UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

_X_    Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018

___  Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission file number 1-14527

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  
22-3263609
(I.R.S Employer
Identification No.)
 
477 Martinsville Road
Post Office Box 830
Liberty Corner, New Jersey 07938-0830
(908) 604-3000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive office)
             
    
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of Each Class
  
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
  
4.868% Senior Notes Due 2044
  
NYSE
  
6.60% Long Term Notes Due 2067
  
NYSE
  
               
   
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None
     
             

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

Yes
X
  
No
  

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

Yes
    
No
X

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

Yes
X
  
No
  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes
X
  
No
  

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

Yes
X
  
No
  

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

Large accelerated filer
    
Accelerated filer
  
Non-accelerated filer
X
  
Smaller reporting company
  
   
Emerging  growth company
  

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

Yes
    
No
X

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

Yes
    
No
X

The aggregate market value on June 30, 2018, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter, of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was zero.

At March 15, 2019, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant common shares was 1,000, all of which are owned by Everest Underwriting Group (Ireland) Limited, a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of Everest Re Group, Ltd.

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

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

Table of Contents
FORM 10-K


 
Page
 
PART I
     
Item 1.
Business
1
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
6
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
13
Item 2.
Properties
13
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
13
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
14
     
     
PART II
     
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
 
14
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
14
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
 
15
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
29
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
31
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure
 
32
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
32
Item 9B.
Other Information
32
     
PART III
     
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
33
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
33
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters
 
33
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
33
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
33
     
     
PART IV
     
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
34
PART I

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

ITEM 1.                               BUSINESS

The Company.
Holdings, a Delaware corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings Ireland.  On December 30, 2008, Group contributed Holdings to its recently established Irish holding company, Holdings Ireland.  Holdings Ireland is a direct subsidiary of Group and serves as a holding company for the U.S. reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries.  Group is a Bermuda holding company whose common shares are publicly traded in the U.S. on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RE”.  Group files an annual report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) with respect to its consolidated operations, including Holdings.

The Company’s principal business, conducted through its operating segments, is the underwriting of reinsurance and insurance in the U.S. and international markets. The Company had gross written premiums, in 2018, of $6.6 billion, with approximately 70% representing reinsurance and 30% representing insurance.  Stockholder’s equity at December 31, 2018 was $5.0 billion. The Company underwrites reinsurance both through brokers and directly with ceding companies, giving it the flexibility to pursue business based on the ceding company’s preferred reinsurance purchasing method.  The Company underwrites insurance through brokers, surplus lines brokers and general agent relationships.  Holdings’ active operating subsidiaries are each rated A+ (“Superior”) by A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), a leading provider of insurer ratings that assigns financial strength ratings to insurance companies based on their ability to meet their obligations to policyholders.

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

·
Everest Re, a Delaware insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Holdings, is a licensed property and casualty insurer and/or reinsurer in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam and is authorized to conduct reinsurance business in Canada, Singapore and Brazil. Everest Re underwrites property and casualty reinsurance for insurance and reinsurance companies in the U.S. and international markets.  Everest Re has engaged in reinsurance transactions with Bermuda Re, Everest International Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Everest International”), Mt. Logan Re, Ltd. (“Mt. Logan Re”) and Everest Insurance Company of Canada (“Everest Canada”), which are affiliated companies, primarily driven by enterprise risk and capital management considerations under which business is transacted at market rates and terms.  At December 31, 2018, Everest Re had statutory surplus of $3.7 billion.

·
Everest National Insurance Company (“Everest National”), a Delaware insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Everest Re, is licensed in 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and is authorized to write property and casualty insurance on an admitted basis in the jurisdictions in which it is licensed. The majority of Everest National’s business is reinsured by its parent, Everest Re.
1
·
Everest Indemnity Insurance Company (“Everest Indemnity”), a Delaware insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Everest Re, writes excess and surplus lines insurance business in the U.S. on a non-admitted basis. Excess and surplus lines insurance is specialty property and liability coverage that an insurer not licensed to write insurance in a particular jurisdiction is permitted to provide to insureds when the specific specialty coverage is unavailable from admitted insurers.  Everest Indemnity is licensed in Delaware and is eligible to write business on a non-admitted basis in all other states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.  The majority of Everest Indemnity’s business is reinsured by its parent, Everest Re.

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

·
Everest Denali Insurance Company (“Everest Denali”), a Delaware insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Everest Re, is licensed to write property and casualty insurance in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

·
Everest Premier Insurance Company (“Everest Premier”), a Delaware insurance company and a direct subsidiary of Everest Re, is licensed to write property and casualty insurance in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

·
Everest International Assurance, Ltd. (“Everest Assurance”), a Bermuda company and a direct subsidiary of Holdings is registered in Bermuda as a Class 3A general business insurer and as a Class C long-term insurer.  Everest Assurance has made a one-time election under section 953(d) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code to be a U.S. income tax paying “Controlled Foreign Corporation.”  By making this election, Everest Assurance will be authorized to write life reinsurance and casualty reinsurance in both Bermuda and the U.S.

·
Heartland Crop Insurance Company (“Heartland”), a Kansas based managing general agent and a direct subsidiary of Holdings, was acquired on January 2, 2011.  Heartland specializes in crop insurance, which is written mainly through Everest National.  Effective August 24, 2016, the Company sold Heartland to CGB Diversified Services, Inc. (“CGB”).  The operating results of Heartland for the period owned are included within the Company’s financial statements.

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

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

2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Company’s underwriting strategies emphasize flexibility and responsiveness to changing market conditions.  The Company believes that its existing strengths, including its broad underwriting expertise, global presence, strong financial ratings and substantial capital, facilitate adjustments to its mix of business geographically, by line of business and by type of coverage, allowing it to participate in those market opportunities that provide the greatest potential for underwriting profitability.  The Company’s insurance operations complement these strategies by accessing business that is not available on a reinsurance basis.  The Company carefully monitors its mix of business across all operations to avoid unacceptable geographic or other risk concentrations.
3

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

Capital Transactions.
The Company’s business operations are in part dependent on its financial strength and financial strength ratings, and the market’s perception of its financial strength.  The Company stockholder’s equity was $5,044.7 million and $5,412.7 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company possesses significant financial flexibility with access to the debt markets and, through its ultimate parent, equity markets, as a result of its perceived financial strength, as evidenced by the financial strength ratings as assigned by independent rating agencies.  The Company’s capital position remains strong, commensurate with its financial ratings and the Company has ample liquidity to meet its financial obligations for the foreseeable future. 

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

All of the below-mentioned ratings are continually monitored and revised, if necessary, by each of the rating agencies.  The ratings presented in the following table were in effect as of January 29, 2019. 

The Company believes that its ratings are important as they provide the Company’s customers and its investors with an independent assessment of the Company’s financial strength using a rating scale that provides for relative comparisons.  Strong financial ratings are particularly important for reinsurance companies.  Ceding companies must rely on their reinsurers to pay covered losses well into the future.  As a result, a highly rated reinsurer is generally preferred.  


Operating Subsidiary:
  
A.M. Best
  
Standard & Poor's
  
Moody's
Everest Re
 
A+ (Superior)
  
A+ (Strong)
  
A1 (upper-medium)
Everest National
 
A+ (Superior)
  
A+ (Strong)
  
Not Rated
Everest Indemnity
 
A+ (Superior)
  
A+ (Strong)
  
Not Rated
Everest Security
 
A+ (Superior)
  
Not Rated
  
Not Rated
Everest International Assurance, Ltd.
A+ (Superior)
  
A (Strong)
  
Not Rated
Everest Denali
 
A+ (Superior)
  
Not Rated
  
Not Rated
Everest Premier
 
A+ (Superior)
  
Not Rated
  
Not Rated


A.M. Best states that the “A+” (“Superior”) rating is assigned to those companies which, in its opinion, have a superior ability to meet their ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations based on A.M. Best’s comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a company’s balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile.  A.M. Best affirmed these ratings on March 16, 2018. Standard & Poor’s states that the “A+”/”A” ratings are assigned to those insurance companies which, in its opinion, have strong financial security characteristics with respect to their ability to pay under its insurance policies and contracts in accordance with their terms.  Standard & Poor’s affirmed these ratings on July 28, 2018.  Moody’s states that an “A1” rating is assigned to companies that, in their opinion, offer upper-medium grade security and are subject to low credit risk.  Moody’s affirmed these ratings on September 26, 2018.

Subsidiaries other than Everest Re may not be rated by some or any rating agencies because such ratings are not considered essential by the individual subsidiary’s customers or because of the limited nature of the subsidiary’s operations or because the subsidiaries are newly established and have not yet been rated by the agencies.
4

Debt Ratings.
The following table shows the debt ratings by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s of the Holdings’ senior notes due June 1, 2044 and long term notes due May 1, 2067 both of which are considered investment grade.  Debt ratings are the rating agencies’ current assessment of the credit worthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation.


 
A.M. Best
  
 
Standard & Poor's
  
 
Moody's
Senior Notes
  
a-
(Strong)
    
A-
(Strong)
    
Baa1
(Medium Grade)
Long Term Notes
  
bbb
(Adequate)
    
BBB
(Adequate)
    
Baa2
(Medium Grade)


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

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

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

Rates tend to fluctuate by specific region and products, particularly areas recently impacted by large catastrophic events.  There were numerous natural catastrophes in 2018, with total industry losses estimated to be $90 billion.  The costliest event was the Camp Wildfire in California, the deadliest and most destructive California fire on record. These 2018 catastrophe losses followed another record year of catastrophes in 2017 where total industry losses for the worldwide events were estimated at $140 billion. These catastrophe losses included an unprecedented series of catastrophes in the third quarter of 2017 with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as a significant earthquake in Mexico City.  Additional catastrophe events occurred in the fourth quarter of 2017 with the wildfires in California and Hurricanes Nate and Ophelia.  During 2016, catastrophe losses included the Fort McMurray Canadian wildfire, Hurricane Matthew which affected a large area of the Caribbean and southeastern United States, storms and an earthquake in Ecuador.  While the future impact on market conditions from these catastrophes cannot be determined at this time, there was some firming in the markets impacted by the 2016 catastrophes and as
5
catastrophe losses increased in 2017, there is a growing industry consensus that there will be some firming of (re)insurance rates for the areas impacted by the catastrophes.

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

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

Employees.
As of February 1, 2019, the Company employed 1,237 persons.  Management believes that employee relations are good.  None of the Company’s employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements, and the Company is not aware of any current efforts to implement such agreements.

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


ITEM 1A.                          RISK FACTORS

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

RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS

Fluctuations in the financial markets could result in investment losses.

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

6

Our results could be adversely affected by catastrophic events.

We are exposed to unpredictable catastrophic events, including weather-related and other natural catastrophes, as well as acts of terrorism.  Any material reduction in our operating results caused by the occurrence of one or more catastrophes could inhibit our ability to pay dividends or to meet our interest and principal payment obligations.  By way of illustration, during the past five calendar years, pre-tax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance, were as follows:


Calendar year:
Pre-tax catastrophe losses
(Dollars in millions)
      
2018
  
$
1,712.6
  
2017
    
941.4
  
2016
    
109.2
  
2015
    
31.9
  
2014
    
18.2
  


Our losses from future catastrophic events could exceed our projections.

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

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

We are required to maintain reserves to cover our estimated ultimate liability of losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) for both reported and unreported claims incurred.  These reserves are only estimates of what we believe the settlement and administration of claims will cost based on facts and circumstances known to us.  In setting reserves for our reinsurance liabilities, we rely on claim data supplied by our ceding companies and brokers and we employ actuarial and statistical projections.  The information received from our ceding companies is not always timely or accurate, which can contribute to inaccuracies in our loss projections.  Because of the uncertainties that surround our estimates of loss and LAE reserves, we cannot be certain that ultimate losses and LAE payments will not exceed our estimates.  If our reserves are deficient, we would be required to increase loss reserves in the period in which such deficiencies are identified which would cause a charge to our earnings and a reduction of capital.  By way of illustration, during the past five calendar years, the reserve re-estimation process resulted in a decrease to our pre-tax net income in 2018, an increase for the years 2017 through 2015 and a decrease in 2014:

Calendar year:
  
Effect on pre-tax net income
(Dollars in millions)
           
2018
  
$
558.8
  
 decrease
  
2017
    
117.7
  
 increase
  
2016
    
91.7
  
 increase
  
2015
    
6.5
  
 increase
  
2014
    
39.2
  
 decrease
  


7

The difficulty in estimating our reserves is significantly more challenging as it relates to reserving for potential asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) liabilities.  At December 31, 2018, 3.4% of our gross reserves were comprised of A&E reserves.  A&E liabilities are especially hard to estimate for many reasons, including the long delays between exposure and manifestation of any bodily injury or property damage, difficulty in identifying the source of the asbestos or environmental contamination, long reporting delays and difficulty in properly allocating liability for the asbestos or environmental damage.  Legal tactics and judicial and legislative developments affecting the scope of insurers’ liability, which can be difficult to predict, also contribute to uncertainties in estimating reserves for A&E liabilities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8

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

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

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

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

We are generally less reliant on the purchase of reinsurance than many of our competitors, in part because of our strategic emphasis on underwriting discipline and management of the cycles inherent in our business.  We try to separate our risk taking process from our risk mitigation process in order to avoid developing too great a reliance on reinsurance.  Historically, we generally purchased reinsurance from other third parties only when we expect a net benefit.  With the expansion of the capital markets into insurance linked financial instruments, we increased our use of capital market products for catastrophe reinsurance starting in 2014.  In addition, some of our quota share contracts with larger retrocessions were increased during 2014.  The percentage of business that we reinsure may vary considerably from year to year, depending on our view of the relationship between cost and expected benefit for the contract period.

We entered into affiliated whole account quota share reinsurance agreements for 2002 through 2017 with Bermuda Re but we did not renew the quota share reinsurance agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017.  We believe that the terms, conditions and pricing of the quota share agreements reflect arm’s length market conditions.  These affiliated reinsurance arrangements allow us to more effectively leverage our capital, expertise, distribution platform and market presence than our stand alone capital position would otherwise allow.


Percentage of ceded written premiums to gross written premiums
  
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
                     
Unaffiliated
  
14.7%
  
14.6%
  
13.6%
  
8.2%
  
9.3%
Affiliated
  
8.7%
  
38.4%
  
45.9%
  
49.9%
  
48.2%


If we are unable to purchase affiliated or unaffiliated reinsurance in the future, we may have to reduce our premium volume and we may be more exposed to reductions in net income from large losses.

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

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

According to Standard & Poor’s, Group ranks among the top ten global reinsurance groups, where  more than two-thirds of the market share is concentrated.  The worldwide net premium written by the Top 40 global reinsurance groups, for both life and non-life business, was estimated to be $232.0 billion in 2017 according to data compiled by Standard & Poor’s.  The leaders in this market are Munich Re, Swiss Re, Berkshire Hathaway Re, Hannover Rueck SE, SCOR SE and syndicates at Lloyd’s of London.  Some of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do and have established long term and continuing business relationships throughout the industry, which can be a significant competitive advantage.  In addition, the lack of strong barriers to entry into the reinsurance business and the entry of alternative capital

9

market products and vehicles provide additional sources of reinsurance and insurance capacity and increased competition.

We are dependent on our key personnel.

Our success has been, and will continue to be, dependent on our ability to retain the services of our existing key executive officers and to attract and retain additional qualified personnel in the future.  The loss of the services of any key executive officer or the inability to hire and retain other highly qualified personnel in the future could adversely affect our ability to conduct business.  Generally, we consider key executive officers to be those individuals who have the greatest influence in setting overall policy and controlling operations: Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dominic J. Addesso (age 65), Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Craig Howie (age 55), Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Reinsurance Division, John P. Doucette (age 53), Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Secretary and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bermuda Re, Sanjoy Mukherjee (age 52) and Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Everest Insurance® Division, Jonathan Zaffino (age 46).  Through Group and its affiliates, we have employment contracts with Mr. Addesso, Mr. Howie, Mr. Doucette, Mr. Mukherjee and Mr. Zaffino, which have been filed with the SEC and provide for terms of employment ending on December 31, 2019 for Mr. Addesso, April 1, 2019 for Mr. Howie, June 1, 2019 for Mr. Doucette, January 1, 2020 for Mr. Mukherjee and September 6, 2020 for Mr. Zaffino.

On January 7, 2019, the Company announced that Mr. Addesso has informed the Group’s Board of Directors that he will retire at the end of his contract term on December 31, 2019.  As a result, the Board is undertaking a search as part of its succession planning process, which will include a review of internal and external candidates for the position.

The other officer agreements referenced above contain automatic renewal provisions that provide for the contracts to continue indefinitely unless sooner terminated in accordance with the contract or as otherwise may be agreed.

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

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

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

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

10

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

The following table quantifies the portion of our investment portfolio that consists of fixed income securities, equity securities and investments that carry prepayment risk.


   
At
        
(Dollars in millions)
  
December 31, 2018
    
% of Total
  
Mortgage-backed securities
            
Commercial
  
$
136.6
      
1.3
%
Agency residential
    
148.8
      
1.4
%
Non-agency residential
    
3.1
      
0.0
%
Other asset-backed
    
221.2
      
2.1
%
Total asset-backed
    
509.7
      
4.8
%
Other fixed income
    
6,452.4
      
60.3
%
Total fixed income, at market value
    
6,962.1
      
65.1
%
Fixed maturities, at fair value
    
2.3
      
0.0
%
Equity securities, at fair value
    
564.3
      
5.3
%
Other invested assets, at market value
    
882.7
      
8.2
%
Other invested assets, at fair value
    
1,717.3
      
16.0
%
Cash and short-term investments
    
578.7
      
5.4
%
Total investments and cash
  
$
10,707.4
      
100.0
%


We may experience foreign currency exchange losses that reduce our net income and capital levels.

Through our international operations, we conduct business in a variety of foreign (non-U.S.) currencies, principally the Canadian dollar and the Singapore dollar. Assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are exposed to changes in currency exchange rates. Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, and exchange rate fluctuations, especially relative to the U.S. dollar, may materially impact our results and financial position.  In 2018, we wrote approximately 16.8% of our coverages in non-U.S. currencies; as of December 31, 2018, we maintained approximately 9.1% of our investment portfolio in investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the impact on our quarterly pre-tax net income from exchange rate fluctuations ranged from a loss of $12.3 million to a gain of $15.4 million.

Changes in the method for determining LIBOR and the potential replacement of LIBOR may affect our cost of capital and net investment income.

On July 27, 2017, the UK Financial Conduct Authority announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021, which is expected to result in these widely used reference rates no longer being available.  Potential changes to LIBOR, as well as uncertainty related to such potential changes and the establishment of any alternative reference rates, may adversely affect the market for LIBOR-based securities and could adversely impact the interest rate on our long term subordinate notes.  In addition, the discontinuance of LIBOR or changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR, which could have an adverse impact on the market for LIBOR-based securities or the value of our investment portfolio.

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

We are dependent upon our information technology platform, including our processing systems, data and electronic transmissions in our business operations.  Security breaches could expose us to the loss or misuse of our information, litigation and potential liability.  In addition, cyber incidents that impact the availability, reliability, speed, accuracy or other proper functioning of these systems could have a significant

11

negative impact on our operations and possibly our results.  An incident could also result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, damage our reputation, cause a loss of customers or give rise to monetary fines and other penalties, which could be significant.  Management is not aware of a cybersecurity incident that has had a material impact on our operations.

The NAIC has adopted an Insurance Data Security Model Law, which, when adopted by the states will require insurers, insurance producers and other entities required to be licensed under state insurance laws to comply with certain requirements under state insurance laws, such as developing and maintaining a written information security program, conducting risk assessments and overseeing the data security practices of third-party vendors.  In addition, certain state insurance regulators are developing or have developed regulations that may impose regulatory requirements relating to cybersecurity on insurance and reinsurance companies (potentially including insurance and reinsurance companies that are not domiciled, but are licensed, in the relevant state).  For example, the New York State Department of Financial Services has adopted a regulation pertaining to cybersecurity for all banking and insurance entities under its jurisdiction, effective as of March 1, 2017, which applies to us.  We cannot predict the impact these laws and regulations will have on our business, financial condition or results of operations, but our insurance and reinsurance companies could incur additional costs resulting from compliance with such laws and regulations.

RISKS RELATING TO REGULATION

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

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

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

12

RISK RELATING TO OUR SECURITIES

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

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

RISK RELATING TO TAXATION

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

The 2017 enacted Tax Cut and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) includes a provision for additional taxes on reinsurance transactions with affiliates in foreign jurisdictions.  Such affiliated reinsurance transactions are now subject to a Base Erosion and Anti-abuse Tax (“BEAT”) of 10% from 2019 to 2025 and 12.5% thereafter.  In addition, new regulations may further limit the ability of the Company to execute alternative capital balancing transactions with unrelated parties.  This would further impact our net income and effective tax rate.


ITEM 1B.                          UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.


ITEM 2.                               PROPERTIES

Everest Re’s corporate offices are located in approximately 230,500 square feet of leased office space in Liberty Corner, New Jersey.  The Company’s other eighteen locations occupy a total of approximately 190,540 square feet, all of which are leased.  Management believes that the above described office space is adequate for its current and anticipated needs.


ITEM 3.                               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

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

13

ITEM 4.                               MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


PART II

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

Market Information and Holder of Common Stock.
As of December 31, 2018, all of the Company’s common stock was owned by Holdings Ireland and was not publicly traded.

Dividend History and Restrictions.
The Company did not pay any dividends in 2018, 2017 and 2016.  The declaration and payment of future dividends, if any, by the Company will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including the Company’s earnings, financial condition, business needs and growth objectives, capital and surplus requirements of its operating subsidiaries, regulatory restrictions, rating agency considerations and other factors.  As an insurance holding company, the Company is dependent on dividends and other permitted payments from its subsidiaries to pay cash dividends to its stockholder.  The payment of dividends to Holdings by Everest Re is subject to limitations imposed by Delaware law.  Generally, Everest Re may only pay dividends out of its statutory earned surplus, which was $3,650.6 million at December 31, 2018, and only after it has given 10 days prior notice to the Delaware Insurance Commissioner.  During this 10-day period, the Commissioner may, by order, limit or disallow the payment of ordinary dividends if the Commissioner finds the insurer to be presently or potentially in financial distress.  Further, the maximum amount of dividends that may be paid without the prior approval of the Delaware Insurance Commissioner in any twelve month period is the greater of (1) 10% of an insurer’s statutory surplus as of the end of the prior calendar year or (2) the insurer’s statutory net income, not including realized capital gains, for the prior calendar year.  The maximum amount that is available for the payment of dividends by Everest Re in 2019 without prior regulatory approval is $365.0 million.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

None.


ITEM 6.                               SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Information for Item 6 is not required pursuant to General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K.


14

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

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

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

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

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

Rates tend to fluctuate by specific region and products, particularly areas recently impacted by large catastrophic events.  There were numerous natural catastrophes in 2018 with total industry losses estimated to be $90 billion.  The costliest event was the Camp Wildfire in California, the deadliest and most destructive California fire on record.  These 2018 catastrophe losses followed another record year of catastrophes in 2017 where total industry losses for the worldwide events were estimated at $140 billion.  These catastrophe losses included an unprecedented series of catastrophes in the third quarter of 2017 with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as a significant earthquake in Mexico City.  Additional catastrophe events occurred in the fourth quarter of 2017 with the wild fires in California and Hurricanes Nate and Ophelia.  During 2016, catastrophe losses included the Fort McMurray Canadian wildfire, Hurricane Matthew which affected a large area of the Caribbean and southeastern United States, storms and an earthquake in Ecuador.  While the future impact on market conditions from these catastrophes cannot be determined at this time, there was some firming in the markets impacted by the 2016 catastrophes and as catastrophe losses increased in 2017, there is a growing industry consensus that there will be some firming of (re)insurance rates for the areas impacted by the catastrophes. 

