2015 Q1 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
 
 
 
 
(Mark One)
  
 
  
 
 x
  
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
  
 
  
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
 
 
  
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
  
 
 
  
 
OR
 
  
 
 ¨
  
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
  
 
  
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
 
 
  
 
Commission File Number 1-11848
  
 
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
MISSOURI                        
  
43-1627032
(State or other jurisdiction                  
  
(IRS employer
of incorporation or organization)  
  
identification number)
16600 Swingley Ridge Road
Chesterfield, Missouri 63017
(Address of principal executive offices)
(636) 736-7000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes   X    No       
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes   X    No       
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer   X        Accelerated filer                Non-accelerated filer                Smaller reporting company          
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes         No   X
As of April 30, 2015, 66,196,280 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.


Table of Contents

REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Item
  
 
  
Page
 
 
 
 
  
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  
 
 
 
 
1
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
2
  
  
 
 
 
3
  
  
 
 
 
4
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
  
 
 
 
 
1
  
  
 
 
 
1A
  
  
 
 
 
2
  
  
 
 
 
5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  

2

Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION


REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale at fair value (amortized cost of $22,933,716 and $23,105,597)
 
$
25,801,223

 
$
25,480,972

Mortgage loans on real estate (net of allowances of $6,130 and $6,471)
 
2,913,486

 
2,712,238

Policy loans
 
1,284,085

 
1,284,284

Funds withheld at interest
 
5,841,554

 
5,922,561

Short-term investments
 
89,136

 
97,694

Other invested assets
 
1,243,033

 
1,198,319

Total investments
 
37,172,517

 
36,696,068

Cash and cash equivalents
 
1,083,179

 
1,645,669

Accrued investment income
 
283,665

 
261,096

Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances
 
1,509,810

 
1,527,729

Reinsurance ceded receivables
 
665,797

 
578,206

Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
3,286,348

 
3,342,575

Other assets
 
689,952

 
628,268

Total assets
 
$
44,691,268

 
$
44,679,611

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
 
$
14,152,780

 
$
14,476,637

Interest-sensitive contract liabilities
 
12,508,201

 
12,591,497

Other policy claims and benefits
 
3,822,699

 
3,824,069

Other reinsurance balances
 
320,950

 
306,915

Deferred income taxes
 
2,529,733

 
2,365,817

Other liabilities
 
1,118,645

 
994,230

Long-term debt
 
2,313,884

 
2,314,293

Collateral finance and securitization notes
 
774,351

 
782,701

Total liabilities
 
37,541,243

 
37,656,159

Commitments and contingent liabilities (See Note 8)
 


 


Stockholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock - par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
 

 

Common stock - par value $.01 per share, 140,000,000 shares authorized, 79,137,758 shares issued at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
 
791

 
791

Additional paid-in-capital
 
1,802,774

 
1,798,279

Retained earnings
 
4,339,028

 
4,239,647

Treasury stock, at cost - 12,699,199 and 10,364,797 shares
 
(876,804
)
 
(672,394
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
1,884,236

 
1,657,129

Total stockholders’ equity
 
7,150,025

 
7,023,452

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
44,691,268

 
$
44,679,611

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

3

Table of Contents

REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues:
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net premiums
 
$
2,023,852

 
$
2,100,637

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
426,891

 
404,375

Investment related gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
 
(2,527
)
 
(303
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to (from) accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 

Other investment related gains (losses), net
 
10,110

 
84,874

Total investment related gains (losses), net
 
7,583

 
84,571

Other revenues
 
62,287

 
67,590

Total revenues
 
2,520,613

 
2,657,173

Benefits and Expenses:
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
1,775,451

 
1,843,677

Interest credited
 
120,678

 
110,594

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 
277,043

 
354,873

Other operating expenses
 
121,618

 
110,936

Interest expense
 
35,627

 
35,084

Collateral finance and securitization expense
 
6,071

 
2,569

Total benefits and expenses
 
2,336,488

 
2,457,733

 Income before income taxes
 
184,125

 
199,440

Provision for income taxes
 
59,011

 
62,776

Net income
 
$
125,114

 
$
136,664

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
1.84

 
$
1.94

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
1.81

 
$
1.92

Dividends declared per share
 
$
0.33

 
$
0.30

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

4

Table of Contents

REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Comprehensive income
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income
 
$
125,114

 
$
136,664

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(117,771
)
 
(42,683
)
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on investments
 
343,924

 
315,384

Change in other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities
 

 
450

Changes in pension and other postretirement plan adjustments
 
954

 
741

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
227,107

 
273,892

Total comprehensive income
 
$
352,221

 
$
410,556

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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Table of Contents

REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
125,114

 
$
136,664

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accrued investment income
 
(28,443
)
 
34,480

Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances
 
(19,816
)
 
(15,627
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
2,380

 
64,559

Reinsurance ceded receivable balances
 
(64,299
)
 
4,254

Future policy benefits, other policy claims and benefits, and
other reinsurance balances
 
251,570

 
392,876

Deferred income taxes
 
13,144

 
41,472

Other assets and other liabilities, net
 
5,973

 
(29,340
)
Amortization of net investment premiums, discounts and other
 
(21,666
)
 
(25,357
)
Investment related gains, net
 
(7,583
)
 
(84,571
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement
 

 
(668
)
Other, net
 
59,837

 
22,486

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
316,211

 
541,228

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 
639,676

 
584,491

Maturities of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 
94,994

 
111,854

Principal payments on mortgage loans on real estate
 
69,322

 
105,622

Principal payments on policy loans
 
200

 
485

Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 
(1,000,335
)
 
(917,715
)
Cash invested in mortgage loans on real estate
 
(272,287
)
 
(135,802
)
Cash invested in policy loans
 
(1
)
 
(52,913
)
Cash invested in funds withheld at interest
 
(32,196
)
 
(21,466
)
Purchases of property and equipment
 
(21,504
)
 

Change in short-term investments
 
4,325

 
20,740

Change in other invested assets
 
14,092

 
160,427

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(503,714
)
 
(144,277
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
Dividends to stockholders
 
(22,669
)
 
(21,244
)
Repayment of collateral finance and securitization notes
 
(7,367
)
 

Net change in short-term debt
 

 
50,000

Debt issuance costs
 
(1,184
)
 

Principal payments of long-term debt
 
(586
)
 

Purchases of treasury stock
 
(214,665
)
 
(86,837
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement
 

 
668

Exercise of stock options, net
 
5,759

 
6,364

Change in cash collateral for derivative positions and other arrangements
 
31,109

 
29,680

Deposits on universal life and other investment type
policies and contracts
 
66,329

 
36,257

Withdrawals on universal life and other investment type
policies and contracts
 
(196,623
)
 
(215,660
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(339,897
)
 
(200,772
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(35,090
)
 
7,306

Change in cash and cash equivalents
 
(562,490
)
 
203,485

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
1,645,669

 
923,647

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
1,083,179

 
$
1,127,132

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
Net cash paid (received) for:
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
 
$
29,849

 
$
25,434

Cash paid (received) for income taxes, net of refunds
 
$
(58,864
)
 
$
8,611

Non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
 
Transfer of invested assets
 
$
118

 
$

Accrual for capitalized assets
 
$
4,514

 
$

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

6

Table of Contents

REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
1.
Business and Basis of Presentation
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (“RGA”) is an insurance holding company that was formed on December 31, 1992. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of RGA and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. There were no subsequent events, other than as disclosed in Note 15 - "Subsequent Event", that would require disclosure or adjustments to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements through the date the financial statements were issued. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RGA and its subsidiaries, and all intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. These condensed consolidated statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 2, 2015 (the "2014 Annual Report").
Effective January 1, 2015, the Company further refined its reporting of the Canada; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific segments into traditional and non-traditional businesses to reflect the expanded product offerings within its geographic-based segments. The prior period presentation has been adjusted to conform to the new segment reporting structure. See Part II, Item 5 - Other Information of this report for comparable figures by quarter for 2014 and 2013.
2.
Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share on net income (in thousands, except per share information):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Earnings:
 
 
 
 
Net income (numerator for basic and diluted calculations)
 
$
125,114

 
$
136,664

Shares:
 
 
 
 
Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculation)
 
68,141

 
70,574

Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options
 
801

 
690

Denominator for diluted calculation
 
68,942

 
71,264

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.84

 
$
1.94

Diluted
 
$
1.81

 
$
1.92

The calculation of common equivalent shares does not include the impact of options having a strike or conversion price that exceeds the average stock price for the earnings period, as the result would be antidilutive. The calculation of common equivalent shares also excludes the impact of outstanding performance contingent shares, as the conditions necessary for their issuance have not been satisfied as of the end of the reporting period. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, approximately 0.3 million stock options and approximately 0.7 million performance contingent shares were excluded from the calculation. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, approximately 0.3 million stock options and approximately 0.9 million performance contingent shares were excluded from the calculation. Year-to-date amounts for equivalent shares from outstanding stock options and performance contingent shares are the weighted average of the individual quarterly amounts.

7

Table of Contents

3.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The balance of and changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Tax
 
 
Accumulated
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
of Investments(1)
 
Pension and
Postretirement
Benefits
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
$
81,847

 
$
1,624,773

 
$
(49,491
)
 
$
1,657,129

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
(103,285
)
 
494,294

 
617

 
391,626

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
 
(14,486
)
 
(142,978
)
 
(175
)
 
(157,639
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of income tax
 
(117,771
)
 
351,316

 
442

 
233,987

Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI
 

 
(8,252
)
 
787

 
(7,465
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
 

 
860

 
(275
)
 
585

Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI, net of income tax
 

 
(7,392
)
 
512

 
(6,880
)
Balance, March 31, 2015
 
$
(35,924
)
 
$
1,968,697

 
$
(48,537
)
 
$
1,884,236

 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Tax
 
 
Accumulated
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
of Investments(1)
 
Pension and
Postretirement
Benefits
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
$
207,083

 
$
820,245

 
$
(21,721
)
 
$
1,005,607

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
(45,428
)
 
469,975

 
225

 
424,772

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
 
2,745

 
(150,217
)
 
(64
)
 
(147,536
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of income tax
 
(42,683
)
 
319,758

 
161

 
277,236

Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI
 

 
(5,828
)
 
892

 
(4,936
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
 

 
1,904

 
(312
)
 
1,592

Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI, net of income tax
 

 
(3,924
)
 
580

 
(3,344
)
Balance, March 31, 2014
 
$
164,400

 
$
1,136,079

 
$
(20,980
)
 
$
1,279,499

(1)
Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.
The following table presents the amounts of AOCI reclassifications for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Amount Reclassified from AOCI
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
Details about AOCI Components
 
2015
 
2014
 
Affected Line Item in 
Statement of Income         
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
 
$
3,079

 
$
1,189

 
Investment related gains (losses), net
Gains and losses on cash flow hedge - interest rate swap
 
840

 
218

 
Investment income
Deferred policy acquisition costs attributed to unrealized gains and losses(1)
 
4,333

 
4,421

 
 
Total
 
8,252

 
5,828

 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
(860
)
 
(1,904
)
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax
 
$
7,392

 
$
3,924

 
 
Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost(2)
 
$
(83
)
 
$
(2
)
 
 
Actuarial gains/(losses)(2)
 
(704
)
 
(890
)
 
 
Total
 
(787
)
 
(892
)
 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
275

 
312

 
 
Amortization of unrealized pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax
 
$
(512
)
 
$
(580
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications, net of tax
 
$
6,880

 
$
3,344

 
 
(1)
This AOCI component is included in the computation of the deferred policy acquisition cost. See Note 8 – “Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs” of the 2014 Annual Report for additional details.
(2)
These AOCI components are included in the computation of the net periodic pension cost. See Note 10 – “Employee Benefit Plans” for additional details.

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Table of Contents

4.
Investments
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
The following tables provide information relating to investments in fixed maturity and equity securities by sector as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
March 31, 2015:
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated Fair
 
% of
 
Other-than-
temporary impairments
 
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Total
 
in AOCI
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
14,084,589

 
$
1,159,377

 
$
64,831

 
$
15,179,135

 
58.8
%
 
$

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
2,477,703

 
1,416,036

 

 
3,893,739

 
15.1

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
1,072,415

 
60,491

 
5,232

 
1,127,674

 
4.4

 
(300
)
Asset-backed securities
 
1,082,883

 
23,322

 
8,093

 
1,098,112

 
4.3

 
354

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,448,372

 
93,304

 
7,402

 
1,534,274

 
5.9

 
(1,609
)
U.S. government and agencies
 
444,529

 
28,879

 

 
473,408

 
1.8

 

State and political subdivisions
 
378,403

 
54,496

 
3,128

 
429,771

 
1.7

 

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
1,944,822

 
129,615

 
9,327

 
2,065,110

 
8.0

 

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
22,933,716

 
$
2,965,520

 
$
98,013

 
$
25,801,223

 
100.0
%
 
$
(1,555
)
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
$
90,643

 
$
5,136

 
$
1,405

 
$
94,374

 
70.1
%
 
 
Other equity securities
 
39,395

 
894

 
44

 
40,245

 
29.9

 
 
Total equity securities
 
$
130,038

 
$
6,030

 
$
1,449

 
$
134,619

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
December 31, 2014:
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated Fair
 
% of
 
Other-than-
temporary impairments
 
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Total
 
in AOCI
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
14,010,604

 
$
965,523

 
$
90,544

 
$
14,885,583

 
58.4
%
 
$

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
2,668,852

 
1,196,420

 
7

 
3,865,265

 
15.2

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
991,867

 
52,640

 
6,611

 
1,037,896

 
4.1

 
(300
)
Asset-backed securities
 
1,059,660

 
20,301

 
10,375

 
1,069,586

 
4.2

 
354

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,453,657

 
87,593

 
8,659

 
1,532,591

 
6.0

 
(1,609
)
U.S. government and agencies
 
501,352

 
25,014

 
515

 
525,851

 
2.0

 

State and political subdivisions
 
378,457

 
51,117

 
3,498

 
426,076

 
1.7

 

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
2,041,148

 
110,065

 
13,089

 
2,138,124

 
8.4

 

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
23,105,597

 
$
2,508,673

 
$
133,298

 
$
25,480,972

 
100.0
%
 
$
(1,555
)
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
$
93,540

 
$
7,350

 
$
1,527

 
$
99,363

 
78.3
%
 
 
Other equity securities
 
26,994

 
597

 
94

 
27,497

 
21.7

 
 
Total equity securities
 
$
120,534

 
$
7,947

 
$
1,621

 
$
126,860

 
100.0
%
 
 
The Company enters into various collateral arrangements that require both the pledging and acceptance of fixed maturity securities as collateral with derivative, repurchase agreement and reinsurance counterparties. Pledged fixed maturity securities are included in fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Fixed maturity securities received as collateral are held in separate custodial accounts and are not recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge collateral it receives; however, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, none of the collateral received had been sold or re-pledged. The Company also holds securities in trust to satisfy collateral requirements under certain third-party reinsurance treaties. The following table includes fixed maturity securities pledged and received as collateral, and assets in trust held to satisfy collateral requirements under certain third-party reinsurance treaties as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):


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March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral
$
148,411

 
$
160,448

 
$
127,229

 
$
134,863

Fixed maturity securities received as collateral
n/a

 
128,643

 
n/a

 
117,227

Securities held in trust
9,719,868

 
10,628,413

 
10,197,489

 
10,922,947

The Company monitors its concentrations of financial instruments on an ongoing basis, and mitigates credit risk by maintaining a diversified investment portfolio which limits exposure to any one issuer. The Company’s exposure to concentrations of credit risk of single issuers greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands).
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Fixed maturity securities guaranteed or issued by:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Canadian province of Ontario
$
901,634

 
$
1,351,722

 
$
979,908

 
$
1,359,339

Canadian province of Quebec
934,860

 
1,628,425

 
1,006,315

 
1,599,673

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2015 are shown by contractual maturity in the table below (dollars in thousands). Actual maturities can differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Asset and mortgage-backed securities are shown separately in the table below, as they are not due at a single maturity date.

 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
594,886

 
$
600,953

Due after one year through five years
 
4,504,020

 
4,771,660

Due after five years through ten years
 
7,388,162

 
7,862,501

Due after ten years
 
6,842,978

 
8,806,049

Asset and mortgage-backed securities
 
3,603,670

 
3,760,060

Total
 
$
22,933,716

 
$
25,801,223

Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities
The tables below show the major industry types of the Company’s corporate fixed maturity holdings as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
March 31, 2015:
 
 
 
Estimated
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost    
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total           
Finance
 
$
4,842,257

 
$
5,186,461

 
34.2
%
Industrial
 
7,699,936

 
8,270,678

 
54.4

Utility
 
1,542,396

 
1,721,996

 
11.4

Total
 
$
14,084,589

 
$
15,179,135

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
Estimated
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
Finance
 
$
4,789,568

 
$
5,066,408

 
34.0
%
Industrial
 
7,639,330

 
8,086,067

 
54.3

Utility
 
1,581,706

 
1,733,108

 
11.7

Total
 
$
14,010,604

 
$
14,885,583

 
100.0
%

10

Table of Contents

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments - Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
As discussed in Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the 2014 Annual Report, a portion of certain other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses on fixed maturity securities is recognized in AOCI. For these securities the net amount recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income (“credit loss impairments”) represents the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. Any remaining difference between the fair value and amortized cost is recognized in AOCI. The amount of pre-tax credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in AOCI, was $7.3 million and $11.7 million as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. There were no changes in these amounts from their respective prior-year ending balances.
Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
The following table presents the total gross unrealized losses for the 687 and 932 fixed maturity and equity securities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by the indicated amount (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of Total    
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of Total    
Less than 20%
 
$
72,598

 
73.0
%
 
$
111,965

 
83.0
%
20% or more for less than six months
 
15,318

 
15.4

 
13,698

 
10.1

20% or more for six months or greater
 
11,546

 
11.6

 
9,256

 
6.9

Total
 
$
99,462

 
100.0
%
 
$
134,919

 
100.0
%
The Company’s determination of whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary includes analysis of the underlying credit and the extent and duration of a decline in value. The Company’s credit analysis of an investment includes determining whether the issuer is current on its contractual payments, evaluating whether it is probable that the Company will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security and analyzing the overall ability of the Company to recover the amortized cost of the investment. In the Company’s impairment review process, the duration and severity of an unrealized loss position for equity securities are given greater weight and consideration given the lack of contractual cash flows or deferability features.
The following tables present the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses, including other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in AOCI, for 687 and 932 fixed maturity and equity securities that have estimated fair values below amortized cost as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively (dollars in thousands). These investments are presented by class and grade of security, as well as the length of time the related fair value has remained below amortized cost.
 

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Table of Contents

 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or greater
 
Total
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Gross
March 31, 2015:
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
Investment grade securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
805,091

 
$
18,419

 
$
227,150

 
$
15,576

 
$
1,032,241

 
$
33,995

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
100,937

 
1,507

 
62,201

 
3,228

 
163,138

 
4,735

Asset-backed securities
 
285,839

 
2,774

 
99,896

 
3,381

 
385,735

 
6,155

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
49,304

 
162

 
20,733

 
1,590

 
70,037

 
1,752

State and political subdivisions
 

 

 
13,647

 
3,128

 
13,647

 
3,128

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
109,347

 
5,560

 
36,737

 
1,494

 
146,084

 
7,054

Total investment grade securities
 
1,350,518

 
28,422

 
460,364

 
28,397

 
1,810,882

 
56,819

 
Below investment grade securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
357,118

 
28,279

 
25,560

 
2,557

 
382,678

 
30,836

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
10,308

 
83

 
12,033

 
414

 
22,341

 
497

Asset-backed securities
 
14,478

 
231

 
6,715

 
1,707

 
21,193

 
1,938

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
6,739

 
240

 
5,522

 
5,410

 
12,261

 
5,650

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
15,375

 
2,145

 
2,910

 
128

 
18,285

 
2,273

Total below investment grade securities
 
404,018

 
30,978

 
52,740

 
10,216

 
456,758

 
41,194

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
1,754,536

 
$
59,400

 
$
513,104

 
$
38,613

 
$
2,267,640

 
$
98,013

Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
$
20,885

 
$
501

 
$
6,649

 
$
904

 
$
27,534

 
$
1,405

Other equity securities
 
8,597

 
44

 

 

 
8,597

 
44

Total equity securities
 
$
29,482

 
$
545

 
$
6,649

 
$
904

 
$
36,131

 
$
1,449

 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or greater
 
Total
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Gross
December 31, 2014:
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
Investment grade securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
1,225,767

 
$
27,784

 
$
614,294

 
$
30,040

 
$
1,840,061

 
$
57,824

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 

 

 
1,235

 
7

 
1,235

 
7

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
78,864

 
846

 
135,414

 
5,247

 
214,278

 
6,093

Asset-backed securities
 
332,785

 
4,021

 
109,411

 
4,289

 
442,196

 
8,310

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
78,632

 
564

 
28,375

 
2,461

 
107,007

 
3,025

U.S. government and agencies
 
81,317

 
89

 
32,959

 
426

 
114,276

 
515

State and political subdivisions
 
13,780

 
17

 
18,998

 
3,438

 
32,778

 
3,455

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
156,725

 
7,007

 
76,111

 
2,946

 
232,836

 
9,953

Total investment grade securities
 
1,967,870

 
40,328

 
1,016,797

 
48,854

 
2,984,667

 
89,182

Below investment grade securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
415,886

 
29,316

 
32,567

 
3,404

 
448,453

 
32,720

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
22,836

 
293

 
6,284

 
225

 
29,120

 
518

Asset-backed securities
 
12,448

 
274

 
7,108

 
1,791

 
19,556

 
2,065

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
3,288

 
249

 
5,580

 
5,385

 
8,868

 
5,634

State and political subdivisions
 
964

 
43

 

 

 
964

 
43

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
13,986

 
3,136

 

 

 
13,986

 
3,136

Total below investment grade securities
 
469,408

 
33,311

 
51,539

 
10,805

 
520,947

 
44,116

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
2,437,278

 
$
73,639

 
$
1,068,336


$
59,659

 
$
3,505,614

 
$
133,298

Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
$
11,619

 
$
235

 
$
19,100

 
$
1,292

 
$
30,719

 
$
1,527

Other equity securities
 

 

 
3,545

 
94

 
3,545

 
94

Total equity securities
 
$
11,619

 
$
235

 
$
22,645


$
1,386

 
$
34,264

 
$
1,621


12

Table of Contents

The Company neither has an intention to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell the securities outlined in the table above, as of the dates indicated. However, unforeseen facts and circumstances may cause the Company to sell fixed maturity and equity securities in the ordinary course of managing its portfolio to meet certain diversification, credit quality and liquidity guidelines.
Unrealized losses on below investment grade securities as of March 31, 2015 are primarily related to high-yield corporate securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities. Unrealized losses decreased across all security types as interest rates decreased during the first three months of 2015.

Investment Income, Net of Related Expenses
Major categories of investment income, net of related expenses, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 
$
269,768

 
$
243,962

Mortgage loans on real estate
 
34,772

 
33,092

Policy loans
 
14,040

 
13,438

Funds withheld at interest
 
112,260

 
112,739

Short-term investments
 
695

 
965

Other invested assets
 
12,027

 
14,501

Investment income
 
443,562

 
418,697

Investment expense
 
(16,671
)
 
(14,322
)
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
426,891

 
$
404,375

Investment Related Gains (Losses), Net
Investment related gains (losses), net consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale:
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings
$
(2,527
)
 
$
(303
)
Gain on investment activity
19,201

 
8,067

Loss on investment activity
(13,596
)
 
(6,583
)
Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision
(4,168
)
 
1,664

Derivatives and other, net
8,673

 
81,726

Total investment related gains (losses), net
$
7,583

 
$
84,571

The decrease in investment related gains for derivatives and other is primarily due to changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives associated with modified coinsurance and funds withheld treaties. The gains recognized in the first quarter of 2014 reflect tightening credit spreads during the quarter.
During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company sold fixed maturity and equity securities with fair values of $199.6 million and $235.1 million at losses of $13.6 million and $6.6 million, respectively. The Company generally does not engage in short-term buying and selling of securities.
Securities Borrowing and Other
The Company participates in a securities borrowing program whereby securities, which are not reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, are borrowed from a third party. The borrowed securities are used to provide collateral under an affiliated reinsurance transaction. The Company is required to maintain a minimum of 100% of the fair value of the borrowed securities as collateral, which consists of rights to reinsurance treaty cash flows.
The Company also participates in a repurchase program in which securities, reflected as investments on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, are pledged to a third party. In return, the Company receives cash from the third party, which is reflected as a payable to the third party, included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company is required to maintain a minimum collateral balance with a fair value of 105% of the cash received. The gross balance of the repurchase agreement payable was $101.7 million and $101.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

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Table of Contents

This was fully collateralized by securities with a fair value of $108.3 million and $107.2 million, which were not offset by the payable, resulting in a net exposure of $6.6 million and $5.8 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Additionally, the Company participates in a repurchase/reverse repurchase program in which securities, reflected as investments on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, are pledged to a third party. In return, the Company receives securities from the third party with an estimated fair value equal to a minimum of 100% of the securities pledged. The securities received are not reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The following table includes the amount of borrowed securities, repurchased securities pledged and repurchased/reverse repurchased securities pledged and received as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands).
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Borrowed securities
$
193,840

 
$
207,476

 
$
201,050

 
$
212,946

Repurchase program securities pledged
91,875

 
108,268

 
92,446

 
107,158

Repurchase program/reverse repurchase program:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities pledged
298,625

 
317,368

 
298,466

 
314,160

Securities received
n/a

 
346,560

 
n/a

 
338,929

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans represented approximately 7.8% and 7.4% of the Company’s total investments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The Company makes mortgage loans on income producing properties that are geographically diversified throughout the U.S. with the largest concentration being in California, which represented 20.3% and 18.7% of mortgage loans on real estate as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Loan-to-value ratios at the time of loan approval are 75% or less. The distribution of mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, by property type is as follows as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 Property type:
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
Office building
 
$
937,939

 
32.2
%
 
$
851,749

 
31.3
%
Retail
 
890,080

 
30.5

 
802,466

 
29.6

Industrial
 
474,310

 
16.2

 
466,583

 
17.2

Apartment
 
404,174

 
13.8

 
376,430

 
13.8

Other commercial
 
213,113

 
7.3

 
221,481

 
8.1

Total
 
$
2,919,616

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,718,709

 
100.0
%
The maturities of the mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
Due within five years
 
$
923,234

 
31.6
%
 
$
860,362

 
31.6
%
Due after five years through ten years
 
1,263,984

 
43.3

 
1,165,530

 
42.9

Due after ten years
 
732,398

 
25.1

 
692,817

 
25.5

Total
 
$
2,919,616

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,718,709

 
100.0
%

14

Table of Contents

Information regarding the Company’s credit quality indicators, as determined by the Company's internal evaluation methodology for its recorded investment in mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Internal credit quality grade:
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
High investment grade
 
$
1,404,166

 
48.0
%
 
$
1,326,199

 
48.8
%
Investment grade
 
1,377,802

 
47.2

 
1,235,046

 
45.4

Average
 
98,531

 
3.4

 
118,152

 
4.4

Watch list
 
22,161

 
0.8

 
22,285

 
0.8

In or near default
 
16,956

 
0.6

 
17,027

 
0.6

Total
 
$
2,919,616

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,718,709

 
100.0
%
None of the payments due to the Company on its recorded investment in mortgage loans were delinquent as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
The following table presents the recorded investment in mortgage loans, by method of measuring impairment, and the related valuation allowances as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Mortgage loans:
 
 
 
 
Individually measured for impairment
 
$
16,956

 
$
17,027

Collectively measured for impairment
 
2,902,660

 
2,701,682

Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances
 
2,919,616

 
2,718,709

Valuation allowances:
 
 
 
 
Individually measured for impairment
 
713

 
816

Collectively measured for impairment
 
5,417

 
5,655

Total valuation allowances
 
6,130

 
6,471

 
Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowances
 
$
2,913,486

 
$
2,712,238

Information regarding the Company’s loan valuation allowances for mortgage loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
6,471

 
$
10,106

Charge-offs, net of recoveries
 

 
24

Provision (release)
 
(341
)
 
(1,664
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
6,130

 
$
8,466


15

Table of Contents

Information regarding the portion of the Company’s mortgage loans that were impaired as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
 
Carrying
Value
March 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded
 
$
7,296

 
$
6,693

 
$

 
$
6,693

Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
 
10,227

 
10,263

 
713

 
9,550

Total impaired mortgage loans
 
$
17,523

 
$
16,956

 
$
713

 
$
16,243

December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded
 
$
7,314

 
$
6,711

 
$

 
$
6,711

Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
 
10,279

 
10,316

 
816

 
9,500

Total impaired mortgage loans
 
$
17,593

 
$
17,027

 
$
816

 
$
16,211

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company’s average investment in impaired mortgage loans and the related interest income are reflected in the table below for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
(1)
 
Interest
Income
 
Average
Recorded
  Investment(1)
 
Interest
Income
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded
 
$
10,290

 
$
106

 
$
14,539

 
$
318

 
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
 
6,702

 
155

 
20,554

 
193

Total impaired mortgage loans
 
$
16,992

 
$
261

 
$
35,093

 
$
511

(1) Average recorded investment represents the average loan balances as of the beginning of period and all subsequent quarterly end of period balances.

