities that were priced using single non-binding broker quotes as of December 31, 2012.  The securities were subsequently priced using a recognized pricing service as of December 31, 2013, and were classified as level 2 as of that date.

 
 
F-25

 
 
The following table presents the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs for equity index put option contracts, for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Liabilities:
           
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 79,467     $ 69,729  
Total (gains) or losses (realized/unrealized)
               
Included in earnings
    (44,044 )     9,738  
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -  
Purchases, issuances and settlements
    -       -  
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
    -       -  
Balance, end of period
  $ 35,423     $ 79,467  
                 
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 liabilities still held at the reporting date
  $ -     $ -  
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
               
 
5.   REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS – MT. LOGAN RE

Mt. Logan Re is a Class 3 insurer registered in Bermuda effective February 27, 2013 under The Segregated Accounts Companies Act 2000 and 100% of the voting common shares are owned by Group.  Separate segregated accounts have been established effective July 1, 2013 and non-voting, redeemable preferred shares have been issued to capitalize the segregated accounts.  Unaffiliated third parties have invested $87,500 thousand and the Company has invested $30,000 thousand in the segregated accounts in exchange for non-voting redeemable preferred shares.  Each segregated account will invest in a diversified set of catastrophe exposures, diversified by risk/peril and across different geographic regions globally.  The financial statements for Mt. Logan Re are consolidated with the Company with adjustments reflected for the third party noncontrolling interests reflected as separate captions in the Company’s financial statements.  For the period ending December 31, 2013, the net income attributable to the third party noncontrolling interests was $5,878 thousand.

Effective January 1, 2014, unaffiliated third parties have invested an additional $213,700 thousand in the segregated accounts and the Company has invested another $20,000 thousand.  Part of these third party investments were received prior to December 31, 2013 and are reflected as subscription advances.

The Company expects its participation level in the segregated funds to fluctuate over time.

6.  CREDIT FACILITIES

The Company has three credit facilities for a total commitment of up to $1,250,000 thousand, providing for the issuance of letters of credit and/or unsecured revolving credit lines. The following table presents the costs incurred in connection with the three credit facilities for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Credit facility fees incurred
  $ 964     $ 3,519     $ 2,211  
 
The terms and outstanding amounts for each facility are discussed below:

Group Credit Facility

Effective June 22, 2012, Group, Bermuda Re and Everest International entered into a four year, $800,000 thousand senior credit facility with a syndicate of lenders, which amended and restated in its entirety the July 27, 2007, five year, $850,000 thousand senior credit facility.  Both the June 22, 2012 and July 27, 2007 senior credit facilities, which have similar terms, are referred to as the “Group Credit Facility”.  Wells Fargo Corporation (“Wells Fargo Bank”) is the administrative agent for the Group Credit Facility, which consists of two tranches.  Tranche one provides up to $200,000 thousand of unsecured revolving credit for liquidity and

 
 
F-26

 
 
general corporate purposes, and for the issuance of unsecured standby letters of credit.  The interest on the revolving loans shall, at the Company’s option, be either (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) an adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin.  The Base Rate is the higher of (a) the prime commercial lending rate established by Wells Fargo Bank, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% per annum or (c) the one month LIBOR Rate plus 1.0% per annum. The amount of margin and the fees payable for the Group Credit Facility depends on Group’s senior unsecured debt rating.  Tranche two exclusively provides up to $600,000 thousand for the issuance of standby letters of credit on a collateralized basis.

The Group Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and to maintain a minimum net worth.  Minimum net worth is an amount equal to the sum of $4,249,963 thousand plus 25% of consolidated net income for each of Group’s fiscal quarters, for which statements are available ending on or after January 1, 2012 and for which consolidated net income is positive, plus 25% of any increase in consolidated net worth during such period attributable to the issuance of ordinary and preferred shares, which at December 31, 2013, was $4,806,247 thousand.  As of December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all Group Credit Facility covenants.

The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit and/or borrowings for the periods indicated:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
At December 31, 2013
 
At December 31, 2012
Bank
   
Commitment
   
In Use
 
Date of Expiry
 
Commitment
   
In Use
 
Date of Expiry
Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility
Tranche One
  $ 200,000     $ -       $ 200,000     $ -    
 
Tranche Two
    600,000       502,059  
12/31/2014
    600,000       463,155  
12/31/2013
Total Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility
    $ 800,000     $ 502,059       $ 800,000     $ 463,155    
 
Holdings Credit Facility

Effective August 15, 2011, Holdings entered into a new three year, $150,000 thousand unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders, replacing the August 23, 2006 five year senior revolving credit facility.  Both the August 15, 2011 and August 23, 2006 revolving credit agreements, which have similar terms, are referred to as the “Holdings Credit Facility”.  Citibank N.A. is the administrative agent for the Holdings Credit Facility.  The Holdings Credit Facility may be used for liquidity and general corporate purposes.  The Holdings Credit Facility provides for the borrowing of up to $150,000 thousand with interest at a rate selected by Holdings equal to either, (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) or (2) a periodic fixed rate equal to the Eurodollar Rate plus an applicable margin.  The Base Rate means a fluctuating interest rate per annum in effect from time to time to be equal to the higher of (a) the rate of interest publicly announced by Citibank as its base rate, (b) 0.5% per annum above the Federal Funds Rate or (c) 1% above the one month LIBOR, in each case plus the applicable margin.  The amount of margin and the fees payable for the Holdings Credit Facility depends upon Holdings’ senior unsecured debt rating.

The Holdings Credit Facility requires Holdings to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 to 1 and Everest Re to maintain its statutory surplus at $1,875,000 thousand plus 25% of future aggregate net income and 25% of future aggregate capital contributions after December 31, 2010, which at December 31, 2013, was $2,128,051 thousand.  As of December 31, 2013, Holdings was in compliance with all Holdings Credit Facility covenants.

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

 
 
F-27

 
 
The following table summarizes outstanding letters of credit and/or borrowings for the periods indicated:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
At December 31, 2013
 
At December 31, 2012
Bank
 
Commitment
   
In Use
 
Date of Loan
Maturity/Expiry Date
 
Commitment
   
In Use
 
Date of Loan
Maturity/Expiry Date
Citibank Holdings Credit Facility
  $ 150,000     $ -         $ 150,000     $ -      
Total revolving credit borrowings
            -                   -      
Total letters of credit
            851    
12/31/2014
            1,551    
12/31/2013
                                         
Total Citibank Holdings Credit Facility
  $ 150,000     $ 851         $ 150,000     $ 1,551      
 
Bermuda Re Letter of Credit Facility

Bermuda Re has a $300,000 thousand letter of credit issuance facility with Citibank N.A. referred to as the “Bermuda Re Letter of Credit Facility”, which commitment is reconfirmed annually with updated fees.  The Bermuda Re Letter of Credit Facility provides for the issuance of up to $300,000 thousand of secured letters of credit to collateralize reinsurance obligations as a non-admitted reinsurer.  The interest on drawn letters of credit shall be (A) 0.35% per annum of the principal amount of issued standard letters of credit (expiry of 15 months or less) and (B) 0.45% per annum of the principal amount of issued extended tenor letters of credit (expiry maximum of up to 60 months).  The commitment fee on undrawn credit shall be 0.15% per annum.

The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit for the periods indicated:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
At December 31, 2013
 
At December 31, 2012
Bank
 
Commitment
   
In Use
 
Date of Expiry
 
Commitment
   
In Use
 
Date of Expiry
Citibank Bilateral Letter of Credit Agreement
  $ 300,000     $ 119  
8/30/2014
  $ 300,000     $ 3,672  
11/24/2013
              3,672  
11/24/2014
            75,472  
12/31/2013
              79,336  
12/31/2014
            1,104  
8/15/2014
              1,045  
12/31/2015
            139  
8/30/2014
              22,800  
12/31/2017
            20,838  
12/31/2014
              129,147  
3/30/2018
            145,215  
3/31/2017
Total Citibank Bilateral Agreement
  $ 300,000     $ 236,119       $ 300,000     $ 246,440    
 
7.  SENIOR NOTES

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

               
December 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
               
Consolidated Balance
         
Consolidated Balance
       
(Dollars in thousands)
Date Issued
 
Date Due
 
Principal Amounts
   
Sheet Amount
   
Market Value
   
Sheet Amount
   
Market Value
 
5.40% Senior notes
10/12/2004
 
10/15/2014
  $ 250,000     $ 249,958     $ 259,130     $ 249,907     $ 266,390  
 
Interest expense incurred in connection with these senior notes is as follows for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Interest expense incurred
  $ 13,551     $ 13,548     $ 13,546  

 
 
F-28

 

8.  LONG TERM SUBORDINATED NOTES

The table below displays Holdings’ outstanding fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes.  Market value is based on quoted market prices, but due to limited trading activity, these subordinated notes are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
 
         
Maturity Date
 
December 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
     
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 notes
04/26/2007
  $ 400,000  
05/15/2037
 
05/01/2067
  $ 238,361     $ 233,292     $ 238,357     $ 242,138  

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

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

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

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

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Interest expense incurred
  $ 15,748     $ 15,748     $ 15,748  
 
 
 
F-29

 
 
9.  JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES PAYABLE

The following table displays Holdings’ outstanding junior subordinated debt securities due to Everest Re Capital Trust II (“Capital Trust II”), a 100% owned finance subsidiary of Holdings.  Fair value is primarily based on the quoted market price of the related trust preferred securities, and as such, these securities are considered Level 2 under the fair value hierarchy.