15

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

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

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
    
Percentage Increase/(Decrease)
  
(Dollars in millions)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
      
2018/2017
      
2017/2016
  
Gross written premiums
  
$
6,573.7
    
$
5,788.5
    
$
5,063.7
      
13.6
%
    
14.3
%
Net written premiums
    
5,031.9
      
2,723.8
      
2,048.1
      
84.7
%
    
33.0
%
                                         
REVENUES:
                                        
Premiums earned
  
$
4,839.1
    
$
1,949.6
    
$
2,094.0
      
148.2
%
    
-6.9
%
Net investment income
    
314.4
      
286.3
      
264.8
      
9.8
%
    
8.1
%
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    
(185.4
)
    
161.6
      
(28.9
)
    
-214.7
%
  
NM 
Other income (expense)
    
(3.9
)
    
23.8
      
(10.5
)
    
-116.2
%
  
NM 
Total revenues
    
4,964.2
      
2,421.2
      
2,319.4
      
105.0
%
    
4.4
%
                                         
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                                        
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
    
4,811.0
      
2,039.8
      
1,350.3
      
135.9
%
    
51.1
%
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
    
1,141.7
      
210.9
      
281.4
    
NM 
   
-25.1
%
Other underwriting expenses
    
293.3
      
254.9
      
245.0
      
15.1
%
    
4.0
%
Corporate expense
    
11.0
      
7.4
      
8.3
      
49.2
%
    
-10.7
%
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense
    
30.6
      
31.2
      
35.4
      
-1.8
%
    
-12.0
%
Total claims and expenses
    
6,287.7
      
2,544.1
      
1,920.4
      
147.1
%
    
32.5
%
                                         
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    
(1,323.5
)
    
(123.0
)
    
399.0
    
NM 
   
-130.8
%
Income tax expense (benefit)
    
(365.8
)
    
(201.2
)
    
97.3
      
81.8
%
  
NM 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  
$
(957.7
)
  
$
78.2
    
$
301.6
    
NM 
   
-74.1
%
                                         
RATIOS:
                          
Point Change
  
Loss ratio
    
99.4
%
    
104.6
%
    
64.5
%
    
(5.2
)
    
40.1
  
Commission and brokerage ratio
    
23.6
%
    
10.8
%
    
13.4
%
    
12.8
      
(2.6
)
Other underwriting expense ratio
    
6.1
%
    
13.1
%
    
11.7
%
    
(7.0
)
    
1.4
  
Combined ratio
    
129.1
%
    
128.5
%
    
89.6
%
    
0.6
      
38.9
  
                                         
                                         
   
At December 31,
    
Percentage Increase/ (Decrease)
  
(Dollars in millions)
    
2018
      
2017
      
2016
      
2018/2017
      
2017/2016
  
Balance sheet data:
                                        
Total investments and cash
  
$
10,707.4
    
$
8,911.5
    
$
9,842.7
      
20.2
%
    
-9.5
%
Total assets
    
18,688.2
      
17,888.5
      
17,083.4
      
4.5
%
    
4.7
%
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
    
10,167.0
      
9,343.0
      
8,331.3
      
8.8
%
    
12.1
%
Total debt
    
933.6
      
633.4
      
633.2
      
47.4
%
    
0.0
%
Total liabilities
    
13,643.5
      
12,475.8
      
11,784.9
      
9.4
%
    
5.9
%
Stockholder's equity
    
5,044.7
      
5,412.7
      
5,298.6
      
-6.8
%
    
2.2
%
                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)
                                        
(NM, not meaningful)
                                        


16

Revenues.
Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 13.6% to $6,573.7 million in 2018, compared to $5,788.5 million in 2017, reflecting a $637.0 million, or 16.2%, increase in our reinsurance business and a $148.2 million, or 8.0%, increase in our insurance business.    The increase in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to the increases in treaty property and treaty casualty writings, rise in mortgage business and growth in Latin American business.  The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to increases in many lines of business, including casualty, energy and accident and health.  Net written premiums increased by 84.7% to $5,031.9 million in 2018, compared to $2,723.8 million in 2017.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts, particularly the non-renewal of the quota share agreement between Everest Re and Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017.  Effective January 1, 2018, Everest Re entered into an aggregate stop loss agreement with Bermuda Re.  Premiums ceded to Bermuda Re in 2018 were $572.6 million compared with $2,219.4 million in 2017.  Premiums earned increased by 148.2% to $4,839.1 million in 2018, compared to $1,949.6 million in 2017.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is partially due to the impact of the non-renewal of the quota share contract between Everest Re and Bermuda Re and is also the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 14.3% to $5,788.5 million in 2017, compared to $5,063.7 million in 2016, reflecting a $537.7 million, or 15.8%, increase in our reinsurance business and a $187.1 million, or 11.2%, increase in our insurance business.  The increase in reinsurance premiums was mainly due to the new crop reinsurance transactions, increases in treaty property and financial lines of business and the influx of reinstatement premiums related to multiple catastrophe events in the third quarter.  The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to increases in many lines of business, including property, retail casualty and accident and health, partially offset by the impact of the sale of Heartland.  Net written premiums increased by 33.0% to $2,723.8 million in 2017, compared to $2,048.1 million in 2016.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the impact of changes in affiliated quota share contracts, particularly the non-renewal of the quota share agreement between Everest Re and Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017, which resulted in a $799.0 million increase to net written premiums in 2017. Premiums earned decreased by 6.9% to $1,949.6 million in 2017, compared to $2,094.0 million in 2016.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is partially due to the impact of the non-renewal of the quota share contract between Everest Re and Bermuda Re and is also the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Net Investment Income.  Net investment income increased 9.8% to $314.4 million in 2018 compared with net investment income of $286.3 million in 2017.  Net pre-tax investment income as a percentage of average invested assets was 3.2% in both 2018 and 2017.  The increase in income was primarily the result of higher income from our limited partnerships and from our growing fixed maturity portfolio, partially offset by lower dividend income from our equity portfolio.

Net investment income increased 8.1% to $286.3 million in 2017 compared with net investment income of $264.8 million in 2016.  Net pre-tax investment income as a percentage of average invested assets was 3.2% in 2017, compared to 2.8% in 2016.  The increases in income and yield in 2017 were primarily the result of higher income from our limited partnerships and higher income from the growing fixed income portfolio, partially offset by lower dividend income from our equity portfolio.

Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).  Net realized capital losses were $185.4 million in 2018, net realized capital gains were $161.6 million in 2017 and net realized capital losses were $28.9 million in 2016.  The net realized capital losses of $185.4 million in 2018, were comprised of $148.0 million of losses from fair value re-measurements, $31.2 million of losses from sales of investments and $6.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  The net realized capital gains of $161.6 million were comprised of $158.5 million of gains from fair value re-measurements and $9.1 million of gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $6.1 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  The net realized losses of $28.9 million in 2016 were comprised of a realized capital loss of $28.0 million from the sale of our Heartland subsidiary, $25.7 million of other-than-temporary impairments and $21.1 million of losses from sales of investments, partially offset by $45.9 million of gains from fair value re-measurements.

17

Other Income (Expense).  We recorded other expense of $3.9 million in 2018, other income of $23.8 million in 2017, and other expense of $10.5 million in 2016.  The changes were primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
   
Current
    
Ratio %/
  
Prior
    
Ratio %/
  
Total
    
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
  
Year
    
Pt Change
  
Years
    
Pt Change
  
Incurred
    
Pt Change
2018
                                                  
Attritional (a)
  
$
3,092.6
      
63.9
%
    
$
5.8
      
0.1
%
    
$
3,098.4
      
64.0
%
  
Catastrophes
    
1,159.6
      
24.0
%
 
    
553.0
      
11.4
%
 
    
1,712.6
      
35.4
%
 
Total
  
$
4,252.2
      
87.9
%
 
  
$
558.8
      
11.5
%
 
  
$
4,811.0
      
99.4
%
 
                                                                
2017
                                                              
Attritional (a)
  
$
1,200.6
      
61.5
%
    
$
(102.3
)
    
-5.2
%
    
$
1,098.4
      
56.3
%
  
Catastrophes
    
956.9
      
49.1
%
 
    
(15.5
)
    
-0.8
%
 
    
941.4
      
48.3
%
 
Total
  
$
2,157.5
      
110.6
%
 
  
$
(117.7
)
    
-6.0
%
 
  
$
2,039.8
      
104.6
%
 
                                                                
2016
                                                              
Attritional (a)
  
$
1,287.2
      
61.5
%
    
$
(46.1
)
    
-2.2
%
    
$
1,241.1
      
59.3
%
  
Catastrophes
    
154.8
      
7.4
%
 
    
(45.6
)
    
-2.2
%
 
    
109.2
      
5.2
%
  
Total
  
$
1,442.0
      
68.9
%
 
  
$
(91.7
)
    
-4.4
%
 
  
$
1,350.3
      
64.5
%
 
                                                                
Variance 2018/2017
                                                              
Attritional (a)
  
$
1,892.0
      
2.4
  
pts
  
$
108.1
      
5.3
  
pts
  
$
2,000.0
      
7.7
  
pts
Catastrophes
    
202.7
      
(25.1
)
pts
    
568.5
      
12.2
  
pts
    
771.2
      
(12.9
)
pts
Total
  
$
2,094.7
      
(22.7
)
pts
  
$
676.5
      
17.5
  
pts
  
$
2,771.2
      
(5.2
)
pts
                                                                
Variance 2017/2016
                                                              
Attritional (a)
  
$
(86.6
)
    
-
  
pts
  
$
(56.2
)
    
(3.0
)
pts
  
$
(142.7
)
    
(3.0
)
pts
Catastrophes
    
802.1
      
41.7
  
pts
    
30.1
      
1.4
  
pts
    
832.2
      
43.1
  
pts
Total
  
$
715.5
      
41.7
  
pts
  
$
(26.1
)
    
(1.6
)
pts
  
$
689.5
      
40.1
  
pts
                                                                
(a)  Attritional losses exclude catastrophe losses.
                                                              
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                              


Incurred losses and LAE increased by 135.9% to $4,811.0 million in 2018 compared to $2,039.8 million in 2017, primarily due to an increase in current year attritional losses of $1,892.0 million, mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned resulting primarily from changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017 and the implementation of an aggregate stop loss agreement with Bermuda Re as of January 1, 2018.  The increase in incurred losses also resulted from $553.0 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2018, mainly related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the California wildfires and an increase in current year catastrophe losses of $202.7 million.  The current year catastrophe losses of $1,159.6 million in 2018 related to Hurricane Michael ($443.5 million), Camp wildfire ($297.0 million), Woolsey wildfire (151.0 million), Typhoon Jebi ($66.6 million), Hurricane Florence ($60.8 million), Cyclone Mekunu ($43.7 million), Typhoon Trami ($25.0 million), other 2018 California wildfires ($24.6 million), Australian hailstorm ($24.0 million), Japan Floods ($15.0 million) and the U.S. winter storms ($8.4 million).  Current year catastrophe losses of $956.9 million in 2017 related to Hurricane Irma ($333.7 million), Hurricane Maria ($268.1 million), Hurricane Harvey ($235.8 million), the Northern California wildfires ($75.3 million), the South Africa Knysna fires ($9.6 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($9.3 million), Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($8.5 million), the Peru storms ($7.1 million), the 2017 US Midwest storms ($5.0 million) and the Southern California wildfires ($4.4 million).

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 51.1% to $2,039.8 million in 2017 compared to $1,350.3 million in 2016, primarily due to an increase of $802.1 million in current year catastrophe losses and less favorable development of $30.1 million on prior year catastrophe losses in 2017 compared to 2016.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $86.6 million of current year attritional losses, mainly due to the impact of the decline in premiums earned and an additional $56.2 million of favorable development on prior years attritional losses in 2017 compared to 2016.  The $102.3 million of favorable development on prior years
18

attritional losses in 2017 was mainly comprised of $68.8 million of favorable development on reinsurance business related to property and short tail business in the United States, partially offset by $25.2 million of adverse development on A&E reserves and $33.5 million of favorable development on insurance business, mainly related to workers compensation business.  The current year catastrophe losses of $956.9 million in 2017 are outlined above.  Current year catastrophe losses of $154.8 million in 2016 were related to Hurricane Matthew ($62.3 million), the Fort McMurray Canada wildfire ($26.6 million), the 2016 U.S. Storms ($25.7 million), the Ecuador earthquake ($11.6 million), the 2016 Taiwan earthquake ($7.5 million), the Tennessee wildfire ($7.3 million), the New Zealand earthquake ($6.9 million) and Hurricane Hermine ($6.8 million).

Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees.  Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased to $1,141.7 million in 2018 compared to $210.9 million in 2017.  The increase was mainly due to changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017, increases in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business toward additional pro rata business.

Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees decreased by 25.1% to $210.9 million in 2017 compared to $281.4 million in 2016.  The decrease was primarily due to the impact of the decrease in premiums earned, the impact of higher reinstatement premiums in 2017 and the impact of changes in affiliated quota share contracts.

Other Underwriting Expenses.  Other underwriting expenses were $293.3 million, $254.9 million and $245.0 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The increases were mainly due to changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017, impact of increases in premium earned and costs incurred to support the expansion of the insurance business.

Corporate Expenses.  Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, have remained consistent at $11.0 million, $7.4 million and $8.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense.  Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense were $30.6 million, $31.2 million and 35.4 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The changes in expense were primarily due to the movements in the floating interest rate related to the long term subordinated notes, which is reset quarterly per the note agreement.  The floating rate was 5.0% as of December 31, 2018.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit).  We had an income tax benefit of $365.8 million in 2018 and $201.2 million in 2017, which included $123.1 million of tax benefit related to the enactment of the TCJA, and income tax expense of $97.3 million for December 31, 2016.  Variations in taxes generally result from changes in the relative levels of pre-tax income, including the impact of catastrophe losses and net capital gains (losses) as well as changes in tax exempt investment income and creditable foreign taxes.  The change in income tax expense (benefit) was primarily due to the increase in catastrophe losses from 2017 to 2018.  In addition, the enactment of the TCJA on December 22, 2017 reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate to 21% from 35%.

During 2018, the Company completed its accounting and interpreted the additional guidance issued by the IRS and U.S. Department of Treasury and recognized an income tax benefit of $28.8 million primarily related to the 2017 tax return to provision true-up recorded in 2018.

19

Net Income (Loss).
Our net loss was $957.7 million in 2018, and our net income was $78.2 million and $301.6 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The changes were primarily driven by the financial component fluctuations explained above.

Ratios.
Our combined ratio increased by 0.6 points to 129.1% in 2018 compared to 128.5% in 2017.  The loss ratio component decreased by 5.2 points in 2018 over the same period last year mainly due to a lower loss ratio on current year catastrophe losses and changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, partially offset by higher unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2018 compared to 2017.  The commission and brokerage ratio component increased to 23.6% in 2018 compared to 10.8% in 2017, reflecting changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements and changes in the mix of business.  The other underwriting expense ratio decreased to 6.1% in 2018 from 13.1% in 2017, mainly due to the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts.

Our combined ratio increased by 38.9 points to 128.5% in 2017, compared to 89.6% in 2016.  The loss ratio components increased 40.1 points in 2017 over the same period last year.  The changes were mainly due to the increases in current year catastrophe losses.  The commission and brokerage ratio components decreased to 10.8% in 2017 from 13.4% in 2016.  The decrease reflects changes in the mix of business, the impact of affiliated quota share contracts and the impact from reinstatement premiums.  The other underwriting expense ratios increased to 13.1% in 2017 from 11.7% in 2016. The increase in 2017 was due to costs associated with the continued expansion of the insurance business, partially offset by lower variable compensation costs.

Stockholder's Equity.
Stockholder’s equity decreased by $368.1 million to $5,044.7 million at December 31, 2018 from $5,412.7 million at December 31, 2017, principally as a result of $957.7 million of net loss, $90.9 million of net unrealized depreciation on investments, net of tax and $36.4 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments, partially offset by $712.3 million of capital contributions and $4.5 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments.

Stockholder’s equity increased by $114.2 million to $5,412.7 million at December 31, 2017 from $5,298.6 million at December 31, 2016, principally as a result of $78.2 million of net income, $37.4 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments, $6.5 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments and $0.3 million of share-based compensation transactions, partially offset by $8.2 million of net unrealized depreciation on investments, net of tax.

Consolidated Investment Results

Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased by 9.8% to $314.4 million in 2018 compared to $286.3 million in 2017. The increase in 2018 was primarily due to higher income from our limited partnerships and from our growing fixed maturity portfolio, partially offset by a lower dividend income from our equity portfolio.

Net investment income increased by 8.1% to $286.3 million in 2017 compared to $264.8 million in 2016. The increase in 2017 was primarily due to an increase in limited partnership income and higher income from the growing fixed income portfolio, partially offset by lower dividend income from our equity portfolio.

20

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in millions)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Fixed maturities
  
$
201.1
    
$
193.7
    
$
182.1
  
Equity securities
    
14.9
      
25.9
      
32.3
  
Short-term investments and cash
    
7.7
      
2.9
      
1.2
  
Other invested assets
                        
Limited partnerships
    
61.6
      
36.6
      
25.2
  
Dividends from preferred shares of affiliate
    
31.0
      
31.0
      
31.0
  
Other
    
17.8
      
6.7
      
1.0
  
Gross investment income before adjustments
    
334.2
      
296.8
      
272.9
  
Funds held interest income (expense)
    
5.2
      
5.0
      
6.1
  
Interest income from Parent
    
4.1
      
4.3
      
4.3
  
Gross investment income
    
343.5
      
306.0
      
283.3
  
Investment expenses
    
(29.1
)
    
(19.8
)
    
(18.5
)
Net investment income
  
$
314.4
    
$
286.3
    
$
264.8
  
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                        


The following table shows a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated:


 
2018
2017
2018
Imbedded pre-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 31
3.5%
3.4%
2.9%
Imbedded after-tax yield of cash and invested assets at December 31
2.8%
2.7%
2.0%
       
Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets
3.2%
3.2%
2.8%
Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets
2.6%
2.2%
2.0%


21

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
      
2018/2017
      
2017/2016
  
(Dollars in millions)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
    
Variance
    
Variance
  
Gains (losses) from sales:
                                  
Fixed maturity securities, market value
                                  
Gains
  
$
15.3
    
$
31.3
    
$
18.6
    
$
(16.0
)
  
$
12.7
  
Losses
    
(14.4
)
    
(28.9
)
    
(25.6
)
    
14.5
      
(3.3
)
Total
    
0.9
      
2.5
      
(7.0
)
    
(1.6
)
    
9.5
  
                                         
Fixed maturity securities, fair value
                                        
Gains
    
-
      
-
      
0.3
      
-
      
(0.3
)
Losses
    
(1.8
)
    
-
      
(1.9
)
    
(1.8
)
    
1.9
  
Total
    
(1.8
)
    
-
      
(1.6
)
    
(1.8
)
    
1.6
  
                                         
Equity securities, fair value
                                        
Gains
    
25.2
      
23.2
      
16.2
      
2.0
      
7.0
  
Losses
    
(57.3
)
    
(16.7
)
    
(28.8
)
    
(40.6
)
    
12.1
  
Total
    
(32.1
)
    
6.6
      
(12.6
)
    
(38.7
)
    
19.2
  
                                         
Other invested assets
                                        
Gains
    
1.8
      
0.1
      
-
      
1.7
      
0.1
  
Losses
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Total
    
1.8
      
0.1
      
-
      
1.7
      
0.1
  
                                         
Total net realized gains (losses) from sales
                                        
Gains
    
42.3
      
54.6
      
35.1
      
(12.3
)
    
19.5
  
Losses
    
(73.5
)
    
(45.6
)
    
(56.3
)
    
(27.9
)
    
10.7
  
Total
    
(31.2
)
    
9.1
      
(21.1
)
    
(40.3
)
    
30.2
  
                                         
Gain (loss) on sale of subsidiary:
    
-
      
-
      
(28.0
)
    
-
      
28.0
  
                                         
Other than temporary impairments:
    
(6.2
)
    
(6.1
)
    
(25.7
)
    
(0.1
)
    
19.6
  
                                         
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments:
                                        
Fixed maturities, fair value
    
1.5
      
-
      
1.4
      
1.5
      
(1.4
)
Equity securities, fair value
    
(59.4
)
    
117.7
      
51.1
      
(177.1
)
    
66.6
  
Other invested assets, fair value
    
(90.1
)
    
40.8
      
(6.6
)
    
(130.9
)
    
47.4
  
Total
    
(148.0
)
    
158.5
      
45.9
      
(306.5
)
    
112.6
  
                                         
Total net realized gains (losses)
  
$
(185.4
)
  
$
161.6
    
$
(28.9
)
  
$
(347.0
)
  
$
190.5
  
                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                        


Net realized capital losses were $185.4 million in 2018, net realized capital gains were $161.6 million in 2017 and net realized capital losses were $28.9 million in 2016.  In 2018, we recorded $148.0 million of losses from fair value re-measurements, $31.2 million of losses from sales of investments and $6.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  In 2017, we recorded $158.5 million of gains from fair value re-measurements and $9.1 million of gains from sales of investments, partially offset by $6.1 million of other-than-temporary impairments.  In 2016, we recorded a realized capital loss of $28.0 million from the sale of our Heartland subsidiary, $25.7 million of other-than-temporary impairments and $21.1 million of net realized capital losses from sales of investments, partially offset by $45.9 million of net realized capital gains due to fair value re-measurements.  The fixed maturity and equity sales related primarily to adjusting the portfolios for overall market changes and individual credit shifts. 

22

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

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

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

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

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

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



   Years Ended December 31,   
 
2018/2017
  
2017/2016
(Dollars in millions)   2018     2017     2016     Variance
   
% Change
    
Variance
    
% Change
  
Gross written premiums
  
$
3,014.3
    
$
2,593.1
    
$
2,125.8
    
$
421.3
      
16.2
%
  
$
467.3
      
22.0
%
Net written premiums
    
2,093.1
      
1,135.6
      
930.2
      
957.5
      
84.3
%
    
205.4
      
22.1
%
                                                         
Premiums earned
  
$
1,979.9
    
$
858.2
    
$
990.1
    
$
1,121.7
      
130.7
%
  
$
(131.9
)
    
-13.3
%
Incurred losses and LAE
    
2,790.8
      
912.1
      
554.1
      
1,878.7
      
206.0
%
    
358.0
      
64.6
%
Commission and brokerage
    
568.4
      
160.3
      
189.5
      
408.1
    
NM
      
(29.2
)
    
-15.4
%
Other underwriting expenses
    
60.3
      
55.9
      
54.1
      
4.4
      
7.8
%
    
1.8
      
3.3
%
Underwriting gain (loss)
  
$
(1,439.5
)
  
$
(270.2
)
  
$
192.4
    
$
(1,169.4
)
  
NM
    
$
(462.5
)
    
-240.5
%
                                                         
                                   
Point Chg
            
Point Chg
  
Loss ratio
    
141.0
%
    
106.3
%
    
56.0
%
            
34.7
              
50.3
  
Commission and brokerage ratio
    
28.7
%
    
18.7
%
    
19.1
%
            
10.0
              
(0.4
)
Other underwriting expense ratio
    
3.0
%
    
6.5
%
    
5.5
%
            
(3.5
)
            
1.0
  
Combined ratio
    
172.7
%
    
131.5
%
    
80.6
%
            
41.2
              
50.9
  
                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)
                                                        


Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 16.2% to $3,014.3 million in 2018 from $2,593.1 million in 2017, primarily due to an increase in treaty property and treaty casualty writings as well as growth in the mortgage business.  Net written premiums increased by 84.3% to $2,093.1 million in 2018 compared to $1,135.6 million in 2017.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017 and the implementation of an aggregate stop loss agreement with Bermuda Re for 2018.  Premiums earned increased 130.7% to $1,979.9 million in 2018 compared to $858.2 million in 2017.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is partially due to the impact of the non-renewal of the

23

quota share contract between Everest Re and Bermuda Re and is also the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 22.0% to $2,593.1 million in 2017 from $2,125.8 million in 2016, primarily due to an increase in the new crop reinsurance business, an increase in treaty property business, the influx of reinstatement premiums due to the catastrophe losses and an increase in mortgage business.  Net written premiums increased by 22.1% to $1,135.6 million in 2017 compared to $930.2 million in 2016, partially due to the changes in affiliated quota agreements including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement between Everest Re and Bermuda Re.  Premiums earned decreased 13.3% to $858.2 million in 2017 compared to $990.1 million in 2016.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is partially due to the impact of the non-renewal of the quota share contract between Everest Re and Bermuda Re and is also the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
   
Current
    
Ratio %/
  
Prior
    
Ratio %/
  
Total
    
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
  
Year
    
Pt Change
  
Years
    
Pt Change
  
Incurred
    
Pt Change
2018
                                                  
Attritional
  
$
1,378.5
      
69.7
%
    
$
5.8
      
0.3
%
    
$
1,384.3
      
70.0
%
  
Catastrophes
    
952.2
      
48.1
%
 
    
454.3
      
22.9
%
 
    
1,406.5
      
71.0
%
 
Total segment
  
$
2,330.7
      
117.8
%
 
  
$
460.1
      
23.2
%
 
  
$
2,790.8
      
141.0
%
 
                                                                
2017
                                                              
Attritional
  
$
522.3
      
61.0
%
    
$
(80.4
)
    
-9.4
%
    
$
441.9
      
51.6
%
  
Catastrophes
    
485.2
      
56.5
%
 
    
(15.1
)
    
-1.8
%
 
    
470.2
      
54.7
%
 
Total segment
  
$
1,007.5
      
117.5
%
 
  
$
(95.5
)
    
-11.2
%
 
  
$
912.1
      
106.3
%
 
                                                                
2016
                                                              
Attritional
  
$
555.5
      
56.1
%
    
$
(49.0
)
    
-4.9
%
    
$
506.5
      
51.2
%
  
Catastrophes
    
67.0
      
6.8
%
 
    
(19.5
)
    
-2.0
%
 
    
47.6
      
4.8
%
 
Total segment
  
$
622.5
      
62.9
%
 
  
$
(68.5
)
    
-6.9
%
 
  
$
554.1
      
56.0
%
 
                                                                
Variance 2018/2017
                                                              
Attritional
  
$
856.2
      
8.7
  
pts
  
$
86.2
      
9.7
  
pts
  
$
942.4
      
18.4
  
pts
Catastrophes
    
467.0
      
(8.4
)
pts
    
469.4
      
24.7
  
pts
    
936.3
      
16.3
  
pts
Total segment
  
$
1,323.2
      
0.3
  
pts
  
$
555.6
      
34.4
  
pts
  
$
1,878.7
      
34.7
  
pts
                                                                
Variance 2017/2016
                                                              
Attritional
  
$
(33.2
)
    
4.9
  
pts
  
$
(31.4
)
    
(4.5
)
pts
  
$
(64.6
)
    
0.4
  
pts
Catastrophes
    
418.2
      
49.7
  
pts
    
4.4
      
0.2
  
pts
    
422.6
      
49.9
  
pts
Total segment
  
$
385.0
      
54.6
  
pts
  
$
(27.0
)
    
(4.3
)
pts
  
$
358.0
      
50.3
  
pts
                                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                              


Incurred losses increased by 206.0% to $2,790.8 million in 2018 compared to $912.1 million in 2017.  The increase was primarily due to a rise of $856.2 million in current year attritional losses mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned resulting primarily from changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017 and the implementation of an aggregate stop loss agreement with Bermuda Re as of January 1, 2018.  The increase in incurred losses also resulted from an increase of $467.0 million in current year catastrophe losses and $454.3 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses in 2018 primarily related to Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria and the 2017 California wildfires.  The increases in loss estimates for Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria were mostly driven by re-opened claims reported in the second quarter of 2018 and loss inflation from higher than expected loss adjustment expenses and in particular, their impact on aggregate covers.  The current year catastrophe losses of $952.2 million in 2018 primarily related to Hurricane Michael ($416.5 million), Camp wildfire ($297.0 million), Woolsey wildfire ($151.0 million),Hurricane Florence ($49.3 million), other 2018 California wildfires ($23.1 million), Typhoon Jebi ($6.5 million), Japan Floods ($5.5 million), Typhoon Trami ($2.0 million) and the U.S. winter storms ($1.3 million).  The current year catastrophe losses of $485.2 million in 2017 related to Hurricane Irma

24

($200.5 million), Hurricane Harvey ($185.4 million), the Northern California wildfires ($73.6 million), Hurricane Maria ($20.8 million), the Southern California wildfires ($3.6 million) and the 2017 US Midwest storms ($2.6 million).

Incurred losses increased by 64.6% to $912.1 million in 2017 compared to $554.1 million in 2016, primarily due to an increase of $418.2 million in current year catastrophe losses, partially offset by $31.4 million of more favorable development on prior years attritional losses in 2017 compared to 2016.  The $80.4 million of favorable development on prior years attritional losses in 2017 was mainly related to property and short-tail business, partially offset by $25.2 million of adverse development on A&E reserves. The current year catastrophe losses of $485.2 million in 2017 are outlined above.  The current year catastrophe losses of $67.0 million in 2016 related to Hurricane Matthew ($43.1 million), the 2016 U.S. Storms ($10.2 million), the Tennessee wildfire ($7.3 million) and Hurricane Hermine ($6.7 million).

