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

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED:
September 30, 2017
 
Commission file number:
1-14527

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

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

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

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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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


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

YES
   
NO
X

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

YES
   
NO
X

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

   
Number of Shares Outstanding
Class
 
At November 1, 2017
Common Shares, $0.01 par value
 
1,000

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


EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

Table of Contents
Form 10-Q


Page
PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

         
Item 1.
 
Financial Statements
 
         
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2017 (unaudited) and
 
     
December 31, 2016 (unaudited)
1
       
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the
 
     
three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)
2
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity for the three and
 
     
nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)
3
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended
 
     
September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)
4
         
   
Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited)
5
         
Item 2.
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
 
     
Results of Operation
34
       
Item 3.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
51
         
Item 4.
 
Controls and Procedures
51
         

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

         
Item 1.
 
Legal Proceedings
51
         
Item 1A.
 
Risk Factors
52
       
Item 2.
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
52
       
Item 3.
 
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
52
       
Item 4.
 
Mine Safety Disclosures
52
       
Item 5.
 
Other Information
52
       
Item 6.
 
Exhibits
52

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share)
 
2017
   
2016
 
   
(unaudited)
 
ASSETS:
           
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value
 
$
6,039,361
   
$
5,970,496
 
     (amortized cost: 2017, $5,974,256; 2016, $5,910,494)
               
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value
   
998,071
     
887,800
 
Short-term investments
   
229,999
     
306,286
 
Other invested assets (cost: 2017, $736,566; 2016, $613,680)
   
739,486
     
613,740
 
Other invested assets, at fair value
   
1,922,402
     
1,766,626
 
Cash
   
302,331
     
297,794
 
         Total investments and cash
   
10,231,650
     
9,842,742
 
Note receivable - affiliated
   
250,000
     
250,000
 
Accrued investment income
   
45,575
     
45,323
 
Premiums receivable
   
1,564,491
     
1,128,639
 
Reinsurance receivables - unaffiliated
   
1,116,370
     
887,657
 
Reinsurance receivables - affiliated
   
4,137,998
     
3,686,130
 
Funds held by reinsureds
   
204,989
     
190,421
 
Deferred acquisition costs
   
65,519
     
68,621
 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
   
1,115,344
     
781,384
 
Other assets
   
411,425
     
202,519
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
19,143,361
   
$
17,083,436
 
                 
LIABILITIES:
               
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
$
9,969,148
   
$
8,331,288
 
Unearned premium reserve
   
1,628,717
     
1,312,386
 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties
   
125,463
     
110,836
 
Losses in the course of payment
   
193,948
     
82,915
 
Commission reserves
   
24,932
     
52,037
 
Other net payable to reinsurers
   
1,158,259
     
815,298
 
4.868% Senior notes due 6/1/2044
   
396,804
     
396,714
 
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067
   
236,536
     
236,462
 
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings
   
7,564
     
3,537
 
Income taxes
   
(29,533
)
   
148,940
 
Unsettled securities payable
   
39,660
     
27,121
 
Other liabilities
   
224,219
     
267,349
 
         Total liabilities
   
13,975,717
     
11,784,883
 
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7)
               
                 
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
               
Common stock, par value: $0.01; 3,000 shares authorized;
               
     1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2017 and 2016)
   
-
     
-
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
387,772
     
387,567
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense
               
     (benefit) of $9,405 at 2017 and ($19,549) at 2016
   
17,459
     
(36,315
)
Retained earnings
   
4,762,413
     
4,947,301
 
         Total stockholder's equity
   
5,167,644
     
5,298,553
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
$
19,143,361
   
$
17,083,436
 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
               

1

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



   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
REVENUES:
                       
Premiums earned
 
$
518,507
   
$
556,653
   
$
1,457,759
   
$
1,527,433
 
Net investment income
   
73,417
     
64,570
     
206,166
     
196,887
 
Net realized capital gains (losses):
                               
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
   
(1,473
)
   
(836
)
   
(4,179
)
   
(25,242
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
                               
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Realized gain(loss) on sale of subsidiary
   
-
     
(28,032
)
   
-
     
(28,032
)
Other net realized capital gains (losses)
   
229,962
     
(21,195
)
   
258,145
     
(34,001
)
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
   
228,489
     
(50,063
)
   
253,966
     
(87,275
)
Other income (expense)
   
1,486
     
(13,208
)
   
21,996
     
(10,806
)
Total revenues
   
821,899
     
557,952
     
1,939,887
     
1,626,239
 
                                 
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                               
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
1,331,558
     
301,603
     
1,918,508
     
936,201
 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
   
34,545
     
82,778
     
147,565
     
219,552
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
57,713
     
64,149
     
181,805
     
181,706
 
Corporate expenses
   
1,132
     
1,835
     
6,241
     
6,181
 
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense
   
7,161
     
8,859
     
23,974
     
26,576
 
Total claims and expenses
   
1,432,109
     
459,224
     
2,278,093
     
1,370,216
 
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
   
(610,210
)
   
98,728
     
(338,206
)
   
256,023
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
(220,486
)
   
22,425
     
(153,318
)
   
69,358
 
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
 
$
(389,724
)
 
$
76,303
   
$
(184,888
)
 
$
186,665
 
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                               
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period
   
530
     
3,808
     
13,794
     
62,672
 
Less: reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
   
(1,674
)
   
(2,767
)
   
(8,618
)
   
23,085
 
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period
   
(1,144
)
   
1,041
     
5,176
     
85,757
 
                                 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
34,281
     
(2,642
)
   
43,220
     
27,779
 
                                 
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) for the period
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)
   
1,369
     
1,268
     
5,377
     
3,949
 
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period
   
1,369
     
1,268
     
5,377
     
3,949
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
   
34,507
     
(333
)
   
53,774
     
117,485
 
                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
$
(355,217
)
 
$
75,970
   
$
(131,114
)
 
$
304,150
 
                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
                               

2

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



   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
COMMON STOCK (shares outstanding):
                       
Balance, beginning of period
   
1,000
     
1,000
     
1,000
     
1,000
 
Balance, end of period
   
1,000
     
1,000
     
1,000
     
1,000
 
                                 
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:
                               
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
387,705
   
$
382,537
   
$
387,567
   
$
374,789
 
Share-based compensation plans
   
67
     
2,437
     
205
     
10,185
 
Balance, end of period
   
387,772
     
384,974
     
387,772
     
384,974
 
                                 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),
                               
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:
                               
Balance, beginning of period
   
(17,048
)
   
55,682
     
(36,315
)
   
(62,136
)
Net increase (decrease) during the period
   
34,507
     
(333
)
   
53,774
     
117,485
 
Balance, end of period
   
17,459
     
55,349
     
17,459
     
55,349
 
                                 
RETAINED EARNINGS:
                               
Balance, beginning of period
   
5,152,137
     
4,756,019
     
4,947,301
     
4,645,657
 
Net income (loss)
   
(389,724
)
   
76,303
     
(184,888
)
   
186,665
 
Balance, end of period
   
4,762,413
     
4,832,322
     
4,762,413
     
4,832,322
 
                                 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD
 
$
5,167,644
   
$
5,272,645
   
$
5,167,644
   
$
5,272,645
 
                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
                               
3

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
 
   
(unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income (loss)
 
$
(184,888
)
 
$
186,665
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable
   
(432,477
)
   
(155,717
)
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net
   
415
     
(948
)
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables
   
(649,539
)
   
(120,745
)
Decrease (increase) in income taxes
   
(206,857
)
   
35,647
 
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums
   
(330,345
)
   
(94,400
)
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
1,579,394
     
322,226
 
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums
   
310,237
     
94,847
 
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers
   
336,582
     
(216,024
)
Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment
   
110,669
     
1,860
 
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships
   
(20,415
)
   
(17,067
)
Distribution of limited partnership income
   
23,174
     
31,739
 
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
   
(88,583
)
   
(125,150
)
Non-cash compensation expense
   
7,675
     
7,453
 
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)
   
13,675
     
13,754
 
Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes
   
3
     
3
 
Net realized capital (gains) losses
   
(253,966
)
   
87,275
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
214,754
     
51,418
 
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value
   
771,950
     
572,224
 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value
   
1,063,126
     
433,655
 
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value
   
-
     
1,587
 
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value
   
302,407
     
531,894
 
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary (net of cash disposed)
   
-
     
47,721
 
Distributions from other invested assets
   
1,459,677
     
1,119,428
 
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value
   
(1,809,485
)
   
(1,516,092
)
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
   
-
     
(3,940
)
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
   
(326,444
)
   
(253,041
)
Cost of other invested assets acquired
   
(1,584,617
)
   
(1,299,682
)
Net change in short-term investments
   
79,509
     
376,832
 
Net change in unsettled securities transactions
   
(189,980
)
   
40,771
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
(233,857
)
   
51,357
 
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Tax benefit from share-based compensation
   
(7,471
)
   
2,732
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
(7,471
)
   
2,732
 
                 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
   
31,111
     
24,242
 
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
   
4,537
     
129,749
 
Cash, beginning of period
   
297,794
     
155,429
 
Cash, end of period
 
$
302,331
   
$
285,178
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Income taxes paid (recovered)
 
$
53,273
   
$
30,877
 
Interest paid
   
19,783
     
17,608
 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
               

4

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

1.      GENERAL

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

During the third quarter of 2016, the Company established domestic subsidiaries, Everest Premier Insurance Company ("Everest Premier") and Everest Denali Insurance Company ("Everest Denali"), which will be used in the continued expansion of the Insurance operations.

Effective August 24, 2016, the Company sold its wholly-owned subsidiary, Heartland Crop Insurance Company ("Heartland"), a managing agent for crop insurance, to CGB Diversified Services, Inc. ("CGB"). The operating results of Heartland for the period owned are included within the Company's financial statements.

2.      BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results on an interim basis.  Certain financial information, which is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), has been omitted since it is not required for interim reporting purposes. The December 31, 2016 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.  The results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 included in the Company's most recent Form 10-K filing.

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Certain reclassifications and format changes have been made to prior years' amounts to conform to the 2017 presentation.

Application of Recently Issued Accounting Standard Changes.

Amortization of Bond Premium.  In March 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-08 which outlines guidance on the amortization period for premium on callable debt securities.  The new guidance requires that the premium on callable debt securities be amortized through the earliest call date rather than through the maturity date of the callable security.  The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-08 to have a material impact on its financial statements.

Presentation and Disclosure of Net Periodic Benefit Costs.  In March 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-07 which outlines guidance on the presentation of net periodic costs of benefit plans.  The new guidance requires that the service cost component of net periodic benefit costs be reported within the same line item of the statements of operations as other compensation costs are reported.  Other components of net periodic benefit costs should be reported separately.  Footnote disclosure is required to state within which line items of the statements of operations the components are reported. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-07 to have a material impact on its financial statements.
5

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

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

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

Leases.  In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02 which outlines new guidance on the accounting for leases. The new guidance requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheets for most leases that were previously deemed operating leases and required only lease expense presentation in the statements of operations.  The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on its financial statements.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Instruments.  In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 which outlines revised guidance on the accounting for equity investments. The new guidance states that all equity investments in unconsolidated entities will be measures at fair value, with the change in value being recorded through the income statement rather than being recorded within other comprehensive income. The updated guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on its financial statements.

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

Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share.  In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, which removes the requirement to categorize, within the fair value hierarchy, investments for which fair values are estimated using the net asset value practical expedient provided by Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurement.  The updated guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015.  The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, The FASB issued ASU 2015–03, authoritative guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs.  This guidance requires that debt issuance costs be presented within the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying value of the debt liability, rather than as a separate asset.  This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and related
6

interim reporting periods.  The Company implemented this guidance effective in the second quarter of 2016.  The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

Consolidation. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, authoritative guidance regarding consolidation of reporting entities.  The new guidance focuses on the required evaluation of whether certain legal entities should be consolidated.  This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015.  Based upon this guidance, the Company has determined that the separate segregated accounts associated with Mt. Logan Re should not be consolidated.  The Company implemented the guidance effective January 1, 2016.

Revenue Recognition.  In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 which outlines revised guidance on the recognition of revenue arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance states that reporting entities should apply certain steps to determine when revenue should be recognized, based upon fulfillment of performance obligations to complete contracts. The updated guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on its financial statements.

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

3.  REVISIONS TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In preparing its second quarter of 2017 financial statements, the Company altered its processing of ceding certain commissions and deferred acquisition costs under an affiliated quota share agreement.  In previous reporting periods, these expenses were ceded based upon a quarter lag.  In the second quarter of 2017, the quarter lag was eliminated and these expenses are now recorded on a current quarter basis.  Although management determined that the impact of the ceding lag was not material to prior period financial statements, the impact of eliminating the ceding lag would have significantly impacted results within the second quarter of 2017.  As a result, prior period balances have been revised in the applicable financial statements and corresponding footnotes to eliminate the impact of the previous recording lag.

Management assessed the materiality of this change within prior period financial statements based upon SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Number 99, Materiality, which is since codified in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.  In accordance with ASC 250, the prior period comparative financial statements that are presented herein have been revised.