The Company did not acquire any impaired mortgage loans during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company had no mortgage loans that were on a nonaccrual status at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
Policy Loans
Policy loans comprised approximately 3.5% of the Company’s total investments as of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, substantially all of which are associated with one client. These policy loans present no credit risk because the amount of the loan cannot exceed the obligation due to the ceding company upon the death of the insured or surrender of the underlying policy. The provisions of the treaties in force and the underlying policies determine the policy loan interest rates. As policy loans represent premature distributions of policy liabilities, they have the effect of reducing future disintermediation risk. In addition, the Company earns a spread between the interest rate earned on policy loans and the interest rate credited to corresponding liabilities.
Funds Withheld at Interest
Funds withheld at interest comprised approximately 15.7% and 16.1% of the Company’s total investments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Of the $5.8 billion funds withheld at interest balance, net of embedded derivatives, as of March 31, 2015, $4.2 billion of the balance is associated with one client. For reinsurance agreements written on a modified coinsurance basis and certain agreements written on a coinsurance funds withheld basis, assets equal to the net statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned and managed by the ceding company and are reflected as funds withheld at interest on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. In the event of a ceding company’s insolvency, the Company would need to assert a claim on the assets supporting its reserve liabilities. However, the risk of loss to the Company is mitigated by its ability to offset amounts it owes the ceding company for claims or allowances with amounts owed to the Company from the ceding company.
Other Invested Assets
Other invested assets include equity securities, limited partnership interests, joint ventures (other than operating joint ventures), structured loans, derivative contracts, fair value option ("FVO") contractholder-directed unit-linked investments, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines ("FHLB") common stock (included in other in the table below), real estate held-for-investment (included in other in the table below), and equity release mortgages (included in other in the table below). The fair value option was elected for contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities which do not qualify for presentation and reporting as separate accounts. Other invested assets represented approximately 3.3% of the Company’s total investments as of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Carrying values of these assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

16

Table of Contents

 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Equity securities
 
$
134,619

 
$
126,860

Limited partnerships and real estate joint ventures
 
450,842

 
446,604

Structured loans
 
148,377

 
164,309

Derivatives
 
265,020

 
216,966

FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
 
136,597

 
140,344

Other
 
107,578

 
103,236

Total other invested assets
 
$
1,243,033

 
$
1,198,319

5.    Derivative Instruments
Derivatives, except for embedded derivatives and longevity and mortality swaps, are carried on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets in other invested assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Longevity and mortality swaps are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in other assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Embedded derivative assets on modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in funds withheld at interest, at fair value. Embedded derivative liabilities on indexed annuity and variable annuity products are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in interest-sensitive contract liabilities, at fair value. The following table presents the notional amounts and gross fair value of derivative instruments prior to taking into account the netting effects of master netting agreements as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Notional
 
Carrying Value/Fair Value
 
Notional
 
Carrying Value/Fair Value
 
 
Amount
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Amount
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
1,000,440

 
$
111,886

 
$
3,532

 
$
1,144,661

 
$
93,783

 
$
3,934

Interest rate options
 

 

 

 
240,000

 
18,195

 

Financial futures
 
249,212

 

 

 
275,983

 

 

Foreign currency forwards
 
80,000

 
71

 
10,585

 
67,967

 
87

 
15,098

Consumer price index swaps
 
39,024

 

 
386

 
41,938

 

 
561

Credit default swaps
 
870,700

 
13,563

 
4,166

 
805,700

 
11,689

 
3,502

Equity options
 
506,226

 
38,747

 

 
555,361

 
35,242

 

Longevity swaps
 
482,895

 
8,602

 

 
450,000

 
7,727

 

Mortality swaps
 
50,000

 

 
1,276

 
50,000

 

 
797

Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts
 
6,577,133

 

 

 
6,500,942

 

 

Embedded derivatives in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements
 

 
19,769

 

 

 
22,094

 

Indexed annuity products
 

 

 
947,857

 

 

 
925,887

Variable annuity products
 

 

 
184,413

 

 

 
159,279

Total non-hedging derivatives
 
9,855,630

 
192,638

 
1,152,215

 
10,132,552

 
188,817

 
1,109,058

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
120,000

 

 
25,848

 
120,000

 

 
18,228

Foreign currency swaps
 
672,053

 
116,588

 
32

 
676,972

 
70,906

 

Forward bond purchase commitments
 
178,152

 
1,917

 
7,666

 
196,452

 
1,175

 
14,545

Total hedging derivatives
 
970,205

 
118,505

 
33,546

 
993,424

 
72,081

 
32,773

Total derivatives
 
$
10,825,835

 
$
311,143

 
$
1,185,761

 
$
11,125,976

 
$
260,898

 
$
1,141,831

Netting Arrangements
Certain of the Company’s derivatives are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and reported as a net asset or liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company nets all derivatives that are subject to such arrangements.
The Company has elected to include all derivatives, except embedded derivatives, in the tables below, irrespective of whether they are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or a similar agreement. See Note 4 – "Investments" for information regarding the Company’s securities borrowing, repurchase and repurchase/reverse repurchase programs. See “Embedded Derivatives” below for information regarding the Company’s bifurcated embedded derivatives.

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The following table provides information relating to the Company’s derivative instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not
Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts   
Recognized
 
Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Balance Sheet   
 
Net Amounts
Presented in the
Balance Sheet   
 
Financial
Instruments     
 
Cash Collateral   
Pledged/
Received
 
Net Amount   
March 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets
 
$
291,374

 
$
(17,752
)
 
$
273,622

 
$
(24,514
)
 
$
(219,016
)
 
$
30,092

Derivative liabilities
 
53,491

 
(17,752
)
 
35,739

 
(55,397
)
 
(5,120
)
 
(24,778
)
December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets
 
$
238,804

 
$
(14,111
)
 
$
224,693

 
$
(20,260
)
 
$
(178,141
)
 
$
26,292

Derivative liabilities
 
56,665

 
(14,111
)
 
42,554

 
(47,222
)
 

 
(4,668
)
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. As discussed below under “Non-qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging,” the Company uses various derivative instruments for risk management purposes that either do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting treatment, including derivatives used to economically hedge changes in the fair value of liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company held interest rate swaps that were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, held foreign currency swaps that were designated and qualified as hedges of a portion of its net investment in its foreign operations, had derivative instruments that were not designated as hedging instruments and had forward bond purchase commitments that qualified as cash flow hedges. See Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company’s 2014 Annual Report for a detailed discussion of the accounting treatment for derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives. Derivative instruments are carried at fair value and generally require an insignificant amount of cash at inception of the contracts.
Cash Flow Hedges
Certain derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges when they meet the requirements of the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging. The Company designates and accounts for certain interest rate swaps, in which the cash flows are denominated in different currencies, commonly referred to as cross-currency swaps, as cash flow hedges. In addition, the Company designates and accounts for its forward bond purchase commitments as cash flow hedges.
The following table presents the components of AOCI, before income tax, and the condensed consolidated income statement classification where the gain or loss is recognized related to cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance beginning of period
 
$
(31,591
)
 
$
(4,578
)
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges
 
213

 
776

Amounts reclassified to investment related gains (losses), net
 
840

 

Amounts reclassified to investment income
 
(60
)
 
(218
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance end of period
 
$
(30,598
)
 
$
(4,020
)
As of March 31, 2015, the before-tax deferred net gains on derivative instruments recorded in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are approximately $0.1 million. This expectation is based on the anticipated interest payments on hedged investments in fixed maturity securities that will occur over the next twelve months, at which time the Company will recognize the deferred net gains (losses) as an adjustment to investment income over the term of the investment cash flows.

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The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the condensed consolidated statements of income and AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Effective Portion
 
 
 
Ineffective Portion
 
 
Derivative Type
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI
 
Gain (Loss) Reclassified into Income from OCI
 
Classification of Gain (Loss) Reclassified into Net Income
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Classification of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Income
For the three months ended March 31, 2015:
Interest rate swaps
 
$
(7,567
)
 
$
60

 
Investment Income
 
$
7

 
Investment related gains (losses)
Forward bond purchase commitments
 
7,780

 
(840
)
 
Investment related gains (losses)
 

 
Investment related gains (losses)
Total
 
$
213

 
$
(780
)
 

 
$
7

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2014:
Interest rate swaps
 
$
776

 
$
218

 
Investment Income
 
$
(6
)
 
Investment related gains (losses)
All components of each derivative's gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations
The Company uses foreign currency swaps to hedge a portion of its net investment in certain foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The following table illustrates the Company’s net investments in foreign operations (“NIFO”) hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Derivative Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI     
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
Type of NIFO Hedge (1) (2)
 
2015
 
2014
Foreign currency swaps
 
$
49,966

 
$
23,080

 
(1)
There were no sales or substantial liquidations of net investments in foreign operations that would have required the reclassification of gains or losses from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into investment income during the periods presented.
(2)
There was no ineffectiveness recognized for the Company’s hedges of net investments in foreign operations.

The cumulative foreign currency translation gain recorded in AOCI related to these hedges was $125.8 million and $75.8 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. If a foreign operation was sold or substantially liquidated, the amounts in AOCI would be reclassified to the condensed consolidated statements of income. A pro rata portion would be reclassified upon partial sale of a foreign operation.
Non-qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging
The Company uses various other derivative instruments for risk management purposes that either do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting treatment, including derivatives used to economically hedge changes in the fair value of liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits. The gain or loss related to the change in fair value for these derivative instruments is recognized in investment related gains (losses), in the condensed consolidated statements of income, except where otherwise noted.
A summary of the effect of non-hedging derivatives, including embedded derivatives, on the Company’s income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

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Gain (Loss) for the three months ended        
March 31,
Type of Non-hedging Derivative
 
Income Statement Location of Gain (Loss)
 
2015
 
2014
Interest rate swaps
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
$
29,344

 
$
29,653

Interest rate options
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
3,275

 
1,282

Financial futures
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(7,331
)
 
(1,584
)
Foreign currency forwards
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(220
)
 
1,154

CPI swaps
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(71
)
 
352

Credit default swaps
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
2,658

 
(2,114
)
Equity options
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(8,067
)
 
(8,966
)
Longevity swaps
 
Other revenues
 
1,821

 

Mortality swaps
 
Other revenues
 
(479
)
 

Subtotal
 
 
 
20,930

 
19,777

Embedded derivatives in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(2,325
)
 
77,241

Indexed annuity products
 
Interest credited
 
(29,326
)
 
(23,840
)
Variable annuity products
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(25,133
)
 
(23,661
)
Total non-hedging derivatives
 
 
 
$
(35,854
)
 
$
49,517

Types of Derivatives Used by the Company
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). With an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between two rates, which can be either fixed-rate or floating-rate interest amounts, tied to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. These transactions are executed pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment or individual gross payments at each due date.
Interest Rate Options
Interest rate options, commonly referred to as swaptions, are used by the Company primarily to hedge living benefit guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products. A swaption, used to hedge against adverse changes in interest rates, is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. The Company pays an upfront premium for the right to exercise this option in the future.
Financial Futures
Exchange-traded futures are used primarily to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products. With exchange-traded futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the relevant indices, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference between the daily estimated fair values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange.
Equity Options
Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices volatility, the Company buys put options. The contracts are net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price.
Consumer Price Index Swaps
Consumer price index (“CPI”) swaps are used by the Company primarily to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain insurance products where value is directly affected by changes in a designated benchmark consumer price index. With a CPI swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange the actual amount of inflation realized over a specified period of time for a fixed amount of inflation determined at inception. These transactions are executed pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment or individual gross payments to be made by the counterparty at each due date. Most of these swaps will require a single payment to be made by one counterparty at the maturity date of the swap.

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Foreign Currency Swaps
Foreign currency swaps are used by the Company to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. With a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a forward exchange rate calculated by reference to an agreed upon principal amount. The principal amount of each currency is exchanged at the termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company uses foreign currency swaps to hedge a portion of its net investment in certain foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates.
Foreign Currency Forwards
Foreign currency forwards are used by the Company to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. With a foreign currency forward transaction, the Company agrees with another party to deliver a specified amount of an identified currency at a specified future date. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made in a different currency at the specified future date.
Forward Bond Purchase Commitments
Forward bond purchase commitments are used by the Company to hedge against the variability in the anticipated cash flows required to purchase securities. With forward bond purchase commitments, the forward price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such contract is made at the future specified settlement date of the securities.
Credit Default Swaps
The Company sells protection under single name credit default swaps and credit default swap index tranches to diversify its credit risk exposure in certain portfolios and, in combination with purchasing securities, to replicate characteristics of similar investments based on the credit quality and term of the credit default swap. Credit default triggers for indexed reference entities and single name reference entities are defined in the contracts. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit loss equals the notional value for credit default swaps. In the event of default of a referencing entity, the Company is typically required to pay the protection holder the full notional value less a recovery amount determined at auction.
The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of credit default swaps sold by the Company at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations(1)
 
Estimated Fair
Value of Credit  
Default Swaps
 
Maximum
Amount of Future
Payments under
Credit Default
Swaps(2)
 
Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity(3)
 
Estimated Fair
Value of Credit  
Default Swaps
 
Maximum
Amount of Future
Payments under
Credit Default
Swaps(2)
 
Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity(3)  
AAA/AA-/A+/A/A-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single name credit default swaps
 
$
1,819

 
$
182,500

 
4.4

 
$
1,498

 
$
167,500

 
4.6

Credit default swaps referencing indices
 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal
 
1,819

 
182,500

 
4.4

 
1,498

 
167,500

 
4.6

BBB+/BBB/BBB-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single name credit default swaps
 
232

 
267,200

 
4.7

 
168

 
217,200

 
4.9

Credit default swaps referencing indices
 
7,518

 
416,000

 
5.2

 
6,651

 
416,000

 
5.0

Subtotal
 
7,750

 
683,200

 
5.0

 
6,819

 
633,200

 
4.9

BB+
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single name credit default swaps
 
(172
)
 
5,000

 
4.2

 
(130
)
 
5,000

 
4.5

Credit default swaps referencing indices
 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal
 
(172
)
 
5,000

 
4.2

 
(130
)
 
5,000

 
4.5

Total
 
$
9,397

 
$
870,700

 
4.9

 
$
8,187

 
$
805,700

 
4.9

 
(1)
The rating agency designations are based on ratings from Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”).
(2)
Assumes the value of the referenced credit obligations is zero.
(3)
The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average notional amounts.
Longevity Swaps
The Company enters into longevity swaps in the form of out-of-the-money options, which provide protection against changes in mortality improvement to retirement plans and insurers of such plans. With a longevity swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange a proportion of a notional value. The proportion is determined by the difference between a predefined benefit, and the realized benefit plus the future expected benefit, calculated by reference to a population index for a fixed premium.

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Mortality Swaps
Mortality swaps are used by the Company to hedge risk from changes in mortality experience associated with its reinsurance of life insurance risk. The Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, a proportion of a notional value determined by the difference between a predefined expected and realized claim amount on a designated index of reinsured lives, for a fixed percentage (premium) each term.
Synthetic Guaranteed Investment Contracts
The Company sells fee-based synthetic guaranteed investment contracts which include investment-only, stable value contracts, to retirement plans. The assets are owned by the trustees of such plans, who invest the assets under the terms of investment guidelines agreed to with the Company. The contracts contain a guarantee of a minimum rate of return on participant balances supported by the underlying assets, and a guarantee of liquidity to meet certain participant-initiated plan cash flow requirements. These contracts are reported as derivatives, recorded at fair value and classified as interest rate derivatives.
Embedded Derivatives
The Company has certain embedded derivatives which are required to be separated from their host contracts and reported as derivatives. Host contracts include reinsurance treaties structured on a modified coinsurance (“modco”) or funds withheld basis. The valuation of embedded derivatives is sensitive to the investment credit spread environment. Changes in investment credit spreads are also affected by the application of a credit valuation adjustment (“CVA”). The fair value calculation of an embedded derivative in an asset position utilizes a CVA based on the ceding company’s credit risk. Conversely, the fair value calculation of an embedded derivative in a liability position utilizes a CVA based on the Company’s credit risk. Generally, an increase in investment credit spreads, ignoring changes in the CVA, will have a negative impact on the fair value of the embedded derivative (decrease in income).
Changes in fair values of embedded derivatives on modco or funds withheld treaties are net of an increase (decrease) in investment related gains (losses) of $0.1 million and $(0.9) million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, associated with a CVA. The Company also reinsures equity-indexed annuity and variable annuity contracts with benefits that are considered embedded derivatives, including guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits, guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits, and guaranteed minimum income benefits. Changes in fair values of embedded derivatives on variable annuity contracts are net of an increase in investment related gains (losses) of $0.5 million for both three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, associated with a CVA. The related gains (losses) and the effect on net income after amortization of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Embedded derivatives in modco or funds withheld arrangements included in investment related gains
$
(2,325
)
 
$
77,241

After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income
(2,588
)
 
18,079

Embedded derivatives in variable annuity contracts included in investment related gains
(25,133
)
 
(23,661
)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income
(9,409
)
 
(13,669
)
Amounts related to embedded derivatives in equity-indexed annuities included in benefits and expenses
(29,326
)
 
(23,840
)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income
(15,999
)
 
(18,375
)
Credit Risk
The Company manages its credit risk related to over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master netting agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination.
The credit exposure of the Company's OTC derivative transactions is represented by the contracts with a positive fair value (market value) at the reporting date. To reduce credit exposures, the Company seeks to (i) enter into OTC derivative transactions pursuant to master netting agreements that provide for a netting of payments and receipts with a single counterparty, and (ii) enter into agreements that allow the use of credit support annexes, which are bilateral rating-sensitive agreements that require collateral postings at established threshold levels. Certain of the Company's OTC derivatives are cleared derivatives, which are bilateral transactions between the Company and a counterparty where the transactions are cleared through a clearinghouse, such that each derivative counterparty is only exposed to the default of the clearinghouse. These cleared transactions require initial and daily variation margin collateral postings and include certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps entered into on or after June 10, 2013, related to guidelines implemented under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Also, the Company enters into exchange-traded futures through regulated exchanges and these transactions are settled on a daily basis, thereby reducing credit risk exposure in the event of non-performance by counterparties to such financial instruments.

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The Company enters into various collateral arrangements, which require both the posting and accepting of collateral in connection with its derivative instruments. Collateral agreements contain attachment thresholds that may vary depending on the posting party’s ratings. Additionally, a decline in the Company’s or the counterparty’s credit ratings to specified levels could result in potential settlement of the derivative positions under the Company’s agreements with its counterparties. The Company also has exchange-traded futures, which require the maintenance of a margin account. As exchange-traded futures are affected through regulated exchanges, and positions are marked to market on a daily basis, the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties.
The Company’s credit exposure related to derivative contracts is generally limited to the fair value at the reporting date plus or minus any collateral posted or held by the Company. The Company’s credit exposure to non-investment swaps is minimal, as mortality swaps are fully collateralized by a counterparty and longevity swaps would require posting of collateral only upon the occurrence of certain agreed upon events. Information regarding the Company’s credit exposure related to its over-the-counter derivative contracts, centrally cleared derivative contracts and margin account for exchange-traded futures, excluding longevity and mortality swaps, at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset position
 
$
230,557

 
$
175,209

Cash provided as collateral(1)
 
5,120

 

Securities pledged to counterparties as collateral(2)
 
55,397

 
47,222

Cash pledged from counterparties as collateral(3)
 
(219,016
)
 
(178,141
)
Securities pledged from counterparties as collateral(4)
 
(24,514
)
 
(20,260
)
Initial margin for cleared derivatives(2)
 
(31,291
)
 
(16,333
)
Net credit exposure
 
$
16,253

 
$
7,697

Margin account related to exchange-traded futures(5)
 
$
6,267

 
$
7,976

 
(1)
Consists of receivable from counterparty, included in other assets.
(2)
Included in available-for-sale securities, primarily consists of U.S. Treasury securities.
(3)
Included in cash and cash equivalents, with obligation to return cash collateral recorded in other liabilities.
(4)
Consists of U.S. Treasury securities.
(5)
Included in cash and cash equivalents.

6.
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
Fair Value Measurement
General accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. These principles also establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value and describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Active markets are defined as having the following characteristics for the measured asset/liability: (i) many transactions, (ii) current prices, (iii) price quotes not varying substantially among market makers, (iv) narrow bid/ask spreads and (v) most information publicly available. The Company’s Level 1 assets include investment securities that are traded in exchange markets.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or market standard valuation techniques and assumptions with significant inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Such observable inputs include benchmarking prices for similar assets in active, liquid markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market. The Company’s Level 2 assets and liabilities include investment securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose values are determined using market standard valuation techniques. This category primarily includes corporate securities, Canadian and Canadian provincial government securities, and residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, among others. Level 2 valuations are generally obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or liabilities or through the use of valuation methodologies using observable market inputs. Prices from servicers are validated through analytical reviews and assessment of current market activity.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the related assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include those whose value is determined using market standard valuation techniques described above. When observable inputs are not available, the market standard techniques for determining the estimated

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fair value of certain securities that trade infrequently, and therefore have little transparency, rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value and that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though unobservable, management believes these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing similar assets and liabilities. For the Company’s invested assets, this category generally includes corporate securities (primarily private placements and bank loans), asset-backed securities (including collateralized debt obligations and those with exposure to subprime mortgages), and to a lesser extent, certain residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, among others. Prices are determined using valuation methodologies such as discounted cash flow models and other similar techniques. Non-binding broker quotes, which are utilized when pricing service information is not available, are reviewed for reasonableness based on the Company’s understanding of the market, and are generally considered Level 3. Under certain circumstances, based on its observations of transactions in active markets, the Company may conclude the prices received from independent third party pricing services or brokers are not reasonable or reflective of market activity. In those instances, the Company would apply internally developed valuation techniques to the related assets or liabilities. Additionally, the Company’s embedded derivatives, all of which are associated with reinsurance treaties and longevity and mortality swaps, are classified in Level 3 since their values include significant unobservable inputs.
When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore, gains and losses for such assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3).

