REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA INC
10-Ks and 10-Qs
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019
OR
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 1-11848
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction | (IRS employer | |
of incorporation or organization) | identification number) | |
(Address of principal executive offices)
(636 ) 736-7000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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.
Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant 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. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
As of October 31, 2019, 62,610,856 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item | Page | |||
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||||
1 | ||||
2 | ||||
3 | ||||
4 | ||||
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION | ||||
1 | ||||
1A | ||||
2 | ||||
6 | ||||
2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||
(Dollars in thousands, except share data) | ||||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $44,860,441 and $38,882,168) | $ | $ | ||||||
Equity securities, at fair value (cost $150,384 and $107,721) | ||||||||
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of allowances of $11,775 and $11,286) | ||||||||
Policy loans | ||||||||
Funds withheld at interest | ||||||||
Short-term investments | ||||||||
Other invested assets | ||||||||
Total investments | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||
Accrued investment income | ||||||||
Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances | ||||||||
Reinsurance ceded receivables | ||||||||
Deferred policy acquisition costs | ||||||||
Other assets | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
Future policy benefits | $ | $ | ||||||
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities | ||||||||
Other policy claims and benefits | ||||||||
Other reinsurance balances | ||||||||
Deferred income taxes | ||||||||
Other liabilities | ||||||||
Long-term debt | ||||||||
Collateral finance and securitization notes | ||||||||
Total liabilities | ||||||||
Commitments and contingent liabilities (See Note 8) | ||||||||
Stockholders’ Equity: | ||||||||
Preferred stock - par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding | ||||||||
Common stock - par value $.01 per share, 140,000,000 shares authorized, 79,137,758 shares issued at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 | ||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
Retained earnings | ||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost - 16,528,557 and 16,323,390 shares | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | ||||||||
Total stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | $ | ||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
3
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Revenues: | (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net: | ||||||||||||||||
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Other investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Total investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Other revenues | ||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | ||||||||||||||||
Benefits and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Claims and other policy benefits | ||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | ||||||||||||||||
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | ||||||||||||||||
Collateral finance and securitization expense | ||||||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | ||||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | ||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
4
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plan adjustments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
5
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Additional Paid In Capital | Retained Earnings | Treasury Stock | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2019 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends to stockholders, $0.70 per share | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Reissuance of treasury stock | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2019 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2018 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Adoption of new accounting standards | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Dividends to stockholders, $0.60 per share | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Reissuance of treasury stock | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2018 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Additional Paid In Capital | Retained Earnings | Treasury Stock | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2018 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Adoption of new accounting standards | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends to stockholders, $1.90 per share | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Reissuance of treasury stock | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2019 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2017 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Adoption of new accounting standards | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Dividends to stockholders, $1.60 per share | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Reissuance of treasury stock | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2018 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
6
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | ||||||||
Net income | $ | $ | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accrued investment income | ( | ) | ||||||
Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances | ( | ) | ||||||
Deferred policy acquisition costs | ( | ) | ||||||
Reinsurance ceded receivable balances | ( | ) | ||||||
Future policy benefits, other policy claims and benefits, and other reinsurance balances | ||||||||
Deferred income taxes | ( | ) | ||||||
Other assets and other liabilities, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Amortization of net investment premiums, discounts and other | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | ||||||||
Investment related (gains) losses, net | ( | ) | ||||||
Other, net | ||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | ||||||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | ||||||||
Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | ||||||||
Maturities of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | ||||||||
Sales of equity securities | ||||||||
Principal payments and sales of mortgage loans on real estate | ||||||||
Principal payments on policy loans | ||||||||
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Purchases of equity securities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Cash invested in mortgage loans on real estate | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Cash invested in policy loans | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Cash invested in funds withheld at interest | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired of $27,374 and $4,938 | ( | ) | ||||||
Purchases of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Change in short-term investments | ||||||||
Change in other invested assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | ( | ) | ||||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | ||||||||
Dividends to stockholders | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Repayment of collateral finance and securitization notes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Proceeds from long-term debt issuance | ||||||||
Debt issuance costs | ( | ) | ||||||
Principal payments of long-term debt | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Purchases of treasury stock | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Exercise of stock options, net | ||||||||
Change in cash collateral for derivative positions and other arrangements | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Deposits on universal life and other investment type policies and contracts | ||||||||
Withdrawals on universal life and other investment type policies and contracts | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Change in cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | $ | ||||||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | ||||||||
Interest paid | $ | $ | ||||||
Income taxes paid, net of refunds | $ | $ | ||||||
Non-cash investing activities: | ||||||||
Transfer of invested assets | $ | $ | ||||||
Right-of-use assets acquired through operating losses | $ | $ | ||||||
Purchase of businesses: | ||||||||
Assets acquired, excluding cash acquired | $ | $ | ||||||
Liabilities assumed | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Net cash (received) paid on purchase | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
7
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1. | Business and Basis of Presentation |
Business
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (“RGA”) is an insurance holding company that was formed on December 31, 1992. RGA and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is engaged in providing traditional reinsurance, which includes individual and group life and health, disability, and critical illness reinsurance. The Company also provides financial solutions, which includes longevity reinsurance, financial reinsurance, stable value products and asset-intensive products, primarily annuities.
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, these condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2019 (the “2018 Annual Report”).
In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2019.
Consolidation
2. | Earnings Per Share |
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share on net income (in thousands, except per share information):
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Earnings: | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (numerator for basic and diluted calculations) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Shares: | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculation) | ||||||||||||||||
Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options | ||||||||||||||||
Denominator for diluted calculation | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Diluted | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The calculation of common equivalent shares does not include the impact of options having a strike or conversion price that exceeds the average stock price for the earnings period, as the result would be antidilutive. The calculation of common equivalent shares also excludes the impact of outstanding performance contingent shares, as the conditions necessary for their issuance have not been satisfied as of the end of the reporting period. The following table presents approximate amounts of stock options and performance contingent shares excluded from the calculation of common equivalent shares (in thousands):
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||
Excluded from common equivalent shares: | ||||||||||||
Stock options | ||||||||||||
Performance contingent shares | ||||||||||||
8
3. | Equity |
Common Stock
The changes in the number of common stock issued, held in treasury and outstanding are as follows for the periods indicated:
Issued | Held In Treasury | Outstanding | |||||||
Balance, December 31, 2018 | |||||||||
Common stock acquired | ( | ) | |||||||
Stock-based compensation (1) | ( | ) | |||||||
Balance, September 30, 2019 | |||||||||
Issued | Held In Treasury | Outstanding | |||||||
Balance, December 31, 2017 | |||||||||
Common stock acquired | ( | ) | |||||||
Stock-based compensation (1) | ( | ) | |||||||
Balance, September 30, 2018 | |||||||||
(1) | Represents net shares issued from treasury pursuant to the Company’s equity-based compensation programs. |
Common Stock Held in Treasury
Common stock held in treasury is accounted for at average cost. Gains resulting from the reissuance of common stock held in treasury are credited to additional paid-in capital. Losses resulting from the reissuance of common stock held in treasury are charged first to additional paid-in capital to the extent the Company has previously recorded gains on treasury share transactions, then to retained earnings.
In January 2019, RGA’s board of directors authorized a repurchase program for up to $400.0 million of RGA’s outstanding common stock. The authorization was effective immediately and does not have an expiration date. Repurchases would be made in accordance with applicable securities laws and would be made through market transactions, block trades, privately negotiated transactions or other means or a combination of these methods, with the timing and number of shares repurchased dependent on a variety of factors, including share price, corporate and regulatory requirements and market and business conditions. Repurchases may be commenced or suspended from time to time without prior notice. In connection with this new authorization, the board of directors terminated the stock repurchase authority granted in 2017. During the first nine months of 2019, RGA repurchased 0.5 million shares of common stock under this program for $79.8 million. During the first nine months of 2018, RGA repurchased 1.8 million shares of common stock under the 2017 repurchase program for $258.5 million.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The balance of and changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Accumulated Currency Translation Adjustments | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments(1) | Pension and Postretirement Benefits | Total | |||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2018 | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2019 | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||
Accumulated Currency Translation Adjustments | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments(1) | Pension and Postretirement Benefits | Total | |||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2017 | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Adoption of new accounting standard | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2018 | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||
(1) | Includes cash flow hedges of $( |
9
The following table presents the amounts of AOCI reclassifications for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (dollars in thousands):
Amount Reclassified from AOCI | ||||||||||||||||||
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||
Details about AOCI Components | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | Affected Line Item in Statements of Income | |||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment gains (losses): | ||||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | Investment related gains (losses), net | |||||||||
Cash flow hedges - Interest rate | ( | ) | (1) | |||||||||||||||
Cash flow hedges - Currency/Interest rate | ( | ) | ( | ) | (1) | |||||||||||||
Deferred policy acquisition costs attributed to unrealized gains and losses | ( | ) | ( | ) | (2) | |||||||||||||
Total | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Amortization of defined benefit plan items: | ||||||||||||||||||
Prior service cost (credit) | $ | $ | $ | $ | (3) | |||||||||||||
Actuarial gains/(losses) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | (3) | |||||||||
Total | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of defined benefit plans, net of tax | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||
Total reclassifications for the period | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||
(1) | See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges. |
(2) | This AOCI component is included in the computation of the deferred policy acquisition cost. See Note 8 – “Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs” of the 2018 Annual Report for additional details. |
(3) | This AOCI component is included in the computation of the net periodic pension cost. See Note 10 – “Employee Benefit Plans” for additional details. |
Equity Based Compensation
Equity compensation expense was $29.3 million and $28.4 million in the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively. In the first quarter of 2019, the Company granted 0.2 million stock appreciation rights at $145.25 weighted average exercise price per share and 0.1 million performance contingent units to employees. Additionally, non-employee directors were granted a total of 8,472 shares of common stock. As of September 30, 2019, 1.4 million share options at a weighted average strike price per share of $76.08 were vested and exercisable, with a remaining weighted average exercise period of 4.1 years. As of September 30, 2019, the total compensation cost of non-vested awards not yet recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements was $26.5 million. It is estimated that these costs will vest over a weighted average period of 0.9 years.
10
4. | Investments |
Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale
The Company holds various types of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale and classifies them as corporate securities (“Corporate”), Canadian and Canadian provincial government securities (“Canadian government”), residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), U.S. government and agencies (“U.S. government”), state and political subdivisions, and other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises (“Other foreign government”).
The following tables provide information relating to investments in fixed maturity securities by sector as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019: | Amortized Cost | Unrealized Gains | Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Total | Other-than- temporary Impairments in AOCI | |||||||||||||||||
Available-for-sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | $ | $ | $ | % | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Canadian government | |||||||||||||||||||||||
RMBS | |||||||||||||||||||||||
ABS | |||||||||||||||||||||||
CMBS | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government | |||||||||||||||||||||||
State and political subdivisions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other foreign government | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | % | $ | |||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2018: | Amortized Cost | Unrealized Gains | Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | % of Total | Other-than- temporary Impairments in AOCI | |||||||||||||||||
Available-for-sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | $ | $ | $ | % | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Canadian government | |||||||||||||||||||||||
RMBS | |||||||||||||||||||||||
ABS | |||||||||||||||||||||||
CMBS | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government | |||||||||||||||||||||||
State and political subdivisions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other foreign government | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | % | $ | |||||||||||||||||
The Company enters into various collateral arrangements with counterparties that require both the pledging and acceptance of fixed maturity securities as collateral. Pledged fixed maturity securities are included in fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Fixed maturity securities received as collateral are held in separate custodial accounts and are not recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or repledge collateral it receives; however, as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, none of the collateral received had been sold or repledged. The Company also holds assets in trust to satisfy collateral requirements under derivative transactions and certain third-party reinsurance treaties. The following table includes fixed maturity securities pledged and received as collateral and assets in trust held to satisfy collateral requirements under derivative transactions and certain third-party reinsurance treaties as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities received as collateral | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||
Assets in trust held to satisfy collateral requirements | |||||||||||||||
11
The Company monitors its concentrations of financial instruments on an ongoing basis and mitigates credit risk by maintaining a diversified investment portfolio that limits exposure to any one issuer. The Company’s exposure to concentrations of credit risk from single issuers greater than 10 % of the Company’s stockholders’ equity included securities of the U.S. government and its agencies as well as the securities disclosed below as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands).
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities guaranteed or issued by: | |||||||||||||||
Canadian province of Quebec | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||
Canadian province of Ontario | |||||||||||||||
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale at September 30, 2019 are shown by contractual maturity in the table below (dollars in thousands). Actual maturities can differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Asset and mortgage-backed securities are shown separately in the table below, as they are not due at a single maturity date.
Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||
Available-for-sale: | ||||||||
Due in one year or less | $ | $ | ||||||
Due after one year through five years | ||||||||
Due after five years through ten years | ||||||||
Due after ten years | ||||||||
Asset and mortgage-backed securities | ||||||||
Total | $ | $ | ||||||
Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities
The tables below show the major industry types of the Company’s corporate fixed maturity holdings as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019: | Estimated | ||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Fair Value | % of Total | |||||||||
Finance | $ | $ | % | ||||||||
Industrial | |||||||||||
Utility | |||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | % | ||||||||
December 31, 2018: | Estimated | ||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Fair Value | % of Total | |||||||||
Finance | $ | $ | % | ||||||||
Industrial | |||||||||||
Utility | |||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | % | ||||||||
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments - Fixed Maturity Securities
As discussed in Note 2 – “Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements” of the 2018 Annual Report, a portion of certain other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses on fixed maturity securities is recognized in AOCI. For these securities, the net amount recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income (“credit loss impairments”) represents the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. Any remaining difference between the fair value and amortized cost is recognized in AOCI. The amount of pre-tax credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in AOCI, was $3.7 million as of September 30, 2019 and 2018. There were no changes in these amounts from their respective prior-year ending balances.
12
Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale
The following table presents the total gross unrealized losses for the 856 and 3,109 fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by the indicated amount (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||
Gross Unrealized Losses | % of Total | Gross Unrealized Losses | % of Total | |||||||||||
Less than 20% | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||
20% or more for less than six months | ||||||||||||||
20% or more for six months or greater | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||
The Company’s determination of whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary includes an analysis of the underlying credit and the extent and duration of a decline in value. The Company’s credit analysis of an investment includes determining whether the issuer is current on its contractual payments, evaluating whether it is probable that the Company will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security and analyzing the overall ability of the Company to recover the amortized cost of the investment.
The following tables present the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses, including other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in AOCI, for 856 and 3,109 fixed maturity securities that have estimated fair values below amortized cost as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively (dollars in thousands). These investments are presented by class and grade of security, as well as the length of time the related fair value has remained below amortized cost.
Less than 12 months | 12 months or greater | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross | Gross | Gross | ||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2019: | Estimated | Unrealized | Estimated | Unrealized | Estimated | Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Losses | Fair Value | Losses | Fair Value | Losses | |||||||||||||||||||
Investment grade securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Canadian government | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMBS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
ABS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
CMBS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
State and political subdivisions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other foreign government | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total investment grade securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Below investment grade securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMBS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
CMBS | 1,042 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other foreign government | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total below investment grade securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
13
Less than 12 months | 12 months or greater | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross | Gross | Gross | ||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2018: | Estimated | Unrealized | Estimated | Unrealized | Estimated | Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Losses | Fair Value | Losses | Fair Value | Losses | |||||||||||||||||||
Investment grade securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Canadian government | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMBS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
ABS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
CMBS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
State and political subdivisions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other foreign government | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total investment grade securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Below investment grade securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Canadian government | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMBS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
ABS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other foreign government | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total below investment grade securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
The Company has no intention to sell, nor does it expect to be required to sell, the securities outlined in the table above, as of the dates indicated. However, unforeseen facts and circumstances may cause the Company to sell fixed maturity securities in the ordinary course of managing its portfolio to meet certain diversification, credit quality and liquidity guidelines. Changes in unrealized losses are primarily driven by changes in interest rates.
Investment Income, Net of Related Expenses
Major categories of investment income, net of related expenses, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||
Equity securities | |||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans on real estate | |||||||||||||||
Policy loans | |||||||||||||||
Funds withheld at interest | |||||||||||||||
Short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents | |||||||||||||||
Other invested assets | |||||||||||||||
Investment income | |||||||||||||||
Investment expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||
14
Investment Related Gains (Losses), Net
Investment related gains (losses), net, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: | |||||||||||||||
Other-than-temporary impairment losses | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||
Gain on investment activity | |||||||||||||||
Loss on investment activity | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||
Equity securities: | |||||||||||||||
Gain on investment activity | |||||||||||||||
Loss on investment activity | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||
Change in unrealized gains (losses) recognized in earnings | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||
Derivatives and other, net | |||||||||||||||
Total investment related gains (losses), net | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||||
The fixed maturity impairments for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are primarily related to high-yield securities. The fixed maturity impairments for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were primarily related to a U.S. utility company and high-yield securities. The fixed maturity impairments for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were primarily related to high-yield securities. The other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision for the three months ended September 30, 2019 includes impairments on limited partnerships. The other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision for the three months ended September 30, 2018 includes impairments on real estate joint ventures and limited partnerships. The other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 includes impairments on real estate joint ventures and limited partnerships. The fluctuations in investment related gains (losses) for derivatives and other for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 , compared to the same periods in 2018, are primarily due to changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives and interest rate swaps.
During the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company sold fixed maturity securities with fair values of $1,313.7 million and $1,345.3 million at losses of $13.0 million and $37.9 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company sold fixed maturity securities with fair values of $3,026.5 million and $3,783.3 million at losses of $38.6 million and $94.2 million, respectively. The Company did not sell any equity securities at losses during the three months ended September 30, 2019 . During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company sold equity securities with fair values of $3.1 million at losses of $0.2 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the Company sold equity securities for immaterial losses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company sold equity securities with fair values $31.5 million at losses of $1.1 million. The Company generally does not buy and sell securities on a short-term basis.
15
Securities Borrowing, Lending and Other
The following table includes the amount of borrowed securities, securities lent and securities collateral received as part of the securities lending program and repurchased/reverse repurchased securities pledged and received as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands).
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Borrowed securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||
Securities lending: | |||||||||||||||
Securities loaned | |||||||||||||||
Securities received | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||
Repurchase program/reverse repurchase program: | |||||||||||||||
Securities pledged | |||||||||||||||
Securities received | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||
The Company also held cash collateral for repurchase/reverse repurchase programs of $27.5 million and $28.6 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. No cash or securities have been pledged by the Company for its securities borrowing program as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
The following tables present information on the Company’s securities lending and repurchase transactions as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively (dollars in thousands). Collateral associated with certain borrowed securities is not included within the table, as the collateral pledged to each counterparty is the right to reinsurance treaty cash flows.