The following tables present line items for prior period financial statements that have been affected by the revision. For these line items, the tables detail the amounts as previously reported, the impact upon those line items due to the revision, and the amounts as currently revised within the financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
March 31, 2017
 
   
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share)
                 
ASSETS:
                 
Deferred acquisition costs
 
$
62,308
   
$
(4,994
)
 
$
57,314
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
17,587,840
   
$
(4,994
)
 
$
17,582,846
 
                         
LIABILITIES:
                       
Other net payable to reinsurers
 
$
832,307
   
$
(41,746
)
 
$
790,561
 
Income taxes
   
223,629
     
5,625
     
229,254
 
         Total liabilities
   
12,139,623
     
(36,121
)
   
12,103,502
 
                         
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY:
                       
 Retained earnings
   
5,085,352
     
31,127
     
5,116,479
 
         Total stockholder's equity
   
5,448,217
     
31,127
     
5,479,344
 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
$
17,587,840
   
$
(4,994
)
 
$
17,582,846
 
7

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
December 31, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
As Previously
   
Impact of
         
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
(Dollars in thousands, except par value per share)
                                   
ASSETS:
                                   
Deferred acquisition costs
 
$
73,924
   
$
(5,303
)
 
$
68,621
   
$
92,651
   
$
(6,249
)
 
$
86,402
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
17,088,739
   
$
(5,303
)
 
$
17,083,436
   
$
16,695,203
   
$
(6,249
)
 
$
16,688,954
 
                                                 
LIABILITIES:
                                               
Other net payable to reinsurers
 
$
860,391
   
$
(45,093
)
 
$
815,298
   
$
1,225,260
   
$
(37,480
)
 
$
1,187,780
 
Income taxes
   
142,143
     
6,797
     
148,940
     
68,024
     
4,132
     
72,156
 
         Total liabilities
   
11,823,179
     
(38,296
)
   
11,784,883
     
11,763,992
     
(33,348
)
   
11,730,644
 
                                                 
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY:
                                               
 Retained earnings
   
4,914,308
     
32,993
     
4,947,301
     
4,618,558
     
27,099
     
4,645,657
 
         Total stockholder's equity
   
5,265,560
     
32,993
     
5,298,553
     
4,931,211
     
27,099
     
4,958,310
 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
$
17,088,739
   
$
(5,303
)
 
$
17,083,436
   
$
16,695,203
   
$
(6,249
)
 
$
16,688,954
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
   
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
 
As Previously
   
Impact of
         
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                                   
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
 
$
289,982
   
$
(8,558
)
 
$
281,424
   
$
315,069
   
$
(2,744
)
 
$
312,325
 
Total claims and expenses
   
1,928,940
     
(8,558
)
   
1,920,382
     
1,892,062
     
(2,744
)
   
1,889,318
 
                                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
   
390,433
     
8,558
     
398,991
     
604,542
     
2,744
     
607,286
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
94,683
     
2,664
     
97,347
     
191,889
     
3,007
     
194,896
 
                                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
 
$
295,750
   
$
5,894
   
$
301,644
   
$
412,653
   
$
(263
)
 
$
412,390
 
                                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
$
321,571
   
$
5,894
   
$
327,465
   
$
345,998
   
$
(263
)
 
$
345,735
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
 
As Previously
   
Impact of
         
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                                   
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
 
$
339,402
   
$
(427
)
 
$
338,975
   
$
49,470
   
$
3,037
   
$
52,507
 
Total claims and expenses
   
1,930,749
     
(427
)
   
1,930,322
     
411,543
     
3,037
     
414,580
 
                                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
   
657,688
     
427
     
658,115
     
247,984
     
(3,037
)
   
244,947
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
203,562
     
1,125
     
204,687
     
76,940
     
(1,171
)
   
75,769
 
                                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
 
$
454,126
   
$
(698
)
 
$
453,428
   
$
171,044
   
$
(1,866
)
 
$
169,178
 
                                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
$
370,997
   
$
(698
)
 
$
370,299
   
$
182,587
   
$
(1,866
)
 
$
180,721
 
8


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
 
As Previously
   
Impact of
         
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                                   
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
 
$
85,563
   
$
(2,785
)
 
$
82,778
   
$
226,511
   
$
(6,959
)
 
$
219,552
 
Total claims and expenses
   
462,009
     
(2,785
)
   
459,224
     
1,377,175
     
(6,959
)
   
1,370,216
 
                                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
   
95,943
     
2,785
     
98,728
     
249,064
     
6,959
     
256,023
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
21,145
     
1,280
     
22,425
     
66,990
     
2,368
     
69,358
 
                                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
 
$
74,798
   
$
1,505
   
$
76,303
   
$
182,074
   
$
4,591
   
$
186,665
 
                                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
$
74,465
   
$
1,505
   
$
75,970
   
$
299,559
   
$
4,591
   
$
304,150
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
 
As Previously
   
Impact of
         
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                                   
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
 
$
72,126
   
$
(1,717
)
 
$
70,409
   
$
140,948
   
$
(4,174
)
 
$
136,774
 
Total claims and expenses
   
479,860
     
(1,717
)
   
478,143
     
915,166
     
(4,174
)
   
910,992
 
                                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
   
101,332
     
1,717
     
103,049
     
153,121
     
4,174
     
157,295
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
32,982
     
695
     
33,677
     
45,845
     
1,088
     
46,933
 
                                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
 
$
68,350
   
$
1,022
   
$
69,372
   
$
107,276
   
$
3,086
   
$
110,362
 
                                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
$
124,381
   
$
1,022
   
$
125,403
   
$
225,094
   
$
3,086
   
$
228,180
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
 
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                 
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                 
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
 
$
68,822
   
$
(2,457
)
 
$
66,365
 
Total claims and expenses
   
435,306
     
(2,457
)
   
432,849
 
                         
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
   
51,789
     
2,457
     
54,246
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
12,863
     
393
     
13,256
 
                         
NET INCOME (LOSS)
 
$
38,926
   
$
2,064
   
$
40,990
 
                         
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
$
100,713
   
$
2,064
   
$
102,777
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
   
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
As Previously
   
Impact of
         
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
                                     
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
                                   
RETAINED EARNINGS:
                                   
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
4,618,558
   
$
27,099
   
$
4,645,657
   
$
4,205,905
   
$
27,362
   
$
4,233,267
 
Net income (loss)
   
295,750
     
5,894
     
301,644
     
412,653
     
(263
)
   
412,390
 
Balance, end of period
   
4,914,308
     
32,993
     
4,947,301
     
4,618,558
     
27,099
     
4,645,657
 
 TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD
 
$
5,265,560
   
$
32,993
   
$
5,298,553
   
$
4,931,211
   
$
27,099
   
$
4,958,310
 
9


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
As Previously
   
Impact of
         
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
                                     
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
                                   
RETAINED EARNINGS:
                                   
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
3,751,779
   
$
28,060
   
$
3,779,839
   
$
4,914,308
   
$
32,993
   
$
4,947,301
 
Net income (loss)
   
454,126
     
(698
)
   
453,428
     
171,044
     
(1,866
)
   
169,178
 
Balance, end of period
   
4,205,905
     
27,362
     
4,233,267
     
5,085,352
     
31,127
     
5,116,479
 
 TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD
 
$
4,572,717
   
$
27,362
   
$
4,600,079
   
$
5,448,217
   
$
31,127
   
$
5,479,344
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
As Previously
   
Impact of
         
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
                                     
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
                                   
RETAINED EARNINGS:
                                   
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
4,725,834
   
$
30,185
   
$
4,756,019
   
$
4,618,558
   
$
27,099
   
$
4,645,657
 
Net income (loss)
   
74,798
     
1,505
     
76,303
     
182,074
     
4,591
     
186,665
 
Balance, end of period
   
4,800,632
     
31,690
     
4,832,322
     
4,800,632
     
31,690
     
4,832,322
 
 TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD
 
$
5,240,955
   
$
31,690
   
$
5,272,645
   
$
5,240,955
   
$
31,690
   
$
5,272,645
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
As Previously
   
Impact of
         
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
                                     
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
                                   
RETAINED EARNINGS:
                                   
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
4,657,484
   
$
29,163
   
$
4,686,647
   
$
4,618,558
   
$
27,099
   
$
4,645,657
 
Net income (loss)
   
68,350
     
1,022
     
69,372
     
107,276
     
3,086
     
110,362
 
Balance, end of period
   
4,725,834
     
30,185
     
4,756,019
     
4,725,834
     
30,185
     
4,756,019
 
 TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD
 
$
5,164,053
   
$
30,185
   
$
5,194,238
   
$
5,164,053
   
$
30,185
   
$
5,194,238
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
                   
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
                 
RETAINED EARNINGS:
                 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
4,618,558
   
$
27,099
   
$
4,645,657
 
Net income (loss)
   
38,926
     
2,064
     
40,990
 
Balance, end of period
   
4,657,484
     
29,163
     
4,686,647
 
 TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD
 
$
5,036,717
   
$
29,163
   
$
5,065,880
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
   
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
   
As Previously
   
Impact of
         
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                                   
Net income (loss)
 
$
295,750
   
$
5,894
   
$
301,644
   
$
412,653
   
$
(263
)
 
$
412,390
 
Decrease (increase) in income taxes
   
60,325
     
2,666
     
62,991
     
57,487
     
3,007
     
60,494
 
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers
   
(364,242
)
   
(7,614
)
   
(371,856
)
   
204,526
     
(8,590
)
   
195,936
 
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
   
16,090
     
(946
)
   
15,144
     
7,499
     
5,846
     
13,345
 
10


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
   
As Previously
   
Impact of
         
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                                   
Net income (loss)
 
$
454,126
   
$
(698
)
 
$
453,428
   
$
171,044
   
$
(1,866
)
 
$
169,178
 
Decrease (increase) in income taxes
   
68,206
     
1,125
     
69,331
     
75,304
     
(1,172
)
   
74,132
 
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers
   
5,130
     
(3,216
)
   
1,914
     
(30,525
)
   
3,347
     
(27,178
)
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
   
81,388
     
2,789
     
84,177
     
18,204
     
(309
)
   
17,895
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
   
As Previously
   
Impact of
         
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                                   
Net income (loss)
 
$
182,074
   
$
4,591
   
$
186,665
   
$
107,276
   
$
3,086
   
$
110,362
 
Decrease (increase) in income taxes
   
33,279
     
2,368
     
35,647
     
8,190
     
1,089
     
9,279
 
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers
   
(209,260
)
   
(6,764
)
   
(216,024
)
   
(370,242
)
   
(3,111
)
   
(373,353
)
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
   
(124,955
)
   
(195
)
   
(125,150
)
   
14,216
     
(1,064
)
   
13,152
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
   
As Previously
   
Impact of
       
   
Reported
   
Revisions
   
As Revised
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net income (loss)
 
$
38,926
   
$
2,064
   
$
40,990
 
Decrease (increase) in income taxes
   
6,546
     
393
     
6,939
 
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers
   
(106,588
)
   
(1,122
)
   
(107,710
)
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
   
24,496
     
(1,335
)
   
23,161
 

4.  INVESTMENTS

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

   
At September 30, 2017
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Market
   
OTTI in AOCI
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Appreciation
   
Depreciation
   
Value
   
(a)
 
Fixed maturity securities
                             
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                             
U.S. government agencies and corporations
 
$
657,018
   
$
2,088
   
$
(3,220
)
 
$
655,886
   
$
-
 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
   
652,525
     
24,061
     
(4,744
)
   
671,842
     
-
 
Corporate securities
   
2,213,498
     
38,058
     
(11,965
)
   
2,239,591
     
695
 
Asset-backed securities
   
153,400
     
451
     
(62
)
   
153,789
     
-
 
Mortgage-backed securities
                                       
Commercial
   
59,311
     
334
     
(622
)
   
59,023
     
-
 
Agency residential
   
683,178
     
1,904
     
(7,252
)
   
677,830
     
-
 
Non-agency residential
   
55
     
7
     
-
     
62
     
-
 
Foreign government securities
   
520,431
     
19,038
     
(7,996
)
   
531,473
     
-
 
Foreign corporate securities
   
1,034,840
     
25,601
     
(10,576
)
   
1,049,865
     
374
 
Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
5,974,256
   
$
111,542
   
$
(46,437
)
 
$
6,039,361
   
$
1,069
 
11


   
At December 31, 2016
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Market
   
OTTI in AOCI
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Appreciation
   
Depreciation
   
Value
   
(a)
 
Fixed maturity securities
                             
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                             
U.S. government agencies and corporations
 
$
693,005
   
$
2,509
   
$
(4,434
)
 
$
691,080
   
$
-
 
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
   
723,938
     
18,016
     
(11,970
)
   
729,984
     
-
 
Corporate securities
   
2,119,324
     
50,665
     
(15,786
)
   
2,154,203
     
4,868
 
Asset-backed securities
   
136,826
     
330
     
(129
)
   
137,027
     
-
 
Mortgage-backed securities
                                       
Commercial
   
75,435
     
510
     
(452
)
   
75,493
     
-
 
Agency residential
   
721,772
     
2,365
     
(8,993
)
   
715,144
     
-
 
Non-agency residential
   
76
     
12
     
-
     
88
     
-
 
Foreign government securities
   
495,572
     
22,088
     
(10,383
)
   
507,277
     
-
 
Foreign corporate securities
   
944,546
     
30,015
     
(14,361
)
   
960,200
     
175
 
Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
5,910,494
   
$
126,510
   
$
(66,508
)
 
$
5,970,496
   
$
5,043
 
 
(a)  Represents the amount of OTTI recognized in AOCI.  Amount includes unrealized gains and losses on impaired securities relating to changes in the value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.

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

   
At September 30, 2017
   
At December 31, 2016
 
   
Amortized
   
Market
   
Amortized
   
Market
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Value
 
Fixed maturity securities – available for sale
                       
    Due in one year or less
 
$
403,948
   
$
405,602
   
$
394,401
   
$
392,824
 
    Due after one year through five years
   
2,918,422
     
2,931,495
     
2,925,786
     
2,955,325
 
    Due after five years through ten years
   
1,024,154
     
1,045,455
     
879,762
     
894,166
 
    Due after ten years
   
731,788
     
766,105
     
776,436
     
800,429
 
Asset-backed securities
   
153,400
     
153,789
     
136,826
     
137,027
 
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
   
59,311
     
59,023
     
75,435
     
75,493
 
Agency residential
   
683,178
     
677,830
     
721,772
     
715,144
 
Non-agency residential
   
55
     
62
     
76
     
88
 
Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
5,974,256
   
$
6,039,361
   
$
5,910,494
   
$
5,970,496
 

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost
                       
of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon:
                       
Fixed maturity securities
 
$
(3,197
)
 
$
4,047
   
$
9,077
   
$
127,736
 
Fixed maturity securities, other-than-temporary impairment
   
(158
)
   
(2,444
)
   
(3,974
)
   
4,199
 
Other invested assets
   
1,595
     
-
     
2,860
     
-
 
Change in unrealized  appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax
   
(1,760
)
   
1,603
     
7,963
     
131,935
 
Deferred tax benefit (expense)
   
561
     
(1,418
)
   
(4,178
)
   
(44,709
)
Deferred tax benefit (expense), other-than-temporary impairment
   
55
     
856
     
1,391
     
(1,469
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation),
                               
net of deferred taxes, included in stockholder's equity
 
$
(1,144
)
 
$
1,041
   
$
5,176
   
$
85,757
 
12

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.