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Table of Contents

Assets and Liabilities by Hierarchy Level
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
March 31, 2015:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using:
 
 
Total    
 
Level 1        
 
Level 2    
 
Level 3    
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
15,179,135

 
$
141,501

 
$
13,750,655

 
$
1,286,979

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
3,893,739

 

 
3,893,739

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
1,127,674

 

 
935,095

 
192,579

Asset-backed securities
 
1,098,112

 

 
488,676

 
609,436

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,534,274

 

 
1,440,405

 
93,869

U.S. government and agencies securities
 
473,408

 
385,705

 
59,947

 
27,756

State and political subdivision securities
 
429,771

 

 
387,896

 
41,875

Other foreign government supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
2,065,110

 
273,890

 
1,776,018

 
15,202

Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale
 
25,801,223

 
801,096

 
22,732,431

 
2,267,696

Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives
 
19,769

 

 

 
19,769

Cash equivalents
 
376,508

 
376,508

 

 

Short-term investments
 
59,931

 
36,465

 
23,466

 

Other invested assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
94,374

 
86,382

 

 
7,992

Other equity securities
 
40,245

 
40,245

 

 

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
100,290

 

 
100,290

 

CPI swaps
 
(386
)
 

 
(386
)
 

Credit default swaps
 
9,781

 

 
9,781

 

Equity options
 
38,747

 

 
38,747

 

Foreign currency swaps
 
116,588

 

 
116,588

 

FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
 
136,597

 
131,932

 
4,665

 

Other
 
12,480

 
12,480

 

 

Total other invested assets
 
548,716

 
271,039

 
269,685

 
7,992

Other assets – longevity swaps
 
8,602

 

 

 
8,602

Total
 
$
26,814,749

 
$
1,485,108

 
$
23,025,582

 
$
2,304,059

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives
 
$
1,132,270

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,132,270

Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
17,784

 

 
17,784

 

Foreign currency forwards
 
10,514

 

 
10,514

 

Credit default swaps
 
384

 

 
384

 

Foreign currency swaps
 
32

 

 
32

 

Forward purchase commitments
 
5,749

 

 
5,749

 

Mortality swaps
 
1,276

 

 

 
1,276

Total
 
$
1,168,009

 
$

 
$
34,463

 
$
1,133,546


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Table of Contents

December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using:
 
 
Total    
 
Level 1        
 
Level 2    
 
Level 3    
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
14,885,583

 
$
115,822

 
$
13,459,334

 
$
1,310,427

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
3,865,265

 

 
3,865,265

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
1,037,896

 

 
849,802

 
188,094

Asset-backed securities
 
1,069,586

 

 
496,626

 
572,960

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,532,591

 

 
1,445,845

 
86,746

U.S. government and agencies securities
 
525,851

 
437,129

 
60,193

 
28,529

State and political subdivision securities
 
426,076

 

 
383,365

 
42,711

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
2,138,124

 
285,995

 
1,832,466

 
19,663

Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale
 
25,480,972

 
838,946

 
22,392,896

 
2,249,130

Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives
 
22,094

 

 

 
22,094

Cash equivalents
 
899,846

 
899,846

 

 

Short-term investments
 
45,190

 
21,536

 
23,654

 

Other invested assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
99,363

 
91,450

 
9

 
7,904

Other equity securities
 
27,497

 
27,497

 

 

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
84,578

 

 
84,578

 

Interest rate options
 
18,195

 

 
18,195

 

CPI swaps
 
(561
)
 

 
(561
)
 

Credit default swaps
 
8,606

 

 
8,606

 

Equity options
 
35,242

 

 
35,242

 

Foreign currency swaps
 
70,906

 

 
70,906

 

FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
 
140,344

 
134,749

 
5,595

 

Other
 
6,420

 
6,420

 

 

Total other invested assets
 
490,590

 
260,116

 
222,570

 
7,904

Other assets - longevity swaps
 
7,727

 

 

 
7,727

Total
 
$
26,946,419

 
$
2,020,444

 
$
22,639,120

 
$
2,286,855

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives
 
$
1,085,166

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,085,166

Other liabilities:
 

 

 

 

Derivatives:
 

 

 

 

Interest rate swaps
 
12,957

 

 
12,957

 

Foreign currency forwards
 
15,011

 

 
15,011

 

Credit default swaps
 
419

 

 
419

 

Forward purchase commitments
 
13,370

 

 
13,370

 

Mortality swaps
 
797

 

 

 
797

Total
 
$
1,127,720

 
$

 
$
41,757

 
$
1,085,963

The Company may utilize information from third parties, such as pricing services and brokers, to assist in determining the fair value for certain assets and liabilities; however, management is ultimately responsible for all fair values presented in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. This includes responsibility for monitoring the fair value process, ensuring objective and reliable valuation practices and pricing of assets and liabilities, and approving changes to valuation methodologies and pricing sources. The selection of the valuation technique(s) to apply considers the definition of an exit price and the nature of the asset or liability being valued and significant expertise and judgment is required.

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Table of Contents

The Company performs initial and ongoing analysis and review of the various techniques utilized in determining fair value to ensure that the valuation approaches utilized are appropriate and consistently applied, and that the various assumptions are reasonable. The Company also performs ongoing analysis and review of the information and prices received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value and to monitor controls around pricing, which includes quantitative and qualitative analysis and is overseen by the Company’s investment and accounting personnel. Examples of procedures performed include, but are not limited to, review of pricing trends, comparison of a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, comparison of fair value estimates to management’s knowledge of the current market, and ongoing confirmation that third party pricing services use, wherever possible, market-based parameters for valuation. In addition, the Company utilizes both internal and external cash flow models to analyze the reasonableness of fair values utilizing credit spread and other market assumptions, where appropriate. As a result of the analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly. The Company also determines if the inputs used in estimated fair values received from pricing services are observable by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data.

The fair value of embedded derivative liabilities, including those calculated by third parties, are monitored through the use of attribution reports to quantify the effect of underlying sources of fair value change, including capital market inputs based on policyholder account values, interest rates and short-term and long-term implied volatilities, from period to period. Actuarial assumptions are based on experience studies performed internally in combination with available industry information and are reviewed on a periodic basis, at least annually.
For assets and liabilities reported at fair value, the Company utilizes, when available, fair values based on quoted prices in active markets that are regularly and readily obtainable. Generally, these are very liquid investments and the valuation does not require management judgment. When quoted prices in active markets are not available, fair value is based on market valuation techniques, market comparable pricing and the income approach. The use of different techniques, assumptions and inputs may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s securities holdings. For the periods presented, the application of market standard valuation techniques applied to similar assets and liabilities has been consistent.
The methods and assumptions the Company uses to estimate the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.
Fixed Maturity Securities – The fair values of the Company’s publicly-traded fixed maturity securities are generally based on prices obtained from independent pricing services. Prices from pricing services are sourced from multiple vendors, and a vendor hierarchy is maintained by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. The Company generally receives prices from multiple pricing services for each security, but ultimately uses the price from the pricing service highest in the vendor hierarchy based on the respective asset type. To validate reasonableness, prices are periodically reviewed as explained above. Consistent with the fair value hierarchy described above, securities with validated quotes from pricing services are generally reflected within Level 2, as they are primarily based on observable pricing for similar assets and/or other market observable inputs. If the pricing information received from third party pricing services is not reflective of market activity or other inputs observable in the market, the Company may challenge the price through a formal process with the pricing service.
If the Company ultimately concludes that pricing information received from the independent pricing service is not reflective of market activity, non-binding broker quotes are used, if available. If the Company concludes the values from both pricing services and brokers are not reflective of market activity, it may override the information from the pricing service or broker with an internally developed valuation; however, this occurs infrequently. Internally developed valuations or non-binding broker quotes are also used to determine fair value in circumstances where vendor pricing is not available. These estimates may use significant unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company’s assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset. Circumstances where observable market data are not available may include events such as market illiquidity and credit events related to the security. Pricing service overrides, internally developed valuations and non-binding broker quotes are generally based on significant unobservable inputs and are reflected as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy.
The inputs used in the valuation of corporate and government securities include, but are not limited to standard market observable inputs which are derived from, or corroborated by, market observable data including market yield curve, duration, call provisions, observable prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer. For structured securities, valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques using standard market inputs including spreads for actively traded securities, spreads off benchmark yields, expected prepayment speeds and volumes, current and forecasted loss severity, rating, weighted average coupon, weighted average maturity, average delinquency rates, geographic region, debt-service coverage ratios and issuance-specific information including, but not limited to: collateral type, payment terms of the underlying assets, payment priority within the tranche, structure of the security, deal performance and vintage of loans.

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When observable inputs are not available, the market standard valuation techniques for determining the estimated fair value of certain types of securities that trade infrequently, and therefore have little or no price transparency, rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management judgment or estimation, and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and are believed to be consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities.
The fair values of private placement securities are primarily determined using a discounted cash flow model. In certain cases these models primarily use observable inputs with a discount rate based upon the average of spread surveys collected from private market intermediaries who are active in both primary and secondary transactions, taking into account, among other factors, the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer and the reduced liquidity associated with private placements. Generally, these securities have been reflected within Level 3. For certain private fixed maturities, the discounted cash flow model may also incorporate significant unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the security. To the extent management determines that such unobservable inputs are not significant to the price of a security, a Level 2 classification is made. Otherwise, a Level 3 classification is used.
Embedded Derivatives – For embedded derivative liabilities associated with the underlying products in reinsurance treaties, primarily equity-indexed and variable annuity treaties, the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model, which includes an estimate of future equity option purchases and an adjustment for a CVA. The variable annuity embedded derivative calculations are performed by third parties based on methodology and input assumptions provided by the Company. To validate the reasonableness of the resulting fair value, the Company’s internal actuaries perform reviews and analytical procedures on the results. The capital market inputs to the model, such as equity indexes, short-term equity volatility and interest rates, are generally observable. The valuation also requires certain significant inputs, which are generally not observable and accordingly, the valuation is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, see “Level 3 Measurements and Transfers” below for a description.
The fair value of embedded derivatives associated with funds withheld reinsurance treaties is determined based upon a total return swap technique with reference to the fair value of the investments held by the ceding company that support the Company’s funds withheld at interest asset with an adjustment for a CVA. The fair value of the underlying assets is generally based on market observable inputs using industry standard valuation techniques. The valuation also requires certain significant inputs, which are generally not observable and accordingly, the valuation is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, see “Level 3 Measurements and Transfers” below for a description.
Credit Valuation Adjustment – The Company uses a structural default risk model to estimate a CVA. The input assumptions are a combination of externally derived and published values (default threshold and uncertainty), market inputs (interest rate, equity price per share, debt per share, equity price volatility) and insurance industry data (Loss Given Default), adjusted for market recoverability.
Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments – Cash equivalents and short-term investments include money market instruments, commercial paper and other highly liquid debt instruments. Money market instruments are generally valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible for identical assets and are primarily classified as Level 1. The fair value of certain other short-term investments, such as floating rate notes and bonds with original maturities less than twelve months, are based upon other market observable data and are typically classified as Level 2. However, certain short-term investments may incorporate significant unobservable inputs resulting in a Level 3 classification. Various time deposits carried as cash equivalents or short-term investments are not measured at estimated fair value and therefore are excluded from the tables presented.
Equity Securities – Equity securities consist principally of exchange-traded funds and preferred stock of publicly and privately traded companies. The fair values of publicly traded equity securities are primarily based on quoted market prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of preferred equity securities, for which quoted market prices are not readily available, are based on prices obtained from independent pricing services and these securities are generally classified within Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Non-binding broker quotes for equity securities are generally based on significant unobservable inputs and are reflected as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
FVO Contractholder-Directed Unit-Linked Investments - FVO contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities primarily consist of exchange-traded funds and, to a lesser extent, fixed maturity securities and cash and cash equivalents. The fair values of the exchange-traded securities are primarily based on quoted market prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1 of the hierarchy. The fair value of the fixed maturity contractholder-directed securities is determined on a basis consistent with the methodologies described above for fixed maturity securities and are classified within Level 2 of the hierarchy.

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Table of Contents

Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities – All of the derivative instruments utilized by the Company, except for longevity and mortality swaps, are classified within Level 2 on the fair value hierarchy. These derivatives are principally valued using an income approach. Valuations of interest rate contracts are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, and repurchase rates. Valuations of foreign currency contracts, are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, currency spot rates, and cross currency basis curves. Valuations of credit contracts are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, credit curves, and recovery rates. Valuations of equity market contracts, are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels, and dividend yield curves. Valuations of equity market contracts, option-based, are based on option pricing models, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels, dividend yield curves, and equity volatility. The Company does not currently have derivatives, except for longevity and mortality swaps, included in Level 3 measurement.
Longevity and Mortality Swaps – The Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of longevity and mortality swaps. The fair value of these swaps includes an accrual for premiums payable and receivable. Some inputs to the valuation model are generally observable, such as interest rates and actual population mortality experience. The valuation also requires significant inputs that are generally not observable and, accordingly, the valuation is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Level 3 Measurements and Transfers
As of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company classified approximately 8.8% of its fixed maturity securities in the Level 3 category. These securities primarily consist of private placement corporate securities and bank loans with inactive trading markets. Additionally, the Company has included asset-backed securities with subprime exposure and mortgage-backed securities with below investment grade ratings in the Level 3 category due to market uncertainty associated with these securities and the Company’s utilization of unobservable information from third parties for the valuation of these securities.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s corporate, sovereign, government-backed, and other political subdivision investments are probability of default, liquidity premium and subordination premium. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumptions used for the liquidity premium and subordination premium. For securities with a fair value derived using the market comparable pricing valuation technique, liquidity premium is the only significant unobservable input.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s asset and mortgage-backed securities are prepayment rates, probability of default, liquidity premium and loss severity in the event of default. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the liquidity premium and loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates.
The actuarial assumptions used in the fair value of embedded derivatives which include assumptions related to lapses, withdrawals, and mortality, are based on experience studies performed by the Company in combination with available industry information and are reviewed on a periodic basis, at least annually. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of embedded derivatives are assumptions associated with policyholder experience and selected capital market assumptions for equity-indexed and variable annuities. The selected capital market assumptions, which include long-term implied volatilities, are projections based on short-term historical information. Changes in interest rates, equity indices, equity volatility, CVA, and actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder experience may result in significant fluctuations in the value of embedded derivatives.
Fair value measurements associated with funds withheld reinsurance treaties are generally not materially sensitive to changes in unobservable inputs associated with policyholder experience. The primary drivers of change in these fair values are related to movements of credit spreads, which are generally observable. Increases (decreases) in market credit spreads tend to decrease (increase) the fair value of embedded derivatives. Increases (decreases) in the CVA assumption tend to decrease (increase) the magnitude of the fair value of embedded derivatives.
Fair value measurements associated with variable annuity treaties are sensitive to both capital markets inputs and policyholder experience inputs. Increases (decreases) in lapse rates tend to decrease (increase) the value of the embedded derivatives associated with variable annuity treaties. Increases (decreases) in the long-term volatility assumption tend to increase (decrease) the fair value of embedded derivatives. Increases (decreases) in the CVA assumption tend to decrease (increase) the magnitude of the fair value of embedded derivatives.
The actuarial assumptions used in the fair value of longevity and mortality swaps include assumptions related to the level and volatility of mortality. The assumptions are based on studies performed by the Company in combination with available industry information and are reviewed on a periodic basis, at least annually.

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The following table presents quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements that are developed by the Company, which does not include unobservable Level 3 asset and liability measurements provided by third parties, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
March 31, 2015:
 
 
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Inputs
 
Range (Weighted Average) 
 
Fair Value      
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and political subdivision securities
 
$
5,038

 
Market comparable securities    
 
Liquidity premium
 
1
%
Corporate securities
 
221,072

 
Market comparable securities
 
Liquidity premium
 
0-2% (1%)

U.S. government and agencies
 
27,985

 
Market comparable securities
 
Liquidity premium
 
0-1% (1%)

Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives
 
19,769

 
Total return swap
 
Mortality
 
0-100%  (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-35%  (7%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-5%  (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
CVA
 
0-5%  (1%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Crediting rate
 
2-4%  (3%)

Longevity swaps
 
8,602

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Mortality
 
0-100%  (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortality improvement
 
(10%)-10%  (3%)

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities
 
947,857

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Mortality
 
0-100%  (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-35%  (7%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-5%  (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Option budget projection
 
2-4%  (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- variable annuities
 
184,413

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Mortality
 
0-100% (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-25% (9%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-7% (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
CVA
 
0-5% (1%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term volatility
 
0-27% (10%)

Mortality swaps
 
1,276

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Mortality
 
0-100%  (1%)



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Table of Contents

 
December 31, 2014:
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range (Weighted Average) 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and political subdivision securities
 
$
4,994

 
Market comparable 
securities
 
Liquidity premium
 
1
%
 
Corporate securities
 
205,392

 
Market comparable
securities
 
Liquidity premium
 
0-2%  (1%)

 
U.S. government and agencies securities
 
28,530

 
Market comparable
securities
 
Liquidity premium
 
0-1%  (1%)

 
Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives
 
22,094

 
Total return swap
 
Mortality
 
0-100%  (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-35%  (7%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-5%  (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CVA
 
0-5%  (1%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crediting rate
 
2-4%  (3%)

 
Longevity swaps
 
7,727

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Mortality
 
0-100%  (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortality improvement
 
(10%)-10%  (3%)

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities
 
925,887

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Mortality
 
0-100% (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-35% (7%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-5% (3%)

 
 
 

 
 
 
Option budget projection
 
2-4% (3%)

 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- variable annuities
 
159,279

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Mortality
 
0-100% (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-25% (8%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-7% (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CVA
 
0-5% (1%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term volatility
 
0-27% (11%)

 
Mortality swaps
 
797

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Mortality
 
0-100%  (1%)

The Company recognizes transfers of assets and liabilities into and out of levels within the fair value hierarchy at the beginning of the quarter in which the actual event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer occurs. Assets and liabilities transferred into Level 3 are due to a lack of observable market transactions and price information. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that significant inputs can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity for the asset or liability, a specific event, one or more significant input(s) becoming observable. Transfers out of Level 3 were primarily the result of the Company using observable pricing information or a third party pricing quotation that appropriately reflects the fair value of those assets and liabilities. In addition, certain transfers out of Level 3 were also due to ratings upgrades on mortgage-backed securities that had previously had below investment-grade ratings.

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Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 are due to the lack of observable market data when pricing these securities, while transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 are due to an increase in the availability of market observable data in an active market. The following tables present the transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Transfers from    
Level 1 to
Level 2
 
Transfers from    
Level 2 to
Level 1
 
Transfers from    
Level 1 to
Level 2
 
Transfers from    
Level 2 to
Level 1
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
625

 
$
5,100

 
$

 
$

The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended March 31, 2015:
 
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
 
 
Corporate
securities
 
Residential
mortgage-
backed
securities
 
Asset-backed
securities
 
Commercial    
mortgage-
backed
securities
 
U.S. government
and agencies
securities
 
State
and political
subdivision
securities
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
1,310,427

 
$
188,094

 
$
572,960

 
$
86,746

 
$
28,529

 
$
42,711

Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
(803
)
 
(140
)
 
1,419

 
594

 
(19
)
 
7

Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(405
)
 
(82
)
 
73

 
87

 
(107
)
 
(4
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
6,069

 
523

 
3,632

 
(310
)
 
176

 
25

Purchases(1)
 
36,900

 
11,439

 
40,991

 

 
121

 

Sales(1)
 

 
(714
)
 
(7,356
)
 
(956
)
 

 

Settlements(1)
 
(59,600
)
 
(5,719
)
 
(4,122
)
 
(5,120
)
 
(944
)
 
(29
)
Transfers into Level 3
 

 
600

 
9,055

 
12,828

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 
(5,609
)
 
(1,422
)
 
(7,216
)
 

 

 
(835
)
Fair value, end of period
 
$
1,286,979

 
$
192,579

 
$
609,436

 
$
93,869

 
$
27,756

 
$
41,875

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
(803
)
 
$
(141
)
 
$
1,399

 
$
589

 
$
(19
)
 
$
7

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 

 

 

 

 

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32

Table of Contents

For the three months ended March 31, 2015 (continued):
 
Fixed maturity securities
available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
Funds withheld
at interest-
embedded
derivatives
 
Other invested assets - non-redeemable preferred stock
 
Other assets longevity swaps
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives
 
Other liabilities mortality swaps
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
19,663

 
$
22,094

 
$
7,904

 
$
7,727

 
$
(1,085,166
)
 
$
(797
)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 
(2,325
)
 

 

 
(25,133
)
 

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 
(29,326
)
 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
182

 

 
88

 
1,821

 

 

Other revenues
 

 

 

 
(946
)
 

 
(479
)
Purchases(1)
 

 

 
29

 

 
(11,644
)
 

Sales(1)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements(1)
 
(310
)
 

 

 

 

 

Transfers into Level 3
 

 

 

 

 
18,999

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 
(4,333
)
 

 
(29
)
 

 

 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
15,202

 
$
19,769

 
$
7,992

 
$
8,602

 
$
(1,132,270
)
 
$
(1,276
)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 

 

 

 
(28,245
)
 

Other revenues
 

 

 

 
(946
)
 

 
(479
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 
(2,325
)
 

 

 
(48,324
)
 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)
The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.


33

Table of Contents

The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2014:
 
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
 
 
Corporate
securities
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
Asset-backed securities
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
U.S. government and agencies securities
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
1,345,289

 
$
153,505

 
$
471,848

 
$
101,785

 
$
40,919

Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
(1,111
)
 
56

 
2,057

 
372

 
(97
)
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(161
)
 
106

 
304

 
86

 
(195
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
2,450

 
2,887

 
5,501

 
3,035

 
305

Purchases (1)
 
79,512

 
18,750

 
59,224

 

 
128

Sales(1)
 
(38,747
)
 
(744
)
 
(6,612
)
 
(14,626
)
 

Settlements(1)
 
(51,944
)
 
(6,172
)
 
(6,315
)
 
(279
)
 
(3,029
)
Transfers into Level 3
 
6,930

 
10,563

 
5,948

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 
(50,517
)
 
(1,024
)
 
(29,280
)
 

 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
1,291,701

 
$
177,927

 
$
502,675

 
$
90,373

 
$
38,031

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
(1,062
)
 
$
52

 
$
2,050

 
$
428

 
$
(97
)
Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 

 

 

 

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 

34

Table of Contents

 
 
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 (continued):
 
State and political subdivision securities
 
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
Funds 
withheld
at interest-
embedded
derivatives
 
Other invested assets- non-redeemable preferred stock
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
43,776

 
$
37,997

 
$
(176,270
)
 
$
4,962

 
$
(868,726
)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
12

 

 

 

 

Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(4
)
 

 
77,241

 

 
(23,661
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 
(23,840
)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
113

 

 

 

 

Purchases(1)
 

 

 

 

 
(15,193
)
Sales(1)
 

 

 

 

 

Settlements(1)
 
(64
)
 
(298
)
 

 

 
19,433

Transfers into Level 3
 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 

 
(26,542
)
 

 
(4,962
)
 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
43,833

 
$
11,157

 
$
(99,029
)
 
$

 
$
(911,987
)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
12

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 

 
77,241

 

 
(24,211
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 
(43,273
)
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 
(1)
The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents information for assets measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the periods presented; they are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The estimated fair values for these assets were determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
 
 
Carrying Value After Measurement
 
Net Investment Gains (Losses)  
 
 
At March 31,
 
Three months ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Mortgage loans(1)
 
$
3,540

 
$
10,660

 
$
50

 
$
380

Limited partnership interests(2)
 
13,667

 

 
(4,509
)
 

 
(1)
Mortgage loans — The impaired mortgage loans presented above were written down to their estimated fair values at the date the impairments were recognized and are reported as losses above. Subsequent improvements in estimated fair value on previously impaired loans recorded through a reduction in the previously established valuation allowance are reported as gains above. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments on mortgage loans are based on the fair value of underlying collateral or discounted cash flows.
(2)
Limited partnership interests — The impaired limited partnership interests presented above were accounted for using the cost method. Impairments on these cost method investments were recognized at estimated fair value determined using the net asset values of the Company’s ownership interest as provided in the financial statements of the investees. The market for these investments has limited activity and price transparency.


35

Table of Contents

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company is required by general accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures to disclose the fair value of certain financial instruments including those that are not carried at fair value. The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which were not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands). This table excludes any payables or receivables for collateral under repurchase agreements and other transactions. The estimated fair value of the excluded amount approximates carrying value as they equal the amount of cash collateral received/paid.
March 31, 2015:
 
Carrying Value    
 
Estimated 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Measurement Using:
Level 1           
 
Level 2           
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans on real estate
 
$
2,913,486

 
$
3,053,041

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,053,041

Policy loans
 
1,284,085

 
1,284,085

 

 
1,284,085

 

Funds withheld at interest(1)
 
5,815,835

 
6,305,645

 

 

 
6,305,645

Cash and cash equivalents(2)
 
706,671

 
706,671

 
706,671

 

 

Short-term investments(2)
 
29,205

 
29,205

 
29,205

 

 

Other invested assets(2)
 
458,423

 
510,287

 
4,637

 
35,446

 
470,204

Accrued investment income
 
283,665

 
283,665

 

 
283,665

 

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)
 
$
9,479,958

 
$
9,830,871

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,830,871

Long-term debt
 
2,313,884

 
2,527,728

 

 

 
2,527,728

Collateral finance and securitization notes
 
774,351

 
684,719

 

 

 
684,719

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014:
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Measurement Using:
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans on real estate
 
$
2,712,238

 
$
2,803,942

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,803,942

Policy loans
 
1,284,284

 
1,284,284

 

 
1,284,284

 

Funds withheld at interest(1)
 
5,897,202

 
6,367,165

 

 

 
6,367,165

Cash and cash equivalents(2)
 
745,823

 
745,823

 
745,823

 

 

Short-term investments(2)
 
52,504

 
52,504

 
52,504

 

 

Other invested assets(2)
 
465,720

 
518,261

 
4,674

 
35,446

 
478,141

Accrued investment income
 
261,096

 
261,096

 

 
261,096

 

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)
 
$
9,623,596

 
$
9,666,240

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,666,240

Long-term debt
 
2,314,293

 
2,518,399

 

 

 
2,518,399

Collateral finance and securitization notes
 
782,701

 
674,984

 

 

 
674,984

 
(1)
Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are embedded derivatives and are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
(2)
Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate – The fair value of mortgage loans on real estate is estimated by discounting cash flows, both principal and interest, using current interest rates for mortgage loans with similar credit ratings and similar remaining maturities. As such, inputs include current treasury yields and spreads, which are based on the credit rating and average life of the loan, corresponding to the market spreads. The valuation of mortgage loans on real estate is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Policy Loans – Policy loans typically carry an interest rate that is adjusted annually based on an observable market index and therefore carrying value approximates fair value. The valuation of policy loans is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Funds Withheld at Interest – The carrying value of funds withheld at interest approximates fair value except where the funds withheld are specifically identified in the agreement. When funds withheld are specifically identified in the agreement, the fair value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets which are held by the ceding company. Ceding companies use a variety of sources and pricing methodologies, which are not transparent to the Company and may include significant unobservable inputs, to value the securities that are held in distinct portfolios, therefore the valuation of these funds withheld assets are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

36

Table of Contents

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments – The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments approximates fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments and are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
Other Invested Assets – This primarily includes limited partnership interests accounted for using the cost method, structured loans, FHLB common stock, cash collateral and equity release mortgages. The fair value of limited partnerships and other investments accounted for using the cost method is determined using the net asset values of the Company’s ownership interest as provided in the financial statements of the investees. The valuation of these investments is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy due to the limited activity and price transparency inherent in the market for such investments. The fair value of structured loans is estimated based on a discounted cash flow analysis using discount rates applicable to each structured loan, this is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Company’s common stock investment in the FHLB is considered to be the carrying value and it is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Company's cash collateral is considered to be the carrying value and considered to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Company’s equity release mortgage loan portfolio, considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, is estimated by discounting cash flows, both principal and interest, using current interest rates and credit spread adjustments derived from benchmarking against similar loans, allowing also for United Kingdom house price inflation and actuarial analyses of borrower behavior, mortality and morbidity.
Accrued Investment Income – The carrying value for accrued investment income approximates fair value as there are no adjustments made to the carrying value. This is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Interest-Sensitive Contract Liabilities – The carrying and fair values of interest-sensitive contract liabilities reflected in the table above exclude contracts with significant mortality risk. The fair value of the Company’s interest-sensitive contract liabilities utilizes a market standard technique with both capital market inputs and policyholder behavior assumptions, as well as cash values adjusted for recapture fees. The capital market inputs to the model, such as interest rates, are generally observable. Policyholder behavior assumptions are generally not observable and may require use of significant management judgment. The valuation of interest-sensitive contract liabilities is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Long-term Debt/Collateral Finance and Securitization Notes – The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt and collateral finance and securitization notes is generally estimated by discounting future cash flows using market rates currently available for debt with similar remaining maturities and reflecting the credit risk of the Company, including inputs when available, from actively traded debt of the Company or other companies with similar credit quality. The valuation of long-term debt and collateral finance and securitization notes are generally obtained from brokers and is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
 
7.
Segment Information
Effective January 1, 2015, the Company further refined its reporting of the Canada; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific segments into traditional and non-traditional businesses to reflect the expanded product offerings within its geographic-based segments. The Company’s traditional and non-traditional segments are now managed separately and have discrete financial information available that is reviewed regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker. The Company has recently experienced growth and opportunity in its non-traditional businesses resulting from its efforts to meet the needs of its clients and adapt to the changing regulatory environment within the insurance industry. The non-traditional business primarily consists of asset-intensive, longevity, financial reinsurance and capital motivated transactions that are sourced and managed by the Company’s Global Financial Solutions unit. The prior period presentation has been adjusted to conform to the new segment reporting structure.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements accompanying the 2014 Annual Report. The Company measures segment performance primarily based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes. There are no intersegment reinsurance transactions and the Company does not have any material long-lived assets. Investment income is allocated to the segments based upon average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes.
The Company allocates capital to its segments based on an internally developed economic capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model considers the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company’s businesses. As a result of the economic capital allocation process, a portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are attributed to the segments based on the level of allocated capital. In addition, the segments are charged for excess capital utilized above the allocated economic capital basis. This charge is included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.
The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that are primarily segregated by geographic region. Information related to revenues, income (loss) before income taxes and total assets of the Company for each reportable segment are summarized below (dollars in thousands).