September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements | |||||||||||||||||||
Overnight and Continuous | Up to 30 Days | 30-90 Days | Greater than 90 Days | Total | |||||||||||||||
Securities lending transactions: | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase transactions: | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | |||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign government | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Total borrowings | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending and repurchase transactions in preceding table | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
16
December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements | |||||||||||||||||||
Overnight and Continuous | Up to 30 Days | 30-90 Days | Greater than 90 Days | Total | |||||||||||||||
Securities lending transactions: | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Repurchase transactions: | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
U.S. government | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign government | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Total borrowings | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending and repurchase transactions in preceding table | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
The Company has elected to offset amounts recognized as receivables and payables resulting from the repurchase/reverse repurchase programs. After the effect of offsetting, the net amount presented on the condensed consolidated balance sheets was a liability of $0.5 million and $0.4 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company recognized payables resulting from cash received as collateral associated with a repurchase agreement as discussed above. Amounts owed to and due from the counterparties may be settled in cash or offset, in accordance with the agreements.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans represented approximately 8.8 % and 9.1 % of the Company’s total investments as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. As of September 30, 2019 , mortgage loans were geographically dispersed throughout the U.S. with the largest concentrations in California (17.0 %), Texas (12.9 %) and Washington (7.4 %). In addition, the Company held mortgage loans secured by properties in Canada (2.9 %) and United Kingdom (0.5 %). The recorded investment in mortgage loans on real estate presented below is gross of unamortized deferred loan origination fees and expenses, and valuation allowances.
The distribution of mortgage loans by property type is as follows as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||
Property type: | Carrying Value | % of Total | Carrying Value | % of Total | ||||||||||
Office building | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||
Retail | ||||||||||||||
Industrial | ||||||||||||||
Apartment | ||||||||||||||
Other commercial | ||||||||||||||
Recorded investment | % | % | ||||||||||||
Unamortized balance of loan origination fees and expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Valuation allowances | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Total mortgage loans on real estate | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||
Recorded Investment | % of Total | Recorded Investment | % of Total | |||||||||||
Due within five years | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||
Due after five years through ten years | ||||||||||||||
Due after ten years | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||
17
Recorded Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Service Ratios | Construction Loans | |||||||||||||||||||||
>1.20x | 1.00x - 1.20x | <1.00x | Total | % of Total | ||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2019: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Loan-to-Value Ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||||
0% - 59.99% | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||
60% - 69.99% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
70% - 79.99% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Greater than 80% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||
Recorded Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Service Ratios | Construction Loans | |||||||||||||||||||||
>1.20x | 1.00x - 1.20x | <1.00x | Total | % of Total | ||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2018: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Loan-to-Value Ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||||
0% - 59.99% | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||
60% - 69.99% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
70% - 79.99% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Greater than 80% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||
The age analysis of the Company’s past due recorded investments in mortgage loans as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||
31-60 days past due | $ | $ | ||||||
Total past due | ||||||||
Current | ||||||||
Total | $ | $ | ||||||
The following table presents the recorded investment in mortgage loans, by method of measuring impairment, and the related valuation allowances as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||
Mortgage loans: | ||||||||
Individually measured for impairment | $ | $ | ||||||
Collectively measured for impairment | ||||||||
Recorded investment | $ | $ | ||||||
Valuation allowances: | ||||||||
Individually measured for impairment | $ | $ | ||||||
Collectively measured for impairment | ||||||||
Total valuation allowances | $ | $ | ||||||
18
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Provision (release) | ||||||||||||||||
Translation adjustment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Unpaid Principal Balance | Recorded Investment | Related Allowance | Carrying Value | |||||||||||||
September 30, 2019: | ||||||||||||||||
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded | ||||||||||||||||
Total impaired mortgage loans | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2018: | ||||||||||||||||
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded | ||||||||||||||||
Total impaired mortgage loans | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The Company’s average investment balance of impaired mortgage loans and the related interest income are reflected in the table below for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||
Three months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||
Average Recorded Investment(1) | Interest Income | Average Recorded Investment(1) | Interest Income | |||||||||||||
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded | ||||||||||||||||
Total impaired mortgage loans | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||
Average Recorded Investment(1) | Interest Income | Average Recorded Investment(1) | Interest Income | |||||||||||||
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded | ||||||||||||||||
Total impaired mortgage loans | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
(1) Average recorded investment represents the average loan balances as of the beginning of period and all subsequent quarterly end of period balances.
Policy Loans
Policy loans comprised approximately 2.0 % and 2.5 % of the Company’s total investments as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, the majority of which are associated with one client. These policy loans present no credit risk because the amount of the loan cannot exceed the obligation due to the ceding company upon the death of the insured or surrender of the underlying policy. The provisions of the treaties in force and the underlying policies determine the policy loan interest rates. The Company earns a spread between the interest rate earned on policy loans and the interest rate credited to corresponding liabilities.
19
Funds Withheld at Interest
Funds withheld at interest comprised approximately 8.7 % and 10.6 % of the Company’s total investments as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Of the $5.6 billion funds withheld at interest balance, net of embedded derivatives, as of September 30, 2019 , $3.6 billion of the balance is associated with one client. For reinsurance agreements written on a modified coinsurance basis and certain agreements written on a coinsurance funds withheld basis, assets equal to the net statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned and managed by the ceding company and are reflected as funds withheld at interest on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. In the event of a ceding company’s insolvency, the Company would need to assert a claim on the assets supporting its reserve liabilities. However, the risk of loss to the Company is mitigated by its ability to offset amounts it owes the ceding company for claims or allowances against amounts owed to the Company from the ceding company.
Other Invested Assets
Other invested assets represented approximately 3.4 % and 3.5 % of the Company’s total investments as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Carrying values of these assets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||
Limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures | $ | $ | ||||||
Lifetime mortgages | ||||||||
Derivatives | ||||||||
FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments | ||||||||
Other | ||||||||
Total other invested assets | $ | $ | ||||||
5. Derivative Instruments
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
See Note 2 – “Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements” of the Company’s 2018 Annual Report for a detailed discussion of the accounting treatment for derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives. See Note 6 – “Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities” for additional disclosures related to the fair value hierarchy for derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives.
Types of Derivatives Used by the Company
Commonly used derivative instruments include, but are not necessarily limited to: credit default swaps, financial futures, equity options, foreign currency swaps, foreign currency forwards, interest rate swaps, synthetic guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”), consumer price index (“CPI”) swaps, longevity swaps, mortality swaps and embedded derivatives.
For detailed information on these derivative instruments and the related strategies, see Note 5 – “Derivative Instruments” of the Company’s 2018 Annual Report.
20
Summary of Derivative Positions
Derivatives, except for embedded derivatives and longevity and mortality swaps, are carried on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets in other invested assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Longevity and mortality swaps are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in other assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Embedded derivative assets and liabilities on modified coinsurance (“modco”) or funds withheld arrangements are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in funds withheld at interest, at fair value. Embedded derivative liabilities on indexed annuity and variable annuity products are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in interest-sensitive contract liabilities, at fair value. The following table presents the notional amounts and gross fair value of derivative instruments prior to taking into account the netting effects of master netting agreements as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Primary Underlying Risk | Notional | Carrying Value/Fair Value | Notional | Carrying Value/Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amount | Assets | Liabilities | Amount | Assets | Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | Interest rate | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Financial futures | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps | Foreign currency | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency forwards | Foreign currency | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consumer price index swaps | CPI | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit default swaps | Credit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity options | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Longevity swaps | Longevity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortality swaps | Mortality | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts | Interest rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Embedded derivatives in: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Indexed annuity products | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Variable annuity products | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total non-hedging derivatives | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | Foreign currency/Interest rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps | Foreign currency | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency forwards | Foreign currency | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total hedging derivatives | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total derivatives | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
21
Fair Value Hedges
The Company designates and reports certain foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency fair value exposure of foreign currency denominated assets as fair value hedges when they meet the requirements of the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging. The gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to a change in foreign currency and the offsetting gain or loss on the related foreign currency swaps as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, were (dollars in thousands):
Type of Fair Value Hedge | Hedged Item | Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives | Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items | |||||||
Investment Related Gains (Losses) | ||||||||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2019: | ||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps | Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2018: | ||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps | Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019: | ||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps | Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018: | ||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps | Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||
Cash Flow Hedges
Certain derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges when they meet the requirements of the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging. The Company designates and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges: (i) certain interest rate swaps, in which the cash flows of assets and liabilities are variable based on a benchmark rate; and (ii) certain interest rate swaps, in which the cash flows of assets are denominated in different currencies, commonly referred to as cross-currency swaps.
The following table presents the components of AOCI, before income tax, and the condensed consolidated income statement classification where the gain or loss is recognized related to cash flow hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (dollars in thousands):
Three months ended September 30, | ||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||
Balance beginning of period | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ) | ||||||
Amounts reclassified to investment income | ( | ) | ||||||
Amounts reclassified to interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Balance end of period | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||
Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||
Balance beginning of period | $ | $ | ||||||
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ) | ||||||
Amounts reclassified to investment income | ( | ) | ||||||
Amounts reclassified to interest expense | ( | ) | ||||||
Balance end of period | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||
As of September 30, 2019, the before-tax deferred net gains (losses) on derivative instruments recorded in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are approximately $0.1 million and $(0.8 ) million in investment income and interest expense, respectively.
22
The following table presents the effect of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the condensed consolidated statements of income and the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (dollars in thousands):
Derivative Type | Gain (Loss) Deferred in AOCI | Gain (Loss) Reclassified into Income from AOCI | ||||||||||
Investment Income | Interest Expense | |||||||||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2019: | ||||||||||||
Interest rate | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||
Currency/Interest rate | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Total | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2018: | ||||||||||||
Interest rate | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Currency/Interest rate | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019: | ||||||||||||
Interest rate | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||
Currency/Interest rate | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Total | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018: | ||||||||||||
Interest rate | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||||
Currency/Interest rate | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||||
Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations
The Company uses foreign currency swaps and foreign currency forwards to hedge a portion of its net investment in certain foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The following table illustrates the Company’s net investments in foreign operations (“NIFO”) hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (dollars in thousands):
Derivative Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI | ||||||||||||||||
For the three months ended September 30, | For the nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Type of NIFO Hedge (1) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||
Foreign currency forwards | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||
(1) | There were no sales or substantial liquidations of net investments in foreign operations that would have required the reclassification of gains or losses from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into investment income during the periods presented. |
The cumulative foreign currency translation gain recorded in AOCI related to these hedges was $187.8 million and $201.0 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. If a hedged foreign operation was sold or substantially liquidated, the amounts in AOCI would be reclassified to the condensed consolidated statements of income. A pro rata portion would be reclassified upon partial sale of a hedged foreign operation.
Non-qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging
The Company uses various other derivative instruments for risk management purposes that either do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting treatment. The gain or loss related to the change in fair value for these derivative instruments is recognized in investment related gains (losses), net in the condensed consolidated statements of income, except where otherwise noted.
23
A summary of the effect of non-hedging derivatives, including embedded derivatives, on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
Gain (Loss) for the three months ended September 30, | ||||||||||
Type of Non-hedging Derivative | Income Statement Location of Gain (Loss) | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
Interest rate swaps | Investment related gains (losses), net | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||
Financial futures | Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | |||||||
Foreign currency swaps | Investment related gains (losses), net | |||||||||
Foreign currency forwards | Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | |||||||
CPI swaps | Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||
Credit default swaps | Investment related gains (losses), net | |||||||||
Equity options | Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | |||||||
Longevity swaps | Other revenues | |||||||||
Mortality swaps | Other revenues | |||||||||
Subtotal | ( | ) | ||||||||
Embedded derivatives in: | ||||||||||
Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements | Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | |||||||
Indexed annuity products | Interest credited | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||
Variable annuity products | Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | |||||||
Total non-hedging derivatives | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||
Gain (Loss) for the nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||
Type of Non-hedging Derivative | Income Statement Location of Gain (Loss) | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
Interest rate swaps | Investment related gains (losses), net | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||
Financial futures | Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||
Foreign currency swaps | Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | |||||||
Foreign currency forwards | Investment related gains (losses), net | |||||||||
CPI swaps | Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||
Credit default swaps | Investment related gains (losses), net | |||||||||
Equity options | Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||
Longevity swaps | Other revenues | |||||||||
Mortality swaps | Other revenues | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||
Subtotal | ( | ) | ||||||||
Embedded derivatives in: | ||||||||||
Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements | Investment related gains (losses), net | |||||||||
Indexed annuity products | Interest credited | ( | ) | |||||||
Variable annuity products | Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | |||||||
Total non-hedging derivatives | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||
24
Credit Derivatives
The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of credit default swaps sold by the Company at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations(1) | Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps | Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps(2) | Weighted Average Years to Maturity(3) | Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps | Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps(2) | Weighted Average Years to Maturity(3) | ||||||||||||||
AAA/AA+/AA/AA-/A+/A/A- | ||||||||||||||||||||
Single name credit default swaps | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
Credit default swaps referencing indices | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal | ||||||||||||||||||||
BBB+/BBB/BBB- | ||||||||||||||||||||
Single name credit default swaps | ||||||||||||||||||||
Credit default swaps referencing indices | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal | ||||||||||||||||||||
BB+/BB/BB- | ||||||||||||||||||||
Single name credit default swaps | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
(1) | The rating agency designations are based on ratings from Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”). |
(2) | Assumes the value of the referenced credit obligations is zero. |
(3) | The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average notional amounts. |
Netting Arrangements and Credit Risk
Certain of the Company’s derivatives are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and reported as a net asset or liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company nets all derivatives that are subject to such arrangements.
The Company has elected to include all derivatives, except embedded derivatives, in the tables below, irrespective of whether they are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or a similar agreement. See Note 4 – “Investments” for information regarding the Company’s securities borrowing, lending, repurchase and repurchase/reverse repurchase programs.
The following table provides information relating to the Company’s derivative instruments as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Recognized | Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet | Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheet | Financial Instruments (1) | Cash Collateral Pledged/ Received | Net Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2019: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2018: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
(1) | Includes initial margin posted to a central clearing partner. |
The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments with a positive fair value. Generally, the credit exposure of the Company’s derivative contracts is limited to the fair value at the reporting date plus or minus any collateral posted or held by the Company. The Company had no credit exposure related to its derivative contracts, as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, as the net amount of collateral pledged to the Company from counterparties exceeded the fair value of the derivative contracts.
Derivatives may be exchange-traded or they may be privately negotiated contracts, which are referred to as over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC cleared”) and others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties. The Company manages its credit risk related to OTC derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master netting agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination. The Company is only exposed to the default of the central clearing counterparties for OTC cleared derivatives, and these transactions require initial and daily variation margin collateral postings. Exchange-traded derivatives are
25
settled on a daily basis, thereby reducing the credit risk exposure in the event of non-performance by counterparties to such financial instruments.
6. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
Fair Value Measurement
General accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. These principles also establish a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value and describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The Company’s Level 1 assets and liabilities are traded in active exchange markets.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or market standard valuation techniques and assumptions that use significant inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the related assets or liabilities. Prices are determined using valuation methodologies such as discounted cash flow models and other similar techniques that require management’s judgment or estimation in developing inputs that are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing similar assets and liabilities. Additionally, the Company’s embedded derivatives, all of which are associated with reinsurance treaties and longevity and mortality swaps, are classified in Level 3 since their values include significant unobservable inputs.
For a discussion of the Company’s valuation methodologies for assets and liabilities measured at fair value and the fair value hierarchy, see Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report.
26
Assets and Liabilities by Hierarchy Level
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019: | Fair Value Measurements Using: | |||||||||||||||
Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Canadian government | ||||||||||||||||
RMBS | ||||||||||||||||
ABS | ||||||||||||||||
CMBS | ||||||||||||||||
U.S. government | ||||||||||||||||
State and political subdivisions | ||||||||||||||||
Other foreign government | ||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale | ||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | ||||||||||||||||
Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives | ||||||||||||||||
Cash equivalents | ||||||||||||||||
Short-term investments | ||||||||||||||||
Other invested assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency forwards | ||||||||||||||||
Credit default swaps | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Equity options | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps | ||||||||||||||||
FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments | ||||||||||||||||
Total other invested assets | ||||||||||||||||
Other assets - longevity swaps | ||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Other liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps - non-hedged | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency forwards | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
CPI swaps | ||||||||||||||||
Credit default swaps | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Equity options | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps | ||||||||||||||||
Mortality swaps | ||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
27
December 31, 2018: | Fair Value Measurements Using: | |||||||||||||||
Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Canadian government | ||||||||||||||||
RMBS | ||||||||||||||||
ABS | ||||||||||||||||
CMBS | ||||||||||||||||
U.S. government | ||||||||||||||||
State and political subdivisions | ||||||||||||||||
Other foreign government | ||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale | ||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | ||||||||||||||||
Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives | ||||||||||||||||
Cash equivalents | ||||||||||||||||
Short-term investments | ||||||||||||||||
Other invested assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency forwards | ||||||||||||||||
Credit default swaps | ||||||||||||||||
Equity options | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps | ||||||||||||||||
FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments | ||||||||||||||||
Total other invested assets | ||||||||||||||||
Other assets - longevity swaps | ||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Other liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps - non-hedged | ||||||||||||||||
CPI swaps | ||||||||||||||||
Credit default swaps | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Equity options | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Mortality swaps | ||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
28
Transfers between Levels 1 and 2
Transfers between Levels 1 and 2 are made to reflect changes in observability of inputs and market activity. The Company recognizes transfers of assets and liabilities into and out of levels within the fair value hierarchy at the beginning of the quarter in which the actual event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer occurs. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 or 2018.
