10-Q
Table of Contents


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
 
 
 
 
(Mark One)
  
 
  
 
 x
  
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
  
 
  
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
 
 
  
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016
  
 
 
  
 
OR
 
  
 
 ¨
  
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
  
 
  
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
 
 
  
 
Commission File Number 1-11848
  
 
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
MISSOURI                        
  
43-1627032
(State or other jurisdiction                  
  
(IRS employer
of incorporation or organization)  
  
identification number)
16600 Swingley Ridge Road
Chesterfield, Missouri 63017
(Address of principal executive offices)
(636) 736-7000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes T  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes T  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer T       Accelerated filer o      Non-accelerated filer o       Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o  No T
As of April 30, 2016, 64,066,676 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.


Table of Contents


REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Item
  
 
  
Page
 
 
 
 
  
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  
 
 
 
 
1
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     3. Equity
 
 
 
     4. Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     9. Income Tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     12. Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
2
  
  
3
  
  
4
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
  
 
 
 
 
1
  
  
1A
  
  
2
  
  
6
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  

2

Table of Contents


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION


REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale at fair value (amortized cost of $29,035,274 and $28,322,977)
 
$
31,148,714

 
$
29,642,905

Mortgage loans on real estate (net of allowances of $6,824 and $6,813)
 
3,292,496

 
3,129,951

Policy loans
 
1,451,857

 
1,468,796

Funds withheld at interest
 
5,797,183

 
5,880,203

Short-term investments
 
431,535

 
558,284

Other invested assets
 
1,368,544

 
1,298,120

Total investments
 
43,490,329

 
41,978,259

Cash and cash equivalents
 
1,502,082

 
1,525,275

Accrued investment income
 
364,432

 
339,452

Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances
 
1,886,293

 
1,797,504

Reinsurance ceded receivables
 
688,491

 
637,859

Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
3,490,509

 
3,392,437

Other assets
 
764,488

 
712,366

Total assets
 
$
52,186,624

 
$
50,383,152

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
 
$
19,811,921

 
$
19,612,251

Interest-sensitive contract liabilities
 
14,087,081

 
13,663,873

Other policy claims and benefits
 
4,384,072

 
4,094,640

Other reinsurance balances
 
397,375

 
296,899

Deferred income taxes
 
2,483,584

 
2,218,328

Other liabilities
 
1,106,531

 
1,165,071

Short-term debt
 
299,739

 

Long-term debt
 
1,997,970

 
2,297,548

Collateral finance and securitization notes
 
899,482

 
899,161

Total liabilities
 
45,467,755

 
44,247,771

Commitments and contingent liabilities (See Note 8)
 


 


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

 

Common stock - par value $.01 per share, 140,000,000 shares authorized, 79,137,758 shares issued at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015
 
791

 
791

Additional paid-in-capital
 
1,827,646

 
1,816,142

Retained earnings
 
4,668,588

 
4,620,303

Treasury stock, at cost - 15,072,348 and 13,933,232 shares
 
(1,108,539
)
 
(1,010,139
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
1,330,383

 
708,284

Total stockholders’ equity
 
6,718,869

 
6,135,381

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
52,186,624

 
$
50,383,152

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

3

Table of Contents


REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues:
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net premiums
 
$
2,157,005

 
$
2,023,852

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
417,266

 
426,891

Investment related gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
 
(33,817
)
 
(2,527
)
Other investment related gains (losses), net
 
(87,069
)
 
10,110

Total investment related gains (losses), net
 
(120,886
)
 
7,583

Other revenues
 
59,183

 
62,287

Total revenues
 
2,512,568

 
2,520,613

Benefits and Expenses:
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
1,886,764

 
1,775,451

Interest credited
 
87,905

 
120,678

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 
233,763

 
277,043

Other operating expenses
 
157,424

 
121,618

Interest expense
 
32,807

 
35,627

Collateral finance and securitization expense
 
6,325

 
6,071

Total benefits and expenses
 
2,404,988

 
2,336,488

 Income before income taxes
 
107,580

 
184,125

Provision for income taxes
 
31,108

 
59,011

Net income
 
$
76,472

 
$
125,114

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
1.18

 
$
1.84

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
1.17

 
$
1.81

Dividends declared per share
 
$
0.37

 
$
0.33

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

4

Table of Contents


REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Comprehensive income
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income
 
$
76,472

 
$
125,114

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
77,733

 
(117,771
)
Net unrealized investment gains
 
547,225

 
343,924

Defined benefit pension and postretirement plan adjustments
 
(2,859
)
 
954

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
622,099

 
227,107

Total comprehensive income
 
$
698,571

 
$
352,221

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

5

Table of Contents


REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
76,472

 
$
125,114

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accrued investment income
 
(24,379
)
 
(28,443
)
Premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances
 
(51,778
)
 
(19,816
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
(79,468
)
 
2,380

Reinsurance ceded receivable balances
 
(68,918
)
 
(64,299
)
Future policy benefits, other policy claims and benefits, and other reinsurance balances
 
375,670

 
251,570

Deferred income taxes
 
23,406

 
13,144

Other assets and other liabilities, net
 
(18,513
)
 
5,973

Amortization of net investment premiums, discounts and other
 
(15,782
)
 
(21,666
)
Investment related (gains) losses, net
 
120,886

 
(7,583
)
Other, net
 
30,976

 
59,837

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
368,572

 
316,211

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
Sales of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 
977,314

 
639,676

Maturities of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 
116,644

 
94,994

Principal payments on mortgage loans on real estate
 
141,228

 
69,322

Principal payments on policy loans
 
16,939

 
200

Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 
(1,768,881
)
 
(1,000,335
)
Cash invested in mortgage loans on real estate
 
(305,252
)
 
(272,287
)
Cash invested in policy loans
 

 
(1
)
Cash invested in funds withheld at interest
 
(4,980
)
 
(32,196
)
Purchases of property and equipment
 

 
(21,504
)
Change in short-term investments
 
124,653

 
4,325

Change in other invested assets
 
(7,262
)
 
14,092

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(709,597
)
 
(503,714
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
Dividends to stockholders
 
(24,019
)
 
(22,669
)
Repayment of collateral finance and securitization notes
 
(6,877
)
 
(7,367
)
Debt issuance costs
 

 
(1,184
)
Principal payments of long-term debt
 
(610
)
 
(586
)
Purchases of treasury stock
 
(105,803
)
 
(214,665
)
Exercise of stock options, net
 
3,239

 
5,759

Change in cash collateral for derivative positions and other arrangements
 
40,392

 
31,109

Deposits on universal life and other investment type
policies and contracts
 
432,684

 
66,329

Withdrawals on universal life and other investment type
policies and contracts
 
(41,613
)
 
(196,623
)
Net cash provided in (used in) financing activities
 
297,393

 
(339,897
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
20,439

 
(35,090
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
 
(23,193
)
 
(562,490
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
1,525,275

 
1,645,669

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
1,502,082

 
$
1,083,179

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
Interest paid
 
$
29,112

 
$
29,849

Income taxes paid, net of refunds
 
$
12,322

 
$
(58,864
)
Non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
 
Transfer of invested assets
 
$
689

 
$
118

Accrual for capitalized assets
 
$

 
$
4,514

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

6

Table of Contents


REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
1.
Business and Basis of Presentation
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (“RGA”) is an insurance holding company that was formed on December 31, 1992. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of RGA and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RGA and its subsidiaries, and all intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. These condensed consolidated statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 29, 2016 (the "2015 Annual Report").
2.
Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share on net income (in thousands, except per share information):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Earnings:
 
 
 
Net income (numerator for basic and diluted calculations)
$
76,472

 
$
125,114

Shares:
 
 
 
Weighted average outstanding shares (denominator for basic calculation)
64,568

 
68,141

Equivalent shares from outstanding stock options
649

 
801

Denominator for diluted calculation
65,217

 
68,942

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.18

 
$
1.84

Diluted
$
1.17

 
$
1.81

The calculation of common equivalent shares does not include the impact of options having a strike or conversion price that exceeds the average stock price for the earnings period, as the result would be antidilutive. The calculation of common equivalent shares also excludes the impact of outstanding performance contingent shares, as the conditions necessary for their issuance have not been satisfied as of the end of the reporting period. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, 0.8 million stock options and approximately 0.9 million performance contingent shares were excluded from the calculation. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, approximately 0.3 million stock options and approximately 0.7 million performance contingent shares were excluded from the calculation. Year-to-date amounts for equivalent shares from outstanding stock options and performance contingent shares are the weighted average of the individual quarterly amounts.