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

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

   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at September 30, 2017 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
 
$
239,038
   
$
(2,191
)
 
$
37,447
   
$
(1,029
)
 
$
276,485
   
$
(3,220
)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
   
89,509
     
(2,104
)
   
67,956
     
(2,640
)
   
157,465
     
(4,744
)
Corporate securities
   
415,341
     
(6,124
)
   
155,808
     
(5,841
)
   
571,149
     
(11,965
)
Asset-backed securities
   
30,657
     
(55
)
   
1,912
     
(7
)
   
32,569
     
(62
)
Mortgage-backed securities
                                               
Commercial
   
31,221
     
(487
)
   
3,803
     
(135
)
   
35,024
     
(622
)
Agency residential
   
417,521
     
(4,374
)
   
115,934
     
(2,878
)
   
533,455
     
(7,252
)
Non-agency residential
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Foreign government securities
   
199,311
     
(4,486
)
   
56,732
     
(3,510
)
   
256,043
     
(7,996
)
Foreign corporate securities
   
254,015
     
(4,069
)
   
89,121
     
(6,507
)
   
343,136
     
(10,576
)
Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
1,676,613
   
$
(23,890
)
 
$
528,713
   
$
(22,547
)
 
$
2,205,326
   
$
(46,437
)
13

   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at September 30, 2017 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
 
$
127,207
   
$
(514
)
 
$
16,129
   
$
(1,148
)
 
$
143,336
   
$
(1,662
)
Due in one year through five years
   
741,570
     
(10,638
)
   
246,865
     
(12,047
)
   
988,435
     
(22,685
)
Due in five years through ten years
   
220,432
     
(5,290
)
   
76,295
     
(3,682
)
   
296,727
     
(8,972
)
Due after ten years
   
108,005
     
(2,532
)
   
67,775
     
(2,650
)
   
175,780
     
(5,182
)
Asset-backed securities
   
30,657
     
(55
)
   
1,912
     
(7
)
   
32,569
     
(62
)
Mortgage-backed securities
   
448,742
     
(4,861
)
   
119,737
     
(3,013
)
   
568,479
     
(7,874
)
Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
1,676,613
   
$
(23,890
)
 
$
528,713
   
$
(22,547
)
 
$
2,205,326
   
$
(46,437
)

The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2017 were $2,205,326 thousand and $46,437 thousand, respectively.  The market value of securities for the single issuer whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at September 30, 2017, (the U.S. Government) did not exceed 4.6% 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 $23,890 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, agency residential mortgage-backed securities and foreign government securities. Of these unrealized losses, $20,072 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency.  The $22,547 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, as well as foreign government securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $20,240 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency. There was no gross unrealized depreciation for mortgage-backed securities related to sub-prime and alt-A loans. In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations.  The mortgage-backed securities still have excess credit coverage and are current on interest and principal payments.

The Company, given the size of its investment portfolio and capital position, does not have the intent to sell these securities; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.  In addition, all securities currently in an unrealized loss position are current with respect to principal and interest payments.
14

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, 2016 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
 
$
469,571
   
$
(4,434
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
469,571
   
$
(4,434
)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
   
221,088
     
(11,486
)
   
564
     
(484
)
   
221,652
     
(11,970
)
Corporate securities
   
431,757
     
(10,121
)
   
118,172
     
(5,665
)
   
549,929
     
(15,786
)
Asset-backed securities
   
35,065
     
(122
)
   
5,745
     
(7
)
   
40,810
     
(129
)
Mortgage-backed securities
                                               
Commercial
   
27,230
     
(391
)
   
3,060
     
(61
)
   
30,290
     
(452
)
Agency residential
   
487,000
     
(6,320
)
   
90,740
     
(2,673
)
   
577,740
     
(8,993
)
Non-agency residential
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Foreign government securities
   
218,171
     
(2,713
)
   
61,542
     
(7,670
)
   
279,713
     
(10,383
)
Foreign corporate securities
   
264,939
     
(4,950
)
   
75,489
     
(9,411
)
   
340,428
     
(14,361
)
Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
2,154,821
   
$
(40,537
)
 
$
355,312
   
$
(25,971
)
 
$
2,510,133
   
$
(66,508
)

   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2016 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
 
$
111,926
   
$
(322
)
 
$
21,691
   
$
(3,625
)
 
$
133,617
   
$
(3,947
)
Due in one year through five years
   
1,015,066
     
(10,567
)
   
190,960
     
(16,511
)
   
1,206,026
     
(27,078
)
Due in five years through ten years
   
243,082
     
(10,369
)
   
41,371
     
(2,961
)
   
284,453
     
(13,330
)
Due after ten years
   
235,452
     
(12,446
)
   
1,745
     
(133
)
   
237,197
     
(12,579
)
Asset-backed securities
   
35,065
     
(122
)
   
5,745
     
(7
)
   
40,810
     
(129
)
Mortgage-backed securities
   
514,230
     
(6,711
)
   
93,800
     
(2,734
)
   
608,030
     
(9,445
)
Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
2,154,821
   
$
(40,537
)
 
$
355,312
   
$
(25,971
)
 
$
2,510,133
   
$
(66,508
)

The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2016 were $2,510,133 thousand and $66,508 thousand, respectively.  The market value of securities for the single issuer whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at December 31, 2016, did not exceed 1.0% 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 $40,537 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 obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions, domestic and foreign corporate securities, agency residential mortgage-backed securities and foreign government securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $36,646 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency.  The $25,971 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 agency residential mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses $22,882 thousand is attributable to net unrealized foreign exchange losses, as the U.S. dollar has strengthened against other currencies.  There was no gross unrealized depreciation for mortgage-backed securities related to sub-prime and alt-A loans. In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations.  The mortgage-backed securities still have excess credit coverage and are current on interest and principal payments.
15

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Fixed maturities
 
$
48,335
   
$
44,810
   
$
144,916
   
$
134,931
 
Equity securities
   
6,267
     
7,870
     
19,385
     
25,752
 
Short-term investments and cash
   
648
     
296
     
1,628
     
851
 
Other invested assets
                               
Limited partnerships
   
11,878
     
6,020
     
20,632
     
17,698
 
Dividends from preferred shares of affiliate
   
7,758
     
7,758
     
23,274
     
23,274
 
Other
   
1,484
     
522
     
4,232
     
339
 
Gross investment income before adjustments
   
76,370
     
67,276
     
214,067
     
202,845
 
Funds held interest income (expense)
   
1,098
     
1,090
     
4,015
     
4,718
 
Interest income from Parent
   
1,075
     
1,075
     
3,225
     
3,225
 
Gross investment income
   
78,543
     
69,441
     
221,307
     
210,788
 
Investment expenses
   
(5,126
)
   
(4,871
)
   
(15,141
)
   
(13,901
)
Net investment income
 
$
73,417
   
$
64,570
   
$
206,166
   
$
196,887
 
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               

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

The Company had contractual commitments to invest up to an additional $348,144 thousand in limited partnerships at September 30, 2017.  These commitments will be funded when called in accordance with the partnership agreements, which have investment periods that expire, unless extended, through 2023.

The Company's other invested assets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 included $54,718 thousand and $57,126 thousand, respectively, related to a private placement liquidity sweep facility. The primary purpose of the facility is to enhance the Company's return on its short-term investments and cash positions. The facility invests in high quality, short-duration securities and permits daily liquidity.

Other invested assets, at fair value, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were comprised of preferred shares held in Preferred Holdings, an affiliated company.

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Fixed maturity securities, market value:
                       
Other-than-temporary impairments
 
$
(1,473
)
 
$
(836
)
 
$
(4,179
)
 
$
(25,242
)
Gains (losses) from sales
   
3,842
     
4,338
     
16,814
     
(10,273
)
Fixed maturity securities, fair value:
                               
Gain (losses) from sales
   
-
     
(1
)
   
-
     
(1,855
)
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments
   
-
     
42
     
-
     
1,381
 
Equity securities, fair value:
                               
Gains (losses) from sales
   
(1,479
)
   
5,452
     
3,465
     
(10,134
)
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments
   
29,645
     
16,063
     
82,006
     
34,725
 
Other invested assets
   
85
     
-
     
84
     
-
 
Other invested assets, fair value:
                               
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments
   
197,869
     
(47,090
)
   
155,775
     
(47,846
)
Gain (loss) on sale of subsidiary
   
-
     
(28,032
)
   
-
     
(28,032
)
Short-term investment gains (losses)
   
-
     
1
     
1
     
1
 
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
 
$
228,489
   
$
(50,063
)
 
$
253,966
   
$
(87,275
)
16

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

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities
 
$
410,636
   
$
136,767
   
$
1,063,126
   
$
435,242
 
Gross gains from sales
   
7,931
     
6,257
     
23,674
     
13,875
 
Gross losses from sales
   
(4,089
)
   
(1,920
)
   
(6,860
)
   
(26,003
)
                                 
Proceeds from sales of equity securities
 
$
52,754
   
$
109,914
   
$
302,407
   
$
531,894
 
Gross gains from sales
   
2,199
     
6,874
     
13,774
     
13,509
 
Gross losses from sales
   
(3,678
)
   
(1,422
)
   
(10,309
)
   
(23,643
)

5.  RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LAE

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

   
Nine Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
 
Gross reserves at beginning of period
 
$
8,331,288
   
$
7,940,720
 
Less reinsurance recoverables
   
(4,199,791
)
   
(3,875,073
)
Net reserves at beginning of period
   
4,131,497
     
4,065,647
 
                 
Incurred related to:
               
Current year
   
1,918,055
     
1,441,962
 
Prior years
   
453
     
(91,682
)
Total incurred losses and LAE
   
1,918,508
     
1,350,280
 
                 
Paid related to:
               
Current year
   
441,480
     
400,489
 
Prior years
   
547,176
     
892,207
 
Total paid losses and LAE
   
988,656
     
1,292,696
 
                 
Foreign exchange/translation adjustment
   
19,084
     
8,266
 
                 
Net reserves at end of period
   
5,080,433
     
4,131,497
 
Plus reinsurance recoverables
   
4,888,715
     
4,199,791
 
Gross reserves at end of period
 
$
9,969,148
   
$
8,331,288
 

Current year incurred losses were $1,918,055 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $1,441,962 thousand for the full year 2016.  The increase in current year incurred losses was primarily due to $1,039,295 thousand of catastrophe losses incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, mainly related to Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Harvey and the Mexico City earthquake.  The $688,924 thousand increase in reinsurance recoverables from December 31, 2016 is primarily due to recoverables from these catastrophe losses.

Incurred prior years' reserves increased by $453 thousand and decreased by $91,682 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively.  The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2016 was attributable to favorable development in the reinsurance segments of $187,909 thousand related primarily to property and short-tail business in the U.S., property business in Canada, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, as well as favorable development on prior year catastrophe
17

losses, partially offset by $45,668 thousand of adverse development on A&E reserves. Part of the favorable development in the reinsurance segment related to the 2015 loss from the explosion at the Chinese port of Tianjin. In 2015, this loss was originally estimated to be $21,566 thousands. At December 31, 2016, this loss was projected to be $6,261 thousands resulting in $15,305 thousands of favorable development in 2016. The net favorable development in the reinsurance segments was partially offset by $96,227 thousand of unfavorable development in the insurance segment primarily related to run-off construction liability and umbrella program business.

6.  FAIR VALUE

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

The levels in the hierarchy are defined as follows:

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

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

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

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

In limited instances where prices are not provided by pricing services or in rare instances when a manager may not agree with the pricing service, price quotes on a non-binding basis are obtained from investment brokers.  The investment asset managers do not make any changes to prices received from either the pricing services or the investment brokers.  In addition, the investment asset managers have procedures in place to review the reasonableness of the prices from the service providers and may request verification of the prices.  In addition, the Company continually performs analytical reviews of price changes and tests the prices on a random basis to an independent pricing source.   No material variances were noted during these price validation procedures.  In limited situations, where financial markets are inactive or illiquid, the Company may use its own assumptions about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates to determine fair value.  Due to the unavailability of prices for forty-eight private placement securities, the investment manager's valuation committee valued the forty-eight securities at $105,199 thousand at September 30, 2017.  Due to the unavailability of prices for forty-two private placement securities, the investment manager's valuation committee valued the forty-two securities at $86,536 thousand at December 31, 2016.
18

The Company internally manages a public equity portfolio which had a fair value at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 of $218,533 thousand and $133,755 thousand, respectively, and all prices were obtained from publically published sources.

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

All categories of fixed maturity securities listed in the tables below are generally categorized as level 2, since a particular security may not have traded but the pricing services are able to use valuation models with observable market inputs such as interest rate yield curves and prices for similar fixed maturity securities in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority.  For foreign government securities and foreign corporate securities, the fair values provided by the third party pricing services in local currencies, and where applicable, are converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates from nationally recognized sources.

The fixed maturities with fair values categorized as level 3 result when prices are not available from the nationally recognized pricing services.  The asset managers will then obtain non-binding price quotes for the securities from brokers. The single broker quotes are provided by market makers or broker-dealers who are recognized as market participants in the markets in which they are providing the quotes.  The prices received from brokers are reviewed for reasonableness by the third party asset managers and the Company.  If the broker quotes are for foreign denominated securities, the quotes are converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates from nationally recognized sources. In limited circumstances when broker prices are not available for private placements, the Company will value the securities using comparable market information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

·
Foreign corporate securities are comprised of global non-U.S. corporate bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities and models with observable inputs such as benchmark yields and credit spreads and then, where applicable, converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate from a nationally recognized source.
19

Other invested assets, at fair value, was categorized as Level 3 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, since it represented a privately placed convertible preferred stock issued by an affiliate.  The stock was received in exchange for shares of the Company's parent.  The fair value of the preferred stock at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was determined using a pricing model.