               
December 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
               
Consolidated Balance
     
Consolidated Balance
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Date Issued
 
Date Due
 
Amount Issued
   
Sheet Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Sheet Amount
 
Fair Value
6.20% Junior subordinated debt securities
03/29/2004
 
03/29/2034
  $ 329,897     $ -     $ -     $ 329,897     $ 333,225  
 
In accordance with the provisions of the junior subordinated debt securities, Holdings elected to redeem the $329,897 thousand of 6.2% junior subordinated debt securities outstanding on May 24, 2013.  As a result of the early redemption, the Company incurred pre-tax expense of $7,282 thousand related to the immediate amortization of the remaining capitalized issuance costs on the trust preferred securities.

Interest expense incurred in connection with these junior subordinated debt securities is as follows for the periods indicated:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Interest expense incurred
  $ 8,181     $ 20,454     $ 20,454  
 
Holdings considers that the mechanisms and obligations relating to the trust preferred securities, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by Holdings of Capital Trust II’s payment obligations with respect to their trust preferred securities.

10.  TRUST AGREEMENTS

Certain subsidiaries of Group have established trust agreements, which effectively use the Company’s investments as collateral, as security for assumed losses payable to certain non-affiliated ceding companies.  At December 31, 2013, the total amount on deposit in trust accounts was $253,429 thousand.

11.  OPERATING LEASE AGREEMENTS

The future minimum rental commitments, exclusive of cost escalation clauses, at December 31, 2013, for all of the Company’s operating leases with remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
     
2014
  $ 11,604  
2015
    12,143  
2016
    12,120  
2017
    10,724  
2018
    10,522  
Thereafter
    26,335  
Net commitments
  $ 83,448  
 
All of these leases, the expiration terms of which range from 2015 to 2024, are for the rental of office space.  Rental expense was $14,407 thousand, $14,169 thousand and $14,148 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 
 
F-30

 
 
12.  INCOME TAXES

Under Bermuda law, no income or capital gains taxes are imposed on Group and its Bermuda subsidiaries. The Minister of Finance of Bermuda has assured Group and its Bermuda subsidiaries that, pursuant to The Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Amendment Act of 2011, they will be exempt until 2035 from imposition of any such taxes.
 
All the income of Group's non-Bermuda subsidiaries is subject to the applicable federal, foreign, state and local taxes on corporations. Additionally, the income of foreign branches of the Company's insurance operating companies, in particular the UK branch of Bermuda Re, is subject to various rates of income tax. Group’s U.S. subsidiaries conduct business in and are subject to taxation in the U.S.  Should the U.S. subsidiaries distribute current or accumulated earnings and profits in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to an accrual of 5% withholding taxes.  Currently, however, no withholding taxes are accrued with respect to such un-remitted earnings as management has no intention of remitting them. The cumulative amount that would be subject to withholding tax, if distributed, is not practicable to compute. The provision for income taxes in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) has been determined in accordance with the individual income of each entity and the respective applicable tax laws. The provision reflects the permanent differences between financial and taxable income relevant to each entity. The significant components of the provision are as follows for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Current tax expense (benefit):
                 
U.S.
  $ 116,829     $ 46,723     $ 27,257  
Non-U.S.
    18,219       14,131       14,388  
Total current tax expense (benefit)
    135,048       60,854       41,645  
Total deferred U.S. tax expense (benefit)
    154,658       49,718       (195,106 )
Total income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 289,706     $ 110,572     $ (153,461 )
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                       
 
The weighted average expected tax provision has been calculated using the pre-tax income (loss) in each jurisdiction multiplied by that jurisdiction’s applicable statutory tax rate. Reconciliation of the difference between the provision for income taxes and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate for the periods indicated is provided below:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
U.S.
   
Non-U.S.
   
U.S.
   
Non-U.S.
   
U.S.
   
Non-U.S.
 
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 246,699     $ 491,909     $ 42,775     $ 216,228     $ (574,142 )   $ (183,641 )
Net investment income
    274,920       273,589       287,382       312,820       292,980       327,062  
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    295,814       4,413       143,326       21,073       (28,565 )     35,488  
Net derivative gain (loss)
    -       44,044       -       (9,738 )     -       (11,261 )
Corporate expenses
    (8,262 )     (16,555 )     (8,764 )     (15,211 )     (6,073 )     (10,388 )
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense
    (45,452 )     (665 )     (50,746 )     (2,936 )     (50,763 )     (1,556 )
Other income (expense)
    (7,086 )     1,598       18,360       (15,042 )     (28,644 )     5,556  
Pre-tax income (loss)
  $ 756,633     $ 798,333     $ 432,332     $ 507,194     $ (395,206 )   $ 161,260  
                                                 
Expected tax provision at the applicable statutory rate(s)
    264,822       16,279       151,316       11,012       (138,322 )     12,216  
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
                                               
Tax exempt income
    (15,038 )     -       (20,623 )     -       (33,672 )     -  
Dividend received deduction
    (7,809 )     -       (8,351 )     -       (6,893 )     -  
Proration
    2,274       -       3,138       -       5,080       -  
Tax audit settlement
    -       -       (2,508 )     -       (710 )     -  
Uncertain tax position release
    -       -       (31,912 )     -       8,139       -  
Other
    27,238       1,940       5,381       3,119       (1,471 )     2,172  
Total income tax provision
  $ 271,487     $ 18,219     $ 96,441     $ 14,131     $ (167,849 )   $ 14,388  
 
 
 
F-31

 
 
During 2012, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") completed its audit of the Company for the 2007 and 2008 tax years.  At the conclusion of the audit, the Company paid additional federal income taxes of $12,747 thousand plus interest of $1,702 thousand.  The additional tax liability resulted primarily from adjustments to the timing of the Company’s utilization of foreign tax credits and, therefore, including interest but net of a permanent benefit from previously unrecorded tax exempt income, this resulted in a $354 thousand income tax benefit.  Also as a result of closing the IRS audit, the Company was able to re-measure its exposure and take down its reserve for uncertain tax positions by $31,912 thousand and related interest by $2,154 thousand, resulting in an income tax benefit of $34,067 thousand.

The Company identified net understatements in its Deferred tax asset account of $17,520 thousand during 2012.  The understatements resulted from differences between filed and recorded amounts that had accumulated over several prior periods.  The Company corrected these understatements, resulting in a $17,520 thousand income tax benefit included in the income tax expense (benefit) caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and increased net income for the same amount.  The Company also increased its Deferred tax asset in its Consolidated Balance Sheets by $17,520 thousand.  The Company believes that the out of period adjustments are immaterial to these financial statements and to all prior periods.  As such, the Company has not restated any prior period amounts.

Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effect of the temporary differences between the value of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and such values as measured by the U.S. tax laws and regulations. The principal items making up the net deferred income tax asset are as follows for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
Loss reserve
  $ 146,781     $ 159,320  
Alternative minimum tax credits
    93,336       64,088  
Foreign tax credits
    74,255       90,941  
Unearned premium reserve
    45,368       37,558  
Net unrecognized losses on benefit plans
    20,944       33,660  
Benefit plan liability
    7,968       37,598  
Uncollectible reinsurance reserve
    5,534       5,675  
Deferred compensation
    5,350       12,557  
Net operating loss carryforward
    3,805       64,353  
Deferred expenses
    2,695       2,602  
Investment impairments
    2,485       3,151  
Other assets
    6,956       9,630  
Total deferred tax assets
    415,477       521,133  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Net fair value income
    121,784       61,211  
Net unrealized investment gains
    40,396       87,524  
Deferred acquisition costs
    39,344       33,969  
Net unrealized foreign currency gains
    28,098       42,742  
Gain on tender of debt
    27,395       27,395  
Bond market discount
    609       2,002  
Other liabilities
    7,765       2,515  
Total deferred tax liabilities
    265,391       257,357  
                 
Net deferred tax assets
    150,086       263,776  
Less: Valuation allowance
    (3,805 )     (1,752 )
Total net deferred tax assets
  $ 146,281     $ 262,024  

 
 
F-32

 
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Balance at January 1
  $ -     $ 31,912     $ 23,773  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    -       -       8,139  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    -       -       -  
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
    -       (31,912 )     -  
Settlements with taxing authorities
    -       -       -  
Lapses of applicable statutes of limitations
    -       -       -  
Balance at December 31
  $ -     $ -     $ 31,912  
 
As a result of closing the 2007 and 2008 IRS audit during 2012, the Company was able to re-measure its exposure and take down its reserve for uncertain tax positions by $31,912 thousand and accrued interest of $2,154 thousand.  Thus, the entire amount of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011 was recognized and beneficially affected the effective tax rate in 2012.  The Company is no longer subject to IRS audit for years before 2009.