7

Table of Contents


3.
Equity
Common stock
The changes in number of common stock shares, issued, held in treasury and outstanding are as follows for the periods indicated:
 
 
Issued
 
Held In Treasury
 
Outstanding
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
79,137,758

 
13,933,232

 
65,204,526

Common stock acquired
 

 
1,232,684

 
(1,232,684
)
Stock-based compensation (1)
 

 
(93,568
)
 
93,568

Balance, March 31, 2016
 
79,137,758

 
15,072,348

 
64,065,410

 
 
Issued
 
Held In Treasury
 
Outstanding
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
79,137,758

 
10,364,797

 
68,772,961

Common stock acquired
 

 
2,538,718

 
(2,538,718
)
Stock-based compensation (1)
 

 
(204,316
)
 
204,316

Balance, March 31, 2015
 
79,137,758

 
12,699,199

 
66,438,559

(1)
Represents net shares issued from treasury pursuant to the Company's equity-based compensation programs.
Common stock held in treasury
Common stock held in treasury is accounted for at average cost. Gains resulting from the reissuance of "Common stock held in treasury" are credited to "Additional paid-in capital." Losses resulting from the reissuance of "Common stock held in treasury" are charged first to "Additional paid-in capital" to the extent the Company has previously recorded gains on treasury share transactions, then to "Retained earnings."
On January 21, 2016, RGA's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $400.0 million of RGA's outstanding common stock. The authorization was effective immediately and does not have an expiration date. In connection with this new authorization, the board of directors terminated the stock repurchase authority granted in 2015. During the first quarter of 2016, RGA repurchased 1.2 million shares of common stock under this program for $105.1 million.
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
The balance of and changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Tax
 
 
Accumulated
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
of Investments(1)
 
Pension and
Postretirement
Benefits
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
$
(181,151
)
 
$
935,697

 
$
(46,262
)
 
$
708,284

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
72,695

 
781,293

 
(5,932
)
 
848,056

Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI
 

 
10,237

 
1,551

 
11,788

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
 
5,038

 
(244,305
)
 
1,522

 
(237,745
)
Balance, March 31, 2016
 
$
(103,418
)
 
$
1,482,922

 
$
(49,121
)
 
$
1,330,383

 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Tax
 
 
Accumulated
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
of Investments(1)
 
Pension and
Postretirement
Benefits
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
$
81,847

 
$
1,624,773

 
$
(49,491
)
 
$
1,657,129

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

 
617

 
391,626

Amounts reclassified to (from) AOCI
 

 
(8,252
)
 
787

 
(7,465
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
 
(14,486
)
 
(142,118
)
 
(450
)
 
(157,054
)
Balance, March 31, 2015
 
$
(35,924
)
 
$
1,968,697

 
$
(48,537
)
 
$
1,884,236

(1)
Includes cash flow hedges of $(21,794) and $(29,397) as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and $(30,598) and $(31,591) as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” for additional information on cash flow hedges.




8

Table of Contents


The following table presents the amounts of AOCI reclassifications for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Amount Reclassified from AOCI
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
Details about AOCI Components
 
2016
 
2015
 
Affected Line Item in 
Statement of Income
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
 
$
(18,291
)
 
$
3,079

 
Investment related gains (losses), net
Cash flow hedges - Interest rate swaps
 
160

 
840

 
(1)
Cash flow hedges - Forward bond purchase commitments
 
788

 

 
(1)
Deferred policy acquisition costs attributed to unrealized gains and losses
 
7,106

 
4,333

 
(2)
Total
 
(10,237
)
 
8,252

 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
4,649

 
(860
)
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax
 
$
(5,588
)
 
$
7,392

 
 
Amortization of defined benefit plan items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost
 
$
(78
)
 
$
(83
)
 
(3)
Actuarial gains/(losses)
 
(1,473
)
 
(704
)
 
(3)
Total
 
(1,551
)
 
(787
)
 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
543

 
275

 
 
Amortization of defined benefit plans, net of tax
 
$
(1,008
)
 
$
(512
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(6,596
)
 
$
6,880

 
 
(1)
See Note 5 - "Derivative Instruments" for additional information on cash flow hedges.
(2)
This AOCI component is included in the computation of the deferred policy acquisition cost. See Note 8 – “Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs” of the 2015 Annual Report for additional details.
(3)
This AOCI component is included in the computation of the net periodic pension cost. See Note 10 – “Employee Benefit Plans” for additional details.

4.
Investments
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
The following tables provide information relating to investments in fixed maturity and equity securities by sector as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
March 31, 2016:
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated Fair
 
% of
 
Other-than-
temporary impairments
 
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Total
 
in AOCI
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
17,926,454

 
$
872,226

 
$
286,632

 
$
18,512,048

 
59.5
%
 
$

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
2,611,654

 
1,269,576

 
113

 
3,881,117

 
12.5

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
1,330,894

 
61,124

 
11,121

 
1,380,897

 
4.4

 
(300
)
Asset-backed securities
 
1,319,616

 
10,462

 
40,697

 
1,289,381

 
4.1

 
354

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,466,500

 
47,907

 
6,224

 
1,508,183

 
4.8

 
(1,609
)
U.S. government and agencies
 
1,469,170

 
40,859

 
2,949

 
1,507,080

 
4.8

 

State and political subdivisions
 
506,521

 
53,761

 
8,039

 
552,243

 
1.8

 

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
2,404,465

 
134,991

 
21,691

 
2,517,765

 
8.1

 

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
29,035,274

 
$
2,490,906

 
$
377,466

 
$
31,148,714

 
100.0
%
 
$
(1,555
)
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
$
83,427

 
$
2,768

 
$
8,110

 
$
78,085

 
66.2
%
 
 
Other equity securities
 
40,595

 
150

 
954

 
39,791

 
33.8

 
 
Total equity securities
 
$
124,022

 
$
2,918

 
$
9,064

 
$
117,876

 
100.0
%
 
 
 

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Table of Contents


December 31, 2015:
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated Fair
 
% of
 
Other-than-
temporary impairments
 
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Total
 
in AOCI
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
17,575,507

 
$
599,718

 
$
467,069

 
$
17,708,156

 
59.7
%
 
$

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
2,469,009

 
1,110,282

 
2,532

 
3,576,759

 
12.1

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
1,277,998

 
45,152

 
11,673

 
1,311,477

 
4.4

 
(300
)
Asset-backed securities
 
1,219,000

 
12,052

 
18,376

 
1,212,676

 
4.1

 
354

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,456,848

 
37,407

 
11,168

 
1,483,087

 
5.0

 
(1,609
)
U.S. government and agencies
 
1,423,791

 
15,586

 
57,718

 
1,381,659

 
4.7

 

State and political subdivisions
 
480,067

 
40,014

 
9,067

 
511,014

 
1.7

 

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
2,420,757

 
78,964

 
41,644

 
2,458,077

 
8.3

 

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
28,322,977

 
$
1,939,175

 
$
619,247

 
$
29,642,905

 
100.0
%
 
$
(1,555
)
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
$
85,645

 
$
7,837

 
$
5,962

 
$
87,520

 
69.5
%
 
 
Other equity securities
 
40,584

 

 
2,242

 
38,342

 
30.5

 
 
Total equity securities
 
$
126,229

 
$
7,837

 
$
8,204

 
$
125,862

 
100.0
%
 
 
The Company enters into various collateral arrangements with counterparties that require both the pledging and acceptance of fixed maturity securities as collateral. Pledged fixed maturity securities are included in fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Fixed maturity securities received as collateral are held in separate custodial accounts and are not recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or repledge collateral it receives; however, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, none of the collateral received had been sold or repledged. The Company also holds securities in trust to satisfy collateral requirements under certain third-party reinsurance treaties. The following table includes fixed maturity securities pledged and received as collateral and assets in trust held to satisfy collateral requirements under certain third-party reinsurance treaties as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral
$
192,718

 
$
204,980

 
$
169,678

 
$
176,782

Fixed maturity securities received as collateral
n/a

 
261,601

 
n/a

 
242,914

Securities held in trust
10,698,579

 
11,345,193

 
10,535,729

 
10,928,393

The Company monitors its concentrations of financial instruments on an ongoing basis and mitigates credit risk by maintaining a diversified investment portfolio which limits exposure to any one issuer. The Company’s exposure to concentrations of credit risk from single issuers greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity included securities of the U.S. government and its agencies as well as the securities disclosed below as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands).
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Fixed maturity securities guaranteed or issued by:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Canadian province of Ontario
$
892,870

 
$
1,257,794

 
$
864,444

 
$
1,199,080

Canadian province of Quebec
1,013,019

 
1,702,423

 
943,484

 
1,525,903

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale at March 31, 2016 are shown by contractual maturity in the table below (dollars in thousands). Actual maturities can differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Asset and mortgage-backed securities are shown separately in the table below, as they are not due at a single maturity date.