Quantitative Information Regarding Internally - Priced Assets and Liabilities
The following table presents quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements that are developed internally by the Company as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
Estimated Fair Value | Valuation Technique | Unobservable Inputs | Range (Weighted Average) | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||
Assets: | |||||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | $ | Market comparable securities | Liquidity premium | 0-5% (1%) | 0-5% (1%) | |||||||||||
EBITDA Multiple | 5.2x-6.1x (5.8x) | 5.9x-7.5x (6.5x) | |||||||||||||||
ABS | Market comparable securities | Liquidity premium | 0-4% (1%) | 0-1% (1%) | |||||||||||||
U.S. government | Market comparable securities | Liquidity premium | 0-1% (1%) | 0-1% (1%) | |||||||||||||
Other foreign government | Market comparable securities | Liquidity premium | 0-1% (1%) | 1 | % | ||||||||||||
Equity securities | Market comparable securities | Liquidity premium | 4 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||
EBITDA Multiple | 6.9x-9.3x (7.9x) | 6.9x-12.3x (7.9x) | |||||||||||||||
Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives | Total return swap | Mortality | 0-100% (2%) | 0-100% (2%) | |||||||||||||
Lapse | 0-35% (12%) | 0-35% (10%) | |||||||||||||||
Withdrawal | 0-5% (3%) | 0-5% (3%) | |||||||||||||||
CVA | 0-5% (1%) | 0-5% (1%) | |||||||||||||||
Crediting rate | 2-4% (2%) | 2-4% (2%) | |||||||||||||||
Longevity swaps | Discounted cash flow | Mortality | 0-100% (2%) | 0-100% (2%) | |||||||||||||
Mortality improvement | (10%)-10% (3%) | (10%)-10% (3%) | |||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities | Discounted cash flow | Mortality | 0-100% (2%) | 0-100% (2%) | |||||||||||||
Lapse | 0-35% (12%) | 0-35% (10%) | |||||||||||||||
Withdrawal | 0-5% (3%) | 0-5% (3%) | |||||||||||||||
Option budget projection | 2-4% (2%) | 2-4% (2%) | |||||||||||||||
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- variable annuities | Discounted cash flow | Mortality | 0-100% (1%) | 0-100% (1%) | |||||||||||||
Lapse | 0-25% (5%) | 0-25% (5%) | |||||||||||||||
Withdrawal | 0-7% (5%) | 0-7% (5%) | |||||||||||||||
CVA | 0-5% (1%) | 0-5% (1%) | |||||||||||||||
Long-term volatility | 0-27% (12%) | 0-27% (13%) | |||||||||||||||
Mortality swaps | Discounted cash flow | Mortality | 0-100% (1%) | 0-100% (1%) | |||||||||||||
29
Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities
Assets and liabilities transferred into Level 3 are due to a lack of observable market transactions and price information. Transfers out of Level 3 are primarily the result of the Company obtaining observable pricing information or a third party pricing quotation that appropriately reflects the fair value of those assets and liabilities. In 2018, the Company transferred equity securities with a fair value of approximately $38.9 million into Level 3 as a result of the adoption of the new accounting guidance for the recognition and measurement of equity securities (see “New Accounting Pronouncements - Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement” in Note 2 - “Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report).
For further information on the Company’s valuation processes, see Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report.
The reconciliations for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) are as follows (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended September 30, 2019: | Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale | |||||||||||||||
Corporate | Canadian government | RMBS | ABS | |||||||||||||
Fair value, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized) | ||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Purchases(1) | ||||||||||||||||
Sales(1) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Settlements(1) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Fair value, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2019 (continued): | Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | |||||||||||||||||||
CMBS | U.S. government | State and political subdivisions | Other foreign government | Equity securities | ||||||||||||||||
Fair value, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ||||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Purchases(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sales(1) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Settlements(1) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fair value, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ||||||||||||||||||||
30
For the three months ended September 30, 2019 (continued): | Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives | Short-term Investments | Other assets - longevity swaps | Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives | Other liabilities - mortality swaps | |||||||||||||||
Fair value, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases(1) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Sales(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements(1) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Fair value, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019: | Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale | |||||||||||||||
Corporate | Canadian government | RMBS | ABS | |||||||||||||
Fair value, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized) | ||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | ||||||||||||||||
Purchases(1) | ||||||||||||||||
Sales(1) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Settlements(1) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Fair value, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||
31
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (continued): | Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | |||||||||||||||||||
CMBS | U.S. government | State and political subdivisions | Other foreign government | Equity securities | ||||||||||||||||
Fair value, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ||||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Purchases(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sales(1) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Settlements(1) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fair value, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ||||||||||||||||||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (continued): | Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives | Cash equivalents | Short-term Investments | Other assets - longevity swaps | Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives | Other liabilities - mortality swaps | ||||||||||||||||||
Fair value, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases(1) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales(1) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements(1) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fair value, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
32
For the three months ended September 30, 2018: | Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale | |||||||||||||||
Corporate | Canadian government | RMBS | ABS | |||||||||||||
Fair value, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized) | ||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Purchases(1) | ||||||||||||||||
Sales(1) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Settlements(1) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Fair value, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2018 (continued): | Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | |||||||||||||||
CMBS | U.S. government | State and political subdivisions | Other foreign government | |||||||||||||
Fair value, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized) | ||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Purchases(1) | ||||||||||||||||
Settlements(1) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Fair value, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ||||||||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2018 (continued): | Equity securities | Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives | Short-term Investments | Other assets - longevity swaps | Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives | Other liabilities - mortality swaps | ||||||||||||||||||
Fair value, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases(1) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales(1) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair value, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
33
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018: | Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale | |||||||||||||||
Corporate | Canadian government | RMBS | ABS | |||||||||||||
Fair value, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized) | ||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Purchases(1) | ||||||||||||||||
Sales(1) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Settlements(1) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Fair value, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (continued): | Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale | |||||||||||||||
CMBS | U.S. government | State and political subdivisions | Other foreign government | |||||||||||||
Fair value, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized) | ||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Purchases(1) | ||||||||||||||||
Settlements(1) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Fair value, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ||||||||||
34
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (continued): | Equity securities | Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives | Short-term Investments | Other assets - longevity swaps | Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives | Other liabilities - mortality swaps | ||||||||||||||||||
Fair value, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases(1) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales(1) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements(1) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair value, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period. |
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table (dollars in thousands) presents information for assets measured at an estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the 2019 and 2018 periods presented and still held at the reporting date (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The estimated fair values for these assets were determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
Carrying Value After Measurement | Investment Related Gains (Losses), Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||
At September 30, | Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||
Limited partnership interests (1) | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||
(1) | The impaired limited partnership interests presented above were accounted for using the cost method. Impairments on these cost method investments were recognized at estimated fair value determined using the net asset values of the Company’s ownership interest as provided in the financial statements of the investees. The market for these investments has limited activity and price transparency. |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which were not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands). For additional information regarding the methods and significant assumptions used by the Company to estimate these fair values, see Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report. This table excludes any payables or receivables for collateral under repurchase agreements and other transactions. The estimated fair value of the excluded amount approximates carrying value as they equal the amount of cash collateral received/paid.
35
September 30, 2019: | Carrying Value (1) | Estimated Fair Value | Fair Value Measurement Using: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | NAV | |||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans on real estate | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Policy loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Funds withheld at interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other invested assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accrued investment income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Collateral finance and securitization notes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2018: | Carrying Value (1) | Estimated Fair Value | Fair Value Measurement Using: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | NAV | |||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans on real estate | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Policy loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Funds withheld at interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other invested assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accrued investment income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Collateral finance and securitization notes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | Carrying values presented herein may differ from those in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement captions may be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. |
7. | Segment Information |
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements accompanying the 2018 Annual Report. The Company measures segment performance primarily based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes. There are no intersegment reinsurance transactions and the Company does not have any material long-lived assets.
The Company allocates capital to its segments based on an internally developed economic capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model considers the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company’s businesses. As a result of the economic capital allocation process, a portion of investment income is attributed to the segments based on the level of allocated capital. In addition, the segments are charged for excess capital utilized above the allocated economic capital basis. This charge is included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.
36
The Company has geographic-based and business-based operational segments. Geographic-based operations are further segmented into traditional and financial solutions businesses. Information related to revenues, income (loss) before income taxes and total assets of the Company for each reportable segment are summarized below (dollars in thousands).
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Revenues: | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
U.S. and Latin America: | ||||||||||||||||
Traditional | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Financial Solutions | ||||||||||||||||
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Canada: | ||||||||||||||||
Traditional | ||||||||||||||||
Financial Solutions | ||||||||||||||||
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Europe, Middle East and Africa: | ||||||||||||||||
Traditional | ||||||||||||||||
Financial Solutions | ||||||||||||||||
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Asia Pacific: | ||||||||||||||||
Traditional | ||||||||||||||||
Financial Solutions | ||||||||||||||||
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate and Other | ||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes: | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
U.S. and Latin America: | ||||||||||||||||
Traditional | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Financial Solutions | ||||||||||||||||
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Canada: | ||||||||||||||||
Traditional | ||||||||||||||||
Financial Solutions | ||||||||||||||||
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Europe, Middle East and Africa: | ||||||||||||||||
Traditional | ||||||||||||||||
Financial Solutions | ||||||||||||||||
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Asia Pacific: | ||||||||||||||||
Traditional | ||||||||||||||||
Financial Solutions | ||||||||||||||||
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate and Other | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
37
Assets: | September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||
U.S. and Latin America: | ||||||||
Traditional | $ | $ | ||||||
Financial Solutions | ||||||||
Total | ||||||||
Canada: | ||||||||
Traditional | ||||||||
Financial Solutions | ||||||||
Total | ||||||||
Europe, Middle East and Africa: | ||||||||
Traditional | ||||||||
Financial Solutions | ||||||||
Total | ||||||||
Asia Pacific: | ||||||||
Traditional | ||||||||
Financial Solutions | ||||||||
Total | ||||||||
Corporate and Other | ||||||||
Total | $ | $ | ||||||
8. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
Commitments
Funding of Investments
The Company’s commitments to fund investments as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||
Limited partnership interests and joint ventures | $ | $ | |||||
Commercial mortgage loans | |||||||
Bank loans and private placements | |||||||
Lifetime mortgages | |||||||
The Company anticipates that the majority of its current commitments will be invested over the next five years; however, these commitments could become due any time at the request of the counterparties. Bank loans and private placements are included in fixed maturity securities available-for-sale.
Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is subject to litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company currently has no material litigation. A legal reserve is established when the Company is notified of an arbitration demand or litigation or is notified that an arbitration demand or litigation is imminent, it is probable that the Company will incur a loss as a result and the amount of the probable loss is reasonably capable of being estimated.
Other Contingencies
The Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Since this indemnity generally is not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount due under this indemnity in the future.
38
Guarantees
Statutory Reserve Support
RGA, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, has committed to provide statutory reserve support to third parties, in exchange for a fee, by funding loans if certain defined events occur. Such statutory reserves are required under the U.S. Valuation of Life Policies Model Regulation (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX for term life insurance policies and Regulation A-XXX for universal life secondary guarantees). The third parties have recourse to RGA should the subsidiary fail to provide the required funding, however, as of September 30, 2019, the Company does not believe that it will be required to provide any funding under these commitments as the occurrence of the defined events is considered remote. The following table presents the maximum potential obligation for these commitments as of September 30, 2019 (dollars in millions):
Commitment Period: | Maximum Potential Obligation | ||
2023 | $ | ||
2034 | |||
2035 | |||
2036 | |||
2037 | |||
2038 | |||
2039 | |||
Other Guarantees
RGA has issued guarantees to third parties on behalf of its subsidiaries for the payment of amounts due under certain securities borrowing and repurchase arrangements, financing arrangements and office lease obligations, whereby, if a subsidiary fails to meet an obligation, RGA or one of its other subsidiaries will make a payment to fulfill the obligation. Additionally, in limited circumstances, treaty guarantees are granted to ceding companies in order to provide them additional security, particularly in cases where RGA’s subsidiary is relatively new, unrated, or not of a significant size, relative to the ceding company. Liabilities supported by the treaty guarantees, before consideration of any legally offsetting amounts due from the guaranteed party are reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets in future policy benefits. Potential guaranteed amounts of future payments will vary depending on production levels and underwriting results. Guarantees related to securities borrowing and repurchase arrangements provide additional security to third parties should a subsidiary fail to provide securities when due. RGA’s guarantees issued as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||
Treaty guarantees | $ | $ | |||||
Treaty guarantees, net of assets in trust | |||||||
Securities borrowing and repurchase arrangements | |||||||
Financing arrangements | |||||||
Lease obligations | |||||||
39
9. | Income Tax |
The provision for income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax statutory rate of 21.0% to pre-tax income as a result of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively (dollars in thousands):
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: | ||||||||||||||||
U.S. Tax Reform provisional adjustments | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
U.S. Tax Reform valuation allowance adjustments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Foreign tax rate differing from U.S. tax rate | ||||||||||||||||
Differences in tax bases in foreign jurisdictions | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Deferred tax valuation allowance | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Amounts related to tax audit contingencies | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate rate changes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Subpart F | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Foreign tax credits | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Global intangible low-taxed income, net of credit | ||||||||||||||||
Equity compensation excess benefit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Return to provision adjustments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Other, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Total provision for income taxes | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Effective tax rate | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||
The effective tax rates for the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 were higher than the U.S. Statutory rate of 21.0% primarily as a result of valuation allowances established on deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions and the accrual of uncertain tax positions, which was partially offset by differences in tax bases of foreign jurisdictions, return to provision adjustments, and tax benefits related to equity compensation.
The effective tax rates for the third quarter and first nine months of 2018 were lower than the U.S. Statutory rate of 21.0% primarily as a result of the release of a valuation allowance on foreign tax credits, which was partially offset by income earned in jurisdictions with statutory rate higher than the U.S. tax rate and a tax expense related to global intangible low-taxed income. During the third quarter of 2018 the Company released an uncertain tax position due to the expiration of the statute of limitations and established a new position. The foreign tax credits were used to offset the new uncertain tax liability, resulting in a valuation allowance no longer being necessary. $58.9 million of the release of the valuation allowance was previously established as part of U.S. Tax Reform.
40
10. Employee Benefit Plans
The components of net periodic benefit costs, included in other operating expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of income, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | |||||||||||||||
Three months ended September 30, | Three months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Interest cost | ||||||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of prior actuarial losses | ||||||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | |||||||||||||||
Nine months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Interest cost | ||||||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of prior actuarial losses | ||||||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
11. | Reinsurance |
Retrocession reinsurance treaties do not relieve the Company from its obligations to direct writing companies. Failure of retrocessionaires to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. Consequently, allowances would be established for amounts deemed uncollectible. At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, no allowances were deemed necessary. The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of the insurance companies from which it assumes and to which it cedes reinsurance.
Retrocessions are arranged through the Company’s retrocession pools for amounts in excess of the Company’s retention limit. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, all rated retrocession pool participants followed by the A.M. Best Company were rated “A- (excellent)” or better. The Company verifies retrocession pool participants’ ratings on a quarterly basis. For a majority of the retrocessionaires that were not rated, security in the form of letters of credit or trust assets has been posted. In addition, the Company performs annual financial reviews of its retrocessionaires to evaluate financial stability and performance.
The following table presents information for the Company’s reinsurance ceded receivable assets, including the respective amount and A.M. Best rating for each reinsurer representing in excess of five percent of the total as of September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||||
Reinsurer | A.M. Best Rating | Amount | % of Total | Amount | % of Total | |||||||||||
Reinsurer A | A+ | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||
Reinsurer B | A+ | |||||||||||||||
Reinsurer C | A | |||||||||||||||
Reinsurer D | A++ | |||||||||||||||
Reinsurer E | A+ | |||||||||||||||
Other reinsurers | ||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||
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12. | Policy Claims and Benefits |
The liability for unpaid claims is reported in future policy benefits and other policy-related balances within the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Activity associated with unpaid claims is summarized below (dollars in thousands):
Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | $ | ||||||
Less: reinsurance recoverable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Net balance at beginning of year | ||||||||
Incurred: | ||||||||
Current year | ||||||||
Prior years | ||||||||
Total incurred | ||||||||
Payments: | ||||||||
Current year | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Prior years | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Total payments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Other changes: | ||||||||
Interest accretion | ||||||||
Foreign exchange adjustments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Total other changes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Net balance at end the period | ||||||||
Plus: reinsurance recoverable | ||||||||
Balance at end of the period | $ | $ | ||||||
Incurred claims related to prior years reflected in the table above resulted in part from developed claims for prior years being different than were anticipated when the liabilities for unpaid claims were originally estimated. These trends have been considered in establishing the current year liability for unpaid claims.
13. | Financing Activities |
On May 15, 2019 , RGA issued 3.9 % Senior Notes due May 15, 2029 with a face amount of $600.0 million. The net proceeds were approximately $593.8 million and will be used in part to repay upon maturity the Company’s $400.0 million 6.45 % Senior Notes that mature in November 2019. The remainder will be used for general corporate purposes. Capitalized issue costs were approximately $4.8 million.
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14. | New Accounting Standards |
Changes to the general accounting principles are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™. Accounting standards updates not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
Description | Date of Adoption | Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters |
Standards adopted: | ||
Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement This guidance requires equity investments that are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting to be measured at fair value with changes recognized in net income and also updates certain presentation and disclosure requirements. | January 1, 2018 | This guidance required a cumulative-effect adjustment for certain items upon adoption. The adoption of the new guidance was not material to the Company's financial position. |
Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General This guidance is part of the FASB’s disclosure framework project and eliminates certain disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. Early adoption is permitted. | December 31, 2018 | This guidance was applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the year of adoption. The adoption of the new guidance was not material to the Company’s financial position. |
Leases This new standard, based on the principle that entities should recognize assets and liabilities arising from leases, does not significantly change the lessees’ recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from the previous accounting standard. Leases are classified as finance or operating. The new standard’s primary change is the requirement for entities to recognize a lease liability for payments and a right of use asset representing the right to use the leased asset during the term of operating lease arrangements. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less. Lessors’ accounting is largely unchanged from the previous accounting standard. In addition, the new standard expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Early adoption is permitted. | January 1, 2019 | This guidance was adopted by applying the optional transition method. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. The adoption of the updated guidance resulted in the Company recognizing a right-to-use asset and lease liability of $55.2 million included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. |
Derivatives and Hedging This updated guidance improves the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements and make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting in current GAAP related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Early adoption is permitted. | January 1, 2019 | This guidance was adopted by applying a modified retrospective approach to existing hedging relationships as of the date of adoption. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. Upon adoption of the guidance, the Company recorded an immaterial adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance was effective and modified some disclosures. |
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Description | Anticipated Date of Adoption | Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters |
Standards not yet adopted: | ||
Financial Services - Insurance This guidance significantly changes how insurers account for long-duration insurance contracts. The new guidance also significantly expands the disclosure requirements of long-duration insurance contracts. The FASB has tentatively agreed to defer the original effective date by one year. Upon issuance of a final standard, the new guidance will be effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2022. Below are the most significant areas of change: | January 1, 2022 | See each significant area of change below for the method of adoption and impact to the Company’s results of operations and financial position. |
Cash flow assumptions for measuring liability for future policy benefits The new guidance requires insurers to review, and if necessary, update the cash flow assumptions used to measure liabilities for future policy benefits periodically. The change in the liability estimate as a result of updating cash flow assumptions will be recognized in net income. | Cash flow assumptions for measuring liability for future policy benefits The Company will likely adopt this guidance on a modified retrospective basis as of the earliest period presented in the year of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its results of operations and financial position but anticipates the updated guidance will likely have a material impact. | |
Discount rate assumption for measuring liability for future policy benefits The new guidance requires insurers to update the discount rate assumption used to measure liabilities for future policy benefits at each reporting period, and the discount rate utilized must be based on an upper-medium grade fixed income instrument yield. The change in the liability estimate as a result of updating the discount rate assumption will be recognized in other comprehensive income. | Discount rate assumption for measuring liability for future policy benefits The Company will likely adopt this guidance on a modified retrospective basis as of the earliest period presented in the year of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its results of operations and financial position but anticipates the updated guidance will likely have a material impact. | |
Market risk benefits The new guidance created a new category of benefit features called market risk benefits that will be measured at fair value with changes in fair value attributable to a change in the instrument-specific credit risk recognized in other comprehensive income. | Market risk benefits The Company will adopt this guidance on a retrospective basis as of the earliest period presented in the year of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its results of operations and financial position but anticipates the updated guidance will likely have a material impact. | |
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and other balances The new guidance requires DAC and other balances to be amortized on a constant level basis over the expected term of the related contracts. | Amortization of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and other balances The Company will likely adopt this guidance on a modified retrospective basis as of the earliest period presented in the year of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its results of operations and financial position but anticipates the updated guidance will likely have a material impact. | |
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses Financial Instruments - Credit Losses This guidance adds to U.S. GAAP an impairment model, known as current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. For traditional and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments entities will be required to use the new forward-looking “expected loss” model that generally will result in earlier recognition of allowance for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses similar to what they do today, except the losses will be recognized through an allowance for credit losses and adjusted each period for changes in credit risks. Early adoption is permitted. | January 1, 2020 | For asset classes within the scope of the CECL model, this guidance will be adopted through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (that is, a modified-retrospective approach). For available-for-sale debt securities, this guidance will be applied prospectively. The Company is developing its expected credit loss models and related system processes and controls for assets held at amortized costs, the most significant of which are commercial mortgages and other loans. The allowance for credit losses will increase when this guidance is adopted to include expected losses over the lifetime of commercial mortgages and other loans, including reasonable and supportable forecasts and expected changes in future economic conditions. Based on a preliminary analysis performed in the third quarter of 2019 and forecasts of macroeconomic conditions and exposures at that time, the overall impact is estimated to be an approximate $15 million to $25 million increase in the allowance for credit losses. This increase will be reflected as a decrease to opening retained earnings, net of income taxes, as of January 1, 2020. The extent of the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements will depend on various factors including the economic environment, the size and type of commercial loans and the nature and size of transactions closed in the fourth quarter of 2019. |
Fair Value Measurement This guidance is part of the FASB’s disclosure framework project and eliminates certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurement, requires entities to disclose new information and modifies existing disclosure requirements. Early adoption is permitted. | January 1, 2020 | Certain disclosure changes in this guidance will be applied prospectively in the year of adoption. The remaining changes in this guidance will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the year of adoption. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial position. |
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, among others, statements relating to projections of the future operations, strategies, earnings, revenues, income or loss, ratios, financial performance and growth potential of the Company. Forward-looking statements often contain words and phrases such as “intend,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe” and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results, performance, and achievements could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements.