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased to $568.4 million in 2018 compared to $160.3 million in 2017.  The increase was mainly due to changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017, the impact of the increases in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business towards additional pro rata business. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $60.3 million in 2018 from $55.9 million in 2017, mainly due to the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts and the impact of the increases in premiums earned.

Commission and brokerage decreased by 15.4% to $160.3 million in 2017 compared to $189.5  million in 2016.  The decrease is mainly due to the impact of the influx of reinstatement premiums in 2017, the impact of affiliated quota share contracts and changes in the mix of business.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased slightly to $55.9 million in 2017 from $54.1 million in 2016.

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

     Years Ended December 31,           2018/2017        2017/2016    
(Dollars in millions)
   2018      2017      2016      Variance      % Change      Variance      % Change  
Gross written premiums
  
$
1,555.2
    
$
1,339.5
    
$
1,269.1
    
$
215.7
      
16.1
%
  
$
70.4
      
5.5
%
Net written premiums
    
1,426.6
      
615.4
      
497.6
      
811.2
      
131.8
%
    
117.8
      
23.7
%
                                                         
Premiums earned
  
$
1,406.5
    
$
502.3
    
$
510.9
    
$
904.2
      
180.0
%
  
$
(8.6
)
    
-1.7
%
Incurred losses and LAE
    
1,020.9
      
622.8
      
207.6
      
398.2
      
63.9
%
    
415.2
      
200.0
%
Commission and brokerage
    
355.5
      
101.9
      
111.5
      
253.6
      
248.8
%
    
(9.6
)
    
-8.6
%
Other underwriting expenses
    
37.7
      
36.3
      
34.3
      
1.4
      
3.8
%
    
2.0
      
5.9
%
Underwriting gain (loss)
  
$
(7.7
)
  
$
(258.7
)
  
$
157.5
    
$
251.0
      
-97.0
%
  
$
(416.2
)
  
NM
  
                                                         
                                   
Point Chg
            
Point Chg
  
Loss ratio
    
72.6
%
    
124.0
%
    
40.6
%
            
(51.4
)
            
83.4
  
Commission and brokerage ratio
    
25.3
%
    
20.3
%
    
21.8
%
            
5.0
              
(1.5
)
Other underwriting expense ratio
    
2.6
%
    
7.2
%
    
6.8
%
            
(4.6
)
            
0.4
  
Combined ratio
    
100.5
%
    
151.5
%
    
69.2
%
            
(51.0
)
            
82.3
  
                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)
                                                        
(NM, not meaningful)
                                                        


Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 16.1% to $1,555.2 million in 2018 compared to $1,339.5 million in 2017, primarily due to increases in Latin American business and business written through our Canada and Singapore branches, partially offset by the negative impact of $20.6 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates.  Net written premiums increased by 131.8% to $1,426.6 million in 2018 compared to $615.4 million in 2017.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the impact of changes in affiliated reinsurance contracts including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017.  Premiums earned increased 180.0% to $1,406.5 million in 2018 compared to $502.3 million in 2017.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is partially due to

25

the impact of the non-renewal of the quota share contract between Everest Re and Bermuda Re and is also the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

Gross written premiums increased by 5.5% to $1,339.5 million in 2017 compared to $1,269.1 million in 2016, primarily due to increases in Middle East, African and Asian business and the positive impact of $22.0 million from the movement of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by a decline in Latin American business.  Net written premiums increased by 23.7% to $615.4 million in 2017 compared to $497.6 million in 2016.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to varying utilization of reinsurance related to quota share contracts, including the impact of the non-renewal of the quota share contract between Everest Re and Bermuda Re.  Premiums earned decreased 1.7% to $502.3 million in 2017 compared to $510.9 million in 2016.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is partially due to the impact of the non-renewal of the quota share contract between Everest Re and Bermuda Re and is also the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
   
Current
    
Ratio %/
      
Prior
    
Ratio %/
      
Total
    
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
  
Year
    
Pt Change
  
Years
    
Pt Change
  
Incurred
    
Pt Change
2018
                                                  
Attritional
  
$
751.5
      
53.4
%
    
$
-
      
0.0
%
    
$
751.5
      
53.4
%
  
Catastrophes
    
165.3
      
11.8
%
 
    
104.1
      
7.4
%
 
    
269.4
      
19.2
%
 
Total segment
  
$
916.8
      
65.2
%
 
  
$
104.1
      
7.4
%
 
  
$
1,020.9
      
72.6
%
 
                                                                
2017
                                                              
Attritional
  
$
255.0
      
50.8
%
    
$
11.6
      
2.3
%
    
$
266.6
      
53.1
%
  
Catastrophes
    
357.2
      
71.1
%
 
    
(1.0
)
    
-0.2
%
 
    
356.2
      
70.9
%
 
Total segment
  
$
612.2
      
121.9
%
 
  
$
10.6
      
2.1
%
 
  
$
622.8
      
124.0
%
 
                                                                
2016
                                                              
Attritional
  
$
261.5
      
51.2
%
    
$
(93.6
)
    
-18.3
%
    
$
167.9
      
32.8
%
  
Catastrophes
    
65.5
      
12.8
%
 
    
(25.8
)
    
-5.1
%
 
    
39.7
      
7.8
%
 
Total segment
  
$
327.0
      
64.0
%
 
  
$
(119.4
)
    
-23.4
%
 
  
$
207.6
      
40.6
%
 
                                                                
Variance 2018/2017
                                                              
Attritional
  
$
496.5
      
2.6
  
pts
  
$
(11.6
)
    
(2.3
)
pts
  
$
484.9
      
0.3
  
pts
Catastrophes
    
(191.9
)
    
(59.3
)
pts
    
105.1
      
7.6
  
pts
    
(86.8
)
    
(51.7
)
pts
Total segment
  
$
304.6
      
(56.7
)
pts
  
$
93.5
      
5.3
  
pts
  
$
398.1
      
(51.4
)
pts
                                                                
Variance 2017/2016
                                                              
Attritional
  
$
(6.5
)
    
(0.4
)
pts
  
$
105.2
      
20.6
  
pts
  
$
98.7
      
20.3
  
pts
Catastrophes
    
291.7
      
58.3
  
pts
    
24.8
      
4.9
  
pts
    
316.5
      
63.1
  
pts
Total segment
  
$
285.2
      
57.9
  
pts
  
$
130.0
      
25.5
  
pts
  
$
415.2
      
83.4
  
pts
                                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                              


Incurred losses and LAE increased by 63.9% to $1,020.9 million in 2018 compared to $622.8 million in 2017, primarily due to an increase of $496.5 million in current year attritional losses related to the increase in premiums earned resulting primarily from changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017, as well as $104.1 million of unfavorable development on prior years catastrophe losses, mainly related to Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria and the 2017 Mexico earthquake.  The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $191.9 million in current year catastrophe losses.  The current year catastrophe losses of $165.3 million in 2018 primarily related to Typhoon Jebi ($60.1 million), Cyclone Mekunu ($43.7 million), Australia hailstorm ($24.0 million), Typhoon Trami ($23.0 million), Japan Floods ($9.5 million), Hurricane Michael ($3.0 million) and Hurricane Florence ($2.0 million).  The current year catastrophe losses of $357.2 million in 2017 related to Hurricane Maria ($238.6 million), Hurricane Irma ($79.2 million), the Mexico City earthquake ($10.2 million),

26

the South Africa Knysna fires ($9.9 million), Cyclone Debbie in Australia ($8.4 million), the Peru storms ($7.4 million) and Hurricane Harvey ($3.4 million).

Incurred losses and LAE increased by 200.0% to $622.8 million in 2017 compared to $207.6 million in 2016, primarily due to an increase of $291.7 million in current catastrophe losses, favorable development of $105.2 million on prior years attritional losses and $24.8 million on prior years catastrophe losses.  The current year catastrophe losses of $357.2 million in 2017 are outlined above.  The $65.5 million of current year catastrophe losses in 2016 were due to the Fort McMurray Canada wildfire ($24.9 million), Hurricane Matthew ($13.7 million), the Ecuador earthquake ($11.8 million), the 2016 Taiwan earthquake ($7.6 million) and the New Zealand earthquake ($6.9 million).

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased to $355.5 million in 2018 compared to $101.9 million in 2017.  The increase was mainly due to changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017, the impact of increases in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased slightly to $37.7 million in 2018 from $36.3 million in 2017.

Commission and brokerage decreased 8.6% to $101.9 million in 2017 compared to $111.5 million in 2016.  The decrease was due to the impact of the decrease in premiums earned, the impact of affiliated quota share agreements and the changes in the mix of business. Segment other underwriting expenses increased slightly to $36.3 million in 2017 compared to $34.3 million in 2016.

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



   Years Ended December 31,
  2018/2017   
  2017/2016   
(Dollars in millions)    2018      2017      2016      Variance      % Change      Variance      % Change  
Gross written premiums
  
$
2,004.1
    
$
1,855.9
    
$
1,668.8
    
$
148.2
      
8.0
%
  
$
187.1
      
11.2
%
Net written premiums
    
1,512.2
      
972.8
      
620.3
      
539.3
      
55.4
%
    
352.5
      
56.8
%
                                                         
Premiums earned
  
$
1,452.7
    
$
589.1
    
$
593.1
    
$
863.6
      
146.6
%
  
$
(4.0
)
    
-0.7
%
Incurred losses and LAE
    
999.3
      
504.9
      
588.6
      
494.4
      
97.9
%
    
(83.7
)
    
-14.2
%
Commission and brokerage
    
217.8
      
(51.3
)
    
(19.6
)
    
269.1
    
NM
      
(31.7
)
    
162.0
%
Other underwriting expenses
    
195.4
      
162.7
      
156.6
      
32.7
      
20.1
%
    
6.1
      
3.9
%
Underwriting gain (loss)
  
$
40.2
    
$
(27.1
)
  
$
(132.5
)
  
$
67.3
      
-248.0
%
  
$
105.4
      
-79.5
%
                                                         
                                   
Point Chg
            
Point Chg
  
Loss ratio
    
68.8
%
    
85.7
%
    
99.2
%
            
(16.9
)
            
(13.5
)
Commission and brokerage ratio
    
15.0
%
    
-8.7
%
    
-3.3
%
            
23.7
              
(5.4
)
Other underwriting expense ratio
    
13.4
%
    
27.6
%
    
26.5
%
            
(14.2
)
            
1.1
  
Combined ratio
    
97.2
%
    
104.6
%
    
122.3
%
            
(7.4
)
            
(17.7
)
                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)
                                                        
(NM, not meaningful)
                                                        


Premiums.  Gross written premiums increased by 8.0% to $2,004.1 million in 2018 compared to $1,855.9 million in 2017.  This increase was related to most lines of business including casualty, energy and accident and health.  Net written premiums increased by 55.4% to $1,512.2 million in 2018 compared to $972.8 million in 2017.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the impact of affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the impact of the non-renewal of the quota share agreement between Everest Re and Bermuda Re.  Premiums earned increased 146.6% to $1,452.7 million in 2018 compared to $589.1 million in 2017.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is partially due to the impact of the non-renewal of the quota share contract between Everest Re and Bermuda Re and is also the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period. 

27

Gross written premiums increased by 11.2% to $1,855.9 million in 2017 compared to $1,668.8 million in 2016.  Excluding the impact of the sale of Heartland, which accounted for $230.4 million of gross written premiums in 2016, gross written premiums increased $417.4 million.  This increase was primarily driven by expansion of many lines of business, including retail casualty, retail property and accident and health.  Net written premiums increased by 56.8% to $972.8 million in 2017 compared to $620.3 million in 2016.  The difference between the change in gross written premiums compared to the change in net written premiums is primarily due to the impact of affiliated quota share agreements, including the impact of the non-renewal of the quota share agreement between Everest Re and Bermuda Re.  Premiums earned decreased slightly to $589.1 million in 2017 compared to $593.1 million in 2016.  The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
   
Current
    
Ratio %/
  
Prior
    
Ratio %/
  
Total
    
Ratio %/
(Dollars in millions)
  
Year
    
Pt Change
  
Years
    
Pt Change
  
Incurred
    
Pt Change
2018
                                                  
Attritional
  
$
962.6
      
66.3
%
    
$
-
      
0.0
%
    
$
962.6
      
66.3
%
  
Catastrophes
    
42.1
      
2.9
%
 
    
(5.4
)
    
-0.4
%
 
    
36.7
      
2.5
%
 
Total segment
  
$
1,004.7
      
69.2
%
 
  
$
(5.4
)
    
-0.4
%
 
  
$
999.3
      
68.8
%
 
                                                                
2017
                                                              
Attritional
  
$
423.4
      
71.9
%
    
$
(33.5
)
    
-5.7
%
    
$
389.9
      
66.2
%
  
Catastrophes
    
114.5
      
19.4
%
 
    
0.6
      
0.1
%
 
    
115.0
      
19.5
%
 
Total segment
  
$
537.9
      
91.3
%
 
  
$
(32.9
)
    
-5.6
%
 
  
$
504.9
      
85.7
%
 
                                                                
2016
                                                              
Attritional
  
$
470.2
      
79.2
%
    
$
96.5
      
16.3
%
    
$
566.7
      
95.5
%
  
Catastrophes
    
22.2
      
3.7
%
 
    
(0.3
)
    
0.0
%
 
    
21.9
      
3.7
%
 
Total segment
  
$
492.4
      
82.9
%
 
  
$
96.2
      
16.3
%
 
  
$
588.6
      
99.2
%
 
                                                                
Variance 2018/2017
                                                              
Attritional
  
$
539.2
      
(5.6
)
pts
  
$
33.5
      
5.7
  
pts
  
$
572.7
      
0.1
  
pts
Catastrophes
    
(72.4
)
    
(16.5
)
pts
    
(6.0
)
    
(0.5
)
pts
    
(78.3
)
    
(17.0
)
pts
Total segment
  
$
466.8
      
(22.1
)
pts
  
$
27.5
      
5.2
  
pts
  
$
494.4
      
(16.9
)
pts
                                                                
Variance 2017/2016
                                                              
Attritional
  
$
(46.8
)
    
(7.3
)
pts
  
$
(130.0
)
    
(22.0
)
pts
  
$
(176.8
)
    
(29.3
)
pts
Catastrophes
    
92.3
      
15.7
  
pts
    
0.9
      
0.1
  
pts
    
93.1
      
15.8
  
pts
Total segment
  
$
45.5
      
8.4
  
pts
  
$
(129.1
)
    
(21.9
)
pts
  
$
(83.7
)
    
(13.5
)
pts
                                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                              


Incurred losses and LAE increased by 97.9% to $999.3 million in 2018 compared to $504.9 million in 2017, mainly due to an increase of $539.2 million in current year attritional losses, resulting from the impact of the increase in premiums earned resulting primarily from changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017.  The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $72.4 million in current year catastrophe losses.  The current year catastrophe losses of $42.1 million in 2018 primarily related to Hurricane Michael ($24.0 million), Hurricane Florence ($9.5 million), the U.S. winter storms ($7.1 million) and other 2018 California wildfires ($1.5 million). The current year catastrophe losses of $114.5 million in 2017 primarily related to Hurricane Irma ($53.9 million), Hurricane Harvey ($47.0 million), Hurricane Maria ($8.7 million), the 2017 US Midwest storms ($2.4 million), the Northern California wildfires ($1.7 million) and the Southern California wildfires ($0.8 million).

Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 14.2% to $504.9 million in 2017 compared to $588.6 million in 2016, mainly due to $130.0 million of more favorable development on prior years attritional losses and a decrease of $46.8 million in current year attritional losses, partially offset by an increase of $92.3 million in current year catastrophe losses.  The decrease in current year attritional losses primarily related to changes in the mix of business and the impact of affiliated quota share agreements.  The $33.5 million of favorable

28

development on prior years attritional losses in 2017 mainly related to workers compensation business.  The current year catastrophe losses of $114.5 million in 2017 are outlined above.  The $22.2 million of current year catastrophe losses in 2016 were due to the U.S. storms ($15.0 million), Hurricane Matthew ($5.5 million) and the Fort McMurray Canada wildfire ($1.7 million).

Segment Expenses.  Commission and brokerage increased to $217.8 million in 2018 compared to ($51.3) million in 2017.  The increase was mainly due to changes in affiliated reinsurance agreements, including the non-renewal of the quota share agreement with Bermuda Re as of December 31, 2017, the impact of increases in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $195.4 million in 2018 compared to $162.7 million in 2017. The increases were mainly due to the impact of the increases in premiums earned and expenses related to the continued build out of the insurance business.

Commission and brokerage decreased to ($51.3) million in 2017 compared to ($19.6) million in 2016.  The decrease was mainly due to the impact of changes in the mix of business and the impacts from affiliated quota share agreements.  Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $162.7 million in 2017 compared to $156.6 million in 2016.  The increase was primarily due to the impact of the increased expenses related to the continued build out of the insurance business.

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

ITEM 7A.                          QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

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

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

29

Interest Rate Risk.  Our $10.7 billion investment portfolio, at December 31, 2018, is principally comprised of fixed maturity securities, which are generally subject to interest rate risk and some foreign currency exchange rate risk, and some equity securities, which are subject to price fluctuations and some foreign exchange rate risk.  The overall economic impact of the foreign exchange risks on the investment portfolio is partially mitigated by changes in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated liabilities and their associated income statement impact.

Interest rate risk is the potential change in value of the fixed maturity securities portfolio, including short-term investments, from a change in market interest rates.  In a declining interest rate environment, it includes prepayment risk on the $288.5 million of mortgage-backed securities in the $6,964.4 million fixed maturity portfolio.  Prepayment risk results from potential accelerated principal payments that shorten the average life and thus the expected yield of the security.

The table below displays the potential impact of market value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity portfolio (including $174.1 million of short-term investments) for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates.  For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually.  To generate appropriate price estimate on mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account.  For legal entities with non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the market value change under the various interest rate change scenarios. 


   
Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
   
At December 31, 2018
(Dollars in millions)
  
-200
  
-100
  
0
  
100
  
200
Total Market/Fair Value
  
$
7,505.3
    
$
7,320.6
    
$
7,138.5
    
$
6,957.6
    
$
6,778.5
  
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    
5.1
%
    
2.6
%
    
0.0
%
    
-2.5
%
    
-5.0
%
Change in Unrealized Appreciation
                                        
After-tax from Base ($)
  
$
289.7
    
$
143.9
    
$
-
    
$
(143.0
)
  
$
(284.4
)



   
Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
   
At December 31, 2017
(Dollars in millions)
  
-200
  
-100
  
0
  
100
  
200
Total Market/Fair Value
  
$
5,524.8
    
$
5,367.4
    
$
5,213.4
    
$
5,061.3
    
$
4,910.9
  
Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%)
    
6.0
%
    
3.0
%
    
0.0
%
    
-2.9
%
    
-5.8
%
Change in Unrealized Appreciation
                                        
After-tax from Base ($)
  
$
202.4
    
$
100.1
    
$
-
    
$
(98.9
)
  
$
(196.6
)


We had $10,167.0 million and $9,343.0 million of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.  These amounts are recorded at their nominal value, as opposed to present value, which would reflect a discount adjustment to reflect the time value of money.  Since losses are paid out over a period of time, the present value of the reserves is less than the nominal value.  As interest rates rise, the present value of the reserves decreases and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the present value increases.  These movements are the opposite of the interest rate impacts on the fair value of investments.  While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will include investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid.  Our loss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration that is reasonably consistent with our fixed income portfolio.

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

30

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


   
Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values
   
At December 31, 2018
(Dollars in millions)
  
-20%
  
-10%
  
0%
  
10%
  
20%
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio
  
$
451.5
    
$
507.9
    
$
564.3
    
$
620.8
    
$
677.2
  
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value
    
(89.2
)
    
(44.6
)
    
-
      
44.6
      
89.2
  



   
Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values
   
At December 31, 2017
(Dollars in millions)
  
-20%
  
-10%
  
0%
  
10%
  
20%
Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio
  
$
657.9
    
$
740.1
    
$
822.4
    
$
904.6
    
$
986.9
  
After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value
    
(106.9
)
    
(53.5
)
    
-
      
53.5
      
106.9
  


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

The tables below display the potential impact of a parallel and immediate 10% and 20% increase and decrease in foreign exchange rates on the valuation of invested assets subject to foreign currency exposure for the periods indicated.  This analysis includes the after-tax impact of translation from transactional currency to functional currency as well as the after-tax impact of translation from functional currency to the U.S. dollar reporting currency.


   
Change in Foreign Exchange Rates in Percent
   
At December 31, 2018
(Dollars in millions)
  
-20%
  
-10%
  
0%
  
10%
  
20%
Total After-tax Foreign Exchange Exposure
  
$
(166.9
)
  
$
(83.4
)
  
$
-
    
$
83.4
    
$
166.9
  


   
Change in Foreign Exchange Rates in Percent
   
At December 31, 2017
(Dollars in millions)
  
-20%
  
-10%
  
0%
  
10%
  
20%
Total After-tax Foreign Exchange Exposure
  
$
(131.8
)
  
$
(65.9
)
  
$
-
    
$
65.9
    
$
131.8
  



ITEM 8.                               FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The financial statements and schedules listed in the accompanying Index to Financial Statements and Schedules on page F-1 are filed as part of this report.


31

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

None.


ITEM 9A.                           CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act).  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.


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

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

Management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018.  In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)  Based on our assessment we concluded that, as of December 31, 2018, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report due to the Company’s status as a non-accelerated filer.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
As required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter covered by this annual report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the fourth quarter.


ITEM 9B.                          OTHER INFORMATION

None.


32

PART III

ITEM 10.                          DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information for Item 10 is not required pursuant to General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K.


ITEM 11.                          EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information for Item 11 is not required pursuant to General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K.


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

Information for Item 12 is not required pursuant to General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K.


ITEM 13.                          CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information for Item 13 is not required pursuant to General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K.


ITEM 14.                          PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (and its worldwide affiliates) fees incurred are as follows for the periods indicated:


(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
 (1)
Audit Fees
  
$
 2,633.1
    
$
2,666.3
  
 (2)
Audit-Related Fees
     159.8
      
133.1
  
 (3)
Tax Fees
     172.0
      
561.5
  
 (4)
All Other Fees
     14.0
      
13.6
  


Audit fees include the annual audit and quarterly financial statement reviews, subsidiary audits, and procedures required to be performed by the independent auditor to be able to form an opinion on our consolidated financial statements.  These other procedures include information systems and procedural reviews and testing performed in order to understand and place reliance on the systems of internal control, and consultations relating to the audit or quarterly review.  Audit fees may also include statutory audits or financial audits for our subsidiaries or affiliates and services associated with SEC registration statements, periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or other documents issued in connection with securities offerings.

Audit-related fees include assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements, including due diligence services pertaining to potential business acquisitions/dispositions, accounting consultations related to accounting, financial reporting or disclosure matters not classified as “audit services”; assistance with understanding and implementing new accounting and financial reporting guidance from rule making authorities; financial audits of employee benefit plans; agreed-upon or expanded audit procedures related to accounting and/or billing records required to respond to or comply with financial, accounting or regulatory reporting matters and assistance with internal control reporting requirements.

Tax fees include tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice and is granted general pre-approval by Group’s Audit Committee.

All other fees represent an accounting research subscription and software.
33

Under its Charter and the “Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy” (the “Policy”), the Audit Committee is required to pre-approve the audit and non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditors.  The Policy mandates specific approval by the Audit Committee for any service that has not received a general pre-approval or that exceeds pre-approved cost levels or budgeted amounts. For both specific and general pre-approval, the Audit Committee considers whether such services are consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.  The Audit Committee also considers whether the independent auditors are best positioned to provide the most effective and efficient service and whether the service might enhance the Company’s ability to manage or control risk or improve audit quality.  The Audit Committee is also mindful of the relationship between fees for audit and non-audit services in deciding whether to pre-approve any such services.  It may determine, for each fiscal year, the appropriate ratio between the total amount of  audit, audit-related and tax fees and a total amount of fees for certain permissible non-audit services classified below as “All Other Fees”.  All such factors are considered as a whole, and no one factor is determinative. The Audit Committee further considered whether the performance by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP of the non-audit related services disclosed below is compatible with maintaining their independence.  The Audit Committee approved all of the audit-related fees, tax fees and all other fees for 2018 and 2017.


PART IV

ITEM 15.                          EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

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

Financial Statements and Schedules.
The financial statements and schedules listed in the accompanying Index to Financial Statements and Schedules on page F-1 are filed as part of this report.


34
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on April 1, 2019.


 
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
  
       
       
 
By:
/S/DOMINIC J. ADDESSO
  
   
Dominic J. Addesso
(Chairman, President and
    Chief Executive Officer)
  




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

Signature
    
Title
  
Date
 
          
/S/ DOMINIC J. ADDESSO
    
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
  
April 1, 2019
Dominic J. Addesso
  
 
          
/S/ CRAIG HOWIE
    
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
  
April 1, 2019
Craig Howie
  
 
          
/S/ KEITH T. SHOEMAKER
    
Comptroller (Principal Accounting Officer)
  
April 1, 2019
Keith T. Shoemaker
  


35

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
       
Exhibit No.
       
 
2.
1
Agreement and Plan of Merger among Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., Everest Re Group, Ltd. and Everest Re Merger Corporation, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-87361)
       
 
3.
1
Certificate of Incorporation of Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-05771)
       
 
3.
2
By-Laws of Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000
       
 
4.
1
Indenture, dated March 14, 2000, between Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2000
       
 
4.
2
Fourth Supplemental Indenture relating to Holdings $400.0 million 4.868% Senior Notes due June 1, 2044, dated June 5 2014, between Holdings and the Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. Form 8-K filed on June 5, 2014
       
 
10.
1
Completion of Tender Offer relating to Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. 6.60% Fixed to Floating Rate Long Term Subordinated Notes (LoTSSM) dated March 19, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2009
       
 
*10.
2
Employment agreement between Everest Global Services, Inc., Everest Reinsurance Holdings Inc. and Dominic J. Addesso, dated December 4, 2015, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on December 8, 2015.
       
 
*10.
3
Employment agreement between Everest National Insurance Company and Jonathan M. Zaffino, dated September 8, 2017, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed on September 12, 2017.
       