37

Table of Contents

 
 
Three months ended March 31,
Total revenues:
 
2015
 
2014
U.S. and Latin America:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
$
1,255,290

 
$
1,278,692

Non-Traditional
 
192,673

 
288,621

Total
 
1,447,963

 
1,567,313

Canada:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
265,004

 
271,444

Non-Traditional
 
11,874

 
6,305

Total
 
276,878

 
277,749

Europe, Middle East and Africa:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
295,232

 
307,750

Non-Traditional
 
55,376

 
58,107

Total
 
350,608

 
365,857

Asia Pacific:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
393,875

 
386,889

Non-Traditional
 
19,570

 
28,140

Total
 
413,445

 
415,029

Corporate and Other
 
31,719

 
31,225

Total
 
$
2,520,613

 
$
2,657,173

 
 
Three months ended March 31,
Income (loss) before income taxes:
 
2015
 
2014
U.S. and Latin America:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
$
17,843

 
$
50,972

Non-Traditional
 
54,505

 
83,124

Total
 
72,348

 
134,096

Canada:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
22,727

 
19,433

Non-Traditional
 
4,131

 
631

Total
 
26,858

 
20,064

Europe, Middle East and Africa:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
10,482

 
(992
)
Non-Traditional
 
19,634

 
16,197

Total
 
30,116

 
15,205

Asia Pacific:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
52,648

 
18,867

Non-Traditional
 
10,145

 
7,444

Total
 
62,793

 
26,311

Corporate and Other
 
(7,990
)
 
3,764

Total
 
$
184,125

 
$
199,440

Total Assets:
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
U.S. and Latin America:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
$
14,835,231

 
$
14,159,824

Non-Traditional
 
11,548,878

 
11,572,251

Total
 
26,384,109

 
25,732,075

Canada:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
3,859,043

 
3,946,942

Non-Traditional
 
43,708

 
49,186

Total
 
3,902,751

 
3,996,128

Europe, Middle East and Africa:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
2,438,389

 
2,514,868

Non-Traditional
 
2,075,279

 
2,178,454

Total
 
4,513,668

 
4,693,322

Asia Pacific:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
2,953,837

 
2,951,723

Non-Traditional
 
657,826

 
667,645

Total
 
3,611,663

 
3,619,368

Corporate and Other
 
6,279,077

 
6,638,718

Total
 
$
44,691,268

 
$
44,679,611

 

38

Table of Contents

8.
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
Commitments
Funding of Investments
The Company's commitments to fund investments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Limited partnerships
$
233,330

 
$
254,314

Commercial mortgage loans
28,750

 
33,850

Bank loans and revolving credit agreements
49,835

 
52,859

Equity release mortgages
8,509

 
8,549

The Company anticipates that the majority of its current commitments will be invested over the next five years; however, these commitments could become due any time at the request of the counterparties. Investments in limited partnerships and private placements are carried at cost or reported using the equity method and included in other invested assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Bank loans are carried at fair value and included in fixed maturities available-for-sale. Equity release mortgages are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of any amortized premium or discount and valuation allowance and included in other invested assets.
Letters of Credit
The Company has obtained bank letters of credit in favor of various affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies from which the Company assumes business. These letters of credit represent guarantees of performance under the reinsurance agreements and allow ceding companies to take statutory reserve credits. Certain of these letters of credit contain financial covenant restrictions. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were approximately $159.9 million and $176.5 million, respectively, of undrawn outstanding bank letters of credit in favor of third parties. Additionally, the Company utilizes letters of credit primarily to secure reserve credits when it retrocedes business to its affiliated subsidiaries. The Company cedes business to its affiliates to help reduce the amount of regulatory capital required in certain jurisdictions such as the U.S. and the United Kingdom. The capital required to support the business in the affiliates reflects more realistic expectations than the original jurisdiction of the business, where capital requirements are often considered to be quite conservative. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $1,335.6 million and $1,035.0 million, respectively, in undrawn letters of credit from various banks were outstanding, primarily backing reinsurance between the various subsidiaries of the Company. The banks providing letters of credit to the Company are included on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) list of approved banks.
The Company maintains eight credit facilities, a syndicated revolving credit facility with a capacity of $850.0 million, and seven letter of credit facilities with a combined capacity of $818.5 million. The Company may borrow cash and obtain letters of credit in multiple currencies under its syndicated revolving credit facility. The following table provides additional information on the Company’s credit facilities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
Amount Utilized(1)
 
 
Facility Capacity
 
Maturity Date        
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Basis of Fees
$
850,000

 
September 2019
 
$
577,157

 
$
204,774

 
Senior unsecured long-term debt rating
77,259(2)

 
November 2015
 
77,259

 
74,623

 
Fixed
120,000

 
May 2016
 
80,040

 
80,040

 
Fixed
38,035(2)

 
May 2016
 
26,625

 
28,612

 
Fixed
150,000

 
June 2016
 
130,000

 
130,000

 
Fixed
100,000

 
June 2017
 
74,898

 
81,747

 
Fixed
270,000

 
November 2017
 
270,000

 
270,000

 
Fixed
63,174(2)

 
March 2019
 
63,174

 
80,961

 
Fixed
 
(1)
Represents issued but undrawn letters of credit. There was no cash borrowed for the periods presented.
(2)
Foreign currency facility, amounts presented are in U.S. dollars.




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Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is subject to litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company currently has no material litigation. A legal reserve is established when the Company is notified of an arbitration demand or litigation or is notified that an arbitration demand or litigation is imminent, it is probable that the Company will incur a loss as a result and the amount of the probable loss is reasonably capable of being estimated.
Other
In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Since this indemnity generally is not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount due under this indemnity in the future.
Guarantees
RGA has issued guarantees to third parties on behalf of its subsidiaries for the payment of amounts due under certain reinsurance treaties, securities borrowing arrangements, financing arrangements and office lease obligations, whereby, if a subsidiary fails to meet an obligation, RGA or one of its other subsidiaries will make a payment to fulfill the obligation. In limited circumstances, treaty guarantees are granted to ceding companies in order to provide them additional security, particularly in cases where RGA’s subsidiary is relatively new, unrated, or not of a significant size, relative to the ceding company. Liabilities supported by the treaty guarantees, before consideration for any legally offsetting amounts due from the guaranteed party are reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets in future policy benefits. Potential guaranteed amounts of future payments will vary depending on production levels and underwriting results. Guarantees related to borrowed securities provide additional security to third parties should a subsidiary fail to return the borrowed securities when due. RGA’s guarantees issued as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Treaty guarantees
$
793,815

 
$
826,496

Treaty guarantees, net of assets in trust
650,115

 
664,913

Borrowed securities
193,840

 
201,050

Financing arrangements
132,193

 
100,000

Lease obligations
6,085

 
6,085

RGA, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, has committed to provide statutory reserve support to third parties, in exchange for a fee, by funding loans if certain defined events occur. Such statutory reserves are required under the U.S. Valuation of Life Policies Model Regulation (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX for term life insurance policies and Regulation A-XXX for universal life secondary guarantees). The third-parties have recourse to RGA should the subsidiary fail to provide the required funding, however, as of March 31, 2015, the Company does not believe that it will be required to provide any funding under these commitments as the occurrence of the defined events is considered remote. The following table presents the maximum potential obligation for these commitments as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in millions):
 
 
Commitment Period
March 31, 2015
2023
$
500

2033
950

2034
3,000

2035
500

2036
1,432

In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Since this indemnity generally is not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount due under this indemnity in the future.


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9.
Income Tax
Provision for income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax statutory rate of 35% to pre-tax income as a result of the following for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate
 
$
64,444

 
$
69,804

Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
 
 
 
 
Foreign tax rate differing from U.S. tax rate
 
(5,517
)
 
(3,221
)
Differences in tax bases in foreign jurisdictions
 
(6,670
)
 
250

Deferred tax valuation allowance
 
6,791

 
(3,157
)
Amounts related to tax audit contingencies
 
952

 
778

Corporate rate changes
 
272

 
(17
)
Subpart F
 
6,434

 
2,439

Foreign tax credits
 
(2,343
)
 
(855
)
Return to provision adjustments
 
(4,765
)
 
(3,353
)
Other, net
 
(587
)
 
108

Total provision for income taxes
 
$
59,011

 
$
62,776

Effective tax rate
 
32.1
%
 
31.5
%
The first quarter of 2015 effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. Statutory rate of 35.0% primarily as a result of income in non-U.S. jurisdictions with lower tax rates than the U.S. and differences in tax bases in foreign jurisdictions. The first quarter rate in 2014 was also lower due to the release of a valuation allowance on tax benefits associated with claims experience on certain treaties. These 2015 and 2014 adjustments were partially offset by a tax accrual related to the Active Financing Exception business extender provision that the U.S. Congress did not pass prior to the end of the quarter.
10.
Employee Benefit Plans
The components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Service cost
 
$
2,030

 
$
1,501

 
$
589

 
$
470

Interest Cost
 
1,243

 
808

 
491

 
338

Expected return on plan assets
 
(1,118
)
 
(933
)
 

 

Amortization of prior service cost
 
83

 
2

 

 

Amortization of prior actuarial loss
 
439

 
673

 
265

 
217

Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
2,677

 
$
2,051

 
$
1,345

 
$
1,025


The Company has made no pension contributions during the first three months of 2015, and expects to make total pension contributions of $3.7 million in 2015.
 
11.
Equity Based Compensation
Equity compensation expense was $4.5 million and $4.3 million in the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company granted 0.3 million stock appreciation rights at $90.06 weighted average exercise price per share and 0.2 million performance contingent units to employees. Additionally, non-employee directors were granted a total of 15,174 shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2015, 1.9 million share options at $53.08 weighted average per share were vested and exercisable with a remaining weighted average exercise period of 5.1 years. As of March 31, 2015, the total compensation cost of non-vested awards not yet recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements was $43.0 million. It is estimated that these costs will vest over a weighted average period of 2.3 years.

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12.
Retrocession Arrangements and Reinsurance Ceded Receivables
The Company generally reports retrocession activity on a gross basis. Amounts paid or deemed to have been paid for reinsurance are reflected in reinsurance ceded receivables. The cost of reinsurance related to long-duration contracts is recognized over the terms of the reinsured policies on a basis consistent with the reporting of those policies.
Retrocession reinsurance treaties do not relieve the Company from its obligations to direct writing companies. Failure of retrocessionaires to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. Consequently, allowances would be established for amounts deemed uncollectible. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, no allowances were deemed necessary. The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of the insurance companies from which it assumes and to which it cedes reinsurance.
Retrocessions are arranged through the Company’s retrocession pools for amounts in excess of the Company’s retention limit. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, all rated retrocession pool participants followed by the A.M. Best Company were rated “A- (excellent)” or better. The Company verifies retrocession pool participants’ ratings on a quarterly basis. For a majority of the retrocessionaires that were not rated, security in the form of letters of credit or trust assets has been given as additional security. In addition, the Company performs annual financial reviews of its retrocessionaires to evaluate financial stability and performance. In addition to its third party retrocessionaires, various RGA reinsurance subsidiaries retrocede amounts in excess of their retention to affiliated subsidiaries.
The following table presents information for the Company's reinsurance ceded receivable assets, including the respective amount and A.M. Best rating for each reinsurer representing in excess of five percent of the total as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Reinsurer
 
A.M. Best Rating
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
Amount
 
% of Total
Reinsurer A
 
A+
 
$
197,021

 
29.6
%
 
$
210,996

 
36.5
%
Reinsurer B
 
A+
 
152,870

 
23.0

 
45,541

 
7.9

Reinsurer C
 
A+
 
74,754

 
11.2

 
74,412

 
12.9

Reinsurer D
 
A++
 
49,313

 
7.4

 
43,154

 
7.5

Reinsurer E
 
A
 
45,468

 
6.8

 
43,818

 
7.6

Other reinsurers
 
 
 
146,371

 
22.0

 
160,285

 
27.6

Total
 
 
 
$
665,797

 
100.0
%
 
$
578,206

 
100.0
%
Included in the total reinsurance ceded receivables balance were $253.7 million and $143.0 million of claims recoverable, of which $13.6 million and $10.9 million were in excess of 90 days past due, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The increase in the Company's reinsurance ceded receivable and claims recoverable are due to a large retrocession transaction with Reinsurer B, as reflected in the table above.

13.
Stock Transactions
On January 22, 2015, RGA’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $300.0 million of the RGA’s outstanding common stock. The authorization was effective immediately and does not have an expiration date. Repurchases are to be made in accordance with applicable securities laws and are to be made through market transactions, block trades, privately negotiated transactions or other means or a combination of these methods, with the timing and number of shares repurchased dependent on a variety of factors, including share price, corporate and regulatory requirements and market and business conditions. Repurchases may be commenced or suspended from time to time without prior notice. In connection with this new authorization, the board of directors terminated the stock repurchase authority granted in 2014.
During the first quarter of 2015, RGA repurchased 2,538,718 shares of common stock under this program for $230.1 million. The common shares repurchased have been placed into treasury to be used for general corporate purposes. As of March 31, 2015 there was $69.9 million remaining under the share repurchase authorization.

14.
New Accounting Standards
Changes to the general accounting principles are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") in the form of accounting standards updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™. Accounting standards updates not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Income Taxes
In July 2013, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Income Taxes as it relates to the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This amendment clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. However, to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and not combined with deferred tax assets.  These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Compensation
In June 2014, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Compensation as it relates to the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. This amendment requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The amendment further clarifies that the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award and that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved. These amendments are effective for annual years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
Transfers and Servicing
In June 2014, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Transfers and Servicing as it relates to the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions, repurchase financings, and disclosures. This amendment requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings, eliminates guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets that are accounted for as sales and certain transfers accounted for as secured borrowings. These amendments are effective for annual years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Certain interim period disclosures for repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions are not required until the second quarter of 2015. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements other than the addition of the required disclosures
Consolidation
In February 2015, the FASB amended the general accounting principle for Consolidation, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those years and early adoption is permitted. The new standard is intended to improve targeted areas of the consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures. The amendments affect the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations. In addition, the amendments simplify and improve current GAAP by reducing the number of consolidation models. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the FASB amended the general accounting principle related to the presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amendments in this update require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. These amendments are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.


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15.
Subsequent Event
On April 1, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of Aurora National Life Assurance Company’s stock (“Aurora”) from Swiss Re Life & Health America, Inc. (“Swiss Re”) pursuant to the stock purchase agreement dated October 20, 2014 between the Company and Swiss Re. The purchase price was approximately $200.0 million and represented approximately $3.7 billion of assets and $3.5 billion of liabilities subject to confirmation and customary post-closing adjustments. There is no goodwill, including tax deductible goodwill, associated with the acquisition. The aggregate purchase price will be subject to the customary post-closing adjustments within 90 days of the closing date. The business acquired will be managed by the U.S. and Latin America traditional and non-traditional segments.



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ITEM 2.        MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, among others, statements relating to projections of the strategies, earnings, revenues, income or loss, ratios, future financial performance, and growth potential of the Company. The words “intend,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe,” and other similar expressions also are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results, performance, and achievements could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements.
Numerous important factors could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements including, without limitation, (1) adverse capital and credit market conditions and their impact on the Company’s liquidity, access to capital and cost of capital, (2) the impairment of other financial institutions and its effect on the Company’s business, (3) requirements to post collateral or make payments due to declines in market value of assets subject to the Company’s collateral arrangements, (4) the fact that the determination of allowances and impairments taken on the Company’s investments is highly subjective, (5) adverse changes in mortality, morbidity, lapsation or claims experience, (6) changes in the Company’s financial strength and credit ratings and the effect of such changes on the Company’s future results of operations and financial condition, (7) inadequate risk analysis and underwriting, (8) general economic conditions or a prolonged economic downturn affecting the demand for insurance and reinsurance in the Company’s current and planned markets, (9) the availability and cost of collateral necessary for regulatory reserves and capital, (10) market or economic conditions that adversely affect the value of the Company’s investment securities or result in the impairment of all or a portion of the value of certain of the Company’s investment securities, that in turn could affect regulatory capital, (11) market or economic conditions that adversely affect the Company’s ability to make timely sales of investment securities, (12) risks inherent in the Company’s risk management and investment strategy, including changes in investment portfolio yields due to interest rate or credit quality changes, (13) fluctuations in U.S. or foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, or securities and real estate markets, (14) adverse litigation or arbitration results, (15) the adequacy of reserves, resources and accurate information relating to settlements, awards and terminated and discontinued lines of business, (16) the stability of and actions by governments and economies in the markets in which the Company operates, including ongoing uncertainties regarding the amount of United States sovereign debt and the credit ratings thereof, (17) competitive factors and competitors’ responses to the Company’s initiatives, (18) the success of the Company’s clients, (19) successful execution of the Company’s entry into new markets, (20) successful development and introduction of new products and distribution opportunities, (21) the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquired blocks of business and entities, (22) action by regulators who have authority over the Company’s reinsurance operations in the jurisdictions in which it operates, (23) the Company’s dependence on third parties, including those insurance companies and reinsurers to which the Company cedes some reinsurance, third-party investment managers and others, (24) the threat of natural disasters, catastrophes, terrorist attacks, epidemics or pandemics anywhere in the world where the Company or its clients do business, (25) interruption or failure of the Company's telecommunication, information technology or other operational systems, or the Company's failure to maintain adequate security to protect the confidentiality or privacy of personal or sensitive data stored on such systems, (26) changes in laws, regulations, and accounting standards applicable to the Company, its subsidiaries, or its business, (27) the effect of the Company’s status as an insurance holding company and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay principal of and interest on its debt obligations, and (28) other risks and uncertainties described in this document and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC.
Forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect the Company’s business, including those mentioned in this document and the cautionary statements described in the periodic reports the Company files with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company does not undertake any obligations to update these forward-looking statements, even though the Company’s situation may change in the future. The Company qualifies all of its forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, you are advised to see Item 1A – “Risk Factors” in the 2014 Annual Report.
Overview
RGA is an insurance holding company that was formed on December 31, 1992. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of RGA, RGA Reinsurance, Reinsurance Company of Missouri, Incorporated, RGA Barbados, RGA Americas, RGA International Reinsurance Company Limited and RGA Reinsurance Company of Australia, Limited, as well as other subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned (collectively, the Company).
The Company provides traditional and non-traditional reinsurance to its clients. Traditional reinsurance includes individual and group life and health, disability and critical illness reinsurance. Non-traditional reinsurance includes longevity reinsurance, asset-intensive reinsurance and financial reinsurance.

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The Company derives revenues primarily from renewal premiums from existing reinsurance treaties, new business premiums from existing or new reinsurance treaties, fee income from non-traditional reinsurance business and income earned on invested assets.
Historically, the Company’s primary business has been traditional life reinsurance, which involves reinsuring life insurance policies that are often in force for the remaining lifetime of the underlying individuals insured, with premiums earned typically over a period of 10 to 30 years. Each year, however, a portion of the business under existing treaties terminates due to, among other things, lapses or voluntary surrenders of underlying policies, deaths of insureds, and the exercise of recapture options by ceding companies. More recently, the Company has expanded its non-traditional reinsurance business to allow its clients to take advantage of growth opportunities and manage their capital and investment risk.
As is customary in the reinsurance business, clients continually update, refine, and revise reinsurance information provided to the Company. Such revised information is used by the Company in preparation of its condensed consolidated financial statements and the financial effects resulting from the incorporation of revised data are reflected in the current period.
The Company’s long-term profitability primarily depends on the volume and amount of death and health-related claims incurred and the ability to adequately price the risks it assumes. While death claims are reasonably predictable over a period of many years, claims become less predictable over shorter periods and are subject to significant fluctuation from quarter to quarter and year to year. The maximum amount of individual life coverage the Company retains per life varies by market and can be as high as $8.0 million. In certain limited situations the Company has retained more than $8.0 million per individual life. Exposures in excess of these retention amounts are typically retroceded to retrocessionaires; however, the Company remains fully liable to the ceding company for the entire amount of risk it assumes. The Company believes its sources of liquidity are sufficient to cover potential claims payments on both a short-term and long-term basis.
The Company has five geographic-based or function-based operational segments: U.S. and Latin America; Canada; Europe, Middle East and Africa; Asia Pacific; and Corporate and Other. Effective January 1, 2015, the Company further refined its reporting of the Canada; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific segments into traditional and non-traditional businesses to reflect the expanded product offerings within its geographic-based segments. The Company has recently experienced growth and opportunity in its non-traditional businesses resulting from its efforts to meet the needs of its clients and adapt to the changing regulatory environment within the insurance industry. The non-traditional business primarily consists of asset-intensive, longevity, financial reinsurance and capital motivated transactions that are sourced and managed by the Company’s Global Financial Solutions unit. The prior period presentation has been adjusted to conform to the new segment reporting structure.
The Company allocates capital to its segments based on an internally developed economic capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a consistent basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model considers the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in RGA’s businesses. As a result of the economic capital allocation process, a portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses is credited to the segments based on the level of allocated capital. In addition, the segments are charged for excess capital utilized above the allocated economic capital basis. This charge is included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.
Results of Operations
Consolidated
Consolidated income before income taxes decreased $15.3 million, or 7.7% for the first quarter of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in income was primarily due to unfavorable mortality experience in the U.S. and Latin America traditional segment and the Canada traditional segment compared to the prior year and a decrease in investment related gains. The decrease in investment related gains reflects changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives on modco or funds withheld treaties within the U.S. segment. The effect on income before income taxes related to these embedded derivatives was a decrease of $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2015 and an increase of $27.8 million in 2014. The large increase in fair value in the first quarter of 2014 reflects tightening credit spreads. In addition, foreign currency fluctuations relative to the prior year unfavorably affected income before income taxes by approximately $13.6 million in the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
The Company recognizes in consolidated income, any changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives on modco or funds withheld treaties, equity-indexed annuity treaties (“EIAs”) and variable annuity products. The combined changes in these three types of embedded derivatives, after adjustment for deferred acquisition costs and retrocession, resulted in a reduction of approximately $33.0 million in consolidated income before income taxes in the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. This fluctuation does not affect current cash flows, crediting rates or spread performance on the underlying treaties. Therefore, management believes it is helpful to distinguish between the effects of changes in these embedded derivatives, net of related hedging activity, and the primary factors that drive profitability of the underlying treaties, namely investment income, fee income, and interest credited. The individual effect on income before income taxes for these three types of embedded derivatives is as follows:

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The change in the value of embedded derivatives related to reinsurance treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis are subject to the general accounting principles for derivatives and hedging related to embedded derivatives. The unrealized gains and losses associated with these embedded derivatives, after adjustment for deferred acquisition costs, reduced income before income taxes by $31.8 million in the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
Changes in risk-free rates used in the fair value estimates of embedded derivatives associated with EIAs affect the amount of unrealized gains and losses the Company recognizes. The unrealized gains and losses associated with EIAs, after adjustment for deferred acquisition costs and retrocession, reduced income before income taxes by $7.7 million in the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
The change in the Company’s liability for variable annuities associated with guaranteed minimum living benefits affects the amount of unrealized gains and losses the Company recognizes. The unrealized gains and losses associated with guaranteed minimum living benefits, after adjustment for deferred acquisition costs, increased income before income taxes by $6.5 million in the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
Consolidated net premiums decreased $76.8 million, or 3.7%, in the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014, due primarily to a large retrocession transaction completed during the fourth quarter of 2014, which reduced the U.S. and Latin America Traditional segment premiums by approximately $112.0 million for the first three months of 2015. In addition, foreign currency fluctuations unfavorably affected net premiums by approximately $96.6 million in the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. Partially offsetting these decreases were additional premiums from new business from both new and existing treaties. Consolidated assumed life insurance in force decreased to $2,844.7 billion as of March 31, 2015 from $2,955.3 billion as of March 31, 2014 primarily due to adverse foreign currency fluctuations. Foreign currency fluctuations negatively affected the increase in assumed life insurance in force from March 31, 2014 by $208.2 billion. The Company added new business production, measured by face amount of insurance in force, of $105.8 billion and $98.9 billion during the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Management believes industry consolidation and the established practice of reinsuring mortality risks should continue to provide opportunities for growth, albeit at rates less than historically experienced in some markets.
Consolidated investment income, net of related expenses, increased $22.5 million, or 5.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase is primarily due to a larger average invested asset base, excluding spread related business, and a slight increase in the investment yield. Average invested assets at amortized cost, excluding spread related business, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 totaled $21.1 billion, a 6.8% increase over March 31, 2014. The average yield earned on investments, excluding spread business, increased to 4.78%, for the first quarter of 2015 from 4.74% for the first quarter of 2014. The average yield will vary from quarter to quarter and year to year depending on a number of variables, including the prevailing interest rate and credit spread environment, changes in the mix of the underlying investments and cash balances, and the timing of dividends and distributions on certain investments. A continued low interest rate environment in the U.S. and Canada is expected to put downward pressure on this yield in future reporting periods.
Total investment related gains (losses), net decreased by $77.0 million, or 91.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease is primarily due to an unfavorable change in the value of embedded derivatives related to reinsurance treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis of $79.6 million. See Note 4 - “Investments” and Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the impairment losses and derivatives. A portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are allocated to the operating segments based upon average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment operations.
The effective tax rate on a consolidated basis was 32.0% and 31.5% for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively. The first quarter of 2015 effective tax rate differs from the U.S. Statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to income in non-U.S. jurisdictions with lower tax rates than the U.S. and differences in tax bases in foreign jurisdictions. The first quarter rate in 2014 was also lower due to the release of a valuation allowance on tax benefits associated with claims experience on certain treaties. These 2015 and 2014 adjustments were partially offset by a tax accrual related to the Active Financing Exception business extender provision that the U.S. Congress did not pass prior to the end of the quarter. The Company’s effective tax rate for one period may not be indicative of the rate for other periods, and may fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including the source and location of taxable income.

Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the application of accounting policies that often involve a significant degree of judgment. Management, on an ongoing basis, reviews estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of financial statements. If management determines that modifications in assumptions and estimates are appropriate given current facts and circumstances, results of operations and financial position as reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements could change significantly.

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Management believes the critical accounting policies relating to the following areas are most dependent on the application of estimates and assumptions:
Premiums receivable;
Deferred acquisition costs;
Liabilities for future policy benefits and incurred but not reported claims;
Valuation of investments and other-than-temporary impairments to specific investments;
Valuation of embedded derivatives; and
Income taxes.
A discussion of each of the critical accounting policies may be found in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies.”
Further discussion and analysis of the results for 2015 compared to 2014 are presented by segment.

U.S. and Latin America Operations
U.S. and Latin America operations consist of two major segments: Traditional and Non-Traditional. The Traditional segment primarily specializes in individual mortality-risk reinsurance and to a lesser extent, group, health and long-term care reinsurance. The Non-Traditional segment consists of Asset-Intensive and Financial Reinsurance. Asset-Intensive within the Non-Traditional segment provides coinsurance of annuities and corporate-owned life insurance policies and to a lesser extent also issues fee-based synthetic guaranteed investment contracts, which include investment-only, stable value contracts. Financial Reinsurance within the Non-Traditional segment primarily involves assisting ceding companies in meeting applicable regulatory requirements by enhancing the ceding companies’ financial strength and regulatory surplus position. Typically these transactions do not qualify as reinsurance under GAAP, due to the low-risk nature of the transactions.
For the three months ended March 31, 2015:
 
 
 
Non-Traditional
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Asset-Intensive
 
Financial
Reinsurance
 
Total U.S. and Latin America
 
 
Traditional
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
 
$
1,114,094

 
$
5,041

 
$

 
$
1,119,135

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
143,005

 
147,837

 
1,145

 
291,987

Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(2,473
)
 
(3,199
)
 

 
(5,672
)
Other revenues
 
664

 
26,544

 
15,305

 
42,513

Total revenues
 
1,255,290

 
176,223

 
16,450

 
1,447,963

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
1,039,407

 
6,726

 

 
1,046,133

Interest credited
 
12,944

 
94,985

 

 
107,929

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 
158,567

 
28,054

 
2,416

 
189,037

Other operating expenses
 
26,529

 
4,318

 
1,669

 
32,516

Total benefits and expenses
 
1,237,447

 
134,083

 
4,085

 
1,375,615

Income before income taxes
 
$
17,843

 
$
42,140

 
$
12,365


$
72,348

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2014:
 
 
 
Non-Traditional
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Asset-Intensive
 
Financial
Reinsurance
 
Total U.S. and Latin America
 
 
Traditional
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
 
$
1,141,905

 
$
5,180

 
$

 
$
1,147,085

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
133,376

 
158,402

 
1,247

 
293,025

Investment related gains (losses), net
 
2,769

 
76,335

 
83

 
79,187

Other revenues
 
642

 
28,276

 
19,098

 
48,016

Total revenues
 
1,278,692

 
268,193

 
20,428

 
1,567,313

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
1,033,707

 
4,260

 

 
1,037,967

Interest credited
 
12,272

 
95,084

 

 
107,356

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 
156,000

 
94,140

 
5,742

 
255,882

Other operating expenses
 
25,741

 
4,094

 
2,177

 
32,012

Total benefits and expenses
 
1,227,720

 
197,578

 
7,919

 
1,433,217

Income before income taxes
 
$
50,972

 
$
70,615

 
$
12,509


$
134,096


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Income before income taxes decreased by $61.7 million, or 46.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in income before income taxes in the first three months was primarily driven by unfavorable mortality experience in the Traditional segment. The net change in fair value of the embedded derivatives - modco/funds withheld treaties increased (decreased) income before income taxes by $(1.5) million and $29.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectfully. The decrease in income associated with the decline in fair value of embedded derivatives related to these treaties for the three-months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily due to declining risk-free rates offset in part by widening credit spreads. The increase in income associated with the increase in fair value of embedded derivatives related to these treaties for the three-months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to tightening credit spreads.
Traditional Reinsurance
The U.S. and Latin America Traditional segment provides life and health reinsurance to clients for a variety of products through yearly renewable term, coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements. These reinsurance arrangements may involve either facultative or automatic agreements.
Income before income taxes for the U.S. and Latin America Traditional segment decreased by $33.1 million, or 65.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Quarter-over-quarter mortality experience deteriorated primarily due to elevated claims experience in both the individual life and group lines of business. The first three months of 2015 saw both an increase in the number and the average size of claims.
Net premiums decreased $27.8 million, or 2.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in net premiums was primarily driven by a large retrocession transaction completed during the fourth quarter of 2014, which reduced U.S. Traditional premiums by approximately $112.0 million. Partially offsetting this transaction was an increase in net premiums due to a large in force block transaction entered into 2014 in addition to expected premium growth. In addition, the segment added new individual life business production, measured by face amount of insurance in force of $19.7 billion and $20.4 billion during the first three months of 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Net investment income increased $9.6 million, or 7.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase is due to an increase in the average invested asset base offset by lower yield rates. Investment related gains (losses), net decreased $5.2 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. A portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are allocated to the various operating segments based on average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support segment operations. Investment performance varies with the composition of investments and the relative allocation of capital to the operating segments.
Claims and other policy benefits as a percentage of net premiums (“loss ratios”) were 93.3% and 90.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in the loss ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014 was due primarily to higher than normal adverse volatility in the total count and average size of individual mortality claims. Although reasonably predictable over a period of years, claims can be volatile over short-term periods.
Interest credited expense increased $0.7 million, or 5.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Interest credited in this segment relates to amounts credited on cash value products which also have a significant mortality component. Income before income taxes is affected by the spread between the investment income and the interest credited on the underlying products.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 14.2% and 13.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in the policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014, was due, in part, to the aforementioned large retrocession transaction. Overall, while these ratios are expected to remain in a predictable range, they may fluctuate from period to period due to varying allowance levels within coinsurance-type arrangements. In addition, the amortization pattern of previously capitalized amounts, which are subject to the form of the reinsurance agreement and the underlying insurance policies, may vary. Also, the mix of first year coinsurance business versus yearly renewable term business can cause the percentage to fluctuate from period to period.
Other operating expenses increased $0.8 million, or 3.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Other operating expenses, as a percentage of net premiums were 2.4% and 2.3% for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The expense ratio tends to fluctuate only slightly from period to period due to maturity and scale of this segment.

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Non-Traditional - Asset-Intensive Reinsurance
Asset-Intensive within the U.S. and Latin America Non-Traditional segment primarily assumes investment risk within underlying annuities and corporate-owned life insurance policies. Most of these agreements are coinsurance, coinsurance with funds withheld or modco whereby the Company recognizes profits or losses primarily from the spread between the investment income earned and the interest credited on the underlying deposit liabilities, as well as fees associated with variable annuity account values and guaranteed investment contracts.
Impact of certain derivatives:
Income from the asset-intensive business tends to be volatile due to changes in the fair value of certain derivatives, including embedded derivatives associated with reinsurance treaties structured on a modco or funds withheld basis, as well as embedded derivatives associated with the Company’s reinsurance of equity-indexed annuities and variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefit riders. Fluctuations occur period to period primarily due to changing investment conditions including, but not limited to, interest rate movements (including risk-free rates and credit spreads), implied volatility and equity market performance, all of which are factors in the calculations of fair value. Therefore, management believes it is helpful to distinguish between the effects of changes in these derivatives, net of related hedging activity, and the primary factors that drive profitability of the underlying treaties, namely investment income, fee income (included in other revenues), and interest credited. These fluctuations are considered unrealized by management and do not affect current cash flows, crediting rates or spread performance on the underlying treaties.
The following table summarizes the asset-intensive results and quantifies the impact of these embedded derivatives for the periods presented. Revenues before certain derivatives, benefits and expenses before certain derivatives, and income before income taxes and certain derivatives, should not be viewed as substitutes for GAAP revenues, GAAP benefits and expenses, and GAAP income before income taxes.
(dollars in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
 
$
176,223

 
$
268,193

Less:
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties
 
147

 
78,696

Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives
 
(4,567
)
 
238

Revenues before certain derivatives
 
180,643

 
189,259

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
Total benefits and expenses
 
134,083

 
197,578

Less:
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties
 
1,656

 
49,427

Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives
 
(1,149
)
 
640

Equity-indexed annuities
 
5,601

 
(2,131
)
Benefits and expenses before certain derivatives
 
127,975

 
149,642

Income before income taxes:
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
 
42,140

 
70,615

Less:
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties
 
(1,509
)
 
29,269

Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives
 
(3,418
)
 
(402
)
Equity-indexed annuities
 
(5,601
)
 
2,131

Income before income taxes and certain derivatives
 
$
52,668

 
$
39,617

Embedded Derivatives - Modco/Funds Withheld Treaties - Represents the change in the fair value of embedded derivatives on funds withheld at interest associated with treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis. The fair value changes of embedded derivatives on funds withheld at interest associated with treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis are reflected in revenues, while the related impact on deferred acquisition expenses is reflected in benefits and expenses. Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative are driven by changes in investment credit spreads, including the CVA. Generally, an increase in investment credit spreads, ignoring changes in the Company’s own credit risk, will have a negative impact on the fair value of the embedded derivative (decrease in income). Changes in fair values of these embedded derivatives are net of an increase (decrease) in revenues of $0.1 million and $(0.9) million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, associated with a CVA. A 10% increase in the CVA would have increased revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 by approximately $0.1 million. Conversely, a 10% decrease in the CVA would have decreased revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 by approximately $0.1 million.

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The change in fair value of the embedded derivatives - modco/funds withheld treaties decreased income before income taxes by $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with an increase of $29.3 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease in income for the three-months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily due to declining risk-free rates partially offset by widening credit spreads. The increase in income for the three-months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to tightening credit spreads.
Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Riders - Represents the impact related to guaranteed minimum benefits associated with the Company’s reinsurance of variable annuities. The fair value changes of the guaranteed minimum benefits along with the changes in fair value of the free standing derivatives (interest rate swaps, financial futures and equity options), purchased by the Company to substantially hedge the liability are reflected in revenues, while the related impact on deferred acquisition expenses is reflected in benefits and expenses. Changes in fair values of these embedded derivatives are net of an increase in revenues of $0.5 million for both three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, associated with a CVA. A 10% increase in the CVA would have increased revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 by approximately $0.6 million. Conversely, a 10% decrease in the CVA would have decreased revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 by approximately $0.6 million.
The change in fair value of the guaranteed minimum benefits, after allowing for changes in the associated free standing derivatives, decreased income before income taxes by $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to a decrease of $0.4 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease in the first three months of income was primarily the result of the increase in fair value of the guaranteed minimum benefits from the interaction between rising equity markets, declining interest rates and a decrease in equity market implied volatility during the quarter. The decrease in income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was also primarily due to the interaction between rising equity markets, declining interest rates, and a decrease in equity implied volatility.
Equity-Indexed Annuities - Primarily represents the impact of changes in the benchmark rate on the calculation of the fair value of embedded derivative liabilities associated with equity-indexed annuities, after adjustments for related deferred acquisition expenses. The change in fair value of embedded derivative liabilities associated with equity-indexed annuities decreased income before income taxes by $5.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with an increase of $2.1 million for the same period in 2014.  The decrease in income for the three-months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily due to rising U.S. equity markets partly offset by declining interest rates.  The increase in income for the three-months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to declining interest rates partially offset by rising equity markets.
The changes in derivatives discussed above are considered unrealized by management and do not affect current cash flows, crediting rates or spread performance on the underlying treaties. Fluctuations occur period to period primarily due to changing investment conditions including, but not limited to, interest rate movements (including benchmark rates and credit spreads), implied volatility and equity market performance, all of which are factors in the calculations of fair value. Therefore, management believes it is helpful to distinguish between the effects of changes in these derivatives and the primary factors that drive profitability of the underlying treaties, namely investment income, fee income (included in other revenues) and interest credited.
Discussion and analysis before certain derivatives:
Income before income taxes and certain derivatives increased by $13.1 million in the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in the first quarter was primarily due to higher capital gains and losses net of deferred acquisition expenses related to funds withheld and coinsurance. Funds withheld capital gains and losses are reported through investment income while coinsurance activity is reflected in investment related gains (losses), net.
Revenue before certain derivatives decreased by $8.6 million in the first three months of 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease in the first quarter was primarily due to lower option gains associated with the reinsurance of certain EIAs and lower investment yields as a result of declining interest rates.
Benefits and expenses before certain derivatives decreased by $21.7 million in the first three months of 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease in the first three months was primarily due to lower interest credited associated with the reinsurance of certain EIAs. The effect on interest credited related to equity options is substantially offset by a corresponding change in investment income. Additionally, deferred acquisition expenses related to investment related gains and losses associated with funds withheld and coinsurance portfolios decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014.
The invested asset base supporting this segment decreased to $10.8 billion in the first quarter of 2015 from $11.0 billion in the first quarter of 2014. The decrease in the asset base was due primarily to one large closed-block transaction in which the business continues to run-off, as anticipated. As of March 31, 2015, $4.3 billion of the invested assets were funds withheld at interest, of which greater than 90% is associated with one client.


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Non-Traditional - Financial Reinsurance
Financial Reinsurance within the U.S. and Latin America Non-Traditional segment income before income taxes consists primarily of net fees earned on financial reinsurance transactions. Additionally, a portion of the business is brokered business in which the Company does not participate in the assumption of risk. The fees earned from financial reinsurance contracts and brokered business are reflected in other revenues, and the fees paid to retrocessionaires are reflected in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.
Income before income taxes decreased $0.1 million, or 1.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in 2015 was due to the termination of certain agreements offsetting the growth in new transactions and organic growth.
At March 31, 2015 and 2014, the amount of reinsurance assumed from client companies, as measured by pre-tax statutory surplus, risk based capital and other financial structures was $6.2 billion and $4.6 billion, respectively. The increase was primarily due to a number of new transactions, as well as organic growth on existing transactions. Fees earned from this business can vary significantly depending on the size of the transactions and the timing of their completion and therefore can fluctuate from period to period.
Canada Operations
The Company conducts reinsurance business in Canada primarily through RGA Canada, a wholly-owned subsidiary. RGA Canada assists clients with capital management activity and mortality and morbidity risk management, and is primarily engaged in Traditional reinsurance, which consists mainly of traditional individual life reinsurance, as well as creditor, group life and health and critical illness reinsurance. Creditor insurance covers the outstanding balance on personal, mortgage or commercial loans in the event of death, disability or critical illness and is generally shorter in duration than traditional individual life insurance. RGA Canada is also engaged in Non-Traditional reinsurance which consists of longevity and financial reinsurance.
(dollars in thousands)
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues:
Traditional
 
Non-Traditional
 
Total Canada
 
Traditional
 
Non-Traditional
 
Total Canada
Net premiums
$
212,550

 
$
9,967

 
$
222,517

 
$
225,304

 
$
5,540

 
$
230,844

Investment income, net of related expenses
49,440

 
550

 
49,990

 
46,879

 
724

 
47,603

Investment related gains (losses), net
1,458

 

 
1,458

 
(1,700
)
 
41

 
(1,659
)
Other revenues
1,556

 
1,357

 
2,913

 
961

 

 
961

Total revenues
265,004

 
11,874

 
276,878

 
271,444

 
6,305

 
277,749

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
183,534

 
7,299

 
190,833

 
189,571

 
5,185

 
194,756

Interest credited
4

 

 
4

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
49,551

 
107

 
49,658

 
52,953

 
151

 
53,104

Other operating expenses
9,188

 
337

 
9,525

 
9,487

 
338

 
9,825

Total benefits and expenses
242,277

 
7,743

 
250,020

 
252,011

 
5,674

 
257,685

Income before income taxes
$
22,727

 
$
4,131

 
$
26,858

 
$
19,433

 
$
631

 
$
20,064

Income before income taxes increased by $6.8 million, or 33.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in income in the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014, was primarily due to increases in investment income, net investment related gains and non-traditional business offset by unfavorable traditional life mortality experience. Additionally, a weaker Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $3.1 million for the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes for the Canada Traditional segment increased by $3.3 million, or 17.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in income in the first three months was primarily due to increases in investment income and net investment related gains offset by unfavorable traditional life mortality experience. Additionally, a weaker Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $2.9 million for the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.

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Net premiums decreased $12.8 million, or 5.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in net premiums of approximately $26.1 million for the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Largely offsetting this decrease were premiums from both new and existing treaties. Premium levels can be significantly influenced by currency fluctuations, large transactions, mix of business and reporting practices of ceding companies and therefore may fluctuate from period to period.
Net investment income increased $2.6 million, or 5.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. This increase was primarily due to an increase in investment yield and growth in the invested asset base. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in net investment income of approximately $6.6 million in the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. A portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are allocated to the segments based upon average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes. Investment performance varies with the composition of investments and the relative allocation of capital to the operating segments.
Loss ratios for this segment were 86.3% and 84.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Loss ratios for the traditional individual life mortality business were 102.5% and 99.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Excluding creditor business, claims as a percentage of net premiums for this segment were 84.6% and 77.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Historically, the loss ratio increased primarily as the result of several large permanent level premium in force blocks assumed in 1997 and 1998. These blocks are mature blocks of long-term permanent level premium business in which mortality as a percentage of net premiums is expected to be higher than historical ratios. The nature of permanent level premium policies requires the Company to set up actuarial liabilities and invest the amounts received in excess of early-year claims costs to fund claims in later years when premiums, by design, continue to be level as compared to expected increasing mortality or claim costs. Excluding creditor business, claims and other policy benefits, as a percentage of net premiums and investment income were 78.2% and 77.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Mortality claims were higher than expected in both three month periods ending March 31, 2015 and 2014.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 23.3% and 23.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Overall, while these ratios are expected to remain in a predictable range, they may fluctuate from period to period due to varying allowance levels and product mix. In addition, the amortization patterns of previously capitalized amounts, which are subject to the form of the reinsurance agreement and the underlying insurance policies, may vary.

Other operating expenses decreased by $0.3 million, or 3.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in operating expenses of approximately $1.1 million for the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 4.3% and 4.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Non-Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes increased by $3.5 million, or 554.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in income in the first three months was primarily due to fees associated with financial reinsurance and income from new non-traditional transactions completed during the first quarter of 2015. Additionally, a weaker Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $0.3 million for the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
Net premiums increased $4.4 million, or 79.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was a result of a non-traditional reinsurance transaction completed during the first quarter of 2015. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in net premiums of approximately $1.3 million for the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Premium levels can be significantly influenced by currency fluctuations, large transactions, mix of business and reporting practices of ceding companies and therefore may fluctuate from period to period.
Net investment income decreased $0.2 million, or 24.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. A portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are allocated to the segments based upon average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes. Investment performance varies with the composition of investments and the relative allocation of capital to the operating segments.
Other revenues increased $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in other revenues in the first three months is primarily due to fees associated with financial reinsurance.

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Claims and other policy benefits increased $2.1 million, or 40.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was a result of new non-traditional reinsurance transactions completed during the first quarter of 2015. Although reasonably predictable over a period of years, claims can be volatile over shorter periods. Management views recent experience as normal short-term volatility that is inherent in the business.

Europe, Middle East and Africa Operations
The Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) segment includes business generated by its offices principally in the United Kingdom (“UK”), South Africa, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. EMEA consists of two major segments: Traditional and Non-Traditional. The Traditional segment primarily provides reinsurance through yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements on a variety of life, health and critical illness products. Reinsurance agreements may be facultative or automatic agreements covering primarily individual risks and, in some markets, group risks. The Non-Traditional segment consists of reinsurance and other transactions associated with longevity and interest rate risk related to payout annuities, capital management solutions and financial reinsurance.
(dollars in thousands)
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues:
Traditional
 
Non-Traditional
 
Total EMEA
 
Traditional
 
Non-Traditional
 
Total EMEA
Net premiums
$
269,746

 
$
29,860

 
$
299,606

 
$
291,798

 
$
48,945

 
$
340,743

Investment income, net of related expenses
12,089

 
16,877

 
28,966

 
11,824

 
1,545

 
13,369

Investment related gains (losses), net
12,257

 
851

 
13,108

 
3,724

 
98

 
3,822

Other revenues
1,140

 
7,788

 
8,928

 
404

 
7,519

 
7,923

Total revenues
295,232

 
55,376

 
350,608

 
307,750

 
58,107

 
365,857

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
235,307

 
32,081

 
267,388

 
269,251

 
38,090

 
307,341

Interest credited
12,349

 

 
12,349

 
2,786

 

 
2,786

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
12,008

 
(530
)
 
11,478

 
13,735

 
(470
)
 
13,265

Other operating expenses
25,086

 
4,191

 
29,277

 
22,970

 
4,290

 
27,260

Total benefits and expenses
284,750

 
35,742

 
320,492

 
308,742

 
41,910

 
350,652

Income before income taxes
$
10,482

 
$
19,634

 
$
30,116

 
$
(992
)
 
$
16,197

 
$
15,205

Income before income taxes increased by $14.9 million, or 98.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in income before income taxes for the first three months was primarily due to increased business volumes, favorable traditional claims experience and favorable experience on longevity business. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes totaling $3.8 million for the first three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes increased by $11.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in income before income taxes for the first three months was primarily due to increased business volumes and favorable claims experience. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes totaling $1.3 million for the first three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
Net premiums decreased $22.1 million, or 7.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Unfavorable foreign currency exchange fluctuations, particularly with the British pound and the Euro weakening against the U.S. dollar, decreased net premiums by approximately $29.4 million for the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Largely offsetting this decrease were premiums from new business and growth in existing business.
A portion of the net premiums for the segment, in each period presented, relates to reinsurance of critical illness coverage, primarily in the UK. This coverage provides a benefit in the event of the diagnosis of a pre-defined critical illness. Net premiums earned from this coverage totaled $58.2 million and $65.7 million for the first three months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Premium levels can be significantly influenced by currency fluctuations, large transactions and reporting practices of ceding companies and therefore can fluctuate from period to period.

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Net investment income increased $0.3 million, or 2.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the invested asset base, partially offset by a decrease in investment yield. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation resulted in a decrease in net investment income of approximately $1.4 million in the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. A portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are allocated to the various operating segments based on average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes. Investment performance varies with the composition of investments and the relative allocation of capital to the operating segments.
Loss ratios for this segment were 87.2% and 92.3%, for the first three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in the loss ratio in 2015 is due to favorable individual life claims experience over the prior year, primarily in the UK market. Although reasonably predictable over a period of years, claims can be volatile over shorter periods. Management views recent experience as normal short-term volatility that is inherent in the business.
Interest credited expense increased by $9.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Interest credited in this segment relates to amounts credited to the contractholders of unit-linked products. The effect on interest credited related to unit-linked products is substantially offset by a corresponding change in investment income and investment related gains (losses), net.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 4.5% and 4.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These percentages fluctuate due to timing of client company reporting, variations in the mixture of business and the relative maturity of the business. In addition, as the segment grows, renewal premiums, which have lower allowances than first-year premiums, represent a greater percentage of the total net premiums.
Other operating expenses increased $2.1 million, or 9.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation resulted in a decrease in operating expenses of approximately $3.6 million for the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums totaled 9.3% and 7.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Contributing to the increase in other operating expenses net of currency exchange fluctuations were acquisition related consulting costs, inflation and variability in performance related compensation.
Non-Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes increased by $3.4 million, or 21.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in income before income taxes for the first three months was primarily due to an increase in fee income treaties and favorable experience on longevity business. In addition, investment related gains increased $0.8 million in the first three months of 2015, largely due to asset repositioning related to a payout annuity reinsurance (longevity) transaction executed during 2014. Unfavorable foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes totaling $2.5 million for the first three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
Net premiums decreased $19.1 million, or 39.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Net premiums decreased due to a new retrocession contract, executed for risk management purposes, which cedes longevity risk to third parties. Unfavorable foreign currency exchange fluctuations decreased net premiums by approximately $2.3 million for the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Premium levels can be significantly influenced by currency fluctuations, large transactions and reporting practices of ceding companies and therefore can fluctuate from period to period.
Net investment income increased $15.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the invested asset base related to payout annuity reinsurance (longevity) transactions executed after the first quarter of 2014. A portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are allocated to the various operating segments based on average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes. Investment performance varies with the composition of investments and the relative allocation of capital to the operating segments.
Other revenues increased by $0.3 million, or 3.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in other revenues relates to an increase in non-reinsurance fee income from longevity derivatives. At March 31, 2015 and 2014, the amount of reinsurance assumed from client companies, as measured by pre-tax statutory surplus, risk based capital and other financial reinsurance structures was $0.8 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively. Fees earned from this business can vary significantly depending on the size of the transactions and the timing of their completion and, therefore, can fluctuate from period to period.