Numerous important factors could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements including, without limitation: (1) adverse changes in mortality, morbidity, lapsation or claims experience, (2) inadequate risk analysis and underwriting, (3) adverse capital and credit market conditions and their impact on the Company’s liquidity, access to capital and cost of capital, (4) changes in the Company’s financial strength and credit ratings and the effect of such changes on the Company’s future results of operations and financial condition, (5) the availability and cost of collateral necessary for regulatory reserves and capital, (6) requirements to post collateral or make payments due to declines in market value of assets subject to the Company’s collateral arrangements, (7) action by regulators who have authority over the Company’s reinsurance operations in the jurisdictions in which it operates, (8) the effect of the Company parent’s status as an insurance holding company and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay principal of and interest on its debt obligations, (9) general economic conditions or a prolonged economic downturn affecting the demand for insurance and reinsurance in the Company’s current and planned markets, (10) the impairment of other financial institutions and its effect on the Company’s business, (11) fluctuations in U.S. or foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, or securities and real estate markets, (12) market or economic conditions that adversely affect the value of the Company’s investment securities or result in the impairment of all or a portion of the value of certain of the Company’s investment securities, that in turn could affect regulatory capital, (13) market or economic conditions that adversely affect the Company’s ability to make timely sales of investment securities, (14) risks inherent in the Company’s risk management and investment strategy, including changes in investment portfolio yields due to interest rate or credit quality changes, (15) the fact that the determination of allowances and impairments taken on the Company’s investments is highly subjective, (16) the stability of and actions by governments and economies in the markets in which the Company operates, including ongoing uncertainties regarding the amount of U.S. sovereign debt and the credit ratings thereof, (17) the Company’s dependence on third parties, including those insurance companies and reinsurers to which the Company cedes some reinsurance, third-party investment managers and others, (18) financial performance of the Company’s clients, (19) the threat of natural disasters, catastrophes, terrorist attacks, epidemics or pandemics anywhere in the world where the Company or its clients do business, (20) competitive factors and competitors’ responses to the Company’s initiatives, (21) development and introduction of new products and distribution opportunities, (22) execution of the Company’s entry into new markets, (23) integration of acquired blocks of business and entities, (24) interruption or failure of the Company’s telecommunication, information technology or other operational systems, or the Company’s failure to maintain adequate security to protect the confidentiality or privacy of personal or sensitive data stored on such systems, (25) adverse litigation or arbitration results, (26) the adequacy of reserves, resources and accurate information relating to settlements, awards and terminated and discontinued lines of business, (27) changes in laws, regulations, and accounting standards applicable to the Company or its business, (28) the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 may be different than expected and (29) other risks and uncertainties described in this document and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect the Company’s business, including those mentioned in this document and described in the periodic reports the Company files with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even though the Company’s situation may change in the future. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, you are advised to see Item 1A - “Risk Factors” in the 2018 Annual Report.
Overview
The Company is among the leading global providers of life reinsurance and financial solutions, with $3.4 trillion of life reinsurance in force and assets of $75.8 billion as of September 30, 2019. Traditional reinsurance includes individual and group life and health, disability, and critical illness reinsurance. Financial solutions includes longevity reinsurance, asset-intensive reinsurance, financial reinsurance and stable value products. The Company derives revenues primarily from renewal premiums from existing reinsurance treaties, new business premiums from existing or new reinsurance treaties, fee income from financial solutions business and income earned on invested assets.
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Historically, the Company’s primary business has been traditional life reinsurance, which involves reinsuring life insurance policies that are often in force for the remaining lifetime of the underlying individuals insured, with premiums earned typically over a period of 10 to 30 years. Each year, however, a portion of the business under existing treaties terminates due to, among other things, lapses or voluntary surrenders of underlying policies, deaths of insureds, and the exercise of recapture options by ceding companies. The Company has expanded its financial solutions business, including significant asset-intensive and longevity risk transactions, which allow its clients to take advantage of growth opportunities and manage their capital, longevity and investment risk.
The Company’s long-term profitability largely depends on the volume and amount of death- and health-related claims incurred and the ability to adequately price the risks it assumes. While death claims are reasonably predictable over a period of many years, claims become less predictable over shorter periods and are subject to significant fluctuation from quarter to quarter and year to year. For longevity business, the Company’s profitability depends on the lifespan of the underlying contract holders and the investment performance for certain contracts. Additionally, the Company generates profits on investment spreads associated with the reinsurance of investment type contracts and generates fees from financial reinsurance transactions, which are typically shorter duration than its traditional life reinsurance business. The Company believes its sources of liquidity are sufficient to cover potential claims payments on both a short-term and long-term basis.
As is customary in the reinsurance business, clients continually update, refine, and revise reinsurance information provided to the Company. Such revised information is used by the Company in preparation of its condensed consolidated financial statements and the financial effects resulting from the incorporation of revised data are reflected in the current period.
Segment Presentation
The Company has geographic-based and business-based operational segments. Geographic-based operations are further segmented into traditional and financial solutions businesses. The Company allocates capital to its segments based on an internally developed economic capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a consistent basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model considers the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in RGA’s businesses.
As a result of the economic capital allocation process, a portion of investment income is credited to the segments based on the level of allocated capital. In addition, the segments are charged for excess capital utilized above the allocated economic capital basis. This charge is included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses. Segment investment performance varies with the composition of investments and the relative allocation of capital to the operating segments.
Segment revenue levels can be significantly influenced by currency fluctuations, large transactions, mix of business and reporting practices of ceding companies, and therefore may fluctuate from period to period. Although reasonably predictable over a period of years, segment claims experience can be volatile over shorter periods. See “Results of Operations by Segment” below for further information about the Company’s segments.
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Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table summarizes net income for the periods presented.
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Revenues: | (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | 2,809,641 | $ | 2,562,042 | $ | 8,311,240 | $ | 7,739,053 | ||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | 678,805 | 572,742 | 1,842,760 | 1,617,132 | ||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net: | ||||||||||||||||
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities | (8,539 | ) | (10,705 | ) | (17,992 | ) | (14,055 | ) | ||||||||
Other investment related gains (losses), net | 57,323 | (9,312 | ) | 87,036 | (17,004 | ) | ||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | 48,784 | (20,017 | ) | 69,044 | (31,059 | ) | ||||||||||
Other revenues | 90,335 | 112,764 | 291,960 | 272,020 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 3,627,565 | 3,227,531 | 10,515,004 | 9,597,146 | ||||||||||||
Benefits and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Claims and other policy benefits | 2,469,981 | 2,209,920 | 7,493,516 | 6,851,614 | ||||||||||||
Interest credited | 226,262 | 143,292 | 517,293 | 333,068 | ||||||||||||
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses | 321,855 | 310,639 | 894,081 | 987,817 | ||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 209,348 | 200,262 | 634,330 | 586,495 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 45,927 | 33,290 | 129,383 | 107,769 | ||||||||||||
Collateral finance and securitization expense | 7,102 | 7,467 | 22,670 | 22,509 | ||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 3,280,475 | 2,904,870 | 9,691,273 | 8,889,272 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 347,090 | 322,661 | 823,731 | 707,874 | ||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | 84,325 | 21,462 | 188,761 | 102,071 | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 262,765 | $ | 301,199 | $ | 634,970 | $ | 605,803 | ||||||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share | $ | 4.19 | $ | 4.76 | $ | 10.13 | $ | 9.47 | ||||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 4.12 | $ | 4.68 | $ | 9.93 | $ | 9.30 | ||||||||
Consolidated income before income taxes increased $24.4 million, or 7.6%, and $115.9 million, or 16.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in income for the third quarter of 2019 was primarily due to improved claims experience in the Canada and Europe, Middle East, and Africa segments, as well as favorable experience in the various Financial Solutions segments. The favorable experience was partially offset by unfavorable results in the Asia Pacific Traditional segment, primarily in Australia, and the U.S. and Latin America Traditional segment. In addition, income for the first nine months of 2019 reflects unfavorable changes in investment related gain (losses) resulting from changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives on modco or funds withheld treaties within the U.S. segment due to changes in interest rates and credit spreads. The effect of the change in fair value of these embedded derivatives on income is discussed below. Foreign currency fluctuations relative to the prior year decreased income before income taxes by $1.8 million in the third quarter and decreased income by $15.7 million in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
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The Company recognizes in consolidated income, any changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives on modco or funds withheld treaties, equity-indexed annuity treaties (“EIAs”) and variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefit riders. The Company utilizes freestanding derivatives to minimize the income statement volatility due to changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives associated with guaranteed minimum benefit riders. The following table presents the effect of embedded derivatives and related freestanding derivatives on income before income taxes for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
Modco/Funds withheld: | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains (losses) | $ | 8,508 | $ | (2,081 | ) | $ | 11,678 | $ | 20,335 | ||||||
Deferred acquisition costs/retrocession | (9,157 | ) | 51 | (17,575 | ) | (2,617 | ) | ||||||||
Net effect | (649 | ) | (2,030 | ) | (5,897 | ) | 17,718 | ||||||||
EIAs: | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains (losses) | (35,883 | ) | 1,602 | (55,940 | ) | 29,600 | |||||||||
Deferred acquisition costs/retrocession | 16,682 | (1,285 | ) | 27,192 | (16,997 | ) | |||||||||
Net effect | (19,201 | ) | 317 | (28,748 | ) | 12,603 | |||||||||
Guaranteed minimum benefit riders: | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains (losses) | (42,233 | ) | 32,133 | (42,116 | ) | 62,242 | |||||||||
Deferred acquisition costs/retrocession | (17,784 | ) | (17,575 | ) | (40,633 | ) | (11,379 | ) | |||||||
Net effect | (60,017 | ) | 14,558 | (82,749 | ) | 50,863 | |||||||||
Related freestanding derivatives | 57,085 | (9,393 | ) | 81,998 | (50,697 | ) | |||||||||
Net effect after related freestanding derivatives | (2,932 | ) | 5,165 | (751 | ) | 166 | |||||||||
Total net effect of embedded derivatives | (79,867 | ) | 12,845 | (117,394 | ) | 81,184 | |||||||||
Related freestanding derivatives | 57,085 | (9,393 | ) | 81,998 | (50,697 | ) | |||||||||
Total net effect after freestanding derivatives | $ | (22,782 | ) | $ | 3,452 | $ | (35,396 | ) | $ | 30,487 | |||||
Consolidated net premiums increased $247.6 million, or 9.7%, and $572.2 million, or 7.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, primarily due to growth in life reinsurance in force. Foreign currency fluctuations decreased net premiums by $34.9 million and $173.7 million in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. Consolidated assumed life insurance in force increased to $3,359.8 billion as of September 30, 2019 from $3,307.2 billion as of September 30, 2018 due to new business production and in force transactions. The Company added new business production, measured by face amount of insurance in force, of $98.3 billion and $95.7 billion during the third quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $248.0 billion and $292.1 billion during the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Consolidated investment income, net of related expenses, increased $106.1 million, or 18.5%, and $225.6 million, or 14.0%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases are primarily attributable to an increase in the average invested asset base and higher variable investment income associated with joint venture and limited partnership investments. Investment income is affected by changes in the fair value of the Company’s funds withheld at interest assets associated with the reinsurance of certain EIA products. The re-measurement of these funds withheld assets decreased investment income by $19.5 million in the third quarter and decreased investment income by $29.6 million in the first nine months of 2019, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The effect on investment income of the EIA's market value changes is substantially offset by a corresponding change in interest credited to policyholder account balances resulting in an insignificant effect on net income.
Average invested assets at amortized cost, excluding spread related business, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $28.2 billion, a 5.7% increase over September 30, 2018. The average yield earned on investments, excluding spread related business, was 4.83% and 4.57% for the third quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, and 4.57% and 4.45% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The average yield will vary from quarter to quarter and year to year depending on a number of variables, including the prevailing interest rate and credit spread environment, prepayment fees, make-whole premiums and changes in the mix of the underlying investments and cash balances, and the timing of dividends and distributions on certain investments. Investment yields in 2019 benefited from higher distributions from joint ventures and limited partnerships. A continued low interest rate environment is expected to put downward pressure on this yield in future reporting periods.
Total investment related gains (losses), net were $48.8 million and $(20.0) million for the third quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $69.0 million and $(31.1) million for the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively. A portion of the increase in investment related gains (losses) was offset by changes in the value of embedded derivatives related to reinsurance
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treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis, reflecting the impact of changes in interest rates and credit spreads on the calculation of fair value. Changes in the fair value of these embedded derivatives increased (decreased) investment related gains by $8.5 million and $(2.1) million for the third quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $11.7 million and $20.3 million for the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively. In addition, impairments on fixed maturity securities decreased by $2.2 million in the third quarter and increased by $3.9 million in the first nine months of 2019, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2018. See Note 4 - “Investments” and Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the impairment losses and derivatives.
The effective tax rate on a consolidated basis was 24.3% and 6.7% for the third quarter 2019 and 2018, respectively, and 22.9% and 14.4% for the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively. See Note 9 - “Income Tax” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company’s consolidated effective tax rates.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the application of accounting policies that often involve a significant degree of judgment. Management, on an ongoing basis, reviews estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of financial statements. If management determines that modifications in assumptions and estimates are appropriate given current facts and circumstances, results of operations and financial position as reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements could change significantly.
Management believes the critical accounting policies relating to the following areas are most dependent on the application of estimates and assumptions:
Premiums receivable;
Deferred acquisition costs;
Liabilities for future policy benefits and incurred but not reported claims;
Valuation of investments and other-than-temporary impairments to specific investments;
Valuation of embedded derivatives; and
Income taxes.
A discussion of each of the critical accounting policies may be found in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies.”