 
*10.
4
Amendment of employment agreement between Everest Global Services, Inc., Everest Re Group, Ltd., Everest Reinsurance Holdings Inc. and Dominic J. Addesso, dated November 20, 2017, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Everest Re Group, Ltd. Form 8-K filed November 20, 2017
       
E-1

 
31.
1
Section 302 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso, filed herewith
       
 
31.
2
Section 302 Certification of Craig Howie, filed herewith
       
 
32.
1
Section 906 Certification of Dominic J. Addesso and Craig Howie, filed herewith
       
 
101.
INS
XBRL Instance Document
       
 
101.
SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
       
 
101.
CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
       
 
101.
DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
       
 
101.
LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
       
 
101.
PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
    
__________________________________________
 
    
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


E-2

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES


 
Pages
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-2
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2018 and 2017
F-3
     
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended
  
 
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
F-4
     
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity for the Years Ended
  
 
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
F-5
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
  
 
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
F-6
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-7
     
Schedules
  
     
I
Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties at December 31, 2018
S-1
     
II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant:
  
     
 
      Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017
S-2
     
 
      Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
S-3
     
 
      Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
S-4
     
 
      Notes to Condensed Financial Information
S-5
     
III
Supplementary Insurance Information for the Years Ended
  
 
      December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
S-6
     
IV
Reinsurance for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
S-7

Schedules other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are not applicable or the information is
otherwise contained in the Financial Statements.

F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholder
     of Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.:

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, including the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the  index appearing on page F-1 (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.




/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
April 1, 2019

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1996.

F-2


EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts and par value per share)
  
2018
    
2017
  
             
ASSETS:
            
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value
  
$
6,962,075
    
$
4,971,921
  
     (amortized cost: 2018, $7,032,749; 2017, $4,927,622)
                
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value
    
2,337
      
-
  
Equity securities, at fair value
    
564,338
      
822,375
  
Short-term investments (cost: 2018, $174,155; 2017, $241,506)
    
174,131
      
241,506
  
Other invested assets (cost: 2018, $882,647; 2017, $835,597)
    
882,647
      
838,694
  
Other invested assets, at fair value
    
1,717,336
      
1,807,473
  
Cash
    
404,522
      
229,552
  
         Total investments and cash
    
10,707,386
      
8,911,521
  
Note receivable - affiliated
    
-
      
250,000
  
Accrued investment income
    
47,232
      
35,376
  
Premiums receivable
    
1,471,805
      
1,301,827
  
Reinsurance receivables - unaffiliated
    
1,295,961
      
1,180,648
  
Reinsurance receivables - affiliated
    
3,544,975
      
4,940,039
  
Income taxes
    
409,892
      
87,110
  
Funds held by reinsureds
    
238,566
      
210,939
  
Deferred acquisition costs
    
353,630
      
307,741
  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    
328,796
      
346,708
  
Other assets
    
289,962
      
316,603
  
TOTAL ASSETS
  
$
18,688,205
    
$
17,888,512
  
                 
LIABILITIES:
                
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
  
$
10,167,018
    
$
9,343,028
  
Unearned premium reserve
    
1,826,868
      
1,607,622
  
Funds held under reinsurance treaties
    
41,600
      
40,536
  
Other net payable to reinsurers
    
316,826
      
491,299
  
Senior notes due 6/1/2044
    
396,954
      
396,834
  
Long term notes due 5/1/2067
    
236,659
      
236,561
  
Note payable - affiliated
    
300,000
      
-
  
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings
    
3,093
      
2,727
  
Unsettled securities payable
    
50,912
      
25,338
  
Other liabilities
    
303,610
      
331,844
  
         Total liabilities
    
13,643,540
      
12,475,789
  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15)
                
                 
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
                
Common stock, par value: $0.01; 3,000 shares authorized;
                
     1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2018 and 2017)
    
-
      
-
  
Additional paid-in capital
    
1,100,315
      
387,841
  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense
                
     (benefit) of ($33,506) at 2018 and ($299) at 2017
    
(126,254
)
    
(942
)
Retained earnings
    
4,070,604
      
5,025,824
  
         Total stockholder's equity
    
5,044,665
      
5,412,723
  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
  
$
18,688,205
    
$
17,888,512
  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
                


F-3
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)



   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
                   
REVENUES:
                  
Premiums earned
  
$
4,839,058
    
$
1,949,595
    
$
2,094,049
  
Net investment income
    
314,381
      
286,259
      
264,807
  
Net realized capital gains (losses):
                        
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
    
(6,164
)
    
(6,077
)
    
(25,679
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
                        
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
    
-
      
-
      
-
  
Realized gain (loss) on sale of subsidiary
    
-
      
-
      
(28,032
)
Other net realized capital gains (losses)
    
(179,192
)
    
167,630
      
24,770
  
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
    
(185,356
)
    
161,553
      
(28,941
)
Other income (expense)
    
(3,851
)
    
23,750
      
(10,542
)
Total revenues
    
4,964,232
      
2,421,157
      
2,319,373
  
                         
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                        
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
    
4,811,018
      
2,039,751
      
1,350,280
  
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
    
1,141,714
      
210,925
      
281,424
  
Other underwriting expenses
    
293,347
      
254,886
      
244,966
  
Corporate expenses
    
11,034
      
7,394
      
8,277
  
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense
    
30,611
      
31,183
      
35,435
  
Total claims and expenses
    
6,287,724
      
2,544,139
      
1,920,382
  
                         
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    
(1,323,492
)
    
(122,982
)
    
398,991
  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    
(365,825
)
    
(201,180
)
    
97,347
  
                         
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  
$
(957,667
)
  
$
78,198
    
$
301,644
  
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                        
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period
    
(92,966
)
    
(10,536
)
    
4,114
  
Less: reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
    
2,021
      
2,303
      
21,273
  
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period
    
(90,945
)
    
(8,233
)
    
25,387
  
                         
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    
(36,431
)
    
37,427
      
2,849
  
                         
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) for the period
    
(510
)
    
1,027
      
(7,488
)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)
    
5,021
      
5,477
      
5,073
  
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period
    
4,511
      
6,504
      
(2,415
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    
(122,865
)
    
35,698
      
25,821
  
                         
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  
$
(1,080,532
)
  
$
113,896
    
$
327,465
  
                         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
                        


F-4
EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY



   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
                   
COMMON STOCK (shares outstanding):
                  
Balance, beginning of period
    
1,000
      
1,000
      
1,000
  
Balance, end of period
    
1,000
      
1,000
      
1,000
  
                         
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:
                        
Balance, beginning of period
  
$
387,841
    
$
387,567
    
$
374,789
  
Capital contribution from parent
    
712,253
      
-
      
-
  
Share-based compensation plans
    
221
      
274
      
12,778
  
Balance, end of period
    
1,100,315
      
387,841
      
387,567
  
                         
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),
                        
NET OF DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:
                        
Balance, beginning of period
    
(942
)
    
(36,315
)
    
(62,136
)
Change to beginning balance due to adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
    
(2,447
)
    
-
      
-
  
Reclass due to early adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
    
-
      
(325
)
    
-
  
Net increase (decrease) during the period
    
(122,865
)
    
35,698
      
25,821
  
Balance, end of period
    
(126,254
)
    
(942
)
    
(36,315
)
                         
RETAINED EARNINGS:
                        
Balance, beginning of period
    
5,025,824
      
4,947,301
      
4,645,657
  
Change to beginning balance due to adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
    
2,447
      
-
      
-
  
Reclass due to early adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
    
-
      
325
      
-
  
Net income (loss)
    
(957,667
)
    
78,198
      
301,644
  
Balance, end of period
    
4,070,604
      
5,025,824
      
4,947,301
  
                         
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD
  
$
5,044,665
    
$
5,412,723
    
$
5,298,553
  
                         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
                        

F-5

EVEREST REINSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                  
Net income (loss)
  
$
(957,667
)
  
$
78,198
    
$
301,644
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                        
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable
    
(171,642
)
    
(170,234
)
    
1,140
  
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net
    
(26,680
)
    
(90,410
)
    
(4,445
)
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables
    
1,260,865
      
(731,292
)
    
(112,797
)
Decrease (increase) in income taxes
    
(291,528
)
    
(250,118
)
    
62,991
  
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums
    
17,302
      
436,571
      
(8,083
)
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
    
859,691
      
964,415
      
384,628
  
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums
    
221,850
      
291,108
      
(38,271
)
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers
    
(173,810
)
    
(329,946
)
    
(371,856
)
Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment
    
66,148
      
(31,815
)
    
(42,643
)
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships
    
(70,494
)
    
(35,749
)
    
(24,486
)
Distribution of limited partnership income
    
55,350
      
33,629
      
32,613
  
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
    
(143,047
)
    
(367,338
)
    
15,148
  
Non-cash compensation expense
    
13,863
      
10,212
      
9,481
  
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)
    
3,735
      
17,690
      
18,051
  
Net realized capital (gains) losses
    
185,356
      
(161,553
)
    
28,941
  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    
849,292
      
(336,632
)
    
252,056
  
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                        
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value
    
741,360
      
1,005,532
      
781,744
  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value
    
791,368
      
1,676,203
      
704,191
  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    
1,751
      
-
      
5,837
  
Proceeds from equity securities sold - at fair value
    
1,029,920
      
586,496
      
695,039
  
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary (net of cash disposed)
    
-
      
-
      
47,721
  
Distributions from other invested assets
    
1,043,131
      
2,327,206
      
1,756,484
  
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    
(3,714,695
)
    
(2,431,780
)
    
(2,110,113
)
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    
(4,381
)
    
-
      
(3,940
)
Cost of equity securities acquired - at fair value
    
(702,221
)
    
(396,056
)
    
(324,407
)
Cost of other invested assets acquired
    
(1,138,317
)
    
(2,546,289
)
    
(1,928,119
)
Net change in short-term investments
    
193,623
      
67,164
      
257,792
  
Net change in unsettled securities transactions
    
55,967
      
(40,530
)
    
10,474
  
Proceeds from repayment of long term note receivable, affiliated      250,000        -        -  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    
(1,452,494
)
    
247,946
      
(107,297
)
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                        
Tax benefit from share-based compensation, net of expense
    
(11,195
)
    
(9,938
)
    
3,298
  
Capital contribution from parent
    
500,324
      
-
      
-
  
Proceeds from borrowing for long term note payable, affiliated
    
300,000
      
-
      
-
  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    
789,129
      
(9,938
)
    
3,298
  
                         
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
    
(10,957
)
    
30,382
      
(5,692
)
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    
174,970
      
(68,242
)
    
142,365
  
Cash, beginning of period
    
229,552
      
297,794
      
155,429
  
Cash, end of period
  
$
404,522
    
$
229,552
    
$
297,794
  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                        
Income taxes paid (recovered)
  
$
(73,669
)
  
$
53,019
    
$
31,018
  
Interest paid
    
30,027
      
31,775
      
35,217
  
                         
NON-CASH TRANSACTION:
                        
Equity value of non-cash capital contribution of affiliate from parent, net of cash held by affiliate
  
$
211,928
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
Transfer of fixed maturities, available for sale, at market value to Bermuda Re as part of
                        
settlement for loss portfolio transfer agreement as of 12/31/17
    
-
      
790,583
      
-
  
                         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
                        

F-6
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A.  Business and Basis of Presentation.
Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”), a Delaware company and direct subsidiary of Everest Underwriting Group (Ireland) Limited (“Holdings Ireland”), which is a direct subsidiary of Everest Re Group, Ltd. (“Group”), through its subsidiaries, principally provides property and casualty reinsurance and insurance in the United States of America and internationally.  As used in this document, “Company” means Holdings and its subsidiaries.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  The statements include all of the following domestic and foreign direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company:  Everest Reinsurance Company (“Everest Re”), Everest Global Services, Inc. (“Global Services”), Everest National Insurance Company (“Everest National”), Everest Indemnity Insurance Company (“Everest Indemnity”), Everest Security Insurance Company (“Everest Security”), Everest Reinsurance Company – Escritório de Representação No Brasil Ltda. (“Everest Brazil”), Mt. Whitney Securities, Inc., Everest Denali Insurance Company (“Everest Denali”), Everest Premier Insurance Company (“Everest Premier”), Everest Specialty Underwriters Services, LLC, Heartland Crop Insurance, Inc. (“Heartland”), Everest International Assurance, Ltd. (“Everest Assurance”), Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. (“Specialty”), Specialty Insurance Group - Leisure and Entertainment Risk Purchasing Group LLC (“Specialty RPG”) and Mt. McKinley Managers, L.L.C.  All amounts are reported in U.S. dollars.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, Global Services was contributed to Holdings from its parent company, Holdings Ireland.  The operating results of Global Services for the fourth quarter of 2018 are included within the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

During the third quarter of 2016, the Company established Delaware domiciled property and casualty insurance subsidiaries, Everest Premier and Everest Denali, which are used in the continued expansion of the Insurance operations.

Effective August 24, 2016, the Company sold its wholly owned subsidiary, Heartland, a managing agent for crop insurance, to CGB Diversified Services, Inc. (“CGB”).  The operating results of Heartland through August 24, 2016 are included within the Company’s financial statements.

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

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Certain reclassifications and format changes have been made to prior years’ amounts to conform to the 2018 presentation.

B.  Investments.
Fixed maturity investments available for sale, at market value, reflect unrealized appreciation and depreciation, as a result of temporary changes in market value during the period, in stockholder’s equity, net of income taxes in “accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the consolidated balance sheets.  Fixed maturity, equity securities and other invested assets carried at fair value reflect fair value re-measurements as net realized capital gains and losses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  The Company records changes in fair value for its fixed maturities-available for sale, at market value through stockholder’s equity, net of taxes in accumulated other comprehensive

F-7
income (loss) since cash flows from these investments will be primarily used to settle its reserve for losses and loss adjustment expense liabilities.  The Company anticipates holding these investments for an extended period as the cash flow from interest and maturities will fund the projected payout of these liabilities.  As of January 1, 2018, the Company carries all of its equity securities at fair value.  For equity securities, at fair value, the Company reflects changes in value as net realized capital gains and losses since these securities may be sold in the near term depending on financial market conditions.  Interest income on all fixed maturities and dividend income on all equity securities are included as part of net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  Unrealized losses on fixed maturities, which are deemed other-than-temporary and related to the credit quality of a security, are charged to net income (loss) as net realized capital losses.  Short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates market value.  Realized gains or losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of identified cost.  For some non-publicly traded securities, market prices are determined through the use of pricing models that evaluate securities relative to the U.S. Treasury yield curve, taking into account the issue type, credit quality, and cash flow characteristics of each security.  For other non-publicly traded securities, investment managers’ valuation committees will estimate fair value, and in many instances, these fair values are supported with opinions from qualified independent third parties.  For publicly traded securities, market value is based on quoted market prices or valuation models that use observable market inputs.  When a sector of the financial markets is inactive or illiquid, the Company may use its own assumptions about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates to determine fair value.  Retrospective adjustments are employed to recalculate the values of asset-backed securities.  Each acquisition lot is reviewed to recalculate the effective yield.  The recalculated effective yield is used to derive a book value as if the new yield were applied at the time of acquisition.  Outstanding principal factors from the time of acquisition to the adjustment date are used to calculate the prepayment history for all applicable securities.  Conditional prepayment rates, computed with life to date factor histories and weighted average maturities, are used to effect the calculation of projected and prepayments for pass-through security types.  Other invested assets include limited partnerships, rabbi trusts and, prior to July 1, 2018, a private placement liquidity sweep facility. Cash contributions to and cash distributions from the sweep facility were reported gross in cash flows from investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Limited partnerships are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, which can be recorded on a monthly or quarterly lag.  Other invested assets, at fair value, are comprised of convertible preferred stock of Everest Preferred International Holdings, Ltd. (“Preferred Holdings”), an affiliated entity.  The fair values of the Preferred Holdings convertible preferred stock at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were determined using a pricing model.

C.  Uncollectible Receivable Balances.
The Company provides reserves for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable and premium receivable balances based on management’s assessment of the collectability of the outstanding balances.  Such reserves are presented in the table below for the periods indicated.


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Reinsurance recoverable and premium receivables
  
$
25,163
    
$
23,011
  


D.  Deferred Acquisition Costs.
Acquisition costs, consisting principally of commissions and brokerage expenses and certain premium taxes and fees incurred at the time a contract or policy is issued and that vary with and are directly related to the Company’s reinsurance and insurance business, are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned.  Deferred acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value by line of business based on the related unearned premiums, anticipated claims and claim expenses and anticipated investment income.  Deferred acquisition costs amortized to income are presented in the table below for the periods indicated.


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Deferred acquisition costs
  
$
1,141,714
    
$
210,925
    
$
281,424
  

F-8

E.  Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
The reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) is based on individual case estimates and reports received from ceding companies.  A provision is included for losses and LAE incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) based on past experience.  A provision is also included for certain potential liabilities relating to asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) exposures, for which liabilities cannot be estimated using traditional reserving techniques.  See also Note 3.  The reserves are reviewed periodically and any changes in estimates are reflected in earnings in the period the adjustment is made.  The Company’s loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate liability.  Loss and LAE reserves are presented gross of reinsurance receivables and incurred losses and LAE are presented net of reinsurance.

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

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

G.  Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums.
Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent unearned premium reserves ceded to other reinsurers.  Prepaid reinsurance premiums for any foreign reinsurers comprising more than 10% of the outstanding balance at December 31, 2018 were collateralized either through collateralized trust arrangements, rights of offset or letters of credit, thereby limiting the credit risk to the Company.

H.  Income Taxes.
The Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return.  The Company’s foreign subsidiaries and foreign branches of its US subsidiaries file country and local corporation income tax returns as required.  Deferred U.S. federal and foreign income taxes have been recorded to recognize the tax effect of temporary differences between the GAAP and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, which arise because of differences between the financial reporting and income tax rules.

I.  Foreign Currency.
As a global entity, the Company transacts business in numerous currencies through business units located around the world.  The base transactional currency for each business unit is determined by the local currency used for most economic activity in that area.  Movements in exchange rates related to assets and liabilities at the business units between the original currency and the base currency are recorded through the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) in other income (expense), except for currency movements related to available for sale investments, which are excluded from net income (loss) and accumulated in stockholder’s equity, net of deferred taxes.

The business units’ base currency financial statements are translated to U.S. dollars using the exchange rates at the end of period for the balance sheets and the average exchange rates in effect for the reporting period for the income statements.  Gains and losses resulting from translating the foreign currency financial statements, net of deferred income taxes, are excluded from net income loss and accumulated in stockholder’s equity.

J.  Segmentation.
The Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in three segments:  U.S. Reinsurance, International and Insurance.  See also Note 17.
F-9

K.  Retroactive Reinsurance.
Premiums on ceded retroactive contracts are earned when written with a corresponding reinsurance recoverable established for the amount of reserves ceded.  The initial gain, if applicable, is deferred and amortized into income over an actuarially determined expected payout period.  Any future loss is recognized immediately and charged against earnings.

L. Application of Recently Issued Accounting Standard Changes.
Simplification of Disclosure Requirements.  In August 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Final Rule Release #33-10532 (“the Rule”) which addresses the simplification of the SEC’s disclosure requirements for quarterly and annual financial reports.  The main change addressed by the Rule that is applicable to the Company is a new requirement to disclose changes in equity by line item with subtotals for each interim reporting period on the Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity.  The Rule became effective for all financial reports filed after November 5, 2018 (30 days after its publication in the Federal Register), except for the additional requirement for the Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity which can be implemented for first quarter 2019 reporting. The Company has adopted the portions of the Rule that became effective November 5, 2018.  The portion of the Rule related to the new requirement for the Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of 2019.

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

Accounting for Long Duration Contracts.  In August 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-12, which discusses changes to the recognition, measurement and presentation of long duration contracts.  The main provisions of this guidance address the following:  1) In determining liability for future policy benefits, companies must review cash flow assumptions at least annually and the discount rate assumption at each reporting period date 2) Amortization of deferred acquisition costs has been simplified to be in constant level proportion to either premiums, gross profits or gross margins 3) Disaggregated roll forwards of beginning and ending liabilities for future policy benefits are required.  The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within that annual reporting period.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-12 on its financial statements.

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

Accounting for Impact on Income Taxes due to Tax Reform.  In December 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118, which provides guidance on the application of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740, Income Taxes, due to the enactment of TCJA.  SAB 118 became effective upon release.  The Company has adopted the provisions of SAB 118 with respect to measuring the tax effects for the modifications to the determination of tax basis loss reserves.  In 2018, the Company recorded adjustments to the amount of tax expense it recorded in 2017 with respect to the TCJA as estimated amounts were finalized, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
F-10

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

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

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

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

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

Leases.  In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (and subsequently issued ASU 2018-11 in July 2018) which outlines new guidance on the accounting for leases. The new guidance requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheets for most leases that were previously deemed operating leases and required only lease expense presentation in the statements of operations.  The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  The Company will adopt ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019 and estimates that its increase in lease liability will be $65,000 thousand with no impact on shareholders’ equity upon adoption and no material impact on future consolidated statements of operation and comprehensive income (loss).

F-11

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

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

Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share.  In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, which removes the requirement to categorize, within the fair value hierarchy, investments for which fair values are estimated using the net asset value practical expedient provided by Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurement.  The updated guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015.  The Company implemented this guidance effective in the fourth quarter of 2016.  The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, The FASB issued ASU 2015–03, authoritative guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs.  This guidance requires that debt issuance costs be presented within the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying value of the debt liability, rather than as a separate asset.  This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and related interim reporting periods.  The Company implemented this guidance effective in the second quarter of 2016.  The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

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

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

2.  REVISIONS TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

F-12

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

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


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
  
December 31, 2016
  
   
As Originally
    
Impact of
        
   
Reported
    
Revisions
    
As Revised
  
(Dollars in thousands)
                  
ASSETS:
                  
Deferred acquisition costs
  
$
73,924
    
$
(5,303
)
  
$
68,621
  
TOTAL ASSETS
  
$
17,088,739
    
$
(5,303
)
  
$
17,083,436
  
                         
LIABILITIES:
                        
Other net payable to reinsurers
  
$
860,391
    
$
(45,093
)
  
$
815,298
  
Income taxes
    
142,143
      
6,797
      
148,940
  
         Total liabilities
    
11,823,179
      
(38,296
)
    
11,784,883
  
                         
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY:
                        
 Retained earnings
    
4,914,308
      
32,993
      
4,947,301
  
         Total stockholder's equity
    
5,265,560
      
32,993
      
5,298,553
  
 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
  
$
17,088,739
    
$
(5,303
)
  
$
17,083,436
  



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
  
Year Ended December 31, 2016
  
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
  
As Originally
    
Impact of
        
   
Reported
    
Revisions
    
As Revised
  
(Dollars in thousands)
                  
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                  
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
  
$
289,982
    
$
(8,558
)
  
$
281,424
  
Total claims and expenses
    
1,928,940
      
(8,558
)
    
1,920,382
  
                         
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    
390,433
      
8,558
      
398,991
  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    
94,683
      
2,664
      
97,347
  
                         
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  
$
295,750
    
$
5,894
    
$
301,644
  
                         
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  
$
321,571
    
$
5,894
    
$
327,465
  



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
  
Year Ended December 31, 2016
  
CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
  
As Originally
    
Impact of
        
   
Reported
    
Revisions
    
As Revised
  
                   
(Dollars in thousands)
                  
RETAINED EARNINGS:
                  
Balance, beginning of period
  
$
4,618,558
    
$
27,099
    
$
4,645,657
  
Net income (loss)
    
295,750
      
5,894
      
301,644
  
Balance, end of period
    
4,914,308
      
32,993
      
4,947,301
  
 TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD
  
$
5,265,560
    
$
32,993
    
$
5,298,553
  



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
  
Year Ended December 31, 2016
  
   
As Originally
    
Impact of
        
   
Reported
    
Revisions
    
As Revised
  
(Dollars in thousands)
                  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                  
Net income (loss)
  
$
295,750
    
$
5,894
    
$
301,644
  
Decrease (increase) in income taxes
    
60,325
      
2,666
      
62,991
  
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers
    
(364,242
)
    
(7,614
)
    
(371,856
)
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
    
16,090
      
(946
)
    
15,144
  

F-13

3.  INVESTMENTS

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


   
At December 31, 2018
  
   
Amortized
    
Unrealized
    
Unrealized
    
Market
    
OTTI in AOCI
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Cost
    
Appreciation
    
Depreciation
    
Value
    
(a)
  
Fixed maturity securities
                              
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                              
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  
$
2,250,312
    
$
3,573
    
$
(11,088
)
  
$
2,242,797
    
$
-
  
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    
489,013
      
12,915
      
(2,839
)
    
499,089
      
440
  
Corporate securities
    
2,273,581
      
12,487
      
(69,915
)
    
2,216,153
      
430
  
Asset-backed securities
    
223,192
      
102
      
(2,039
)
    
221,255
      
-
  
Mortgage-backed securities
                                        
Commercial
    
135,380
      
1,947
      
(723
)
    
136,604
      
-
  
Agency residential
    
149,306
      
1,177
      
(1,709
)
    
148,774
      
-
  
Non-agency residential
    
3,115
      
3
      
(4
)
    
3,114
      
-
  
Foreign government securities
    
576,540
      
14,399
      
(11,353
)
    
579,586
      
-
  
Foreign corporate securities
    
932,310
      
13,325
      
(30,932
)
    
914,703
      
281
  
Total fixed maturity securities
  
$
7,032,749
    
$
59,928
    
$
(130,602
)
  
$
6,962,075
    
$
1,151
  



   
At December 31, 2017
  
   
Amortized
    
Unrealized
    
Unrealized
    
Market
    
OTTI in AOCI
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Cost
    
Appreciation
    
Depreciation
    
Value
    
(a)
  
Fixed maturity securities
                              
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                              
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  
$
671,449
    
$
658
    
$
(7,594
)
  
$
664,513
    
$
-
  
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    
563,789
      
22,124
      
(444
)
    
585,469
      
-
  
Corporate securities
    
2,009,665
      
28,003
      
(13,459
)
    
2,024,209
      
129
  
Asset-backed securities
    
138,203
      
207
      
(386
)
    
138,024
      
-
  
Mortgage-backed securities
                                        
Commercial
    
52,121
      
115
      
(485
)
    
51,751
      
-
  
Agency residential
    
114,435
      
511
      
(1,658
)
    
113,288
      
-
  
Non-agency residential
    
51
      
7
      
-
      
58
      
-
  
Foreign government securities
    
514,048
      
17,065
      
(7,493
)
    
523,620
      
-
  
Foreign corporate securities
    
863,861
      
20,121
      
(12,993
)
    
870,989
      
377
  
Total fixed maturity securities
  
$
4,927,622
    
$
88,811
    
$
(44,512
)
  
$
4,971,921
    
$
506
  


(a)  Represents the amount of OTTI recognized in AOCI.  Amount includes unrealized gains and losses on impaired securities relating to changes in the value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.
F-14

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


   
At December 31, 2018
    
At December 31, 2017
  
   
Amortized
    
Market
    
Amortized
    
Market
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Cost
    
Value
    
Cost
    
Value
  
Fixed maturity securities – available for sale
                        
    Due in one year or less
  
$
511,193
    
$
507,572
    
$
319,858
    
$
320,746
  
    Due after one year through five years
    
4,271,245
      
4,230,451
      
2,601,898
      
2,595,237
  
    Due after five years through ten years
    
1,177,752
      
1,163,831
      
1,051,431
      
1,069,617
  
    Due after ten years
    
561,566
      
550,474
      
649,625
      
683,200
  
Asset-backed securities
    
223,192
      
221,255
      
138,203
      
138,024
  
Mortgage-backed securities
                                
Commercial
    
135,380
      
136,604
      
52,121
      
51,751
  
Agency residential
    
149,306
      
148,774
      
114,435
      
113,288
  
Non-agency residential
    
3,115
      
3,114
      
51
      
58
  
Total fixed maturity securities
  
$
7,032,749
    
$
6,962,075
    
$
4,927,622
    
$
4,971,921
  


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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost
            
of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon:
            
Fixed maturity securities
  
$
(115,642
)
  
$
(11,166
)
Fixed maturity securities, other-than-temporary impairment
    
645
      
(4,537
)
Other invested assets
    
-
      
3,037
  
Change in unrealized  appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax
    
(114,997
)
    
(12,666
)
Deferred tax benefit (expense)
    
24,187
      
2,845
  
Deferred tax benefit (expense), other-than-temporary impairment
    
(135
)
    
1,588
  
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation),
                
net of deferred taxes, included in stockholder's equity
  
$
(90,945
)
  
$
(8,233
)


The Company frequently reviews all of its fixed maturity, available for sale securities for declines in market value and focuses its attention on securities whose fair value has fallen below 80% of their amortized cost at the time of review.  The Company then assesses whether the decline in value is temporary or other-than-temporary.  In making its assessment, the Company evaluates the current market and interest rate environment as well as specific issuer information.  Generally, a change in a security’s value caused by a change in the market, interest rate or foreign exchange environment does not constitute an other-than-temporary impairment, but rather a temporary decline in market value.  Temporary declines in market value are recorded as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  If the Company determines that the decline is other-than-temporary and the Company does not have the intent to sell the security; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value.  The fair value adjustment that is credit or foreign exchange related is recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  The fair value adjustment that is non-credit related is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  The Company’s assessments are based on the issuers’ current and expected future financial position, timeliness with respect to interest and/or principal payments, speed of repayments and any applicable credit enhancements or breakeven constant default rates on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, as well as relevant information provided by rating agencies, investment advisors and analysts.