10

Table of Contents


 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
802,218

 
$
809,704

Due after one year through five years
 
5,606,886

 
5,828,982

Due after five years through ten years
 
8,633,420

 
8,985,775

Due after ten years
 
9,875,740

 
11,345,792

Asset and mortgage-backed securities
 
4,117,010

 
4,178,461

Total
 
$
29,035,274

 
$
31,148,714

Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities
The tables below show the major industry types of the Company’s corporate fixed maturity holdings as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): 
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
Estimated
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost    
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total           
Finance
 
$
5,818,427

 
$
6,026,229

 
32.6
%
Industrial
 
10,147,913

 
10,396,101

 
56.1

Utility
 
1,960,114

 
2,089,718

 
11.3

Total
 
$
17,926,454

 
$
18,512,048

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
Estimated
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
Finance
 
$
5,408,791

 
$
5,555,044

 
31.4
%
Industrial
 
10,211,426

 
10,129,917

 
57.2

Utility
 
1,955,290

 
2,023,195

 
11.4

Total
 
$
17,575,507

 
$
17,708,156

 
100.0
%
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments - Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
As discussed in Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the 2015 Annual Report, a portion of certain other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses on fixed maturity securities is recognized in AOCI. For these securities, the net amount recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income (“credit loss impairments”) represents the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. Any remaining difference between the fair value and amortized cost is recognized in AOCI. The amount of pre-tax credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in AOCI, was $7.3 million as of March 31, 2016 and 2015. There were no changes in these amounts from their respective prior-year ending balances.
Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
The following table presents the total gross unrealized losses for the 1,450 and 2,080 fixed maturity and equity securities as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by the indicated amount (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of Total    
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of Total    
Less than 20%
 
$
275,128

 
71.2
%
 
$
463,109

 
73.8
%
20% or more for less than six months
 
69,739

 
18.0

 
142,495

 
22.7

20% or more for six months or greater
 
41,663

 
10.8

 
21,847

 
3.5

Total
 
$
386,530

 
100.0
%
 
$
627,451

 
100.0
%

11

Table of Contents


The Company’s determination of whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary includes analysis of the underlying credit and the extent and duration of a decline in value. The Company’s credit analysis of an investment includes determining whether the issuer is current on its contractual payments, evaluating whether it is probable that the Company will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security and analyzing the overall ability of the Company to recover the amortized cost of the investment. In the Company’s impairment review process, the duration and severity of an unrealized loss position for equity securities are given greater weight and consideration given the lack of contractual cash flows or deferability features.
The following tables present the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses, including other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in AOCI, for 1,450 and 2,080 fixed maturity and equity securities that have estimated fair values below amortized cost as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively (dollars in thousands). These investments are presented by class and grade of security, as well as the length of time the related fair value has remained below amortized cost.
 
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or greater
 
Total
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Gross
March 31, 2016:
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
Investment grade securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
2,082,050

 
$
79,986

 
$
1,557,209

 
$
112,210

 
$
3,639,259

 
$
192,196

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
49,560

 
113

 

 

 
49,560

 
113

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
217,618

 
5,773

 
104,341

 
4,456

 
321,959

 
10,229

Asset-backed securities
 
629,257

 
25,390

 
237,331

 
12,243

 
866,588

 
37,633

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
256,118

 
3,936

 
52,341

 
1,995

 
308,459

 
5,931

U.S. government and agencies
 
129,048

 
801

 
70,288

 
2,148

 
199,336

 
2,949

State and political subdivisions
 
14,632

 
510

 
55,295

 
7,529

 
69,927

 
8,039

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
107,785

 
3,274

 
115,085

 
5,922

 
222,870

 
9,196

Total investment grade securities
 
3,486,068

 
119,783

 
2,191,890

 
146,503

 
5,677,958

 
266,286

 
Below investment grade securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
573,014

 
65,766

 
137,674

 
28,670

 
710,688

 
94,436

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
22,774

 
411

 
10,445

 
481

 
33,219

 
892

Asset-backed securities
 
6,506

 
1,368

 
8,818

 
1,696

 
15,324

 
3,064

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 

 

 
3,207

 
293

 
3,207

 
293

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
36,134

 
2,482

 
58,897

 
10,013

 
95,031

 
12,495

Total below investment grade securities
 
638,428

 
70,027

 
219,041

 
41,153

 
857,469

 
111,180

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
4,124,496

 
$
189,810

 
$
2,410,931

 
$
187,656

 
$
6,535,427

 
$
377,466

Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
$
15,334

 
$
356

 
$
22,821

 
$
7,754

 
$
38,155

 
$
8,110

Other equity securities
 
13,263

 
702

 
11,649

 
252

 
24,912

 
954

Total equity securities
 
$
28,597

 
$
1,058

 
$
34,470

 
$
8,006

 
$
63,067

 
$
9,064


12

Table of Contents


 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or greater
 
Total
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Gross
December 31, 2015:
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
Investment grade securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
6,388,148

 
$
323,961

 
$
294,755

 
$
40,861

 
$
6,682,903

 
$
364,822

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
122,746

 
2,532

 

 

 
122,746

 
2,532

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
452,297

 
7,036

 
82,314

 
4,057

 
534,611

 
11,093

Asset-backed securities
 
581,701

 
9,825

 
199,298

 
7,100

 
780,999

 
16,925

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
514,877

 
9,806

 
31,177

 
997

 
546,054

 
10,803

U.S. government and agencies
 
1,010,387

 
57,718

 

 

 
1,010,387

 
57,718

State and political subdivisions
 
157,837

 
5,349

 
13,016

 
3,718

 
170,853

 
9,067

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
702,962

 
18,279

 
38,379

 
4,206

 
741,341

 
22,485

Total investment grade securities
 
9,930,955

 
434,506

 
658,939

 
60,939

 
10,589,894

 
495,445

Below investment grade securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
554,688

 
71,171

 
114,427

 
31,076

 
669,115

 
102,247

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
22,646

 
282

 
7,679

 
298

 
30,325

 
580

Asset-backed securities
 
6,772

 
201

 
9,335

 
1,250

 
16,107

 
1,451

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
3,253

 
248

 
767

 
117

 
4,020

 
365

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
60,668

 
7,356

 
31,693

 
11,803

 
92,361

 
19,159

Total below investment grade securities
 
648,027

 
79,258

 
163,901

 
44,544

 
811,928

 
123,802

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
10,578,982

 
$
513,764

 
$
822,840


$
105,483

 
$
11,401,822

 
$
619,247

Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
$
12,331

 
$
2,175

 
$
12,191

 
$
3,787

 
$
24,522

 
$
5,962

Other equity securities
 
38,327

 
2,242

 

 

 
38,327

 
2,242

Total equity securities
 
$
50,658

 
$
4,417

 
$
12,191


$
3,787

 
$
62,849

 
$
8,204

The Company has no intention to sell, nor does it expect to be required to sell, the securities outlined in the table above, as of the dates indicated. However, unforeseen facts and circumstances may cause the Company to sell fixed maturity and equity securities in the ordinary course of managing its portfolio to meet certain diversification, credit quality and liquidity guidelines.
Unrealized losses on below investment grade securities as of March 31, 2016 are primarily related to high-yield corporate and other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprise securities. Unrealized losses decreased across most security types as treasury rates decreased during the first three months of 2016.