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Results of Operations by Segment
U.S. and Latin America Operations
The U.S. and Latin America operations include business generated by its offices in the U.S., Mexico and Brazil. The offices in Mexico and Brazil provide services to clients in other Latin American countries. U.S. and Latin America operations consist of two major segments: Traditional and Financial Solutions. The Traditional segment primarily specializes in the reinsurance of individual mortality-risk, health and long-term care and to a lesser extent, group reinsurance. The Financial Solutions segment consists of Asset-Intensive and Financial Reinsurance. Asset-Intensive within the Financial Solutions segment includes coinsurance of annuities and corporate-owned life insurance policies and to a lesser extent fee-based synthetic guaranteed investment contracts, which include investment-only, stable value contracts and other longevity type products. Financial Reinsurance within the Financial Solutions segment primarily involves assisting ceding companies in meeting applicable regulatory requirements by enhancing the ceding companies’ financial strength and regulatory surplus position through relatively low risk reinsurance transactions. Due to the low-risk nature of financial reinsurance transactions, they typically do not qualify as reinsurance under GAAP, so only the related net fees are reflected in other revenues on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
For the three months ended September 30, 2019: | Financial Solutions | |||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Asset-Intensive | Financial Reinsurance | Total U.S. and Latin America | |||||||||||||
Traditional | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | 1,404,164 | $ | 12,298 | $ | — | $ | 1,416,462 | ||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | 209,874 | 254,264 | 1,002 | 465,140 | ||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | (9,587 | ) | 56,840 | — | 47,253 | |||||||||||
Other revenues | 5,415 | 36,422 | 21,846 | 63,683 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 1,609,866 | 359,824 | 22,848 | 1,992,538 | ||||||||||||
Benefits and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Claims and other policy benefits | 1,241,332 | 49,438 | — | 1,290,770 | ||||||||||||
Interest credited | 19,518 | 183,295 | — | 202,813 | ||||||||||||
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses | 201,784 | 19,642 | 672 | 222,098 | ||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 34,690 | 7,788 | 2,961 | 45,439 | ||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 1,497,324 | 260,163 | 3,633 | 1,761,120 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 112,542 | $ | 99,661 | $ | 19,215 | $ | 231,418 | ||||||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2018: | Financial Solutions | |||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Asset-Intensive | Financial Reinsurance | Total U.S. and Latin America | |||||||||||||
Traditional | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | 1,360,076 | $ | 6,885 | $ | — | $ | 1,366,961 | ||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | 181,396 | 200,397 | 1,491 | 383,284 | ||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | (33 | ) | 581 | — | 548 | |||||||||||
Other revenues | 6,351 | 53,735 | 27,759 | 87,845 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 1,547,790 | 261,598 | 29,250 | 1,838,638 | ||||||||||||
Benefits and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Claims and other policy benefits | 1,191,489 | 46,995 | — | 1,238,484 | ||||||||||||
Interest credited | 20,321 | 110,673 | — | 130,994 | ||||||||||||
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses | 183,433 | 30,519 | 5,324 | 219,276 | ||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 36,219 | 7,921 | 2,343 | 46,483 | ||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 1,431,462 | 196,108 | 7,667 | 1,635,237 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 116,328 | $ | 65,490 | $ | 21,583 | $ | 203,401 | ||||||||
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For the nine months ended September 30, 2019: | Financial Solutions | |||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Asset-Intensive | Financial Reinsurance | Total U.S. and Latin America | |||||||||||||
Traditional | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | 4,171,549 | $ | 27,728 | $ | — | $ | 4,199,277 | ||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | 568,718 | 655,379 | 3,047 | 1,227,144 | ||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | (20,009 | ) | 75,386 | — | 55,377 | |||||||||||
Other revenues | 14,950 | 109,338 | 67,711 | 191,999 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 4,735,208 | 867,831 | 70,758 | 5,673,797 | ||||||||||||
Benefits and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Claims and other policy benefits | 3,834,249 | 146,200 | — | 3,980,449 | ||||||||||||
Interest credited | 58,909 | 395,791 | — | 454,700 | ||||||||||||
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses | 557,734 | 64,532 | 5,233 | 627,499 | ||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 104,945 | 23,995 | 8,667 | 137,607 | ||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 4,555,837 | 630,518 | 13,900 | 5,200,255 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 179,371 | $ | 237,313 | $ | 56,858 | $ | 473,542 | ||||||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018: | Financial Solutions | |||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Asset-Intensive | Financial Reinsurance | Total U.S. and Latin America | |||||||||||||
Traditional | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | 4,033,046 | $ | 18,776 | $ | — | $ | 4,051,822 | ||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | 544,934 | 530,119 | 4,817 | 1,079,870 | ||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | 5,375 | 2,033 | — | 7,408 | ||||||||||||
Other revenues | 18,276 | 100,759 | 77,644 | 196,679 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 4,601,631 | 651,687 | 82,461 | 5,335,779 | ||||||||||||
Benefits and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Claims and other policy benefits | 3,701,457 | 85,530 | — | 3,786,987 | ||||||||||||
Interest credited | 61,593 | 239,695 | — | 301,288 | ||||||||||||
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses | 543,137 | 130,493 | 11,933 | 685,563 | ||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 104,246 | 22,377 | 7,238 | 133,861 | ||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 4,410,433 | 478,095 | 19,171 | 4,907,699 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 191,198 | $ | 173,592 | $ | 63,290 | $ | 428,080 | ||||||||
Income before income taxes increased by $28.0 million, or 13.8%, and $45.5 million, or 10.6%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in income before income taxes for the third quarter was primarily due to the income from asset-intensive transactions executed since the third quarter of 2018, including investment related gains recognized during portfolio repositioning. The increase in income before income taxes for the first nine months was primarily due to the impact of higher investment related gains (losses) in the Asset-Intensive segment.
Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes for the U.S. and Latin America Traditional segment decreased by $3.8 million, or 3.3%, and $11.8 million, or 6.2%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The decrease in the third quarter and first nine months was primarily due to unfavorable claims experience within the individual mortality business as well as changes in the value of embedded derivatives associated with reinsurance treaties structured on a modco or funds withheld basis. The unfavorable individual mortality claims experience was partially offset by an increase in variable investment income and improved claims experience within the Group and Individual Health lines of business.
Net premiums increased $44.1 million, or 3.2%, and $138.5 million, or 3.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in net premiums in the third quarter and first nine months were due to organic growth as well as new sales. The segment added new individual life business production, measured by face amount of insurance in force of $23.9 billion and $27.6 billion for the third quarter and $77.4 billion and $80.2 billion for the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Net investment income increased $28.5 million, or 15.7%, and $23.8 million, or 4.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in the third quarter and first nine months were primarily due to an increase in variable investment income from real estate joint ventures and limited partnerships as well as a higher asset base. Investment related gains (losses), net decreased $9.6 million and $25.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
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Claims and other policy benefits as a percentage of net premiums (“loss ratios”) were 88.4% and 87.6% for the third quarter and 91.9% and 91.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase in the loss ratio for the third quarter was primarily due to unfavorable claims experience in the individual mortality line of business.
Interest credited expense decreased $0.8 million, or 4.0%, and $2.7 million, or 4.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. Interest credited in this segment relates to amounts credited on cash value products which also have a significant mortality component. Income before income taxes is affected by the spread between the investment income and the interest credited on the underlying products.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 14.4% and 13.5% for the third quarter and 13.4% and 13.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. While these ratios are expected to remain in a predictable range, they may fluctuate from period to period due to varying allowance levels within coinsurance-type arrangements. In addition, the amortization pattern of previously capitalized amounts, which are subject to the form of the reinsurance agreement and the underlying insurance policies, may vary. Also, the mix of first year coinsurance business versus yearly renewable term business can cause the percentage to fluctuate from period to period.
Other operating expenses decreased $1.5 million, or 4.2%, and increased by $0.7 million, or 0.7%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The decrease in the third quarter was primarily due to lower salaries and fringe costs related to the timing of incentive based compensation adjustments. Other operating expenses, as a percentage of net premiums were 2.5% and 2.7% for the third quarter and 2.5% and 2.6% first nine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively. The expense ratio tends to fluctuate only slightly from period to period due to the maturity and scale of this segment.
Financial Solutions - Asset-Intensive Reinsurance
Asset-Intensive reinsurance within the U.S. and Latin America Financial Solutions segment primarily involves assuming investment risk within underlying annuities and corporate-owned life insurance policies. Most of these agreements are coinsurance, coinsurance with funds withheld or modco. The Company recognizes profits or losses primarily from the spread between the investment income earned and the interest credited on the underlying deposit liabilities, income associated with longevity risk, and fees associated with variable annuity account values and guaranteed investment contracts.
Impact of certain derivatives:
Income from the asset-intensive business tends to be volatile due to changes in the fair value of certain derivatives, including embedded derivatives associated with reinsurance treaties structured on a modco or funds withheld basis, as well as embedded derivatives associated with the Company’s reinsurance of equity-indexed annuities and variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefit riders. Fluctuations occur period to period primarily due to changing investment conditions including, but not limited to, interest rate movements (including risk-free rates and credit spreads), implied volatility, the Company’s own credit risk and equity market performance, all of which are factors in the calculations of fair value. Therefore, management believes it is helpful to distinguish between the effects of changes in these derivatives, net of related hedging activity, and the primary factors that drive profitability of the underlying treaties, namely investment income, fee income (included in other revenues), and interest credited. These fluctuations are considered unrealized by management and do not affect current cash flows, crediting rates or spread performance on the underlying treaties.
The following table summarizes the asset-intensive results and quantifies the impact of these embedded derivatives for the periods presented. Revenues before certain derivatives, benefits and expenses before certain derivatives, and income before income taxes and certain derivatives, should not be viewed as substitutes for GAAP revenues, GAAP benefits and expenses, and GAAP income before income taxes.
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(dollars in thousands) | Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 359,824 | $ | 261,598 | $ | 867,831 | $ | 651,687 | ||||||||
Less: | ||||||||||||||||
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties | 18,160 | (2,138 | ) | 31,799 | 14,819 | |||||||||||
Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives | (769 | ) | 8,067 | 307 | 5,556 | |||||||||||
Revenues before certain derivatives | 342,433 | 255,669 | 835,725 | 631,312 | ||||||||||||
Benefits and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 260,163 | 196,108 | 630,518 | 478,095 | ||||||||||||
Less: | ||||||||||||||||
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties | 9,157 | (51 | ) | 17,575 | 2,617 | |||||||||||
Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives | 2,163 | 2,902 | 1,058 | 5,390 | ||||||||||||
Equity-indexed annuities | 19,201 | (317 | ) | 28,748 | (12,603 | ) | ||||||||||
Benefits and expenses before certain derivatives | 229,642 | 193,574 | 583,137 | 482,691 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes: | ||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 99,661 | 65,490 | 237,313 | 173,592 | ||||||||||||
Less: | ||||||||||||||||
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties | 9,003 | (2,087 | ) | 14,224 | 12,202 | |||||||||||
Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives | (2,932 | ) | 5,165 | (751 | ) | 166 | ||||||||||
Equity-indexed annuities | (19,201 | ) | 317 | (28,748 | ) | 12,603 | ||||||||||
Income before income taxes and certain derivatives | $ | 112,791 | $ | 62,095 | $ | 252,588 | $ | 148,621 | ||||||||
Embedded Derivatives - Modco/Funds Withheld Treaties - Represents the change in the fair value of embedded derivatives on funds withheld at interest associated with treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis. The fair value changes of embedded derivatives on funds withheld at interest associated with treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis are reflected in revenues, while the related impact on deferred acquisition expenses is reflected in benefits and expenses. The Company’s utilization of a credit valuation adjustment did not have a material effect on the change in fair value of these embedded derivatives for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.
The change in fair value of the embedded derivatives - modco/funds withheld treaties increased (decreased) income before income taxes by $9.0 million and $(2.1) million for the third quarter and $14.2 million and $12.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase in income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 was primarily the result of repositioning in the funds withheld portfolio, partially offset by widening credit spreads. The increase in income for the third quarter of 2018 was primarily the result of interest rate movements. The increase in income for the first nine months of 2018 were primarily due to tightening credit spreads, partially offset by repositioning in the funds withheld portfolio.
Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Riders - Represents the impact related to guaranteed minimum benefits associated with the Company’s reinsurance of variable annuities. The fair value changes of the guaranteed minimum benefits along with the changes in fair value of the free standing derivatives (interest rate swaps, financial futures and equity options), purchased by the Company to substantially hedge the liability are reflected in revenues, while the related impact on deferred acquisition expenses is reflected in benefits and expenses. The Company’s utilization of a credit valuation adjustment did not have a material effect on the change in fair value of these embedded derivatives for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.
The change in fair value of the guaranteed minimum benefits, after allowing for changes in the associated free standing derivatives, increased (decreased) income before income taxes by $(2.9) million and $5.2 million for the third quarter and $(0.8) million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decrease in income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was due to the annual update of best estimate actuarial policyholder assumptions to account for lower policyholder lapse experience, partially offset by favorable hedging results. The increases in income for the third quarter and for the first nine months of September 30, 2018 were primarily due to favorable hedging results.
Equity-Indexed Annuities - Represents changes in the liability for equity-indexed annuities in excess of changes in account value, after adjustments for related deferred acquisition expenses. The change in fair value of embedded derivative liabilities associated with equity-indexed annuities increased (decreased) income before income taxes by $(19.2) million and $0.3 million for the third quarter and $(28.7) million and $12.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decreases in income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 were primarily due to interest rate movements. The increases in income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2018 were primarily due to lower policyholder lapses and withdrawals.
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The changes in derivatives discussed above are considered unrealized by management and do not affect current cash flows, crediting rates or spread performance on the underlying treaties. Fluctuations occur period to period primarily due to changing investment conditions including, but not limited to, interest rate movements (including benchmark rates and credit spreads), credit valuation adjustments, implied volatility and equity market performance, all of which are factors in the calculations of fair value. Therefore, management believes it is helpful to distinguish between the effects of changes in these derivatives and the primary factors that drive profitability of the underlying treaties, namely investment income, fee income (included in other revenues) and interest credited.
Discussion and analysis before certain derivatives:
Income before income taxes and certain derivatives increased by $50.7 million and $104.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in the third quarter and the first nine months were primarily due to income from asset-intensive transactions executed since the third quarter of 2018, including investment related gains recognized during portfolio repositioning and favorable longevity experience during the first nine months of 2019.
Revenue before certain derivatives increased by $86.8 million and $204.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in the third quarter and first nine months were primarily due to income from asset-intensive transactions executed since the third quarter of 2018, including investment related gains recognized during portfolio repositioning, partially offset by lower interest credited associated with the reinsurance of EIAs. The effect on investment income related to equity options is substantially offset by a corresponding change in interest credited.
Benefits and expenses before certain derivatives increased by $36.1 million and $100.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018. The increases in the third quarter and first nine months were primarily due to benefits and expenses from asset-intensive transactions executed since the third quarter of 2018, including investment related gains recognized during portfolio repositioning, partially offset by lower interest credited associated with the reinsurance of EIAs. The effect on interest credited related to equity options is substantially offset by a corresponding change in investment income.
The invested asset base supporting this segment increased to $24.7 billion as of September 30, 2019 from $19.0 billion as of September 30, 2018. As of September 30, 2019, $3.6 billion of the invested assets were funds withheld at interest, of which greater than 90% is associated with one client.
Financial Solutions - Financial Reinsurance
Financial Reinsurance within the U.S. and Latin America Financial Solutions segment income before income taxes consists primarily of net fees earned on financial reinsurance transactions. Additionally, a portion of the business is brokered business in which the Company does not participate in the assumption of risk. The fees earned from financial reinsurance contracts and brokered business are reflected in other revenues, and the fees paid to retrocessionaires are reflected in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.
Income before income taxes decreased $2.4 million, or 11.0%, and $6.4 million, or 10.2%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The decreases in the third quarter and first nine months were primarily due to the termination of certain agreements.
At September 30, 2019 and 2018, the amount of reinsurance assumed from client companies, as measured by pre-tax statutory surplus, risk based capital and other financial structures was $15.9 billion and $13.7 billion, respectively. The increase was primarily due to a number of new transactions offsetting the termination of certain agreements, as well as organic growth on existing transactions. Fees earned from this business can vary significantly depending on the size of the transactions and the timing of their completion and therefore can fluctuate from period to period.
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Canada Operations
The Company conducts reinsurance business in Canada primarily through RGA Canada. The Canada operations are primarily engaged in Traditional reinsurance, which consists mainly of traditional individual life reinsurance, and to a lesser extent creditor, group life and health, critical illness and disability reinsurance. Creditor insurance covers the outstanding balance on personal, mortgage or commercial loans in the event of death, disability or critical illness and is generally shorter in duration than traditional individual life insurance. The Canada Financial Solutions segment consists of longevity and financial reinsurance.
(dollars in thousands) | Three months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | Traditional | Financial Solutions | Total Canada | Traditional | Financial Solutions | Total Canada | |||||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | 270,749 | $ | 22,432 | $ | 293,181 | $ | 243,105 | $ | 10,681 | $ | 253,786 | |||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | 53,162 | 960 | 54,122 | 50,145 | 415 | 50,560 | |||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | 1,067 | — | 1,067 | 2,484 | — | 2,484 | |||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | (127 | ) | 812 | 685 | 228 | 1,072 | 1,300 | ||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 324,851 | 24,204 | 349,055 | 295,962 | 12,168 | 308,130 | |||||||||||||||||
Benefits and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Claims and other policy benefits | 215,950 | 20,127 | 236,077 | 210,292 | 10,003 | 220,295 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | 31 | — | 31 | 6 | — | 6 | |||||||||||||||||
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses | 56,528 | 453 | 56,981 | 56,224 | 190 | 56,414 | |||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 8,658 | 516 | 9,174 | 8,291 | 329 | 8,620 | |||||||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 281,167 | 21,096 | 302,263 | 274,813 | 10,522 | 285,335 | |||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 43,684 | $ | 3,108 | $ | 46,792 | $ | 21,149 | $ | 1,646 | $ | 22,795 | |||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | Traditional | Financial Solutions | Total Canada | Traditional | Financial Solutions | Total Canada | |||||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | 790,188 | $ | 66,877 | $ | 857,065 | $ | 756,578 | $ | 32,941 | $ | 789,519 | |||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | 152,857 | 2,466 | 155,323 | 150,264 | 860 | 151,124 | |||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | 11,035 | — | 11,035 | 2,199 | — | 2,199 | |||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | 1,246 | 2,364 | 3,610 | 1,439 | 3,233 | 4,672 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 955,326 | 71,707 | 1,027,033 | 910,480 | 37,034 | 947,514 | |||||||||||||||||
Benefits and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Claims and other policy benefits | 622,078 | 60,502 | 682,580 | 647,052 | 27,033 | 674,085 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | 159 | — | 159 | 32 | — | 32 | |||||||||||||||||
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses | 167,485 | 1,349 | 168,834 | 171,797 | 578 | 172,375 | |||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 25,382 | 1,587 | 26,969 | 24,938 | 1,042 | 25,980 | |||||||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 815,104 | 63,438 | 878,542 | 843,819 | 28,653 | 872,472 | |||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 140,222 | $ | 8,269 | $ | 148,491 | $ | 66,661 | $ | 8,381 | $ | 75,042 | |||||||||||
Income before income taxes increased by $24.0 million, or 105.3%, and $73.4 million, or 97.9%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in income for the third quarter and first nine months are primarily due to favorable individual mortality experience as compared to the same period in 2018. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $0.5 million and $4.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes for the Canada Traditional segment increased by $22.5 million, or 106.6%, and $73.6 million, or 110.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in income before income taxes for the third quarter and first nine months were primarily due to favorable individual mortality experience as compared to the same periods in 2018. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $0.5 million and $4.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
55
Net premiums increased by $27.6 million, or 11.4%, and $33.6 million, or 4.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in net premiums in 2019 were primarily due to a new in force block transaction completed during the last quarter of 2018 as well as a non-recurring payment received during the quarter relating to a block of existing business. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in net premiums of $2.9 million and $25.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Net investment income increased $3.0 million, or 6.0%, and $2.6 million, or 1.7%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in net investment income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 were primarily a result of an increase in the invested asset base due to growth in the underlying business volume, partially offset by foreign currency exchange fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in net investment income of $0.6 million and $4.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Other revenues decreased by $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. These variances are primarily due to gains and losses related to foreign currency transactions.
Loss ratios for this segment were 79.8% and 86.5% for the third quarter and 78.7% and 85.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decrease in the loss ratios for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, is due to favorable individual mortality experience. Loss ratios for the traditional individual life mortality business were 85.2% and 96.7% for the third quarter and 84.0% and 95.3% for the first nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Excluding creditor business, claims as a percentage of net premiums for this segment were 65.0% and 81.2% for the third quarter and 68.5% and 79.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Excluding creditor business, claims and other policy benefits, as a percentage of net premiums and investment income were 70.5% and 77.2% for the third quarter and 70.0% and 76.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 20.9% and 23.1% for the third quarter and 21.2% and 22.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Overall, while these ratios are expected to remain in a predictable range, they may fluctuate from period to period due to varying allowance levels and product mix. In addition, the amortization patterns of previously capitalized amounts, which are subject to the form of the reinsurance agreement and the underlying insurance policies, may vary.