F-15

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

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


   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2018 By Security Type
  
   
Less than 12 months
    
Greater than 12 months
    
Total
  
         
Gross
          
Gross
          
Gross
  
         
Unrealized
          
Unrealized
          
Unrealized
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Market Value
    
Depreciation
    
Market Value
    
Depreciation
    
Market Value
    
Depreciation
  
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale
                                    
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                                    
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  
$
245,357
    
$
(6,099
)
  
$
373,377
    
$
(4,989
)
  
$
618,734
    
$
(11,088
)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    
107,183
      
(2,829
)
    
1,475
      
(10
)
    
108,658
      
(2,839
)
Corporate securities
    
1,390,942
      
(57,043
)
    
194,770
      
(12,872
)
    
1,585,712
      
(69,915
)
Asset-backed securities
    
127,052
      
(1,408
)
    
47,551
      
(631
)
    
174,603
      
(2,039
)
Mortgage-backed securities
                                                
Commercial
    
51,357
      
(695
)
    
2,259
      
(28
)
    
53,616
      
(723
)
Agency residential
    
44,071
      
(1,221
)
    
21,889
      
(488
)
    
65,960
      
(1,709
)
Non-agency residential
    
3,093
      
(4
)
    
-
      
-
      
3,093
      
(4
)
Foreign government securities
    
192,510
      
(10,690
)
    
101,137
      
(663
)
    
293,647
      
(11,353
)
Foreign corporate securities
    
501,532
      
(25,821
)
    
65,279
      
(5,111
)
    
566,811
      
(30,932
)
Total fixed maturity securities
  
$
2,663,097
    
$
(105,810
)
  
$
807,737
    
$
(24,792
)
  
$
3,470,834
    
$
(130,602
)



   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2018 By Maturity
  
   
Less than 12 months
    
Greater than 12 months
    
Total
  
         
Gross
          
Gross
          
Gross
  
         
Unrealized
          
Unrealized
          
Unrealized
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Market Value
    
Depreciation
    
Market Value
    
Depreciation
    
Market Value
    
Depreciation
  
Fixed maturity securities
                                    
Due in one year or less
  
$
165,545
    
$
(7,618
)
  
$
118,322
    
$
(1,164
)
  
$
283,867
    
$
(8,782
)
Due in one year through five years
    
1,423,431
      
(44,924
)
    
525,554
      
(9,530
)
    
1,948,985
      
(54,454
)
Due in five years through ten years
    
624,875
      
(35,360
)
    
42,902
      
(2,773
)
    
667,777
      
(38,133
)
Due after ten years
    
223,673
      
(14,580
)
    
49,260
      
(10,178
)
    
272,933
      
(24,758
)
Asset-backed securities
    
127,052
      
(1,408
)
    
47,551
      
(631
)
    
174,603
      
(2,039
)
Mortgage-backed securities
    
98,521
      
(1,920
)
    
24,148
      
(516
)
    
122,669
      
(2,436
)
Total fixed maturity securities
  
$
2,663,097
    
$
(105,810
)
  
$
807,737
    
$
(24,792
)
  
$
3,470,834
    
$
(130,602
)


The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2018 were $3,470,834 thousand and $130,602 thousand, respectively.  The market value of securities for the single issuer (the United States government) whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at December 31, 2018, did not exceed 9.0% of the overall market value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities.  The market value of securities for the issuer with the second largest unrealized loss comprised less than 0.8% of the company’s fixed maturity securities.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector.  The $105,810 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were generally comprised of domestic and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and U.S. government agencies and corporations.  Of these unrealized losses, $68,010 thousand related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency.  The $24,792 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily to domestic and foreign corporate securities and U.S. government agencies.  Of these unrealized losses, $14,802 thousand related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally
F-16

recognized statistical rating agency.  There was no gross unrealized depreciation for mortgage-backed securities related to sub-prime and alt-A loans.  In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations.  The mortgage-backed securities still have excess credit coverage and are current on interest and principal payments.

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

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


   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2017 By Security Type
  
   
Less than 12 months
    
Greater than 12 months
    
Total
  
         
Gross
          
Gross
          
Gross
  
         
Unrealized
          
Unrealized
          
Unrealized
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Market Value
    
Depreciation
    
Market Value
    
Depreciation
    
Market Value
    
Depreciation
  
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale
                                    
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                                    
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  
$
446,963
    
$
(2,921
)
  
$
198,684
    
$
(4,673
)
  
$
645,647
    
$
(7,594
)
Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions
    
4,400
      
(27
)
    
37,886
      
(417
)
    
42,286
      
(444
)
Corporate securities
    
455,431
      
(6,674
)
    
216,715
      
(6,785
)
    
672,146
      
(13,459
)
Asset-backed securities
    
75,196
      
(328
)
    
7,991
      
(58
)
    
83,187
      
(386
)
Mortgage-backed securities
                                                
Commercial
    
26,650
      
(264
)
    
5,972
      
(221
)
    
32,622
      
(485
)
Agency residential
    
46,234
      
(322
)
    
58,135
      
(1,336
)
    
104,369
      
(1,658
)
Foreign government securities
    
159,852
      
(1,567
)
    
121,018
      
(5,926
)
    
280,870
      
(7,493
)
Foreign corporate securities
    
263,547
      
(4,590
)
    
109,727
      
(8,403
)
    
373,274
      
(12,993
)
Total fixed maturity securities
  
$
1,478,273
    
$
(16,693
)
  
$
756,128
    
$
(27,819
)
  
$
2,234,401
    
$
(44,512
)



   
Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2017 By Maturity
  
   
Less than 12 months
    
Greater than 12 months
    
Total
  
         
Gross
          
Gross
          
Gross
  
         
Unrealized
          
Unrealized
          
Unrealized
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Market Value
    
Depreciation
    
Market Value
    
Depreciation
    
Market Value
    
Depreciation
  
Fixed maturity securities
                                    
Due in one year or less
  
$
102,939
    
$
(498
)
  
$
40,006
    
$
(1,627
)
  
$
142,945
    
$
(2,125
)
Due in one year through five years
    
973,217
      
(10,291
)
    
488,945
      
(18,917
)
    
1,462,162
      
(29,208
)
Due in five years through ten years
    
189,103
      
(3,713
)
    
116,136
      
(5,216
)
    
305,239
      
(8,929
)
Due after ten years
    
64,934
      
(1,277
)
    
38,943
      
(444
)
    
103,877
      
(1,721
)
Asset-backed securities
    
75,196
      
(328
)
    
7,991
      
(58
)
    
83,187
      
(386
)
Mortgage-backed securities
    
72,884
      
(586
)
    
64,107
      
(1,557
)
    
136,991
      
(2,143
)
Total fixed maturity securities
  
$
1,478,273
    
$
(16,693
)
  
$
756,128
    
$
(27,819
)
  
$
2,234,401
    
$
(44,512
)


The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2017 were $2,234,401 thousand and $44,512 thousand, respectively.  The market value of securities for the single issuer (the United States government) whose securities comprised the largest unrealized loss position at December 31, 2017, did not exceed 13.0% of the overall market value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities.  The market value of securities for the issuer with the second largest unrealized loss comprised less than 0.9% of the company’s fixed maturity securities.  In addition, as indicated on the above table, there was no significant concentration of unrealized losses in any one market sector.  The $16,693 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year were generally comprised of domestic and foreign corporate securities, U.S. government agencies and corporations and foreign government securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $13,043 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency.  The $27,819 thousand of unrealized losses related to fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for more than one year related primarily due to foreign and domestic corporate securities, foreign government securities, U.S. government agencies and
F-17

corporations and agency residential mortgage-backed securities.  Of these unrealized losses, $26,463 thousand were related to securities that were rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency.  There was no gross unrealized depreciation for mortgage-backed securities related to sub-prime and alt-A loans. In all instances, there were no projected cash flow shortfalls to recover the full book value of the investments and the related interest obligations.  The mortgage-backed securities still have excess credit coverage and are current on interest and principal payments.

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Fixed maturities
  
$
201,108
    
$
193,676
    
$
182,132
  
Equity securities
    
14,909
      
25,852
      
32,317
  
Short-term investments and cash
    
7,715
      
2,870
      
1,234
  
Other invested assets
                        
Limited partnerships
    
61,645
      
36,603
      
25,194
  
Dividends from preferred shares of affiliate
    
31,032
      
31,032
      
31,032
  
Other
    
17,825
      
6,675
      
1,017
  
Gross investment income before adjustments
    
334,234
      
296,708
      
272,926
  
Funds held interest income (expense)
    
5,188
      
5,006
      
6,073
  
Interest income from Parent
    
4,085
      
4,300
      
4,300
  
Gross investment income
    
343,507
      
306,014
      
283,299
  
Investment expenses
    
(29,126
)
    
(19,755
)
    
(18,492
)
Net investment income
  
$
314,381
    
$
286,259
    
$
264,807
  
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                        


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

The Company had contractual commitments to invest up to an additional $322,932 thousand in limited partnerships at December 31, 2018.  These commitments will be funded when called in accordance with the partnership agreements, which have investment periods that expire, unless extended, through 2023.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the Company participated in a private placement liquidity sweep facility (“the facility”).  The primary purpose of the facility is to enhance the Company’s return on its short-term investments and cash positions.  The facility invests in high quality, short-duration securities and permits daily liquidity.  Through the second quarter of 2018, the Company’s participation in the facility was classified within other invested assets on the Company’s Balance Sheets.

As of the third quarter of 2018, the Company has consolidated its participation in the facility.  As a result, the underlying investments are now recorded in the various investment line items within the Company’s balance sheet, rather than as part of other invested assets.  As of December 31, 2018, the market value of investments in the facility consolidated within the Company’s balance sheets was $120,109 thousand.

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

F-18

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Fixed maturity securities, market value:
                  
Other-than-temporary impairments
  
$
(6,164
)
  
$
(6,077
)
  
$
(25,679
)
Gains (losses) from sales
    
933
      
2,473
      
(6,981
)
Fixed maturity securities, fair value:
                        
Gains (losses) from sales
    
(1,799
)
    
-
      
(1,586
)
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments
    
1,506
      
-
      
1,381
  
Equity securities, fair value:
                        
Gains (losses) from sales
    
(32,092
)
    
6,556
      
(12,561
)
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments
    
(59,409
)
    
117,695
      
51,077
  
Other invested assets
    
1,815
      
61
      
18
  
Other invested assets, fair value:
                        
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments
    
(90,136
)
    
40,846
      
(6,588
)
Gains (losses) on sale of subsidiary
    
-
      
-
      
(28,032
)
Short-term investment gains (losses)
    
(10
)
    
(1
)
    
10
  
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
  
$
(185,356
)
  
$
161,553
    
$
(28,941
)


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

Effective August 24, 2016, the Company sold Heartland, its crop Managing General Agent to CGB.  The Company has recognized a pre-tax loss on the sale of Heartland of $28,032 thousand.

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities
  
$
793,119
    
$
1,676,203
    
$
710,028
  
Gross gains from sales
    
15,349
      
31,328
      
18,907
  
Gross losses from sales
    
(16,215
)
    
(28,855
)
    
(27,474
)
                         
Proceeds from sales of equity securities
  
$
1,029,920
    
$
586,496
    
$
695,039
  
Gross gains from sales
    
25,160
      
23,214
      
16,223
  
Gross losses from sales
    
(57,252
)
    
(16,658
)
    
(28,784
)


Securities with a carrying value amount of $1,471,451 thousand at December 31, 2018, were on deposit with various state or governmental insurance departments in compliance with insurance laws.

F-19

4.  RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LAE

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


   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Gross reserves at January 1
  
$
9,343,028
    
$
8,331,288
    
$
7,940,720
  
Less reinsurance recoverables
    
(5,727,268
)
    
(4,199,791
)
    
(3,875,073
)
Net reserves at January 1
    
3,615,760
      
4,131,497
      
4,065,647
  
                         
Incurred related to:
                        
Current year
    
4,252,220
      
2,157,498
      
1,441,962
  
Prior years
    
558,798
      
(117,747
)
    
(91,682
)
Total incurred losses and LAE
    
4,811,018
      
2,039,751
      
1,350,280
  
                         
Paid related to:
                        
Current year
    
1,524,635
      
1,607,601
      
400,489
  
Prior years
    
1,408,256
      
957,933
      
892,207
  
Total paid losses and LAE
    
2,932,891
      
2,565,534
      
1,292,696
  
                         
Foreign exchange/translation adjustment
    
(24,412
)
    
10,046
      
8,266
  
                         
Net reserves at December 31
    
5,469,475
      
3,615,760
      
4,131,497
  
Plus reinsurance recoverables
    
4,697,543
      
5,727,268
      
4,199,791
  
Gross reserves at December 31
  
$
10,167,018
    
$
9,343,028
    
$
8,331,288
  


Current year incurred losses were $4,252,220 thousand, $2,157,498 thousand and $1,441,962 thousand at December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The increase in current year incurred losses was primarily due to the increase in attritional losses, due to a 148.2% increase in premiums earned.  The $1,029,725 decrease in reinsurance recoverables from December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2017 is primarily related to the December 31, 2017 cancellation of a whole account quota share agreement with Bermuda Re.

Incurred prior years’ reserves increased by $558,798 thousand in 2018 and decreased by $117,747 thousand and $91,682 thousand in 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The increase for 2018 was mainly due to $553,036 thousand of adverse development on prior years catastrophe losses, primarily related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as the 2017 California wildfires.  The increase in loss estimates for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria was mostly driven by re-opened claims, loss inflation from higher than expected loss adjustment expenses and in particular, their impact on aggregate covers.

The decrease for 2017 was attributable to favorable development in the reinsurance segments of $84,809 thousand related primarily to property and short-tail business in the U.S., as well as favorable development on prior year catastrophe losses, partially offset by $25,194 thousand of adverse development on A&E reserves.  The insurance segment also experienced favorable development on prior year reserves of $32,938 thousand mainly on its workers compensation business, which is largely written in California.

The decrease for 2016 was attributable to favorable development in the reinsurance segments of $187,909 thousand related primarily to property and short-tail business in the U.S., property business in Canada, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, as well as favorable development on prior year catastrophe losses, partially offset by $45,668 thousand of adverse development on A&E reserves. Part of the favorable development in the reinsurance segment related to the 2015 loss from the explosion at the Chinese port of Tianjin. In 2015, this loss was originally estimated to be $21,566 thousands. At December 31, 2016, this loss was projected to be $6,261 thousands resulting in $15,305 thousands of favorable development in 2016. The net favorable development in the reinsurance segments was partially offset by $96,227 thousand of unfavorable development in the insurance segment primarily related to run-off construction liability and umbrella program business.
F-20

The following is information about incurred and paid claims development as of December 31, 2018, net of reinsurance, as well as cumulative claim frequency and the total of incurred but not reported liabilities (IBNR) plus expected development on reported claims included within the net incurred claims amounts.  Each of the Company’s financial reporting segments has been disaggregated into casualty and property business.  The casualty and property segregation results in groups that have homogeneous loss development characteristics and are large enough to represent credible trends.  Generally, casualty claims take longer to be reported and settled, resulting in longer payout patterns and increased volatility.  Property claims on the other hand, tend to be reported and settled quicker and therefore tend to exhibit less volatility.  The property business is more exposed to catastrophe losses, which can result in year over year fluctuations in incurred claims depending on the frequency and severity of catastrophes claims in any one accident year.

The information about incurred and paid claims development for the years ended December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2017 is presented as supplementary information.

These tables present seven years of incurred and paid claims development as it is impracticable to retrospectively create the tables for ten years.  For the reinsurance groups, for the years prior to 2012, the total of IBNR plus expected development on reported claims was not prepared on an accident year basis.  The Company calculated these IBNR amounts in the aggregate for each business unit in total as of prior year end points in time.  While business written in the United States would have been allocated to accident year for regulatory reporting purposes, business written outside of the United States would not have been similarly allocated.  Attempting to allocate the non-U.S. business IBNR reserves to accident year currently for older year end valuations would require making assumptions and estimates which may not be in line with assumptions that would have been made at the time.  A similar situation applies to insurance where the accumulation of the business lines reported in the regulatory filings are not consistent with the breakout of the tables presented below.  As a result of not being able to present the information prior to 2012, prospectively an additional year will be added to the tables each reporting year until a ten year table is presented.

The Cumulative Number of Reported Claims is shown only for Insurance Casualty as it is impracticable to provide the information for the remaining groups.  The reinsurance groups each include pro rata contracts for which ceding companies provide only summary information via a bordereau.  This summary information does not include the number of reported claims underlying the paid and reported losses.  Therefore, it is not possible to provide this information.  The Insurance Property group includes Accident & Health insurance business.  This business is written via a master contract and individual claim counts are not provided.  This business represents a significant enough portion of the business in the Insurance Property group so that including the number of reported claims for the remaining business would distort any analytics performed on the group.

The Cumulative Number of Reported Claims shown for the Insurance Casualty is determined by claim and line of business.  For example, a claim event with three claimants in the same line of business is a single claim.  However, a claim event with a single claimant that spans two lines of business contributes two claims.  Cessions under affiliated quota share agreements reduce net losses but do not impact claim counts.

F-21

The following tables present the incurred loss and ALAE and the paid loss and ALAE, net of reinsurance for casualty and property, as well as the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age, net of reinsurance for each of our disclosed lines of business.

U.S. Reinsurance – Casualty Business


                                             
At December 31, 2018
  
                                             
Total of
        
                                             
IBNR Liabilites
        
   
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of reinsurance
    
Plus Expected
        
   
Years Ended December 31,
    
Development
    
Cumulative
  
   
2012
    
2013
    
2014
    
2015
    
2016
    
2017
    
2018
    
on Reported
    
Number of
  
Accident Year
  
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
          
Claims
    
Reported Claims
  
(Dollars in thousands)
                                                      
2012
  
$
249,554
    
$
211,395
    
$
139,986
    
$
139,696
    
$
146,130
    
$
145,884
    
$
123,133
      
3,743
      
N/A
  
2013
            
117,165
      
183,817
      
181,370
      
186,496
      
178,745
      
144,901
      
2,399
      
N/A
  
2014
                    
197,550
      
189,747
      
193,907
      
185,993
      
142,503
      
6,238
      
N/A
  
2015
                            
155,907
      
178,397
      
173,915
      
128,718
      
7,043
      
N/A
  
2016
                                    
171,566
      
174,166
      
139,377
      
4,856
      
N/A
  
2017
                                            
147,709
      
101,680
      
1,796
      
N/A
  
2018
                                                    
423,119
      
304,803
      
N/A
  
                                                   
$
1,203,431
                  
                                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                                  



   
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
  
   
Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2012
    
2013
    
2014
    
2015
    
2016
    
2017
    
2018
  
Accident Year
  
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
        
(Dollars in thousands)
                                          
2012
  
$
2,464
    
$
11,644
    
$
24,865
    
$
54,728
    
$
76,423
    
$
95,999
    
$
97,958
  
2013
            
4,716
      
15,745
      
43,426
      
74,059
      
102,101
      
112,924
  
2014
                    
7,151
      
21,883
      
47,975
      
86,187
      
101,462
  
2015
                            
7,918
      
21,898
      
60,936
      
85,081
  
2016
                                    
7,442
      
43,696
      
96,070
  
2017
                                            
29,027
      
58,699
  
2018
                                                    
44,519
  
                                                   
$
596,712
  
All outstanding liabilities prior to 2012, net of reinsurance
                                      
541,109
  
Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
                            
$
1,147,829
  
                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                  



   
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance (unaudited)
Years
  
1
  
2
  
3
  
4
  
5
  
6
  
7
Casualty
  
8.6%
  
14.7%
  
23.3%
  
22.8%
  
15.8%
  
11.3%
  
1.6%


F-22

U.S. Reinsurance – Property Business


                                             
At December 31, 2018
  
                                             
Total of
        
                                             
IBNR Liabilites
        
   
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of reinsurance
    
Plus Expected
        
   
Years Ended December 31,
    
Development
    
Cumulative
  
   
2012
    
2013
    
2014
    
2015
    
2016
    
2017
    
2018
    
on Reported
    
Number of
  
Accident Year
  
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
          
Claims
    
Reported Claims
  
(Dollars in thousands)
                                                      
2012
  
$
581,725
    
$
469,901
    
$
375,492
    
$
372,721
    
$
363,703
    
$
360,924
    
$
354,161
      
26
      
N/A
  
2013
            
281,827
      
303,786
      
279,500
      
248,747
      
242,639
      
237,786
      
29
      
N/A
  
2014
                    
327,225
      
297,624
      
238,821
      
222,143
      
223,170
      
139
      
N/A
  
2015
                            
324,762
      
259,740
      
235,896
      
237,046
      
252
      
N/A
  
2016
                                    
423,787
      
372,960
      
400,328
      
585
      
N/A
  
2017
                                            
840,673
      
920,568
      
3,800
      
N/A
  
2018
                                                    
2,505,374
      
1,014,015
      
N/A
  
                                                   
$
4,878,433
                  
                                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                                  



   
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
  
   
Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2012
    
2013
    
2014
    
2015
    
2016
    
2017
    
2018
  
Accident Year
  
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
        
(Dollars in thousands)
                                          
2012
  
$
129,954
    
$
229,146
    
$
286,539
    
$
311,224
    
$
323,662
    
$
337,889
    
$
338,245
  
2013
            
120,006
      
165,868
      
199,684
      
214,193
      
223,295
      
226,132
  
2014
                    
110,228
      
164,187
      
190,381
      
204,116
      
209,383
  
2015
                            
113,245
      
167,216
      
205,980
      
219,870
  
2016
                                    
156,893
      
298,459
      
347,039
  
2017
                                            
582,183
      
726,980
  
2018
                                                    
923,030
  
                                                   
$
2,990,680
  
All outstanding liabilities prior to 2012, net of reinsurance
                                      
34,584
  
Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
                            
$
1,922,337
  
                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                  



   
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance (unaudited)
Years
  
1
  
2
  
3
  
4
  
5
  
6
  
7
Casualty
  
43.8%
  
22.7%
  
14.1%
  
6.4%
  
3.3%
  
2.9%
  
0.1%


F-23

International – Casualty Business


                                             
At December 31, 2018
  
                                             
Total of
        
                                             
IBNR Liabilites
        
   
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of reinsurance
    
Plus Expected
        
   
Years Ended December 31,
    
Development
    
Cumulative
  
   
2012
    
2013
    
2014
    
2015
    
2016
    
2017
    
2018
    
on Reported
    
Number of
  
Accident Year
  
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
          
Claims
    
Reported Claims
  
(Dollars in thousands)
                                                      
2012
  
$
122,763
    
$
55,825
    
$
35,057
    
$
43,269
    
$
45,029
    
$
43,365
    
$
40,567
      
822
      
N/A
  
2013
            
60,593
      
41,151
      
42,907
      
54,954
      
48,909
      
40,501
      
1,268
      
N/A
  
2014
                    
59,019
      
48,528
      
67,890
      
57,324
      
45,528
      
2,450
      
N/A
  
2015
                            
54,588
      
73,853
      
62,508
      
41,042
      
2,811
      
N/A
  
2016
                                    
72,485
      
69,605
      
42,783
      
3,150
      
N/A
  
2017
                                            
58,016
      
32,424
      
3,176
      
N/A
  
2018
                                                    
213,031
      
138,910
      
N/A
  
                                                   
$
455,876
                  
                                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                                  



   
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
  
   
Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2012
    
2013
    
2014
    
2015
    
2016
    
2017
    
2018
  
Accident Year
  
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
        
(Dollars in thousands)
                                          