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

         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
         
Quoted Prices
             
         
in Active
   
Significant
       
         
Markets for
   
Other
   
Significant
 
         
Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
         
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2017
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities, market value
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                       
U.S. government agencies and corporations
 
$
655,886
   
$
-
   
$
655,886
   
$
-
 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions
   
671,842
     
-
     
671,842
     
-
 
Corporate securities
   
2,239,591
     
-
     
2,137,522
     
102,069
 
Asset-backed securities
   
153,789
     
-
     
153,789
     
-
 
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
   
59,023
     
-
     
59,023
     
-
 
Agency residential
   
677,830
     
-
     
677,830
     
-
 
Non-agency residential
   
62
     
-
     
62
     
-
 
Foreign government securities
   
531,473
     
-
     
531,473
     
-
 
Foreign corporate securities
   
1,049,865
     
-
     
1,046,734
     
3,131
 
Total fixed maturities, market value
   
6,039,361
     
-
     
5,934,161
     
105,200
 
                                 
Equity securities, fair value
   
998,071
     
951,679
     
46,392
     
-
 
Other invested assets, fair value
   
1,922,402
     
-
     
-
     
1,922,402
 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
20


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

         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
         
Quoted Prices
             
         
in Active
   
Significant
       
         
Markets for
   
Other
   
Significant
 
         
Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
         
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2016
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
Fixed maturities, market value
                       
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                       
U.S. government agencies and corporations
 
$
691,080
   
$
-
   
$
691,080
   
$
-
 
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions
   
729,984
     
-
     
729,984
     
-
 
Corporate securities
   
2,154,203
     
-
     
2,089,006
     
65,197
 
Asset-backed securities
   
137,027
     
-
     
137,027
     
-
 
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
Commercial
   
75,493
     
-
     
75,493
     
-
 
Agency residential
   
715,144
     
-
     
715,144
     
-
 
Non-agency residential
   
88
     
-
     
88
     
-
 
Foreign government securities
   
507,277
     
-
     
507,277
     
-
 
Foreign corporate securities
   
960,200
     
-
     
957,662
     
2,538
 
Total fixed maturities, market value
   
5,970,496
     
-
     
5,902,761
     
67,735
 
                                 
Equity securities, fair value
   
887,800
     
827,237
     
60,563
     
-
 
Other invested assets, fair value
   
1,766,626
     
-
     
-
     
1,766,626
 

In addition $70,657 thousand and $18,801 thousand of investments within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, are not included within the fair value hierarchy tables as the assets are valued using the NAV practical expedient guidance within ASU 2015-07.

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

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
   
Corporate
   
Foreign
         
Corporate
   
Foreign
       
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Securities
   
Corporate
   
Total
   
Securities
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Beginning balance
 
$
86,140
   
$
3,151
   
$
89,291
   
$
65,197
   
$
2,538
   
$
67,735
 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
                                               
Included in earnings
   
283
     
210
     
493
     
1,208
     
314
     
1,522
 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
   
18
     
(230
)
   
(212
)
   
161
     
(230
)
   
(69
)
Purchases, issuances and settlements
   
15,628
     
-
     
15,628
     
35,503
     
509
     
36,012
 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Ending balance
 
$
102,069
   
$
3,131
   
$
105,200
   
$
102,069
   
$
3,131
   
$
105,200
 
                                                 
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.)
                                               
21

 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
   
Corporate
         
Foreign
         
Corporate
         
Foreign
       
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Securities
   
CMBS
   
Corporate
   
Total
   
Securities
   
CMBS
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Beginning balance
 
$
32,410
   
$
-
   
$
2,021
   
$
34,431
   
$
3,933
   
$
-
   
$
1,593
   
$
5,526
 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
                                                               
Included in earnings
   
(12
)
   
-
     
27
     
15
     
(22
)
   
-
     
(970
)
   
(992
)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(48
)
   
(34
)
   
(1,285
)
   
(1,367
)
   
(81
)
   
(34
)
   
140
     
25
 
Purchases, issuances and settlements
   
25,877
     
(40
)
   
2,231
     
28,068
     
54,397
     
(40
)
   
2,231
     
56,588
 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
   
(1,932
)
   
3,553
     
-
     
1,621
     
(1,932
)
   
3,553
     
-
     
1,621
 
Ending balance
 
$
56,295
   
$
3,479
   
$
2,994
   
$
62,768
   
$
56,295
   
$
3,479
   
$
2,994
   
$
62,768
 
                                                                 
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
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(997
)
 
$
(997
)
                                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                               

The net transfers to/(from) level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs were $0 thousand and $1,621 thousand of investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The $1,621 thousand of investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 related to the net impact of securities no longer priced by a recognized pricing service.

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Other invested assets, fair value:
                       
Beginning balance
 
$
1,724,532
   
$
1,772,458
   
$
1,766,626
   
$
1,773,214
 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
                               
Included in earnings
   
197,870
     
(47,090
)
   
155,776
     
(47,846
)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Purchases, issuances and settlements
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Ending balance
 
$
1,922,402
   
$
1,725,367
   
$
1,922,402
   
$
1,725,367
 
                                 
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.)
                               

7.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine the Company'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.
22

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

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

   
At September 30,
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
 
The Prudential
 
$
144,331
   
$
146,507
 
Unaffiliated life insurance company
   
33,769
     
33,860
 

8.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Before Tax
   
Tax Effect
   
Net of Tax
   
Before Tax
   
Tax Effect
   
Net of Tax
 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary
 
$
852
   
$
(219
)
 
$
633
   
$
24,656
   
$
(8,279
)
 
$
16,377
 
URA(D) on securities - OTTI
   
(158
)
   
55
     
(103
)
   
(3,974
)
   
1,391
     
(2,583
)
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
   
(2,454
)
   
780
     
(1,674
)
   
(12,719
)
   
4,101
     
(8,618
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
52,740
     
(18,459
)
   
34,281
     
66,492
     
(23,272
)
   
43,220
 
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss)
   
2,107
     
(738
)
   
1,369
     
8,273
     
(2,896
)
   
5,377
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
53,088
   
$
(18,581
)
 
$
34,507
   
$
82,729
   
$
(28,955
)
 
$
53,774
 
                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)
                                               

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Before Tax
   
Tax Effect
   
Net of Tax
   
Before Tax
   
Tax Effect
   
Net of Tax
 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary
 
$
8,305
   
$
(2,909
)
 
$
5,396
   
$
92,221
   
$
(32,279
)
 
$
59,942
 
URA(D) on securities - OTTI
   
(2,444
)
   
856
     
(1,588
)
   
4,199
     
(1,469
)
   
2,730
 
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
   
(4,258
)
   
1,491
     
(2,767
)
   
35,515
     
(12,430
)
   
23,085
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(4,066
)
   
1,424
     
(2,642
)
   
42,741
     
(14,962
)
   
27,779
 
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss)
   
1,951
     
(683
)
   
1,268
     
6,076
     
(2,127
)
   
3,949
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
(512
)
 
$
179
   
$
(333
)
 
$
180,752
   
$
(63,267
)
 
$
117,485
 
                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)
                                               
23

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
     
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
   
Affected line item within the statements of
AOCI component
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
   
operations and comprehensive income (loss)
(Dollars in thousands)
                               
URA(D) on securities
 
$
(2,454
)
 
$
(4,258
)
 
$
(12,719
)
 
$
35,515
   
Other net realized capital gains (losses)
     
780
     
1,491
     
4,101
     
(12,430
)
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
$
(1,674
)
 
$
(2,767
)
 
$
(8,618
)
 
$
23,085
   
Net income (loss)
                                          
Benefit plan net gain (loss)
 
$
2,107
   
$
1,951
   
$
8,273
   
$
6,076
   
Other underwriting expenses
     
(738
)
   
(683
)
   
(2,896
)
   
(2,127
)
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
$
1,369
   
$
1,268
   
$
5,377
   
$
3,949
   
Net income (loss)
                                          
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)
                                       

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

   
Nine Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
 
             
Beginning balance of URA (D) on securities
 
$
39,041
   
$
13,654
 
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - temporary
   
7,759
     
22,063
 
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI
   
(2,583
)
   
3,324
 
Ending balance of URA (D) on securities
   
44,218
     
39,041
 
                 
Beginning balance of foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(9,852
)
   
(12,701
)
Current period change in foreign currency translation adjustments
   
43,220
     
2,849
 
Ending balance of foreign currency translation adjustments
   
33,368
     
(9,852
)
                 
Beginning balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)
   
(65,504
)
   
(63,089
)
Current period change in benefit plan net gain (loss)
   
5,377
     
(2,415
)
Ending balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)
   
(60,127
)
   
(65,504
)
                 
Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
17,459
   
$
(36,315
)

9.  COLLATERALIZED REINSURANCE AND TRUST AGREEMENTS

A subsidiary of the Company, Everest Re, has established a trust agreement, which effectively uses Everest Re's investments as collateral, as security for assumed losses payable to a non-affiliated ceding company.  At September 30, 2017, the total amount on deposit in the trust account was $659,548 thousand.

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

On November 18, 2014, the Company entered into a collateralized reinsurance agreement with Kilimanjaro to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage.  This agreement is a multi-year reinsurance contract which covers specified earthquake events.  The agreement provides up to $500,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.
24

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

On April 13, 2017 the Company entered into six collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro to provide the Company with annual aggregate catastrophe reinsurance coverage.  The initial three agreements are four year reinsurance contracts which cover named storm and earthquake events.  These agreements provide up to $225,000 thousand, $400,000 thousand and $325,000 thousand, respectively, of annual aggregate reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. The subsequent three agreements are five year reinsurance contracts which cover named storm and earthquake events.  These agreements provide up to $50,000 thousand, $75,000 thousand and $175,000 thousand, respectively, of annual aggregate reinsurance coverage from named storms and earthquakes in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Recoveries under these collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro are primarily dependent on estimated industry level insured losses from covered events, as well as, the geographic location of the events.  The estimated industry level of insured losses is obtained from published estimates by an independent recognized authority on insured property losses.  As of September 30, 2017, none of the published insured loss estimates for the 2017 catastrophe events have exceeded the single event retentions under the terms of the agreements that would result in a recovery.  In addition, the aggregation of the to date published insured loss estimates for the 2017 covered events have not exceeded the aggregated retentions for recovery.  However, if the published estimates for insured losses for the covered 2017 events increase or if there are additional covered events during the remainder of 2017, the aggregate losses may exceed the aggregate event retentions under the agreements, resulting in a recovery.

Kilimanjaro has financed the various property catastrophe reinsurance coverages by issuing catastrophe bonds to unrelated, external investors.  On April 24, 2014, Kilimanjaro issued $450,000 thousand of notes ("Series 2014-1 Notes").  On November 18, 2014, Kilimanjaro issued $500,000 thousand of notes ("Series 2014-2 Notes").  On December 1, 2015, Kilimanjaro issued $625,000 thousand of notes ("Series 2015-1 Notes).  On April 13, 2017, Kilimanjaro issued $950,000 thousand of notes ("Series 2017-1 Notes) and $300,000 thousand of notes ("Series 2017-2 Notes). The proceeds from the issuance of the Notes listed above are held in reinsurance trust throughout the duration of the applicable reinsurance agreements and invested solely in US government money market funds with a rating of at least "AAAm" by Standard & Poor's.

10.  SENIOR NOTES

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

               
September 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
               
Consolidated Balance
         
Consolidated Balance
       
(Dollars in thousands)
Date Issued
 
Date Due
 
Principal Amounts
   
Sheet Amount
   
Market Value
   
Sheet Amount
   
Market Value
 
4.868% Senior notes
06/05/2014
 
06/01/2044
   
400,000
   
$
396,804
   
$
420,008
   
$
396,714
   
$
383,612
 

On June 5, 2014, Holdings issued $400,000 thousand of 30 year senior notes at 4.868%, which will mature on June 1, 2044. Interest will be paid semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year.
25

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Interest expense incurred
 
$
4,868
   
$
4,868
   
$
14,604
   
$
14,604
 

11.  LONG TERM SUBORDINATED NOTES

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

           
Maturity Date
 
September 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
 
      
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
 
$
236,536
   
$
221,380
   
$
236,462
   
$
204,636
 

During the fixed rate interest period from May 3, 2007 through May 14, 2017, interest was at the annual rate of 6.6%, payable semi-annually in arrears on November 15 and May 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2007.  During the floating rate interest period from May 15, 2017 through maturity, interest will be based on the 3 month LIBOR plus 238.5 basis points, reset quarterly, payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, subject to Holdings' right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years.  Deferred interest will accumulate interest at the applicable rate compounded quarterly for periods from and including August 15, 2017. The reset quarterly interest rate for November 15, 2017 to November 15, 2017 is 3.70%.

Holdings may redeem the long term subordinated notes on or after May 15, 2017, in whole or in part at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest; however, redemption on or after the scheduled maturity date and prior to May 1, 2047 is subject to a replacement capital covenant.  This covenant is for the benefit of certain senior note holders and it mandates that Holdings receive proceeds from the sale of another subordinated debt issue, of at least similar size, before it may redeem the subordinated notes.  Effective upon the maturity of the Company's 5.40% senior notes on October 15, 2014, the Company's 4.868% senior notes, due on June 1, 2044, have become the Company's long term indebtedness that ranks senior to the long term subordinated notes.