The Company recognizes accrued interest related to net unrecognized tax benefits and penalties in income taxes. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company accrued and recognized a net expense/(benefit) of approximately $(2,154) thousand and $957 thousand, respectively, in interest and penalties.

For U.S. income tax purposes at December 31, 2013, the Company has foreign tax credit carry forwards of $74,255 thousand that begin to expire in 2017. In addition, the Company has $93,336 thousand of Alternative Minimum Tax credits that do not expire. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of the majority of its net deferred tax assets, however, a valuation allowance of $3,805 thousand and $1,752 thousand has been recorded in 2013 and 2012, respectively, against the deferred tax assets in its Everest Canada subsidiary.

The Company has recorded tax benefits related to share-based compensation deductions for dividends on restricted stock, vestings of restricted stock and exercised stock options in 2013 and 2012, respectively, of $4,562 thousand and $555 thousand to additional paid-in capital in the shareholders' equity section of the consolidated balance sheets.

13.  REINSURANCE

The Company utilizes reinsurance agreements to reduce its exposure to large claims and catastrophic loss occurrences.  These agreements provide for recovery from reinsurers of a portion of losses and LAE under certain circumstances without relieving the ceding company of its obligations to the policyholders.  Losses and LAE incurred and premiums earned are reported after deduction for reinsurance.  In the event that one or more of the reinsurers were unable to meet their obligations under these reinsurance agreements, the Company would not realize the full value of the reinsurance recoverable balances.  The Company may hold partial collateral, including letters of credit and funds held, under these agreements.  See also Note 1C and Note 3.

 
 
F-33

 
 
Premiums written and earned and incurred losses and LAE are comprised of the following for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Written premiums:
                 
Direct
  $ 1,268,698     $ 1,074,206     $ 815,087  
Assumed
    3,949,936       3,236,331       3,471,087  
Ceded
    (213,813 )     (229,466 )     (177,275 )
Net written premiums
  $ 5,004,821     $ 4,081,071     $ 4,108,899  
                         
Premiums earned:
                       
Direct
  $ 1,207,833     $ 1,054,707     $ 871,598  
Assumed
    3,748,824       3,353,667       3,454,622  
Ceded
    (203,114 )     (243,746 )     (224,873 )
Net premiums earned
  $ 4,753,543     $ 4,164,628     $ 4,101,347  
                         
Incurred losses and LAE:
                       
Direct
  $ 1,173,177     $ 926,364     $ 744,017  
Assumed
    1,833,055       2,017,526       3,099,787  
Ceded
    (205,981 )     (198,625 )     (117,600 )
Net incurred losses and LAE
  $ 2,800,251     $ 2,745,265     $ 3,726,204  
 
14.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table presents the components of comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
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
  $ (457,192 )   $ 62,834     $ (394,358 )   $ 178,405     $ (6,644 )   $ 171,761     $ 109,928     $ (19,338 )   $ 90,591  
URA(D) on securities - OTTI
    (1,579 )     140       (1,439 )     2,181       83       2,264       824       66       890  
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
    (8,388 )     1,411       (6,977 )     (19,606 )     (70 )     (19,676 )     (4,193 )     (7,146 )     (11,340 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (10,462 )     10,300       (162 )     26,484       (3,786 )     22,698       (16,429 )     460       (15,969 )
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss)
    27,442       (9,605 )     17,837       (18,109 )     6,338       (11,771 )     (48,885 )     17,109       (31,776 )
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss)
    8,889       (3,111 )     5,778       7,377       (2,582 )     4,795       3,575       (1,251 )     2,324  
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (441,290 )   $ 61,969     $ (379,321 )   $ 176,732     $ (6,661 )   $ 170,071     $ 44,820     $ (10,100 )   $ 34,720  
 
The following table presents details of the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
   
Affected line item within the statements of
AOCI component
 
2013
   
2012
   
operations and comprehensive income (loss)
(Dollars in thousands)
               
URA(D) on securities
  $ (8,388 )   $ (19,606 )  
Other net realized capital gains (losses)
      1,411       (70 )  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    $ (6,977 )   $ (19,676 )  
Net income (loss)
                     
Benefit plan net gain (loss)
  $ 8,889     $ 7,377    
Other underwriting expenses
      (3,111 )     (2,582 )  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    $ 5,778     $ 4,795    
Net income (loss)

 
 
F-34

 
 
The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Beginning balance of URA (D) on securities
  $ 603,928     $ 449,579  
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - temporary
    (401,335 )     152,086  
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI
    (1,439 )     2,263  
Ending balance of URA (D) on securities
    201,154       603,928  
                 
Beginning balance of foreign currency translation adjustments
    (4,368 )     (27,066 )
Current period change in foreign currency translation adjustments
    (162 )     22,698  
Ending balance of foreign currency translation adjustments
    (4,530 )     (4,368 )
                 
Beginning balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)
    (62,511 )     (55,535 )
Current period change in benefit plan net gain (loss)
    23,615       (6,976 )
Ending balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)
    (38,896 )     (62,511 )
                 
Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 157,728     $ 537,049  
 
15.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Benefit Pension Plans.
The Company maintains both qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans 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, affected in October 1995, provides compensating pension benefits for participants whose benefits have been curtailed under the qualified plan due to Internal Revenue Code limitations.

Although not required to make contributions under IRS regulations, the following table summarizes the Company’s contributions to the defined benefit pension plans for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Company contributions
  $ 22,536     $ 267     $ 3,223  
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s pension expense for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Pension expense
  $ 19,348     $ 16,542     $ 10,874  

 
 
F-35

 
 
The following table summarizes the status of these defined benefit plans for U.S. employees for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Change in projected benefit obligation:
           
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 212,159     $ 175,364  
Service cost
    11,182       9,370  
Interest cost
    8,511       7,971  
Actuarial (gain)/loss
    (12,742 )     21,786  
Benefits paid
    (5,052 )     (2,332 )
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
    214,059       212,159  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
    114,807       101,304  
Actual return on plan assets
    20,155       15,568  
Actual contributions during the year
    22,536       267  
Benefits paid
    (5,052 )     (2,332 )
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
    152,446       114,807  
                 
Funded status at end of year
  $ (61,613 )   $ (97,352 )
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
               
 
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Other assets (due beyond one year)
  $ -     $ -  
Other liabilities (due within one year)
    (17,000 )     (5,497 )
Other liabilities (due beyond one year)
    (44,613 )     (91,855 )
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
  $ (61,613 )   $ (97,352 )
 
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Prior service cost
  $ (70 )   $ (119 )
Accumulated income (loss)
    (53,318 )     (85,820 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (53,387 )   $ (85,939 )
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
               
 
Other changes in other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated are as follows:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, prior year
  $ (85,939 )   $ (78,923 )
Net gain (loss) arising during period
    24,402       (13,961 )
Recognition of amortizations in net periodic benefit cost:
               
Prior service cost
    49       49  
Actuarial loss
    8,101       6,896  
Other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, current year
  $ (53,387 )   $ (85,939 )

 
 
F-36

 
 
Net periodic benefit cost for U.S. employees included the following components for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Service cost
  $ 11,182     $ 9,370     $ 7,548  
Interest cost
    8,511       7,971       7,702  
Expected return on assets
    (8,495 )     (7,743 )     (9,067 )
Amortization of actuarial loss from earlier periods
    8,101       6,896       3,367  
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
    49       49       49  
Settlement
    -       -       1,275  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 19,348     $ 16,542     $ 10,874  
                         
Other changes recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to change from prior year
    (32,552 )     7,017          
                         
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other
                       
comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (13,204 )   $ 23,559          
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                       
 
The estimated transition obligation, actuarial loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next year are $0 thousand, $5,138 thousand and $49 thousand, respectively.