Investment Income, Net of Related Expenses
Major categories of investment income, net of related expenses, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
$
312,414

 
$
269,768

Mortgage loans on real estate
39,792

 
34,772

Policy loans
16,134

 
14,040

Funds withheld at interest
55,980

 
112,260

Short-term investments
975

 
695

Other invested assets
9,824

 
12,027

Investment income
435,119

 
443,562

Investment expense
(17,853
)
 
(16,671
)
Investment income, net of related expenses
$
417,266

 
$
426,891


13

Table of Contents


Investment Related Gains (Losses), Net
Investment related gains (losses), net consist of the following (dollars in thousands): 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale:
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings
$
(33,817
)
 
$
(2,527
)
Gain on investment activity
27,192

 
19,201

Loss on investment activity
(11,787
)
 
(13,596
)
Other impairment losses and change in mortgage loan provision
(2,060
)
 
(4,168
)
Derivatives and other, net
(100,414
)
 
8,673

Total investment related gains (losses), net
$
(120,886
)
 
$
7,583

The fixed maturity impairments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were largely related to high-yield energy and emerging market corporate securities. The fluctuations in investment related gains (losses) for derivatives and other for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, are primarily due to changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives related to modified coinsurance and funds withheld treaties.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company sold fixed maturity and equity securities with fair values of $242.6 million and $199.6 million at losses of $11.8 million and $13.6 million, respectively. The Company generally does not buy and sell securities on a short-term basis.
Securities Borrowing and Other
The Company participates in securities borrowing programs whereby securities, which are not reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, are borrowed from third parties. The borrowed securities are used to provide collateral under affiliated reinsurance transactions. The Company is required to maintain a minimum of 100% of the fair value, or par value, under certain programs, of the borrowed securities as collateral. The collateral consists of rights to reinsurance treaty cash flows. If cash flows from the reinsurance treaties are insufficient to maintain the minimum collateral requirement, the Company may substitute cash or securities to meet the requirement. No cash or securities have been pledged by the Company for this purpose.
The Company also participates in a repurchase/reverse repurchase program in which securities, reflected as investments on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, are pledged to a third party. In return, the Company receives securities from the third party with an estimated fair value equal to a minimum of 100% of the securities pledged. The securities received are not reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The following table includes the amount of borrowed securities, repurchased securities pledged and repurchased/reverse repurchased securities pledged and received as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands).
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Borrowed securities
$
268,800

 
$
282,780

 
$
259,540

 
$
266,297

Repurchase program/reverse repurchase program:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities pledged
454,264

 
479,427

 
443,435

 
465,889

Securities received
n/a

 
479,482

 
n/a

 
481,197

The following table presents information on the securities pledged as collateral by the Company related to its repurchase/reverse repurchase program as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands). Collateral associated with certain borrowed securities is not included within the table, as the collateral pledged to each counterparty is the right to reinsurance treaty cash flows.

14

Table of Contents


 
March 31, 2016
 
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
 
Overnight and Continuous
 
Up to 30 Days
 
30-90 Days
 
Greater than 90 Days
 
Total
Collateral on repurchase program
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
$

 
$

 
$
1,445

 
$
157,995

 
$
159,440

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 
97,398

 
97,398

U.S. government and agencies

 

 

 
212,081

 
212,081

Foreign government

 

 

 
3,303

 
3,303

Other
7,205

 

 

 

 
7,205

Total borrowings
$
7,205

 
$

 
$
1,445

 
$
470,777

 
$
479,427

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for repurchase agreement in preceding table
 
$
479,482

Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure
 
$
55

 
December 31, 2015
 
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
 
Overnight and Continuous
 
Up to 30 Days
 
30-90 Days
 
Greater than 90 Days
 
Total
Collateral on repurchase program
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
$

 
$
2,951

 
$

 
$
147,324

 
$
150,275

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 
97,639

 
97,639

U.S. government and agencies

 

 

 
199,431

 
199,431

Foreign government

 

 

 
3,358

 
3,358

Other
15,186

 

 

 

 
15,186

Total borrowings
$
15,186

 
$
2,951

 
$

 
$
447,752

 
$
465,889

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for repurchase agreement in preceding table
 
$
481,197

Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure
 
$
15,308

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans represented approximately 7.6% and 7.5% of the Company’s total investments as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The Company makes mortgage loans on income producing properties that are geographically diversified, with the largest concentration being in the state of California, which represented 22.2% and 22.3% of mortgage loans on real estate as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Loan-to-value ratios at the time of loan approval are 75% or less. The distribution of mortgage loans by property type, gross of valuation allowances, is as follows as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 Property type:
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
Office building
 
$
1,044,806

 
31.7
%
 
$
980,858

 
31.3
%
Retail
 
1,011,124

 
30.6

 
1,026,018

 
32.7

Industrial
 
656,171

 
19.9

 
527,485

 
16.8

Apartment
 
399,653

 
12.1

 
420,014

 
13.4

Other commercial
 
187,566

 
5.7

 
182,389

 
5.8

Total
 
$
3,299,320

 
100.0
%
 
$
3,136,764

 
100.0
%

15

Table of Contents


The maturities of the mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
Due within five years
 
$
844,192

 
25.6
%
 
$
873,280

 
27.8
%
Due after five years through ten years
 
1,709,137

 
51.8

 
1,561,535

 
49.8

Due after ten years
 
745,991

 
22.6

 
701,949

 
22.4

Total
 
$
3,299,320

 
100.0
%
 
$
3,136,764

 
100.0
%
Information regarding the Company’s credit quality indicators, as determined by the Company's internal evaluation methodology for its recorded investment in mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Internal credit quality grade:
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
High investment grade
 
$
1,739,464

 
52.8
%
 
$
1,621,601

 
51.7
%
Investment grade
 
1,449,516

 
43.9

 
1,397,996

 
44.6

Average
 
86,600

 
2.6

 
87,196

 
2.8

Watch list
 
13,483

 
0.4

 
13,550

 
0.4

In or near default
 
10,257

 
0.3

 
16,421

 
0.5

Total
 
$
3,299,320

 
100.0
%
 
$
3,136,764

 
100.0
%
The age analysis of the Company’s past due recorded investment in mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
31-60 days past due
 
$
1,891

 
$

 
61-90 days past due
 

 

 
Greater than 90 days
 

 

 
Total past due
 
1,891

 

 
Current
 
3,297,429

 
3,136,764

 
Total
 
$
3,299,320

 
$
3,136,764

The following table presents the recorded investment in mortgage loans, by method of measuring impairment, and the related valuation allowances as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Mortgage loans:
 
 
 
 
Individually measured for impairment
 
$
10,257

 
$
16,421

Collectively measured for impairment
 
3,289,063

 
3,120,343

Mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances
 
3,299,320

 
3,136,764

Valuation allowances:
 
 
 
 
Individually measured for impairment
 
594

 
588

Collectively measured for impairment
 
6,230

 
6,225

Total valuation allowances
 
6,824

 
6,813

 
Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowances
 
$
3,292,496

 
$
3,129,951


16

Table of Contents


Information regarding the Company’s loan valuation allowances for mortgage loans for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Balance, beginning of period
$
6,813

 
$
6,471

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

 

Provision (release)
11

 
(341
)
Balance, end of period
$
6,824

 
$
6,130

Information regarding the portion of the Company’s mortgage loans that were impaired as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
 
Carrying
Value
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded
 
$
818

 
$
809

 
$

 
$
809

Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
 
9,950

 
9,448

 
594

 
8,854

Total impaired mortgage loans
 
$
10,768

 
$
10,257

 
$
594

 
$
9,663

December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded
 
$
4,033

 
$
4,033

 
$

 
$
4,033

Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
 
12,898

 
12,388

 
588

 
11,800

Total impaired mortgage loans
 
$
16,931

 
$
16,421

 
$
588

 
$
15,833

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company’s average investment in impaired mortgage loans and the related interest income are reflected in the table below for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
(1)
 