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Claims and other policy benefits have decreased $6.0 million, or 15.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Claims and other policy benefits have decreased due to the new retrocession contract which cedes longevity risk to third parties. This reduction was partially offset by increased benefits associated with payout annuity reinsurance (longevity) transactions executed after the first quarter of 2014. Although reasonably predictable over a period of years, claims can vary over shorter periods and will vary with large transactions. Management views recent experience as normal.
Other operating expenses decreased $0.1 million, or 2.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation resulted in a decrease in operating expenses of approximately $0.5 million for the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
Asia Pacific Operations
The Asia Pacific operations include business generated by its offices principally in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and mainland China. The principal types of reinsurance include life, critical illness, disability, superannuation, which are operated under the Traditional segment. Superannuation is the Australian government mandated compulsory retirement savings program. Superannuation funds accumulate retirement funds for employees, and, in addition, typically offer life and disability insurance coverage. The Non-Traditional segment includes financial reinsurance, asset-intensive and certain disability and life blocks sourced by the Global Financial Solutions unit. Reinsurance agreements may be facultative or automatic agreements covering primarily individual risks and in some markets, group risks.
(dollars in thousands)
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues:
Traditional
 
Non-Traditional
 
Total Asia Pacific
 
Traditional
 
Non-Traditional
 
Total Asia Pacific
Net premiums
$
372,145

 
$
10,282

 
$
382,427

 
$
366,099

 
$
15,651

 
$
381,750

Investment income, net of related expenses
20,604

 
3,649

 
24,253

 
20,303

 
4,339

 
24,642

Investment related gains (losses), net

 
522

 
522

 
121

 
2,393

 
2,514

Other revenues
1,126

 
5,117

 
6,243

 
366

 
5,757

 
6,123

Total revenues
393,875

 
19,570

 
413,445

 
386,889

 
28,140

 
415,029

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
265,309

 
5,735

 
271,044

 
286,676

 
16,920

 
303,596

Interest credited

 
184

 
184

 

 
246

 
246

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
46,912

 
546

 
47,458

 
53,579

 
710

 
54,289

Other operating expenses
29,006

 
2,960

 
31,966

 
27,767

 
2,820

 
30,587

Total benefits and expenses
341,227

 
9,425

 
350,652

 
368,022

 
20,696

 
388,718

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
52,648

 
$
10,145

 
$
62,793

 
$
18,867

 
$
7,444

 
$
26,311

Income before income taxes increased by $36.5 million, or 138.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in income before income taxes for the first three months is primarily attributable to favorable mortality experience across the segment. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease to income before income taxes totaling approximately $5.2 million for the three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes increased by $33.8 million, or 179.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in income before income taxes for the first three months is primarily attributable to favorable mortality experience across the segment. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease to income before income taxes totaling approximately $4.8 million for the three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
Net premiums increased $6.0 million, or 1.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was driven by both new and existing business written throughout the segment. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in net premiums of approximately $35.2 million for the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
A portion of the net premiums for the segment, in each period presented, relates to reinsurance of critical illness coverage. This coverage provides a benefit in the event of the diagnosis of a pre-defined critical illness. Reinsurance of critical illness in the segment is offered primarily in South Korea, Australia and Hong Kong. Net premiums earned from this coverage totaled $69.9 million and $60.4 million for the first three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Premium levels can be significantly influenced by currency fluctuations, large transactions and reporting practices of ceding companies and can fluctuate from period to period.

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Net investment income increased $0.3 million, or 1.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase in investment yield. The increase was offset by an unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange fluctuations of $2.3 million for the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. A portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are allocated to the various operating segments based on average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes. Investment performance varies with the composition of investments and the relative allocation of capital to the operating segments.
Other revenues increased by $0.8 million, or 207.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in other revenues in the first three months is primarily due to a transaction in the Japan office that occurred in the second quarter of 2014.
Loss ratios for this segment were 71.3% and 78.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in the ratio for the first quarter is attributable to favorable mortality experience across the segment. Although reasonably predictable over a period of years, claims can be volatile over shorter periods. Management views recent experience as normal short-term volatility that is inherent in the business.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 12.6% and 14.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The ratio of policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums should generally decline as the business matures; however, the percentage does fluctuate periodically due to timing of client company reporting and variations in the mixture of business.
Other operating expenses increased $1.2 million, or 4.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums totaled 7.8% and 7.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The timing of premium flows and the level of costs associated with the entrance into and development of new markets within the segment may cause other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums to fluctuate over periods of time.
Non-Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes increased by $2.7 million, or 36.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in income before income taxes for the first three months is primarily attributable to favorable termination experience on a disabled life treaty in Australia. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease to income before income taxes totaling approximately $0.5 million for the three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.
Net premiums decreased $5.4 million, or 34.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease primarily due to lapsation related to a treaty in Japan. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in net premiums of approximately $1.7 million for the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Premium levels can be significantly influenced by currency fluctuations, large transactions and reporting practices of ceding companies and can fluctuate from period to period.
Net investment income decreased $0.7 million, or 15.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the invested asset base. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation resulted in a decrease in net investment income of approximately $0.5 million in the first three months of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. A portion of investment income and investment related gains and losses are allocated to the various operating segments based on average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes. Investment performance varies with the composition of investments and the relative allocation of capital to the operating segments.
Other revenues decreased by $0.6 million, or 11.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in other revenues in the first three months is primarily due to the recapture of certain non-traditional treaties in the current quarter. At both March 31, 2015 and 2014, the amount of reinsurance assumed from client companies, as measured by pre-tax statutory surplus, risk based capital and other financial reinsurance structures was $1.3 billion. Fees earned from this business can vary significantly depending on the size of the transactions and the timing of their completion and, therefore, can fluctuate from period to period.
Claims and other policy benefits decreased by $11.2 million, or 66.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. This decrease is attributable to favorable experience from the disability and life business in the segment. Although reasonably predictable over a period of years, claims can be volatile over shorter periods. Management views recent experience as normal short-term volatility that is inherent in the business.

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Other operating expenses increased $0.1 million, or 5.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The timing of premium flows and the level of costs associated with the entrance into and development of new markets within the segment may cause other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums to fluctuate over periods of time.
Corporate and Other
Corporate and Other revenues include investment income and investment related gains and losses from unallocated invested assets. Corporate and Other expenses consist of the offset to capital charges allocated to the operating segments within the policy acquisition costs and other insurance income line item, unallocated overhead and executive costs, interest expense related to debt, and the investment income and expense associated with the Company’s collateral finance and securitization transactions. Additionally, Corporate and Other includes results from, among others, RTP, a wholly-owned subsidiary that develops and markets technology solutions for the insurance industry.
(dollars in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
 
$
167

 
$
215

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
31,695

 
25,736

Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(1,833
)
 
707

Other revenues
 
1,690

 
4,567

Total revenues
 
31,719

 
31,225

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
53

 
17

Interest credited
 
212

 
206

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance income
 
(20,588
)
 
(21,667
)
Other operating expenses
 
18,334

 
11,252

Interest expense
 
35,627

 
35,084

Collateral finance and securitization expense
 
6,071

 
2,569

Total benefits and expenses
 
39,709

 
27,461

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
(7,990
)
 
$
3,764

Income before income taxes decreased by $11.8 million, or 312.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in income before income taxes in the first quarter is primarily due to an increase of $12.2 million in total benefits and expenses, partially offset by an increase of $0.5 million in total revenues.
Total revenues increased by $0.5 million, or 1.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase for the first quarter is primarily due to an increase of $6.0 million in investment income, net of related expenses due to higher investment yields and higher allocated invested assets, partially offset by a decrease of $2.9 million in other revenues primarily due to a decrease in foreign currency exchange rate losses, and partially offset by a decrease of $2.5 million in investment related gains (losses), net.
Total benefits and expenses increased by $12.2 million, or 44.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in 2015 is primarily due to a $7.1 million increase in other operating expenses primarily due to a decrease in the amount of executive costs allocated to the geographic segments, $3.5 million increase in collateral finance and securitization expense due to the issuance of $300.0 million of securitization notes in the fourth quarter of 2014 and a $1.1 million decrease in policy acquisition costs and other insurance income related to increased capital financing costs.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Current Market Environment
The current interest rate environment in select markets, primarily the U.S. continues to negatively affect the Company's earnings. The Company's average investment yield, excluding spread related business, continues to be below 5.00%, with only slight movement since 2012. In addition, the Company’s insurance liabilities, in particular its annuity products, are sensitive to changing market factors. Lower interest rates and tightening credit spreads in 2014 have increased gross unrealized gains on fixed maturity and equity securities available-for-sale, which were $2,971.6 million and $1,844.8 million at March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Gross unrealized losses totaled $99.5 million and $179.3 million at March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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The Company continues to be in a position to hold any investment security showing an unrealized loss until recovery, provided it remains comfortable with the credit of the issuer. As indicated above, gross unrealized gains on investment securities of $2,971.6 million remain well in excess of gross unrealized losses of $99.5 million as of March 31, 2015. Historically low interest rates continued to put pressure on the Company’s investment yield. The Company does not rely on short-term funding or commercial paper and to date it has experienced no liquidity pressure, nor does it anticipate such pressure in the foreseeable future.
The Company projects its reserves to be sufficient, and it would not expect to write down deferred acquisition costs or be required to take any actions to augment capital, even if interest rates remain at current levels for the next five years, assuming all other factors remain constant. While the Company has felt the pressures of sustained low interest rates and volatile equity markets and may continue to do so, its business operations are not overly sensitive to these risks. Although management believes the Company’s current capital base is adequate to support its business at current operating levels, it continues to monitor new business opportunities and any associated new capital needs that could arise from the changing financial landscape.
The Holding Company
RGA is an insurance holding company whose primary uses of liquidity include, but are not limited to, the immediate capital needs of its operating companies, dividends paid to its shareholders, repurchase of common stock and interest payments on its indebtedness. RGA recognized interest expense of $44.0 million and $44.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. RGA made no capital contributions to subsidiaries during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and $10.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, respectively. Dividends to shareholders were $22.7 million and $21.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. There were $0.6 million principal payments on RGA’s debt for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The primary sources of RGA’s liquidity include proceeds from its capital raising efforts, interest income on undeployed corporate investments, interest income received on surplus notes issued by its subsidiaries and dividends from subsidiaries. RGA recognized interest and dividend income of $23.8 million and $24.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As the Company continues its expansion efforts, RGA will continue to be dependent upon these sources of liquidity. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, RGA held $716.4 million and $623.4 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents, short-term and other investments and fixed maturity investments.
RGA, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, has committed to provide statutory reserve support to third-parties, in exchange for a fee, by funding loans if certain defined events occur. Such statutory reserves are required under the U.S. Valuation of Life Policies Model Regulation (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX for term life insurance policies and Regulation A-XXX for universal life secondary guarantees). The third-parties have recourse to RGA should the subsidiary fail to provide the required funding, however, as of March 31, 2015, the Company does not believe that it will be required to provide any funding under these commitments as the occurrence of the defined events is considered remote. See Note 8 - "Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents these commitments by period and maximum obligation.
RGA has established an intercompany revolving credit facility where certain subsidiaries can lend to or borrow from each other and from RGA in order to manage capital and liquidity more efficiently. The intercompany revolving credit facility, which is a series of demand loans among RGA and its affiliates, comports with applicable insurance laws. This facility reduces overall borrowing costs by allowing RGA and its operating companies to access internal cash resources instead of incurring third-party transaction costs. The statutory borrowing and lending limit for RGA’s Missouri-domiciled insurance subsidiaries is currently 3% of the insurance company’s admitted assets as of its most recent year-end. There was $45.0 million and $35.0 million outstanding under the intercompany revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. In addition to loans associated with the intercompany revolving credit facility, RGA and its subsidiary, RGA Capital LLC, provided loans to RGA Australian Holdings Pty Limited, another RGA subsidiary, with a total outstanding balance of $45.6 million and $49.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
The Company believes that it has sufficient liquidity for the next 12 months to fund its cash needs under various scenarios that include the potential risk of early recapture of reinsurance treaties and higher than expected death claims. Historically, the Company has generated positive net cash flows from operations. However, in the event of significant unanticipated cash requirements beyond normal liquidity, the Company has multiple liquidity alternatives available based on market conditions and the amount and timing of the liquidity need. These options include borrowings under committed credit facilities, secured borrowings, the ability to issue long-term debt, preferred securities or common equity and, if necessary, the sale of invested assets subject to market conditions.
The undistributed earnings of substantially all of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been reinvested indefinitely in such non-U.S. operations, as described in Note 9 - “Income Tax” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2014 Annual Report. Under current tax laws, should the Company repatriate such earnings, it may be subject to additional U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes.

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In April 2015, the RGA’s board of directors declared a dividend of $0.33 per share. All future payments of dividends are at the discretion of RGA’s board of directors and will depend on the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, insurance regulatory conditions, operating conditions, and other such factors as the board of directors may deem relevant. The amount of dividends that RGA can pay will depend in part on the operations of its reinsurance subsidiaries. See Note 13 - "Stock Transactions" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the Company's share repurchase program.
Debt
Certain of the Company’s debt agreements contain financial covenant restrictions related to, among others, liens, the issuance and disposition of stock of restricted subsidiaries, minimum requirements of consolidated net worth, maximum ratios of debt to capitalization and change of control provisions. The Company is required to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, as defined in the debt agreements, of $2.8 billion, calculated as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. Also, consolidated indebtedness, calculated as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, cannot exceed 35% of the sum of the Company’s consolidated indebtedness plus adjusted consolidated stockholders' equity. A material ongoing covenant default could require immediate payment of the amount due, including principal, under the various agreements. Additionally, the Company’s debt agreements contain cross-default covenants, which would make outstanding borrowings immediately payable in the event of a material uncured covenant default under any of the agreements, including, but not limited to, non-payment of indebtedness when due for an amount in excess of $100.0 million, bankruptcy proceedings, or any other event which results in the acceleration of the maturity of indebtedness. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had $2,313.9 million and $2,314.3 million, respectively, in outstanding borrowings under its debt agreements and was in compliance with all covenants under those agreements. The ability of the Company to make debt principal and interest payments depends on the earnings and surplus of subsidiaries, investment earnings on undeployed capital proceeds, available liquidity at the holding company, and the Company’s ability to raise additional funds. Scheduled repayments of debt over the next five years total $2.5 million in 2016, $302.6 million in 2017, $2.7 million in 2018, $402.8 million in 2019, $2.9 million in 2020 and $1,603.4 million thereafter.
The Company enters into derivative agreements with counterparties that reference either the Company’s debt rating or its financial strength rating. If either rating is downgraded in the future, it could trigger certain terms in the Company’s derivative agreements, which could negatively affect overall liquidity. For the majority of the Company’s derivative agreements, there is a termination event should the long-term senior debt ratings drop below either BBB+ (S&P) or Baa1 (Moody’s) or the financial strength ratings drop below either A- (S&P) or A3 (Moody’s).
The Company may borrow up to $850.0 million in cash and obtain letters of credit in multiple currencies on its revolving credit facility that expires in September 2019. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had no cash borrowings outstanding and $577.2 million in issued, but undrawn, letters of credit under this facility. As of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the average interest rate on short-term and long-term debt outstanding was 5.69%.
Based on the historic cash flows and the current financial results of the Company, management believes RGA’s cash flows will be sufficient to enable RGA to meet its obligations for at least the next 12 months.
Collateral Finance and Securitization and Statutory Reserve Funding
The Company uses various internal and third-party reinsurance arrangements and funding sources to manage statutory reserve strain, including reserves associated with Regulation XXX, and collateral requirements. Assets in trust and letters of credit are often used as collateral in these arrangements.
Regulation XXX, implemented in the U.S. for various types of life insurance business beginning January 1, 2000, significantly increased the level of reserves that U.S. life insurance and life reinsurance companies must hold on their statutory financial statements for various types of life insurance business, primarily certain level premium term life products. The reserve levels required under Regulation XXX increase over time and are normally in excess of reserves required under GAAP. In situations where primary insurers have reinsured business to reinsurers that are unlicensed and unaccredited in the U.S., the reinsurer must provide collateral equal to its reinsurance reserves in order for the ceding company to receive statutory financial statement credit. In order to manage the effect of Regulation XXX on its statutory financial statements, RGA Reinsurance has retroceded a majority of Regulation XXX reserves to unaffiliated and affiliated unlicensed reinsurers.
RGA Reinsurance’s statutory capital may be significantly reduced if the unaffiliated or affiliated reinsurer is unable to provide the required collateral to support RGA Reinsurance’s statutory reserve credits and RGA Reinsurance cannot find an alternative source for collateral.
In 2006, RGA’s subsidiary, Timberlake Financial, issued $850.0 million of Series A Floating Rate Insured Notes due June 2036 in a private placement. The notes were issued to fund the collateral requirements for statutory reserves required by the U.S. Valuation of Life Policies Model Regulation (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX) on specified term life insurance policies reinsured by RGA Reinsurance and retroceded to Timberlake Reinsurance Company II (“Timberlake Re”). Proceeds from the notes, along with a $112.8 million direct investment by the Company, were deposited into a series of accounts that collateralize

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the notes and are not available to satisfy the general obligations of the Company. Interest on the notes accrues at an annual rate of 1-month LIBOR plus a base rate margin, payable monthly. The payment of interest and principal on the notes is insured through a financial guaranty insurance policy by a monoline insurance company whose parent company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2013. The notes represent senior, secured indebtedness of Timberlake Financial without legal recourse to RGA or its other subsidiaries.
Timberlake Financial relies primarily upon the receipt of interest and principal payments on a surplus note and dividend payments from its wholly-owned subsidiary, Timberlake Re, a South Carolina captive insurance company, to make payments of interest and principal on the notes. The ability of Timberlake Re to make interest and principal payments on the surplus note and dividend payments to Timberlake Financial is contingent upon the South Carolina Department of Insurance’s regulatory approval. Approval to pay interest on the surplus note was granted through March 28, 2016.
The Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets include the assets of Timberlake Financial, a wholly-owned subsidiary, recorded as fixed maturity investments and other invested assets, which consists of restricted cash and cash equivalents, with the liability for the notes recorded as collateral finance and securitization notes. The Company’s consolidated statements of income include the investment return of Timberlake Financial as investment income and the cost of the facility is reflected in collateral finance and securitization expense.
In 2014, RGA's subsidiary, Chesterfield Financial, issued $300.0 million of asset-backed notes due December 2034 in a private placement. The notes were issued as part of an embedded value securitization transaction covering a closed block of policies assumed by RGA Reinsurance and retroceded to Chesterfield Re. Proceeds from the notes, along with a $79.0 million direct investment by the Company, were applied by Chesterfield Financial to (i) pay certain transaction-related expenses, (ii) establish a $27.0 million Reserve Account owned by Chesterfield Financial and pledged to the indenture trustee for the benefit of the holders of the notes (primarily to cover interest payments on the notes), and (iii) to fund an initial stock purchase from and capital contribution to Chesterfield Re of $346.5 million to capitalize Chesterfield Re and to finance the payment of a $256.5 million ceding commission by Chesterfield Re to RGA Reinsurance under the retrocession agreement. Interest on the notes accrues at an annual rate of 4.50%, payable quarterly. The notes represent senior, secured indebtedness of Chesterfield Financial. Limited support is provided by RGA for temporary potential liquidity events at Chesterfield Financial and for temporary potential statutory capital and surplus events at Chesterfield Re. Otherwise, there is no legal recourse to RGA or its other subsidiaries. The notes are not insured or guaranteed by any other person or entity.
Chesterfield Financial relies primarily upon dividend payments from its wholly-owned subsidiary, Chesterfield Re, a Missouri domiciled life insurance company, to make payments of interest and principal on the notes. The ability of Chesterfield Re to make dividend payments to Chesterfield Financial is contingent upon regulatory approval by the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institution and Professional Registration.
In order to enhance liquidity and capital efficiency within the group, various operating subsidiaries have purchased $500.0 million of RGA subordinated debt. Similarly, RGA also purchased $475.0 million of surplus notes issued by its subsidiary Rockwood Re. These intercompany debt securities are eliminated for consolidated financial reporting.
Based on the growth of the Company’s business and the pattern of reserve levels under Regulation XXX associated with term life business and other statutory reserve requirements, the amount of ceded reserve credits is expected to grow. This growth will require the Company to obtain additional letters of credit, put additional assets in trust, or utilize other funding mechanisms to support reserve credits. If the Company is unable to support the reserve credits, the regulatory capital levels of several of its subsidiaries may be significantly reduced, while the regulatory capital requirements for these subsidiaries would not change. The reduction in regulatory capital would not directly affect the Company’s consolidated shareholders’ equity under GAAP; however, it could affect the Company’s ability to write new business and retain existing business.
Affiliated captives are commonly used in the insurance industry to help manage statutory reserve and collateral requirements and are often domiciled in the same state as the insurance company that sponsors the captive. The NAIC has analyzed the insurance industry’s use of affiliated captive reinsurers to satisfy certain reserve requirements and has adopted measures to promote uniformity in both the approval and supervision of such reinsurers. While additional work remains to be done by the NAIC, new standards are being introduced and are expected to continue to be introduced during the next few years. There is a commitment to allowing current captives to continue in accordance with their currently approved plans. State insurance regulators that regulate the Company’s domestic insurance companies are expected to place new restrictions on the use of newly established captive reinsurers in the future and such additional restrictions may make them less effective. This could adversely affect the Company’s ability to reinsure certain products, maintain risk based capital ratios and deploy excess capital. As a result, the Company may need to alter the type and volume of business it reinsures, increase prices on those products, raise additional capital to support higher regulatory reserves or implement higher cost strategies, all of which could adversely affect the Company’s competitive position and its results of operations.
More changes in the use and regulation of captives are expected to be adopted, but it is too early to predict the extent of any changes that may be made. Accordingly, the Company is reevaluating and anticipates adjusting its strategy of using captives to

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enhance its capital efficiency and competitive position while it monitors the regulations related to captives and any proposed changes in such regulations. The Company cannot estimate the impact of discontinuing or altering its captive strategy in response to potential regulatory changes due to many unknown variables such as the cost and availability of alternative capital, potential changes in regulatory reserving requirements under a principle-based reserving approach which would likely reduce required collateral, changes in acceptable collateral for statutory reserves, the introduction of the “certified reinsurer” laws and regulations in certain United States jurisdictions where the Company operates, the potential for increased pricing of products offered by the Company and the potential change in mix of products sold and/or offered by the Company and/or its clients.
In the United States, the introduction of the certified reinsurer has provided an alternative way to manage collateral requirements. In 2014, RGA Americas was designated as a certified reinsurer by the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration. This designation allows the Company to retrocede business to RGA Americas in lieu of using captives for collateral requirements.
Cash Flows
The Company’s principal cash inflows from its reinsurance operations include premiums and deposit funds received from ceding companies. The primary liquidity concerns with respect to these cash flows are early recapture of the reinsurance contract by the ceding company and lapses of annuity products reinsured by the Company. The Company’s principal cash inflows from its invested assets result from investment income and the maturity and sales of invested assets. The primary liquidity concern with respect to these cash inflows relates to the risk of default by debtors and interest rate volatility. The Company manages these risks very closely. See “Investments” and “Interest Rate Risk” below.
Additional sources of liquidity to meet unexpected cash outflows in excess of operating cash inflows and current cash and equivalents on hand include selling short-term investments or fixed maturity securities and drawing funds under a revolving credit facility, under which the Company had availability of $272.8 million as of March 31, 2015. The Company also has $807.5 million of funds available through collateralized borrowings from the FHLB.
The Company’s principal cash outflows relate to the payment of claims liabilities, interest credited, operating expenses, income taxes, and principal and interest under debt and other financing obligations. The Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers under excess coverage and coinsurance contracts (See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company's 2014 Annual Report). The Company performs annual financial reviews of its retrocessionaires to evaluate financial stability and performance. The Company has never experienced a material default in connection with retrocession arrangements, nor has it experienced any difficulty in collecting claims recoverable from retrocessionaires; however, no assurance can be given as to the future performance of such retrocessionaires nor to the recoverability of future claims. The Company’s management believes its current sources of liquidity are adequate to meet its cash requirements for the next 12 months.
Summary of Primary Sources and Uses of Liquidity and Capital
The Company's primary sources and uses of liquidity and capital are summarized as follows:
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Sources:
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
316,211

 
$
541,228

 
Net cash provided by short-term debt issuances

 
50,000

 
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement

 
668

 
Exercise of stock options, net
5,759

 
6,364

 
Change in cash collateral for derivative positions and other arrangements
31,109

 
29,680

 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 
7,306

 
Total sources
353,079

 
635,246

 
 
 
 
 
Uses:
 
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
503,714

 
144,277

 
Dividends to stockholders
22,669

 
21,244

 
Repayment of collateral finance and securitization notes
7,367

 

 
Debt issuance costs
1,184

 

 
Principal payments of long-term debt
586

 

 
Purchases of treasury stock
214,665

 
86,837

 
Cash used for changes in universal life and other
 
 
 
 
investment type policies and contracts
130,294

 
179,403

 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
35,090

 

 
Total uses
915,569

 
431,761

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
(562,490
)
 
$
203,485


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Cash Flows from Operations - The principal cash inflows from the Company’s reinsurance activities come from premiums, investment and fee income, annuity considerations, deposit funds and income tax refunds. The principal cash outflows relate to the liabilities associated with various life and health insurance, annuity and disability products, operating expenses, income tax payments and interest on outstanding debt obligations. The primary liquidity concern with respect to these cash flows is the risk of shortfalls in premiums and investment income.
Cash Flows from Investments - The principal cash inflows from the Company’s investment activities come from repayments of principal on invested assets, proceeds from maturities of invested assets, sales of invested assets and settlements of freestanding derivatives. The principal cash outflows relate to purchases of investments, issuances of policy loans and settlements of freestanding derivatives. The Company typically has a net cash outflow from investing activities because cash inflows from insurance operations are reinvested in accordance with its asset/liability management discipline to fund insurance liabilities. The Company closely monitors and manages these risks through its credit risk management process. The primary liquidity concerns with respect to these cash flows are the risk of default by debtors and market disruption.
Financing Cash Flows - The principal cash inflows from the Company’s financing activities come from issuances of RGA debt and equity securities, and deposit funds associated with universal life and other investment type policies and contracts. The principal cash outflows come from repayments of debt, payments of dividends to stockholders, purchases of treasury stock, and withdrawals associated with universal life and other investment type policies and contracts. A primary liquidity concern with respect to these cash flows is the risk of early contractholder and policyholder withdrawal.
Contractual Obligations
The Company’s obligation related to its collateral finance facility, including interest, was reduced by $314.8 million since December 31, 2014, primarily due to the Company’s decision to terminate a collateral financing arrangement between its subsidiary, Manor Reinsurance Ltd., and an international bank. There were no other material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations from those reported in the 2014 Annual Report.
Asset / Liability Management
The Company actively manages its cash and invested assets using an approach that is intended to balance quality, diversification, asset/liability matching, liquidity and investment return. The goals of the investment process are to optimize after-tax, risk-adjusted investment income and after-tax, risk-adjusted total return while managing the assets and liabilities on a cash flow and duration basis.
The Company has established target asset portfolios for each major insurance product, which represent the investment strategies intended to profitably fund its liabilities within acceptable risk parameters. These strategies include objectives and limits for effective duration, yield curve sensitivity and convexity, liquidity, asset sector concentration and credit quality.
The Company’s asset-intensive products are primarily supported by investments in fixed maturity securities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet and under funds withheld arrangements with the ceding company. Investment guidelines are established to structure the investment portfolio based upon the type, duration and behavior of products in the liability portfolio so as to achieve targeted levels of profitability. The Company manages the asset-intensive business to provide a targeted spread between the interest rate earned on investments and the interest rate credited to the underlying interest-sensitive contract liabilities. The Company periodically reviews models projecting different interest rate scenarios and their effect on profitability. Certain of these asset-intensive agreements, primarily in the U.S. and Latin America Non-Traditional operating segment, are generally funded by fixed maturity securities that are withheld by the ceding company.
The Company’s liquidity position (cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments) was $1,172.3 million and $1,743.4 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents includes cash collateral received from derivative counterparties of $219.0 million and $178.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. This unrestricted cash collateral is included in cash and cash equivalents and the obligation to return it is included in other liabilities in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Liquidity needs are determined from valuation analyses conducted by operational units and are driven by product portfolios. Periodic evaluations of demand liabilities and short-term liquid assets are designed to adjust specific portfolios, as well as their durations and maturities, in response to anticipated liquidity needs.
The Company participates in a securities borrowing program whereby securities, which are not reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, are borrowed from a third party. The Company is required to maintain a minimum of 100% of the market value of the borrowed securities as collateral, which consists of rights to reinsurance treaty cash flows.
The Company also participates in a repurchase program in which securities, reflected as investments on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, are pledged to a third party. In return, the Company receives cash from the third party, which is reflected as a payable to the third party, included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company is required to maintain a minimum collateral balance with a fair value of 105% of the cash received.