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

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Interest expense incurred
 
$
2,240
   
$
3,937
   
$
9,210
   
$
11,811
 

12.  SEGMENT REPORTING

The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including Marine, Aviation, Surety and Accident and Health ("A&H") business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies primarily within the U.S.  The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re's branches in Canada, Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey.  The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance directly and through brokers, surplus lines brokers and general agents mainly within the U.S.
26

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

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

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

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
U.S. Reinsurance
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Gross written premiums
 
$
908,346
   
$
654,770
   
$
1,962,297
   
$
1,597,006
 
Net written premiums
   
295,645
     
327,242
     
649,883
     
711,700
 
                                 
Premiums earned
 
$
242,350
   
$
249,203
   
$
652,953
   
$
709,064
 
Incurred losses and LAE
   
678,926
     
137,245
     
919,107
     
363,567
 
Commission and brokerage
   
31,698
     
48,107
     
115,243
     
147,968
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
12,094
     
14,265
     
40,623
     
39,856
 
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
$
(480,368
)
 
$
49,586
   
$
(422,020
)
 
$
157,673
 

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
International
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Gross written premiums
 
$
363,186
   
$
353,195
   
$
975,296
   
$
939,851
 
Net written premiums
   
130,180
     
141,295
     
345,387
     
353,449
 
                                 
Premiums earned
 
$
123,915
   
$
128,358
   
$
355,366
   
$
372,816
 
Incurred losses and LAE
   
410,543
     
41,830
     
557,416
     
206,672
 
Commission and brokerage
   
25,101
     
30,193
     
72,426
     
82,443
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
8,241
     
9,219
     
26,293
     
25,011
 
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
$
(319,970
)
 
$
47,116
   
$
(300,769
)
 
$
58,690
 

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
Insurance
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Gross written premiums
 
$
429,593
   
$
497,958
   
$
1,351,491
   
$
1,276,761
 
Net written premiums
   
144,935
     
154,079
     
442,237
     
462,791
 
                                 
Premiums earned
 
$
152,242
   
$
179,092
   
$
449,440
   
$
445,553
 
Incurred losses and LAE
   
242,089
     
122,528
     
441,985
     
365,962
 
Commission and brokerage
   
(22,254
)
   
4,478
     
(40,104
)
   
(10,859
)
Other underwriting expenses
   
37,378
     
40,665
     
114,889
     
116,839
 
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
$
(104,971
)
 
$
11,421
   
$
(67,330
)
 
$
(26,389
)
27

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
$
(905,309
)
 
$
108,123
   
$
(790,119
)
 
$
189,974
 
Net investment income
   
73,417
     
64,570
     
206,166
     
196,887
 
Net realized capital gains (losses)
   
228,489
     
(50,063
)
   
253,966
     
(87,275
)
Corporate expense
   
(1,132
)
   
(1,835
)
   
(6,241
)
   
(6,181
)
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense
   
(7,161
)
   
(8,859
)
   
(23,974
)
   
(26,576
)
Other income (expense)
   
1,486
     
(13,208
)
   
21,996
     
(10,806
)
Income (loss) before taxes
 
$
(610,210
)
 
$
98,728
   
$
(338,206
)
 
$
256,023
 

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Canada gross written premiums
 
$
30,625
   
$
35,856
   
$
94,777
   
$
94,072
 

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

13.  RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Parent

Group entered into a $250,000 thousand long term promissory note agreement with Holdings as of December 31, 2014.  The note will mature on December 31, 2023 and has an interest rate of 1.72% that is payable annually.  This transaction is presented as a Note Receivable – Affiliated in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Holdings.  Interest income in the amount of $3,225 thousand and $3,225 thousand was recorded by Holdings for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, and September 30, 2016, respectively.

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

   
 Common Shares
   
 Authorized for
Amendment Date
 
 Repurchase
(Dollars in thousands)
   
     
09/21/2004
 
 5,000,000
07/21/2008
 
 5,000,000
02/24/2010
 
 5,000,000
02/22/2012
 
 5,000,000
05/15/2013
 
 5,000,000
11/19/2014
 
 5,000,000
   
 30,000,000
28

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

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

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Dividends received on preferred stock of affiliate
  $
7,758
    $
7,758
   
$
23,274
    $
23,274
 

Affiliated Companies

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

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Expenses incurred
 
$
25,465
   
$
21,242
   
$
71,694
   
$
62,701
 
29

Affiliates
The table below represents affiliated quota share reinsurance agreements ("whole account quota share") for all new and renewal business for the indicated coverage period:

(Dollars in thousands)
                           
         
Percent
 
Assuming
     
Single
   
Aggregate
 
Coverage Period
 
Ceding Company
 
Ceded
 
Company
 
Type of Business
 
Occurrence Limit
   
 Limit
 
                               
01/01/2010-12/31/2010
 
Everest Re
 
44.0%
 
Bermuda Re
 
property / casualty business
 
 150,000
   
 325,000
 
                               
01/01/2011-12/31/2011
 
Everest Re
 
50.0%
 
Bermuda Re
 
property / casualty business
 
 150,000
   
 300,000
 
                               
01/01/2012-12/31/2014
 
Everest Re
 
50.0%
 
Bermuda Re
 
property / casualty business
 
 100,000
   
 200,000
 
                               
01/01/2015-12/31/2016
 
Everest Re
 
50.0%
 
Bermuda Re
 
property / casualty business
 
 162,500
   
 325,000
 
                               
01/01/2017
 
Everest Re
 
60.0%
 
Bermuda Re
 
property / casualty business
 
 219,000
   
 438,000
 
                               
01/01/2010-12/31/2010
 
Everest Re- Canadian Branch
60.0%
 
Bermuda Re
 
property business
 
 350,000
(1)
 
-
 
01/01/2011-12/31/2011
 
Everest Re- Canadian Branch
60.0%
 
Bermuda Re
 
property business
 
 350,000
(1)
 
-
 
01/01/2012-12/31/2012
 
Everest Re- Canadian Branch
75.0%
 
Bermuda Re
 
property / casualty business
 
 206,250
(1)
 
 412,500
(1)
01/01/2013-12/31/2013
 
Everest Re- Canadian Branch
75.0%
 
Bermuda Re
 
property / casualty business
 
 150,000
(1)
 
 412,500
(1)
01/01/2014
 
Everest Re- Canadian Branch
75.0%
 
Bermuda Re
 
property / casualty business
 
 262,500
(1)
 
 412,500
(1)
                               
01/01/2012
 
Everest Canada
 
80.0%
 
Everest Re- Canadian Branch
property business
 
-
   
-
 
                               
(1)   Amounts shown are Canadian dollars.
                         
 
The table below represents loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreements whereby net insurance exposures and reserves were transferred to an affiliate.

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

On July 13, 2015, the Company sold Mt. McKinley to Clearwater Insurance Company, a Delaware domiciled insurance company. As of that date, Mt. McKinley is no longer deemed an affiliated company or related party.
30

The following tables summarize the premiums and losses ceded by the Company to Bermuda Re and Everest International, respectively, and premiums and losses assumed by the Company from Everest Canada and Lloyd's syndicate 2786 for the periods indicated:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
Bermuda Re
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Ceded written premiums
 
$
911,866
   
$
685,798
   
$
2,228,538
   
$
1,746,976
 
Ceded earned premiums
   
796,194
     
585,993
     
2,005,965
     
1,718,295
 
Ceded losses and LAE (a)
   
650,460
     
344,789
     
1,379,164
     
1,039,932
 

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
Everest International
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Ceded written premiums
 
$
21
   
$
(5
)
 
$
(4
)
 
$
26
 
Ceded earned premiums
   
38
     
(3
)
   
13
     
36
 
Ceded losses and LAE
   
(13
)
   
479
     
(631
)
   
1,377
 

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
Everest Canada
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Assumed written premiums
 
$
13,028
   
$
12,667
   
$
39,008
   
$
39,094
 
Assumed earned premiums
   
13,464
     
11,611
     
38,201
     
34,740
 
Assumed losses and LAE
   
7,448
     
13,287
     
21,418
     
34,714
 

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
Lloyd's Syndicate 2786
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Assumed written premiums
 
$
15,984
   
$
351
   
$
34,069
   
$
890
 
Assumed earned premiums
   
15,042
     
173
     
31,766
     
289
 
Assumed losses and LAE
   
7,893
     
-
     
16,157
     
-
 

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

Effective February 27, 2013, Group established a new subsidiary, Mt. Logan Re, which is a Class 3 insurer based in Bermuda.  Effective July 1, 2013, Mt. Logan Re established separate segregated accounts for its business activity, which will invest in a diversified set of catastrophe exposures.
31

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
Mt. Logan Re Segregated Accounts
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Ceded written premiums
 
$
54,057
   
$
57,911
   
$
131,939
   
$
128,292
 
Ceded earned premiums
   
46,696
     
44,548
     
131,361
     
118,776
 
Ceded losses and LAE
   
180,540
     
7,420
     
223,973
     
32,750
 
                                 
Assumed written premiums
 
$
2,587
    $
5,032
    $
9,082
    $
11,666
 
Assumed earned premiums
   
2,587
     
5,032
     
9,082
     
11,666
 
Assumed losses and LAE
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 

14.      RETIREMENT BENEFITS

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

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

Pension Benefits
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Service cost
 
$
2,737
   
$
2,731
   
$
9,335
   
$
8,524
 
Interest cost
   
2,509
     
2,371
     
7,060
     
7,093
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(3,263
)
   
(2,789
)
   
(9,572
)
   
(7,757
)
Amortization of net (income) loss
   
2,091
     
1,984
     
8,172
     
6,012
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
4,074
   
$
4,297
   
$
14,995
   
$
13,872
 

Other Benefits
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Service cost
 
$
392
   
$
354
   
$
1,273
   
$
1,230
 
Interest cost
   
295
     
252
     
793
     
844
 
Amortization of prior service cost
   
(33
)
   
(33
)
   
(98
)
   
(33
)
Amortization of net (income) loss
   
48
     
-
     
199
     
96
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
703
   
$
573
   
$
2,167
   
$
2,137
 
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               

The Company contributed $10,000 thousand to the qualified pension benefit plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.  The Company contributed $30,000 thousand to the qualified pension benefit plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

15. INCOME TAXES

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

The Company generally applies the estimated annual effective tax rate approach for calculating its tax provision for interim periods as prescribed by ASC 740-270, Interim Reporting.  Under the estimated annual effective tax rate approach, the estimated annual effective tax rate is applied to the interim year-to-date pre-tax income/loss to determine the income tax expense or benefit for the year-to-date period.  If the annual effective tax rate approach produces a year-to-date tax benefit which exceeds the amount which is estimated to be recoverable for the full year, then the tax benefit for the interim reporting period will be limited as
32

prescribed under ASC 740-270 to the estimated recoverable based on the year-to-date result.  The tax expense or benefit for the quarter represents the difference between the year-to-date tax expense or benefit for the current year-to-date period less such amount for the immediately preceding year-to-date period. Management considers the impact of all known events in its estimation of the Company's annual pre-tax income/loss and effective tax rate.

16.  DISPOSITION

On August 24, 2016 the Company sold Heartland, its crop Managing General Agent to CGB for $49,000 thousand.  The sale agreement includes a provision for a long term strategic reinsurance relationship with CGB.  The Company has recognized an after-tax loss on the sale of Heartland of $12,942 thousand.  Under the terms of the reinsurance arrangement, there has not been a material fluctuation in the level of crop business, although it has been reflected as reinsurance rather than insurance.

17.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated known recognized and non-recognized subsequent events.  In October 2017, Hurricane Nate impacted the Southern United States and Central America and Hurricane Ophelia impacted Ireland, the United Kingdom and Northern Europe.  Also, in October 2017, a number of wildfires affected California. Due to the recentness of these events, the Company is unable to estimate the amount of losses related to Hurricane Nate, Hurricane Ophelia or the California wildfires at this time.  However, the Company anticipates that these events will adversely impact the fourth quarter 2017 financial results.
33

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

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

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

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

Rates tend to fluctuate by specific region and products, particularly areas recently impacted by large catastrophic events.  There was an unprecedented series of catastrophes in the third quarter of 2017 with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as a significant earthquake in Mexico City.  Additional catastrophe events occurred in October 2017 with Hurricanes Nate and Ophelia and the wild fires in California.  The total industry losses for all of these events could exceed $100 billion.  This is the second consecutive year with higher than average catastrophe losses. During 2016, catastrophe losses included the Fort McMurray Canadian wildfire, Hurricane Matthew which affected a large area of the Caribbean and southeastern United States, storms and an earthquake in Ecuador.  There are industry reports that the catastrophe losses for 2016 reached their highest level in four years and the United States experienced the most loss events since 1980 and the highest total losses since 2012.  While the future impact on market conditions from these catastrophes cannot be determined at this time, there was some firming in the markets impacted by the 2016 catastrophes and as catastrophe losses continue to increase in 2017, there is a growing industry consensus that there will be a general firming of the (re)insurance markets resulting in rate increases, not only for catastrophe exposures, but also potentially for most other lines of business.

Commencing in 2015, we initiated a strategic build out of our insurance platform through the investment in key leadership hires which in turn has brought significant underwriting talent and stronger direction in achieving our insurance program strategic goals of increased premium volume and improved underwriting results.  Recent growth is coming from highly diversified areas including newly launched lines of business, as well as, product and geographic expansion in existing lines of business.  We are building a world-class
34

insurance platform capable of offering products across lines and geographies, complementing our leading global reinsurance franchise.

