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 2015 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 and its 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.
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. The Company has expanded its non-traditional reinsurance business, including significant asset-intensive, or annuity, transactions, which allow its clients to take advantage of growth opportunities and manage their capital, longevity 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 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 geographic-based and business-based operational segments: U.S. and Latin America; Canada; Europe, Middle East and Africa; Asia Pacific; and Corporate and Other. Geographic-based operations are further segmented into traditional and non-traditional businesses. The Company’s segments primarily write reinsurance business that is wholly or partially retained in one or more of RGA’s reinsurance subsidiaries.
The Company allocates capital to its segments based on an internally developed economic capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a consistent basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model considers the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in RGA’s businesses. As a result of the economic capital allocation process, a portion of investment income is credited to the segments based on the level of allocated capital. In addition, the segments are charged for excess capital utilized above the allocated economic capital basis. This charge is included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.
Results of Operations
Consolidated
Consolidated income before income taxes increased $139.4 million, or 65.2%, and $62.9 million, or 15.8%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2015. The increase in income for the second quarter of 2016 was primarily due to improved mortality experience compared to the prior year, higher investment income and an increase in investment related gains. The increase in investment related gains for the second quarter was largely due to changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives on modco or funds withheld treaties within the U.S. segment. The effect of the change in fair value of these embedded derivatives on income is discussed below. Results in 2016 also benefited from a $15.4 million reduction in interest expense due to the effective settlement of uncertain tax positions. The increase in income for the first six months of 2016 was partially offset by an increase in impairments on fixed maturity and equity securities of $28.0 million, compared to the same period in 2015. Foreign currency fluctuations relative to the prior year unfavorably affected income before income taxes by approximately $5.7 million and $14.9 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2016, as compared to the same periods in 2015.
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 an increase in consolidated income before income taxes of approximately $53.9 million and $124.1 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2016, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2015. 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 deferred acquisition costs, 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:
|
|
|
|
•
|
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, resulted in an increase in income before income taxes of $35.0 million in the second quarter of 2016 and a decrease of $2.3 million in the first six months of 2016, as compared to the same periods in 2015.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
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, resulted in an increase in income before income taxes of $3.1 million in the second quarter of 2016 and a decrease of $4.6 million in the first six months of 2016, as compared to the same periods in 2015.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
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, decreased income before income taxes by $92.0 million and $117.2 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2016, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2015.
|
Consolidated net premiums increased $217.9 million, or 10.2%, and $351.1 million, or 8.5%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, as compared to the same periods in 2015, primarily due to growth in life reinsurance in force and large in force block transactions entered into during the latter part of 2015. Foreign currency fluctuations unfavorably affected net premiums by approximately $45.7 million and $115.9 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2016, as compared to the same periods in 2015. Consolidated assumed life insurance in force increased to $3,090.3 billion as of June 30, 2016 from $2,925.3 billion as of June 30, 2015 due to new business production and in force transactions, partially offset by adverse foreign currency fluctuations. The Company added new business production, measured by face amount of insurance in force, of $107.3 billion and $71.7 billion during the second quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $215.1 billion and $177.5 billion during the first six months of 2016 and 2015, respectively. Adverse foreign currency fluctuations offset the increase in assumed life insurance in force from June 30, 2015 by $89.9 million. Management believes industry consolidation, regulatory changes and the established practice of reinsuring mortality and morbidity 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 $57.1 million, or 12.7%, and $47.5 million, or 5.4%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, as compared to the same periods in 2015. The increases are primarily attributable to strong variable investment income on alternative investments and investment prepayments and fees. Also contributing to the increase in investment income is a larger average invested asset base, excluding spread related business, partially offset by a decrease in the average investment yield. Average invested assets at amortized cost, excluding spread related business, for the six months ended June 30, 2016 totaled $22.7 billion, an 8.3% increase over June 30, 2015. The average yield earned on investments, excluding spread related business, was 4.71% and 4.88% for the second quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively, and 4.59% and 4.83% for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The average yield will vary from quarter to quarter and year to year depending on a number of variables, including the prevailing interest rate and credit spread environment, changes in the mix of the underlying investments and cash balances, prepayment fees recorded on the early payoff of certain investments and the timing of dividends and distributions on certain investments. A continued low interest rate environment is expected to put downward pressure on this yield in future reporting periods. A portion of investment income is allocated to the operating segments based upon average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment operations.
Total investment related gains (losses), net improved by $134.4 million and $6.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, as compared to the same periods in 2015. The improvement in the second quarter of 2016 was primarily due to a favorable change in the value of embedded derivatives related to reinsurance treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis of $100.1 million, as compared to the same period in 2015. During the first six months of 2016, the favorable change in the value of these embedded derivatives was $10.1 million, as compared to the same period in 2015. In addition, impairments on fixed maturity and equity securities increased by $28.0 million in the first six months of 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. See Note 4 - “Investments” and Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the impairment losses and derivatives.
The effective tax rate on a consolidated basis was 33.2% and 39.0% for the second quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively, and 32.2% and 35.8% for the first six months of 2016 and 2015, respectively. The second quarter and first six months of 2016 effective tax rates were lower than the U.S. Statutory rate of 35.0% primarily as a result of tax benefits from income in non-U.S. jurisdictions with lower tax rates than the U.S. and differences in tax bases in foreign jurisdictions. These benefits were partially offset by an accrual related to an uncertain tax position. The second quarter and first six months of 2015 effective tax rates were higher than the U.S. Statutory rate of 35.0% primarily as a result of 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 and a loss in Australia which has a lower tax rate than the U.S. The high tax rate was partially offset with income in other jurisdictions with rates lower than the U.S.
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.
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 2015 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 2016 compared to 2015 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 through relatively low risk reinsurance transactions. Typically these transactions do not qualify as reinsurance under GAAP, due to the low-risk nature of the transactions, so only the related net fees are reflected in other revenues on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the three months ended June 30, 2016:
|
|
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
Asset-Intensive
|
|
Financial
Reinsurance
|
|
Total U.S. and Latin America
|
|
|
|
Traditional
|
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net premiums
|
|
$
|
1,307,395
|
|
|
$
|
5,662
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,313,057
|
|
|
Investment income, net of related expenses
|
|
182,238
|
|
|
177,681
|
|
|
2,386
|
|
|
362,305
|
|
|
Investment related gains (losses), net
|
|
(882
|
)
|
|
76,830
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
75,948
|
|
|
Other revenues
|
|
5,252
|
|
|
24,555
|
|
|
17,963
|
|
|
47,770
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
1,494,003
|
|
|
284,728
|
|
|
20,349
|
|
|
1,799,080
|
|
|
Benefits and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Claims and other policy benefits
|
|
1,149,665
|
|
|
19,507
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,169,172
|
|
|
Interest credited
|
|
20,845
|
|
|
68,436
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
89,281
|
|
|
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
|
|
182,285
|
|
|
97,078
|
|
|
3,085
|
|
|
282,448
|
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
29,778
|
|
|
5,728
|
|
|
2,389
|
|
|
37,895
|
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
|
1,382,573
|
|
|
190,749
|
|
|
5,474
|
|
|
1,578,796
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
$
|
111,430
|
|
|
$
|
93,979
|
|
|
$
|
14,875
|
|
|
$
|
220,284
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the three months ended June 30, 2015:
|
|
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
Asset-Intensive
|
|
Financial
Reinsurance
|
|
Total U.S. and Latin America
|
|
|
|
Traditional
|
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net premiums
|
|
$
|
1,170,931
|
|
|
$
|
5,941
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,176,872
|
|
|
Investment income, net of related expenses
|
|
163,390
|
|
|
155,364
|
|
|
1,194
|
|
|
319,948
|
|
|
Investment related gains (losses), net
|
|
3,360
|
|
|
(15,075
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(11,715
|
)
|
|
Other revenues
|
|
4,567
|
|
|
26,634
|
|
|
17,717
|
|
|
48,918
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
1,342,248
|
|
|
172,864
|
|
|
18,911
|
|
|
1,534,023
|
|
|
Benefits and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Claims and other policy benefits
|
|
1,041,390
|
|
|
19,983
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,061,373
|
|
|
Interest credited
|
|
21,875
|
|
|
59,042
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
80,917
|
|
|
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
|
|
169,035
|
|
|
32,976
|
|
|
2,522
|
|
|
204,533
|
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
27,155
|
|
|
5,113
|
|
|
1,746
|
|
|
34,014
|
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
|
1,259,455
|
|
|
117,114
|
|
|
4,268
|
|
|
1,380,837
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
$
|
82,793
|
|
|
$
|
55,750
|
|
|
$
|
14,643
|
|
|
$
|
153,186
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the six months ended June 30, 2016:
|
|
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
Asset-Intensive
|
|
Financial
Reinsurance
|
|
Total U.S. and Latin America
|
|
|
|
Traditional
|
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net premiums
|
|
$
|
2,541,789
|
|
|
$
|
11,881
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
2,553,670
|
|
|
Investment income, net of related expenses
|
|
347,261
|
|
|
294,896
|
|
|
4,993
|
|
|
647,150
|
|
|
Investment related gains (losses), net
|
|
(2,982
|
)
|
|
(51,721
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(54,703
|
)
|
|
Other revenues
|
|
8,752
|
|
|
47,389
|
|
|
36,544
|
|
|
92,685
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
2,894,820
|
|
|
302,445
|
|
|
41,537
|
|
|
3,238,802
|
|
|
Benefits and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Claims and other policy benefits
|
|
2,269,107
|
|
|
39,340
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,308,447
|
|
|
Interest credited
|
|
42,245
|
|
|
130,994
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
173,239
|
|
|
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
|
|
359,363
|
|
|
57,422
|
|
|
5,653
|
|
|
422,438
|
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
61,577
|
|
|
11,540
|
|
|
5,075
|
|
|
78,192
|
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
|
2,732,292
|
|
|
239,296
|
|
|
10,728
|
|
|
2,982,316
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
$
|
162,528
|
|
|
$
|
63,149
|
|
|
$
|
30,809
|
|
|
$
|
256,486
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the six months ended June 30, 2015:
|
|
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
Asset-Intensive
|
|
Financial
Reinsurance
|
|
Total U.S. and Latin America
|
|
|
|
Traditional
|
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net premiums
|
|
$
|
2,285,025
|
|
|
$
|
10,982
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
2,296,007
|
|
|
Investment income, net of related expenses
|
|
306,395
|
|
|
303,201
|
|
|
2,339
|
|
|
611,935
|
|
|
Investment related gains (losses), net
|
|
887
|
|
|
(18,274
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(17,387
|
)
|
|
Other revenues
|
|
5,231
|
|
|
53,178
|
|
|
33,022
|
|
|
91,431
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
2,597,538
|
|
|
349,087
|
|
|
35,361
|
|
|
2,981,986
|
|
|
Benefits and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Claims and other policy benefits
|
|
2,080,797
|
|
|
26,709
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,107,506
|
|
|
Interest credited
|
|
34,819
|
|
|
154,027
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
188,846
|
|
|
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
|
|
327,602
|
|
|
61,030
|
|
|
4,938
|
|
|
393,570
|
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
53,684
|
|
|
9,431
|
|
|
3,415
|
|
|
66,530
|
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
|
2,496,902
|
|
|
251,197
|
|
|
8,353
|
|
|
2,756,452
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
$
|
100,636
|
|
|
$
|
97,890
|
|
|
$
|
27,008
|
|
|
$
|
225,534
|
|
Income before income taxes increased by
$67.1 million
, or
43.8%
, and
$31.0 million
, or
13.7%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. For both the quarter and the year, as compared to same period prior year, the favorable increases were driven by changes in the value of the embedded derivatives associated with reinsurance treaties structured on a modco or funds withheld basis, improved claims experience in the Traditional segment, and a higher asset base, driven largely by acquisitions of in force blocks late in 2015. Year over year, the increase was somewhat offset by other than temporary impairments in the energy sector of the investment portfolio.