2012
  
$
7,028
    
$
10,482
    
$
16,325
    
$
19,636
    
$
22,886
    
$
27,297
    
$
30,102
  
2013
            
5,809
      
13,726
      
17,460
      
21,080
      
23,763
      
27,378
  
2014
                    
8,257
      
14,464
      
20,480
      
24,756
      
29,040
  
2015
                            
8,261
      
17,874
      
25,263
      
26,421
  
2016
                                    
10,504
      
19,654
      
29,081
  
2017
                                            
10,910
      
23,462
  
2018
                                                    
42,745
  
                                                   
$
208,227
  
All outstanding liabilities prior to 2012, net of reinsurance
                                      
67,223
  
Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
                            
$
314,872
  
                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                  



   
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance (unaudited)
Years
  
1
  
2
  
3
  
4
  
5
  
6
  
7
Casualty
  
20.5%
  
20.1%
  
15.4%
  
7.4%
  
8.1%
  
9.9%
  
6.9%


F-24

International – Property Business


                                             
At December 31, 2018
  
                                             
Total of
        
                                             
IBNR Liabilites
        
   
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of reinsurance
    
Plus Expected
        
   
Years Ended December 31,
    
Development
    
Cumulative
  
   
2012
    
2013
    
2014
    
2015
    
2016
    
2017
    
2018
    
on Reported
    
Number of
  
Accident Year
  
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
          
Claims
    
Reported Claims
  
(Dollars in thousands)
                                                      
2012
  
$
264,921
    
$
248,925
    
$
199,910
    
$
204,200
    
$
198,522
    
$
202,585
    
$
201,769
      
75
      
N/A
  
2013
            
172,238
      
168,763
      
161,548
      
148,630
      
152,596
      
152,405
      
60
      
N/A
  
2014
                    
311,914
      
252,932
      
192,433
      
169,450
      
168,289
      
184
      
N/A
  
2015
                            
256,784
      
161,440
      
165,801
      
172,825
      
103
      
N/A
  
2016
                                    
195,917
      
216,061
      
223,203
      
437
      
N/A
  
2017
                                            
514,348
      
478,896
      
4,585
      
N/A
  
2018
                                                    
899,094
      
281,798
      
N/A
  
                                                   
$
2,296,481
                  
                                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                                  



   
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
  
   
Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2012
    
2013
    
2014
    
2015
    
2016
    
2017
    
2018
  
Accident Year
  
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
        
(Dollars in thousands)
                                          
2012
  
$
81,030
    
$
138,788
    
$
170,517
    
$
181,010
    
$
185,233
    
$
190,854
    
$
190,908
  
2013
            
45,630
      
95,774
      
115,537
      
129,824
      
136,661
      
139,277
  
2014
                    
56,523
      
101,869
      
130,791
      
146,616
      
152,076
  
2015
                            
54,363
      
101,657
      
133,197
      
149,359
  
2016
                                    
56,745
      
142,237
      
180,237
  
2017
                                            
295,078
      
376,012
  
2018
                                                    
331,806
  
                                                   
$
1,519,676
  
All outstanding liabilities prior to 2012, net of reinsurance
                                      
79,444
  
Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
                            
$
856,250
  
                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                  



   
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance (unaudited)
Years
  
1
  
2
  
3
  
4
  
5
  
6
  
7
Casualty
  
40.1%
  
26.3%
  
16.3%
  
8.2%
  
3.2%
  
2.3%
  
0.0%


F-25

Insurance – Casualty Business


                                             
At December 31, 2018
  
                                             
Total of
        
                                             
IBNR Liabilites
        
   
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of reinsurance
    
Plus Expected
        
   
Years Ended December 31,
    
Development
    
Cumulative
  
   
2012
    
2013
    
2014
    
2015
    
2016
    
2017
    
2018
    
on Reported
    
Number of
  
Accident Year
  
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
          
Claims
    
Reported Claims
  
(Dollars in thousands)
                                                      
2012
  
$
211,523
    
$
174,501
    
$
184,912
    
$
184,312
    
$
187,963
    
$
178,128
    
$
180,350
      
367
      
15,746
  
2013
            
255,598
      
227,657
      
230,182
      
224,303
      
181,527
      
189,032
      
831
      
21,314
  
2014
                    
237,162
      
238,146
      
240,081
      
245,461
      
209,777
      
1,696
      
25,112
  
2015
                            
257,735
      
257,873
      
260,086
      
250,808
      
8,702
      
26,729
  
2016
                                    
352,952
      
339,026
      
332,455
      
21,239
      
31,120
  
2017
                                            
272,757
      
224,603
      
10,894
      
33,822
  
2018
                                                    
642,029
      
475,782
      
27,224
  
                                                   
$
2,029,053
                  
                                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                                  



   
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
  
   
Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2012
    
2013
    
2014
    
2015
    
2016
    
2017
    
2018
  
Accident Year
  
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
        
(Dollars in thousands)
                                          
2012
  
$
15,659
    
$
55,166
    
$
84,285
    
$
116,460
    
$
133,075
    
$
146,765
    
$
160,874
  
2013
            
17,101
      
68,498
      
101,517
      
129,588
      
149,542
      
168,907
  
2014
                    
20,351
      
71,807
      
113,996
      
143,553
      
176,325
  
2015
                            
19,904
      
67,798
      
116,418
      
202,792
  
2016
                                    
24,662
      
100,846
      
292,645
  
2017
                                            
286,290
      
173,839
  
2018
                                                    
61,104
  
                                                   
$
1,236,488
  
All outstanding liabilities prior to 2012, net of reinsurance
                                      
147,649
  
Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
                            
$
940,215
  
                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                  



   
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance (unaudited)
Years
  
1
  
2
  
3
  
4
  
5
  
6
  
7
Casualty
  
21.9%
  
8.9%
  
28.7%
  
20.2%
  
11.0%
  
8.4%
  
7.3%


F-26

Insurance – Property Business


                                             
At December 31, 2018
  
                                             
Total of
        
                                             
IBNR Liabilites
        
   
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of reinsurance
    
Plus Expected
        
   
Years Ended December 31,
    
Development
    
Cumulative
  
   
2012
    
2013
    
2014
    
2015
    
2016
    
2017
    
2018
    
on Reported
    
Number of
  
Accident Year
  
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
          
Claims
    
Reported Claims
  
(Dollars in thousands)
                                                      
2012
  
$
58,235
    
$
46,857
    
$
43,471
    
$
44,799
    
$
44,227
    
$
43,845
    
$
44,086
      
1
      
N/A
  
2013
            
63,803
      
56,727
      
51,965
      
52,674
      
52,144
      
52,611
      
12
      
N/A
  
2014
                    
67,951
      
69,700
      
67,297
      
66,135
      
66,418
      
12
      
N/A
  
2015
                            
80,165
      
75,670
      
74,906
      
74,967
      
25
      
N/A
  
2016
                                    
150,671
      
155,382
      
167,406
      
76
      
N/A
  
2017
                                            
244,273
      
291,322
      
779
      
N/A
  
2018
                                                    
386,403
      
79,448
      
N/A
  
                                                   
$
1,083,213
                  
                                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                                  



   
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
  
   
Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2012
    
2013
    
2014
    
2015
    
2016
    
2017
    
2018
  
Accident Year
  
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
        
(Dollars in thousands)
                                          
2012
  
$
26,851
    
$
44,345
    
$
42,800
    
$
44,452
    
$
44,161
    
$
43,973
    
$
44,041
  
2013
            
35,157
      
54,039
      
52,394
      
52,658
      
52,284
      
52,521
  
2014
                    
40,211
      
66,300
      
66,460
      
65,813
      
66,302
  
2015
                            
45,244
      
70,125
      
74,829
      
74,590
  
2016
                                    
71,580
      
152,075
      
167,807
  
2017
                                            
185,541
      
278,905
  
2018
                                                    
252,936
  
                                                   
$
937,103
  
All outstanding liabilities prior to 2012, net of reinsurance
                                      
75
  
Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
                            
$
146,185
  
                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                  



   
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance (unaudited)
Years
  
1
  
2
  
3
  
4
  
5
  
6
  
7
Casualty
  
60.7%
  
37.2%
  
1.8%
  
0.7%
  
-0.1%
  
0.1%
  
0.2%


F-27

Reconciliation of the Disclosure of Incurred and Paid Claims Development to the Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses

The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for claims and claim adjustment expenses in the consolidated statement of financial position is as follows.


   
At December 31,
  
   
2018
  
(Dollars in thousands)
      
Net outstanding liabilities
      
U.S. Reinsurance Casualty
  
$
1,147,829
  
U.S. Reinsurance Property
    
1,922,337
  
International Casualty
    
314,872
  
International Property
    
856,250
  
Insurance Casualty
    
940,215
  
Insurance Property
    
146,185
  
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
    
5,327,686
  
         
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims
        
U.S. Reinsurance Casualty
    
1,231,742
  
U.S. Reinsurance Property
    
602,369
  
International Casualty
    
619,873
  
International Property
    
359,469
  
Insurance Casualty
    
1,689,132
  
Insurance Property
    
194,958
  
Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims
    
4,697,543
  
         
Unallocated claims adjustment expenses
    
113,603
  
Other
    
28,185
  
     
141,788
  
         
Total gross liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expense
  
$
10,167,018
  
         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
        


Reserving Methodology

The Company maintains reserves equal to our estimated ultimate liability for losses and loss adjustment expense (LAE) for reported and unreported claims for our insurance and reinsurance businesses.  Because reserves are based on estimates of ultimate losses and LAE by underwriting or accident year, the Company uses a variety of statistical and actuarial techniques to monitor reserve adequacy over time, evaluate new information as it becomes known, and adjust reserves whenever an adjustment appears warranted.  The Company considers many factors when setting reserves including:  (1) exposure base and projected ultimate premium; (2) expected loss ratios by product and class of business, which are developed collaboratively by underwriters and actuaries; (3) actuarial methodologies which analyze loss reporting and payment experience, reports from ceding companies and historical trends, such as reserving patterns, loss payments, and product mix; (4) current legal interpretations of coverage and liability; and (5) economic conditions.  Insurance and reinsurance loss and LAE reserves represent the Company’s best estimate of its ultimate liability.  Actual loss and LAE ultimately paid may deviate, perhaps substantially, from such reserves.  Net income (gain or loss) will be impacted in a period in which the change in estimated ultimate loss and LAE is recorded.

The detailed data required to evaluate ultimate losses for the Company’s insurance business is accumulated from its underwriting and claim systems.  Reserving for reinsurance requires evaluation of loss information received from ceding companies.  Ceding companies report losses in many forms depending on the type of contract and the agreed or contractual reporting requirements.  Generally, pro rata contracts require the submission of a monthly/quarterly account, which includes premium and loss activity for the period with corresponding reserves as established by the ceding company.  This information is recorded into the
F-28

Company’s records.  For certain pro rata contracts, the Company may require a detailed loss report for claims that exceed a certain dollar threshold or relate to a particular type of loss.  Excess of loss and facultative contracts generally require individual loss reporting with precautionary notices provided when a loss reaches a significant percentage of the attachment point of the contract or when certain causes of loss or types of injury occur.  Experienced claims staff handles individual loss reports and supporting claim information.  Based on evaluation of a claim, the Company may establish additional case reserves in addition to the case reserves reported by the ceding company.  To ensure ceding companies are submitting required and accurate data, Everest’s Underwriting, Claim, Reinsurance Accounting, and Internal Audit Departments perform various reviews of ceding companies, particularly larger ceding companies, including on-site audits.

The Company segments both reinsurance and insurance reserves into exposure groupings for actuarial analysis.  The Company assigns business to exposure groupings so that the underlying exposures have reasonably homogeneous loss development characteristics and are large enough to facilitate credible estimation of ultimate losses.  The Company periodically reviews its exposure groupings and may change groupings over time as business changes.  The Company currently uses approximately 150 exposure groupings to develop reserve estimates.  One of the key selection characteristics for the exposure groupings is the historical duration of the claims settlement process.  Business in which claims are reported and settled relatively quickly are commonly referred to as short tail lines, principally property lines.  On the other hand, casualty claims tend to take longer to be reported and settled and casualty lines are generally referred to as long tail lines. Estimates of ultimate losses for shorter tail lines, with the exception of loss estimates for large catastrophic events, generally exhibit less volatility than those for the longer tail lines.

The Company uses a variety of actuarial methodologies, such as the expected loss ratio method, chain ladder methods, and Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods, supplemented by judgment where appropriate, to estimate ultimate loss and LAE for each exposure group.

Expected Loss Ratio Method:  The expected loss ratio method uses earned premium times an expected loss ratio to calculate ultimate losses for a given underwriting or accident year.  This method relies entirely on expectation to project ultimate losses with no consideration given to actual losses.  As such, it may be appropriate for an immature underwriting or accident year where few, if any, losses have been reported or paid, but less appropriate for a more mature year.

Chain Ladder Method:  Chain ladder methods use a standard loss development triangle to project ultimate losses.  Age-to-age development factors are selected for each development period and combined to calculate age-to-ultimate development factors which are then applied to paid or reported losses to project ultimate losses.  This method relies entirely on actual paid or reported losses to project ultimate losses.  No other factors such as changes in pricing or other expectations are taken into account.  It is most appropriate for groups with homogeneous, stable experience where past development patterns are expected to continue in the future.  It is least appropriate for groups which have changed significantly over time or which are more volatile.

Bornhuetter-Ferguson Method:  The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method is a combination of the expected loss ratio method and the chain ladder method.  Ultimate losses are projected based partly on actual paid or reported losses and partly on expectation.  Incurred but not reported (IBNR) reserves are calculated using earned premium, an a priori loss ratio, and selected age-to-age development factors and added to actual reported (paid) losses to determine ultimate losses.  It is more responsive to actual reported or paid development than the expected loss ratio method but less responsive than the chain ladder method.  The reliability of the method depends on the accuracy of the selected a priori loss ratio.

Although the Company uses similar actuarial methods for both short tail and long tail lines, the faster reporting of experience for the short tail lines allows the Company to have greater confidence in its estimates of ultimate losses for short tail lines at an earlier stage than for long tail lines.  As a result, the Company utilizes, as well, exposure-based methods to estimate its ultimate losses for longer tail lines, especially for immature underwriting or accident years.  For both short and long tail lines, the Company supplements these general approaches with analytically based judgments.
F-29

Key actuarial assumptions contain no explicit provisions for reserve uncertainty nor does the Company supplement the actuarially determined reserves for uncertainty.

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

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

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

A&E exposures represent a separate exposure group for monitoring and evaluating reserve adequacy. The following table summarizes incurred losses with respect to A&E reserves on both a gross and net of reinsurance basis for the periods indicated:


   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Gross basis:
                  
Beginning of period reserves
  
$
448,993
    
$
441,111
    
$
433,117
  
Incurred losses
    
(2,473
)
    
90,009
      
73,336
  
Paid losses
    
(99,026
)
    
(82,126
)
    
(65,342
)
End of period reserves
  
$
347,495
    
$
448,993
    
$
441,111
  
                         
Net basis:
                        
Beginning of period reserves
  
$
269,153
    
$
274,409
    
$
276,540
  
Incurred losses
    
-
      
25,194
      
45,668
  
Paid losses
    
(45,605
)
    
(30,451
)
    
(47,798
)
End of period reserves
  
$
223,548
    
$
269,153
    
$
274,409
  
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                        

Reinsurance Receivables.  Reinsurance receivables for both paid and unpaid losses totaled $4,840,936 thousand and $6,120,687 thousand at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  At December 31, 2018, $3,524,750 thousand, or 72.8%, was receivable from Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd. (“Bermuda Re”), an affiliated entity, and is fully collateralized by a trust agreement and $326,241 thousand, or 6.7%, was receivable from Mt. Logan Re Ltd. (Bermuda) (“Mt. Logan Re”) collateralized segregated accounts.  No other retrocessionaire accounted for more than 5% of reinsurance receivables.

F-30

5.  FAIR VALUE

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

The levels in the hierarchy are defined as follows:

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

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

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

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

In limited instances where prices are not provided by pricing services or in rare instances when a manager may not agree with the pricing service, price quotes on a non-binding basis are obtained from investment brokers.  The investment asset managers do not make any changes to prices received from either the pricing services or the investment brokers.  In addition, the investment asset managers have procedures in place to review the reasonableness of the prices from the service providers and may request verification of the prices.  In addition, the Company continually performs analytical reviews of price changes and tests the prices on a random basis to an independent pricing source.  No material variances were noted during these price validation procedures.  In limited situations, where financial markets are inactive or illiquid, the Company may use its own assumptions about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates to determine fair value.  At December 31, 2018, $383,994 thousand of fixed maturities, market value and $2,337 thousand of fixed maturities, fair value were fair valued using unobservable inputs.  The majority of the fixed maturities, market value, $354,133 thousand and all of the $2,337 thousand of fixed maturities, fair value, were valued by investment managers’ valuation committees and a majority of these fair values were substantiated by valuations from independent third parties.  The Company has procedures in place to review and evaluate these independent third party valuations.  The remaining Level 3 fixed maturities of $28,708 thousand were fair valued by the Company at either par or amortized cost and $1,153 thousand were priced using a non-binding broker quote.  Due to the unavailability of prices for private placement securities at December 31, 2017, an investment manager’s valuation committee valued these private placement securities at $165,173 thousand.

The Company internally manages a public equity portfolio, which had a fair value at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 of $124,228 thousand and $245,043 thousand, respectively, and all prices were obtained from publicly published sources.
F-31

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other invested assets, at fair value, were categorized as Level 3 at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, since it represented a privately placed convertible preferred stock issued by an affiliate.  The stock was received in exchange for shares of the Company’s parent.  The 25 year redeemable, convertible preferred stock with a 1.75% coupon is valued using a pricing model.  The pricing model includes observable inputs such as the U.S. Treasury yield curve rate T note constant maturity 20 year and the swap rate on the
F-32

Company’s June 1, 2044, 4.868% senior notes, with adjustments to reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset.

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


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


There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018.

F-33

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


         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
  
         
Quoted Prices
              
         
in Active
    
Significant
        
         
Markets for
    
Other
    
Significant
  
         
Identical
    
Observable
    
Unobservable
  
         
Assets
    
Inputs
    
Inputs
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
December 31, 2017
    
(Level 1)
    
(Level 2)
    
(Level 3)
  
Assets:
                        
Fixed maturities, market value
                        
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                        
U.S. government agencies and corporations
  
$
664,513
    
$
-
    
$
664,513
    
$
-
  
Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions
    
585,469
      
-
      
585,469
      
-
  
Corporate securities
    
2,024,209
      
-
      
1,865,988
      
158,221
  
Asset-backed securities
    
138,024
      
-
      
138,024
      
-
  
Mortgage-backed securities
                                
Commercial
    
51,751
      
-
      
51,751
      
-
  
Agency residential
    
113,288
      
-
      
113,288
      
-
  
Non-agency residential
    
58
      
-
      
58
      
-
  
Foreign government securities
    
523,620
      
-
      
523,620
      
-
  
Foreign corporate securities
    
870,989
      
-
      
864,037
      
6,952
  
Total fixed maturities, market value
    
4,971,921
      
-
      
4,806,748
      
165,173
  
                                 
Equity securities, fair value
    
822,375
      
800,542
      
21,833
      
-
  
Other invested assets, fair value
    
1,807,473
      
-
      
-
      
1,807,473
  


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

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


   
Total Fixed Maturities, Market Value
  
   
December 31, 2018
    
December 31, 2017
  
   
Corporate
    
Foreign
          
Corporate
    
Foreign
        
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Securities
    
Corporate
    
Total
    
Securities
    
Corporate
    
Total
  
Beginning balance
  
$
158,221
    
$
6,952
    
$
165,173
    
$
65,197
    
$
2,538
    
$
67,735
  
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
                                                
Included in earnings
    
(93
)
    
(660
)
    
(753
)
    
1,654
      
356
      
2,010
  
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    
1,090
      
-
      
1,090
      
(991
)
    
-
      
(991
)
Purchases, issuances and settlements
    
215,839
      
(298
)
    
215,541
      
92,361
      
4,058
      
96,419
  
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
    
1,193
      
1,750
      
2,943
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Ending balance
  
$
376,250
    
$
7,744
    
$
383,994
    
$
158,221
    
$
6,952
    
$
165,173
  
                                                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included
                                                
in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the
                                                
change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets
                                                
still held at the reporting date
  
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
                                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                


F-34


   
Total Fixed Maturities, Fair Value
  
   
December 31, 2018
    
December 31, 2017
  
   
Foreign
          
Foreign
        
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Corporate
    
Total
    
Corporate
    
Total
  
Beginning balance fixed maturities at fair value
  
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
                                
Included in earnings
    
(293
)
    
(293
)
    
-
      
-
  
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Purchases, issuances and settlements
    
2,630
      
2,630
      
-
      
-
  
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Ending balance
  
$
2,337
    
$
2,337
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
                                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included
                                
in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the
                                
change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets
                                
still held at the reporting date
  
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                


The net transfers to/(from) level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs were $2,943 thousand and $0 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, for fixed maturities, market value.  The transfers were related to securities that were priced using a recognized pricing service as of December 31, 2017.  The securities were subsequently priced using single non-binding broker quotes as of December 31, 2018.

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Other invested assets, fair value:
            
Beginning balance
  
$
1,807,473
    
$
1,766,626
  
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
                
Included in earnings
    
(90,136
)
    
40,846
  
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    
-
      
-
  
Purchases, issuances and settlements
    
-
      
-
  
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
    
-
      
-
  
Ending balance
  
$
1,717,336
    
$
1,807,473
  
                 
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings
                
(or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized
                
gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date
  
$
-
    
$
-
  
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                


6.  SENIOR NOTES

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


               
December 31, 2018
    
December 31, 2017
  
               
Consolidated Balance
          
Consolidated Balance
        
(Dollars in thousands)
Date Issued
  
Date Due
  
Principal Amounts
    
Sheet Amount
    
Market Value
    
Sheet Amount
    
Market Value
  
Senior notes
06/05/2014
  
06/01/2044
    
400,000
    
$
396,954
    
$
396,968
    
$
396,834
    
$
420,340
  


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

F-35

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Interest expense incurred
  
$
19,472
    
$
19,472
    
$
19,472
  


7.  LONG TERM SUBORDINATED NOTES

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


         
Maturity Date
  
December 31, 2018
    
December 31, 2017
  
      
Original
           
Consolidated Balance
          
Consolidated Balance
        
(Dollars in thousands)
Date Issued
  
Principal Amount
  
Scheduled
  
Final
  
Sheet Amount
    
Market Value
    
Sheet Amount
    
Market Value
  
Long term subordinated notes
04/26/2007
  
$
400,000
  
05/15/2037
  
05/01/2067
  
$
236,659
    
$
200,390
    
$
236,561
    
$
233,072
  


During the fixed rate interest period from May 3, 2007 through May 14, 2017, interest was at the annual rate of 6.6%, payable semi-annually in arrears on November 15 and May 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2007.  During the floating rate interest period from May 15, 2017 through maturity, interest will be based on the 3 month LIBOR plus 238.5 basis points, reset quarterly, payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, subject to Holdings’ right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years.  Deferred interest will accumulate interest at the applicable rate compounded quarterly for periods from and including May 15, 2017.  The reset quarterly interest rate for November 15, 2018 to February 14, 2019 is 5.0%.

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

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

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Interest expense incurred
  
$
10,926
    
$
11,498
    
$
15,749
  


8.  COLLATERALIZED REINSURANCE AND TRUST AGREEMENTS

A subsidiary of the Company, Everest Re, has established a trust agreement, which effectively uses Everest Re’s investments as collateral, as security for assumed losses payable to non-affiliated ceding companies.  At December 31, 2018, the total amount on deposit in the trust account was $565,668 thousand.

On April 24, 2014, the Company entered into two collateralized reinsurance agreements with Kilimanjaro Re Limited (“Kilimanjaro”), a Bermuda based special purpose reinsurer, to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage.  These agreements are multi-year reinsurance contracts, which cover specified named storm and earthquake events.  The first agreement provides up to $250,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms in specified states of the Southeastern United States.  The second
F-36

agreement provides up to $200,000 thousand of reinsurance coverage from named storms in specified states of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the United States and Puerto Rico as well as reinsurance coverage from earthquakes in specified states of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and West regions of the United States, Puerto Rico and British Columbia.  These reinsurance agreements expired in April 2018.

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

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

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

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

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

F-37

Kilimanjaro has financed the various property catastrophe reinsurance coverages by issuing catastrophe bonds to unrelated, external investors.  On April 24, 2014, Kilimanjaro issued $450,000 thousand of notes (“Series 2014-1 Notes”). The $450,000 thousand of Series 2014-1 Notes were fully redeemed on April 30, 2018 and are no longer outstanding.  On November 18, 2014, Kilimanjaro issued $500,000 thousand of notes (“Series 2014-2 Notes”).  On December 1, 2015, Kilimanjaro issued $625,000 thousand of notes (“Series 2015-1 Notes).  On April 13, 2017, Kilimanjaro issued $950,000 thousand of notes (“Series 2017-1 Notes) and $300,000 thousand of notes (“Series 2017-2 Notes). On April 30, 2018, Kilimanjaro issued $262,500 thousand of notes (“Series 2018-1 Notes”) and $262,500 thousand of notes (“Series 2018-2 Notes”). The proceeds from the issuance of the Notes listed above are held in reinsurance trust throughout the duration of the applicable reinsurance agreements and invested solely in US government money market funds with a rating of at least “AAAm” by Standard & Poor’s.

9.  OPERATING LEASE AGREEMENTS

The future minimum rental commitments, exclusive of cost escalation clauses, at December 31, 2018, for all of the Company’s operating leases with remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are as follows:


(Dollars in thousands)
      
2019
  
$
17,004
  
2020
    
16,594
  
2021
    
7,806
  
2022
    
7,501
  
2023
    
7,385
  
Thereafter
    
17,583
  
Net commitments
  
$
73,873
  
         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
        


All of these leases, the expiration terms of which range from 2019 to 2028, are for the rental of office space.  Rental expense was $19,288 thousand, $16,209 thousand and $14,841 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

10.  INCOME TAXES

All of the income of Holdings U.S. subsidiaries, including its foreign branches, is subject to the applicable federal, foreign, state and local income taxes on corporations.  The provision for income taxes in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) has been determined by applying the respective tax laws to the income of each entity.  The TCJA enacted on December 22, 2017 caused the Company to record an income tax benefit of $123,143 thousand in 2017.  The income tax provision reflects the lower 21% tax expense/(benefit) to be realized by the Company under the TCJA upon the reversal of the temporary differences in its deferred tax inventory account versus the 35% tax expense/(benefit) that had been expected to be realized before the TCJA.  The significant components of the provision are as follows for the periods indicated:


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Current tax expense (benefit):
                  
U.S.
  