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

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Percentage
   
Nine Months Ended
   
Percentage
 
   
September 30,
   
Increase/
   
September 30,
   
Increase/
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2017
   
2016
   
(Decrease)
   
2017
   
2016
   
(Decrease)
 
Gross written premiums
 
$
1,701.1
   
$
1,505.9
     
13.0
%
 
$
4,289.1
   
$
3,813.6
     
12.5
%
Net written premiums
   
570.8
     
622.6
     
-8.3
%
   
1,437.5
     
1,527.9
     
-5.9
%
                                                 
REVENUES:
                                               
Premiums earned
 
$
518.5
   
$
556.7
     
-6.9
%
 
$
1,457.8
   
$
1,527.4
     
-4.6
%
Net investment income
   
73.4
     
64.6
     
13.7
%
   
206.2
     
196.9
     
4.7
%
Net realized capital gains (losses)
   
228.5
     
(50.1
)
 
NM 
   
254.0
     
(87.3
)
 
NM 
Other income (expense)
   
1.5
     
(13.2
)
   
-111.3
%
   
22.0
     
(10.8
)
 
NM 
Total revenues
   
821.9
     
558.0
     
47.3
%
   
1,939.9
     
1,626.2
     
19.3
%
                                                 
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                                               
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
1,331.6
     
301.6
   
NM 
   
1,918.5
     
936.2
     
104.9
%
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
   
34.5
     
82.8
     
-58.3
%
   
147.6
     
219.6
     
-32.8
%
Other underwriting expenses
   
57.7
     
64.1
     
-10.0
%
   
181.8
     
181.7
     
0.1
%
Corporate expense
   
1.1
     
1.8
     
-38.3
%
   
6.2
     
6.2
     
1.0
%
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense
   
7.2
     
8.9
     
-19.2
%
   
24.0
     
26.6
     
-9.8
%
Total claims and expenses
   
1,432.1
     
459.2
     
211.9
%
   
2,278.1
     
1,370.2
     
66.3
%
                                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
   
(610.2
)
   
98.7
   
NM 
   
(338.2
)
   
256.0
     
-232.1
%
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
(220.5
)
   
22.4
   
NM 
   
(153.3
)
   
69.4
   
NM 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
 
$
(389.7
)
 
$
76.3
   
NM 
 
$
(184.9
)
 
$
186.7
     
-199.0
%
                                                 
RATIOS:
                 
Point Change
                   
Point Change
 
Loss ratio
   
256.8
%
   
54.2
%
   
202.6
     
131.6
%
   
61.3
%
   
70.3
 
Commission and brokerage ratio
   
6.7
%
   
14.9
%
   
(8.2
)
   
10.1
%
   
14.4
%
   
(4.3
)
Other underwriting expense ratio
   
11.1
%
   
11.5
%
   
(0.4
)
   
12.5
%
   
11.9
%
   
0.6
 
Combined ratio
   
274.6
%
   
80.6
%
   
194.0
     
154.2
%
   
87.6
%
   
66.6
 
                                                 
                           
At
   
At
   
Percentage
 
                           
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
Increase/
 
(Dollars in millions)
                           
2017
     
2016
   
(Decrease)
 
Balance sheet data:
                                               
Total investments and cash
                         
$
10,231.7
   
$
9,842.7
     
4.0
%
Total assets
                           
19,143.4
     
17,083.4
     
12.1
%
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
                           
9,969.1
     
8,331.3
     
19.7
%
Total debt
                           
633.3
     
633.2
     
0.0
%
Total liabilities
                           
13,975.7
     
11,784.9
     
18.6
%
Stockholder's equity
                           
5,167.6
     
5,298.6
     
-2.5
%
                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)
                                               
(NM, not meaningful)
                                               
35

Revenues.

Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 13.0% to $1,701.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $1,505.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, reflecting a $263.6 million, or 26.1%, increase in our reinsurance business and a $68.4 million, or 13.7%, decrease in our insurance business.  The increase in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to the new crop reinsurance transactions, increases in financial lines of business and the influx of reinstatement premiums related to multiple catastrophe events in the third quarter. The decline in insurance premiums was due to the sale of Heartland Crop Insurance, Inc. ("Heartland") which accounted for $162.4 million of gross written premium in the third quarter of 2016.  Excluding the impact of Heartland, insurance premiums rose by $94.0 million due to increased production in many lines of business, including retail casualty, surety and accident and health.  Gross written premiums increased by 12.5% to $4,289.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $3,813.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, reflecting a $400.7 million, or 15.8%, increase in our reinsurance business and a $74.7 million, or 5.9%, increase in our insurance business.  The increase in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to the new crop reinsurance transactions, increases in treaty property and financial lines of business and the influx of reinstatement premiums related to multiple catastrophe events in the third quarter.  The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to increases in many lines of business, including retail casualty, accident and health and surety, partially offset by the impact of the sale of Heartland.

Net written premiums decreased by 8.3% to $570.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $622.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, and decreased by 5.9% to $1,437.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $1,527.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to varying utilization of reinsurance mainly related to affiliated quota share contracts. Premiums earned decreased by 6.9% to $518.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $556.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and decreased by 4.6% to $1,457.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $1,527.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Net Investment Income.  Net investment income increased 13.7% to $73.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with net investment income of $64.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and increased 4.7% to $206.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with net investment income of $196.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  Net pre-tax investment income as a percentage of average invested assets was 3.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to 2.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and remained flat at 2.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.  The increases in income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were primarily the result of higher income from our limited partnerships and higher income from the growing fixed income portfolio, partially offset by lower dividend income from our equity portfolio.

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).  Net realized capital gains were $228.5 million and net realized capital losses were $50.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The net realized capital gains of $228.5 million were comprised of $227.5 million of gains from fair value re-measurements on equity securities and other invested assets and $2.4 million of gains from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $1.5 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  The net realized capital losses of $50.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 were comprised of $30.9 million of losses from fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity securities, equity securities and other invested assets, net realized capital losses of $28.0 million from the sale of our Heartland subsidiary and $0.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by $9.6 million of gains from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities.
36

Net realized capital gains were $254.0 million and net realized capital losses were $87.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The net realized capital gains of $254.0 million were comprised of $237.8 million of gains from fair value re-measurements on equity securities and other invested assets and $20.3 million of gains from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $4.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  The net realized capital losses of $87.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 million were comprised of net realized capital losses of $28.0 million from the sale of our Heartland subsidiary, $25.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments, $22.4 million of losses from sales on our fixed maturity and equity securities and $11.7 million of losses from fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity securities, equity securities and other invested assets.

Other Income (Expense).  We recorded other income of $1.5 million and $22.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. We recorded other expense of $13.2 million and $10.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.  The changes were primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

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.

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2017
                                                 
Attritional
 
$
325.6
     
62.8
%
   
$
(0.9
)
   
-0.2
%
   
$
324.7
     
62.6
%
 
Catastrophes
   
1,007.8
     
194.4
%
 
   
(0.9
)
   
-0.2
%
 
   
1,006.9
     
194.2
%
 
Total
 
$
1,333.4
     
257.2
%
 
 
$
(1.8
)
   
-0.4
%
 
 
$
1,331.6
     
256.8
%
 
                                                                
2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
300.4
     
54.0
%
   
$
0.1
     
0.0
%
   
$
300.6
     
54.0
%
 
Catastrophes
   
20.9
     
3.8
%
 
   
(19.8
)
   
-3.6
%
 
   
1.0
     
0.2
%
 
Total
 
$
321.3
     
57.8
%
 
 
$
(19.7
)
   
-3.6
%
 
 
$
301.6
     
54.2
%
 
                                                                
Variance 2017/2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
25.2
     
8.8
 
pts
 
$
(1.0
)
   
(0.2
)
pts
 
$
24.1
     
8.6
 
pts
Catastrophes
   
986.9
     
190.6
 
pts
   
18.9
     
3.4
 
pts
   
1,005.9
     
194.0
 
pts
Total
 
$
1,012.1
     
199.4
 
pts
 
$
17.9
     
3.2
 
pts
 
$
1,030.0
     
202.6
 
pts

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2017
                                                 
Attritional
 
$
878.8
     
60.3
%
   
$
4.4
     
0.3
%
   
$
883.2
     
60.6
%
 
Catastrophes
   
1,039.3
     
71.3
%
 
   
(3.9
)
   
-0.3
%
 
   
1,035.3
     
71.0
%
 
Total
 
$
1,918.1
     
131.6
%
 
 
$
0.5
     
0.0
%
 
 
$
1,918.5
     
131.6
%
 
                                                                
2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
894.7
     
58.5
%
   
$
0.9
     
0.1
%
   
$
895.6
     
58.6
%
 
Catastrophes
   
77.6
     
5.1
%
 
   
(37.0
)
   
-2.4
%
 
   
40.6
     
2.7
%
 
Total
 
$
972.3
     
63.6
%
 
 
$
(36.1
)
   
-2.3
%
 
 
$
936.2
     
61.3
%
 
                                                                
Variance 2017/2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
(15.9
)
   
1.8
 
pts
 
$
3.5
     
0.2
 
pts
 
$
(12.4
)
   
2.0
 
pts
Catastrophes
   
961.7
     
66.2
 
pts
   
33.1
     
2.1
 
pts
   
994.7
     
68.3
 
pts
Total
 
$
945.8
     
68.0
 
pts
 
$
36.6
     
2.3
 
pts
 
$
982.3
     
70.3
 
pts
                                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                             
37

Incurred losses and LAE increased to $1,331.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $301.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to an increase of $986.9 million in current year catastrophe losses, an increase in current year attritional losses of $25.2 million and $19.8 million of favorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2016, primarily related to the 2011 Japan earthquake, which did not recur in 2017.  The increase in attritional losses was primarily due to the impact of changes in affiliated quota share contracts and changes in the mix of business.  The current year catastrophe losses of $1,007.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Irma ($476.2 million), Hurricane Maria ($318.9 million), Hurricane Harvey ($180.7 million) and the Mexico City earthquake ($32.1 million).  The current year catastrophe losses of $20.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 were related to Hurricane Hermine ($6.8 million), 2016 U.S. Storms ($6.6 million), the Fort McMurray Canada wildfire ($5.0 million), the Taiwan earthquake ($2.3 million) and the Ecuador earthquake ($0.2 million).

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 104.9% to $1,918.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $936.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to an increase of $961.7 million in current year catastrophe losses and favorable development of $37.0 million on prior year catastrophe losses in 2016, primarily related to the 2011 Japan earthquake, which did not recur in 2017.  The current year catastrophe losses of $1,039.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Irma ($476.2 million), Hurricane Maria ($318.9 million), Hurricane Harvey ($180.7 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($32.1 million), the South Africa Knysna fires ($10.0 million), Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($8.3 million), the Peru storms ($6.9 million) and the 2017 US Midwest storms ($6.2 million).  The current year catastrophe losses of $77.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were related to the Fort McMurray Canada wildfire ($26.9 million), the 2016 U.S. Storms ($24.9 million), the Ecuador earthquake ($11.6 million), the 2016 Taiwan earthquake ($7.5 million) and Hurricane Hermine ($6.8 million).

Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees.  Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees decreased by 58.3% to $34.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $82.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees decreased by 32.8% to $147.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $219.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The decreases were primarily due to the impact of the decrease in premiums earned and the impact of affiliated quota share contracts.

Other Underwriting Expenses.  Other underwriting expenses were $57.7 million and $64.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. The decrease for the three month period was primarily due to lower variable compensation costs.  Other underwriting expenses were flat at $181.8 million and $181.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively.

Corporate Expenses.  Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, decreased slightly to $1.1 million from $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and were flat at $6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense.  Interest, fees and other bond amortization were $7.2 million and $8.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Interest, fees and other bond amortization were $24.0 million and $26.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The decreases in expense for both the three and nine month periods were primarily due to the conversion of the long term subordinated notes from a fixed rate of 6.6% to a floating rate, which is reset quarterly per the note agreement. The floating rate was 3.70% as of September 30, 2017.
38

Income Tax Expense (Benefit).  We had an income tax benefit of $220.5 million and income tax expense of $22.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  We had an income tax benefit of $153.3 million and income tax expense of $69.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Income tax expense is primarily a function of the Company's pre-tax income and the statutory tax rate, as affected by tax-exempt investment income and foreign tax credits and as calculated under the annualized effective tax rate ("AETR") method.  Variations in income tax expense generally result from changes in the relative levels of pre-tax income, including the impact of catastrophe losses and net capital gains (losses).  However, if the AETR approach produces a year-to-date tax benefit which exceeds the amount which is estimated to be recoverable for the full year, then the tax benefit for the interim reporting period will be limited, as prescribed under ASC 740-270, to the estimated tax recoverable based on the year-to-date result.  The decrease in income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to the significant catastrophe losses incurred during the third quarter of 2017.

Net Income (Loss).
Our net loss was $389.7 million and our net income was $76.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Our net loss was $184.9 million and our net income was $186.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The changes were primarily driven by the financial component fluctuations explained above.

Ratios.
Our combined ratio increased by 194.0 points to 274.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to 80.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2016, and increased by 66.6 points to 154.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to 87.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The loss ratio components increased 202.6 points and 70.3 points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, over the same period last year.  The changes were mainly due to the increases in current year catastrophe losses.  The commission and brokerage ratio components decreased to 6.7% from 14.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and decreased to 10.1% from 14.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The decreases reflect changes in the mix of business, the impact of affiliated quota share contracts and the impact from reinstatement premiums.  The other underwriting expense ratios decreased to 11.1% from 11.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and increased to 12.5% from 11.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The decrease in the three month period was mainly due to lower variable compensation costs.  The increase in the nine month period was due to costs associated with the continued expansion of the insurance business, partially offset by lower variable compensation costs.

Stockholder's Equity.
Stockholders' equity decreased by $130.9 million to $5,167.6 million at September 30, 2017 from $5,298.6 million at December 31, 2016, principally as a result of $184.9 million of net loss, partially offset by $43.2 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments, $5.4 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments, $5.2 million of net unrealized depreciation on investments, net of tax and $0.2 million of share-based compensation transactions.
39

Consolidated Investment Results

Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased by 13.7% to $73.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $64.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  Net investment income increased by 4.7% to $206.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $196.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The increases for the three and nine month periods were primarily due to an increase in limited partnership income and higher income from the growing fixed income portfolio, partially offset by lower dividend income from our equity portfolio.