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 increased by
$28.6 million
, or
34.6%
, and
$61.9 million
, or
61.5%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases were primarily due to improved claims experience and an increase in the overall asset base primarily associated with large in force block transactions executed in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Net premiums increased
$136.5 million
, or
11.7%
, and
$256.8 million
, or
11.2%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases were primarily due to large in force block transactions executed during the latter part of 2015, significant individual health and group life transactions executed in the first six months of 2016, and expected organic premium growth. The segment added new individual life business production, measured by face amount of insurance in force of $32.0 billion and $15.7 billion for the second quarter and $73.3 billion and $35.4 billion for the first
six
months of
2016
and
2015
, respectively.
Net investment income increased
$18.8 million
, or
11.5%
, and
$40.9 million
, or
13.3%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases were primarily due to an increase in the average invested asset base primarily associated with the aforementioned in force block transactions along with strong variable investment income during the six months ended June 30, 2016. Investment related gains (losses), net decreased
$4.2 million
and
$3.9 million
for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. A portion of investment income is 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
87.9%
and
88.9%
for the second quarter and
89.3%
and
91.1%
, for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, respectively. The decreases in the loss ratios were primarily due to higher than normal adverse volatility in the total count of individual mortality claims during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. Although reasonably predictable over a period of years, claims can be volatile over short-term periods.
Interest credited expense decreased
$1.0 million
, or
4.7%
, and increased
$7.4 million
, or
21.3%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. Interest credited in this segment relates to amounts credited on cash value products which also have a significant mortality component. The increase in the first six months relates primarily to the interest sensitive whole life products acquired in the acquisition of Aurora National Life Assurance Company ("Aurora") in the second quarter of 2015. 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
13.9%
and
14.4%
for the
second
quarter and
14.1%
and
14.3%
for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, 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 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
$2.6 million
, or
9.7%
, and
$7.9 million
, or
14.7%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. Contributing to the increase was an expansion in underwriting personnel to support clients. Other operating expenses, as a percentage of net premiums were
2.3%
and
2.3%
for the
second
quarter and
2.4%
and
2.3%
for the
six
month periods ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, respectively. The expense ratio tends to fluctuate only slightly from period to period due to the maturity and scale of this segment.
Non-Traditional - Asset-Intensive Reinsurance
Asset-Intensive reinsurance within the U.S. and Latin America Non-Traditional segment primarily involves assuming investment risk within underlying annuities and corporate-owned life insurance policies. Most of these agreements are coinsurance, coinsurance with funds withheld or modco. The Company recognizes profits or losses primarily from the spread between the investment income earned and the interest credited on the underlying deposit liabilities, income associated with longevity risk, and fees associated with variable annuity account values and guaranteed investment contracts.
Impact of certain derivatives:
Income from the asset-intensive business tends to be volatile due to changes in the fair value of certain derivatives, including embedded derivatives associated with reinsurance treaties structured on a modco or funds withheld basis, as well as embedded derivatives associated with the Company’s reinsurance of equity-indexed annuities and variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefit riders. Fluctuations occur period to period primarily due to changing investment conditions including, but not limited to, interest rate movements (including risk-free rates and credit spreads), implied volatility 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 June 30,
|
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
$
|
284,728
|
|
|
$
|
172,864
|
|
|
$
|
302,445
|
|
|
$
|
349,087
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties
|
|
77,848
|
|
|
(26,456
|
)
|
|
(12,366
|
)
|
|
(26,309
|
)
|
|
Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives
|
|
2,923
|
|
|
10,619
|
|
|
(12,063
|
)
|
|
6,052
|
|
|
Revenues before certain derivatives
|
|
203,957
|
|
|
188,701
|
|
|
326,874
|
|
|
369,344
|
|
|
Benefits and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
|
190,749
|
|
|
117,114
|
|
|
239,296
|
|
|
251,197
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties
|
|
48,033
|
|
|
(17,072
|
)
|
|
(3,021
|
)
|
|
(15,416
|
)
|
|
Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives
|
|
2,545
|
|
|
3,340
|
|
|
(304
|
)
|
|
2,190
|
|
|
Equity-indexed annuities
|
|
(7,359
|
)
|
|
(4,305
|
)
|
|
5,901
|
|
|
1,296
|
|
|
Benefits and expenses before certain derivatives
|
|
147,530
|
|
|
135,151
|
|
|
236,720
|
|
|
263,127
|
|
|
Income before income taxes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
93,979
|
|
|
55,750
|
|
|
63,149
|
|
|
97,890
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties
|
|
29,815
|
|
|
(9,384
|
)
|
|
(9,345
|
)
|
|
(10,893
|
)
|
|
Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives
|
|
378
|
|
|
7,279
|
|
|
(11,759
|
)
|
|
3,862
|
|
|
Equity-indexed annuities
|
|
7,359
|
|
|
4,305
|
|
|
(5,901
|
)
|
|
(1,296
|
)
|
|
Income before income taxes and certain derivatives
|
|
$
|
56,427
|
|
|
$
|
53,550
|
|
|
$
|
90,154
|
|
|
$
|
106,217
|
|
Embedded Derivatives - Modco/Funds Withheld Treaties -
Represents the change in the fair value of embedded derivatives on funds withheld at interest associated with treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis. The fair value changes of embedded derivatives on funds withheld at interest associated with treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis are reflected in revenues, while the related impact on deferred acquisition expenses is reflected in benefits and expenses. The Company's utilization of a credit valuation adjustment did not have a material effect on the change in fair value of these embedded derivatives for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.
The change in fair value of the embedded derivatives - modco/funds withheld treaties increased (decreased) income before income taxes by
$29.8 million
and
$(9.4) million
for the
second
quarter and
$(9.3) million
and
$(10.9) million
for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and 2015, respectively. The increase in income for the three months ended June 30, 2016 was primarily due to tightening credit spreads, while the decrease in income for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was due to a combination of widening credit spreads and increased risk free rates. The decreases in income for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and 2015 were primarily due to widening 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. The Company's utilization of a credit valuation adjustment did not have a material effect on the change in fair value of these embedded derivatives for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.
The change in fair value of the guaranteed minimum benefits, after allowing for changes in the associated free standing derivatives, increased (decreased) income before income taxes by
$0.4 million
and
$7.3 million
for the
second
quarter and
$(11.8) million
and
$3.9 million
for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and 2015, respectively. The increase in income for the three months ended June 30, 2016 was primarily due to rising equity markets, while the increase in income for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was due to rising equity markets and declining volatility. The decrease in income for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was primarily due to policyholder experience, while the increase in income for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was due to rising equity markets and declining volatility.
Equity-Indexed Annuities -
Represents changes in the liability for equity-indexed annuities in excess of changes in account value, after adjustments for related deferred acquisition expenses. The change in fair value of embedded derivative liabilities associated with equity-indexed annuities increased (decreased) income before income taxes by
$7.4 million
and
$4.3 million
for the
second
quarter and
$(5.9) million
and
$(1.3) million
for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and 2015, respectively. The increase in income for the three months ended June 30, 2016 was primarily due to decreasing interest rates, while the increase in income for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily due to increasing interest rates. The decrease in income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was primarily due increasing interest rates.
The changes in derivatives discussed above are considered unrealized by management and do not affect current cash flows, crediting rates or spread performance on the underlying treaties. Fluctuations occur period to period primarily due to changing investment conditions including, but not limited to, interest rate movements (including benchmark rates and credit spreads), credit valuation adjustments, implied volatility and equity market performance, all of which are factors in the calculations of fair value. Therefore, management believes it is helpful to distinguish between the effects of changes in these derivatives and the primary factors that drive profitability of the underlying treaties, namely investment income, fee income (included in other revenues) and interest credited.