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Additionally, the Company participates in a repurchase/reverse repurchase program in which securities, reflected as investments on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, are pledged to a third party. In return, the Company receives securities from the third party with an estimated fair value equal to a minimum of 100% of the securities pledged. The securities received are not reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.
See “Securities Borrowing and Other” in Note 4 - “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the Company’s securities borrowing, repurchase and repurchase/reverse repurchase programs. In addition to its security agreements with third parties, certain RGA’s subsidiaries have entered into intercompany securities lending agreements to more efficiently source securities for lending to third parties and to provide for more efficient regulatory capital management.
RGA Reinsurance is a member of the FHLB and holds $35.4 million of FHLB common stock, which is included in other invested assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. Membership provides RGA Reinsurance access to borrowing arrangements (“advances”) and funding agreements, discussed below, with the FHLB. RGA Reinsurance did not have any advances from the FHLB at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. RGA Reinsurance had no advances during the first three months of 2015. RGA Reinsurance’s average outstanding balance of advances was $11.7 million during the first three months of 2014. Interest on advances is reflected in interest expense on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income.
In addition, RGA Reinsurance has also entered into funding agreements with the FHLB under guaranteed investment contracts whereby RGA Reinsurance has issued the funding agreements in exchange for cash and for which the FHLB has been granted a blanket lien on RGA Reinsurance's commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage loans used to collateralize RGA Reinsurance's obligations under the funding agreements. RGA Reinsurance maintains control over these pledged assets, and may use, commingle, encumber or dispose of any portion of the collateral as long as there is no event of default and the remaining qualified collateral is sufficient to satisfy the collateral maintenance level. The funding agreements and the related security agreements represented by this blanket lien provide that upon any event of default by RGA Reinsurance, the FHLB's recovery is limited to the amount of RGA Reinsurance's liability under the outstanding funding agreements. The amount of the RGA Reinsurance's liability for the funding agreements with the FHLB under guaranteed investment contracts was $636.1 million at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, which is included in interest sensitive contract liabilities on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. The advances on these agreements are collateralized primarily by commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage loans. The amount of collateral exceeds the liability and is dependent on the type of assets collateralizing the guaranteed investment contracts.
Investments
Management of Investments
The Company’s investment and derivative strategies involve matching the characteristics of its reinsurance products and other obligations and to seek to closely approximate the interest rate sensitivity of the assets with estimated interest rate sensitivity of the reinsurance liabilities. The Company achieves its income objectives through strategic and tactical asset allocations, security and derivative strategies within an asset/liability management and disciplined risk management framework. Derivative strategies are employed within the Company’s risk management framework to help manage duration, currency, and other risks in assets and/or liabilities and to replicate the credit characteristics of certain assets. For a discussion of the Company’s risk management process see “Market Risk” in the “Enterprise Risk Management” section below.
The Company’s portfolio management groups work with the Enterprise Risk Management function to develop the investment policies for the assets of the Company’s domestic and international investment portfolios. All investments held by the Company, directly or in a funds withheld at interest reinsurance arrangement, are monitored for conformance with the Company’s stated investment policy limits as well as any limits prescribed by the applicable jurisdiction’s insurance laws and regulations. See Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company’s investments.

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Portfolio Composition
The Company had total cash and invested assets of $38.3 billion at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, as illustrated below (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
% of Total
 
December 31, 2014
 
% of Total
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
 
$
25,801,223

 
67.5
%
 
$
25,480,972

 
66.5
%
Mortgage loans on real estate
 
2,913,486

 
7.6

 
2,712,238

 
7.1

Policy loans
 
1,284,085

 
3.4

 
1,284,284

 
3.3

Funds withheld at interest
 
5,841,554

 
15.3

 
5,922,561

 
15.4

Short-term investments
 
89,136

 
0.2

 
97,694

 
0.3

Other invested assets
 
1,243,033

 
3.2

 
1,198,319

 
3.1

Cash and cash equivalents
 
1,083,179

 
2.8

 
1,645,669

 
4.3

Total cash and invested assets
 
$
38,255,696

 
100.0
%
 
$
38,341,737

 
100.0
%
Investment Yield
The following table presents consolidated average invested assets at amortized cost, net investment income and investment yield, excluding spread related business. Spread related business is primarily associated with contracts on which the Company earns an interest rate spread between assets and liabilities. To varying degrees, fluctuations in the yield on other spread related business is generally subject to corresponding adjustments to the interest credited on the liabilities (dollars in thousands).
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
  Increase/  
  (Decrease)  
Average invested assets at amortized cost
$
21,073,262

 
$
19,726,037

 
6.8
%
Net investment income
247,239

 
229,644

 
7.7

Investment yield (ratio of net investment income to average invested assets)
4.78
%
 
4.74
%
 
4 bps

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
See “Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables that provide the amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, estimated fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities, and the other-than-temporary impairments in AOCI by sector as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
The Company’s fixed maturity securities are invested primarily in corporate bonds, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and U.S. and Canadian government securities. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, approximately 94.3% and 94.6%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated investment portfolio of fixed maturity securities were investment grade.
Important factors in the selection of investments include diversification, quality, yield, call protection and total rate of return potential. The relative importance of these factors is determined by market conditions and the underlying reinsurance liability and existing portfolio characteristics. The largest asset class in which fixed maturity securities were invested was corporate securities, which represented approximately 58.8% and 58.4% of total fixed maturity securities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. See “Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables showing the major industry types, which comprise the corporate fixed maturity holdings at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
As of March 31, 2015, the Company’s investments in Canadian and Canadian provincial government securities represented 15.1% of the fair value of total fixed maturity securities compared to 15.2% of the fair value of total fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2014. These assets are primarily high quality, long duration provincial strips, the valuation of which is closely linked to the interest rate curve. These assets are longer in duration and held primarily for asset/liability management to meet Canadian regulatory requirements. See “Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables showing the various sectors as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

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The Company references rating agency designations in some of its investments disclosures. These designations are based on the ratings from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, primarily those assigned by S&P. In instances where a S&P rating is not available the Company references the rating provided by Moody’s and in the absence of both the Company will assign equivalent ratings based on information from the NAIC. The NAIC assigns securities quality ratings and uniform valuations called “NAIC Designations” which are used by insurers when preparing their U.S. statutory filings. Structured securities (mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities) held by the Company's insurance subsidiaries that maintain the NAIC statutory basis of accounting utilize the NAIC rating methodology. The NAIC assigns designations to publicly traded as well as privately placed securities. The designations assigned by the NAIC range from class 1 to class 6, with designations in classes 1 and 2 generally considered investment grade (BBB or higher rating agency designation). NAIC designations in classes 3 through 6 are generally considered below investment grade (BB or lower rating agency designation).
The quality of the Company’s available-for-sale fixed maturity securities portfolio, as measured at fair value and by the percentage of fixed maturity securities invested in various ratings categories, relative to the entire available-for-sale fixed maturity security portfolio, at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
NAIC
  Designation  
 
Rating Agency
Designation
 
Amortized Cost 
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
% of Total     
 
Amortized Cost 
 
Estimated
     Fair  Value     
 
% of Total     
1
 
AAA/AA/A
 
$
14,515,363

 
$
16,887,466

 
65.4
%
 
$
14,855,946

 
$
16,866,777

 
66.1
%
2
 
BBB
 
6,957,089

 
7,450,140

 
28.9

 
6,880,383

 
7,258,299

 
28.5

3
 
BB
 
799,090

 
825,796

 
3.2

 
750,152

 
760,531

 
3.0

4
 
B
 
419,277

 
404,081

 
1.6

 
387,456

 
372,375

 
1.5

5
 
CCC and lower
 
219,271

 
214,370

 
0.8

 
212,905

 
208,346

 
0.8

6
 
In or near default
 
23,626

 
19,370

 
0.1

 
18,755

 
14,644

 
0.1

 
 
Total
 
$
22,933,716

 
$
25,801,223

 
100.0
%
 
$
23,105,597

 
$
25,480,972

 
100.0
%

The Company’s fixed maturity portfolio includes structured securities. The following table shows the types of structured securities the Company held at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
 
$
644,367

 
$
692,101

 
$
639,936

 
$
677,352

Non-agency
 
428,048

 
435,573

 
351,931

 
360,544

Total residential mortgage-backed securities
 
1,072,415

 
1,127,674

 
991,867

 
1,037,896

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,448,372

 
1,534,274

 
1,453,657

 
1,532,591

Asset-backed securities
 
1,082,883

 
1,098,112

 
1,059,660

 
1,069,586

Total
 
$
3,603,670

 
$
3,760,060

 
$
3,505,184

 
$
3,640,073

The residential mortgage-backed securities include agency-issued pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. A majority of the agency-issued pass-through securities are guaranteed or otherwise supported by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal National Mortgage Association, or the Government National Mortgage Association. The principal risks inherent in holding mortgage-backed securities are prepayment and extension risks, which will affect the timing of when cash will be received and are dependent on the level of mortgage interest rates. Prepayment risk is the unexpected increase in principal payments from the expected, primarily as a result of owner refinancing. Extension risk relates to the unexpected slowdown in principal payments from the expected. In addition, non-agency mortgage-backed securities face credit risk should the borrower be unable to pay the contractual interest or principal on their obligation. The Company monitors its mortgage-backed securities to mitigate exposure to the cash flow uncertainties associated with these risks.
As of March 31, 2015, approximately 99.0% of the commercial mortgage-backed securities were considered investment-grade utilizing the rating methodology described above.  The Company had no other-than-temporary impairments in its direct investments in commercial mortgage-backed securities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.
Asset-backed securities include credit card and automobile receivables, student loans, home equity loans and collateralized debt obligations (primarily collateralized loan obligations). The Company owns floating rate securities that represent approximately 13.8% and 13.5% of the total fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. These investments have a higher degree of income variability than the other fixed income holdings in the portfolio due to the floating rate nature of the interest payments. The Company holds these investments to match specific floating rate liabilities primarily reflected in the

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condensed consolidated balance sheets as collateral finance notes, as well as to enhance asset management strategies. In addition to the risks associated with floating rate securities, principal risks in holding asset-backed securities are structural, credit and capital market risks. Structural risks include the securities’ cash flow priority in the capital structure and the inherent prepayment sensitivity of the underlying collateral. Credit risks include the adequacy and ability to realize proceeds from the collateral. Credit risks are mitigated by credit enhancements which include excess spread, over-collateralization and subordination. Capital market risks include general level of interest rates and the liquidity for these securities in the marketplace.
The Company monitors its fixed maturity and equity securities to determine impairments in value and evaluates factors such as financial condition of the issuer, payment performance, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been below amortized cost, compliance with covenants, general market and industry sector conditions, current intent and ability to hold securities, and various other subjective factors. Based on management's judgment, securities determined to have an other-than-temporary impairment in value are written down to fair value. See “Investments – Other-than-Temporary Impairment” in Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2014 Annual Report for additional information. The table below summarizes other-than-temporary impairments and changes in the mortgage loan provision for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands).
 
Three months ended March 31,
2015
 
2014
Corporate / Other fixed maturity securities
$
2,527

 
$
303

Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision
4,168

 
(1,664
)
Total
$
6,695

 
$
(1,361
)
At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had $99.5 million and $134.9 million, respectively, of gross unrealized losses related to its fixed maturity and equity securities. The distribution of the gross unrealized losses related to these securities is shown below.
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Sector:
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
66.7
%
 
68.3
%
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
5.3

 
4.9

Asset-backed securities
 
8.1

 
7.7

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
7.4

 
6.4

U.S. government and agencies
 

 
0.4

State and political subdivisions
 
3.1

 
2.6

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
9.4

 
9.7

Total
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Industry:
 
 
 
 
Finance
 
17.1
%
 
17.4
%
Asset-backed
 
8.1

 
7.7

Industrial
 
48.3

 
49.3

Mortgage-backed
 
12.7

 
11.3

Government
 
12.5

 
12.7

Utility
 
1.3

 
1.6

Total
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
See “Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the total gross unrealized losses for fixed maturity and equity securities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by less than 20% or more than 20%.

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The Company’s determination of whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary includes analysis of the underlying credit and the extent and duration of a decline in value. The Company’s credit analysis of an investment includes determining whether the issuer is current on its contractual payments, evaluating whether it is probable that the Company will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security and analyzing the overall ability of the Company to recover the amortized cost of the investment. In the Company’s impairment review process, the duration and severity of an unrealized loss position for equity securities are given greater weight and consideration given the lack of contractual cash flows and the deferability features of these securities. As of March 31, 2015 there were no gross unrealized losses on equity securities greater than 20 percent of the amortized cost for more than 12 months. As of December 31, 2014, there were immaterial gross unrealized losses on equity securities greater than 20 percent of the amortized cost for more than 12 months.
See “Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for tables that present the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses, including other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in AOCI, for fixed maturity and equity securities that have estimated fair values below amortized cost, by class and grade security, as well as the length of time the related market value has remained below amortized cost as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
As of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company classified approximately 8.8% of its fixed maturity securities in the Level 3 category (refer to Note 6 – “Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information). These securities primarily consist of private placement corporate securities, bank loans, below investment grade commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities, collateralized loan obligations and subprime asset-backed securities with inactive trading markets.
See “Securities Borrowing and Other” in Note 4 - “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the Company’s securities borrowing, repurchase and repurchase/reverse repurchase programs.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans represented approximately 7.6% and 7.1% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company’s mortgage loan portfolio consists of U.S. based investments primarily in commercial offices, light industrial properties and retail locations. The mortgage loan portfolio is diversified by geographic region and property type. Additional information on geographic concentration and property type can be found under "Mortgage Loans on Real Estate" in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, were distributed throughout the United States as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
Pacific
 
$
756,812

 
25.8
%
 
$
678,114

 
24.9
%
South Atlantic
 
680,056

 
23.3

 
622,859

 
22.9

Mountain
 
477,669

 
16.4

 
480,075

 
17.7

Middle Atlantic
 
164,251

 
5.6

 
284,300

 
10.5

West North Central
 
216,745

 
6.6

 
185,061

 
6.8

East North Central
 
299,758

 
10.3

 
178,478

 
6.6

West South Central
 
200,676

 
6.9

 
166,247

 
6.1

East South Central
 
63,330

 
2.2

 
62,794

 
2.3

New England
 
60,319

 
2.1

 
60,781

 
2.2

Total
 
$
2,919,616

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,718,709

 
100.0
%
Valuation allowances on mortgage loans are established based upon inherent losses expected by management to be realized in connection with future dispositions or settlement of mortgage loans, including foreclosures. The valuation allowances are established after management considers, among other things, the value of underlying collateral and payment capabilities of debtors. Any subsequent adjustments to the valuation allowances will be treated as investment gains or losses. See “Mortgage Loans on Real Estate” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding valuation allowances and impairments.



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Policy Loans
Policy loans comprised approximately 3.4% and 3.3% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, substantially all of which are associated with one client. These policy loans present no credit risk because the amount of the loan cannot exceed the obligation due the ceding company upon the death of the insured or surrender of the underlying policy. The provisions of the treaties in force and the underlying policies determine the policy loan interest rates. Because policy loans represent premature distributions of policy liabilities, they have the effect of reducing future disintermediation risk. In addition, the Company earns a spread between the interest rate earned on policy loans and the interest rate credited to corresponding liabilities.
Funds Withheld at Interest
Funds withheld at interest comprised approximately 15.3% and 15.4% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. For reinsurance agreements written on a modified coinsurance basis and certain agreements written on a coinsurance basis, assets equal to the net statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned and managed by the ceding company, and are reflected as funds withheld at interest on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. In the event of a ceding company’s insolvency, the Company would need to assert a claim on the assets supporting its reserve liabilities. However, the risk of loss to the Company is mitigated by its ability to offset amounts it owes the ceding company for claims or allowances with amounts owed by the ceding company. Interest accrues to these assets at rates defined by the treaty terms. Additionally, under certain treaties the Company is subject to the investment performance on the withheld assets, although it does not directly control them. These assets are primarily fixed maturity investment securities and pose risks similar to the fixed maturity securities the Company owns. To mitigate this risk, the Company helps set the investment guidelines followed by the ceding company and monitors compliance. Ceding companies with funds withheld at interest had an average rating of “A” at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Certain ceding companies maintain segregated portfolios for the benefit of the Company.
Other Invested Assets
Other invested assets include equity securities, limited partnership interests, joint ventures (other than operating joint ventures), structured loans, derivative contracts, FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments, FHLB common stock, real estate held-for-investment and equity release mortgages. Other invested assets represented approximately 3.2% and 3.1% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. See “Other Invested Assets” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the carrying value of the Company’s other invested assets by type as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairments on equity securities in the first three months of 2015 or 2014. The Company recorded $4.5 million of other-than-temporary impairments on limited partnership interests in the first three months of 2015. The Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairments on limited partnership interests in the first three months of 2014.
The Company has utilized derivative financial instruments to protect the Company against possible changes in the fair value of its investment portfolio as a result of interest rate changes, to hedge against risk of changes in the purchase price of securities, to hedge liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits and to manage the portfolio’s effective yield, maturity and duration. In addition, the Company has used derivative financial instruments to reduce the risk associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company uses both exchange-traded, centrally cleared, and customized over-the-counter derivative financial instruments.
See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the notional amounts and fair value of investment related derivative instruments held at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments. Generally, the credit exposure of the Company’s derivative contracts is limited to the fair value at the reporting date plus or minus any collateral posted or held by the Company. The Company had credit exposure related to its derivative contracts, excluding futures, longevity, and mortality swaps, of $16.3 million and $7.7 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
The Company manages its credit risk related to over-the-counter derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination. Certain of the Company's OTC derivatives are cleared derivatives, which are bilateral transactions between the Company and a counterparty where the transactions are cleared through a clearinghouse, such that each derivative counterparty is only exposed to the default of the clearinghouse. As exchange-traded futures are affected through regulated exchanges, and positions are marked to market on a daily basis, the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments”

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in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments.
Enterprise Risk Management
RGA maintains a dedicated Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) function that is responsible for analyzing and reporting the Company’s risks on an aggregated basis; facilitating monitoring to ensure the Company’s risks remain within its appetites and tolerances; and ensuring, on an ongoing basis, that RGA’s ERM objectives are met. This includes ensuring proper risk controls are in place; risks are effectively identified, assessed, and managed; and key risks to which the Company is exposed are disclosed to appropriate stakeholders. The ERM function plays an important role in fostering the Company’s risk management culture and practices.
Enterprise Risk Management Structure and Governance
The Board of Directors (“the Board”) oversees enterprise risk through its standing committees. The Finance, Investments, and Risk Management (FIRM) Committee of the Board oversees the management of the Company’s ERM program and policies. The FIRM receives regular reports and assessments which describe the Company’s key risk exposures and include quantitative and qualitative assessments and information about breaches, exceptions, and waivers.
The Company’s Global Chief Risk Officer (“CRO”) leads the dedicated ERM function. The CRO reports to the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) and has direct access to the Board through the FIRM Committee with formal reporting occurring quarterly. The CRO is supported by a network of Business Unit Chief Risk Officers and Risk Management Officers throughout the business who are responsible for the analysis and management of risks within their scope. A Lead Risk Management Officer is assigned to each risk to take overall responsibility to monitor and assess the risk consistently across all markets.
In addition to leading the ERM function, the CRO also chairs the Company’s Risk Management Steering Committee (“RMSC”), which is made up of senior management executives, including the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), and the COO, among others. The RMSC has oversight over all risk matters within RGA and, among other responsibilities, approves targets and limits for each material risk at the consolidated level and reviews these limits at least annually. Exposure to these risks is calculated and presented to the RMSC at least quarterly. Any waiver or exception to established risk limits needs to be approved by the RMSC. The RMSC may delegate some of its responsibilities to other committees focusing on more specific risks. Such committees may report directly or indirectly to the RMSC. In addition to the risk committees at a consolidated level, some of RGA’s operating entities have risk management committees that oversee relevant risks relative to segment-level risk targets and limits.
Enterprise Risk Management Framework
RGA’s ERM framework provides a platform to assess the risk / return profiles of risks throughout the organization to enable enhanced decision making by business leaders. The ERM framework also guides the development and implementation of mitigation strategies to reduce exposures to these risks to acceptable levels.
RGA’s ERM framework includes the following elements:
1.
Risk Culture: Risk management is an integral part of the Company’s culture and is embedded in RGA’s business processes in accordance with RGA’s risk philosophy. As the cornerstone of the ERM framework, a culture of prudent risk management reinforced by senior management plays a preeminent role in the effective management of risks assumed by RGA.
2.
Risk Tolerance Statements: RGA communicates to stakeholders the amount of risk the Company is willing to accept through risk tolerance statements, which take into account the interactions and aggregation of risks across multiple risk areas. These statements provide a framework for managing the Company from an overall risk point of view.
3.
Risk Targets and Limits: Risk Targets are established and managed in conjunction with strategic planning and set the desired range of risk that the Company seeks to assume. Risk Limits establish the maximum amount of each risk that the Company is willing to assume to remain within the Company’s risk tolerance.
4.
Risk Assessment Process: RGA uses qualitative and quantitative methods to assess key risks through a portfolio approach, which analyzes established and emerging risks in conjunction with other risks.
5.
Structural Controls: Structural controls provide additional safeguards against undesired risk exposures and are embedded in business processes. Examples of structural controls include maximum retention limits, pricing and underwriting reviews, per issuer limits, concentration limits, and standard treaty language.
Proactive risk monitoring and reporting enable early detection and mitigation of emerging risks. The RMSC monitors adherence to risk targets and limits through the ERM function, which reports regularly to the RMSC and FIRM Committee. The frequency

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of monitoring is tailored to the volatility of each risk. Risk escalation channels coupled with open communication lines enhance the mitigants explained above. The Company has devoted significant resources to developing its ERM program and expects to continue to do so in the future. Nonetheless, the Company’s policies and procedures to identify, manage, and monitor risks may not be fully effective. Many of the Company’s methods for managing risk are based on historical information, which may not be a good predictor of future risk exposures, such as the risk of a pandemic causing a large number of deaths. Management of operational, legal, and regulatory risk relies on policies and procedures which may not be fully effective under all scenarios.
Risk Categories
The Company categorizes its main risks as insurance risk, market risk, credit risk and operational risk. Specific risk assessments and descriptions can be found below and in Item 1A – “Risk Factors” of the 2014 Annual Report.
Insurance Risk
Insurance risk is the risk of loss due to experience deviating adversely from expectations for mortality, morbidity, longevity and policyholder behavior or lost future profits due to treaty recapture by clients. The Company uses multiple approaches to managing insurance risk: active insurance risk assessment and pricing appropriately for the risks assumed, transferring undesired risks, and managing the retained exposure prudently. These strategies are explained below.
Insurance Risk Assessment and Pricing
The Company has developed extensive expertise in assessing insurance risks which ultimately forms an integral part of ensuring that it is compensated commensurately for the risks it assumes and that it does not overpay for the risks it transfers to third parties. This expertise includes a vast array of market and product knowledge supported by a large information database of historical experience which is closely monitored. Analysis and experience studies derived from this database help form the basis for the Company’s pricing assumptions which are used in developing rates for new risks. If actual mortality or morbidity experience is materially adverse, some reinsurance treaties allow for increases to future premium rates.
Misestimation of any key risk can threaten the long term viability of the enterprise. Further, the pricing process is a key operational risk and significant effort is applied to ensuring the appropriateness of pricing assumptions. Some of the safeguards the Company uses to ensure proper pricing are: experience studies, strict underwriting, sensitivity and scenario testing, pricing guidelines and controls, authority limits and internal and external pricing reviews. In addition, the ERM function provides pricing oversight which includes periodic pricing audits.
Risk Transfer
To minimize volatility in financial results and reduce the impact of large losses, the Company transfers some of its insurance risk to third parties using vehicles such as retrocession and catastrophe coverage.
Individual Exposure Retrocession
In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of claims paid by ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises (or retrocessionaires) under excess coverage and coinsurance contracts. In individual life markets, the Company retains a maximum of $8.0 million of coverage per individual life. In certain limited situations the Company has retained more than $8.0 million per individual life. The Company enters into agreements with other reinsurers to mitigate the residual risk related to the over-retained policies. Additionally, due to some lower face amount reinsurance coverages provided by the Company in addition to individual life, such as group life, disability and health, under certain circumstances, the Company could potentially incur claims totaling more than $8.0 million per individual life.
Catastrophic Excess Loss Retrocession
The Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on its assumed catastrophic excess of loss reinsurance agreements by ceding a portion of its exposure to multiple retrocessionaires through retrocession line slips or directly to retrocession markets. The Company retains a maximum of $20.0 million of catastrophic loss exposure per agreement and retrocedes up to $50.0 million additional loss exposures to the retrocession markets. The Company limits its exposure on a country-by-country basis by managing its total exposure to all catastrophic excess of loss agreements bound within a given country to established maximum aggregate exposures. The maximum exposures are established and managed both on gross amounts issued prior to including retrocession and for amounts net of exposures retroceded.