The weighted average discount rates used to determine net periodic benefit cost for 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 4.00%, 4.60% and 5.60%, respectively.  The rate of compensation increase used to determine the net periodic benefit cost for 2013, 2012 and 2011 was 4.0%.  The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for 2013, 2012 and 2011 was 7.50%, 7.75% and 8.0%, respectively, and was based on expected portfolio returns and allocations.

The weighted average discount rates used to determine the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation for year end 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 5.00%, 4.00% and 4.60%, respectively.

The following table summarizes the accumulated benefit obligation for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Qualified Plan
  $ 147,803     $ 148,107  
Non-qualified Plan
    29,774       25,579  
Total
  $ 177,577     $ 173,686  
 
The following table displays the plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Qualified Plan
           
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 179,512     $ 181,617  
Fair value of plan assets
    152,446       114,807  
Non-qualified Plan
               
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 34,547     $ 30,542  
Fair value of plan assets
    -       -  

 
 
F-37

 

The following table displays the plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Qualified Plan
           
Accumulated benefit obligation
    N/A     $ 148,107  
Fair value of plan assets
    N/A       114,807  
Non-qualified Plan
               
Accumulated benefit obligation
  $ 29,774     $ 25,579  
Fair value of plan assets
    -       -  
                 
(N/A, not applicable)
               
 
The following table displays the expected benefit payments in the periods indicated:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
     
2014
  $ 20,510  
2015
    5,229  
2016
    6,503  
2017
    6,897  
2018
    7,614  
Next 5 years
    48,816  
 
Plan assets consist of shares in investment trusts with approximately 77%, 16% and 7% of the underlying assets consisting of equity securities, fixed maturities and cash, respectively.  The Company manages the qualified plan investments for U.S. employees.  The assets in the plan consist of debt and equity mutual funds.  Due to the long term nature of the plan, the target asset allocation has historically been 70% equities and 30% bonds.

The following tables present the fair value measurement levels for the qualified plan assets at fair value for the periods indicated:
 
         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
         
Quoted Prices
             
         
in Active
   
Significant
       
         
Markets for
   
Other
   
Significant
 
         
Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
         
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2013
 
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
Cash
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Short-term investments, which approximates fair value (a)
    10,590       10,590       -       -  
Mutual funds, fair value
                               
Fixed income (b)
    24,630       24,630       -       -  
Equities (c)
    97,305       97,305       -       -  
Multi-strategy equity fund, fair value (d)
    10,765       -       -       10,765  
Private equity limited partnerships (e)
    9,156       -       -       9,156  
Total
  $ 152,446     $ 132,525     $ -     $ 19,921  
 
(a)  
This category includes high quality, short-term money market instruments, which are issued and payable in U.S. dollars.
(b)  
This category includes fixed income funds, which invest in investment grade securities of corporations, governments and government agencies with approximately 50% in U.S. securities and 50% in international securities.
(c)  
This category includes funds, which invest in small, mid and multi-cap equity securities including common stocks, securities convertible into common stock and securities with common stock characteristics, such as rights and warrants, with approximately 90% in U.S. equities and 10% in international equities.
(d)  
This category consists of a privately held fund of U.S. and international equity funds and may include currency hedges for the foreign funds. The fair value is provided by the external investment manager.
(e)  
This category consists of private equity limited partnerships.

 
 
F-38

 
 
         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
         
Quoted Prices
             
         
in Active
   
Significant
       
         
Markets for
   
Other
   
Significant
 
         
Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
         
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2012
 
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
Cash
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Short-term investments, which approximates fair value (a)
    3,343       3,343       -       -  
Mutual funds, fair value
                               
Fixed income (b)
    33,783       33,783       -       -  
Equities (c)
    63,065       63,065       -       -  
Multi-strategy equity fund, fair value (d)
    9,092       -       -       9,092  
Private equity limited partnerships (e)
    5,524       -       -       5,524  
Total
  $ 114,807     $ 100,191     $ -     $ 14,616  
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               
 
(a)  
This category includes high quality, short-term money market instruments, which are issued and payable in U.S. dollars.
(b)  
This category includes fixed income funds, which invest in investment grade securities of corporations, governments and government agencies with approximately 50% U.S. securities and 50% international securities.
(c)  
This category includes funds, which invest in small, mid and multi-cap equity securities including common stocks, securities convertible into common stock and securities with common stock characteristics, such as rights and warrants, with approximately 75% in U.S. equities and 25% in international equities.
(d)  
This category consists of a privately held fund of U.S. and international equity funds and may include currency hedges for the foreign funds. The fair value is provided by the external investment manager.
(e)  
This category consists of private equity limited partnerships.

The following table presents the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs for fixed maturity investments, for the period indicated:
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Assets:
           
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 14,616     $ 8,882  
Actual return on plan assets:
               
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the period
    7       (22 )
Unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at the reporting date
    2,589       997  
Purchases and capital contributions
    2,951       5,955  
Investment income earned on assets
    -       118  
Sales and capital distributions
    (242 )     (1,314 )
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
    -       -  
Balance, end of period
  $ 19,921     $ 14,616  
                 
The amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in changes in
               
net assets attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses)
               
relating to assets still held at the reporting date
  $ 2,582     $ 1,019  
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
               

 
 
F-39

 
 
The Company does not expect to make any contributions to the qualified plan in 2014.

Defined Contribution Plans.
The Company also maintains both qualified and non-qualified defined contribution plans (“Savings Plan” and “Non-Qualified Savings Plan”, respectively) covering U.S. employees.  Under the plans, the Company contributes up to a maximum 3% of the participants’ compensation based on the contribution percentage of the employee.  The Non-Qualified Savings Plan provides compensating savings plan benefits for participants whose benefits have been curtailed under the Savings Plan due to Internal Revenue Code limitations.  In addition, effective for new hires (and rehires) on or after April 1, 2010, the Company will contribute between 3% and 8% of an employee’s earnings for each payroll period based on the employee’s age.  These contributions will be 100% vested after three years.

The following table presents the Company’s incurred expenses related to these plans for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Incurred expenses
  $ 3,903     $ 3,209     $ 2,062  
 
In addition, the Company maintains several defined contribution pension plans covering non-U.S. employees.  Each non-U.S. office (Brazil, Canada, London, Belgium, Singapore, Ireland and Bermuda) maintains a separate plan for the non-U.S. employees working in that location.  The Company contributes various amounts based on salary, age and/or years of service.  The contributions as a percentage of salary for the branch offices range from 5.0% to 13.2%.  The contributions are generally used to purchase pension benefits from local insurance providers.  The following table presents the Company’s incurred expenses related to these plans for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Incurred expenses
  $ 1,195     $ 1,064     $ 1,031  
 
Post-Retirement Plan.
The Company sponsors a Retiree Health Plan for employees employed prior to April 1, 2010.  This plan provides healthcare benefits for eligible retired employees (and their eligible dependants), who have elected coverage.  The Company anticipates that most covered employees will become eligible for these benefits if they retire while working for the Company.  The cost of these benefits is shared with the retiree.  The Company accrues the post-retirement benefit expense during the period of the employee’s service.

The following medical cost trend rates were used to determine net cost and benefit obligations:  a healthcare inflation rate for pre-Medicare claims of 7.5% in 2013 was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.5% in 2027 and then remain at that level; and a healthcare inflation rate for post-Medicare claims of 6.3% in 2013 was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.5% in 2027 and then remain at that level.

Changes in the assumed healthcare cost trend can have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the healthcare plans.  A one percent change in the rate would have the following effects on:
 
   
Percentage
   
Percentage
 
   
Point Increase
   
Point Decrease
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
($ Impact)
   
($ Impact)
 
a.  Effect on total service and interest cost components
  $ 730     $ (561 )
b.  Effect on accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation
    5,863       (4,550 )

 
 
F-40

 
 
The following table presents the post-retirement benefit expenses for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Post-retirement benefit expenses
  $ 3,801     $ 3,141     $ 2,258  
 
The following table summarizes the status of this plan for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Change in projected benefit obligation:
           
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 27,938     $ 21,462  
Service cost
    1,899       1,677  
Interest cost
    1,164       1,033  
Actuarial loss
    (3,040 )     4,136  
Excise tax cost
    -       11  
Benefits paid
    (366 )     (381 )
Benefit obligation at end of year
    27,594       27,938  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
    -       -  
Employer contributions
    366       381  
Benefits paid
    (366 )     (381 )
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
    -       -  
                 
Funded status at end of year
  $ (27,594 )   $ (27,938 )
 
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated:

   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Other liabilities (due within one year)
  $ (463 )   $ (472 )
Other liabilities (due beyond one year)
    (27,130 )     (27,466 )
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
  $ (27,594 )   $ (27,938 )
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
               
 
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Accumulated income (loss)
  $ (6,452 )   $ (10,231 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (6,452 )   $ (10,231 )
 
Other changes in other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated are as follows:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, prior year
  $ (10,231 )   $ (6,516 )
Net gain (loss) arising during period
    3,040       (4,147 )
Recognition of amortizations in net periodic benefit cost:
               
Actuarial loss (gain)
    739       432  
Other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, current year
  $ (6,452 )   $ (10,231 )

 
 
F-41

 
 
Net periodic benefit cost included the following components for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost
  $ 1,899     $ 1,677     $ 1,165  
Interest cost
    1,164       1,033       934  
Net loss recognition
    739       432       159  
Net periodic cost
  $ 3,801     $ 3,142     $ 2,258  
                         
Other changes recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
Other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to change from prior year
    (3,779 )     3,715          
                         
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and
                       
other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 22     $ 6,857          
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                       
 
The estimated transition obligation, actuarial loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $0 thousand, $328 thousand and $0 thousand, respectively.