Discussion and analysis before certain derivatives:
Income before income taxes and certain derivatives increased by $2.9 million and decreased by $16.1 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increase in the second quarter was primarily due to higher investment related gains (losses), net of the corresponding impact to deferred acquisition costs, associated with funds withheld portfolios. Funds withheld capital gains (losses) are reflected in investment income. The decrease in the first six months was primarily due to an increase of $21.4 million in other-than-temporary impairments on investments in the first quarter, partially offset by the inclusion of Aurora in the 2016 results.
Revenue before certain derivatives increased by $15.3 million and decreased by $42.5 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increase in the second quarter was primarily due to the change in fair value of equity options associated with the reinsurance of certain EIAs. The decrease in the first six months was primarily due to the decline in fair value of equity options associated with the reinsurance of certain EIAs and other-than-temporary impairments on investments, which offset the increase in investment income associated with the acquisition of Aurora. The effect on investment income related to equity options is substantially offset by a corresponding change in interest credited.
Benefits and expenses before certain derivatives increased by $12.4 million and decreased by $26.4 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same period in
2015
. The increase in the second quarter was primarily due to higher interest credited associated with the reinsurance of certain EIAs. The decrease in the first six months of 2016 was primarily due to lower interest credited associated with the reinsurance of EIAs which was partially offset by the benefits and expenses associated with the acquisition of Aurora. The effect on interest credited related to equity options is substantially offset by a corresponding change in investment income.
The invested asset base supporting this segment decreased to $13.1 billion as of
June 30, 2016
from $14.1 billion as of
June 30, 2015
. The decrease in the asset base was due primarily to the expected run-off from closed block transactions. As of
June 30, 2016
, $4.0 billion of the invested assets were funds withheld at interest, of which greater than 90% is associated with one client.
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 increased
$0.2 million
, or
1.6%
, and
$3.8 million
, or
14.1%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increase was primarily due to growth in new transactions and organic growth on existing transactions which was partially offset by the termination of certain agreements.
At
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, the amount of reinsurance assumed from client companies, as measured by pre-tax statutory surplus, risk based capital and other financial structures was $7.7 billion and $6.4 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, which assists clients with capital management activity, and mortality and morbidity risk management. The Canada operations are primarily engaged in Traditional reinsurance, which consists mainly of traditional individual life reinsurance, as well as creditor, group life and health and living benefits (disability 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. The Canada operations are also engaged in Non-Traditional reinsurance which consists of longevity and financial reinsurance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands)
|
Three months ended June 30,
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Revenues:
|
Traditional
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
Total Canada
|
|
Traditional
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
Total Canada
|
|
Net premiums
|
$
|
240,107
|
|
|
$
|
10,192
|
|
|
$
|
250,299
|
|
|
$
|
224,960
|
|
|
$
|
9,725
|
|
|
$
|
234,685
|
|
|
Investment income, net of related expenses
|
46,859
|
|
|
228
|
|
|
47,087
|
|
|
45,751
|
|
|
328
|
|
|
46,079
|
|
|
Investment related gains (losses), net
|
2,285
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,285
|
|
|
(167
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(167
|
)
|
|
Other revenues
|
(339
|
)
|
|
1,434
|
|
|
1,095
|
|
|
(454
|
)
|
|
1,405
|
|
|
951
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
288,912
|
|
|
11,854
|
|
|
300,766
|
|
|
270,090
|
|
|
11,458
|
|
|
281,548
|
|
|
Benefits and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Claims and other policy benefits
|
176,478
|
|
|
8,834
|
|
|
185,312
|
|
|
185,742
|
|
|
7,904
|
|
|
193,646
|
|
|
Interest credited
|
7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
|
60,021
|
|
|
513
|
|
|
60,534
|
|
|
53,371
|
|
|
148
|
|
|
53,519
|
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
9,097
|
|
|
379
|
|
|
9,476
|
|
|
8,236
|
|
|
312
|
|
|
8,548
|
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
245,603
|
|
|
9,726
|
|
|
255,329
|
|
|
247,354
|
|
|
8,364
|
|
|
255,718
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
$
|
43,309
|
|
|
$
|
2,128
|
|
|
$
|
45,437
|
|
|
$
|
22,736
|
|
|
$
|
3,094
|
|
|
$
|
25,830
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands)
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Revenues:
|
Traditional
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
Total Canada
|
|
Traditional
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
Total Canada
|
|
Net premiums
|
$
|
455,570
|
|
|
$
|
19,143
|
|
|
$
|
474,713
|
|
|
$
|
437,510
|
|
|
$
|
19,692
|
|
|
$
|
457,202
|
|
|
Investment income, net of related expenses
|
88,882
|
|
|
612
|
|
|
89,494
|
|
|
95,191
|
|
|
878
|
|
|
96,069
|
|
|
Investment related gains (losses), net
|
3,925
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3,925
|
|
|
1,291
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,291
|
|
|
Other revenues
|
(1,465
|
)
|
|
2,783
|
|
|
1,318
|
|
|
1,102
|
|
|
2,762
|
|
|
3,864
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
546,912
|
|
|
22,538
|
|
|
569,450
|
|
|
535,094
|
|
|
23,332
|
|
|
558,426
|
|
|
Benefits and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Claims and other policy benefits
|
348,879
|
|
|
18,438
|
|
|
367,317
|
|
|
369,276
|
|
|
15,203
|
|
|
384,479
|
|
|
Interest credited
|
9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
|
117,159
|
|
|
717
|
|
|
117,876
|
|
|
102,922
|
|
|
255
|
|
|
103,177
|
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
17,461
|
|
|
663
|
|
|
18,124
|
|
|
17,424
|
|
|
649
|
|
|
18,073
|
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
483,508
|
|
|
19,818
|
|
|
503,326
|
|
|
489,631
|
|
|
16,107
|
|
|
505,738
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
$
|
63,404
|
|
|
$
|
2,720
|
|
|
$
|
66,124
|
|
|
$
|
45,463
|
|
|
$
|
7,225
|
|
|
$
|
52,688
|
|
Income before income taxes increased by
$19.6 million
, or
75.9%
, and
$13.4 million
, or
25.5%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increase in income for the second quarter is primarily due to improved traditional individual life mortality experience, as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase in income for the first six months is primarily due to improved traditional individual life mortality experience partially offset by a decrease in investment income and unfavorable experience on longevity business, as compared to the same period in 2015. A weaker Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $2.4 million and $6.1 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
.
Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes for the Canada Traditional segment increased by
$20.6 million
, or
90.5%
, and
$17.9 million
, or
39.5%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increase in income before income taxes for the second quarter is primarily due to favorable traditional individual life mortality experience and a $2.5 million increase in investment related gains (losses), net. The increase in income before income taxes for the first six months, is primarily due to favorable traditional individual life mortality experience and a $2.6 million increase in investment related gains (losses), net, partially offset by a decrease in investment income. Additionally, a weaker Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $2.2 million and $5.4 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
.
Net premiums increased
$15.1 million
, or
6.7%
, and
$18.1 million
, or
4.1%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases in net premiums were primarily due to an increase from creditor business of $16.6 million and $32.1 million, as compared to the same periods in 2015. Also contributing to the increase in net premiums for the second quarter and first six months is the underlying yearly renewable term structure on a significant portion of the block of business, which generally increases over time. These increases were partially offset by foreign currency exchange fluctuation in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in net premiums of approximately $11.6 million and $33.6 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. 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
$1.1 million
, or
2.4%
, and decreased
$6.3 million
, or
6.6%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increase in the second quarter was primarily due to growth in the invested asset base partially offset by adverse currency fluctuations of approximately $2.3 million. The decrease in net investment income for the first six months ended June 30, 2016, was primarily due to adverse foreign currency fluctuations of approximately $6.7 million. A portion of investment income is 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 by
$0.1 million
, or
25.3%
, and decreased by
$2.6 million
, or
232.9%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The decrease in other revenues in the first six months of 2016 was due to unfavorable foreign currency exchange fluctuations.
Loss ratios for this segment were
73.5%
and
82.6%
for the second quarter and
76.6%
and
84.4%
for the six months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, respectively. The decreases in the loss ratios for the second quarter and first six months of 2016, as compared to the same periods in 2015, are due to improved traditional life mortality experience. Loss ratios for the traditional individual life mortality business were 87.2% and 96.2% for the
second
quarter and 92.9% and 99.2% for the first
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, respectively. Excluding creditor business, claims as a percentage of net premiums for this segment were 67.6% and 73.4% for the
second
quarter and 72.7% and 78.8% for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, 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 69.3% and 76.3% for the
second
quarter and 73.5% and 77.2% for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, respectively.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were
25.0%
and
23.7%
for the
second
quarter and
25.7%
and
23.5%
for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, respectively. Overall, while these ratios are expected to remain in a predictable range, they may fluctuate from period to period due to varying allowance levels and product mix. In addition, the amortization patterns of previously capitalized amounts, which are subject to the form of the reinsurance agreement and the underlying insurance policies, may vary.
Other operating expenses increased by
$0.9 million
, or
10.5%
, for the three months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same period in
2015
. Other operating expenses were essentially flat for the comparable six month periods. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in operating expenses of approximately $0.4 million and $1.2 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums were
3.8%
and
3.7%
for the
second
quarter and
3.8%
and
4.0%
for the first
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, respectively.
Non-Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes decreased by
$1.0 million
, or
31.2%
, and
$4.5 million
, or
62.4%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The decrease in income for the three months ended June 30, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015, is primarily due to favorable experience on longevity business for the three months ended June 30, 2015. The decrease in income for the six months ended June 30, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015 was primarily due to unfavorable experience on longevity business. A weaker Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $0.1 million and $0.7 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
.
Net premiums increased
$0.5 million
, or
4.8%
, and decreased by
$0.5 million
, or
2.8%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. A weaker Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in net premiums of approximately $0.5 million and $1.4 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. 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.