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Catastrophe Coverage
The Company accesses the markets each year for annual catastrophic coverages and reviews current coverage and pricing of current and alternate designs. Purchases vary from year to year based on the Company’s perceived value of such coverages. The current policy covers events involving 10 or more insured deaths from a single occurrence and covers $100.0 million of claims in excess of the Company’s $25.0 million deductible.
Managing Retained Exposure
The Company retains most of the inbound insurance risk. The Company manages the retained exposure proactively using various mitigating factors such as diversification and limits. Diversification is the primary mitigating factor of short term volatility risk, but it also mitigates adverse impacts of changes in long term trends and catastrophic events. The Company’s insured populations are dispersed globally, diversifying the insurance exposure because factors that cause actual experience to deviate materially from expectations do not affect all areas uniformly and synchronously or in close sequence. A variety of limits mitigate retained insurance risk. Examples of these limits include geographic exposure limits, which set the maximum amount of business that can be written in a given locale, and jumbo limits, which prevent excessive coverage on a given individual.
In the event that mortality or morbidity experience develops in excess of expectations, some reinsurance treaties allow for increases to future premium rates. Other treaties include experience refund provisions, which may also help reduce RGA’s mortality risk.
RGA has various methods to manage its insurance risks, including access to the capital and reinsurance markets.
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk that net asset and liability values or revenue will be affected adversely by changes in market conditions such as market prices, exchange rates, and nominal interest rates. The Company is primarily exposed to interest rate, foreign currency, inflation, real estate and equity risks.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the potential for loss, on a net asset and liability basis, due to changes in interest rates, including both normal rate changes and credit spread changes. This risk arises from many of the Company’s primary activities, as the Company invests substantial funds in interest-sensitive assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, and also has certain interest-sensitive contract liabilities. A prolonged period where market yields are significantly below the book yields of the Company's asset portfolio puts downward pressure on portfolio book yields. The Company has been proactive in its investment strategies, reinsurance structures and overall asset-liability practices to reduce the risk of unfavorable consequences in this type of environment.
The Company manages interest rate risk to optimize the return on the Company’s capital and to preserve the value created by its business operations within certain constraints. As such, certain management monitoring processes are designed to minimize the effect of sudden and/or sustained changes in interest rates on fair value, cash flows, and net interest income. The Company manages its exposure to interest rates principally by managing the relative matching of the cash flows of its liabilities and assets.
The Company’s exposure to interest rate price risk and interest rate cash flow risk is reviewed on a quarterly basis. Interest rate price risk exposure is measured using interest rate sensitivity analysis to determine the change in fair value of the Company’s financial instruments in the event of a hypothetical change in interest rates. Interest rate cash flow risk exposure is measured using interest rate sensitivity analysis to determine the Company’s variability in cash flows in the event of a hypothetical change in interest rates.
In order to reduce the exposure to changes in fair values from interest rate fluctuations, the Company has developed strategies to manage the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities. In addition, from time to time, the Company has utilized the swap market to manage the sensitivity of fair values to interest rate fluctuations.
There has been no significant change in the Company’s quantitative or qualitative aspects of market risk during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 from that disclosed in the 2014 Annual Report.
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company is subject to foreign currency translation, transaction, and net income exposure. The Company manages its exposure to currency principally by matching invested assets with the underlying liabilities to the extent possible. The Company has in place net investment hedges for a portion of its investments in its Canadian operations to reduce excess exposure to these currencies. Translation differences resulting from translating foreign subsidiary balances to U.S. dollars are reflected in stockholders’ equity on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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The Company generally does not hedge the foreign currency exposure of its subsidiaries transacting business in currencies other than their functional currency (transaction exposure). However, the Company has entered into cross currency swaps. The majority of the Company’s foreign currency transactions are denominated in Australian dollars, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Euros, Japanese yen, Korean won, and the South African rand. The maximum amount of assets held in a specific currency (with the exception of the U.S. dollar) is measured relative to risk targets and is monitored regularly.
Inflation Risk
The primary direct effect on the Company of inflation is the increase in operating expenses. A large portion of the Company’s operating expenses consists of salaries, which are subject to wage increases at least partly affected by the rate of inflation. The rate of inflation also has an indirect effect on the Company. To the extent that a government’s policies to control the level of inflation result in changes in interest rates, the Company’s investment income is affected.
The Company reinsures annuities with benefits indexed to the cost of living. These benefits are hedged with a combination of CPI swaps and indexed bonds.
Long Term Care products have an inflation component linked to the future cost of such services. If health care costs increase at a much larger rate than what is prevalent in the nominal interest rates available in the markets, the company may not earn enough yield to pay future claims on such products.
Real Estate Risk
The Company has investments in direct real estate equity and debt instruments collateralized by real estate (“real estate loans”). Real estate equity risks include significant reduction in valuations, which could be caused by downturns in the broad economy or in specific geographic regions or sectors. In addition, real estate loan risks include defaults, natural disasters, borrower or tenant bankruptcy and reduced liquidity. Real estate loan risks are partially mitigated by the excess of the value of the property over the loan principle, which provides a buffer should the value of the real estate decrease. The Company manages its real estate loan risk by diversifying by property type and geography and through exposure limits.
Equity Risk
Equity risk is the risk that net asset and liability (e.g. variable annuities or other equity linked exposures) values or revenues will be affected adversely by changes in equity markets. The Company assumes equity risk from alternative investments, fixed indexed annuities and variable annuities. The Company uses derivatives to hedge its exposure to movements in equity markets that have a direct correlation with certain of its reinsurance products.
Alternative Investments
Alternative Investments are investments in non-traditional asset classes that are most commonly backing capital and surplus and not liabilities. The Company generally restricts the alternative investments portfolio to non-liability supporting assets: that is, free surplus. For (re)insurance companies, alternative investments generally encompass: hedge funds, owned commercial real estate, emerging markets debt, distressed debt, commodities, infrastructure, tax credits, and equities, both public and private. The Company mitigates its exposure to alternative investments by limiting the size of the alternative investments holding.
Fixed Indexed Annuities
The Company reinsures fixed indexed annuities ("FIAs"). Credits for FIAs are affected by changes in equity markets. Thus the fair value of the benefit is a function of primarily index returns and volatility. The Company hedges most of the underlying FIA equity exposure.
Variable Annuities
The Company reinsures variable annuities including those with guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”), guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”), guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”). Strong equity markets, increases in interest rates and decreases in equity market volatility will generally decrease the fair value of the liabilities underlying the benefits. Conversely, a decrease in the equity markets along with a decrease in interest rates and an increase in equity market volatility will generally result in an increase in the fair value of the liabilities underlying the benefits, which has the effect of increasing reserves and lowering earnings. The Company maintains a customized dynamic hedging program that is designed to substantially mitigate the risks associated with income volatility around the change in reserves on guaranteed benefits, ignoring the Company’s own credit risk assessment. However, the hedge positions may not fully offset the changes in the carrying value of the guarantees due to, among other things, time lags, high levels of volatility in the equity and derivative markets, extreme swings in interest rates, unexpected contract holder behavior, and divergence between the performance of the underlying funds and hedging indices. These factors, individually or collectively, may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s net income, financial condition or liquidity. The table below provides a summary of variable annuity account values and the fair value of the guaranteed benefits as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

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(dollars in millions)
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
No guarantee minimum benefits
 
$
864

 
$
881

GMDB only
 
71

 
75

GMIB only
 
5

 
5

GMAB only
 
41

 
44

GMWB only
 
1,600

 
1,636

GMDB / WB
 
410

 
427

Other
 
26

 
27

Total variable annuity account values
 
$
3,017

 
$
3,095

Fair value of liabilities associated with living benefit riders
 
$
184

 
$
159

Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of loss due to counterparty (obligor, client, retrocessionaire, or partner) credit deterioration or unwillingness to meet its obligations. Credit risk has two forms: investment credit risk (asset default and credit migration) and insurance counterparty risk.

Investment Credit Risk
Investment credit risk, which includes default risk, is risk of loss due to credit quality deterioration of an individual financial investment, derivative or non-derivative contract or instrument. Credit quality deterioration may or may not be accompanied by a ratings downgrade. Generally, the investment credit exposure for fixed maturity securities is limited to the fair value, net of any collateral received, at the reporting date.
The Company manages investment credit risk using per-issuer investments limits. In addition to per-issuer limits, the Company also limits the total amounts of investments per rating category. An automated compliance system checks for compliance for all investment positions and sends warning messages when there is a breach. The Company manages its credit risk related to over-the-counter derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination. Because futures are affected through regulated exchanges, and positions are marked to market on a daily basis, the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivative instruments.
The Company enters into various collateral arrangements, which require both the posting and accepting of collateral in connection with its derivative instruments. Collateral agreements contain attachment thresholds that vary depending on the posting party’s financial strength ratings. Additionally, a decrease in the Company’s financial strength rating to a specified level results in potential settlement of the derivative positions under the Company’s agreements with its counterparties. A committee was formed with the responsibility to set rules, approve and oversee all deals requiring collateral. See “Credit Risk” in Note 5 – “Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on credit risk related to derivatives.
Insurance Counterparty Risk
Insurance counterparty risk is the potential for the Company to incur losses due to a client, retrocessionaire, or partner becoming distressed or insolvent. This includes run-on-the-bank risk and collection risk.
Run-on-the-Bank
The risk that a client’s in force block incurs substantial surrenders and/or lapses due to credit impairment, reputation damage or other market changes affecting the counterparty. Severely higher than expected surrenders and/or lapses could result in inadequate in force business to recover cash paid out for acquisition costs.
Collection Risk
For clients and retrocessionaires, this includes their inability to satisfy a reinsurance agreement because the right of offset is disallowed by the receivership court; the reinsurance contract is rejected by the receiver, resulting in a premature termination of the contract; and/or the security supporting the transaction becomes unavailable to RGA.
The Company manages insurance counterparty risk by limiting the total exposure to a single counterparty and by only initiating contracts with creditworthy counterparties. In addition, some of the counterparties have set up trusts and letters of credit, reducing the Company’s exposure to these counterparties.

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Generally, RGA’s insurance subsidiaries retrocede amounts in excess of their retention to RGA Reinsurance, Parkway Re, RGA Barbados, RGA Americas, Rockwood Re, Manor Re, RGA Worldwide or RGA Atlantic. External retrocessions are arranged through the Company’s retrocession pools for amounts in excess of its retention. As of March 31, 2015, all retrocession pool members in this excess retention pool rated by the A.M. Best Company were rated “A-” or better. A rating of “A-” is the fourth highest rating out of fifteen possible ratings. For a majority of the retrocessionaires that were not rated, letters of credit or trust assets have been given as additional security. In addition, the Company performs annual financial and in force reviews of its retrocessionaires to evaluate financial stability and performance.
The Company has never experienced a material default in connection with retrocession arrangements, nor has it experienced any material difficulty in collecting claims recoverable from retrocessionaires; however, no assurance can be given as to the future performance of such retrocessionaires or as to the recoverability of any such claims.
Aggregate Counterparty Limits
In addition to investment credit limits and insurance counterparty limits, there are aggregate counterparty risk limits which include counterparty exposures from reinsurance, financing and investment activities at an aggregated level to control total exposure to a single counterparty. Counterparty risk aggregation is important because it enables the Company to capture risk exposures at a comprehensive level and under more extreme circumstances compared to analyzing the components individually.
All counterparty exposures are calculated on a quarterly basis, reviewed by management and monitored by the ERM function.
Operational Risks
Operational risks represent the risk of loss, or lost business opportunities, due to inadequate or failed internal processes, people, or systems or due to external events. These risks are sometimes residual risks after insurance, market, and credit risks have been identified. Identified operational risks are divided into four areas and are evaluated through a quarterly qualitative assessment involving Risk Management Officers across RGA’s business units. The four areas include the following:
Process Risks
Process risks include known factors within the Company’s key operational processes (such as administration, claims, underwriting, investment operations, retrocession, pricing process, disruption of operations, information security, and financial reporting) that could have potential effects on the Company’s ability to meet business objectives.
Legal/Regulatory Risks
Legal and regulatory risks include the various legal, compliance, sovereign, and regulatory obligations and concerns faced by the Company. This risk area often intersects with the Company's core operational process risk areas. Given the scope of the Company’s business and the number of countries in which it operates, this set of risks has the potential to affect the business locally, regionally, or globally.
Financial Risks
Financial risks take into account known factors related to fraud, collateral, expenses, financing, liquidity, tax, and valuation. There are many aspects to this set of risks that are important to the operations of the Company and its ability to meet obligations with its clients, shareholders, and regulators.
Intangibles Risks
Intangibles risks include human capital, ratings, reputation, and strategy. These risks are core to managing the Company’s brand and market confidence as well as maintaining its ability to acquire and retain the appropriate expertise to execute and operate the business.
New Accounting Standards
See Note 14 — “New Accounting Standards” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
See “Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Market Risk” which is included herein.
ITEM 4.  Controls and Procedures
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) during the quarter ended March 31, 2015, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  Legal Proceedings
The Company is subject to litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company currently has no material litigation. A legal reserve is established when the Company is notified of an arbitration demand or litigation or is notified that an arbitration demand or litigation is imminent, it is probable that the Company will incur a loss as a result and the amount of the probable loss is reasonably capable of being estimated.
ITEM 1A.  Risk Factors
There were no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the 2014 Annual Report.
ITEM 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table summarizes RGA’s repurchase activity of its common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2015:
 
 
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average Price Paid per   
Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced Plans
or Programs (1)
 
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased Under
the Plan or Program
January 1, 2015 -
January 31, 2015
 
1,034

 
$
85.98

 

 
$
300,000,000

February 1, 2015 -
February 28, 2015
 
957,277

 
$
98.14

 
937,654

 
$
216,395,677

March 1, 2015 -
March 31, 2015
 
1,061,064

 
$
91.51

 
1,061,064

 
$
69,875,807

 
(1)
RGA repurchased 937,654 and 1,601,064 shares of common stock under its share repurchase program for $83.6 million and $146.5 million during February and March 2015, respectively. The Company net settled - issuing 2,931 and 55,768 shares from treasury and repurchasing from recipients 1,034 and 19,623 shares in January and February, respectively, in settlement of income tax withholding requirements incurred by the recipients of an equity incentive award.
On January 22, 2015, RGA’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $300.0 million of the RGA’s outstanding common stock. The authorization was effective immediately and does not have an expiration date. Repurchases are to be made in accordance with applicable securities laws and are to be made through market transactions, block trades, privately negotiated transactions or other means or a combination of these methods, with the timing and number of shares repurchased dependent on a variety of factors, including share price, corporate and regulatory requirements and market and business conditions. Repurchases may be commenced or suspended from time to time without prior notice. In connection with this new authorization, the board of directors terminated the stock repurchase authority granted in 2014.
ITEM 5.  Other Information
Effective January 1, 2015, the Company further refined its reporting of the Canada; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific segments into traditional and non-traditional businesses to reflect the expanded product offerings within its geographic-based segments. The Company’s traditional and non-traditional segments are now managed separately and have discrete financial information available that is reviewed regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker. Refer to Exhibit 99.1 of this report for comparable figures by quarter for 2014 and 2013.

ITEM 6.  Exhibits
See index to exhibits.

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

 
 
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
 
 
Date: May 5, 2015
 
By: 
/s/ A. Greig Woodring
 
 
 
A. Greig Woodring
 
 
 
President & Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date: May 5, 2015
 
By:
/s/ Jack B. Lay
 
 
 
Jack B. Lay
 
 
 
Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
 
 
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 25, 2008.
 
 
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 18, 2014.
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
99.1
 
Supplemental information containing the Company's traditional and non-traditional segment results for Canada, EMEA and Asia Pacific operations for 2014 and 2013.
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

79
Ex 31.1 2015 Q1 10-Q


Exhibit 31.1
CEO CERTIFICATION
 
I, A. Greig Woodring, certify that:
 
1.      I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated;
2.      Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.      Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)      Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)      Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)      Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)      Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.      The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)      All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)      Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 5, 2015
 
 
 
/s/ A. Greig Woodring
 
 
 
 
A. Greig Woodring
 
 
 
 
President & Chief Executive Officer


Ex 31.2 2015 Q1 10-Q


Exhibit 31.2
CFO CERTIFICATION
I, Jack B. Lay, certify that:
 
1.      I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated;
2.      Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.      Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)      Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)      Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)      Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)      Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.      The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)      All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)      Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 5, 2015
 
 
 
/s/ Jack B. Lay
 
 
 
 
Jack B. Lay
 
 
 
 
Senior Executive Vice President
& Chief Financial Officer


Ex 32.1 2015 Q1 10-Q


Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated and subsidiaries, (the “Company”), for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), A. Greig Woodring, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certifies, to his best knowledge and belief, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
1.  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
Date: May 5, 2015
 
 
  
/s/ A. Greig Woodring
 
 
 
  
A. Greig Woodring
 
 
 
  
President & Chief Executive Officer


Ex 32.2 2015 Q1 10-Q


Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated and subsidiaries, (the “Company”), for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Jack B. Lay, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certifies, to his best knowledge and belief, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
1.  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: May 5, 2015
 
 
  
/s/ Jack B. Lay
 
 
 
  
Jack B. Lay
 
 
 
  
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
  
& Senior Executive Vice President


Ex 99.1 2015 Q1 10-Q


Exhibit 99.1

Below are traditional and non-traditional segment results for Canada, EMEA and Asia Pacific operations for 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
Canada Traditional Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(unaudited)
FISCAL 2014
 
FISCAL 2013
 
 
 
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
$
225,304

$
248,031

$
239,645

$
240,409

 
$
238,017

$
233,476

$
230,062

$
237,458

 
Investment income, net of related expenses
46,879

49,425

49,647

47,659

 
49,854

50,918

49,444

51,770

 
Investment related gains (losses), net
(1,700
)
4,165

(375
)
2,355

 
3,039

3,722

6,494

3,747

 
Other revenue
961

(220
)
761

569

 
208

302

(196
)
531

 
 
Total revenues
271,444

301,401

289,678

290,992

 
291,118

288,418

285,804

293,506

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
189,571

199,084

195,162

200,620

 
185,155

190,025

179,674

182,128

 
Interest credited

9

10

14

 
12

6

19

9

 
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
52,953

60,687

60,260

60,699

 
60,637

51,942

55,362

52,897

 
Other operating expenses
9,487

9,612

10,086

9,826

 
9,940

10,620

9,758

8,991

 
 
Total benefits and expenses
252,011

269,392

265,518

271,159

 
255,744

252,593

244,813

244,025

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
$
19,433

$
32,009

$
24,160

$
19,833

 
$
35,374

$
35,825

$
40,991

$
49,481

Canada Non-Traditional Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(unaudited)
FISCAL 2014
 
FISCAL 2013
 
 
 
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
$
5,540

$
5,546

$
5,491

$
4,615

 
$
5,254

$
6,157

$
6,005

$
5,882

 
Investment income, net of related expenses
724

655

600

616

 
701

724

717

723

 
Investment related gains (losses), net
41

28

3

8

 
16

26

(22
)
(12
)
 
Other revenue

1,483

1,568

1,432

 




 
 
Total revenues
6,305

7,712

7,662

6,671

 
5,971

6,907

6,700

6,593

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
5,185

4,209

6,271

4,451

 
4,543

6,559

5,337

5,098

 
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
151

150

149

131

 
195

192

191

222

 
Other operating expenses
338

342

358

350

 
299

322

294

272

 
 
Total benefits and expenses
5,674

4,701

6,778

4,932

 
5,037

7,073

5,822

5,592

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
$
631

$
3,011

$
884

$
1,739

 
$
934

$
(166
)
$
878

$
1,001






Europe, Middle East and Africa Traditional Segment
(unaudited)
FISCAL 2014
 
FISCAL 2013
 
 
 
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
$
291,798

$
286,403

$
291,015

$
288,191

 
$
261,208

$
260,225

$
269,373

$
278,569

 
Investment income, net of related expenses
11,824

12,113

13,050

15,099

 
10,783

12,921

12,377

13,131

 
Investment related gains (losses), net
3,724

8,920

3,540

7,008

 
1,743

428

1,274

5,404

 
Other revenue
404

(336
)
2,878

(582
)
 
460

2,515

(691
)
(63
)
 
 
Total revenues
307,750

307,100

310,483

309,716

 
274,194

276,089

282,333

297,041

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
269,251

236,540

244,010

247,959

 
237,920

238,694

228,090

245,606

 
Interest credited
2,786

5,750

2,959

4,076

 



6,114

 
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
13,735

11,994

17,205

14,038

 
11,708

9,493

13,435

18,407

 
Other operating expenses
22,970

26,029

25,028

30,414

 
20,442

22,114

21,888

24,337

 
 
Total benefits and expenses
308,742

280,313

289,202

296,487

 
270,070

270,301

263,413

294,464

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
$
(992
)
$
26,787

$
21,281

$
13,229

 
$
4,124

$
5,788

$
18,920

$
2,577

Europe, Middle East and Africa Non-Traditional Segment
(unaudited)
FISCAL 2014
 
FISCAL 2013
 
 
 
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
$
48,945

$
54,481

$
55,442

$
57,694

 
$
31,601

$
31,955

$
33,886

$
53,926

 
Investment income, net of related expenses
1,545

8,558

16,141

28,799

 
646

702

483

991

 
Investment related gains (losses), net
98

12,904

206

2,314

 
29

12

49

37

 
Other revenue
7,519

8,275

10,640

9,237

 
1,117

1,411

13,100

5,410

 
 
Total revenues
58,107

84,218

82,429

98,044

 
33,393

34,080

47,518

60,364

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
38,090

46,006

53,982

66,032

 
22,338

23,749

22,875

47,575

 
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
(470
)
(502
)
(738
)
(646
)
 
(101
)
(97
)
(87
)
(524
)
 
Other operating expenses
4,290

4,179

5,290

5,948

 
4,317

4,267

3,986

3,913

 
 
Total benefits and expenses
41,910

49,683

58,534

71,334

 
26,554

27,919

26,774

50,964

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
$
16,197

$
34,535

$
23,895

$
26,710

 
$
6,839

$
6,161

$
20,744

$
9,400







Asia Pacific Traditional Segment
(unaudited)
FISCAL 2014
 
FISCAL 2013
 
 
 
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
$
366,099

$
390,494

$
393,665

$
390,652

 
$
362,606

$
348,539

$
351,120

$
372,567

 
Investment income, net of related expenses
20,303

21,502

21,899

20,785

 
18,058

17,798

18,889

22,662

 
Investment related gains (losses), net
121

1,949

(323
)
1,192

 
560

470

1,666

304

 
Other revenue
366

51,593

2,776

3,363

 
(1,048
)
4,702

1,955

3,695

 
 
Total revenues
386,889

465,538

418,017

415,992

 
380,176

371,509

373,630

399,228

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
286,676

299,747

309,648

312,540

 
279,758

569,425

285,104

295,853

 
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
53,579

107,293

51,249

46,691

 
60,514

60,024

46,696

52,750

 
Other operating expenses
27,767

30,285

32,818

37,541

 
27,855

29,066

27,093

29,421

 
 
Total benefits and expenses
368,022

437,325

393,715

396,772

 
368,127

658,515

358,893

378,024

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
$
18,867

$
28,213

$
24,302

$
19,220

 
$
12,049

$
(287,006
)
$
14,737

$
21,204

Asia Pacific Non-Traditional Segment
(unaudited)
FISCAL 2014
 
FISCAL 2013
 
 
 
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
$
15,651

$
3,193

$
5,757

$
9,429

 
$
21,718

$
6,672

$
6,747

$
15,236

 
Investment income, net of related expenses
4,339

4,823

4,546

4,264

 
4,572

4,153

4,000

4,198

 
Investment related gains (losses), net
2,393

4,336

(6,062
)
(5,138
)
 
(4,999
)
(4,607
)
3,431

(2,299
)
 
Other revenue
5,757

5,281

6,174

5,539

 
8,384

6,251

5,849

6,777

 
 
Total revenues
28,140

17,633

10,415

14,094

 
29,675

12,469

20,027

23,912

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
16,920

6,573

9,859

8,103

 
18,643

9,383

12,104

17,279

 
Interest credited
246

234

221

195

 
311

274

270

263

 
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
710

616

603

367

 
1,572

147

588

517

 
Other operating expenses
2,820

3,495

3,621

4,006

 
2,956

3,004

3,023

3,398

 
 
Total benefits and expenses
20,696

10,918

14,304

12,671

 
23,482

12,808

15,985

21,457

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
$
7,444

$
6,715

$
(3,889
)
$
1,423

 
$
6,193

$
(339
)
$
4,042

$
2,455