$
(50,964
)
  
$
(123,083
)
  
$
16,004
  
Foreign
    
8
      
221
      
12,682
  
Total current tax expense (benefit)
    
(50,956
)
    
(122,862
)
    
28,686
  
Total deferred U.S. tax expense (benefit)
    
(314,869
)
    
(78,318
)
    
68,661
  
Total income tax expense (benefit)
  
$
(365,825
)
  
$
(201,180
)
  
$
97,347
  

F-38
A reconciliation of the total income tax provision using the statutory U.S. Federal Income tax rate to the Company’s total income tax provision is as follows for the periods indicated:


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Expected income tax provision at the U.S. statutory tax rate
  
$
(278,016
)
  
$
(43,044
)
  
$
139,646
  
Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:
                        
Tax exempt income
    
(3,824
)
    
(8,488
)
    
(9,078
)
Dividend received deduction
    
(1,277
)
    
(4,063
)
    
(4,335
)
Proration
    
1,150
      
1,760
      
1,931
  
Creditable foreign premium tax
    
(13,475
)
    
(7,515
)
    
(6,134
)
Tax audit settlement
    
(2,060
)
    
(11,565
)
    
(19,204
)
U.S. rate differential on carryback of net operation losses to PY
    
(43,734
)
    
-
      
-
  
U.S. rate differential on deferred tax 2017 return to provision
    
(28,832
)
    
-
      
-
  
Share based compensation tax benefits formerly in APIC
    
(1,450
)
    
(3,308
)
    
-
  
Impact of U.S. tax reform
    
-
      
(123,143
)
    
-
  
Change in uncertain tax positions
    
8,434
      
-
      
-
  
Other
    
(2,741
)
    
(1,814
)
    
(5,479
)
Total income tax provision
  
$
(365,825
)
  
$
(201,180
)
  
$
97,347
  
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                        


A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits, for the periods indicated, is as follows:


(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Balance at January 1
  
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    
-
      
-
      
-
  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    
8,434
      
-
      
-
  
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
    
-
      
-
      
-
  
Settlements with taxing authorities
    
-
      
-
      
-
  
Lapses of applicable statutes of limitations
    
-
      
-
      
-
  
Balance at December 31
  
$
8,434
    
$
-
    
$
-
  


At December 31, 2018, The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, that would impact the effective tax rate were $8,434 thousand and is related to the Company’s U.S. operations.

Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized in income tax expense.   At December 31, 2018, the Company accrued $0 thousand for the payment of interest (net of the federal benefit) and penalties.  Although it is reasonably possible that a change in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits may occur within the next 12 months, based on the information currently available, we do not expect any change to be material to the Company’s financial statements.

During 2016, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its audit of the Company for the 2009 through 2013 tax years and issued a final Revenue Agent Report (“RAR”).   The Company received the expected net refund of $44,241 thousand plus interest of $1,326 thousand from the IRS in January, 2018.

The Company’s 2014 and subsequent tax years are open to audit by the IRS, and in 2018, the IRS opened an audit of the 2014 tax year.  To date, the Company has not received any notices of proposed adjustments.  The Company did propose affirmative beneficial tax return adjustments to the IRS at the start of the audit.  In total, the Company expects a net tax refund of $35,087 thousand plus net interest of $1,539 thousand for the 2014 tax year.  This refund is subject to IRS Joint Committee review and approval.

F-39
For the tax year 2015, the total amount expected to be refunded from the IRS is $44,611 thousand plus net interest of $668 thousand as a result of the Company amending their originally filed tax return and filing of a Net Operating Loss (“NOL”) carryback claim with the IRS in 2018 for the 2017 NOL incurred in the U.S.

For the tax year 2016, the total amount expected to be refunded from the IRS is $48,268 thousand plus net interest of $267 thousand as a result of the Company planning to file an amended U.S. income tax return and carryback of its 2018 NOL incurred in the U.S.

Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effect of the temporary differences between the value of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and such values as measured by U.S. tax laws and regulations.  The principal items making up the net deferred income tax assets/ (liabilities) are as follows for the periods indicated:

   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Deferred tax assets:
            
    Foreign tax credits
  
$
167,685
    
$
15,913
  
    Net operating loss
    
96,693
      
-
  
    Loss reserves
    
64,135
      
52,649
  
Unearned premium reserve
    
63,309
      
55,034
  
Net unrecognized losses on benefit plans
    
17,921
      
19,120
  
Unrealized foreign currency losses
    
12,590
      
547
  
Net unrealized investment losses
    
9,745
      
-
  
Uncollectible reinsurance reserve
    
3,142
      
3,320
  
Deferred expenses
    
1,992
      
1,759
  
Investment impairments
    
1,291
      
1,144
  
Benefit plan liability
    
-
      
10,417
  
Other assets
    
11,624
      
8,633
  
Total deferred tax assets
    
450,127
      
168,536
  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
                
Net fair value income
    
178,018
      
252,349
  
Deferred acquisition costs
    
74,736
      
64,997
  
Partnership Investments
    
14,936
      
2,019
  
    Benefit plan asset
    
3,600
      
-
  
Bond market discount
    
1,845
      
1,243
  
Net unrealized investment gains
    
-
      
12,819
  
Gain on tender of debt
    
-
      
3,287
  
Other liabilities
    
2,022
      
840
  
Total deferred tax liabilities
    
275,157
      
337,554
  
                 
Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)
  
$
174,970
    
$
(169,018
)
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                

At December 31, 2018, the Company has $167,685 thousand Foreign Tax Credits (“FTC”) and no Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) credit carry forwards.  The FTCs expire between 2019 and 2028. Beginning in 2018, AMT credits are recorded as a current receivable as a result of TCJA converting them into refundable credits to be received no later than with the filing of the 2021 US corporation income tax return.  The Company also has a tax effected U.S. NOL carryforward of $96,564 thousand.  The NOL carryforward does not expire until 2038.

Management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize all of its deferred tax assets.  Accordingly, no valuation allowance has been recorded for the periods presented.
F-40

In performing our assessment of the recoverability of the deferred tax asset pursuant to ASC 740, the Company considered tax laws governing the utilization of the net operating loss and foreign tax credit carryforwards and other deferred tax assets in each applicable jurisdiction. Under U.S. tax law, a company generally must use its net operating loss carryforwards before it can use its foreign tax credit carryforwards. The Company evaluated all negative and positive evidence impacting the realization of its deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2018 in the U.S. tax jurisdiction.  Evidence considered in our analysis included the Company’s ability to carryback net operating losses generated in 2017 and 2018. In addition, the Company implemented planning actions during 2018 and early 2019 to increase its planned U.S. source and foreign source income to better enable it to utilize its U.S. deferred tax assets and tax attributes.  As of December 31, 2018, based on all available evidence, the Company has concluded it is more likely than not that the U.S. net operating loss and foreign tax credit carryforwards will be utilized prior to expiration and, thus, no valuation allowance has been established in the U.S. jurisdiction.

As a result of the TCJA, the Company recognized a $123,143 thousand tax benefit in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 118, in 2017 the Company recorded the effects of the TCJA using reasonable estimates due to the need for further analysis to complete the accounting.

During 2018, the Company completed its accounting, and interpreted the additional guidance issued by the IRS and U.S. Department of the Treasury, and recognized an income tax benefit of $28,832 thousand primarily related to the 2017 tax return to tax provision true-up recorded in 2018.

Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09 which provided new guidance on the treatment of the tax effects of share based compensation transactions.  ASU 2016-09 required that the income tax effects of restricted stock vestings and stock options exercises resulting from the change in value of share based compensation awards between the grant date and settlement (vesting/exercising) date be recorded as part of income tax expense (benefit) within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  Per the new guidance, the Company recorded excess tax benefits of $1,450 thousand and $3,308 thousand related to restricted stock vestings and stock option exercises as part of income tax expense (benefit) within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) in 2018 and 2017.

In years prior to 2017, the Company recorded tax benefits related to restricted stock vestings and stock option exercises as part of additional paid-in capital in the stockholder’s equity section of the consolidated balance sheets.

The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not impact the accounting treatment of tax benefits related to dividends on restricted stock.  The tax benefits related to the payment of dividends on restricted stock have been recorded as part of additional paid-in capital in the stockholder’s equity section of the consolidated balance sheets in all years.  The tax benefits related to the payment of dividends on restricted stock were $241 thousand and $287 thousand in 2018 and 2017 respectively.

F-41

11.  REINSURANCE

The Company utilizes reinsurance agreements to reduce its exposure to large claims and catastrophic loss occurrences.  These agreements provide for recovery from reinsurers of a portion of losses and LAE under certain circumstances without relieving the Company of its underlying obligations to the policyholders. Losses and LAE incurred and premiums earned are reported after deduction for reinsurance.  In the event that one or more of the reinsurers were unable to meet their obligations under these reinsurance agreements, the Company would not realize the full value of the reinsurance recoverable balances.  The Company may hold partial collateral, including letters of credit and funds held, under these agreements.  See also Note 1C, Note 4 and Note 8.

Premiums written and earned and incurred losses and LAE are comprised of the following for the periods indicated:


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Written premiums:
                  
Direct
  
$
1,996,606
    
$
1,873,115
    
$
1,699,204
  
Assumed
    
4,577,070
      
3,915,374
      
3,364,524
  
Ceded
    
(1,541,814
)
    
(3,064,645
)
    
(3,015,606
)
Net written premiums
  
$
5,031,862
    
$
2,723,844
    
$
2,048,122
  
                         
Premiums earned:
                        
Direct
  
$
1,903,576
    
$
1,655,023
    
$
1,608,783
  
Assumed
    
4,447,862
      
3,842,836
      
3,492,598
  
Ceded
    
(1,512,380
)
    
(3,548,264
)
    
(3,007,332
)
Net premiums earned
  
$
4,839,058
    
$
1,949,595
    
$
2,094,049
  
                         
Incurred losses and LAE:
                        
Direct
  
$
1,182,399
    
$
1,196,323
    
$
1,415,933
  
Assumed
    
4,162,776
      
3,108,753
      
1,674,342
  
Ceded
    
(534,157
)
    
(2,265,325
)
    
(1,739,995
)
Net incurred losses and LAE
  
$
4,811,018
    
$
2,039,751
    
$
1,350,280
  

The Company has engaged in reinsurance transactions with Bermuda Re, Everest International Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Everest International”), Mt. Logan Re, Everest Insurance Company of Canada (“Everest Canada”) and Lloyd’s Syndicate 2786, which are affiliated companies primarily driven by enterprise risk and capital management considerations under which business is ceded at market rates and terms.

F-42

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

 
(Dollars in thousands)
                            
       
Percent
  
Assuming
      
Single
    
Aggregate
  
Coverage Period
  
Ceding Company
  
Ceded
  
Company
  
Type of Business
  
Occurrence Limit
    
 Limit
  
                             
01/01/2010-12/31/2010
  
Everest Re
  
44.0%
  
Bermuda Re
  
property / casualty business
  
 150,000
    
 325,000
  
                             
01/01/2011-12/31/2011
  
Everest Re
  
50.0%
  
Bermuda Re
  
property / casualty business
  
 150,000
    
 300,000
  
                             
01/01/2012-12/31/2014
  
Everest Re
  
50.0%
  
Bermuda Re
  
property / casualty business
  
 100,000
    
 200,000
  
                             
01/01/2015-12/31/2016
  
Everest Re
  
50.0%
  
Bermuda Re
  
property / casualty business
  
 162,500
    
 325,000
  
                             
01/01/2017-12/31/2017
  
Everest Re
  
60.0%
  
Bermuda Re
  
property / casualty business
  
 219,000
    
 438,000
  
                             
01/01/2010-12/31/2010
  
Everest Re- Canadian Branch
  
60.0%
  
Bermuda Re
  
property business
  
 350,000
(1)
  
-
  
01/01/2011-12/31/2011
  
Everest Re- Canadian Branch
  
60.0%
  
Bermuda Re
  
property business
  
 350,000
(1)
   -  
01/01/2012-12/31/2012
  
Everest Re- Canadian Branch
  
75.0%
  
Bermuda Re
  
property / casualty business
  
 206,250
(1)
  
 412,500
  (1)
01/01/2013-12/31/2013
  
Everest Re- Canadian Branch
  
75.0%
  
Bermuda Re
  
property / casualty business
  
 150,000
(1)
  
 412,500
  (1)
01/01/2014-12/31/2017
  
Everest Re- Canadian Branch
  
75.0%
  
Bermuda Re
  
property / casualty business
  
 262,500
(1)
  
 412,500
  (1)
                             
01/01/2012-12/31/2017
  
Everest Canada
  
80.0%
  
Everest Re- Canadian Branch
  
property business
  
-
    
-
  
                             
(1)  Amounts shown are Canadian dollars.
                          
 

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

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

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

(Dollars in thousands)
                     
                       
Effective
  
Transferring
  
Assuming
  
% of Business or
    
Covered Period
Date
  
Company
  
Company
  
Amount of Transfer
    
of Transfer
                       
10/01/2001
  
Everest Re  (Belgium Branch)
  
Bermuda Re
    
100
%
  
All years
10/01/2008
  
Everest Re
  
Bermuda Re
  
$
747,022
    
01/01/2002-12/31/2007
12/31/2017
  
Everest Re
  
Bermuda Re
  
$
970,000
    
All years


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

F-43

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


Bermuda Re
  
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Ceded written premiums
  
$
572,620
    
$
2,219,352
    
$
2,324,314
  
Ceded earned premiums
    
586,120
      
2,796,939
      
2,353,801
  
Ceded losses and LAE
    
(49,955
)
    
1,687,659
      
1,307,722
  



Everest International
  
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Ceded written premiums
  
$
-
    
$
10
    
$
98
  
Ceded earned premiums
    
-
      
44
      
110
  
Ceded losses and LAE
    
(753
)
    
(990
)
    
3,467
  



Everest Canada
  
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Assumed written premiums
  
$
-
    
$
25,871
    
$
53,653
  
Assumed earned premiums
    
-
      
54,558
      
49,156
  
Assumed losses and LAE
    
6,238
      
29,389
      
38,568
  



Lloyd's Syndicate 2786
  
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Assumed written premiums
  
$
10,800
    
$
35,607
    
$
18,994
  
Assumed earned premiums
    
35,826
      
33,590
      
5,038
  
Assumed losses and LAE
    
27,550
      
17,688
      
4,938
  


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

In 2013, Group established Mt. Logan Re, which is a Class 3 insurer based in Bermuda.  Mt. Logan Re then established separate segregated accounts for its business activity, which invest in a diversified set of catastrophe exposures.

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


Mt. Logan Re Segregated Accounts
  
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Ceded written premiums
  
$
207,439
    
$
192,928
    
$
160,091
  
Ceded earned premiums
    
212,046
      
192,573
      
155,010
  
Ceded losses and LAE
    
234,471
      
283,511
      
38,739
  
                         
Assumed written premiums
    
10,582
      
11,984
      
14,563
  
Assumed earned premiums
    
10,582
      
11,984
      
14,563
  
Assumed losses and LAE
    
-
      
-
      
-
  

F-44

12.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Before Tax
    
Tax Effect
    
Net of Tax
    
Before Tax
    
Tax Effect
    
Net of Tax
    
Before Tax
    
Tax Effect
    
Net of Tax
  
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary
  
$
(119,058
)
  
$
25,582
    
$
(93,476
)
  
$
(11,672
)
  
$
4,085
    
$
(7,587
)
  
$
1,302
    
$
(512
)
  
$
790
  
URA(D) on securities - OTTI
    
645
      
(135
)
    
510
      
(4,537
)
    
1,588
      
(2,949
)
    
5,113
      
(1,789
)
    
3,324
  
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
    
3,416
      
(1,395
)
    
2,021
      
3,543
      
(1,240
)
    
2,303
      
32,642
      
(11,369
)
    
21,273
  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    
(46,136
)
    
9,705
      
(36,431
)
    
57,564
      
(20,137
)
    
37,427
      
4,388
      
(1,539
)
    
2,849
  
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss)
    
(646
)
    
136
      
(510
)
    
1,300
      
(273
)
    
1,027
      
(11,520
)
    
4,032
      
(7,488
)
Reclassification of amortization of net gain (loss) included in net income (loss)
    
6,356
      
(1,335
)
    
5,021
      
8,426
      
(2,949
)
    
5,477
      
7,805
      
(2,732
)
    
5,073
  
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
(155,423
)
  
$
32,558
    
$
(122,865
)
  
$
54,624
    
$
(18,926
)
  
$
35,698
    
$
39,730
    
$
(13,909
)
  
$
25,821
  
                                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)
                                                                        


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


   
Years Ended December 31,
    
Affected line item within the statements of
AOCI component
  
2018
    
2017
    
operations and comprehensive income (loss)
(Dollars in thousands)
                  
URA(D) on securities
  
$
3,416
    
$
3,543
    
Other net realized capital gains (losses)
     
(1,395
)
    
(1,240
)
  
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
$
2,021
    
$
2,303
    
Net income (loss)
                        
Benefit plan net gain (loss)
  
$
6,356
    
$
8,426
    
Other underwriting expenses
     
(1,335
)
    
(2,949
)
  
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
$
5,021
    
$
5,477
    
Net income (loss)
                        
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding)
                      


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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
             
Beginning balance of URA (D) on securities
  
$
37,442
    
$
39,041
  
Change to beginning balance due to adoption of ASU 2016-01
    
(2,447
)
    
-
  
Reclass due to early adoption of ASU 2018-02
    
-
      
6,634
  
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - temporary
    
(91,455
)
    
(5,284
)
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI
    
510
      
(2,949
)
Ending balance of URA (D) on securities
    
(55,950
)
    
37,442
  
                 
Beginning balance of foreign currency translation adjustments
    
33,545
      
(9,852
)
Reclass due to early adoption of ASU 2018-02
    
-
      
5,970
  
Current period change in foreign currency translation adjustments
    
(36,431
)
    
37,427
  
Ending balance of foreign currency translation adjustments
    
(2,886
)
    
33,545
  
                 
Beginning balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)
    
(71,929
)
    
(65,504
)
Reclass due to early adoption of ASU 2018-02
    
-
      
(12,929
)
Current period change in benefit plan net gain (loss)
    
4,511
      
6,504
  
Ending balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)
    
(67,418
)
    
(71,929
)
                 
Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
(126,254
)
  
$
(942
)


F-45

13.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Benefit Pension Plans.
The Company maintains both qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans for its U.S. employees employed prior to April 1, 2010.  Generally, the Company computes the benefits based on average earnings over a period prescribed by the plans and credited length of service.  The Company’s non-qualified defined benefit pension plan provided compensating pension benefits for participants whose benefits have been curtailed under the qualified plan due to Internal Revenue Code limitations.  Effective January 1, 2018, participants of the Company’s non-qualified defined benefit pension plan may no longer accrue additional service benefits.

Although not required to make contributions under IRS regulations, the following table summarizes the Company’s contributions to the defined benefit pension plans for the periods indicated:


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Company contributions
  
$
77,743
    
$
10,534
    
$
30,821
  


The following table summarizes the Company’s pension expense for the periods indicated:


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Pension expense
  
$
9,728
    
$
16,299
    
$
17,188
  


The following table summarizes the status of these defined benefit plans for U.S. employees for the periods indicated:


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Change in projected benefit obligation:
            
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  
$
316,202
    
$
281,853
  
Service cost
    
9,801
      
10,949
  
Interest cost
    
10,290
      
10,034
  
Actuarial (gain)/loss
    
(29,966
)
    
24,679
  
Curtailment
    
-
      
(6,209
)
Benefits paid
    
(6,084
)
    
(5,104
)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
    
300,244
      
316,202
  
                 
Change in plan assets:
                
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
    
210,267
      
171,506
  
Actual return on plan assets
    
(21,395
)
    
33,331
  
Actual contributions during the year
    
77,743
      
10,534
  
Benefits paid
    
(6,084
)
    
(5,104
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
    
260,531
      
210,267
  
                 
Funded status at end of year
  
$
(39,713
)
  
$
(105,935
)
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                


Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated:


   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Other assets (due beyond one year)
  
$
-
    
$
-
  
Other liabilities (due within one year)
    
(7,530
)
    
(3,871
)
Other liabilities (due beyond one year)
    
(32,182
)
    
(102,065
)
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
  
$
(39,713
)
  
$
(105,935
)


F-46

Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:


   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Accumulated income (loss)
   $
(88,580
)
   $
(86,788
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
(88,580
)
  
$
(86,788
)
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                


Other changes in other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated are as follows:


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, prior year
  
$
(86,788
)
  
$
(96,965
)
Net gain (loss) arising during period
    
(8,631
)
    
(4,398
)
Recognition of amortizations in net periodic benefit cost:
                
Actuarial loss
    
6,839
      
8,366
  
Curtailment loss recognized
    
-
      
6,209
  
Other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, current year
  
$
(88,580
)
  
$
(86,788
)
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                


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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Service cost
    
9,801
    
$
10,949
    
$
10,924
  
Interest cost
    
10,290
      
10,034
      
9,485
  
Expected return on assets
    
(17,202
)
    
(13,050
)
    
(11,158
)
Amortization of actuarial loss from earlier periods
    
6,839
      
8,366
      
7,937
  
Net periodic benefit cost
  
$
9,728
    
$
16,299
    
$
17,188
  
                         
Other changes recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
                        
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to change from prior year
    
1,792
      
(10,177
)
        
                         
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other
                        
comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
11,520
    
$
6,122
          
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                        


The estimated transition obligation, actuarial loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next year are $0 thousand, $8,107 thousand and $0 thousand, respectively.

The weighted average discount rates used to determine net periodic benefit cost for 2018, 2017 and 2016 were 3.62%, 4.16% and 4.38%, respectively.  The rate of compensation increase used to determine the net periodic benefit cost for 2018, 2017 and 2016 was 4.00%.  The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 7.00% for 2018 and was 7.50% for both 2017 and 2016 based on expected portfolio returns and allocations.

The weighted average discount rates used to determine the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation for years end 2018, 2017 and 2016 were 4.27%, 3.62% and 4.16%, respectively.

F-47

The following table summarizes the accumulated benefit obligation for the periods indicated:


   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Qualified Plan
  
$
237,855
    
$
245,430
  
Non-qualified Plan
    
24,472
      
24,482
  
Total
  
$
262,327
    
$
269,912
  
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                


The following table displays the plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets for the periods indicated:


   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Qualified Plan
            
Projected benefit obligation
  
$
275,772
    
$
291,720
  
Fair value of plan assets
    
260,531
      
210,267
  
Non-qualified Plan
                
Projected benefit obligation
  
$
24,472
    
$
24,482
  
Fair value of plan assets
    
-
      
-
  


The following table displays the plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets for the periods indicated:


   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Qualified Plan
            
Accumulated benefit obligation
  
$
-
    
$
245,430
  
Fair value of plan assets
    
-
      
210,267
  
Non-qualified Plan
                
Accumulated benefit obligation
  
$
24,472
    
$
24,482
  
Fair value of plan assets
    
-
      
-
  


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


(Dollars in thousands)
      
2019
  
$
14,772
  
2020
    
13,087
  
2021
    
11,137
  
2022
    
12,104
  
2023
    
12,779
  
Next 5 years
    
79,289
  


Plan assets consist of shares in investment trusts with 59%, 32%, 8% and 1% of the underlying assets consisting of equity securities, fixed maturities, limited partnerships and multi-strategy equity funds and cash, respectively.  The Company manages the qualified plan investments for U.S. employees.  The assets in the plan consist of debt and equity mutual funds.  Due to the long term nature of the plan, the target asset allocation has historically been 70% equities and 30% bonds.

F-48

The following tables present the fair value measurement levels for the qualified plan assets at fair value for the periods indicated:


         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
  
         
Quoted Prices
              
         
in Active
    
Significant
        
         
Markets for
    
Other
    
Significant
  
         
Identical
    
Observable
    
Unobservable
  
         
Assets
    
Inputs
    
Inputs
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
December 31, 2018
    
(Level 1)
    
(Level 2)
    
(Level 3)
  
Assets:
                        
Short-term investments, which approximates fair value (a)
  
$
2,872
    
$
2,872
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
Mutual funds, fair value
                                
Fixed income (b)
    
82,633
      
82,633
      
-
      
-
  
Equities (c)
    
154,935
      
154,935
      
-
      
-
  
Total
  
$
240,440
    
$
240,440
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                

(a)
This category includes high quality, short-term money market instruments, which are issued and payable in U.S. dollars.
(b)
This category includes fixed income funds, which invest in investment grade securities of corporations, governments and government agencies with approximately 70% in U.S. securities and 30% in international securities.
(c)
This category includes funds, which invest in small, mid and multi-cap equity securities including common stocks, securities convertible into common stock and securities with common stock characteristics, such as rights and warrants, with approximately 50% in U.S. equities and 50% in international equities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018.


         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
  
         
Quoted Prices
              
         
in Active
    
Significant
        
         
Markets for
    
Other
    
Significant
  
         
Identical
    
Observable
    
Unobservable
  
         
Assets
    
Inputs
    
Inputs
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
December 31, 2017
    
(Level 1)
    
(Level 2)
    
(Level 3)
  
Assets:
                        
Short-term investments, which approximates fair value (a)
  
$
1,031
    
$
1,031
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
Mutual funds, fair value
                                
Fixed income (b)
    
23,361
      
23,361
      
-
      
-
  
Equities (c)
    
159,578
      
159,578
      
-
      
-
  
Total
  
$
183,970
    
$
183,970
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
                                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                

(a)
This category includes high quality, short-term money market instruments, which are issued and payable in U.S. dollars.
(b)
This category includes fixed income funds, which invest in investment grade securities of corporations, governments and government agencies with approximately 50% in U.S. securities and 50% in international securities.
(c)
This category includes funds, which invest in small, mid and multi-cap equity securities including common stocks, securities convertible into common stock and securities with common stock characteristics, such as rights and warrants, with approximately 90% in U.S. equities and 10% in international equities.

In addition, $20,091 thousand and $26,297 thousand of investments which were recorded as part of the qualified plan assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are not included within the fair value hierarchy tables as the assets are valued using the NAV practical expedient guidance within ASU 2015-07.

The Company contributed $77,000 thousand and $10,000 thousand to the qualified pension benefit plan for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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

F-49
3% and 8% of an employee’s earnings for each payroll period based on the employee’s age.  These contributions will be 100% vested after three years.