Claims and other policy benefits increased
$0.9 million
, or
11.8%
, and
$3.2 million
, or
21.3%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increase for the second quarter is commensurate with business growth. The increase for the first six months was a result of unfavorable experience on longevity business, in addition to growth of the underlying business. 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 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 closed blocks, payout annuities, capital management solutions and financial reinsurance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands)
|
Three months ended June 30,
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Revenues:
|
Traditional
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
Total EMEA
|
|
Traditional
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
Total EMEA
|
|
Net premiums
|
$
|
286,861
|
|
|
$
|
43,484
|
|
|
$
|
330,345
|
|
|
$
|
275,745
|
|
|
$
|
50,234
|
|
|
$
|
325,979
|
|
|
Investment income, net of related expenses
|
13,321
|
|
|
33,417
|
|
|
46,738
|
|
|
13,092
|
|
|
15,782
|
|
|
28,874
|
|
|
Investment related gains (losses), net
|
—
|
|
|
1,468
|
|
|
1,468
|
|
|
(4,509
|
)
|
|
50
|
|
|
(4,459
|
)
|
|
Other revenues
|
1,460
|
|
|
2,608
|
|
|
4,068
|
|
|
(136
|
)
|
|
9,242
|
|
|
9,106
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
301,642
|
|
|
80,977
|
|
|
382,619
|
|
|
284,192
|
|
|
75,308
|
|
|
359,500
|
|
|
Benefits and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Claims and other policy benefits
|
252,336
|
|
|
44,004
|
|
|
296,340
|
|
|
240,942
|
|
|
39,849
|
|
|
280,791
|
|
|
Interest credited
|
—
|
|
|
2,966
|
|
|
2,966
|
|
|
(4,048
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(4,048
|
)
|
|
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
|
17,550
|
|
|
723
|
|
|
18,273
|
|
|
14,183
|
|
|
266
|
|
|
14,449
|
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
24,922
|
|
|
5,815
|
|
|
30,737
|
|
|
23,956
|
|
|
3,761
|
|
|
27,717
|
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
294,808
|
|
|
53,508
|
|
|
348,316
|
|
|
275,033
|
|
|
43,876
|
|
|
318,909
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
$
|
6,834
|
|
|
$
|
27,469
|
|
|
$
|
34,303
|
|
|
$
|
9,159
|
|
|
$
|
31,432
|
|
|
$
|
40,591
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands)
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Revenues:
|
Traditional
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
Total EMEA
|
|
Traditional
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
Total EMEA
|
|
Net premiums
|
$
|
563,296
|
|
|
$
|
79,090
|
|
|
$
|
642,386
|
|
|
$
|
545,491
|
|
|
$
|
80,094
|
|
|
$
|
625,585
|
|
|
Investment income, net of related expenses
|
25,489
|
|
|
62,101
|
|
|
87,590
|
|
|
25,181
|
|
|
32,659
|
|
|
57,840
|
|
|
Investment related gains (losses), net
|
5
|
|
|
464
|
|
|
469
|
|
|
7,748
|
|
|
901
|
|
|
8,649
|
|
|
Other revenues
|
2,486
|
|
|
7,078
|
|
|
9,564
|
|
|
1,004
|
|
|
17,030
|
|
|
18,034
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
591,276
|
|
|
148,733
|
|
|
740,009
|
|
|
579,424
|
|
|
130,684
|
|
|
710,108
|
|
|
Benefits and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Claims and other policy benefits
|
503,579
|
|
|
80,447
|
|
|
584,026
|
|
|
476,249
|
|
|
71,930
|
|
|
548,179
|
|
|
Interest credited
|
—
|
|
|
3,374
|
|
|
3,374
|
|
|
8,301
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
8,301
|
|
|
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
|
32,332
|
|
|
530
|
|
|
32,862
|
|
|
26,191
|
|
|
(264
|
)
|
|
25,927
|
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
49,647
|
|
|
11,489
|
|
|
61,136
|
|
|
49,042
|
|
|
7,952
|
|
|
56,994
|
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
585,558
|
|
|
95,840
|
|
|
681,398
|
|
|
559,783
|
|
|
79,618
|
|
|
639,401
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
$
|
5,718
|
|
|
$
|
52,893
|
|
|
$
|
58,611
|
|
|
$
|
19,641
|
|
|
$
|
51,066
|
|
|
$
|
70,707
|
|
Income before income taxes decreased by
$6.3 million
, or
15.5%
, and
$12.1 million
, or
17.1%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The decreases in income before income taxes were primarily due to reduced fee income business and poor mortality and morbidity experience partially offset by increased payout annuity business. In addition, foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes totaling $1.9 million and $4.1 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
, due primarily to weakness in the British pound.
Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes decreased by
$2.3 million
, or
25.4%
, and
$13.9 million
, or
70.9%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The decreases in income before income taxes were primarily due to unfavorable mortality and morbidity experience. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in an increase in income before income taxes totaling $0.1 million and a decrease in $0.1 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
.
Net premiums increased
$11.1 million
, or
4.0%
, and
$17.8 million
, or
3.3%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases are primarily due to increased individual life and health premiums. Unfavorable foreign currency exchange fluctuations, primarily due to the British pound and the South African rand weakening against the U.S. dollar, decreased net premiums by approximately $20.2 million and $43.2 million for the
three and six
months of
2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. Premiums from new business and growth in existing business offset the negative currency effect.
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 $53.8 million and $58.3 million for the second quarter and $107.5 million and $116.5 million for the first
six
months of
2016
and
2015
, 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.
Net investment income increased
$0.2 million
, or
1.7%
, and
$0.3 million
, or
1.2%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases were primarily due to an increase in the invested asset base related to increased business volumes. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in net investment income of approximately $0.8 million and $1.9 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. A portion of investment income is 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
88.0%
and
87.4%
for the
second
quarter and
89.4%
and
87.3%
for the first
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, respectively. The increases in the loss ratios reflect unfavorable mortality and morbidity experience compared to the same periods in 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.
Interest credited expense increased by
$4.0 million
, or
100.0%
, and decreased by
$8.3 million
, or
100.0%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. Interest credited in 2015 relates to amounts credited to
the contractholders of unit-linked products. In 2016, interest credited related to unit-linked products and the related investment income is reflected in Non-Traditional Reinsurance.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were
6.1%
and
5.1%
for the
second
quarter and
5.7%
and
4.8%
for the first
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, respectively. These percentages fluctuate due to timing of client company reporting, variations in the mixture of business and the relative maturity of the business.
Other operating expenses increased
$1.0 million
, or
4.0%
, and
$0.6 million
, or
1.2%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases were in line with expected expense levels to support business growth. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in operating expenses of approximately $1.6 million and $4.0 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums totaled
8.7%
and
8.7%
for the
second
quarter and
8.8%
and
9.0%
for the first
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, respectively.
Non-Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes decreased by
$4.0 million
, or
12.6%
, and increased by
$1.8 million
, or
3.6%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The decrease in the second quarter is primarily due to decreased fee income business and strong closed block longevity experience in the prior period partially offset by increased payout annuity reinsurance (longevity) business. The increase in income before income taxes for the first six months was primarily related to a payout annuity reinsurance transaction executed after the third quarter of 2015 partially offset by a decrease in fee income. Unfavorable foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes totaling $2.0 million and $3.9 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
.
Net premiums decreased
$6.8 million
, or
13.4%
, and
$1.0 million
, or
1.3%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The decrease in the second quarter is primarily due to currency fluctuations and the recognition of premiums in the second quarter of 2015 related to a new closed block (longevity) transaction. The decrease in the first six months was primarily related to currency fluctuations largely offset by new closed block (longevity) business. Unfavorable foreign currency exchange fluctuations, primarily in the British pound, decreased net premiums by approximately $3.1 million and $5.1 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. 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
$17.6 million
, or
111.7%
, and
$29.4 million
, or
90.1%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. These increases were primarily due to an increase in the invested asset base related to closed block (longevity) transactions executed in the fourth quarter of 2015. A portion of investment income is 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
$6.6 million
, or
71.8%
, and
$10.0 million
, or
58.4%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The decreases in other revenues relate to reduced fee income associated with treaties terminated at the end of 2015. Fees earned from this business can vary significantly depending on the size of the transactions and the timing of their completion and, therefore, can fluctuate from period to period.
Claims and other policy benefits increased
$4.2 million
, or
10.4%
, and
$8.5 million
, or
11.8%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. Claims and other policy benefits increased due to increased benefits associated with payout annuity reinsurance transactions executed in the fourth quarter of 2015. 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.
Interest credited expense increased by
$3.0 million
and
$3.4 million
for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. Interest credited in 2016 relates to amounts credited to the contractholders of unit-linked products. In 2015, interest credited related to unit-linked products was reflected in Traditional Reinsurance.
Other operating expenses increased
$2.1 million
, or
54.6%
, and
$3.5 million
, or
44.5%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases are primarily due to increased administration costs related to increased longevity business and an increase in expenses related to an acquisition in the Netherlands completed in the fourth quarter of 2015. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in operating expenses of approximately $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
.