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Fixed maturities
 
$
48.3
   
$
44.8
   
$
144.9
   
$
134.9
 
Equity securities
   
6.3
     
7.9
     
19.4
     
25.8
 
Short-term investments and cash
   
0.6
     
0.3
     
1.6
     
0.9
 
Other invested assets
                               
Limited partnerships
   
11.8
     
6.0
     
20.6
     
17.7
 
Dividends from preferred shares of affiliate
   
7.8
     
7.8
     
23.3
     
23.3
 
Other
   
1.5
     
0.5
     
4.2
     
0.3
 
Gross investment income before adjustments
   
76.4
     
67.3
     
214.1
     
202.8
 
Funds held interest income (expense)
   
1.1
     
1.1
     
4.0
     
4.7
 
Interest income from Parent
   
1.1
     
1.1
     
3.2
     
3.2
 
Gross investment income
   
78.5
     
69.5
     
221.3
     
210.8
 
Investment expenses
   
(5.1
)
   
(4.9
)
   
(15.1
)
   
(13.9
)
Net investment income
 
$
73.4
   
$
64.6
   
$
206.2
   
$
196.9
 
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                               

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

   
At
 
At
   
September 30,
 
December 31,
   
2017
 
2016
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 31
 
3.1%
 
2.9%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 31
 
2.1%
 
2.0%

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets
3.0%
 
2.7%
 
2.8%
 
2.8%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets
2.1%
 
1.9%
 
2.0%
 
1.9%
40

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

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2017
   
2016
   
Variance
   
2017
   
2016
   
Variance
 
Gains (losses) from sales:
                                   
Fixed maturity securities, market value
                                   
Gains
 
$
8.0
   
$
6.3
   
$
1.7
   
$
23.7
   
$
13.9
   
$
9.8
 
Losses
   
(4.1
)
   
(1.9
)
   
(2.2
)
   
(6.9
)
   
(24.1
)
   
17.2
 
Total
   
3.9
     
4.4
     
(0.5
)
   
16.8
     
(10.3
)
   
27.0
 
                                                 
Fixed maturity securities, fair value
                                               
Gains
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Losses
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1.9
)
   
1.9
 
Total
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1.9
)
   
1.9
 
                                                 
Equity securities, fair value
                                               
Gains
   
2.2
     
6.9
     
(4.7
)
   
13.8
     
13.5
     
0.3
 
Losses
   
(3.7
)
   
(1.4
)
   
(2.3
)
   
(10.3
)
   
(23.6
)
   
13.3
 
Total
   
(1.5
)
   
5.5
     
(7.0
)
   
3.5
     
(10.1
)
   
13.6
 
                                                 
Total net realized gains (losses) from sales
                                               
Gains
   
10.2
     
13.2
     
(3.0
)
   
37.5
     
27.4
     
10.1
 
Losses
   
(7.8
)
   
(3.4
)
   
(4.5
)
   
(17.2
)
   
(49.7
)
   
32.5
 
Total
   
2.4
     
9.6
     
(7.5
)
   
20.3
     
(22.4
)
   
42.6
 
                                                 
Gain (losses) on sale of subsidiary:
   
-
     
(28.0
)
   
28.0
     
-
     
(28.0
)
   
28.0
 
                                                 
Other than temporary impairments:
   
(1.5
)
   
(0.8
)
   
(0.7
)
   
(4.2
)
   
(25.2
)
   
21.0
 
                                                 
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:
                                               
Fixed maturities, fair value
   
-
     
0.1
     
(0.1
)
   
-
     
1.4
     
(1.4
)
Equity securities, fair value
   
29.6
     
16.0
     
13.6
     
82.0
     
34.7
     
47.3
 
Other invested assets, fair value
   
197.9
     
(47.0
)
   
244.9
     
155.8
     
(47.8
)
   
203.6
 
Total
   
227.5
     
(30.9
)
   
258.4
     
237.8
     
(11.7
)
   
249.5
 
                                                 
Total net realized gains (losses)
 
$
228.5
   
$
(50.1
)
 
$
278.6
   
$
254.0
   
$
(87.3
)
 
$
341.3
 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                               

Net realized capital gains were $228.5 million and net realized capital losses were $50.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  For the three months ended September 30, 2017 we recorded $227.5 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements on equity securities and other invested assets and $2.4 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $1.5 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  For the three months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded $30.9 million of net realized capital losses due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity securities, equity securities and other invested assets, net realized capital losses of $28.0 million from the sale of our Heartland subsidiary and $0.8 million of other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by $9.6 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities.  The fixed maturity and equity sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts.

Net realized capital gains were $254.0 million and net realized capital losses were $87.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 we recorded $237.8 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements on equity securities and other invested assets and $20.3 million of net realized capital gains from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $4.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded net realized capital losses of $28.0 million from the
41

sale of our Heartland subsidiary, $25.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments, $22.4 million of net realized capital losses from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities and $11.7 million of net realized capital losses due to fair value re-measurements on fixed maturity securities, equity securities and other invested assets.  The fixed maturity and equity sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2017
   
2016
   
Variance
   
% Change
   
2017
   
2016
   
Variance
   
% Change
 
Gross written premiums
 
$
908.3
   
$
654.8
   
$
253.6
     
38.7
%
 
$
1,962.3
   
$
1,597.0
   
$
365.3
     
22.9
%
Net written premiums
   
295.6
     
327.2
     
(31.6
)
   
-9.7
%
   
649.9
     
711.7
     
(61.8
)
   
-8.7
%
                                                                 
Premiums earned
 
$
242.4
   
$
249.2
   
$
(6.9
)
   
-2.8
%
 
$
653.0
   
$
709.1
   
$
(56.1
)
   
-7.9
%
Incurred losses and LAE
   
678.9
     
137.2
     
541.7
   
NM 
   
919.1
     
363.6
     
555.5
     
152.8
%
Commission and brokerage
   
31.7
     
48.1
     
(16.4
)
   
-34.1
%
   
115.2
     
148.0
     
(32.7
)
   
-22.1
%
Other underwriting expenses
   
12.1
     
14.3
     
(2.2
)
   
-15.2
%
   
40.6
     
39.9
     
0.8
     
1.9
%
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
$
(480.4
)
 
$
49.6
   
$
(530.0
)
 
NM 
 
$
(422.0
)
 
$
157.7
   
$
(579.7
)
   
NM 
                                                                 
                           
Point Chg
                           
Point Chg
 
Loss ratio
   
280.1
%
   
55.1
%
           
225.0
     
140.8
%
   
51.3
%
           
89.5
 
Commission and brokerage ratio
   
13.1
%
   
19.3
%
           
(6.2
)
   
17.6
%
   
20.9
%
           
(3.2
)
Other underwriting ratio
   
5.0
%
   
5.7
%
           
(0.7
)
   
6.2
%
   
5.6
%
           
0.6
 
Combined ratio
   
298.2
%
   
80.1
%
           
218.1
     
164.6
%
   
77.8
%
           
86.9
 
                                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                               
(NM, not meaningful)
                                                               
42

Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 38.7% to $908.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $654.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to the new crop reinsurance business related to the sale of Heartland and the influx of reinstatement premiums due to the catastrophe losses.  Net written premiums decreased by 9.7% to $295.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $327.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to a varying utilization of reinsurance primarily related to the affiliated quota share contracts.  Premiums earned decreased 2.8% to $242.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $249.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 22.9% to $1,962.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $1,597.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to the new crop reinsurance business, an increase in treaty casualty business and the influx of reinstatement premiums due to the catastrophe losses.  Net written premiums decreased by 8.7% to $649.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $711.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to a varying utilization of reinsurance primarily related to the affiliated quota share contracts. Premiums earned decreased 7.9% to $653.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $709.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

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

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2017
                                                 
Attritional
 
$
128.0
     
52.8
%
   
$
(0.4
)
   
-0.2
%
   
$
127.5
     
52.6
%
 
Catastrophes
   
551.6
     
227.6
%
 
   
(0.2
)
   
-0.1
%
 
   
551.4
     
227.5
%
 
Total segment
 
$
679.6
     
280.4
%
 
 
$
(0.6
)
   
-0.3
%
 
 
$
678.9
     
280.1
%
 
                                                                
2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
129.8
     
52.1
%
   
$
(1.0
)
   
-0.4
%
   
$
128.8
     
51.7
%
 
Catastrophes
   
14.4
     
5.8
%
 
   
(5.9
)
   
-2.4
%
 
   
8.5
     
3.4
%
 
Total segment
 
$
144.2
     
57.9
%
 
 
$
(6.9
)
   
-2.8
%
 
 
$
137.2
     
55.1
%
 
                                                                
Variance 2017/2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
(1.8
)
   
0.7
 
pts
 
$
0.6
     
0.2
 
pts
 
$
(1.3
)
   
0.9
 
pts
Catastrophes
   
537.2
     
221.8
 
pts
   
5.7
     
2.3
 
pts
   
542.9
     
224.1
 
pts
Total segment
 
$
535.4
     
222.5
 
pts
 
$
6.3
     
2.5
 
pts
 
$
541.7
     
225.0
 
pts

43

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2017
                                                 
Attritional
 
$
374.8
     
57.4
%
   
$
(4.7
)
   
-0.7
%
   
$
370.0
     
56.7
%
 
Catastrophes
   
553.2
     
84.7
%
 
   
(4.1
)
   
-0.6
%
 
   
549.1
     
84.1
%
 
Total segment
 
$
928.0
     
142.1
%
 
 
$
(8.8
)
   
-1.3
%
 
 
$
919.1
     
140.8
%
 
                                                                
2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
365.2
     
51.6
%
   
$
(1.3
)
   
-0.2
%
   
$
363.9
     
51.4
%
 
Catastrophes
   
15.8
     
2.2
%
 
   
(16.1
)
   
-2.3
%
 
   
(0.3
)
   
-0.1
%
 
Total segment
 
$
381.0
     
53.8
%
 
 
$
(17.4
)
   
-2.5
%
 
 
$
363.6
     
51.3
%
 
                                                                
Variance 2017/2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
9.6
     
5.8
 
pts
 
$
(3.4
)
   
(0.5
)
pts
 
$
6.1
     
5.3
 
pts
Catastrophes
   
537.4
     
82.5
 
pts
   
12.0
     
1.7
 
pts
   
549.4
     
84.2
 
pts
Total segment
 
$
547.0
     
88.3
 
pts
 
$
8.6
     
1.2
 
pts
 
$
555.5
     
89.5
 
pts
                                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                             

Incurred losses increased to $678.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $137.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to an increase of $537.2 million in current year catastrophe losses.  The current year catastrophe losses of $551.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Irma ($348.6 million), Hurricane Harvey ($128.5 million), Hurricane Maria ($74.0 million), and the Mexico City earthquake ($1.1 million). The $14.4 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2016 were related to Hurricane Hermine ($6.8 million), 2016 U.S. Storms ($6.3 million) and the Fort McMurray Canada Wildfire ($1.3 million).

Incurred losses increased by 152.8% to $919.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $363.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, due to an increase of $537.4 million in current year catastrophe losses, favorable development of $16.1 million on prior years' catastrophe losses in 2016 which did not recur in 2017 and an increase of $9.6 million in current year attritional losses, resulting mainly from the impact of the new crop reinsurance contract. The current year catastrophe losses of $553.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Irma ($348.6 million), Hurricane Harvey ($128.5 million), Hurricane Maria ($74.0 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($1.1 million) and the 2017 U.S. Storms ($1.4 million).  The $15.8 million of current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were related to Hurricane Hermine ($6.8 million) and 2016 U.S. Storms ($9.6 million).

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage expenses decreased by 34.1% to $31.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $48.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  Commission and brokerage expenses decreased by 22.1% to $115.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $148.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The decreases are mainly due to the impact of the new crop reinsurance contract which generally has a lower expense ratio, the impact of affiliated quota share contracts and the impact of the decrease in premiums earned.

Segment other underwriting expenses decreased to $12.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $14.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The decrease for the three month period was primarily due to lower variable compensation costs.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased slightly to $40.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $39.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
44

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

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2017
   
2016
   
Variance
   
% Change
   
2017
   
2016
   
Variance
   
% Change
 
Gross written premiums
 
$
363.2
   
$
353.2
   
$
10.0
     
2.8
%
 
$
975.3
   
$
939.9
   
$
35.4
     
3.8
%
Net written premiums
   
130.2
     
141.3
     
(11.1
)
   
-7.9
%
   
345.4
     
353.4
     
(8.1
)
   
-2.3
%
                                                                 
Premiums earned
 
$
123.9
   
$
128.4
   
$
(4.4
)
   
-3.5
%
 
$
355.4
   
$
372.8
   
$
(17.5
)
   
-4.7
%
Incurred losses and LAE
   
410.5
     
41.8
     
368.7
   
NM 
   
557.4
     
206.7
     
350.7
     
169.7
%
Commission and brokerage
   
25.1
     
30.2
     
(5.1
)
   
-16.9
%
   
72.4
     
82.4
     
(10.0
)
   
-12.2
%
Other underwriting expenses
   
8.2
     
9.2
     
(1.0
)
   
-10.6
%
   
26.3
     
25.0
     
1.3
     
5.1
%
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
$
(320.0
)
 
$
47.1
   
$
(367.1
)
 
NM 
 
$
(300.8
)
 
$
58.7
   
$
(359.5
)
 
NM  
                                                                 
                           
Point Chg
                           
Point Chg
 
Loss ratio
   
331.3
%
   
32.6
%
           
298.7
     
156.9
%
   
55.4
%
           
101.5
 
Commission and brokerage ratio
   
20.3
%
   
23.5
%
           
(3.3
)
   
20.4
%
   
22.1
%
           
(1.7
)
Other underwriting ratio
   
6.6
%
   
7.2
%
           
(0.6
)
   
7.3
%
   
6.8
%
           
0.5
 
Combined ratio
   
358.2
%
   
63.3
%
           
294.9
     
184.6
%
   
84.3
%
           
100.4
 
                                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                               
(NM, not meaningful)
                                                               

Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 2.8% to $363.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $353.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to the increase in Middle East, African and Asian business, partially offset by a decline in Latin American business and a negative impact of $5.6 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates.  Net written premiums decreased by 7.9% to $130.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $141.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to varying utilization of reinsurance related to the quota share contracts, including affiliated quota share contracts. Premiums earned decreased 3.5% to $123.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $128.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 3.8% to $975.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $939.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to increases in Middle East, African and Asian business and the positive impact of $17.7 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates. Net written premiums decreased by 2.3% to $345.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $353.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to varying utilization of reinsurance related to the quota share contracts, including affiliated quota share contracts. Premiums earned decreased 4.7% to $355.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $372.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  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.
45

Incurred Losses and LAE.  The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the International segment for the periods indicated.