The following table presents the Company’s incurred expenses related to these plans for the periods indicated:


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Incurred expenses
  
$
9,301
    
$
7,167
    
$
6,058
  


In addition, the Company maintains several defined contribution pension plans covering non-U.S. employees.  Each non-U.S. office (Brazil, Canada and Singapore) maintains a separate plan for the non-U.S. employees working in that location.  The Company contributes various amounts based on salary, age and/or years of service.  The contributions as a percentage of salary for the branch offices range from 6.2% to 9.0%.  The contributions are generally used to purchase pension benefits from local insurance providers.  The following table presents the Company’s incurred expenses related to these plans for the periods indicated:


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Incurred expenses
  
$
489
    
$
514
    
$
494
  


Post-Retirement Plan.
The Company sponsors a Retiree Health Plan for employees employed prior to April 1, 2010.  This plan provides healthcare benefits for eligible retired employees (and their eligible dependants), who have elected coverage.  The Company anticipates that most covered employees will become eligible for these benefits if they retire while working for the Company.  The cost of these benefits is shared with the retiree.  The Company accrues the post-retirement benefit expense during the period of the employee’s service.

A medical cost trend rate of 7.25% in 2018 was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.50% in 2029 and then remain at that level.

Changes in the assumed healthcare cost trend can have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the healthcare plans.  A one percent change in the rate would have the following effects on:


   
Percentage
    
Percentage
  
   
Point Increase
    
Point Decrease
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
($ Impact)
    
($ Impact)
  
a.  Effect on total service and interest cost components
  
$
577
    
$
(436
)
b.  Effect on accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation
    
5,987
      
(4,643
)


The following table presents the post-retirement benefit expenses for the periods indicated:


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Post-retirement benefit expenses
  
$
1,829
    
$
2,814
    
$
2,293
  


F-50

The following table summarizes the status of this plan for the periods indicated:


   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Change in projected benefit obligation:
            
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  
$
34,717
    
$
32,071
  
Service cost
    
1,312
      
1,570
  
Interest cost
    
999
      
1,184
  
Amendments
    
-
      
(3,526
)
Actuarial (gain)/loss
    
(7,985
)
    
4,038
  
Benefits paid
    
(561
)
    
(619
)
Benefit obligation at end of year
    
28,483
      
34,717
  
                 
Change in plan assets:
                
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
    
-
      
-
  
Employer contributions
    
561
      
619
  
Benefits paid
    
(561
)
    
(619
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
    
-
      
-
  
                 
Funded status at end of year
  
$
(28,483
)
  
$
(34,717
)


Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated:


   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Other liabilities (due within one year)
  
$
(608
)
  
$
(655
)
Other liabilities (due beyond one year)
    
(27,875
)
    
(34,062
)
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
  
$
(28,483
)
  
$
(34,717
)
                 
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                


Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:


   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Accumulated income (loss)
  
$
(238
)
  
$
(8,317
)
Accumulated prior service credit (cost)
    
3,480
      
4,057
  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
3,242
    
$
(4,260
)


Other changes in other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated are as follows:


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, prior year
  
$
(4,260
)
  
$
(3,809
)
Net gain (loss) arising during period
    
7,985
      
(4,038
)
Prior Service credit (cost) arising during period
    
-
      
3,526
  
Recognition of amortizations in net periodic benefit cost:
                
Actuarial loss (gain)
    
94
      
192
  
Prior service cost
    
(577
)
    
(131
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, current year
  
$
3,242
    
$
(4,260
)


F-51

Net periodic benefit cost included the following components for the periods indicated:


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Service cost
  
$
1,312
    
$
1,570
    
$
1,418
  
Interest cost
    
999
      
1,184
      
1,007
  
Prior service credit recognition
    
(577
)
    
(131
)
    
(132
)
Net gain recognition
    
94
      
192
      
-
  
Net periodic cost
  
$
1,829
    
$
2,814
    
$
2,293
  
                         
Other changes recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
                        
Other comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to change from prior year
    
(7,502
)
    
451
          
                         
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and
                        
other comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
(5,673
)
  
$
3,265
          
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                        


The estimated transition obligation, actuarial loss and prior service credit that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $0 thousand, $0 thousand and ($577) thousand, respectively.

The weighted average discount rates used to determine net periodic benefit cost for 2018, 2017 and 2016 were 3.62%, 4.16% and 4.38%, respectively.

The weighted average discount rates used to determine the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation at year end 2018, 2017 and 2016 were 4.27%, 3.62% and 4.16%, respectively.

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


(Dollars in thousands)
      
2019
  
$
608
  
2020
    
663
  
2021
    
740
  
2022
    
852
  
2023
    
944
  
Next 5 years
    
6,469
  


14.  DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS AND STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Holdings and its operating subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory restrictions, including the amount of dividends that may be paid and the level of capital that the operating entities must maintain.  These regulatory restrictions are based upon statutory capital as opposed to GAAP basis equity or net assets.  Holdings’ primary operating subsidiary, Everest Re, is regulated by Delaware law and is subject to the Risk-Based Capital Model (“RBC”) developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”).  This model represents the aggregate regulatory restrictions on net assets and statutory capital and surplus.

Dividend Restrictions.
Delaware law provides that an insurance company which is a member of an insurance holding company system and is domiciled in the state shall not pay dividends without giving prior notice to the Insurance Commissioner of Delaware and may not pay dividends without the approval of the Insurance Commissioner if the value of the proposed dividend, together with all other dividends and distributions made in the preceding twelve months, exceeds the greater of (1) 10% of statutory surplus or (2) net income, not including realized capital gains, each as reported in the prior year’s statutory annual statement.  In addition, no dividend may be paid in excess of unassigned earned surplus.  At December 31, 2018, Everest Re has $365,059 thousand available for payment of dividends in 2019 without the need for prior regulatory approval.

F-52

Statutory Financial Information.
Everest Re prepares its statutory financial statements in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the NAIC and the Delaware Insurance Department.  Prescribed statutory accounting practices are set forth in the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual.  The capital and statutory surplus of Everest Re was $3,650,594 thousand and $3,391,852 thousand at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  The statutory net loss of Everest Re was $1,317,991 thousand and $391,419 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  The statutory net income of Everest Re was $523,547 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2016.

There are certain regulatory and contractual restrictions on the ability of Holdings’ operating subsidiaries to transfer funds to Holdings in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.  The insurance laws of the State of Delaware, where Holdings’ direct insurance subsidiaries are domiciled, require regulatory approval before those subsidiaries can pay dividends or make loans or advances to Holdings that exceed certain statutory thresholds.

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

The regulatory targeted capital and the actual statutory capital for Everest Re is as follows:


   
Everest Re (1)
  
   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Regulatory targeted capital
  
$
2,172,958
    
$
2,076,892
  
Actual capital
  
$
3,650,594
    
$
3,391,852
  
    
(1)   Regulatory targeted capital represents 200% of the RBC authorized control level calculation for the applicable year.

15.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

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

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

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

F-53

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


   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
  
The Prudential
  
$
142,754
    
$
144,618
  
Unaffiliated life insurance company
  
34,717
    
34,444
  


16.  RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Group

Group entered into a $250,000 thousand long term promissory note agreement with Holdings as of December 31, 2014.  The note was repaid in December 2018.  At December 31, 2017, this transaction is presented as a Note Receivable – Affiliated in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Holdings.  Interest income in the amount of $4,085 thousand and $4,300 thousand was recorded by Holdings for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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


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


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

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

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
  
2017
  
2016
Dividends received on preferred stock of affiliate
  
 31,032
  
 31,032
  
 31,032


F-54

Affiliated Companies

Effective December 31, 2018, Holdings entered into a $300,000 thousand long-term promissory note agreement with Bermuda Re.  The note will mature on December 31, 2023 and has an interest rate of 3.07% that is payable annually.  This transaction is presented as a Note Payable – Affiliated in the consolidated balance sheets of Holdings.

Effective October 1, 2018, Holdings Ireland made a capital contribution of Global Services, an affiliated entity, to Holdings.  Global Services had an equity value of $227,253 thousand at the time of contribution and that value is classified as additional paid in capital in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.

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

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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Expenses incurred
  
$
81,346
    
$
91,927
    
$
84,823
  


17.  SEGMENT REPORTING

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

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

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

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

F-55

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


U.S. Reinsurance
  
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Gross written premiums
  
$
3,014,337
    
$
2,593,063
    
$
2,125,792
  
Net written premiums
    
2,093,116
      
1,135,604
      
930,178
  
                         
Premiums earned
  
$
1,979,926
    
$
858,155
    
$
990,055
  
Incurred losses and LAE
    
2,790,818
      
912,124
      
554,100
  
Commission and brokerage
    
568,374
      
160,311
      
189,495
  
Other underwriting expenses
    
60,266
      
55,881
      
54,107
  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  
$
(1,439,532
)
  
$
(270,161
)
  
$
192,353
  



International
  
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Gross written premiums
  
$
1,555,245
    
$
1,339,546
    
$
1,269,125
  
Net written premiums
    
1,426,588
      
615,395
      
497,645
  
                         
Premiums earned
  
$
1,406,460
    
$
502,322
    
$
510,915
  
Incurred losses and LAE
    
1,020,929
      
622,753
      
207,605
  
Commission and brokerage
    
355,528
      
101,936
      
111,514
  
Other underwriting expenses
    
37,661
      
36,291
      
34,254
  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  
$
(7,658
)
  
$
(258,658
)
  
$
157,542
  



Insurance
  
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Gross written premiums
  
$
2,004,093
    
$
1,855,881
    
$
1,668,811
  
Net written premiums
    
1,512,158
      
972,845
      
620,299
  
                         
Premiums earned
  
$
1,452,672
    
$
589,118
    
$
593,079
  
Incurred losses and LAE
    
999,271
      
504,874
      
588,575
  
Commission and brokerage
    
217,812
      
(51,322
)
    
(19,585
)
Other underwriting expenses
    
195,420
      
162,714
      
156,605
  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  
$
40,169
    
$
(27,148
)
  
$
(132,516
)


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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Underwriting gain (loss)
  
$
(1,407,021
)
  
$
(555,967
)
  
$
217,379
  
Net investment income
    
314,381
      
286,259
      
264,807
  
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    
(185,356
)
    
161,553
      
(28,941
)
Corporate expense
    
(11,034
)
    
(7,394
)
    
(8,277
)
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense
    
(30,611
)
    
(31,183
)
    
(35,435
)
Other income (expense)
    
(3,851
)
    
23,750
      
(10,542
)
Income (loss) before taxes
  
$
(1,323,492
)
  
$
(122,982
)
  
$
398,991
  


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


   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
Canada gross written premiums
  
$
173,530
    
$
130,136
    
$
124,612
  

F-56

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

Approximately 21.1%, 21.5% and 15.3% of the Company’s gross written premiums in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were sourced through the Company’s largest intermediary.

18.            DISPOSITIONS

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

19.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

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

20. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

Summarized quarterly financial data for the periods indicated:


   
2018
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
1st Quarter
    
2nd Quarter
    
3rd Quarter
    
4th Quarter
  
                         
Operating data:
                        
Gross written premiums
  
$
1,466,231
    
$
1,632,284
    
$
1,759,190
    
$
1,715,970
  
Net written premiums
    
1,107,027
      
1,190,354
      
1,378,481
      
1,356,000
  
                                 
Premiums earned
    
1,116,010
      
1,179,836
      
1,230,771
      
1,312,441
  
Net investment income
    
69,909
      
72,070
      
90,298
      
82,104
  
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    
(60,201
)
    
(42,271
)
    
30,018
      
(112,902
)
Total claims and underwriting expenses
    
1,047,063
      
1,590,988
      
1,337,309
      
2,270,719
  
Net income (loss)
    
(12,172
)
    
(265,408
)
    
24,665
      
(704,752
)



   
2017
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
1st Quarter
    
2nd Quarter
    
3rd Quarter
    
4th Quarter
  
                         
Operating data:
                        
Gross written premiums
  
$
1,252,384
    
$
1,335,574
    
$
1,701,126
    
$
1,499,405
  
Net written premiums
    
448,836
      
417,912
      
570,760
      
1,286,337
  
                                 
Premiums earned
    
471,055
      
468,197
      
518,507
      
491,836
  
Net investment income
    
60,849
      
71,900
      
73,417
      
80,093
  
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    
117,768
      
(92,291
)
    
228,489
      
(92,413
)
Total claims and underwriting expenses
    
402,124
      
421,938
      
1,423,816
      
257,684
  
Net income (loss)
    
169,178
      
35,658
      
(389,724
)
    
263,086
  


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

F-57

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

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


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
  
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
  
As Previously
    
Impact of
        
   
Reported
    
Revisions
    
As Revised
  
(Dollars in thousands)
                  
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                  
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
  
$
49,470
    
$
3,037
    
$
52,507
  
Total claims and expenses
    
411,543
      
3,037
      
414,580
  
                         
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    
247,984
      
(3,037
)
    
244,947
  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    
76,940
      
(1,171
)
    
75,769
  
                         
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  
$
171,044
    
$
(1,866
)
  
$
169,178
  
                         
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  
$
182,587
    
$
(1,866
)
  
$
180,721
  




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
  
CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
  
As Previously
    
Impact of
        
   
Reported
    
Revisions
    
As Revised
  
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
                  
RETAINED EARNINGS:
                  
Balance, beginning of period
  
$
4,914,308
    
$
32,993
    
$
4,947,301
  
Net income (loss)
    
171,044
      
(1,866
)
    
169,178
  
Balance, end of period
    
5,085,352
      
31,127
      
5,116,479
  
 TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF PERIOD
  
$
5,448,217
    
$
31,127
    
$
5,479,344
  




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
  
   
As Previously
    
Impact of
        
   
Reported
    
Revisions
    
As Revised
  
(Dollars in thousands)
                  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                  
Net income (loss)
  
$
171,044
    
$
(1,866
)
  
$
169,178
  
Decrease (increase) in income taxes
    
75,304
      
(1,172
)
    
74,132
  
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers
    
(30,525
)
    
3,347
      
(27,178
)
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
    
18,204
      
(309
)
    
17,895
  


F-58
SCHEDULE I – SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS -
OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
DECEMBER 31, 2018



Column A
  
Column B
    
Column C
    
Column D
  
               
Amount
  
               
Shown in
  
         
Market
    
Balance
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Cost
    
Value
    
Sheet
  
Fixed maturities-available for sale
                  
Bonds:
                  
U.S. government and government agencies
  
$
2,250,312
    
$
2,242,797
    
$
2,242,797
  
State, municipalities and political subdivisions
    
489,013
      
499,089
      
499,089
  
Foreign government securities
    
576,540
      
579,586
      
579,586
  
Foreign corporate securities
    
932,310
      
914,703
      
914,703
  
Public utilities
    
58,373
      
57,503
      
57,503
  
All other corporate bonds
    
2,434,354
      
2,376,701
      
2,376,701
  
Mortgage - backed securities
                        
Commercial
    
135,380
      
136,604
      
136,604
  
Agency residential
    
149,306
      
148,774
      
148,774
  
Non-agency residential
    
3,115
      
3,114
      
3,114
  
Redeemable preferred stock
    
4,046
      
3,204
      
3,204
  
Total fixed maturities-available for sale
    
7,032,749
      
6,962,075
      
6,962,075
  
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value
    
2,337
      
2,337
      
2,337
  
Equity securities at fair value(1)
    
597,103
      
564,338
      
564,338
  
Short-term investments
    
174,155
      
174,131
      
174,131
  
Other invested assets
    
882,647
      
882,647
      
882,647
  
Other invested assets, at fair value (1)
    
1,773,214
      
1,717,336
      
1,717,336
  
Cash
    
404,522
      
404,522
      
404,522
  
Total investments and cash
  
$
10,866,727
    
$
10,707,386
    
$
10,707,386
  
                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                        

(1) Original cost does not reflect adjustments, which have been realized through the statements of operations and comprehensive income.


S-1
SCHEDULE II – CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS


   
At December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts and par value per share)
  
2018
    
2017
  
ASSETS:
            
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value
  
$
13,750
    
$
108,010
  
(amortized cost: 2018, $13,390; 2017, $109,008)
                
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value
    
53,401
      
191,098
  
Other invested assets
    
59,979
      
51,616
  
Other invested assets, at fair value
    
1,717,336
      
1,807,473
  
Short-term investments
    
4,111
      
4,507
  
Cash
    
10,609
      
10,295
  
Total investments and cash
    
1,859,186
      
2,172,999
  
Investment in subsidiaries, at equity in the underlying net assets
    
4,326,130
      
3,842,806
  
Note receivable - affiliated
    
-
      
250,000
  
Accrued investment income
    
19
      
644
  
Advances to affiliates
    
(72
)
    
(72
)
Other assets
    
32
      
4,832
  
TOTAL ASSETS
  
$
6,185,295
    
$
6,271,209
  
                 
LIABILITIES:
                
Senior notes due 6/1/2044
  
$
396,954
    
$
396,834
  
Long term notes due 5/1/2067
    
236,659
      
236,561
  
Note payable - affiliated
    
300,000
      
-
  
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings
    
3,093
      
2,727
  
Income taxes
    
202,442
      
196,270
  
Due to affiliates
    
544
      
25,475
  
Other liabilities
    
938
      
619
  
Total liabilities
    
1,140,630
      
858,486
  
                 
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
                
Common stock, par value:  $0.01; 3,000 shares authorized;
                
1,000 shares issued and outstanding (2018 and 2017)
    
-
      
-
  
Additional paid-in capital
    
1,100,315
      
387,841
  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income
                
tax expense (benefit) of ($33,506) at 2018 and ($299) at 2017
    
(126,254
)
    
(942
)
Retained earnings
    
4,070,604
      
5,025,824
  
Total stockholder's equity
    
5,044,665
      
5,412,723
  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
  
$
6,185,295
    
$
6,271,209
  
                 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
                

S-2
SCHEDULE II – CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
REVENUES:
                  
Net investment income
  
$
38,951
    
$
34,813
    
$
33,748
  
Net investment income - Affiliated
     4,085
      
4,300
      
4,300
  
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    
(87,267
)
    
81,027
      
(12,635
)
Realized gain of sale of subsidiary
    
-
      
-
      
(28,032
)
Other income (expense)
    
(368
)
    
(297
)
    
(268
)
Net income (loss) of subsidiaries
    
(906,211
)
    
(124,269
)
    
288,851
  
Total revenues
    
(950,810
)
    
(4,426
)
    
285,964
  
                         
EXPENSES:
                        
Interest expense
    
30,611
      
31,183
      
35,435
  
Corporate expense
    
6,337
      
5,233
      
6,713
  
Total expenses
    
36,948
      
36,416
      
42,148
  
                         
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    
(987,758
)
    
(40,842
)
    
243,816
  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    
(30,091
)
    
(119,040
)
    
(57,828
)
                         
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  
$
(957,667
)
  
$
78,198
    
$
301,644
  
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax :
                        
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period
    
(92,966
)
    
(10,536
)
    
4,114
  
Less: reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
    
2,021
      
2,303
      
21,273
  
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period
    
(90,945
)
    
(8,233
)
    
25,387
  
                         
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    
(36,431
)
    
37,427
      
2,849
  
                         
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) for the period
    
(510
)
    
1,027
      
(7,488
)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)
    
5,021
      
5,477
      
5,073
  
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period
    
4,511
      
6,504
      
(2,415
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    
(122,865
)
    
35,698
      
25,821
  
                         
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  
$
(1,080,532
)
  
$
113,896
    
$
327,465
  
                         
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
                        


S-3
SCHEDULE II – CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS





   
Years Ended December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2016
  
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                  
Net income (loss)
  
$
(957,667
)
  
$
78,198
    
$
301,644
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                        
Equity in (earnings) deficit of subsidiaries
    
906,211
      
124,269
      
(288,851
)
Dividends received from subsidiary
    
90,000
      
-
      
-
  
Increase (decrease) in income taxes
    
5,887
      
(113,773
)
    
(44,260
)
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships
    
(2,617
)
    
(121
)
    
(220
)
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
    
(26,167
)
    
31,044
      
(2,187
)
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)
    
370
      
450
      
400
  
Net realized capital losses (gains)
    
87,267
      
(81,027
)
    
40,667
  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    
103,284
      
39,040
      
7,193
  
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                        
Additional investment in subsidiaries
    
(1,383,659
)
    
741
      
(4,815
)
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value
    
9,385
      
6,612
      
5,244
  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value
    
96,836
      
7,189
      
-
  
Proceeds from equity maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    
182,552
      
37,634
      
23,777
  
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary (net of cash disposed)
    
-
      
-
      
47,721
  
Distributions from other invested assets
    
1,401,606
      
132,064
      
93,959
  
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    
(13,510
)
    
(24,058
)
    
(39,214
)
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    
(39,449
)
    
(54,605
)
    
(32,361
)
Cost of other invest assets acquired
    
(1,407,352
)
    
(152,446
)
    
(121,806
)
Net change in short-term investments
    
396
      
8,506
      
24,789
  
Net change in unsettled securities transaction
    
(99
)
    
(604
)
    
(497
)
Proceeds from repayment of long term note receivable, affiliated
     250,000        -        -  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    
(903,294
)
    
(38,967
)
    
(3,203
)
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                        
Capital contribution from parent
    
500,324
      
-
      
-
  
Proceeds from borrowing for long term note payable, affiliated
    
300,000
      
-
      
-
  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    
800,324
      
-
      
-
  
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    
314
      
73
      
3,990
  
Cash, beginning of period
    
10,295
      
10,222
      
6,232
  
Cash, end of period
  
$
10,609
    
$
10,295
    
$
10,222
  
                         
Non-cash financing transaction:
                        
Equity value of non-cash capital contribution of affiliate from
                        
parent, net of cash held by affiliate
  
$
211,928
    
$
-
    
$
-
  
Non-cash contribution from parent
     221
      
598
      
12,778
  
Non-cash contribution to subsidiaries
     (221
 )
    
(598
)
    
(12,778
)
                         
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
                        


S-4
SCHEDULE II – CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION





1)
The accompanying condensed financial information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes of Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. and its Subsidiaries.

2)
The Senior Notes and Long-Term Subordinated Notes presented in Notes 6 and 7 are direct obligations of the Registrant.

3)
Everest Re Group, Ltd., the parent company, entered into a $250,000 thousand long term promissory note agreement with Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2014.  The note was scheduled to mature on December 31, 2023 but was repaid in December 2018.  As of December 31, 2017, this transaction was presented as a Note Receivable – Affiliated in the Condensed Balance Sheets of Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc.

4)
Effective December 31, 2018, Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. entered into a $300,000 thousand long-term promissory note agreement with Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd., an affiliated entity.  The note will mature on December 31, 2023 and has an interest rate of 3.07% that will be paid annually.  This transaction is presented as a Note Payable – Affiliated in the condensed balance sheet of Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2018.

5)
In December, 2015, Holdings transferred the 9,719,971 Common Shares of Group, which it held as other invested assets, at fair value, valued at $1,773,214 thousand, to Preferred Holdings, an affiliated entity and subsidiary of Group, in exchange for 1,773.214 preferred shares of Preferred Holdings with a $1,000 thousand par value and 1.75% annual dividend rate.  After the exchange, Holdings no longer holds any shares or has any ownership interest in Group.



S-5
SCHEDULE III – SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION




Column A
  
Column B
    
Column C
    
Column D
    
Column E
    
Column F
    
Column G
    
Column H
    
Column I
    
Column J
  
         
Reserve
                      
Incurred
                    
 Geographic Area
        
for Losses
                      
Loss and
    
Amortization
              
   
Deferred
    
and Loss
    
Unearned
          
Net
    
Loss
    
of Deferred
    
Other
    
Net
  
   
Acquisition
    
Adjustment
    
Premium
    
Premiums
    
Investment
    
Adjustment
    
Acquisition
    
Operating
    
Written
  
 (Dollars in thousands)
  
Costs
    
Expenses
    
Reserves
    
Earned
    
Income
    
Expenses
    
Costs
    
Expenses
    
Premium
  
December 31, 2018
                                                      
Domestic
  
$
304,513
    
$
7,908,776
    
$
1,575,931
    
$
3,432,598
    
$
279,415
    
$
3,790,089
    
$
786,186
    
$
255,686
    
$
3,605,274
  
International
    
49,117
      
2,258,242
      
250,937
      
1,406,460
      
34,966
      
1,020,929
      
355,528
      
37,661
      
1,426,588
  
Total
  
$
353,630
    
$
10,167,018
    
$
1,826,868
    
$
4,839,058
    
$
314,381
    
$
4,811,018
    
$
1,141,714
    
$
293,347
    
$
5,031,862
  
                                                                         
December 31, 2017
                                                                        
Domestic
  
$
260,706
    
$
7,070,895
    
$
1,352,987
    
$
1,447,273
    
$
253,852
    
$
1,416,998
    
$
108,989
    
$
218,595
    
$
2,108,449
  
International
    
47,035
      
2,272,133
      
254,635
      
502,322
      
32,407
      
622,753
      
101,936
      
36,291
      
615,395
  
Total
  
$
307,741
    
$
9,343,028
    
$
1,607,622
    
$
1,949,595
    
$
286,259
    
$
2,039,751
    
$
210,925
    
$
254,886
    
$
2,723,844
  
                                                                         
December 31, 2016
                                                                        
Domestic
  
$
44,301
    
$
6,489,232
    
$
1,054,832
    
$
1,583,134
    
$
231,748
    
$
1,142,675
    
$
169,910
    
$
210,712
    
$
1,550,477
  
International
    
24,320
      
1,842,056
      
257,553
      
510,915
      
33,059
      
207,605
      
111,514
      
34,254
      
497,645
  
Total
  
$
68,621
    
$
8,331,288
    
$
1,312,386
    
$
2,094,049
    
$
264,807
    
$
1,350,280
    
$
281,424
    
$
244,966
    
$
2,048,122
  
                                                                         
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                                  




S-6
SCHEDULE IV – REINSURANCE




Column A
  
Column B
    
Column C
    
Column D
    
Column E
    
Column F
  
         
Ceded to
    
Assumed
              
   
Gross
    
Other
    
from Other
    
Net
    
Assumed
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Amount
    
Companies
    
Companies
    
Amount
    
to Net
  
                               
December 31, 2018
                              
Total property and liability
                              
insurance premiums earned
  
$
1,903,576
    
$
1,512,380
    
$
4,447,862
    
$
4,839,058
      
91.9
%
                                         
December 31, 2017
                                        
Total property and liability
                                        
insurance premiums earned
  
$
1,655,023
    
$
3,548,264
    
$
3,842,836
    
$
1,949,595
      
197.1
%
                                         
December 31, 2016
                                        
Total property and liability
                                        
insurance premiums earned
  
$
1,608,783
    
$
3,007,332
    
$
3,492,598
    
$
2,094,049
      
166.8
%


S-7