Asia Pacific Operations
The Asia Pacific operations include business generated by its offices principally in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. The principal types of reinsurance include life, critical illness, disability, superannuation, which are reported within 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 June 30,
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Revenues:
|
Traditional
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
Total Asia Pacific
|
|
Traditional
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
Total Asia Pacific
|
|
Net premiums
|
$
|
454,629
|
|
|
$
|
(1,493
|
)
|
|
$
|
453,136
|
|
|
$
|
390,456
|
|
|
$
|
898
|
|
|
$
|
391,354
|
|
|
Investment income, net of related expenses
|
20,461
|
|
|
5,885
|
|
|
26,346
|
|
|
20,043
|
|
|
3,888
|
|
|
23,931
|
|
|
Investment related gains (losses), net
|
—
|
|
|
6,527
|
|
|
6,527
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,549
|
)
|
|
(1,549
|
)
|
|
Other revenues
|
2,481
|
|
|
6,126
|
|
|
8,607
|
|
|
815
|
|
|
3,839
|
|
|
4,654
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
477,571
|
|
|
17,045
|
|
|
494,616
|
|
|
411,314
|
|
|
7,076
|
|
|
418,390
|
|
|
Benefits and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Claims and other policy benefits
|
338,447
|
|
|
8,237
|
|
|
346,684
|
|
|
325,667
|
|
|
4,706
|
|
|
330,373
|
|
|
Interest credited
|
—
|
|
|
3,136
|
|
|
3,136
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
169
|
|
|
169
|
|
|
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
|
67,908
|
|
|
1,667
|
|
|
69,575
|
|
|
49,335
|
|
|
419
|
|
|
49,754
|
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
36,734
|
|
|
4,078
|
|
|
40,812
|
|
|
31,997
|
|
|
3,187
|
|
|
35,184
|
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
443,089
|
|
|
17,118
|
|
|
460,207
|
|
|
406,999
|
|
|
8,481
|
|
|
415,480
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
$
|
34,482
|
|
|
$
|
(73
|
)
|
|
$
|
34,409
|
|
|
$
|
4,315
|
|
|
$
|
(1,405
|
)
|
|
$
|
2,910
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands)
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Revenues:
|
Traditional
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
Total Asia Pacific
|
|
Traditional
|
|
Non-Traditional
|
|
Total Asia Pacific
|
|
Net premiums
|
$
|
828,771
|
|
|
$
|
4,193
|
|
|
$
|
832,964
|
|
|
$
|
762,601
|
|
|
$
|
11,180
|
|
|
$
|
773,781
|
|
|
Investment income, net of related expenses
|
40,328
|
|
|
12,259
|
|
|
52,587
|
|
|
40,647
|
|
|
7,537
|
|
|
48,184
|
|
|
Investment related gains (losses), net
|
14
|
|
|
8,214
|
|
|
8,228
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,027
|
)
|
|
(1,027
|
)
|
|
Other revenues
|
2,657
|
|
|
12,450
|
|
|
15,107
|
|
|
1,941
|
|
|
8,956
|
|
|
10,897
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
871,770
|
|
|
37,116
|
|
|
908,886
|
|
|
805,189
|
|
|
26,646
|
|
|
831,835
|
|
|
Benefits and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Claims and other policy benefits
|
612,745
|
|
|
11,710
|
|
|
624,455
|
|
|
590,976
|
|
|
10,441
|
|
|
601,417
|
|
|
Interest credited
|
—
|
|
|
6,166
|
|
|
6,166
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
353
|
|
|
353
|
|
|
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
|
112,275
|
|
|
2,954
|
|
|
115,229
|
|
|
96,247
|
|
|
965
|
|
|
97,212
|
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
71,108
|
|
|
7,806
|
|
|
78,914
|
|
|
61,003
|
|
|
6,147
|
|
|
67,150
|
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
796,128
|
|
|
28,636
|
|
|
824,764
|
|
|
748,226
|
|
|
17,906
|
|
|
766,132
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
$
|
75,642
|
|
|
$
|
8,480
|
|
|
$
|
84,122
|
|
|
$
|
56,963
|
|
|
$
|
8,740
|
|
|
$
|
65,703
|
|
Income before income taxes increased by
$31.5 million
, or
1,082.4%
, and
$18.4 million
, or
28.0%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases in income before income taxes are primarily attributable to improved mortality experience in Asia and an experience refund on an Australian treaty recognized in the second quarter of 2016. In addition, poor claims experience in Australia had an adverse effect on income before income taxes in the second quarter of 2015. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in an increase to income before income taxes totaling approximately $0.7 million and a decrease $1.2 million for the
three and six
months of
2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
.
Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes increased by
$30.2 million
, or
699.1%
, and
$18.7 million
, or
32.8%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases in income before income taxes in 2016 were primarily driven by improved mortality experience in Asia and an experience refund on an Australian treaty. In addition, poor claims experience in Australia had an adverse effect on income before income taxes in the second quarter of 2015. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in an increase (decrease) to income before income taxes totaling approximately $0.5 million and $(2.2) million for the
three and six
months of
2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
.
Net premiums increased by
$64.2 million
, or
16.4%
, and
$66.2 million
, or
8.7%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases were driven by both new and existing business written throughout the segment and an experience refund on an Australian treaty. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in net premiums of approximately $7.7 million and $29.4 million for the
three and six
months of
2016
, as compared to the same period in
2015
.
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 $113.3 million and $75.1 million for the second quarter and $211.7 million and $145.0 million for the first
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, 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.
Net investment income increased
$0.4 million
, or
2.1%
, and decreased by
$0.3 million
, or
0.8%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increase in the second quarter was primarily due to higher invested asset base. The decrease for the first six months was primarily due to a decline in investment yield and an unfavorable change in currency fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in net investment income and approximately $0.5 million and $1.8 million for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. A portion of investment income is 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
$1.7 million
, or
204.4%
, and
$0.7 million
, or
36.9%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases in other revenues were due to foreign currency losses recognized in the prior period.
Loss ratios for this segment were
74.4%
and
83.4%
for the second quarter and
73.9%
and
77.5%
for the first
six months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, respectively. The decreases in the loss ratios for 2016, compared to the same periods in 2015, were primarily due to improved mortality experience in Asia in 2016 and an experience refund on an Australian treaty. The experience refund helped to offset poor claims experience in Australia, primarily associated with group business. 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
14.9%
and
12.6%
for the second quarter and
13.5%
and
12.6%
for the
six months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, 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
$4.7 million
, or
14.8%
, and
$10.1 million
, or
16.6%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
mainly due to increased compensation costs relating to new positions filled during the second half of 2015, primarily in the growing Asian operations based in Hong Kong. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums totaled
8.1%
and
8.2%
for the second quarter and
8.6%
and
8.0%
for the first
six months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, 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
$1.3 million
, or
94.8%
, and decreased by
$0.3 million
, or
3.0%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increase in the second quarter is primarily due to gains on derivatives, partially offset by unfavorable lapse experience from a closed block of business associated with a treaty in Japan. The decrease in income before income taxes for the first six months of 2016 is primarily attributable to unfavorable lapse experience from the previously mentioned closed block of business. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in an increase to income before income taxes totaling approximately $0.2 million and $1.0 million for the
three and six
months of
2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
.
Net premiums decreased
$2.4 million
, or
266.3%
, and
$7.0 million
, or
62.5%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The decreases were primarily due to the aforementioned policy lapses on a closed block in Japan. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in net premiums of approximately $0.2 million and an increase of $0.1 million for the
three and six
months of
2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. 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 increased
$2.0 million
, or
51.4%
, and
$4.7 million
, or
62.7%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
mainly due to growth in the invested asset base. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in net investment income of approximately $0.1 million and $0.5 million for the
three and six
months of
2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. A portion of investment income is 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
$2.3 million
, or
59.6%
, and
$3.5 million
, or
39.0%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases in other revenues were primarily due to new non-traditional transactions entered into during the second half of 2015. At
June 30, 2016
and
2015
, the amount of reinsurance assumed from client companies, as measured by pre-tax statutory surplus, risk based capital and other financial reinsurance structures was $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. Fees earned from this business can vary significantly depending on the size of the transactions and the timing of their completion and, therefore, can fluctuate from period to period.
Claims and other policy benefits increased by
$3.5 million
, or
75.0%
, and
$1.3 million
, or
12.2%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. These increases are attributable to the aforementioned unfavorable lapse experience on a closed block of business associated with a treaty in Japan. 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.
Other operating expenses increased
$0.9 million
, or
28.0%
, and
$1.7 million
, or
27.0%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
, 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 to fluctuate over periods of time.
Corporate and Other
Corporate and Other revenues primarily include investment income from unallocated invested assets and investment related gains and losses. Corporate and Other benefits and 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, RGA Technology Partners, a wholly-owned subsidiary that develops and markets technology solutions for the insurance industry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands)
|
|
Three months ended June 30,
|
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net premiums
|
|
$
|
108
|
|
|
$
|
153
|
|
|
$
|
217
|
|
|
$
|
320
|
|
|
Investment income, net of related expenses
|
|
25,190
|
|
|
31,707
|
|
|
48,111
|
|
|
63,402
|
|
|
Investment related gains (losses), net
|
|
32,036
|
|
|
1,712
|
|
|
39,459
|
|
|
(121
|
)
|
|
Other revenues
|
|
4,653
|
|
|
3,307
|
|
|
6,702
|
|
|
4,997
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
61,987
|
|
|
36,879
|
|
|
94,489
|
|
|
68,598
|
|
|
Benefits and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Claims and other policy benefits
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
Interest credited
|
|
459
|
|
|
203
|
|
|
966
|
|
|
415
|
|
|
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance income
|
|
(25,149
|
)
|
|
(21,843
|
)
|
|
(48,961
|
)
|
|
(42,431
|
)
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
40,975
|
|
|
26,137
|
|
|
80,953
|
|
|
44,471
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
20,331
|
|
|
35,851
|
|
|
53,138
|
|
|
71,478
|
|
|
Collateral finance and securitization expense
|
|
6,587
|
|
|
5,258
|
|
|
12,912
|
|
|
11,329
|
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
|
43,197
|
|
|
45,606
|
|
|
99,029
|
|
|
85,315
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
$
|
18,790
|
|
|
$
|
(8,727
|
)
|
|
$
|
(4,540
|
)
|
|
$
|
(16,717
|
)
|
Income (loss) before income taxes improved by
$27.5 million
, or
315.3%
, and
$12.2 million
, or
72.8%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases were primarily due to improvement in investment related gains (losses), net and a reduction in interest expense related to a reduction in tax-related interest expense. These improvements to income before income taxes were partially offset by increased operating expenses and lower investment income, net of related expenses.