Interest
Income
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
(1)
 
Interest
Income
Impaired mortgage loans with no valuation allowance recorded
 
$
2,421

 
$
12

 
$
10,290

 
$
106

 
Impaired mortgage loans with valuation allowance recorded
 
10,918

 
144

 
6,702

 
155

Total impaired mortgage loans
 
$
13,339

 
$
156

 
$
16,992

 
$
261

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

The Company did not acquire any impaired mortgage loans during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. The Company had no mortgage loans that were on a nonaccrual status at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
Policy Loans
Policy loans comprised approximately 3.3% and 3.5% of the Company’s total investments as of March 31, 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 to the ceding company upon the death of the insured or surrender of the underlying policy. The provisions of the treaties in force and the underlying policies determine the policy loan interest rates. The Company earns a spread between the interest rate earned on policy loans and the interest rate credited to corresponding liabilities.
Funds Withheld at Interest
Funds withheld at interest comprised approximately 13.3% and 14.0% of the Company’s total investments as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Of the $5.8 billion funds withheld at interest balance, net of embedded derivatives, as of March 31, 2016, $3.9 billion of the balance is associated with one client. For reinsurance agreements written on a modified coinsurance basis and certain agreements written on a coinsurance funds withheld basis, assets equal to the net statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned and managed by the ceding company and are reflected as funds withheld at interest on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. In the event of a ceding company’s insolvency, the Company would need to assert a claim on the assets supporting its reserve liabilities. However, the risk of loss to the Company is mitigated by its ability to offset amounts it owes the ceding company for claims or allowances against amounts owed to the Company from the ceding company.



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Other Invested Assets
Other invested assets include equity securities, limited partnership interests, joint ventures (other than operating joint ventures), structured loans, derivative contracts, fair value option ("FVO") contractholder-directed unit-linked investments, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines ("FHLB") common stock (included in other in the table below), real estate held-for-investment (included in other in the table below), and equity release mortgages (included in other in the table below). The fair value option was elected for contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities which do not qualify for presentation and reporting as separate accounts. Other invested assets represented approximately 3.1% of the Company’s total investments as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Carrying values of these assets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Equity securities
 
$
117,876

 
$
125,862

Limited partnerships and real estate joint ventures
 
602,117

 
567,697

Structured loans
 
35,751

 
45,422

Derivatives
 
282,954

 
256,178

FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
 
202,130

 
197,547

Other
 
127,716

 
105,414

Total other invested assets
 
$
1,368,544

 
$
1,298,120


5.    Derivative Instruments
Derivatives, except for embedded derivatives and longevity and mortality swaps, are carried on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets in other invested assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Longevity and mortality swaps are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in other assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Embedded derivative liabilities on modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in funds withheld at interest, at fair value. Embedded derivative liabilities on indexed annuity and variable annuity products are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets with the host contract in interest-sensitive contract liabilities, at fair value. The following table presents the notional amounts and gross fair value of derivative instruments prior to taking into account the netting effects of master netting agreements as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Notional
 
Carrying Value/Fair Value
 
Notional
 
Carrying Value/Fair Value
 
 
Amount
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Amount
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
1,164,929

 
$
142,357

 
$
1,507

 
$
1,123,057

 
$
85,075

 
$
4,196

Financial futures
 
442,723

 

 

 
420,665

 

 

Foreign currency forwards
 
38,000

 
915

 
3,312

 
45,000

 
44

 
6,768

Consumer price index swaps
 
30,015

 

 
402

 
28,561

 

 
292

Credit default swaps
 
855,700

 
8,709

 
7,724

 
897,000

 
8,230

 
11,053

Equity options
 
442,335

 
47,100

 

 
453,435

 
46,653

 

Longevity swaps
 
910,400

 
15,806

 

 
868,960

 
15,003

 
7

Mortality swaps
 
50,000

 

 
3,043

 
50,000

 

 
2,619

Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts
 
7,500,659

 

 

 
7,098,825

 

 

Embedded derivatives in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements
 

 

 
168,948

 

 

 
76,698

Indexed annuity products
 

 

 
862,658

 

 

 
878,114

Variable annuity products
 

 

 
255,411

 

 

 
192,470

Total non-hedging derivatives
 
11,434,761

 
214,887

 
1,303,005

 
10,985,503

 
155,005

 
1,172,217

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
435,000

 
5,129

 
26,724

 
120,000

 

 
29,986

Foreign currency swaps
 
850,585

 
107,437

 
2,604

 
823,486

 
146,265

 

Total hedging derivatives
 
1,285,585

 
112,566

 
29,328

 
943,486

 
146,265

 
29,986

Total derivatives
 
$
12,720,346

 
$
327,453

 
$
1,332,333

 
$
11,928,989

 
$
301,270

 
$
1,202,203


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Netting Arrangements
Certain of the Company’s derivatives are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and reported as a net asset or liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company nets all derivatives that are subject to such arrangements.
The Company has elected to include all derivatives, except embedded derivatives, in the tables below, irrespective of whether they are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or a similar agreement. See Note 4 – "Investments" for information regarding the Company’s securities borrowing, repurchase and repurchase/reverse repurchase programs. See “Embedded Derivatives” below for information regarding the Company’s bifurcated embedded derivatives.
The following table provides information relating to the Company’s derivative instruments as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not
Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts   
Recognized
 
Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Balance Sheet   
 
Net Amounts
Presented in the
Balance Sheet   
 
Financial
Instruments (1)    
 
Cash Collateral   
Pledged/
Received
 
Net Amount   
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets
 
$
327,453

 
$
(28,693
)
 
$
298,760

 
$
(32,953
)
 
$
(265,257
)
 
$
550

Derivative liabilities
 
45,316

 
(28,693
)
 
16,623

 
(74,663
)
 
(9,409
)
 
(67,449
)
December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets
 
$
301,270

 
$
(30,096
)
 
$
271,174

 
$
(20,888
)
 
$
(245,038
)
 
$
5,248

Derivative liabilities
 
54,921

 
(30,096
)
 
24,825

 
(47,149
)
 
(12,540
)
 
(34,864
)
(1)
Includes initial margin posted to a central clearing partner.
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. As discussed below under “Non-qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging,” the Company uses various derivative instruments for risk management purposes that either do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting treatment, including derivatives used to economically hedge changes in the fair value of liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company held interest rate swaps that were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk for variable rate liabilities and foreign currency assets, foreign currency swaps that were designated and qualified as hedges of a portion of its net investment in its foreign operations, foreign currency swaps that were designated and qualified as fair value hedges of foreign currency risk, and derivative instruments that were not designated as hedging instruments. See Note 2 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company’s 2015 Annual Report for a detailed discussion of the accounting treatment for derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives. Derivative instruments are carried at fair value and generally require an insignificant amount of cash at inception of the contracts.
Fair Value Hedges
The Company designates and reports certain foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency fair value exposure of foreign currency denominated assets as fair value hedges when they meet the requirements of the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging. The gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to a change in foreign currency and the offsetting gain or loss on the related foreign currency swaps as of March 31, 2016, were (dollars in thousands):
Type of Fair Value Hedge
 
Hedged Item
 
Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives
 
Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items
 
Ineffectiveness Recognized in Investment Related Gains (Losses)
For the three months ended March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities
 
$
5,867

 
$
(5,867
)
 
$

A regression analysis was used, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, to determine whether each derivative used in a hedged transaction is highly effective in offsetting changes in the hedged item. For the foreign currency swaps, the change in fair value related to changes in the benchmark interest rate and credit spreads are excluded from the hedge effectiveness. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, $4.6 million of the change in the estimated fair value of derivatives, was excluded from hedge effectiveness. There were no fair value hedges as of March 31, 2015.
Cash Flow Hedges
Certain derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges when they meet the requirements of the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging. The Company designates and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges: (i) certain interest rate swaps, in which the cash flows of assets are denominated in different currencies, commonly referred to as cross-