Other operating expenses increased $0.4 million, or 4.4%, and $0.4 million, or 1.8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2018. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 3.2% and 3.4% for the third quarter and 3.2% and 3.3% for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Financial Solutions Reinsurance
Income before income taxes increased by $1.5 million, or 88.8%, and decreased by $0.1 million, or 1.3%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in income for the third quarter was primarily due to favorable experience on longevity business and favorable investment revenues. The decrease in income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily due to more favorable experience on longevity business in 2018 compared to 2019. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations in the Canadian dollar resulted in a negligible difference and a decrease in income before income taxes of $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Net premiums increased $11.8 million, or 110.0%, and $33.9 million, or 103.0%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases were primarily due to a new transaction completed in the first three months of 2019. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in net premiums of $0.2 million and $2.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Net investment income increased $0.5 million, or 131.3%, and $1.6 million, or 186.7%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018 primarily due to an increase in the invested asset base.
Claims and other policy benefits increased $10.1 million, or 101.2%, and $33.5 million, or 123.8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases for the third quarter and first nine months were primarily a result of the aforementioned new transaction completed in the first three months of 2019.
Europe, Middle East and Africa Operations
The Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) operations include business generated by its offices principally in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Middle East, the Netherlands, Poland, South Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom (“UK”). EMEA consists of
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two major segments: Traditional and Financial Solutions. The Traditional segment primarily provides reinsurance through yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements on a variety of life, health and critical illness products. Reinsurance agreements may be facultative or automatic agreements covering primarily individual risks and, in some markets, group risks. The Financial Solutions segment consists of reinsurance and other transactions associated with longevity closed blocks, payout annuities, capital management solutions and financial reinsurance.
(dollars in thousands) | Three months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | Traditional | Financial Solutions | Total EMEA | Traditional | Financial Solutions | Total EMEA | |||||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | 359,394 | $ | 54,692 | $ | 414,086 | $ | 340,414 | $ | 49,104 | $ | 389,518 | |||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | 17,514 | 54,937 | 72,451 | 16,190 | 37,548 | 53,738 | |||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | (112 | ) | 2,165 | 2,053 | — | (87 | ) | (87 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other revenues | 1,314 | 5,006 | 6,320 | 455 | 5,099 | 5,554 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 378,110 | 116,800 | 494,910 | 357,059 | 91,664 | 448,723 | |||||||||||||||||
Benefits and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Claims and other policy benefits | 297,289 | 33,333 | 330,622 | 291,442 | 24,211 | 315,653 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | — | 11,916 | 11,916 | — | 2,402 | 2,402 | |||||||||||||||||
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses | 26,538 | 562 | 27,100 | 21,817 | 814 | 22,631 | |||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 28,941 | 9,743 | 38,684 | 25,430 | 8,032 | 33,462 | |||||||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 352,768 | 55,554 | 408,322 | 338,689 | 35,459 | 374,148 | |||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 25,342 | $ | 61,246 | $ | 86,588 | $ | 18,370 | $ | 56,205 | $ | 74,575 | |||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | Traditional | Financial Solutions | Total EMEA | Traditional | Financial Solutions | Total EMEA | |||||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | 1,074,162 | $ | 163,453 | $ | 1,237,615 | $ | 1,070,677 | $ | 146,218 | $ | 1,216,895 | |||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | 54,261 | 150,195 | 204,456 | 49,041 | 109,810 | 158,851 | |||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | — | 8,079 | 8,079 | 9 | 9,123 | 9,132 | |||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | 3,192 | 18,480 | 21,672 | 3,652 | 15,331 | 18,983 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 1,131,615 | 340,207 | 1,471,822 | 1,123,379 | 280,482 | 1,403,861 | |||||||||||||||||
Benefits and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Claims and other policy benefits | 905,085 | 129,762 | 1,034,847 | 928,431 | 88,536 | 1,016,967 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | — | 26,538 | 26,538 | — | 3,877 | 3,877 | |||||||||||||||||
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses | 84,085 | 2,374 | 86,459 | 77,330 | 2,948 | 80,278 | |||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 85,558 | 30,096 | 115,654 | 77,359 | 24,383 | 101,742 | |||||||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 1,074,728 | 188,770 | 1,263,498 | 1,083,120 | 119,744 | 1,202,864 | |||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 56,887 | $ | 151,437 | $ | 208,324 | $ | 40,259 | $ | 160,738 | $ | 200,997 | |||||||||||
Income before income taxes increased by $12.0 million, or 16.1%, and $7.3 million, or 3.6%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in income before income taxes were primarily due to favorable performance in the individual mortality, closed block longevity and payout annuity businesses, as well as increased business volumes. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $4.7 million and $13.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes increased by $7.0 million, or 38.0%, and $16.6 million, or 41.3%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in income for the quarter was primarily due to an improvement in individual mortality experience. The increase in income for the first nine months was primarily due to an improvement in individual mortality and morbidity experience. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $1.2 million and $3.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
57
Net premiums increased $19.0 million, or 5.6%, and $3.5 million, or 0.3%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in net premiums for the three and nine months was primarily due to an increase in business volumes on existing treaties partially offset by treaty terminations and unfavorable foreign exchange fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations decreased net premiums by $17.1 million and $73.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
A portion of the net premiums for the segment, in each period presented, relates to reinsurance of critical illness coverage, primarily in the UK. This coverage provides a benefit in the event of the diagnosis of a pre-defined critical illness. Net premiums earned from this coverage totaled $48.6 million and $45.6 million for the third quarter and $136.1 million and $142.4 million for the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Net investment income increased $1.3 million, or 8.2%, and $5.2 million, or 10.6%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in net investment income were primarily due to an increase in the invested asset base resulting from business growth. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in net investment income of $0.9 million and $3.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Loss ratios for this segment were 82.7% and 85.6% for the third quarter and 84.3% and 86.7% for the first nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decreases in loss ratios were due to normal claims variability associated with individual mortality and morbidity business and changes in business mix.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 7.4% and 6.4% for the third quarter and 7.8% and 7.2% for the first nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increases in the percentages are due primarily to variations in the mixture of business.
Other operating expenses increased $3.5 million, or 13.8%, and $8.2 million, or 10.6%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase is in line with expected expense levels needed to support the business as well as higher incentive-based compensation. Foreign currency fluctuations resulted in a decrease in operating expenses of $1.3 million and $5.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums totaled 8.1% and 7.5% for the third quarter and 8.0% and 7.2% for the first nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Financial Solutions Reinsurance
Income before income taxes increased by $5.0 million, or 9.0%, and decreased by $9.3 million, or 5.8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in the third quarter was primarily due to favorable longevity performance and increased business volumes. The decrease in income before income taxes for the first nine months was primarily due to the normalization of performance on closed longevity blocks after a positive 2018. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $3.4 million and $9.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Net premiums increased by $5.6 million, or 11.4%, and $17.2 million, or 11.8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in net premiums were due to higher new business volumes of closed longevity business. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations decreased net premiums by $3.1 million and $10.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Net investment income increased $17.4 million, or 46.3%, and $40.4 million, or 36.8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in investment income for the three months was due to an increased invested asset yield and an increased invested asset base resulting from business growth. The increase for the nine months was due to an increased invested asset yield, an increased invested asset base from business growth as well as an increase in investment income associated with unit-linked policies which fluctuate with market performance. The effect on investment income related to unit-linked products is substantially offset by a corresponding change in interest credited. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in net investment income of $3.2 million and $9.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Other revenues decreased by $0.1 million, or 1.8%, and increased by $3.1 million, or 20.5%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in other revenues for the first nine months of 2019 was primarily due to fees related to a new closed block annuity transaction. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in other revenues of $0.2 million and $1.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
58
Claims and other policy benefits increased $9.1 million, or 37.7%, and $41.2 million, or 46.6%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in the third quarter and the first nine months was primarily due to increased volumes of closed longevity block business as well as a normalization of performance compared to favorable performance in 2018. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in claims and other policy benefits of $1.9 million and $8.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Interest credited expense increased by $9.5 million and $22.7 million or the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. Interest credited in this segment relates to amounts credited to the contractholders of unit-linked products. The effect on interest credited related to unit-linked products is substantially offset by a corresponding change in investment income.
Other operating expenses increased $1.7 million, or 21.3%, and $5.7 million, or 23.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018 due to normal growth in operations and an increase in acquisition related costs. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in operating expenses of $0.5 million and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Asia Pacific Operations
The Asia Pacific operations include business generated by its offices principally in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. The Traditional segment’s principal types of reinsurance include individual and group life and health, critical illness, disability and superannuation. Superannuation is the Australian government mandated compulsory retirement savings program. Superannuation funds accumulate retirement funds for employees, and, in addition, typically offer life and disability insurance coverage. The Financial Solutions segment includes financial reinsurance and asset-intensive transactions including certain disability, life and health blocks with significant investment risk. Reinsurance agreements may be facultative or automatic agreements covering primarily individual risks and in some markets, group risks.
(dollars in thousands) | Three months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | Traditional | Financial Solutions | Total Asia Pacific | Traditional | Financial Solutions | Total Asia Pacific | |||||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | 655,911 | $ | 29,995 | $ | 685,906 | $ | 551,695 | $ | 75 | $ | 551,770 | |||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | 26,643 | 10,482 | 37,125 | 23,169 | 10,145 | 33,314 | |||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | (1 | ) | (1,062 | ) | (1,063 | ) | — | (438 | ) | (438 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other revenues | 3,333 | 6,287 | 9,620 | 3,171 | 6,385 | 9,556 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 685,886 | 45,702 | 731,588 | 578,035 | 16,167 | 594,202 | |||||||||||||||||
Benefits and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Claims and other policy benefits | 584,005 | 28,399 | 612,404 | 431,570 | 3,894 | 435,464 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | — | 6,081 | 6,081 | — | 6,875 | 6,875 | |||||||||||||||||
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses | 40,114 | 5,095 | 45,209 | 42,063 | 786 | 42,849 | |||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 40,314 | 4,241 | 44,555 | 42,395 | 4,406 | 46,801 | |||||||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 664,433 | 43,816 | 708,249 | 516,028 | 15,961 | 531,989 | |||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 21,453 | $ | 1,886 | $ | 23,339 | $ | 62,007 | $ | 206 | $ | 62,213 | |||||||||||
59
(dollars in thousands) | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | Traditional | Financial Solutions | Total Asia Pacific | Traditional | Financial Solutions | Total Asia Pacific | |||||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | 1,909,070 | $ | 108,243 | $ | 2,017,313 | $ | 1,680,007 | $ | 783 | $ | 1,680,790 | |||||||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | 76,710 | 31,134 | 107,844 | 71,845 | 30,723 | 102,568 | |||||||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | 7 | 2,191 | 2,198 | 8 | 4,933 | 4,941 | |||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | 6,688 | 18,220 | 24,908 | 11,234 | 17,566 | 28,800 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 1,992,475 | 159,788 | 2,152,263 | 1,763,094 | 54,005 | 1,817,099 | |||||||||||||||||
Benefits and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Claims and other policy benefits | 1,698,453 | 97,225 | 1,795,678 | 1,362,356 | 10,767 | 1,373,123 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest credited | — | 19,513 | 19,513 | — | 19,929 | 19,929 | |||||||||||||||||
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses | 78,853 | 20,004 | 98,857 | 138,429 | 2,711 | 141,140 | |||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 122,317 | 13,159 | 135,476 | 118,553 | 12,233 | 130,786 | |||||||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 1,899,623 | 149,901 | 2,049,524 | 1,619,338 | 45,640 | 1,664,978 | |||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 92,852 | $ | 9,887 | $ | 102,739 | $ | 143,756 | $ | 8,365 | $ | 152,121 | |||||||||||
Income before income taxes decreased by $38.9 million, or 62.5%, and $49.4 million, or 32.5%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The decreases in income before income taxes are the result of an increase in the loss incurred in Australia and unfavorable claims experience and assumption updates in Asia as compared to the prior periods. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in an increase in income before income taxes of $3.5 million and $2.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes decreased by $40.6 million, or 65.4%, and $50.9 million, or 35.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The decreases in income before income taxes are the result of an increase in the loss incurred in Australia and unfavorable claims experience and assumption updates in Asia as compared to the prior periods. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in an increase in income before income taxes of $3.1 million and $1.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Net premiums increased by $104.2 million, or 18.9%, and $229.1 million, or 13.6%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases were driven by new business written in Asia as well as in force growth across the segment. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in net premiums of $11.9 million and $62.3 million for the three and nine months of 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
A portion of the net premiums for the segment, in each period presented, relates to reinsurance of critical illness coverage. This coverage provides a benefit in the event of the diagnosis of a pre-defined critical illness. Reinsurance of critical illness in the segment is offered primarily in South Korea, Australia, China and Hong Kong. Net premiums earned from this coverage totaled $294.4 million and $191.1 million for the third quarter and $789.3 million and $607.7 million for the first nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Net investment income increased by $3.5 million, or 15.0%, and $4.9 million, or 6.8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases were due to an increase in invested asset base, partially offset by a lower investment yield and foreign currency exchange fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in net investment income of $0.8 million and $3.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Other revenues increased by $0.2 million, or 5.1%, and decreased by $4.5 million, or 40.5%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The decrease in the first nine months of 2019 was primarily related to variances in foreign currency gains and losses recognized in each period. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in other revenues of $0.3 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Loss ratios for this segment were 89.0% and 78.2% for the third quarter and 89.0% and 81.1% for the first nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increases in the loss ratios were primarily due to unfavorable claims experience in several markets, as well as the impact of experience adjustments in Asia.
60
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 6.1% and 7.6% for the third quarter and 4.1% and 8.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These percentages fluctuate due to timing of client company reporting, premium refunds, variations in the mixture of business and the relative maturity of the business. In addition, as the segment grows, renewal premiums, which have lower allowances than first-year premiums, represent a greater percentage of the total net premiums. Experience adjustments in Asia resulted in reduced policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Favorability in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses was offset by an increase to claims and other policy benefits.
Other operating expenses decreased $2.1 million, or 4.9%, and increased by $3.8 million, or 3.2%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in the first nine months was mainly due to growth in operations in Asia. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums totaled 6.1% and 7.7% for the third quarter and 6.4% and 7.1% for the first nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The timing of premium flows and the level of costs associated with the entrance into and development of new markets within the segment may cause other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums to fluctuate over periods of time.
Financial Solutions Reinsurance
Income before income taxes increased by $1.7 million and $1.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in income before income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily due to new business growth in the segment. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in an increase in income before income taxes of $0.4 million and $0.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Net premiums increased $29.9 million and $107.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase for the third quarter and first nine months was due to new asset-intensive transactions in Asia. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations had a negligible effect on net premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations increased net premiums by $0.8 million and decreased net premiums by $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Net investment income increased $0.3 million, or 3.3%, and $0.4 million, or 1.3%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018 mainly due to an increase in invested asset base, partially offset by a lower investment yield and foreign currency exchange fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in net investment income of $0.2 million and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018.
Other revenues decreased by $0.1 million, or 1.5%, and increased by $0.7 million, or 3.7%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. At September 30, 2019 and 2018, the amount of reinsurance assumed from client companies, as measured by pre-tax statutory surplus, risk based capital and other financial reinsurance structures was $3.3 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively. Fees earned from this business can vary significantly depending on the size of the transactions and the timing of their completion and, therefore, can fluctuate from period to period.
Claims and other policy benefits increased by $24.5 million and $86.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in the third quarter and first nine months were attributable to new asset-intensive transactions in Asia.
Other operating expenses increased by $0.2 million, or 3.7%, and $0.9 million, or 7.6%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, respectively. The timing of transactions and the level of costs associated with the entrance into and development of new markets and new transactions within the segment may cause other operating expenses to fluctuate over periods of time.
Corporate and Other
Corporate and Other revenues primarily include investment income from unallocated invested assets, investment related gains and losses and service fees. Corporate and Other expenses consist of the offset to capital charges allocated to the operating segments within the policy acquisition costs and other insurance income line item, unallocated overhead and executive costs, interest expense related to debt, and the investment income and expense associated with the Company’s collateral finance and securitization transactions and service business expenses. Additionally, Corporate and Other includes results from certain wholly-owned subsidiaries, such as RGAx, and joint ventures that, among other activities, develop and market technology, and provide consulting and outsourcing solutions for the insurance and reinsurance industries. In the past two years, the Company has increased its investment and expenditures in this area in an effort to both support its clients and accelerate the development of new solutions and services to increase consumer engagement within the life insurance industry.
61
(dollars in thousands) | Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
Net premiums | $ | 6 | $ | 7 | $ | (30 | ) | $ | 27 | |||||||
Investment income, net of related expenses | 49,967 | 51,846 | 147,993 | 124,719 | ||||||||||||
Investment related gains (losses), net | (526 | ) | (22,524 | ) | (7,645 | ) | (54,739 | ) | ||||||||
Other revenues | 10,027 | 8,509 | 49,771 | 22,886 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 59,474 | 37,838 | 190,089 | 92,893 | ||||||||||||
Benefits and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Claims and other policy benefits | 108 | 24 | (38 | ) | 452 | |||||||||||
Interest credited | 5,421 | 3,015 | 16,383 | 7,942 | ||||||||||||
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance income | (29,533 | ) | (30,531 | ) | (87,568 | ) | (91,539 | ) | ||||||||
Other operating expenses | 71,496 | 64,896 | 218,624 | 194,126 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 45,927 | 33,290 | 129,383 | 107,769 | ||||||||||||
Collateral finance and securitization expense | 7,102 | 7,467 | 22,670 | 22,509 | ||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 100,521 | 78,161 | 299,454 | 241,259 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | (41,047 | ) | $ | (40,323 | ) | $ | (109,365 | ) | $ | (148,366 | ) | ||||
Loss before income taxes increased by $0.7 million and decreased by $39.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in loss before income taxes for the third quarter was primarily due to increased interest expense and other operating expenses, offset by lower investment losses. The decrease in loss before income taxes for the first nine months was primarily due to decreased net investment related losses and higher investment income partially offset by increased other operating expenses and interest expense.
Net investment income decreased by $1.9 million, or 3.6%, and increased by $23.3 million, or 18.7%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The decrease in the third quarter was largely attributable to lower yield on unallocated invested assets. The increase in the first nine months was largely attributable to increases in unallocated invested assets and a higher average investment yield.
Net investment related losses decreased by $22.0 million and $47.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The decrease in the third quarter losses was primarily due to an increase in net gains on the sale of fixed maturity securities of $20.2 million and an increase in the fair value of equity securities of $0.4 million, as well as a decrease of $4.9 million in investment impairments. The increase in the first nine months of 2019 was primarily due to an increase in net gains on the sale of fixed maturity securities of $47.4 million and an increase in the fair value of equity securities of $17.1 million, which were offset by a $1.5 million increase in other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities and other investments.