Total revenues increased by
$25.1 million
, or
68.1%
, and
$25.9 million
, or
37.7%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The increases were primarily due to increases of
$30.3 million
and
$39.6 million
in investment related gains (losses), net, primarily from the sale of investment securities, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. These amounts include a reduction in impairments on fixed maturity and equity securities of $2.8 million in the second quarter and an increase of $7.2 million in the first six months of 2016, as compared to the same periods in 2015. Investment income, net of related expenses decreased by $6.5 million and $15.3 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2016, respectively, primarily due to a reduction in unallocated invested assets and the effect of lower investment yields.
Total benefits and expenses decreased by
$2.4 million
, or
5.3%
, and increased by
$13.7 million
, or
16.1%
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
. The decrease in second quarter is primarily due to a reduction in interest expense largely offset by higher other operating expenses. The increase in the first six months is primarily due to higher other operating expenses partially offset by a reduction in interest expense. Other operating expenses increased by
$14.8 million
and
$36.5 million
, for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, as compared to the same periods in
2015
, mainly due to increases related to compensation, including incentive compensation accruals, and general expenses. The reduction in interest expense is attributable mainly to a reduction in tax-related interest expense resulting from the effective settlement of uncertain tax positions of $15.4 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
The Company believes that cash flows from the source of funds available to it will provide sufficient cash flows for the next twelve months to satisfy the current liquidity requirements of RGA, Inc. and its subsidiaries under various scenarios that include the potential risk of early recapture of reinsurance treaties, market events and higher than expected claims. The Company performs periodic liquidity stress testing to ensure its asset portfolio includes sufficient high quality liquid assets that could be utilized to bolster its liquidity position under stress scenarios. These assets could be utilized as collateral for secured borrowing transactions with various third parties or by selling the securities in the open market if needed. The Company’s liquidity requirements have been and will continue to be funded through net cash flows from operations. However, in the event of significant unanticipated cash requirements beyond normal liquidity needs, the Company has multiple liquidity alternatives available based on market conditions and the amount and timing of the liquidity need. These alternatives include borrowings under committed credit facilities, secured borrowings, the ability to issue long-term debt, preferred securities or common equity and, if necessary, the sale of invested assets subject to market conditions.
Current Market Environment
The current interest rate environment in select markets, primarily the U.S. and Canada, continues to negatively affect the Company's earnings. The average investment yield, excluding spread business, decreased 24 basis points for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
as compared to the same period in 2015. The Company’s insurance liabilities, in particular its annuity products, are sensitive to changing market factors. Lower interest rates for the first six months of 2016 have increased gross unrealized gains on fixed maturity and equity securities available-for-sale, which totaled
$3,284.8 million
and $1,947.0 million at
June 30, 2016
, and
December 31, 2015
, respectively. Similarly, gross unrealized losses decreased from $627.5 million at
December 31, 2015
to
$198.6 million
at
June 30, 2016
.
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
$3,284.8 million
remain well in excess of gross unrealized losses of
$198.6 million
as of
June 30, 2016
. 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.
As a result of the June 23, 2016 referendum by British voters to exit the European Union (“Brexit”), global markets and foreign currencies have been adversely affected. In particular, the value of the British pound has sharply declined as compared to the U.S. dollar and other currencies. It is possible this volatility in foreign currencies could continue as the UK negotiates and executes its exit from the European Union. It is also possible that there will be greater restrictions, requirements and regulatory complexities on reinsurance provided in the UK by entities located outside the UK. These changes may adversely affect the Company’s operations and financial results.
The Company projects its reserves to be sufficient, and it would not expect to write down deferred acquisition costs or be required to take any actions to augment capital, even if interest rates remain at current levels for the next five years, assuming all other factors remain constant. While the Company has felt the pressures of sustained low interest rates and volatile equity markets and may continue to do so, its business operations are not overly sensitive to these risks. Although management believes the Company’s current capital base is adequate to support its business at current operating levels, it continues to monitor new business opportunities and any associated new capital needs that could arise from the changing financial landscape.
The Holding Company
RGA is an insurance holding company whose primary uses of liquidity include, but are not limited to, the immediate capital needs of its operating companies, dividends paid to its shareholders, repurchase of common stock and interest payments on its indebtedness. The primary sources of RGA’s liquidity include proceeds from its capital-raising efforts, interest income on undeployed corporate investments, interest income received on surplus notes with RGA Reinsurance, RCM and Rockwood Re and dividends from operating subsidiaries. As the Company continues its expansion efforts, RGA will continue to be dependent upon these sources of liquidity. The following tables provide comparative information for RGA (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended June 30,
|
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
$
|
28,351
|
|
|
$
|
44,230
|
|
|
$
|
68,874
|
|
|
$
|
88,252
|
|
|
Capital contributions to subsidiaries
|
|
41,000
|
|
|
2,504
|
|
|
41,000
|
|
|
2,504
|
|
|
Dividends to shareholders
|
|
23,727
|
|
|
21,850
|
|
|
47,746
|
|
|
44,519
|
|
|
Interest and dividend income
|
|
32,844
|
|
|
37,851
|
|
|
55,893
|
|
|
61,694
|
|
|
Issuance of unaffiliated debt
|
|
799,984
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
799,984
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
|
Cash and invested assets
|
$
|
1,338,424
|
|
|
$
|
720,068
|
|
See Item 15, Schedule II - “Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant” in the 2015 Annual Report for additional financial information related to RGA.
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
June 30, 2016
, 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 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, is permitted under 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 were no amounts outstanding and $45.0 million outstanding under the intercompany revolving credit facility as of
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
. 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 $44.7 million and $43.7 million as of
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, respectively.
During 2011, to enhance liquidity and capital efficiency within the group, various operating subsidiaries purchased $500.0 million of newly issued 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.
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 2015 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.
RGA endeavors to maintain a capital structure that provides financial and operational flexibility to its subsidiaries, credit ratings that support its competitive position in the financial services marketplace, and shareholder returns. As part of the Company’s capital deployment strategy, is has in recent years repurchased shares of RGA common stock and paid dividends to RGA shareholders, as authorized by the board of directors. RGA’s current share repurchase program, which was approved by the board of directors in January 2016, authorizes the repurchase of up to $400.0 million of common stock. The pace of repurchase activity depends on various factors such as the level of available cash, an evaluation of the costs and benefits associated with alternative uses of excess capital, such as acquisitions and in force reinsurance transactions, and RGA’s stock price.
Details underlying dividend and share repurchase program activity were as follows (in thousands, except share data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Dividends to shareholders
|
$
|
47,746
|
|
|
$
|
44,519
|
|
|
Repurchases of treasury stock
|
116,088
|
|
|
253,604
|
|
|
Total amount paid to shareholders
|
$
|
163,834
|
|
|
$
|
298,123
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of shares repurchased
|
1,352,211
|
|
|
2,791,360
|
|
|
Average price per share
|
$
|
85.85
|
|
|
$
|
90.85
|
|
In July 2016, the Company’s quarterly dividend was increased to $0.41 per share from $0.37 per share. All future payments of dividends are at the discretion of RGA’s board of directors and will depend on the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, insurance regulatory conditions, operating conditions, and other such factors as the board of directors may deem relevant. The amount of dividends that RGA can pay will depend in part on the operations of its reinsurance subsidiaries. See Note 3 - "Equity" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the Company's share repurchase program.
Debt
Certain of the Company’s debt agreements contain financial covenant restrictions related to, among others, liens, the issuance and disposition of stock of restricted subsidiaries, minimum requirements of consolidated net worth, maximum ratios of debt to capitalization and change of control provisions. The Company is required to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, as defined in the debt agreements, of $3.5 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
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, the Company had $3,111.7 million and $2,312.6 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.
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).
On June 1, 2016, RGA issued 3.95% Senior Notes due September 15, 2026 with a face amount of $400.0 million and 5.75% Fixed-To-Floating Rate Subordinated Debentures due June 15, 2056 with a face amount of $400.0 million. These securities have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The net proceeds from these offerings were approximately $791.0 million and will be used in part to repay upon maturity the Company’s $300.0 million 5.625% senior notes that mature in March 2017. The remainder will be used for general corporate purposes. Capitalized issue costs were approximately $9.0 million.
The Company may borrow up to $850.0 million in cash and obtain letters of credit in multiple currencies on a revolving credit facility that expires in September 2019. As of
June 30, 2016
, the Company had no cash borrowings outstanding and $198.1 million in issued, but undrawn, letters of credit under this facility. As of
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, the average interest rate on short-term and long-term debt outstanding was 5.12% and 5.20%, respectively.
Based on the historic cash flows and the current financial results of the Company, management believes RGA’s cash flows will be sufficient to enable RGA to meet its obligations for at least the next 12 months.
Credit and Committed Facilities
At
June 30, 2016
, the Company maintained an $850.0 million syndicated revolving credit facility and certain committed letter of credit facilities aggregating $885.5 million. See note 13 - “Debt” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2015 Annual Report for further information about these facilities.
The Company has obtained bank letters of credit in favor of various affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies from which the Company assumes business. These letters of credit represent guarantees of performance under the reinsurance agreements and allow ceding companies to take statutory reserve credits. Certain of these letters of credit contain financial covenant restrictions similar to those described in the “Debt” discussion above. At
June 30, 2016
, there were approximately $218.6 million of outstanding bank letters of credit in favor of third parties. Additionally, in accordance with applicable regulations, the Company utilizes letters of credit to secure statutory reserve credits when it retrocedes business to its affiliated subsidiaries. The Company cedes business to its affiliates to help reduce the amount of regulatory capital required in certain jurisdictions, such as the U.S. and the UK. The Company believes the capital required to support the business in the affiliates reflects more realistic expectations than the original jurisdiction of the business, where capital requirements are often considered to be quite conservative. As of
June 30, 2016
, $923.2 million in letters of credit from various banks were outstanding, but undrawn, backing reinsurance between the various subsidiaries of the Company.