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currency swaps; (ii) certain interest rate swaps, in which the cash flows of liabilities are variable based on a benchmark rate (LIBOR); and (iii) forward bond purchase commitments.
The following table presents the components of AOCI, before income tax, and the condensed consolidated income statement classification where the gain or loss is recognized related to cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance beginning of period
 
$
(29,397
)
 
$
(31,591
)
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges
 
8,551

 
213

Amounts reclassified to investment related (gains) losses, net
 
(841
)
 
840

Amounts reclassified to investment income
 
(107
)
 
(60
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance end of period
 
$
(21,794
)
 
$
(30,598
)
As of March 31, 2016, the before-tax deferred net gains on derivative instruments recorded in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are approximately $0.3 million. This expectation is based on the anticipated interest payments on hedged investments in fixed maturity securities that will occur over the next twelve months, at which time the Company will recognize the deferred net gains (losses) as an adjustment to investment income over the term of the investment cash flows.
The following table presents the effective portion of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the condensed consolidated statements of income and AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Effective Portion
Derivative Type
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI
 
Gain (Loss) Reclassified into Income from AOCI
 
 
 
 
Investment Related Gains (Losses)
 
Investment Income
For the three months ended March 31, 2016:
Interest rate swaps
 
$
8,551

 
$

 
$
160

Forward bond purchase commitments
 

 
841

 
(53
)
Total
 
$
8,551

 
$
841

 
$
107

For the three months ended March 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
(7,567
)
 
$

 
$
60

Forward bond purchase commitments
 
7,780

 
(840
)
 

Total
 
$
213

 
$
(840
)
 
$
60

All components of each derivative's gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the ineffective portion of derivatives reported as cash flow hedges was not material to the Company's results of operations. Also, there were no material amounts reclassified into earnings relating to instances in which the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transaction did not occur by the anticipated date or within the additional time period permitted by the authoritative guidance for the accounting for derivatives and hedging.
Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations
The Company uses foreign currency swaps to hedge a portion of its net investment in certain foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The following table illustrates the Company’s net investments in foreign operations (“NIFO”) hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Derivative Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI     
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
Type of NIFO Hedge (1) (2)
 
2016
 
2015
Foreign currency swaps
 
$
(31,794
)
 
$
49,966

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


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The cumulative foreign currency translation gain recorded in AOCI related to these hedges was $140.1 million and $171.9 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. If a foreign operation was sold or substantially liquidated, the amounts in AOCI would be reclassified to the condensed consolidated statements of income. A pro rata portion would be reclassified upon partial sale of a foreign operation.
Non-qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging
The Company uses various other derivative instruments for risk management purposes that either do not qualify or have not been qualified for hedge accounting treatment, including derivatives used to economically hedge changes in the fair value of liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits. The gain or loss related to the change in fair value for these derivative instruments is recognized in investment related gains (losses), in the condensed consolidated statements of income, except where otherwise noted.
A summary of the effect of non-hedging derivatives, including embedded derivatives, on the Company’s income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
Gain (Loss) for the three months ended        
March 31,
Type of Non-hedging Derivative
 
Income Statement Location of Gain (Loss)
 
2016
 
2015
Interest rate swaps
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
$
62,527

 
$
29,344

Interest rate options
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 
3,275

Financial futures
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(11,051
)
 
(7,331
)
Foreign currency forwards
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
2,500

 
(220
)
CPI swaps
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(180
)
 
(71
)
Credit default swaps
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
3,346

 
2,658

Equity options
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(2,703
)
 
(8,067
)
Longevity swaps
 
Other revenues
 
87

 
1,821

Mortality swaps
 
Other revenues
 
(424
)
 
(479
)
Subtotal
 
 
 
54,102

 
20,930

Embedded derivatives in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Modified coinsurance or funds withheld arrangements
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(92,250
)
 
(2,325
)
Indexed annuity products
 
Interest credited
 
1,394

 
(29,326
)
Variable annuity products
 
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(62,940
)
 
(25,133
)
Total non-hedging derivatives
 
 
 
$
(99,694
)
 
$
(35,854
)
Types of Derivatives Used by the Company
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates, to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches) and to manage the risk of cash flows of liabilities that are variable based on a benchmark rate (LIBOR). With an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between two rates, which can be either fixed-rate or floating-rate interest amounts, tied to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. These transactions are executed pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment or individual gross payments at each due date. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps in cash flow and non-qualifying hedging relationships.
Interest Rate Options
Interest rate options, commonly referred to as swaptions, have been used by the Company primarily to hedge living benefit guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products. A swaption, used to hedge against adverse changes in interest rates, is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. The Company pays an upfront premium for the right to exercise this option in the future.

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Financial Futures
Exchange-traded futures are used primarily to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products. With exchange-traded futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the relevant indices, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference between the daily estimated fair values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange.
Equity Options
Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices volatility, the Company buys put options. The contracts are net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price.
Consumer Price Index Swaps
Consumer price index (“CPI”) swaps are used by the Company primarily to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain insurance products where value is directly affected by changes in a designated benchmark consumer price index. With a CPI swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange the actual amount of inflation realized over a specified period of time for a fixed amount of inflation determined at inception. These transactions are executed pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment or individual gross payments to be made by the counterparty at each due date. Most of these swaps will require a single payment to be made by one counterparty at the maturity date of the swap.
Foreign Currency Swaps
Foreign currency swaps are used by the Company to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. With a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a forward exchange rate calculated by reference to an agreed upon principal amount. The principal amount of each currency is exchanged at the termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company uses foreign currency swaps to hedge a portion of its net investment in certain foreign operations and foreign currency securities against adverse movements in exchange rates. The Company also uses foreign currency swaps to hedge its exposure to market risks from changes in currency exchange rates with respect to investments denominated in foreign currencies that the Company either holds or intends to acquire or sell.
Foreign Currency Forwards
Foreign currency forwards are used by the Company to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. With a foreign currency forward transaction, the Company agrees with another party to deliver a specified amount of an identified currency at a specified future date. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made in a different currency at the specified future date.
Forward Bond Purchase Commitments
Forward bond purchase commitments have been used by the Company to hedge against the variability in the anticipated cash flows required to purchase securities. With forward bond purchase commitments, the forward price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such contract is made at the future specified settlement date of the securities.
Credit Default Swaps
The Company sells protection under single name credit default swaps and credit default swap index tranches to diversify its credit risk exposure in certain portfolios and, in combination with purchasing securities, to replicate characteristics of similar investments based on the credit quality and term of the credit default swap. Credit default triggers for indexed reference entities and single name reference entities are defined in the contracts. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit loss equals the notional value for credit default swaps. In the event of default of a referencing entity, the Company is typically required to pay the protection holder the full notional value less a recovery amount determined at auction.

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The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of credit default swaps sold by the Company at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations(1)
 
Estimated Fair
Value of Credit  
Default Swaps
 
Maximum
Amount of Future
Payments under
Credit Default
Swaps(2)
 
Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity(3)
 
Estimated Fair
Value of Credit  
Default Swaps
 
Maximum
Amount of Future
Payments under
Credit Default
Swaps(2)
 
Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity(3)  
AA/AA-/A+/A/A-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single name credit default swaps
 
$
1,351

 
$
130,000

 
4.1
 
$
1,689

 
$
152,500

 
3.9
Credit default swaps referencing indices
 

 

 
 

 

 
Subtotal
 
1,351

 
130,000

 
4.1
 
1,689

 
152,500

 
3.9
BBB+/BBB/BBB-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single name credit default swaps
 
(4,570
)
 
304,700

 
4.1
 
(5,066
)
 
315,200

 
4.2
Credit default swaps referencing indices
 
4,423

 
416,000

 
5.2
 
2,274

 
416,000

 
5.0
Subtotal
 
(147
)
 
720,700

 
4.8
 
(2,792
)
 
731,200

 
4.6
BB+/BB
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single name credit default swaps
 
(219
)
 
5,000

 
3.2
 
(2,900
)
 
10,000

 
4.1
Credit default swaps referencing indices
 

 

 
 

 

 
Subtotal
 
(219
)
 
5,000

 
3.2
 
(2,900
)
 