Other revenues increased by $1.5 million and $26.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in the third quarter was mainly related to the Company’s RGAx operations, which contributed $5.1 million to the variance in other revenues, and was partially offset by losses primarily in foreign currency exchange of $2.3 million. The increase in the first nine months of 2019 was mainly due to a recapture of a collateral finance transaction, which resulted in a $12.9 million gain. In addition, the Company’s RGAx operations contributed $38.0 million to other revenues in the first nine months of 2019 compared to $22.0 million in the same period in 2018.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance income decreased by $1.0 million, or 3.3%, and $4.0 million, or 4.3%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. Fluctuations period over period were attributable to the offset to capital charges allocated to the operating segments.
Other operating expenses increased by $6.6 million, or 10.2%, and $24.5 million, or 12.6%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in other operating expenses were primarily due to growth in strategic initiatives, such as RGAx, and increased incentive-based compensation.
Interest expense increased by $12.6 million, or 38.0%, and $21.6 million, or 20.1%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018. The increases in interest expense resulted primarily from the issuance of $600.0 million in long-term debt in May 2019 and the variability in tax-related interest expense.
62
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
The Company believes that cash flows from the various sources of funds available to it will provide sufficient cash flows for the next twelve months to satisfy the current liquidity requirements of the Company under various scenarios that include the potential risk of early recapture of reinsurance treaties, market events and higher than expected claims. The Company performs periodic liquidity stress testing to ensure its asset portfolio includes sufficient high quality liquid assets that could be utilized to bolster its liquidity position under stress scenarios. These assets could be utilized as collateral for secured borrowing transactions with various third parties or by selling the securities in the open market if needed. The Company’s liquidity requirements have been and will continue to be funded through net cash flows from operations. However, in the event of significant unanticipated cash requirements beyond normal liquidity needs, the Company has multiple liquidity alternatives available based on market conditions and the amount and timing of the liquidity need. These alternatives include borrowings under committed credit facilities, secured borrowings, the ability to issue long-term debt, preferred securities or common equity and, if necessary, the sale of invested assets subject to market conditions.
Current Market Environment
The current low interest rate environment in select markets, primarily the U.S., Canada and Europe, continues to put downward pressure on the Company’s investment yield. However, the Company’s average investment yield, excluding spread business, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was 4.57%, 12 basis points above the same period in 2018 due to higher income from limited partnerships. The Company’s insurance liabilities, in particular its annuity products, are sensitive to changing market factors. Gross unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale increased from $1,858.7 million at December 31, 2018 to $4,723.1 million at September 30, 2019. Similarly, gross unrealized losses decreased from $748.5 million at December 31, 2018 to $102.2 million at September 30, 2019.
The Company continues to be in a position to hold any investment security showing an unrealized loss until recovery, provided it remains comfortable with the credit of the issuer. As indicated above, gross unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities of $4,723.1 million remain well in excess of gross unrealized losses of $102.2 million as of September 30, 2019. The Company does not rely on short-term funding or commercial paper and to date it has experienced no liquidity pressure, nor does it anticipate such pressure in the foreseeable future.
The Company projects its reserves to be sufficient, and it would not expect to write down deferred acquisition costs or be required to take any actions to augment capital, even if interest rates remain at current levels for the next five years, assuming all other factors remain constant. While the Company has felt the pressures of sustained low interest rates and volatile equity markets and may continue to do so, its business operations are not overly sensitive to these risks. Although management believes the Company’s current capital base is adequate to support its business at current operating levels, it continues to monitor new business opportunities and any associated new capital needs that could arise from the changing financial landscape.
The Holding Company
RGA is an insurance holding company whose primary uses of liquidity include, but are not limited to, the immediate capital needs of its operating companies, dividends paid to its shareholders, repurchase of common stock and interest payments on its indebtedness. The primary sources of RGA’s liquidity include proceeds from its capital-raising efforts, interest income on undeployed corporate investments, interest income received on surplus notes with RGA Reinsurance, RCM and Rockwood Re and dividends from operating subsidiaries. As the Company continues its growth efforts, RGA will continue to be dependent upon these sources of liquidity. The following tables provide comparative information for RGA (dollars in thousands):
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Interest expense | $ | 54,036 | $ | 40,924 | $ | 154,034 | $ | 133,618 | ||||||||
Capital contributions to subsidiaries | 12,000 | 17,850 | 50,768 | 40,850 | ||||||||||||
Dividends to shareholders | 43,886 | 38,071 | 119,233 | 102,441 | ||||||||||||
Interest and dividend income | 35,758 | 132,035 | 101,676 | 396,055 | ||||||||||||
Issuance of unaffiliated debt | — | — | 598,524 | — | ||||||||||||
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||
Cash and invested assets | $ | 814,504 | $ | 658,850 | ||||
See Item 15, Schedule II - “Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant” in the 2018 Annual Report for additional financial information related to RGA.
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The undistributed earnings of substantially all of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been reinvested indefinitely in those non-U.S. operations, as described in Note 9 - “Income Tax” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2018 Annual Report. As U.S. Tax Reform generally eliminates U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, the Company does not expect to incur material income taxes if these funds are repatriated.
RGA endeavors to maintain a capital structure that provides financial and operational flexibility to its subsidiaries, credit ratings that support its competitive position in the financial services marketplace, and shareholder returns. As part of the Company’s capital deployment strategy, it has in recent years repurchased shares of RGA common stock and paid dividends to RGA shareholders, as authorized by the board of directors. RGA’s current share repurchase program, which was approved by the board of directors in January 2019, authorizes the repurchase of up to $400.0 million of common stock. The pace of repurchase activity depends on various factors such as the level of available cash, an evaluation of the costs and benefits associated with alternative uses of excess capital, such as acquisitions and in force reinsurance transactions, and RGA’s stock price.
Details underlying dividend and share repurchase program activity were as follows (in thousands, except share data):
Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
Dividends to shareholders | $ | 119,233 | $ | 102,441 | |||
Repurchases of treasury stock | 79,804 | 258,524 | |||||
Total amount paid to shareholders | $ | 199,037 | $ | 360,965 | |||
Number of shares repurchased | 546,614 | 1,750,295 | |||||
Average price per share | $ | 146.00 | $ | 147.70 | |||
In October 2019, RGA’s board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.70 per share. All future payments of dividends are at the discretion of RGA’s board of directors and will depend on the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, insurance regulatory conditions, operating conditions, and other such factors as the board of directors may deem relevant. The amount of dividends that RGA can pay will depend in part on the operations of its reinsurance subsidiaries. See Note 3 - “Equity” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the Company’s share repurchase program.
Debt
Certain of the Company’s debt agreements contain financial covenant restrictions related to, among others, liens, the issuance and disposition of stock of restricted subsidiaries, minimum requirements of consolidated net worth, maximum ratios of debt to capitalization and change of control provisions. The Company is required to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, as defined in the debt agreements, of $5.3 billion, calculated as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. Also, consolidated indebtedness, calculated as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, cannot exceed 35% of the sum of the Company’s consolidated indebtedness plus adjusted consolidated stockholders’ equity. A material ongoing covenant default could require immediate payment of the amount due, including principal, under the various agreements. Additionally, the Company’s debt agreements contain cross-default covenants, which would make outstanding borrowings immediately payable in the event of a material uncured covenant default under any of the agreements, including, but not limited to, non-payment of indebtedness when due for an amount in excess of the amounts set forth in those agreements, bankruptcy proceedings, or any other event that results in the acceleration of the maturity of indebtedness.
As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had $3.4 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively, in outstanding borrowings under its debt agreements and was in compliance with all covenants under those agreements. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the average net interest rate on long-term debt outstanding was 5.01% and 5.24%, respectively. The ability of the Company to make debt principal and interest payments depends on the earnings and surplus of subsidiaries, investment earnings on undeployed capital proceeds, available liquidity at the holding company, and the Company’s ability to raise additional funds.
On May 15, 2019, RGA issued 3.9% Senior Notes due May 15, 2029 with a face amount of $600.0 million. This security has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The net proceeds were approximately $593.8 million and will be used in part to repay upon maturity the Company’s $400.0 million 6.45% Senior Notes that mature in November 2019. The remainder will be used for general corporate purposes. Capitalized issue costs were approximately $4.8 million.
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The Company enters into derivative agreements with counterparties that reference either the Company’s debt rating or its financial strength rating. If either rating is downgraded in the future, it could trigger certain terms in the Company’s derivative agreements, which could negatively affect overall liquidity. For the majority of the Company’s derivative agreements, there is a termination event, at the Company’s option, should the long-term senior debt ratings drop below either BBB+ (S&P) or Baa1 (Moody’s) or the financial strength ratings drop below either A- (S&P) or A3 (Moody’s).
The Company may borrow up to $850.0 million in cash and obtain letters of credit in multiple currencies on its revolving credit facility that matures in August 2023. As of September 30, 2019, the Company had no cash borrowings outstanding and $19.5 million in issued, but undrawn, letters of credit under this facility.
Based on the historic cash flows and the current financial results of the Company, management believes RGA’s cash flows will be sufficient to enable RGA to meet its obligations for at least the next 12 months.
Credit and Committed Facilities
At September 30, 2019, the Company maintained an $850.0 million syndicated revolving credit facility and certain committed letter of credit facilities aggregating to $1,070.6 million. See Note 13 - “Debt” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2018 Annual Report for further information about these facilities.
The Company has obtained bank letters of credit in favor of various affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies from which the Company assumes business. These letters of credit represent guarantees of performance under the reinsurance agreements and allow ceding companies to take statutory reserve credits. Certain of these letters of credit contain financial covenant restrictions similar to those described in the “Debt” discussion above. At September 30, 2019, there were approximately $84.8 million of outstanding bank letters of credit in favor of third parties. Additionally, in accordance with applicable regulations, the Company utilizes letters of credit to secure statutory reserve credits when it retrocedes business to its affiliated subsidiaries. The Company cedes business to its affiliates to help reduce the amount of regulatory capital required in certain jurisdictions, such as the U.S. and the UK. The Company believes the capital required to support the business in the affiliates reflects more realistic expectations than the original jurisdiction of the business, where capital requirements are often considered to be quite conservative. As of September 30, 2019, $1.1 billion in letters of credit from various banks were outstanding, but undrawn, backing reinsurance between the various subsidiaries of the Company.
Cash Flows
The Company’s principal cash inflows from its reinsurance operations include premiums and deposit funds received from ceding companies. The primary liquidity concerns with respect to these cash flows are early recapture of the reinsurance contract by the ceding company and lapses of annuity products reinsured by the Company. The Company’s principal cash inflows from its invested assets result from investment income and the maturity and sales of invested assets. The primary liquidity concerns with respect to these cash inflows relates to the risk of default by debtors and interest rate volatility. The Company manages these risks very closely. See “Investments” and “Interest Rate Risk” below.
Additional sources of liquidity to meet unexpected cash outflows in excess of operating cash inflows and current cash and equivalents on hand include selling short-term investments or fixed maturity securities and drawing funds under a revolving credit facility, under which the Company had availability of $830.5 million as of September 30, 2019. The Company also has $901.1 million of funds available through collateralized borrowings from the FHLB as of September 30, 2019. As of September 30, 2019, the Company could have borrowed these additional amounts without violating any of its existing debt covenants.
The Company’s principal cash outflows relate to the payment of claims liabilities, interest credited, operating expenses, income taxes, dividends to shareholders, purchases of treasury stock and principal and interest under debt and other financing obligations. The Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers under excess coverage and coinsurance contracts (See Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2018 Annual Report). The Company performs annual financial reviews of its retrocessionaires to evaluate financial stability and performance. The Company has never experienced a material default in connection with retrocession arrangements, nor has it experienced any difficulty in collecting claims recoverable from retrocessionaires; however, no assurance can be given as to the future performance of such retrocessionaires nor to the recoverability of future claims. The Company’s management believes its current sources of liquidity are adequate to meet its cash requirements for the next 12 months.
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Summary of Primary Sources and Uses of Liquidity and Capital
The Company’s primary sources and uses of liquidity and capital are summarized as follows:
For the nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||
Sources: | ||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,763,250 | $ | 1,100,163 | ||||
Net cash provided by investing activities | — | 31,012 | ||||||
Proceeds from long-term debt issuance | 598,524 | — | ||||||
Exercise of stock options, net | 4,259 | 2,336 | ||||||
Change in cash collateral for derivative positions and other arrangements | — | — | ||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | — | — | ||||||
Total sources | 2,366,033 | 1,133,511 | ||||||
Uses: | ||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | 980,206 | — | ||||||
Dividends to stockholders | 119,233 | 102,441 | ||||||
Repayment of collateral finance and securitization notes | 76,516 | 75,146 | ||||||
Debt issuance costs | 4,750 | — | ||||||
Principal payments of long-term debt | 2,091 | 2,007 | ||||||
Purchases of treasury stock | 98,231 | 273,873 | ||||||
Change in cash collateral for derivatives and other arrangements | 67,069 | 21,288 | ||||||
Cash used for changes in universal life and other | ||||||||
investment type policies and contracts | 254,486 | 199,778 | ||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 17,588 | 32,013 | ||||||
Total uses | 1,620,170 | 706,546 | ||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | $ | 745,863 | $ | 426,965 | ||||
Cash Flows from Operations - The principal cash inflows from the Company’s reinsurance activities come from premiums, investment and fee income, annuity considerations and deposit funds. The principal cash outflows relate to the liabilities associated with various life and health insurance, annuity and disability products, operating expenses, income tax payments and interest on outstanding debt obligations. The primary liquidity concern with respect to these cash flows is the risk of shortfalls in premiums and investment income, particularly in periods with abnormally high claims levels.
Cash Flows from Investments - The principal cash inflows from the Company’s investment activities come from repayments of principal on invested assets, proceeds from maturities of invested assets, sales of invested assets and settlements of freestanding derivatives. The principal cash outflows relate to purchases of investments, issuances of policy loans and settlements of freestanding derivatives. The Company typically has a net cash outflow from investing activities because cash inflows from insurance operations are reinvested in accordance with its asset/liability management discipline to fund insurance liabilities. The Company closely monitors and manages these risks through its credit risk management process. The primary liquidity concerns with respect to these cash flows are the risk of default by debtors and market disruption, which could make it difficult for the Company to sell investments.
Financing Cash Flows - The principal cash inflows from the Company’s financing activities come from issuances of RGA debt and equity securities, and deposit funds associated with universal life and other investment type policies and contracts. The principal cash outflows come from repayments of debt, payments of dividends to stockholders, purchases of treasury stock, and withdrawals associated with universal life and other investment type policies and contracts. A primary liquidity concern with respect to these cash flows is the risk of early contractholder and policyholder withdrawal.
Contractual Obligations
The Company’s obligation for long-term debt, including interest, increased by $725.1 million since December 31, 2018 primarily related to the May 2019 issuance of senior notes as previously discussed. The Company’s obligation for interest sensitive contracts increased by $7.5 billion since December 31, 2018 as a result of several large asset-intensive transactions closed during 2019. There were no other material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations from those reported in the 2018 Annual Report.
Asset / Liability Management
The Company actively manages its cash and invested assets using an approach that is intended to balance quality, diversification, asset/liability matching, liquidity and investment return. The goals of the investment process are to optimize after-tax, risk-adjusted investment income and after-tax, risk-adjusted total return while managing the assets and liabilities on a cash flow and duration basis.
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The Company has established target asset portfolios for its operating segments, which represent the investment strategies intended to profitably fund its liabilities within acceptable risk parameters. These strategies include objectives and limits for effective duration, yield curve sensitivity and convexity, liquidity, asset sector concentration and credit quality.
The Company’s asset-intensive products are primarily supported by investments in fixed maturity securities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet and under funds withheld arrangements with the ceding company. Investment guidelines are established to structure the investment portfolio based upon the type, duration and behavior of products in the liability portfolio so as to achieve targeted levels of profitability. The Company manages the asset-intensive business to provide a targeted spread between the interest rate earned on investments and the interest rate credited to the underlying interest-sensitive contract liabilities. The Company periodically reviews models projecting different interest rate scenarios and their effect on profitability. Certain of these asset-intensive agreements, primarily in the U.S. and Latin America Financial Solutions operating segment, are generally funded by fixed maturity securities that are withheld by the ceding company.
The Company’s liquidity position (cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments) was $2,743.1 million and $2,032.3 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Liquidity needs are determined from valuation analyses conducted by operational units and are driven by product portfolios. Periodic evaluations of demand liabilities and short-term liquid assets are designed to adjust specific portfolios, as well as their durations and maturities, in response to anticipated liquidity needs.
See “Securities Borrowing, Lending and Other” in Note 4 - “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the Company’s securities borrowing, lending and repurchase/reverse repurchase programs. In addition to its security agreements with third parties, certain RGA’s subsidiaries have entered into intercompany securities lending agreements to more efficiently source securities for lending to third parties and to provide for more efficient regulatory capital management.
The Company is a member of the FHLB and holds $82.4 million of FHLB common stock, which is included in other invested assets on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The Company has entered into funding agreements with the FHLB under guaranteed investment contracts whereby the Company has issued the funding agreements in exchange for cash and for which the FHLB has been granted a blanket lien on the Company’s commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage loans used to collateralize the Company’s obligations under the funding agreements. The Company maintains control over these pledged assets, and may use, commingle, encumber or dispose of any portion of the collateral as long as there is no event of default and the remaining qualified collateral is sufficient to satisfy the collateral maintenance level. The funding agreements and the related security agreements represented by this blanket lien provide that upon any event of default by the Company, the FHLB’s recovery is limited to the amount of the Company’s liability under the outstanding funding agreements. The amount of the Company’s liability for the funding agreements with the FHLB under guaranteed investment contracts was $1.7 billion at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, which is included in interest sensitive contract liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. The advances on these agreements are collateralized primarily by commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage loans, and U.S. Treasury and government agency securities. The amount of collateral exceeds the liability and is dependent on the type of assets collateralizing the guaranteed investment contracts.
Investments
Management of Investments
The Company’s investment and derivative strategies involve matching the characteristics of its reinsurance products and other obligations and to seek to closely approximate the interest rate sensitivity of the assets with estimated interest rate sensitivity of the reinsurance liabilities. The Company achieves its income objectives through strategic and tactical asset allocations, security and derivative strategies within an asset/liability management and disciplined risk management framework. Derivative strategies are employed within the Company’s risk management framework to help manage duration, currency, and other risks in assets and/or liabilities and to replicate the credit characteristics of certain assets. For a discussion of the Company’s risk management process see “Market and Credit Risk” in the “Enterprise Risk Management” section of the Company’s 2018 Annual Report.
The Company’s portfolio management groups work with the Enterprise Risk Management function to develop the investment policies for the assets of the Company’s domestic and international investment portfolios. All investments held by the Company, directly or in a funds withheld at interest reinsurance arrangement, are monitored for conformance with the Company’s stated investment policy limits as well as any limits prescribed by the applicable jurisdiction’s insurance laws and regulations. See Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company’s investments.