The weighted average discount rates used to determine net periodic benefit cost for 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 4.00%, 4.60% and 5.60%, respectively.

The weighted average discount rates used to determine the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation at year end 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 5.00%, 4.00% and 4.60%, respectively.

The following table displays the expected benefit payments in the years indicated:


(Dollars in thousands)
     
2014
  $ 463  
2015
    596  
2016
    705  
2017
    802  
2018
    932  
Next 5 years
    6,948  
 
16.  DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS AND STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Group and its operating subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory restrictions, including the amount of dividends that may be paid and the level of capital that the operating entities must maintain.  These regulatory restrictions are based upon statutory capital as opposed to GAAP basis equity or net assets.  Group and one of its primary operating subsidiaries, Bermuda Re, are regulated by Bermuda law and its other primary operating subsidiary, Everest Re, is regulated by Delaware law.   Bermuda Re is subject to the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement (“BSCR”) administered by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”) and Everest Re is subject to the Risk-Based Capital Model (“RBC”) developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”).  These models represent the aggregate regulatory restrictions on net assets and statutory capital and surplus.

Dividend Restrictions.
Under Bermuda law, Group is prohibited from declaring or paying a dividend if such payment would reduce the realizable value of its assets to an amount less than the aggregate value of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium (additional paid-in capital) accounts.  Group’s ability to pay dividends and its operating expenses is dependent upon dividends from its subsidiaries.

Under Bermuda law, Bermuda Re is prohibited from declaring or making payment of a dividend if it fails to meet its minimum solvency margin or minimum liquidity ratio.  As a long term insurer, Bermuda Re is also unable to declare or pay a dividend to anyone who is not a policyholder unless, after payment of the dividend, the value of the assets in their long term business fund, as certified by their approved actuary,

 
 
F-42

 
 
exceeds their liabilities for long term business by at least the $250 thousand minimum solvency margin.  Prior approval of the BMA is required if Bermuda Re’s dividend payments would exceed 25% of their prior year-end total statutory capital and surplus.

Bermuda Re prepares its statutory financial statements in conformity with the accounting principles set forth in Bermuda in The Insurance Act 1978, amendments thereto and related regulations.  The general business statutory capital and surplus of Bermuda Re was $2,712,184 thousand and $2,898,397 thousand at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The general business statutory net income of Bermuda Re was $634,147 thousand, $475,909 thousand and $102,949 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Delaware law provides that an insurance company which is a member of an insurance holding company system and is domiciled in the state shall not pay dividends without giving prior notice to the Insurance Commissioner of Delaware and may not pay dividends without the approval of the Insurance Commissioner if the value of the proposed dividend, together with all other dividends and distributions made in the preceding twelve months, exceeds the greater of (1) 10% of statutory surplus or (2) net income, not including realized capital gains, each as reported in the prior year’s statutory annual statement.  In addition, no dividend may be paid in excess of unassigned earned surplus.  At December 31, 2013, Everest Re has $538,168 thousand available for payment of dividends in 2014 without the need for prior regulatory approval.

Everest Re prepares its statutory financial statements in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the NAIC and the Delaware Insurance Department.  Prescribed statutory accounting practices are set forth in the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual.  The capital and statutory surplus of Everest Re was $2,814,337 thousand and $2,612,995 thousand at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The statutory net income of Everest Re was $540,020 thousand and $359,816 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the statutory net loss of Everest Re was $326,400 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Capital Restrictions.
In Bermuda, Bermuda Re is subject to the BSCR administered by the BMA.  No regulatory action is taken if an insurer’s capital and surplus is equal to or in excess of their enhanced capital requirement determined by the BSCR model.  In addition, the BMA has established a target capital level for each insurer, which is 120% of the enhanced capital requirement.

In the United States, Everest Re is subject to the RBC developed by the NAIC which determines an authorized control level risk-based capital.  As long as the total adjusted capital is 200% or more of the authorized control level capital, no action is required by the Company.

The regulatory targeted capital and the actual statutory capital for Bermuda Re and Everest Re were as follows:
 
   
Bermuda Re (1)
   
Everest Re (2)
 
   
At December 31,
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013 (3)
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Regulatory targeted capital
  $ -     $ 1,997,273     $ 1,094,605     $ 1,346,212  
Actual capital
  $ 2,712,184     $ 2,898,397     $ 2,814,337     $ 2,612,995  
 
(1)  Regulatory targeted capital represents the target capital level from the applicable year's BSCR calculation.
(2)  Regulatory targeted capital represents 200% of the RBC authorized control level calculation for the applicable year.
(3) The 2013 BSCR calculation is not yet due to be completed; however, the Company anticipates that Bermuda Re's December 31, 2013 actual capital will exceed the targeted capital level.

 
 
F-43

 
 
17.  CONTINGENCIES

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

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

In 1993 and prior, the Company had a business arrangement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“The Prudential”) wherein, for a fee, the Company accepted settled claim payment obligations of certain property and casualty insurers, and, concurrently, became the owner of the annuity or assignee of the annuity proceeds funded by the property and casualty insurers specifically to fulfill these fully settled obligations.  In these circumstances, the Company would be liable if The Prudential, which has an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), was unable to make the annuity payments.  The table below presents the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
    $ 144,734     $ 144,628  
 
Prior to its 1995 initial public offering, the Company purchased annuities from an unaffiliated life insurance company with an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best to settle certain claim liabilities of the company.  Should the life insurance company become unable to make the annuity payments, the Company would be liable for those claim liabilities.  The table below presents the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable for the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
    $ 30,664     $ 29,132  
 
18.  SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company has a 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (“2010 Employee Plan”), a 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (“2002 Employee Plan”), a 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (“1995 Employee Plan”), a 2009 Non-Employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (“2009 Director Plan”), a 2003 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan (“2003 Director Plan”) and a 1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (“1995 Director Plan”).  In addition, the Company has awarded options to non-employee directors in Board actions in 2001, 2000 and 1999.

Under the 2010 Employee Plan, 4,000,000 common shares have been authorized to be granted as non-qualified share options, incentive share options, share appreciation rights or restricted share and share awards to officers and key employees of the Company.  At December 31, 2013, there were 2,850,388 remaining shares available to be granted under the 2010 Employee Plan.  The 2010 Employee Plan replaced the 2002 Employee Plan, which replaced the 1995 Employee Plan; therefore, no further awards will be granted under the 2002 Employee Plan or the 1995 Employee Plan.  Through December 31, 2013, only non-qualified share options and restricted share awards had been granted under the employee plans. Under the 2009 Director Plan, 37,439 common shares have been authorized to be granted as share options or restricted share awards to non-employee directors of the Company.  At December 31, 2013, there were 35,275 remaining shares available to be granted under the 2009 Director Plan.  The 2009 Director Plan replaced the 1995 Director Plan, which expired.  Under the 2003 Director Plan, 500,000 common shares

 
 
F-44

 
 
have been authorized to be granted as share options or share awards to non-employee directors of the Company.  At December 31, 2013 there were 403,949 remaining shares available to be granted under the 2003 Director Plan.

Board actions in 2001, 2000 and 1999, which were not approved by shareholders, awarded options to non-employee directors.  The Board actions were designed to award non-employee directors, whose services are considered essential to the Company’s continued success, with the option to purchase common shares to increase their ownership interest in the Company and to align such interests with those of the shareholders of the Company.  Under Board actions in 2001, 2000 and 1999; 40,000, 30,000 and 26,000 common shares, respectively, were granted as share options to non-employee directors of the Company.