Statutory Reserve Funding, Collateral Finance and Securitization Notes
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 reinsurers, both licensed and unlicensed.
RGA Reinsurance’s statutory capital may be significantly reduced if the unlicensed 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.
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, albeit at slower rates than in the immediate past. 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. New standards have been introduced to address the extent that captives can be used to finance reserve growth related to new life insurance business subject to Regulation XXX. 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 have placed restrictions on the use of newly established captive reinsurers which pose to make them less effective as a means of helping to finance reserve growth related to business issued in the future. Depending upon how the new standards are ultimately applied and whether additional restrictions are introduced, the Company's ability to reinsure certain products, maintain risk based capital ratios and deploy excess capital could be adversely affected. 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.
There may be more changes in the use and regulation of captives, but the Company cannot predict the extent of any changes that may be made. Accordingly, the Company has reevaluated and adjusted its strategy of using captives to enhance its capital efficiency and competitive position while it continues to monitor 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 with reduced collateral requirements in lieu of using captives.
Collateral Finance Notes
In June 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 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 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.
In October 2015, RGA's subsidiary, RGA Americas, entered into a collateral financing transaction pursuant to which it issued a CAD$150.0 million note to a third party and, in return, obtained a CAD$150.0 million demand note issued by a designated series
of a Delaware master trust. The demand note matures in October 2020 and is used to support collateral requirements for Canadian reinsurance transactions.
The demand note is secured by a portfolio of specified assets that have an aggregate market value at least equal to the principal amount of the demand note and a payment obligation pledged by a third party financial institution. The principal amount of the demand note is payable upon demand by the holder, which creates a corresponding payment under the note issued by RGA Americas. The note issued by RGA Americas bears interest at a rate equal to the rate on the corresponding demand note, plus an amount representing fees payable to the applicable third party financial institution. No principal payments have been received or are currently due on the demand note and, as a result, there was no payment obligation under the note issued by RGA Americas. Accordingly, the notes are not reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.
In May 2015, RGA’s subsidiary, RGA Barbados obtained CAD$200.0 million of collateral financing from a third party through 2020, enabling RGA Barbados to support collateral requirements for Canadian reinsurance transactions. The obligation is reflected on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in collateral finance and securitization notes. Interest on the collateral financing is payable quarterly and accrues at 3-month Canadian Dealer Offered Rate plus a margin and is reflected on the condensed consolidated statements of income in collateral finance and securitization expense.
Securitization Notes
In December 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 direct investment by the Company, were applied by Chesterfield Financial to (i) pay certain transaction-related expenses, (ii) establish a 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 to capitalize Chesterfield Re and to finance the payment of 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.
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 $651.9 million as of
June 30, 2016
. The Company also has $1,008.9 million of funds available through collateralized borrowings from the FHLB as of
June 30, 2016
.
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 2015 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 six months ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
Sources:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
$
|
594,446
|
|
|
$
|
605,692
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of collateral finance and securitization notes
|
—
|
|
|
160,060
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from long-term debt issuance
|
799,984
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
Exercise of stock options, net
|
5,219
|
|
|
12,641
|
|
|
|
Change in cash collateral for derivative positions and other arrangements
|
57,055
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
Cash provided by changes in universal life and other
|
|
|
|
|
|
investment type policies and contracts
|
304,936
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
|
19,795
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
Total sources
|
1,781,435
|
|
|
778,393
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Uses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
2,058,207
|
|
|
473,037
|
|
|
|
Dividends to stockholders
|
47,746
|
|
|
44,519
|
|
|
|
Repayment of collateral finance and securitization notes
|
35,369
|
|
|
17,632
|
|
|
|
Debt issuance costs
|
9,026
|
|
|
1,170
|
|
|
|
Principal payments of long-term debt
|
1,227
|
|
|
1,178
|
|
|
|
Purchases of treasury stock
|
120,806
|
|
|
262,515
|
|
|
|
Change in cash collateral for derivatives and other arrangements
|
—
|
|
|
31,244
|
|
|
|
Cash used for changes in universal life and other
|
|
|
|
|
|
investment type policies and contracts
|
—
|
|
|
230,921
|
|
|
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
|
—
|
|
|
26,185
|
|
|
|
Total uses
|
2,272,381
|
|
|
1,088,401
|
|
|
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
(490,946
|
)
|
|
$
|
(310,008
|
)
|
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, particularly in periods with abnormally high claims levels.
Cash Flows from Investments
- The principal cash inflows from the Company’s investment activities come from repayments of principal on invested assets, proceeds from maturities of invested assets, sales of invested assets and settlements of freestanding derivatives. The principal cash outflows relate to purchases of investments, issuances of policy loans and settlements of freestanding derivatives. The Company typically has a net cash outflow from investing activities because cash inflows from insurance operations are reinvested in accordance with its asset/liability management discipline to fund insurance liabilities. The Company closely monitors and manages these risks through its credit risk management process. The primary liquidity concerns with respect to these cash flows are the risk of default by debtors and market disruption.
Financing Cash Flows
- The principal cash inflows from the Company’s financing activities come from issuances of RGA debt and equity securities, and deposit funds associated with universal life and other investment type policies and contracts. The principal cash outflows come from repayments of debt, payments of dividends to stockholders, purchases of treasury stock, and withdrawals associated with universal life and other investment type policies and contracts. A primary liquidity concern with respect to these cash flows is the risk of early contractholder and policyholder withdrawal.
Contractual Obligations
The Company’s obligation for long-term debt, including interest, increased by $1,816.1 million since December 31, 2015 primarily related to the June 2016 issuance of senior notes and subordinated debentures as previously discussed. There were no other material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations from those reported in the 2015 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 $1,230.3 million and $2,083.6 million at
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents includes cash collateral received from derivative counterparties of
$298.5 million
and
$245.0 million
as of
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, 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.
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 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 $36.2 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
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
. RGA Reinsurance’s average outstanding balance of advances was $52.8 million and $44.2 million during the
second
quarter and the first
six
months of
2016
, respectively, and was $24.8 million and $12.5 million during the
second
quarter and the first
six
months of
2015
, respectively. 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 $653.8 million and $622.1 million at
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, respectively, which is included in interest sensitive contract liabilities on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. The advances on these agreements are collateralized primarily by commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities 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.
Portfolio Composition
The Company had total cash and invested assets of
$46.8 billion
and $43.5 billion at
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, respectively, as illustrated below (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
% of Total
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
|
% of Total
|
|
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
|
|
$
|
33,160,976
|
|
|
70.9
|
%
|
|
$
|
29,642,905
|
|
|
68.1
|
%
|
|
Mortgage loans on real estate
|
|
3,377,039
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
|
3,129,951
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
|
Policy loans
|
|
1,445,410
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
1,468,796
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
Funds withheld at interest
|
|
5,899,289
|
|
|
12.6
|
|
|
5,880,203
|
|
|
13.5
|
|
|
Short-term investments
|
|
195,979
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
558,284
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
Other invested assets
|
|
1,682,143
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
|
1,298,120
|
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
1,034,329
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
|
1,525,275
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
Total cash and invested assets
|
|
$
|
46,795,165
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
43,503,534
|
|
|
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 June 30,
|
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Increase/
(Decrease)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Increase/
(Decrease)
|
|
Average invested assets at amortized cost
|
$
|
23,216,459
|
|
|
$
|
21,029,197
|
|
|
10.4
|
%
|
|
$
|
22,669,219
|
|
|
$
|
20,926,385
|
|
|
8.3
|
%
|
|
Net investment income
|
268,747
|
|
|
252,131
|
|
|
6.6
|
%
|
|
514,046
|
|
|
499,369
|
|
|
2.9
|
%
|
|
Investment yield (ratio of net investment income to average invested assets)
|
4.71
|
%
|
|
4.88
|
%
|
|
(17) bps
|
|
|
4.59
|
%
|
|
4.83
|
%
|
|
(24) bps
|
|
Investment yield decreased for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
in comparison to the same period in the prior year due to the effect of low interest rate environment.
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
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
.
The Company’s fixed maturity securities are invested primarily in corporate bonds, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and U.S. and foreign government securities. As of
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, approximately
95.0%
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
58.9%
and
59.7%
of total fixed maturity securities as of
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, 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
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
.
As of
June 30, 2016
, the Company’s investments in Canadian and Canadian provincial government securities represented
12.4%
of the fair value of total fixed maturity securities compared to
12.1%
of the fair value of total fixed maturity securities at
December 31, 2015
. 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
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
.
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
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
was as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
|
NAIC
Designation
|
|
Rating Agency
Designation
|
|
Amortized Cost
|
|
Estimated
Fair Value
|
|
% of Total
|
|
Amortized Cost
|
|
Estimated
Fair Value
|
|
% of Total
|
|
1
|
|
AAA/AA/A
|
|
$
|
19,755,011
|
|
|
$
|
22,392,311
|
|
|
67.5
|
%
|
|
$
|
17,801,017
|
|
|
$
|
19,231,535
|
|
|
64.8
|
%
|
|
2
|
|
BBB
|
|
8,679,819
|
|
|
9,130,971
|
|
|
27.5
|
|
|
8,838,444
|
|
|
8,830,172
|
|
|
29.8
|
|
|
3
|
|
BB
|
|
1,012,092
|
|
|
1,018,629
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
1,054,449
|
|
|
1,001,614
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
4
|
|
B
|
|
456,457
|
|
|
431,649
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
399,417
|
|
|
359,591
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
5
|
|
CCC and lower
|
|
143,675
|
|
|
135,927
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
207,351
|
|
|
197,498
|
|
|
0.7
|
|
|
6
|
|
In or near default
|
|
29,830
|
|
|
51,489
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
22,299
|
|
|
22,495
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
30,076,884
|
|
|
$
|
33,160,976
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
28,322,977
|
|
|
$
|
29,642,905
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
The Company’s fixed maturity portfolio includes structured securities. The following table shows the types of structured securities the Company held at
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
|
|
|
Amortized Cost
|
|
Estimated
Fair Value
|
|
Amortized Cost
|
|
Estimated
Fair Value
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Agency
|
|
$
|
601,728
|
|
|
$
|
659,526
|
|
|
$
|
602,524
|
|
|
$
|
634,077
|
|
|
Non-agency
|
|
623,990
|
|
|
633,252
|
|
|
675,474
|
|
|
677,400
|
|
|
Total residential mortgage-backed securities
|
|
1,225,718
|
|
|
1,292,778
|
|
|
1,277,998
|
|
|
1,311,477
|
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
|
1,441,091
|
|
|
1,507,693
|
|
|
1,456,848
|
|
|
1,483,087
|
|
|
Asset-backed securities
|
|
1,377,736
|
|
|
1,356,677
|
|
|
1,219,000
|
|
|
1,212,676
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
4,044,545
|
|
|
$
|
4,157,148
|
|
|
$
|
3,953,846
|
|
|
$
|
4,007,240
|
|
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.