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Portfolio Composition
The Company had total cash and invested assets of $67.1 billion and $56.1 billion at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, as illustrated below (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | % of Total | December 31, 2018 | % of Total | |||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | $ | 49,481,267 | 73.7 | % | $ | 39,992,346 | 71.3 | % | ||||||
Equity securities | 134,453 | 0.2 | 82,197 | 0.1 | ||||||||||
Mortgage loans on real estate | 5,647,265 | 8.4 | 4,966,298 | 8.8 | ||||||||||
Policy loans | 1,289,868 | 1.9 | 1,344,980 | 2.4 | ||||||||||
Funds withheld at interest | 5,614,363 | 8.4 | 5,761,471 | 10.3 | ||||||||||
Short-term investments | 107,503 | 0.2 | 142,598 | 0.3 | ||||||||||
Other invested assets | 2,215,275 | 3.3 | 1,915,297 | 3.4 | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 2,635,596 | 3.9 | 1,889,733 | 3.4 | ||||||||||
Total cash and invested assets | $ | 67,125,590 | 100.0 | % | $ | 56,094,920 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
Investment Yield
The following table presents consolidated average invested assets at amortized cost, net investment income and investment yield, excluding spread related business. Spread related business is primarily associated with contracts on which the Company earns an interest rate spread between assets and liabilities. To varying degrees, fluctuations in the yield on other spread related business is generally subject to corresponding adjustments to the interest credited on the liabilities (dollars in thousands).
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | Increase/ (Decrease) | 2019 | 2018 | Increase/ (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||
Average invested assets at amortized cost | $ | 29,043,254 | $ | 27,029,073 | 7.5 | % | $ | 28,221,792 | $ | 26,689,086 | 5.7 | % | |||||||||
Net investment income | 344,363 | 303,860 | 13.3 | % | 961,397 | 886,165 | 8.5 | % | |||||||||||||
Investment yield (ratio of net investment income to average invested assets) | 4.83 | % | 4.57 | % | 26 bps | 4.57 | % | 4.45 | % | 12 bps | |||||||||||
Investment yield increased for the three months ended September 30, 2019 in comparison to the same period in the prior year primarily due to increased income from joint ventures and limited partnerships. Investment yield increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 in comparison to the same period in the prior year primarily due to increased income from limited partnerships. Joint ventures and limited partnerships, are included in other invested assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale
See “Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables that provide the amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, estimated fair value of these securities, and the other-than-temporary impairments in AOCI by sector as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
The Company holds various types of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale and classifies them as corporate securities (“Corporate”), Canadian and Canadian provincial government securities (“Canadian government”), residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), U.S. government and agencies (“U.S. government”), state and political subdivisions, and other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises (“Other foreign government”). As of both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, approximately 95.6% of the Company’s consolidated investment portfolio of fixed maturity securities were investment grade.
Important factors in the selection of investments include diversification, quality, yield, call protection and total rate of return potential. The relative importance of these factors is determined by market conditions and the underlying reinsurance liability and existing portfolio characteristics. The Company owns floating rate securities that represent approximately 5.9% and 6.2% of the total fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. These investments have a higher degree of income variability than the other fixed income holdings in the portfolio due to fluctuations in interest payments. The Company holds floating rate investments to match specific floating rate liabilities primarily reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as collateral finance notes, as well as to enhance asset management strategies.
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The largest asset class in which fixed maturity securities were invested was corporate securities, which represented approximately 61.3% and 59.9% of total fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. See “Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables showing the major industry types, which comprise the corporate fixed maturity holdings at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
As of September 30, 2019, the Company’s investments in Canadian government securities represented 9.4% of the fair value of total fixed maturity securities compared to 9.7% of the fair value of total fixed maturities at December 31, 2018. These assets are primarily high quality, long duration provincial strips, the valuation of which is closely linked to the interest rate curve. These assets are longer in duration and held primarily for asset/liability management to meet Canadian regulatory requirements. See “Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables showing the various sectors as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
The Company references rating agency designations in some of its investments disclosures. These designations are based on the ratings from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, primarily Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. Structured securities held by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries that maintain the NAIC statutory basis of accounting utilize the NAIC rating methodology. The NAIC assigns designations to publicly traded as well as privately placed securities. The designations assigned by the NAIC range from class 1 to class 6, with designations in classes 1 and 2 generally considered investment grade (BBB or higher rating agency designation). NAIC designations in classes 3 through 6 are generally considered below investment grade (BB or lower rating agency designation).
The quality of the Company’s available-for-sale fixed maturity securities portfolio, as measured at fair value and by the percentage of fixed maturity securities invested in various ratings categories, relative to the entire available-for-sale fixed maturity security portfolio, at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was as follows (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
NAIC Designation | Rating Agency Designation | Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | % of Total | Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | % of Total | |||||||||||||||||
1 | AAA/AA/A | $ | 28,621,572 | $ | 32,128,170 | 64.9 | % | $ | 24,904,526 | $ | 26,180,440 | 65.5 | % | |||||||||||
2 | BBB | 14,129,529 | 15,213,511 | 30.7 | 12,141,601 | 12,023,426 | 30.1 | |||||||||||||||||
3 | BB | 1,585,829 | 1,610,553 | 3.3 | 1,409,235 | 1,371,328 | 3.4 | |||||||||||||||||
4 | B | 443,401 | 444,260 | 0.9 | 395,694 | 385,670 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||
5 | CCC and lower | 29,558 | 29,186 | 0.1 | 13,183 | 12,860 | — | |||||||||||||||||
6 | In or near default | 50,552 | 55,587 | 0.1 | 17,929 | 18,622 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 44,860,441 | $ | 49,481,267 | 100.0 | % | $ | 38,882,168 | $ | 39,992,346 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||
The Company’s fixed maturity portfolio includes structured securities. The following table shows the types of structured securities the Company held at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||
RMBS: | ||||||||||||||||
Agency | $ | 786,882 | $ | 834,399 | $ | 811,044 | $ | 814,568 | ||||||||
Non-agency | 1,573,809 | 1,605,443 | 1,061,192 | 1,054,653 | ||||||||||||
Total RMBS | 2,360,691 | 2,439,842 | 1,872,236 | 1,869,221 | ||||||||||||
CMBS | 1,698,334 | 1,782,218 | 1,428,115 | 1,419,034 | ||||||||||||
ABS | 2,809,008 | 2,822,635 | 2,171,254 | 2,149,204 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 6,868,033 | $ | 7,044,695 | $ | 5,471,605 | $ | 5,437,459 | ||||||||
The Company’s RMBS include agency-issued pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. A majority of the agency-issued pass-through securities are guaranteed or otherwise supported by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association, or the Government National Mortgage Association. The principal risks inherent in holding mortgage-backed securities are prepayment and extension risks, which will affect the timing of when cash will be received and are dependent on the level of mortgage interest rates. Prepayment risk is the unexpected increase in principal payments from the expected, primarily as a result of owner refinancing. Extension risk relates to the unexpected slowdown in principal payments from the expected. In addition, non-agency mortgage-backed securities face credit risk should the borrower be unable to pay the contractual interest or principal on their obligation. The Company monitors its mortgage-backed securities to mitigate exposure to the cash flow uncertainties associated with these risks.
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The Company’s ABS portfolio primarily consists of collateralized loan obligations among other collateral types. The principal risks in holding asset-backed securities are structural, credit, capital market and interest rate risks. Structural risks include the securities’ cash flow priority in the capital structure and the inherent prepayment sensitivity of the underlying collateral. Credit risks include the adequacy and ability to realize proceeds from the collateral. Credit risks are mitigated by credit enhancements that include excess spread, over-collateralization and subordination. Capital market risks include general level of interest rates and the liquidity for these securities in the marketplace.
The Company monitors its fixed maturity securities to determine impairments in value and evaluates factors such as financial condition of the issuer, payment performance, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been below amortized cost, compliance with covenants, general market and industry sector conditions, current intent and ability to hold securities, and various other subjective factors. Based on management’s judgment, securities determined to have an other-than-temporary impairment in value are written down to fair value. See “Investments – Other-than-Temporary Impairment” in Note 2 – “Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2018 Annual Report for additional information. The table below summarizes other-than-temporary impairments and changes in the mortgage loan provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (dollars in thousands).
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
Impairment losses on fixed maturity securities | $ | 8,539 | $ | 10,705 | $ | 17,992 | $ | 14,055 | |||||||
Other impairment losses | 3,942 | 5,910 | 11,013 | 7,249 | |||||||||||
Change in mortgage loan provision | 88 | 656 | 485 | 986 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 12,569 | $ | 17,271 | $ | 29,490 | $ | 22,290 | |||||||
The fixed maturity impairments for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, primarily related to high-yield securities. The fixed maturity impairments for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were primarily related to a U.S. utility company and high-yield securities. The fixed maturity impairments for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were primarily related to high-yield securities. In addition, other impairment losses for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were primarily due to impairments on limited partnerships. Other impairment losses for the three months ended September 30, 2018 were primarily due to impairments on real estate joint ventures and limited partnerships. Other impairment losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were primarily due to impairments on real estate joint ventures and limited partnerships.
At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had $102.2 million and $748.5 million, respectively, of gross unrealized losses related to its fixed maturity securities. The distribution of the gross unrealized losses related to these securities is shown below.
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||
Sector: | ||||||
Corporate | 76.3 | % | 74.2 | % | ||
Canadian government | 0.2 | 0.3 | ||||
RMBS | 2.2 | 3.4 | ||||
ABS | 13.7 | 4.4 | ||||
CMBS | 0.5 | 2.4 | ||||
U.S. government | 0.2 | 7.7 | ||||
State and political subdivisions | 1.6 | 1.2 | ||||
Other foreign government | 5.3 | 6.4 | ||||
Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||
Industry: | ||||||
Finance | 18.0 | % | 27.5 | % | ||
Asset-backed | 13.7 | 4.4 | ||||
Industrial | 51.0 | 38.2 | ||||
Mortgage-backed | 2.7 | 5.8 | ||||
Government | 7.3 | 15.6 | ||||
Utility | 7.3 | 8.5 | ||||
Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||
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See “Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the total gross unrealized losses for these securities at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by less than 20% or more than 20%.
The Company’s determination of whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary includes analysis of the underlying credit and the extent and duration of a decline in value. The Company’s credit analysis of an investment includes determining whether the issuer is current on its contractual payments, evaluating whether it is probable that the Company will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security and analyzing the overall ability of the Company to recover the amortized cost of the investment.
See “Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables that present the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses, including other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in AOCI, for these securities that have estimated fair values below amortized cost, by class and grade security, as well as the length of time the related market value has remained below amortized cost as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company classified approximately 5.4% and 5.0%, respectively, of its fixed maturity securities in the Level 3 category (refer to Note 6 – “Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information). These securities primarily consist of private placement corporate securities, bank loans, and Canadian provincial strips with inactive trading markets.
See “Securities Borrowing, Lending and Other” in Note 4 - “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the Company’s securities borrowing, lending, repurchase and repurchase/reverse repurchase programs.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans represented approximately 8.4% and 8.8% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The Company’s mortgage loan portfolio consists of U.S., Canada and United Kingdom based investments primarily in commercial offices, light industrial properties and retail locations. The mortgage loan portfolio is diversified by geographic region and property type. The mortgage loan portfolio was diversified by geographic region and property type discussed further under “Mortgage Loans on Real Estate” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company’s mortgage loans, gross of unamortized deferred loan origination fees and expenses and valuation allowances, were distributed geographically as follows (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||
Recorded Investment | % of Total | Recorded Investment | % of Total | |||||||||||
U.S. Region: | ||||||||||||||
Pacific | $ | 1,498,874 | 26.5 | % | $ | 1,396,346 | 28.0 | % | ||||||
South Atlantic | 1,017,068 | 17.9 | 964,174 | 19.3 | ||||||||||
Mountain | 820,734 | 14.5 | 693,281 | 13.9 | ||||||||||
East North Central | 727,264 | 12.8 | 605,608 | 12.2 | ||||||||||
West North Central | 278,086 | 4.9 | 288,949 | 5.8 | ||||||||||
West South Central | 757,446 | 13.4 | 567,541 | 11.4 | ||||||||||
Middle Atlantic | 249,709 | 4.4 | 202,235 | 4.1 | ||||||||||
East South Central | 126,203 | 2.2 | 117,588 | 2.4 | ||||||||||
New England | — | — | 5,609 | 0.1 | ||||||||||
Subtotal - U.S. | 5,475,384 | 96.6 | 4,841,331 | 97.2 | ||||||||||
Canada | 166,298 | 2.9 | 135,394 | 2.7 | ||||||||||
United Kingdom | 25,672 | 0.5 | 6,629 | 0.1 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 5,667,354 | 100.0 | % | $ | 4,983,354 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
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Valuation allowances on mortgage loans are established based upon inherent losses expected by management to be realized in connection with future dispositions or settlement of mortgage loans, including foreclosures. The valuation allowances are established after management considers, among other things, the value of underlying collateral and payment capabilities of debtors. Any subsequent adjustments to the valuation allowances will be treated as investment gains or losses. See “Mortgage Loans on Real Estate” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding valuation allowances and impairments.
Policy Loans
Policy loans comprised approximately 1.9% and 2.4% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, the majority of which are associated with one client. These policy loans present no credit risk because the amount of the loan cannot exceed the obligation due the ceding company upon the death of the insured or surrender of the underlying policy. The provisions of the treaties in force and the underlying policies determine the policy loan interest rates. The Company earns a spread between the interest rate earned on policy loans and the interest rate credited to corresponding liabilities.
Funds Withheld at Interest
Funds withheld at interest comprised approximately 8.4% and 10.3% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. For reinsurance agreements written on a modified coinsurance basis and certain agreements written on a coinsurance basis, assets equal to the net statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned and managed by the ceding company, and are reflected as funds withheld at interest on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. In the event of a ceding company’s insolvency, the Company would need to assert a claim on the assets supporting its reserve liabilities. However, the risk of loss to the Company is mitigated by its ability to offset amounts it owes the ceding company for claims or allowances against amounts owed by the ceding company. Interest accrues to the total funds withheld at interest assets at rates defined by the treaty terms. The Company is subject to the investment performance on the withheld assets, although it does not directly control them. These assets are primarily fixed maturity investment securities and pose risks similar to the fixed maturity securities the Company owns. To mitigate this risk, the Company helps set the investment guidelines followed by the ceding company and monitors compliance. Ceding companies with funds withheld at interest had an average financial strength rating of “A” at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Certain ceding companies maintain segregated portfolios for the benefit of the Company.
Other Invested Assets
Other invested assets include limited partnership interests, joint ventures (other than operating joint ventures), lifetime mortgages, derivative contracts, FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments and FHLB common stock. Other invested assets represented approximately 3.3% and 3.4% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. See “Other Invested Assets” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the carrying value of the Company’s other invested assets by type as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments to protect the Company against possible changes in the fair value of its investment portfolio as a result of interest rate changes, to hedge liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits and to manage the portfolio’s effective yield, maturity and duration. In addition, the Company utilizes derivative financial instruments to reduce the risk associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company uses exchange-traded, centrally cleared, and customized over-the-counter derivative financial instruments.
The Company holds beneficial interests in lifetime mortgages in the United Kingdom. Lifetime mortgages represent loans provided to individuals 55 years of age and older secured by the borrower’s residence. Lifetime mortgages are comparable to a home equity loan by allowing the borrower to utilize the equity in their home as collateral. The amount of the loan is dependent on the appraised value of the home at the time of origination, the borrower's age and interest rate. Unlike a home equity loan, no payment of principal or interest is required until the death of the borrower or sale of the home. Lifetime mortgages may be fully funded at origination, or the borrower can request periodic funding similar to a line of credit. Lifetime mortgages are subject to risks, including market, credit, interest rate, liquidity, operational, reputational and legal risks.
Other invested assets include $670.0 million and $475.9 million of lifetime mortgages as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Lifetime mortgage investment income was $8.8 million and $5.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $24.5 million and $12.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the notional amounts and fair value of investment related derivative instruments held at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
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The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments. Generally, the credit exposure of the Company’s derivative contracts is limited to the fair value at the reporting date plus or minus any collateral posted or held by the Company. The Company had no credit exposure related to its derivative contracts, excluding futures and mortality swaps, at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, as the net amount of collateral pledged to the Company from counterparties exceeded the fair value of the derivative contracts.
The Company manages its credit risk related to over-the-counter derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination. As exchange-traded futures are affected through regulated exchanges, and positions are marked to market on a daily basis, the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments.
New Accounting Standards
See Note 14 — “New Accounting Standards” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of fluctuations in the value of financial instruments as a result of absolute or relative changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, equity prices or commodity prices. To varying degrees, the Company products and services, and the investment activities supporting them, generate exposure to market risk. The market risk incurred, and the Company’s strategies for managing this risk, vary by product. As of September 30, 2019, there have been no material changes in the Company’s economic exposure to market risk or the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management function from December 31, 2018, a description of which may be found in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2018, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) during the quarter ended September 30, 2019, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is subject to litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company currently has no material litigation. A legal reserve is established when the Company is notified of an arbitration demand or litigation or is notified that an arbitration demand or litigation is imminent, it is probable that the Company will incur a loss as a result and the amount of the probable loss is reasonably capable of being estimated.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
There were no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the 2018 Annual Report.
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ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table summarizes RGA’s repurchase activity of its common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2019:
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1) | Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Program | |||||||||||
July 1, 2019 - July 31, 2019 | 1,154 | $ | 158.86 | — | $ | 350,000,071 | ||||||||
August 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019 | 202,721 | $ | 147.27 | 202,377 | $ | 320,195,966 | ||||||||
September 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019 | 2,788 | $ | 160.71 | — | $ | 320,195,966 | ||||||||
(1) | RGA had no repurchases of common stock under its share repurchase program for July and September 2019 and repurchased 202,377 of common stock under its share repurchase program for $29.8 million during August 2019. The Company net settled - issuing 3,187, 1,154 and 7,220 shares from treasury and repurchased from recipients 1,154, 344 and 2,788 shares in July, August and September 2019, respectively, in settlement of income tax withholding requirements incurred by the recipients of equity incentive awards. |
On January 24, 2019, RGA’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, with no expiration date, for up to $400.0 million of RGA’s outstanding common stock.
ITEM 6. Exhibits
See index to exhibits.
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number | Description | |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document | |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibits 101). | |
* Represents a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
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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.
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated | |||
Date: November 1, 2019 | By: | /s/ Anna Manning | |
Anna Manning | |||
President & Chief Executive Officer | |||
(Principal Executive Officer) | |||
Date: November 1, 2019 | By: | /s/ Todd C. Larson | |
Todd C. Larson | |||
Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer | |||
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |||
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I - Financial InformationItem 1. Financial StatementsItem 2. Management S Discussion and Analysis Of Financial Condition and Results Of OperationsItem 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskItem 4. Controls and ProceduresPart II - Other InformationItem 1. Legal ProceedingsItem 1A. Risk FactorsItem 2. Unregistered Sales Of Equity Securities and Use Of ProceedsItem 6. Exhibits