10,000

 
4.1
Total
 
$
985

 
$
855,700

 
4.7
 
$
(4,003
)
 
$
893,700

 
4.5
 
(1)
The rating agency designations are based on ratings from Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”).
(2)
Assumes the value of the referenced credit obligations is zero.
(3)
The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average notional amounts.
The Company also purchases credit default swaps to reduce its risk against a drop in bond prices due to credit concerns of certain bond issuers. If a credit event, as defined by the contract, occurs, the Company is able to put the bond back to the counterparty at par.
Longevity Swaps
The Company enters into longevity swaps in the form of out-of-the-money options, which provide protection against changes in mortality improvement to retirement plans and insurers of such plans. With a longevity swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange a proportion of a notional value. The proportion is determined by the difference between a predefined benefit, and the realized benefit plus the future expected benefit, calculated by reference to a population index for a fixed premium.
Mortality Swaps
Mortality swaps are used by the Company to hedge risk from changes in mortality experience associated with its reinsurance of life insurance risk. The Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, a proportion of a notional value determined by the difference between a predefined expected and realized claim amount on a designated index of reinsured lives, for a fixed percentage (premium) each term.
Synthetic Guaranteed Investment Contracts
The Company sells fee-based synthetic guaranteed investment contracts to retirement plans which include investment-only, stable value contracts. The assets are owned by the trustees of such plans, who invest the assets under the terms of investment guidelines to which the Company agrees. The contracts contain a guarantee of a minimum rate of return on participant balances supported by the underlying assets, and a guarantee of liquidity to meet certain participant-initiated plan cash flow requirements. These contracts are reported as derivatives, recorded at fair value and classified as interest rate derivatives.
Embedded Derivatives
The Company has certain embedded derivatives which are required to be separated from their host contracts and reported as derivatives. Host contracts include reinsurance treaties structured on a modified coinsurance or funds withheld basis. Additionally, the Company reinsures equity-indexed annuity and variable annuity contracts with benefits that are considered embedded derivatives, including guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits, guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits, and guaranteed minimum income benefits. The changes in fair values of embedded derivatives on equity-indexed annuities described below relate to changes in the fair value associated with capital market and other related assumptions. The Company’s utilization of a credit valuation adjustment did not have a material effect on the change in fair value of its embedded derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

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The related gains (losses) and the effect on net income after amortization of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Embedded derivatives in modco or funds withheld arrangements included in investment related gains
$
(92,250
)
 
$
(2,325
)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income
(26,777
)
 
(2,588
)
Embedded derivatives in variable annuity contracts included in investment related gains
(62,940
)
 
(25,133
)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income
(25,843
)
 
(9,409
)
Amounts related to embedded derivatives in equity-indexed annuities included in benefits and expenses
1,394

 
(29,326
)
After the associated amortization of DAC and taxes, the related amounts included in net income
11,234

 
(15,999
)
Credit Risk
The Company manages its credit risk related to over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master netting agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination.
The credit exposure of the Company's OTC derivative transactions is represented by the contracts with a positive fair value (market value) at the reporting date. To reduce credit exposures, the Company seeks to (i) enter into OTC derivative transactions pursuant to master netting agreements that provide for a netting of payments and receipts with a single counterparty, and (ii) enter into agreements that allow the use of credit support annexes, which are bilateral rating-sensitive agreements that require collateral postings at established threshold levels. Certain of the Company's OTC derivatives are cleared derivatives, which are bilateral transactions between the Company and a counterparty where the transactions are cleared through a clearinghouse, such that each derivative counterparty is only exposed to the default of the clearinghouse. These cleared transactions require initial and daily variation margin collateral postings and include certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps entered into on or after June 10, 2013, related to guidelines implemented under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Also, the Company enters into exchange-traded futures through regulated exchanges and these transactions are settled on a daily basis, thereby reducing credit risk exposure in the event of non-performance by counterparties to such financial instruments.
The Company enters into various collateral arrangements, which require both the posting and accepting of collateral in connection with its derivative instruments. Collateral agreements contain attachment thresholds that may vary depending on the posting party’s ratings. Additionally, a decline in the Company’s or the counterparty’s credit ratings to specified levels could result in potential settlement of the derivative positions under the Company’s agreements with its counterparties. The Company also has exchange-traded futures, which require the maintenance of a margin account. As exchange-traded futures are affected through regulated exchanges, and positions are marked to market on a daily basis, the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties.
The Company’s credit exposure related to derivative contracts is generally limited to the fair value at the reporting date plus or minus any collateral posted or held by the Company. The Company’s credit exposure to mortality swaps is minimal, as they are fully collateralized by a counterparty. Information regarding the Company’s credit exposure related to its over-the-counter derivative contracts, centrally cleared derivative contracts and margin account for exchange-traded futures, excluding mortality swaps, at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Estimated fair value of derivatives in net asset position
 
$
285,180

 
$
248,968

Cash provided as collateral(1)
 
9,409

 
12,540

Securities pledged to counterparties as collateral(2)
 
74,663

 
47,149

Cash pledged from counterparties as collateral(3)
 
(265,257
)
 
(245,038
)
Securities pledged from counterparties as collateral(4)
 
(32,953
)
 
(20,888
)
Initial margin for cleared derivatives(2)
 
(65,036
)
 
(34,898
)
Net credit exposure
 
$
6,006

 
$
7,833

Margin account related to exchange-traded futures(5)
 
$
12,764

 
$
11,004

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

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6.    Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
Fair Value Measurement
General accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. These principles also establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value and describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Active markets are defined as having the following characteristics for the measured asset/liability: (i) many transactions, (ii) current prices, (iii) price quotes not varying substantially among market makers, (iv) narrow bid/ask spreads and (v) most information publicly available. The Company’s Level 1 assets include investment securities that are traded in exchange markets.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or market standard valuation techniques and assumptions with significant inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Such observable inputs include benchmarking prices for similar assets in active, liquid markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market. The Company’s Level 2 assets and liabilities include investment securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose values are determined using market standard valuation techniques. This category primarily includes corporate securities, Canadian and Canadian provincial government securities, and residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, and other foreign government, supranational and foreign government sponsored enterprises among others. Level 2 valuations are generally obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or liabilities or through the use of valuation methodologies using observable market inputs. Prices from servicers are validated through analytical reviews and assessment of current market activity.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the related assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include those whose value is determined using market standard valuation techniques described above. When observable inputs are not available, the market standard techniques for determining the estimated fair value of certain securities that trade infrequently, and therefore have little transparency, rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value and that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though unobservable, management believes these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing similar assets and liabilities. For the Company’s invested assets, this category generally includes corporate securities (primarily private placements and bank loans), Canadian provincial securities, asset-backed securities (including collateralized debt obligations and those with exposure to subprime mortgages), and to a lesser extent, certain residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, and state and political subdivisions among others. Prices are determined using valuation methodologies such as discounted cash flow models and other similar techniques. Non-binding broker quotes, which are utilized when pricing service information is not available, are reviewed for reasonableness based on the Company’s understanding of the market, and are generally considered Level 3. Under certain circumstances, based on its observations of transactions in active markets, the Company may conclude the prices received from independent third party pricing services or brokers are not reasonable or reflective of market activity. In those instances, the Company would apply internally developed valuation techniques to the related assets or liabilities. Additionally, the Company’s embedded derivatives, all of which are associated with reinsurance treaties and longevity and mortality swaps, are classified in Level 3 since their values include significant unobservable inputs.
When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety, except for fair value measurements using net asset value. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore, gains and losses for such assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3).