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
11.8% and 12.4% of the total fixed maturity securities at
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, 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 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. For the three and six months ended
June 30, 2016
, other-than-temporary impairments on corporate and other fixed maturity securities related primarily to emerging market and high-yield debt exposures. See “Investments – Other-than-Temporary Impairment” in Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2015 Annual Report for additional information. The table below summarizes other-than-temporary impairments and changes in the mortgage loan provision for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
(dollars in thousands).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended June 30,
|
|
Six months ended June 30,
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Impairment losses on fixed maturity securities
|
$
|
846
|
|
|
$
|
4,137
|
|
|
$
|
34,663
|
|
|
$
|
6,664
|
|
|
Other impairment losses
|
114
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
2,163
|
|
|
4,554
|
|
|
Change in mortgage loan provision
|
(325
|
)
|
|
(188
|
)
|
|
(314
|
)
|
|
(529
|
)
|
|
Total
|
$
|
635
|
|
|
$
|
3,994
|
|
|
$
|
36,512
|
|
|
$
|
10,689
|
|
The fixed maturity impairments for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and
2015
were largely related to high-yield energy and emerging market corporate securities. In addition, other impairment losses for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
and the six months ended June 30,
2015
are due to impairments on limited partnerships.
There has been increased focus on the energy sector spurred by lower prices for oil. The Company’s exposure to lower oil prices includes fixed maturity and equity securities, funds withheld at interest, credit default swaps and other investments. The fixed maturity and equity securities, and funds withheld at interest consist of corporate bonds, foreign agency bonds and non-redeemable preferred stock. The following table presents information regarding the Company's exposure to these investments as of
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
|
Total energy sector investments, estimated fair value
|
|
$
|
2,598,512
|
|
|
$
|
2,342,803
|
|
|
Fixed maturity and equity securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized cost
|
|
$
|
2,404,565
|
|
|
$
|
2,378,775
|
|
|
Net unrealized gains (losses)
|
|
84,519
|
|
|
(157,813
|
)
|
|
Estimated fair value
|
|
$
|
2,489,084
|
|
|
$
|
2,220,962
|
|
|
Percentage investment grade
|
|
87.6
|
%
|
|
89.0
|
%
|
|
Net written credit default swaps, notional amount
|
|
$
|
98,908
|
|
|
$
|
110,608
|
|
At
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, the Company had
$198.6 million
and
$627.5 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
|
Sector:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate securities
|
|
71.9
|
%
|
|
75.8
|
%
|
|
Canadian and Canada provincial governments
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
|
2.9
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
|
Asset-backed securities
|
|
16.1
|
|
|
2.9
|
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
State and political subdivisions
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
9.2
|
|
|
U.S. government and agencies
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
|
|
5.4
|
|
|
6.6
|
|
|
Total
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
Industry:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance
|
|
14.1
|
%
|
|
8.8
|
%
|
|
Asset-backed
|
|
16.1
|
|
|
2.9
|
|
|
Industrial
|
|
55.0
|
|
|
62.1
|
|
|
Mortgage-backed
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
3.7
|
|
|
Government
|
|
8.5
|
|
|
17.6
|
|
|
Utility
|
|
2.8
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
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
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by less than 20% or more than 20%.
The Company’s determination of whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary includes analysis of the underlying credit and the extent and duration of a decline in value. The Company’s credit analysis of an investment includes determining whether the issuer is current on its contractual payments, evaluating whether it is probable that the Company will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security and analyzing the overall ability of the Company to recover the amortized cost of the investment. 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.
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
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
.
As of
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, the Company classified approximately
7.3%
and 8.2%, respectively, of its fixed maturity securities in the Level 3 category (refer to Note 6 – “Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information). These securities primarily consist of private placement corporate securities, bank loans, 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
7.2
% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
. The Company’s mortgage loan portfolio consists of U.S. and Canada 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
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, the Company’s mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, were distributed geographically as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
|
|
|
Recorded
Investment
|
|
% of Total
|
|
Recorded
Investment
|
|
% of Total
|
|
Pacific
|
|
$
|
1,047,145
|
|
|
30.9
|
%
|
|
$
|
894,411
|
|
|
28.5
|
%
|
|
South Atlantic
|
|
691,074
|
|
|
20.4
|
|
|
663,528
|
|
|
21.2
|
|
|
Mountain
|
|
519,620
|
|
|
15.4
|
|
|
486,699
|
|
|
15.5
|
|
|
East North Central
|
|
362,421
|
|
|
10.7
|
|
|
337,002
|
|
|
10.7
|
|
|
West North Central
|
|
293,288
|
|
|
8.7
|
|
|
274,760
|
|
|
8.8
|
|
|
West South Central
|
|
269,326
|
|
|
8.0
|
|
|
237,549
|
|
|
7.6
|
|
|
Middle Atlantic
|
|
102,390
|
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
151,084
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
East South Central
|
|
67,251
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
59,630
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
|
New England
|
|
13,913
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
32,101
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
Subtotal - U.S.
|
|
3,366,428
|
|
|
99.5
|
|
|
3,136,764
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
Canada
|
|
17,110
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
3,383,538
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
3,136,764
|
|
|
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.
Policy Loans
Policy loans comprised approximately
3.1
% and 3.4% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, respectively, the majority of which are associated with one client. These policy loans present no credit risk because the amount of the loan cannot exceed the obligation due the ceding company upon the death of the insured or surrender of the underlying policy. The provisions of the treaties in force and the underlying policies determine the policy loan interest rates. The Company earns a spread between the interest rate earned on policy loans and the interest rate credited to corresponding liabilities.
Funds Withheld at Interest
Funds withheld at interest comprised approximately
12.6
% and 13.5% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, respectively. For reinsurance agreements written on a modified coinsurance basis and certain agreements written on a coinsurance basis, assets equal to the net statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned and managed by the ceding company, and are reflected as funds withheld at interest on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. In the event of a ceding company’s insolvency, the Company would need to assert a claim on the assets supporting its reserve liabilities. However, the risk of loss to the Company is mitigated by its ability to offset amounts it owes the ceding company for claims or allowances against amounts owed by the ceding company. Interest accrues to the total funds withheld at interest assets at rates defined by the treaty terms. 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 financial strength rating of “A” at
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
. 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
3.6
% and 3.0% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
, 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
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
.
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
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
.
The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments. Generally, the credit exposure of the Company’s derivative contracts is limited to the fair value at the reporting date plus or minus any collateral posted or held by the Company. The Company had no credit exposure related to its derivative contracts, excluding futures and mortality swaps, at June 30, 2016, as the net amount of collateral pledged to the Company from counterparties exceeded the fair value of the derivative contracts. The Company had credit exposure related to its derivative contracts, excluding futures and mortality swaps, of
$7.8 million
at
December 31, 2015
.
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” 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, limits 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 ("CEO"), the President, the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), and the COO, among others. The RMSC 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 Company also has risk-focused committees such as the Business Continuity and Information Governance Steering Committee, Consolidated Investment Committee, Derivatives Risk Oversight Committee, Asset Liability Management Committee, Actuarial Standards Group, Collateral and Liquidity Committee, and the Currency Risk Management Committee. These committees are comprised of various risk and technical experts and have overlapping membership, enabling consistent and holistic management of risks. These committees 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: Describes the amount of risk the Company is willing to accept, 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.
|
Business Specific Limits/Controls: These limits/controls provide additional safeguards against undesired risk exposures and are embedded in business processes. Examples 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 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 2015 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.
Specific stress scenarios and reverse stress tests are analyzed to better understand how the solvency and rating of the Company may be affected by specific events and to better understand the kind of events the Company's capital position can sustain.
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 (and state-by-state in the U.S.) 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.
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 8 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 results of operations 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 risk-free 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. For example, certain management and 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 net 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.
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 currency 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.
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 to manage exposure to specific currencies. 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. Some of these benefits are hedged with a combination of CPI swaps and indexed bonds when material.
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. 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
June 30, 2016
and
December 31, 2015
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in millions)
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
December 31, 2015
|
|
No guarantee minimum benefits
|
|
$
|
732
|
|
|
$
|
782
|
|
|
GMDB only
|
|
58
|
|
|
62
|
|
|
GMIB only
|
|
5
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
GMAB only
|
|
29
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
GMWB only
|
|
1,367
|
|
|
1,425
|
|
|
GMDB / WB
|
|
341
|
|
|
359
|
|
|
Other
|
|
20
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
Total variable annuity account values
|
|
$
|
2,552
|
|
|
$
|
2,688
|
|
|
Fair value of liabilities associated with living benefit riders
|
|
$
|
284
|
|
|
$
|
192
|
|
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 investment 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 transacted 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 is responsible for setting rules and approving and overseeing all transactions 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. Substantially 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.
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
June 30, 2016
, 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 13 — “New Accounting Standards” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.