Options and restricted shares granted under the 2010 Employee Plan, the 2002 Employee Plan and the 1995 Employee Plan vest at the earliest of 20% per year over five years or in accordance with any applicable employment agreement.  Options granted under the 1995 Director Plan vested at 50% per year over two years.  Options and restricted shares granted under the 2003 Director Plan generally vest at 33% per year over three years, unless an alternate vesting period is authorized by the Board. Options and restricted shares granted under the 2009 Director Plan will vest as provided in the award agreement. The 2001, 2000 and 1999 Board actions vest at 33% per year over three years.  All options are exercisable at fair market value of the stock at the date of grant and expire ten years after the date of grant.

For share options and restricted shares granted under the 2010 Employee Plan, the 2002 Employee Plan, the 1995 Employee Plan, the 2009 Director Plan, the 2003 Director Plan and the 1995 Director Plan, share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was $31,844 thousand, $31,984 thousand and $17,693 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The corresponding income tax benefit recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for share-based compensation was $5,458 thousand, $2,792 thousand and $4,164 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, share-based compensation awards granted were 274,715 restricted shares, granted on February 20, 2013, May 15, 2013, September 12, 2013 and November 20, 2013, with a fair value of $122.755, $135.805, $138.695 and $157.080 per share, respectively.  No share options were granted during the year ended December 31, 2013. For share options granted during previous years, the fair value per option was calculated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.  The following assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of the options granted:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Weighted-average volatility
-
 
26.16%
 
26.46%
Weighted-average dividend yield
-
 
2.00%
 
2.00%
Weighted-average expected term
-
 
6.69 years
 
6.73 years
Weighted-average risk-free rate
-
 
1.33%
 
2.80%
 
The Company recognizes, as an increase to additional paid-in capital, a realized income tax benefit from dividends, charged to retained earnings and paid to employees on equity classified non-vested equity shares.  In addition, the amount recognized in additional paid-in capital for the realized income tax benefit from dividends on those awards is included in the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards.  For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized $237 thousand, $162 thousand and $136 thousand, respectively, of additional paid-in capital due to tax benefits from dividends on restricted shares.

 
 
F-45

 
 
A summary of the option activity under the Company’s shareholder approved and non-approved plans as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and changes during the year then ended is presented in the following tables:

Compensation plans approved by shareholders:
 
               
Weighted-
       
         
Weighted-
   
Average
       
         
Average
   
Remaining
   
Aggregate
 
(Aggregate Intrinsic Value in thousands)
       
Exercise
   
Contractual
   
Intrinsic
 
Options
 
Shares
   
Price/Share
   
Term
   
Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2013
    2,012,164     $ 87.25              
Granted
    -       -              
Exercised
    768,190       90.26              
Forfeited/Cancelled/Expired
    53,430       84.23              
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
    1,190,544       85.44       5.8     $ 83,313  
                                 
Exercisable at December 31, 2013
    579,417       86.33       4.5     $ 40,029  

 
               
Weighted-
       
         
Weighted-
   
Average
       
         
Average
   
Remaining
   
Aggregate
 
(Aggregate Intrinsic Value in thousands)
       
Exercise
   
Contractual
   
Intrinsic
 
Options
 
Shares
   
Price/Share
   
Term
   
Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2012
    2,316,276     $ 84.39              
Granted
    320,454       88.35              
Exercised
    581,496       76.51              
Forfeited/Cancelled/Expired
    43,070       86.56              
Outstanding at December 31, 2012
    2,012,164       87.25       6.0     $ 44,053  
                                 
Exercisable at December 31, 2012
    995,070       90.09       4.4     $ 18,956  

 
               
Weighted-
       
         
Weighted-
   
Average
       
         
Average
   
Remaining
   
Aggregate
 
(Aggregate Intrinsic Value in thousands)
       
Exercise
   
Contractual
   
Intrinsic
 
Options
 
Shares
   
Price/Share
   
Term
   
Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2011
    2,657,796     $ 81.16              
Granted
    345,600       86.68              
Exercised
    477,320       66.12              
Forfeited/Cancelled/Expired
    209,800       88.91              
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
    2,316,276       84.39       6.0     $ 12,121  
                                 
Exercisable at December 31, 2011
    1,229,481       84.94       4.4     $ 7,920  
 
Compensation plans not approved by shareholders:

There was no activity, shares outstanding or exercisable shares for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
 
               
Weighted-
       
         
Weighted-
   
Average
       
         
Average
   
Remaining
   
Aggregate
 
(Aggregate Intrinsic Value in thousands)
       
Exercise
   
Contractual
   
Intrinsic
 
Options
 
Shares
   
Price/Share
   
Term
   
Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2011
    20,000     $ 48.01              
Granted
    -       -              
Exercised
    20,000       48.01              
Forfeited/Cancelled/Expired
    -       -              
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
    -       -       0.0     $ -  
                                 
Exercisable at December 31, 2011
    -       -       0.0     $ -  

 
 
F-46

 
 
There were no share options granted in 2013. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years 2012 and 2011 was $19.21 and $21.85 per share, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic value (market price less exercise price) of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $30,050 thousand, $14,603 thousand and $11,845 thousand, respectively.  The cash received from the exercised share options for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $69,339 thousand.  The tax benefit realized from the options exercised for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $9,903 thousand.

The following table summarizes information about share options outstanding for the period indicated:
 
     
At December 31, 2013
 
     
Options Outstanding
   
Options Exercisable
 
           
Weighted-
                   
           
Average
   
Weighted-
         
Weighted-
 
     
Number
   
Remaining
   
Average
   
Number
   
Average
 
Range of
   
Outstanding
   
Contractual
   
Exercise
   
Exercisable
   
Exercise
 
Exercise Prices
   
at 12/31/13
   
Life
   
Price
   
at 12/31/13
   
Price
 
$ 66.0780- $77.0910       281,410       4.3     $ 72.22       186,810     $ 72.47  
$ 77.0911 - $88.1040       427,290       6.7       85.72       139,490       85.52  
$ 88.1041 - $99.1170       386,740       6.3       91.23       158,240       95.38  
$ 99.1171 - $110.1300       95,104       4.1       99.75       94,877       99.73  
          1,190,544       5.8       85.44       579,417       86.33  
 
The following table summarizes the status of the Company’s non-vested shares and changes for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
         
Weighted-
         
Weighted-
         
Weighted-
 
         
Average
         
Average
         
Average
 
         
Grant Date
         
Grant Date
         
Grant Date
 
Restricted (non-vested) Shares
 
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
Outstanding at January 1,
    357,750     $ 87.86       372,453     $ 85.12       250,125     $ 84.09  
Granted
    274,715       132.95       310,370       92.46       226,700       86.15  
Vested
    187,397       116.83       313,573       89.30       69,872       85.61  
Forfeited
    16,027       103.29       11,500       84.17       34,500       83.39  
Outstanding at December 31,
    429,041       103.50       357,750       87.86       372,453       85.12  
 
As of December 31, 2013, there was $34,309 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation expense.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.5 years.  The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, was $21,894 thousand, $28,003 thousand and $5,981 thousand, respectively.  The tax benefit realized from the shares vested for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $3,186 thousand.

In addition to the 2010 Employee Plan, the 2002 Employee Plan, the 1995 Employee Plan, the 2009 Director Plan, the 2003 Director Plan and the 1995 Director Plan, Group issued 586 common shares in 2013, 518 common shares in 2012 and 668 common shares in 2011 to the Company’s non-employee directors as compensation for their service as directors.  These issuances had aggregate values of approximately $75 thousand, $48 thousand and $56 thousand, respectively.

Since its 1995 initial public offering, the Company has issued to certain key employees of the Company 1,535,703 restricted common shares, of which 187,687 restricted shares have been cancelled. The Company has issued to non-employee directors of the Company 85,519 restricted common shares, of which no restricted shares have been cancelled.  The Company acquired 94,014, 148,962 and 53,474 common shares at a cost of $13,180 thousand, $15,307 thousand and $4,730 thousand in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, from employees who chose to pay required withholding taxes with shares exercised or restricted shares vested. The Company acquired 74,175, 79,086 and 201,287 common shares at a cost of $9,313
 
 
 
F-47

 
 
thousand, $8,322 thousand and $17,951 thousand in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, from employees and non-employee directors who chose to pay the option grant price with shares.