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2017
                                                 
Attritional
 
$
64.0
     
51.7
%
   
$
0.7
     
0.6
%
   
$
64.7
     
52.3
%
 
Catastrophes
   
346.6
     
279.7
%
 
   
(0.8
)
   
-0.7
%
 
   
345.8
     
279.0
%
 
Total segment
 
$
410.6
     
331.4
%
 
 
$
(0.1
)
   
-0.1
%
 
 
$
410.5
     
331.3
%
 
                                                                
2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
49.3
     
38.4
%
   
$
-
     
0.0
%
   
$
49.3
     
38.4
%
 
Catastrophes
   
6.5
     
5.1
%
 
   
(14.0
)
   
-10.9
%
 
   
(7.5
)
   
-5.8
%
 
Total segment
 
$
55.8
     
43.5
%
 
 
$
(14.0
)
   
-10.9
%
 
 
$
41.8
     
32.6
%
 
                                                                
Variance 2017/2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
14.7
     
13.3
 
pts
 
$
0.7
     
0.6
 
pts
 
$
15.4
     
13.9
 
pts
Catastrophes
   
340.1
     
274.6
 
pts
   
13.2
     
10.2
 
pts
   
353.3
     
284.8
 
pts
Total segment
 
$
354.8
     
287.9
 
pts
 
$
13.9
     
10.8
 
pts
 
$
368.7
     
298.7
 
pts

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2017
                                                 
Attritional
 
$
182.9
     
51.5
%
   
$
2.6
     
0.7
%
   
$
185.5
     
52.2
%
 
Catastrophes
   
371.7
     
104.6
%
 
   
0.2
     
0.1
%
 
   
371.9
     
104.7
%
 
Total segment
 
$
554.6
     
156.1
%
 
 
$
2.8
     
0.8
%
 
 
$
557.4
     
156.9
%
 
                                                                
2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
185.6
     
49.8
%
   
$
(3.4
)
   
-0.9
%
   
$
182.3
     
48.9
%
 
Catastrophes
   
45.2
     
12.1
%
 
   
(20.8
)
   
-5.6
%
 
   
24.4
     
6.5
%
 
Total segment
 
$
230.8
     
61.9
%
 
 
$
(24.1
)
   
-6.5
%
 
 
$
206.7
     
55.4
%
 
                                                                
Variance 2017/2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
(2.7
)
   
1.7
 
pts
 
$
6.0
     
1.6
 
pts
 
$
3.2
     
3.3
 
pts
Catastrophes
   
326.5
     
92.5
 
pts
   
21.0
     
5.7
 
pts
   
347.5
     
98.2
 
pts
Total segment
 
$
323.8
     
94.2
 
pts
 
$
26.9
     
7.3
 
pts
 
$
350.7
     
101.5
 
pts
                                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                             

Incurred losses and LAE increased to $410.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $41.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to an increase of $340.1 million in current year catastrophe losses, an increase of $14.7 million in current year attritional losses and $14.0 million of favorable development on prior year catastrophe losses in 2016, which did not recur in 2017. The current year catastrophe losses of $346.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Maria ($236.2 million), Hurricane Irma ($77.5 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($31.1 million) and Hurricane Harvey ($1.4 million).  The $6.5 million of current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2016 were related to the Fort McMurray Canada Wildfire ($3.7 million), the Taiwan earthquake ($2.3 million), 2016 U.S. Storms ($0.3 million) and the Ecuador earthquake ($0.2 million).

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 169.7% to $557.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $206.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to an increase of $326.5 million in current catastrophe losses and $20.8 million of favorable development on prior year catastrophe losses in 2016 which did not recur in 2017.  The current year catastrophe losses of $371.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Maria ($236.2 million), Hurricane Irma ($77.5 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($31.1 million), the South Africa Knysna fires ($10.1 million), Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($8.3 million), the Peru storms ($7.1 million) and Hurricane Harvey ($1.4 million).  The $45.2 million of current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended
46

September 30, 2016 were due to the Fort McMurray Canada wildfire ($25.4 million), the Ecuador earthquake ($11.8 million), the Taiwan earthquake ($7.6 million) and U.S. Storms ($0.3 million).

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage decreased 16.9% to $25.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $30.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Commission and brokerage decreased 12.2% to $72.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $82.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The decreases were due to the impact of the decreases in premiums earned, the impact of affiliated quota share agreements and changes in the mix of business.

Segment other underwriting expenses decreased to $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $9.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The decrease for the three month period is primarily due to lower variable compensation costs.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased slightly to $26.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $25.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

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

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2017
   
2016
   
Variance
   
% Change
   
2017
   
2016
   
Variance
   
% Change
 
Gross written premiums
 
$
429.6
   
$
498.0
   
$
(68.4
)
   
-13.7
%
 
$
1,351.5
   
$
1,276.8
   
$
74.7
     
5.9
%
Net written premiums
   
144.9
     
154.1
     
(9.1
)
   
-5.9
%
   
442.2
     
462.8
     
(20.6
)
   
-4.4
%
                                                                 
Premiums earned
 
$
152.2
   
$
179.1
   
$
(26.9
)
   
-15.0
%
 
$
449.4
   
$
445.6
   
$
3.9
     
0.9
%
Incurred losses and LAE
   
242.1
     
122.5
     
119.6
     
97.6
%
   
442.0
     
366.0
     
76.0
     
20.8
%
Commission and brokerage
   
(22.3
)
   
4.5
     
(26.7
)
 
NM 
   
(40.1
)
   
(10.9
)
   
(29.2
)
 
NM 
Other underwriting expenses
   
37.4
     
40.7
     
(3.3
)
   
-8.1
%
   
114.9
     
116.8
     
(2.0
)
   
-1.7
%
Underwriting gain (loss)
 
$
(105.0
)
 
$
11.4
   
$
(116.4
)
 
NM 
 
$
(67.3
)
 
$
(26.4
)
 
$
(40.9
)
 
NM 
                                                                 
                           
Point Chg
                           
Point Chg
 
Loss ratio
   
159.0
%
   
68.4
%
           
90.6
     
98.3
%
   
82.1
%
           
16.2
 
Commission and brokerage ratio
   
-14.6
%
   
2.5
%
           
(17.1
)
   
-8.9
%
   
-2.5
%
           
(6.4
)
Other underwriting ratio
   
24.5
%
   
22.7
%
           
1.8
     
25.6
%
   
26.3
%
           
(0.7
)
Combined ratio
   
168.9
%
   
93.6
%
           
75.3
     
115.0
%
   
105.9
%
           
9.1
 
                                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                               
(NM, not meaningful)
                                                               

Premiums.  Gross written premiums decreased by 13.7% to $429.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $498.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  This decrease was primarily due to the sale of Heartland, which accounted for $162.4 million of gross written premiums in the third quarter of 2016.  Excluding the impact of Heartland, gross written premiums increased by $94.0 million due to higher production from many lines of business, including retail casualty, surety and accident and health.  Net written premiums decreased by 5.9% to $144.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $154.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the more conservative reinsurance position we have taken to support our expanded insurance business and the impact of affiliated quota share agreements.  Premiums earned decreased 15.0% to $152.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $179.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  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 5.9% to $1,351.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $1,276.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Excluding the impact of the sale of Heartland, which accounted for $229.9 million of gross written premiums in the nine months
47

ended September 30, 2016, gross written premiums increased $304.6 million.  This increase was primarily driven by expansion of many lines of business, including retail casualty, retail property, surety and accident and health.  Net written premiums decreased by 4.4% to $442.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $462.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the more conservative reinsurance position we have taken to support our new business and the impact of affiliated quota share agreements.  Premiums earned increased 0.9% to $449.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $445.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  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 Insurance segment for the periods indicated.

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2017
                                                 
Attritional
 
$
133.6
     
87.7
%
   
$
(1.2
)
   
-0.8
%
   
$
132.4
     
86.9
%
 
Catastrophes
   
109.6
     
72.0
%
 
   
0.1
     
0.1
%
 
   
109.7
     
72.1
%
 
Total segment
 
$
243.2
     
159.7
%
 
 
$
(1.1
)
   
-0.7
%
 
 
$
242.1
     
159.0
%
 
                                                                
2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
121.4
     
67.8
%
   
$
1.1
     
0.6
%
   
$
122.5
     
68.4
%
 
Catastrophes
   
-
     
0.0
%
 
   
-
     
0.0
%
 
   
-
     
0.0
%
 
Total segment
 
$
121.4
     
67.8
%
 
 
$
1.1
     
0.6
%
 
 
$
122.5
     
68.4
%
 
                                                                
Variance 2017/2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
12.2
     
19.9
 
pts
 
$
(2.3
)
   
(1.4
)
pts
 
$
9.9
     
18.5
 
pts
Catastrophes
   
109.6
     
72.0
 
pts
   
0.1
     
0.1
 
pts
   
109.7
     
72.1
 
pts
Total segment
 
$
121.8
     
91.9
 
pts
 
$
(2.2
)
   
(1.3
)
pts
 
$
119.6
     
90.6
 
pts

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
Current
   
Ratio %/
 
Prior
   
Ratio %/
 
Total
   
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
 
Year
   
Pt Change
 
Years
   
Pt Change
 
Incurred
   
Pt Change
2017
                                                 
Attritional
 
$
321.2
     
71.4
%
   
$
6.5
     
1.4
%
   
$
327.7
     
72.8
%
 
Catastrophes
   
114.4
     
25.5
%
 
   
(0.1
)
   
0.0
%
 
   
114.3
     
25.5
%
 
Total segment
 
$
435.6
     
96.9
%
 
 
$
6.4
     
1.4
%
 
 
$
442.0
     
98.3
%
 
                                                                
2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
343.8
     
77.1
%
   
$
5.6
     
1.3
%
   
$
349.4
     
78.4
%
 
Catastrophes
   
16.7
     
3.7
%
 
   
(0.2
)
   
0.0
%
 
   
16.5
     
3.7
%
 
Total segment
 
$
360.5
     
80.8
%
 
 
$
5.4
     
1.3
%
 
 
$
366.0
     
82.1
%
 
                                                                
Variance 2017/2016
                                                             
Attritional
 
$
(22.6
)
   
(5.7
)
pts
 
$
0.9
     
0.1
 
pts
 
$
(21.7
)
   
(5.6
)
pts
Catastrophes
   
97.7
     
21.8
 
pts
   
0.1
     
-
 
pts
   
97.8
     
21.8
 
pts
Total segment
 
$
75.1
     
16.1
 
pts
 
$
1.0
     
0.1
 
pts
 
$
76.0
     
16.2
 
pts
                                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                             

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 97.6% to $242.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $122.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, mainly due to an increase of $109.6 million in current year catastrophe losses and an increase of $12.2 million in current year attritional losses. The current year catastrophe losses of $109.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 related to Hurricane Harvey ($50.8 million), Hurricane Irma ($50.1 million) and Hurricane Maria ($8.7 million). There were no current year catastrophe losses for the three months ended September 30, 2016.
48

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 20.8% to $442.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $366.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, mainly due to an increase of $97.7 million in current catastrophe losses, partially offset by a decrease of $22.6 million in current year attritional losses. The decrease in current year attritional losses primarily related to changes in the mix of business and the impact of affiliated quota share agreements. The current year catastrophe losses of $114.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 primarily related to Hurricane Harvey ($50.8 million), Hurricane Irma ($50.1 million), Hurricane Maria ($8.7 million) and the 2017 US Midwest Storms ($4.8 million). The $16.7 million of current year catastrophe losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were due to the 2016 U.S. storms ($15.0 million) and the Fort McMurray Canada wildfire ($1.7 million).

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage decreased to ($22.3) million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $4.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  Commission and brokerage decreased to ($40.1) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to ($10.9) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decreases were mainly due to the impact of changes in the mix of business and the impacts from affiliated quota share agreements.

Segment other underwriting expenses decreased to $37.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $40.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Segment other underwriting expenses decreased to $114.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $116.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  These decreases were mainly due to lower variable compensation costs.

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

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

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

Interest Rate Risk.  Our $10.2 billion investment portfolio, at September 30, 2017, 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 $736.9 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $6,039.4 million fixed maturity portfolio.  Prepayment risk results from potential accelerated principal payments that shorten the average life and thus the expected yield of the security.
49

The table below displays the potential impact of market value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity portfolio (including $230.0 million of short-term investments) for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates.  For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually. To generate appropriate price estimate on mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account.  For legal entities with non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the market value change under the various interest rate change scenarios.

   
Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
 
   
At September 30, 2017
 
(Dollars in millions)
   
-200
     
-100
     
0
     
100
     
200
 
Total Market/Fair Value
 
$
6,634.4
   
$
6,454.2
   
$
6,269.4
   
$
6,077.2
   
$
5,883.9
 
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)
   
5.8
%
   
2.9
%
   
0.0
%
   
-3.1
%
   
-6.1
%
Change in Unrealized Appreciation
                                       
After-tax from Base ($)
 
$
237.3
   
$
120.1
   
$
-
   
$
(124.9
)
 
$
(250.6
)

We had $9,969.1 million and $8,331.3 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  These amounts are recorded at their nominal value, as opposed to present value, which would reflect a discount adjustment to reflect the time value of money.  Since losses are paid out over a period of time, the present value of the reserves is less than the nominal value.  As interest rates rise, the present value of the reserves decreases and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the present value increases.  These movements are the opposite of the interest rate impacts on the fair value of investments.  While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will include investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid.  Our loss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration that is reasonably consistent with our fixed income portfolio.

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

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

   
Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values
 
   
At September 30, 2017
 
(Dollars in millions)
   
-20%
   
-10%
   
0%
   
10%
   
20%
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio
 
$
798.5
   
$
898.3
   
$
998.1
   
$
1,097.9
   
$
1,197.7
 
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value
   
(129.7
)
   
(64.9
)
   
-
     
64.9
     
129.7
 

Foreign Currency Risk.  Foreign currency risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  Each of our non-U.S. ("foreign") operations maintains capital in the currency of the country of its geographic location consistent with local regulatory guidelines.  Each foreign operation may conduct business in its local currency, as well as the currency of other countries in which it operates.  The primary foreign currency exposures for these foreign operations are the Singapore and Canadian Dollars.  We mitigate foreign exchange exposure by generally matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresponding operating liabilities.  In accordance with FASB guidance, the impact on the market value of available for sale fixed maturities due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, is reflected as part of other comprehensive income.  Conversely, the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, on other assets and liabilities is reflected through net income as a component of other income (expense).  In addition, we translate the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar.  This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income.
50

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

ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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


ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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


PART II

ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

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


51

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

No material changes.


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

None.


ITEM 3.    DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.


ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


ITEM 5.    OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS

Exhibit Index:
   
     
Exhibit No.
Description
 
     
   31.1
Section 302 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso
 
     
   31.2
Section 302 Certification of Craig Howie
 
     
   32.1
Section 906 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso and Craig Howie
 
     
   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 Labels Linkbase
 
     
   101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 
     


52

Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.

Signatures



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



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

Dated:  November 14, 2017