19.  RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

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

20.  SEGMENT REPORTING

The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including Marine, Aviation, Surety and Accident and Health (“A&H”) business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies primarily within the U.S.  The International operation writes foreign property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re’s branches in Canada and Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey. The Bermuda operation provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets through brokers and directly with ceding companies from its Bermuda office and reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets through its UK branch and Ireland Re.  The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance, including medical stop loss insurance, directly and through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers within the U.S. and Canada.  The Mt. Logan Re segment represents business written for the segregated accounts of Mt. Logan Re, which were formed on July 1, 2013.  The Mt. Logan Re business represents a diversified set of catastrophe exposures, diversified by risk/peril and across different geographical regions globally.

These segments, with the exception of Mt. Logan Re, 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.  The Mt. Logan Re segment is managed independently and seeks to write a diverse portfolio of catastrophe risks for each segregated account to achieve desired risk and return criteria.

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.

Mt. Logan Re’s business is sourced through operating subsidiaries of the Company; however, the activity is only reflected in the Mt. Logan Re segment.  For other inter-affiliate reinsurance, business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced, consistent with how the business is managed.

Except for Mt. Logan Re, 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.

 
 
F-48

 
 
The following tables present the underwriting results for the operating segments for the periods indicated:
 
U.S. Reinsurance
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 1,809,669     $ 1,310,683     $ 1,346,830  
Net written premiums
    1,807,067       1,306,463       1,344,273  
                         
Premiums earned
  $ 1,671,513     $ 1,416,407     $ 1,312,713  
Incurred losses and LAE
    814,668       1,050,394       1,034,111  
Commission and brokerage
    366,890       350,634       327,845  
Other underwriting expenses
    47,176       44,776       39,290  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 442,779     $ (29,397 )   $ (88,533 )

International
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 1,345,770     $ 1,192,306     $ 1,238,444  
Net written premiums
    1,327,430       1,188,745       1,218,561  
                         
Premiums earned
  $ 1,289,341     $ 1,214,840     $ 1,244,492  
Incurred losses and LAE
    675,362       586,325       1,372,309  
Commission and brokerage
    295,883       300,116       310,992  
Other underwriting expenses
    33,910       29,294       27,307  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 284,186     $ 299,105     $ (466,116 )
 
Bermuda
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 774,268     $ 734,405     $ 725,261  
Net written premiums
    765,660       733,751       725,546  
                         
Premiums earned
  $ 737,986     $ 680,948     $ 722,983  
Incurred losses and LAE
    374,375       408,230       613,870  
Commission and brokerage
    179,138       184,357       174,031  
Other underwriting expenses
    34,654       30,607       26,305  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 149,819     $ 57,754     $ (91,223 )
 
Insurance
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 1,268,745     $ 1,073,143     $ 975,639  
Net written premiums
    1,086,217       852,112       820,519  
                         
Premiums earned
  $ 1,037,425     $ 852,433     $ 821,159  
Incurred losses and LAE
    931,466       700,316       705,914  
Commission and brokerage
    133,695       117,594       137,653  
Other underwriting expenses
    119,283       102,982       89,501  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ (147,019 )   $ (68,459 )   $ (111,909 )

Mt. Logan Re
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gross written premiums
  $ 20,182     $ -     $ -  
Net written premiums
    18,447       -       -  
                         
Premiums earned
  $ 17,278     $ -     $ -  
Incurred losses and LAE
    4,380       -       -  
Commission and brokerage
    1,952       -       -  
Other underwriting expenses
    2,103       -       -  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 8,843     $ -     $ -  

 
 
F-49

 
 
The following table reconciles the underwriting results for the operating segments to income before taxes as reported in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Underwriting gain (loss)
  $ 738,608     $ 259,003     $ (757,781 )
Net investment income
    548,509       600,202       620,041  
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    300,227       164,400       6,923  
Net derivative gain (loss)
    44,044       (9,738 )     (11,261 )
Corporate expenses
    (24,817 )     (23,976 )     (16,461 )
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense
    (46,118 )     (53,683 )     (52,319 )
Other income (expense)
    (5,487 )     3,318       (23,089 )
Income (loss) before taxes
  $ 1,554,966     $ 939,526     $ (233,947 )
 
The Company produces business in the U.S., Bermuda and internationally.  The net income deriving from and assets residing in the individual foreign countries in which the Company writes business are not identifiable in the Company’s financial records.  Based on gross written premium, the table below presents the largest country, other than the U.S., in which the Company writes business, for the periods indicated:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
United Kingdom
  $ 555,332     $ 456,724     $ 453,169  
 
Approximately 20.6%, 21.1% and 24.8% of the Company’s gross written premiums in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were sourced through the Company’s largest intermediary.

21.  ACQUISITIONS

During 2011, the Company made several acquisitions to expand its domestic and Canadian insurance operations.  Below are descriptions of the transactions.

On January 2, 2011, the Company acquired the entire business and operations of Heartland of Topeka, Kansas for $55,000 thousand in cash, plus contingent payments in future periods based upon achievement of performance targets.  Heartland is a managing general agent specializing in crop insurance.

On January 28, 2011, the Company acquired the entire business and operations of Premiere of Toronto, Canada.  Premiere is a managing general agent specializing in entertainment and sports and leisure risks.  On January 31, 2011, the Company acquired the renewal rights and operations of the financial lines business of Executive Risk Insurance Services, Ltd. (“Executive Risk”) of Toronto, Canada.  The financial lines business of Executive Risk mainly underwrites Directors and Officers Liability, Fidelity, and Errors and Omissions Liability.

Overall, the Company recorded $46,215 thousand of goodwill and $26,903 thousand of intangible assets related to these acquisitions, which are reported as part of other assets within the consolidated balance sheets.  All intangible assets recorded as part of these acquisitions will be amortized on a straight line basis over seven years, subject to recoverability tests.

22.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

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

 
 
F-50

 
 
23.  UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

Summarized quarterly financial data for the periods indicated:
 
   
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
1st Quarter
   
2nd Quarter
   
3rd Quarter
   
4th Quarter
 
                         
 Operating data:
                       
Gross written premiums
  $ 1,180,790     $ 1,260,202     $ 1,464,984     $ 1,312,658  
Net written premiums
    1,149,693       1,212,626       1,389,147       1,253,355  
                                 
Premiums earned
    1,088,759       1,151,533       1,225,755       1,287,496  
Net investment income
    145,781       148,729       127,872       126,127  
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    126,735       33,905       44,958       94,629  
Total claims and underwriting expenses
    878,636       1,008,558       1,078,549       1,049,192  
Net income (loss)
    384,343       275,642       238,527       366,748  
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    -       -       (3,768 )     (2,110 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Everest Re Group
    384,343       275,642       234,759       364,638  
                                 
Earnings per common share attributable to Everest Re Group:
                         
Basic
  $ 7.56     $ 5.60     $ 4.85     $ 7.62  
Diluted
  $ 7.50     $ 5.56     $ 4.81     $ 7.54  
 
   
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
1st Quarter
   
2nd Quarter
   
3rd Quarter
   
4th Quarter
 
                         
 Operating data:
                       
Gross written premiums
  $ 1,046,466     $ 909,018     $ 1,203,997     $ 1,151,056  
Net written premiums
    1,014,862       856,681       1,100,452       1,109,076  
                                 
Premiums earned
    997,978       1,037,800       1,009,454       1,119,396  
Net investment income
    152,438       149,329       152,024       146,411  
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    98,719       (16,580 )     62,743       19,518  
Total claims and underwriting expenses
    888,464       923,334       880,498       1,213,329  
Net income (loss)
    304,704       214,551       250,922       58,777  
                                 
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 5.70     $ 4.10     $ 4.84     $ 1.14  
Diluted
  $ 5.68     $ 4.08     $ 4.82     $ 1.13  

 
 
F-51

 

SCHEDULE I — SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS —
                 
OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
                 
December 31, 2013
                 
                   
Column A
 
Column B
   
Column C
   
Column D
 
               
Amount
 
               
Shown in
 
         
Market
   
Balance
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
   
Sheet
 
Fixed maturities-available for sale
                 
Bonds:
                 
U.S. government and government agencies
  $ 160,013     $ 161,025     $ 161,025  
State, municipalities and political subdivisions
    970,735       1,002,528       1,002,528  
Foreign government securities
    1,740,337       1,780,769       1,780,769  
Foreign corporate securities
    2,844,912       2,885,813       2,885,813  
Public utilities
    231,507       248,488       248,488  
All other corporate bonds
    3,867,350       3,982,873       3,982,873  
Mortgage - backed securities:
                       
Commercial
    254,765       270,441       270,441  
Agency residential
    2,294,719       2,279,053       2,279,053  
Non-agency residential
    4,816       4,819       4,819  
Redeemable preferred stock
    22,010       21,098       21,098  
Total fixed maturities-available for sale
    12,391,164       12,636,907       12,636,907  
Fixed maturities - available for sale at fair value (1)
    20,888       19,388       19,388  
Equity securities - available for sale at market value
    148,342       144,081       144,081  
Equity securities - available for sale at fair value (1)
    1,113,405       1,462,079       1,462,079  
Short-term investments
    1,214,199       1,214,199       1,214,199  
Other invested assets
    508,447       508,447       508,447  
Cash
    611,382       611,382       611,382  
                         
Total investments and cash
  $ 16,007,827     $ 16,596,483     $ 16,596,483  
                         
(1) Original cost does not reflect fair value adjustments, which have been realized through the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
         

 
 
S-1

 
 
SCHEDULE II — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
           
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
           
             
             
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars and share amounts in thousands, except par value per share)
 
2013
   
2012
 
             
ASSETS:
           
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value
  $ 31,856     $ 40,233  
(amortized cost:  2013, $30,937; 2012, $38,620)
               
Short-term investments
    28,443       131,617  
Cash
    3,643       864  
Investment in subsidiaries, at equity in the underlying net assets
    6,885,027       6,558,734  
Accrued investment income
    290       357  
Receivable from subsidiaries
    728       728  
Subscription advances to Mt. Logan Re
    20,000       -  
Other assets
    1,609       2,817  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 6,971,596     $ 6,735,350  
                 
LIABILITIES:
               
Due to subsidiaries
  $ 2,740     $ 1,362  
Other liabilities
    580       521  
Total liabilities
    3,320       1,883  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Preferred shares, par value:  $0.01; 50,000 shares authorized;
               
no shares issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Common shares, par value:  $0.01; 200,000 shares authorized;
               
(2013) 67,965 and (2012) 67,105 issued outstanding before treasury shares
    680       671  
Additional paid-in capital
    2,029,774       1,946,439  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income
               
tax expense (benefit) of $57,661 at 2013 and $119,629 at 2012
    157,728       537,049  
Treasury shares, at cost; 20,422 shares (2013) and 15,687 shares (2012)
    (1,985,873 )     (1,363,958 )
Retained earnings
    6,765,967       5,613,266  
Total shareholders' equity
    6,968,276       6,733,467  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 6,971,596     $ 6,735,350  
                 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
               

 
 
S-2

 
 
SCHEDULE II — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
                 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                 
                   
                   
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                 
REVENUES:
                 
Net investment income
  $ 982     $ 1,160     $ 1,673  
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    -       286       -  
Other income (expense)
    (902 )     (754 )     (505 )
Net income (loss) of subsidiaries
    1,275,955       843,022       (71,233 )
Total revenues
    1,276,035       843,714       (70,065 )
                         
EXPENSES:
                       
Other expenses
    16,653       14,760       10,421  
Total expenses
    16,653       14,760       10,421  
                         
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    1,259,382       828,954       (80,486 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       -       -  
                         
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 1,259,382     $ 828,954     $ (80,486 )
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                       
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period
    (395,797 )     174,025       91,481  
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
    (6,977 )     (19,676 )     (11,340 )
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period
    (402,774 )     154,349       80,141  
                         
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (162 )     22,698       (15,969 )
                         
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) for the period
    17,837       (11,771 )     (31,776 )
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)
    5,778       4,795       2,324  
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period
    23,615       (6,976 )     (29,452 )
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (379,321 )     170,071       34,720  
                         
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 880,061     $ 999,025     $ (45,766 )
                         
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
                       

 
 
S-3

 

SCHEDULE II — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
                 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 
                   
                   
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,259,382     $ 828,954     $ (80,486 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Equity in retained (earnings) deficit of subsidiaries
    (1,275,955 )     (843,022 )     71,233  
Dividends received from subsidiaries
    665,000       465,000       190,000  
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
    1,334       (2,414 )     (718 )
Increase (decrease) in due to/from affiliates
    1,378       484       224  
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)
    241       494       875  
Realized capital losses (gains)
    -       (286 )     -  
Non-cash compensation expense
    1,087       1,536       936  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    652,467       450,746       182,064  
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Additional investment in subsidiaries
    (93,967 )     (49,673 )     (91,548 )
Subscription advances to Mt. Logan Re     (20,000 )     -       -  
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value
    7,856       5,290       9,219  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value
    -       21,955       -  
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    (413 )     -       -  
Net change in short-term investments
    103,174       (89,247 )     30,180  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (3,350 )     (111,675 )     (52,149 )
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Common shares issued during the period, net
    82,258       51,921       29,025  
Purchase of treasury shares
    (621,915 )     (289,988 )     (54,879 )
Dividends paid to shareholders
    (106,681 )     (100,402 )     (103,848 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (646,338 )     (338,469 )     (129,702 )
                         
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
    -       -       -  
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    2,779       602       213  
Cash, beginning of period
    864       262       49  
Cash, end of period
  $ 3,643     $ 864     $ 262  
                         
Non-cash transaction:
                       
Purchase of treasury shares by subsidiary
  $ -     $ -     $ 37,611  
                         
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
                       

 
 
S-4

 

 
SCHEDULE III — SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
                                     
                                                       
                                                       
                                                       
 Column A
 
Column B
   
Column C
   
Column D
   
Column E
   
Column F
   
Column G
   
Column H
   
Column I
   
Column J
 
         
Reserve
                     
Incurred
                   
Geographic Area
       
for Losses
                     
Loss and
   
Amortization
             
   
Deferred
   
and Loss
   
Unearned
         
Net
   
Loss
   
of Deferred
   
Other
   
Net
 
   
Acquisition
   
Adjustment
   
Premium
   
Premiums
   
Investment
   
Adjustment
   
Acquisition
   
Operating
   
Written
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Costs
   
Expenses
   
Reserves
   
Earned
   
Income
   
Expenses
   
Costs
   
Expenses
   
Premium
 
December 31, 2013
                                                     
Domestic
  $ 224,201     $ 5,915,490     $ 1,044,609     $ 2,708,938     $ 256,120     $ 1,746,134     $ 500,585     $ 166,459     $ 2,893,284  
International
    68,594       1,701,907       275,083       1,289,341       44,325       675,362       295,883       33,910       1,327,430  
Bermuda
    70,926       2,055,843       260,253       755,264       248,064       378,755       181,090       36,757       784,107  
Total
  $ 363,721     $ 9,673,240     $ 1,579,945     $ 4,753,543     $ 548,509     $ 2,800,251     $ 977,558     $ 237,126     $ 5,004,821  
                                                                         
December 31, 2012
                                                                       
Domestic
  $ 183,021     $ 6,281,606     $ 857,325     $ 2,268,840     $ 261,727     $ 1,750,710     $ 468,228     $ 147,758     $ 2,158,575  
International
    62,250       1,825,443       239,671       1,214,840       47,676       586,325       300,116       29,294       1,188,745  
Bermuda
    57,996       1,962,006       225,529       680,948       290,799       408,230       184,357       30,607       733,751  
Total
  $ 303,268     $ 10,069,055     $ 1,322,525     $ 4,164,628     $ 600,202     $ 2,745,265     $ 952,701     $ 207,659     $ 4,081,071  
                                                                         
December 31, 2011
                                                                       
Domestic
  $ 257,155     $ 6,104,930     $ 979,490     $ 2,133,872     $ 263,608     $ 1,740,025     $ 465,498     $ 128,791     $ 2,164,792  
International
    72,856       2,145,726       263,373       1,244,492       51,232       1,372,309       310,992       27,307       1,218,561  
Bermuda
    48,015       1,872,559       169,915       722,983       305,201       613,870       174,031       26,305       725,546  
Total
  $ 378,026     $ 10,123,215     $ 1,412,778     $ 4,101,347     $ 620,041     $ 3,726,204     $ 950,521     $ 182,403     $ 4,108,899  

 
 
S-5

 

SCHEDULE IV — REINSURANCE
                             
                               
                               
Column A
 
Column B
   
Column C
   
Column D
   
Column E
   
Column F
 
         
Ceded to
   
Assumed
             
   
Gross
   
Other
   
from Other
   
Net
   
Assumed
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
   
Companies
   
Companies
   
Amount
   
to Net
 
                               
December 31, 2013
                             
Total property and liability insurance
                             
premiums earned
  $ 1,207,833     $ 203,114     $ 3,748,824     $ 4,753,543       78.9 %
                                         
December 31, 2012
                                       
Total property and liability insurance
                                       
premiums earned
  $ 1,054,707     $ 243,746     $ 3,353,667     $ 4,164,628       80.5 %
                                         
December 31, 2011
                                       
Total property and liability insurance
                                       
premiums earned
  $ 871,598     $ 224,873     $ 3,454,622     $ 4,101,347       84.2 %

 
 
S-6