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Assets and Liabilities by Hierarchy Level
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using:
 
 
Total    
 
Level 1        
 
Level 2    
 
Level 3    
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
18,512,048

 
$
265,592

 
$
17,002,796

 
$
1,243,660

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
3,881,117

 

 
3,393,734

 
487,383

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
1,380,897

 

 
1,047,644

 
333,253

Asset-backed securities
 
1,289,381

 

 
1,004,161

 
285,220

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,508,183

 

 
1,444,609

 
63,574

U.S. government and agencies
 
1,507,080

 
1,349,361

 
131,839

 
25,880

State and political subdivisions
 
552,243

 

 
517,619

 
34,624

Other foreign government supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
2,517,765

 
255,913

 
2,247,916

 
13,936

Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale
 
31,148,714

 
1,870,866

 
26,790,318

 
2,487,530

Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives
 
(168,948
)
 

 

 
(168,948
)
Cash equivalents
 
577,884

 
577,884

 

 

Short-term investments
 
364,214

 
353,227

 
10,987

 

Other invested assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
78,085

 
62,668

 
15,417

 

Other equity securities
 
39,791

 
39,791

 

 

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
131,665

 

 
131,665

 

Foreign currency forwards
 
915

 

 
915

 

CPI swaps
 
(402
)
 

 
(402
)
 

Credit default swaps
 
4,162

 

 
4,162

 

Equity options
 
40,096

 

 
40,096

 

Foreign currency swaps
 
106,518

 

 
106,518

 

FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
 
202,130

 
200,844

 
1,286

 

Other
 
29,270

 
29,270

 

 

Total other invested assets
 
632,230

 
332,573

 
299,657

 

Other assets - longevity swaps
 
15,806

 

 

 
15,806

Total
 
$
32,569,900

 
$
3,134,550

 
$
27,100,962

 
$
2,334,388

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives
 
$
1,118,069

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,118,069

Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
12,410

 

 
12,410

 

Foreign currency forwards
 
3,312

 

 
3,312

 

Credit default swaps
 
3,177

 

 
3,177

 

Equity options
 
(7,004
)
 

 
(7,004
)
 

Foreign currency swaps
 
1,685

 

 
1,685

 

Mortality swaps
 
3,043

 

 

 
3,043

Total
 
$
1,134,692

 
$

 
$
13,580

 
$
1,121,112


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December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using:
 
 
Total    
 
Level 1        
 
Level 2    
 
Level 3    
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$
17,708,156

 
$
269,039

 
$
16,212,147

 
$
1,226,970

Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
3,576,759

 

 
3,160,683

 
416,076

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
1,311,477

 

 
980,828

 
330,649

Asset-backed securities
 
1,212,676

 

 
908,840

 
303,836

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,483,087

 

 
1,414,524

 
68,563

U.S. government and agencies
 
1,381,659

 
1,227,858

 
127,536

 
26,265

State and political subdivisions
 
511,014

 

 
472,672

 
38,342

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
2,458,077

 
260,552

 
2,183,460

 
14,065

Total fixed maturity securities – available-for-sale
 
29,642,905

 
1,757,449

 
25,460,690

 
2,424,766

Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivatives
 
(76,698
)
 

 

 
(76,698
)
Cash equivalents
 
406,521

 
406,521

 

 

Short-term investments
 
530,773

 
524,946

 
5,827

 

Other invested assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
87,520

 
81,809

 
5,711

 

Other equity securities
 
38,342

 
38,342

 

 

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
71,882

 

 
71,882

 

Foreign currency forwards
 
20

 

 
20

 

CPI swaps
 
(292
)
 

 
(292
)
 

Credit default swaps
 
2,567

 

 
2,567

 

Equity options
 
40,644

 

 
40,644

 

Foreign currency swaps
 
141,357

 

 
141,357

 

FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
 
197,547

 
195,317

 
2,230

 

Other
 
8,170

 
8,170

 

 

Total other invested assets
 
587,757

 
323,638

 
264,119

 

Other assets - longevity swaps
 
14,996

 

 

 
14,996

Total
 
$
31,106,254

 
$
3,012,554

 
$
25,730,636

 
$
2,363,064

Liabilities:
 

 

 

 

Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivatives
 
$
1,070,584

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,070,584

Other liabilities:
 

 

 

 

Derivatives:
 

 

 

 

Interest rate swaps
 
20,989

 

 
20,989

 

Foreign currency forwards
 
6,744

 

 
6,744

 

Credit default swaps
 
5,390

 

 
5,390

 

Equity options
 
(6,009
)
 

 
(6,009
)
 

Foreign currency swaps
 
(4,908
)
 

 
(4,908
)
 

Mortality swaps
 
2,619

 

 

 
2,619

Total
 
$
1,095,409

 
$

 
$
22,206

 
$
1,073,203

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

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

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

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

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Table of Contents


Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities – All of the derivative instruments utilized by the Company, except for longevity and mortality swaps, are classified within Level 2 on the fair value hierarchy. These derivatives are principally valued using an income approach. Valuations of interest rate contracts are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, and repurchase rates. Valuations of foreign currency contracts, are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, currency spot rates, and cross currency basis curves. Valuations of credit contracts are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, credit curves, and recovery rates. Valuations of equity market contracts, are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels, and dividend yield curves. Valuations of equity market contracts, option-based, are based on option pricing models, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels, dividend yield curves, and equity volatility. The Company does not currently have derivatives, except for longevity and mortality swaps, included in Level 3 measurement.
Longevity and Mortality Swaps – The Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of longevity and mortality swaps. The fair value of these swaps includes an accrual for premiums payable and receivable. Some inputs to the valuation model are generally observable, such as interest rates and actual population mortality experience. The valuation also requires significant inputs that are generally not observable and, accordingly, the valuation is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Level 3 Measurements and Transfers
As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company classified approximately 8.0% and 8.2%, respectively, of its fixed maturity securities in the Level 3 category. These securities primarily consist of private placement corporate securities and bank loans with inactive trading markets. Additionally, the Company has included asset-backed securities with subprime exposure and mortgage-backed securities with below investment grade ratings in the Level 3 category due to market uncertainty associated with these securities and the Company’s utilization of unobservable information from third parties for the valuation of these securities.

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

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The following table presents quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements that are developed by the Company, which does not include unobservable Level 3 asset and liability measurements provided by third parties, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Estimated Fair Value      
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Inputs
 
Range (Weighted Average) 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
$169,039
 
$195,557
 
Market comparable securities
 
Liquidity premium
 
0-1% (1%)

 
0-2%  (1%)

U.S. government and agencies
25,880

 
26,265

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

 
0-1%  (1%)

State and political subdivisions
4,889

 
4,770

 
Market comparable securities    
 
Liquidity premium
 
1
%
 
1
%
Funds withheld at interest- embedded derivatives
(168,948
)
 
(76,698
)
 
Total return swap
 
Mortality
 
0-100%  (2%)

 
0-100%  (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-35%  (7%)

 
0-35%  (7%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-5%  (3%)

 
0-5%  (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CVA
 
0-5%  (1%)

 
0-5%  (1%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crediting rate
 
2-4%  (3%)

 
2-4%  (3%)

Longevity swaps
15,806

 
14,996

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

 
0-100%  (2%)

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

 
(10%)-10%  (3%)

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- indexed annuities
862,658

 
878,114

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

 
0-100% (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-35%  (7%)

 
0-35% (7%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-5%  (3%)

 
0-5% (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option budget projection
 
2-4%  (3%)

 
2-4% (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities- embedded derivatives- variable annuities
255,411

 
192,470

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

 
0-100% (2%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0-25% (7%)

 
0-25% (7%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal
 
0-7% (3%)

 
0-7% (3%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CVA
 
0-5% (1%)

 
0-5% (1%)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term volatility
 
0-27% (14%)

 
0-27% (14%)

Mortality swaps
3,043

 
2,619

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

 
0-100%  (1%)

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

31

Table of Contents


Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 are due to the lack of observable market data when pricing these securities, while transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 are due to an increase in the availability of market observable data in an active market. The following tables present the transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Transfers from    
Level 1 to
Level 2
 
Transfers from    
Level 2 to
Level 1
 
Transfers from    
Level 1 to
Level 2
 
Transfers from    
Level 2 to
Level 1
Three months ended March 31:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
$

 
$

 
$
625

 
$
5,100

The tables below provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended March 31, 2016:
 
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
 
 
Corporate
securities
 
Canadian and Canadian provincial governments
 
Residential
mortgage-
backed
securities
 
Asset-backed
securities
 
Commercial    
mortgage-
backed
securities
 
U.S. government
and agencies
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
1,226,970

 
$
416,076

 
$
330,649

 
$
303,836

 
$
68,563

 
$
26,265

Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
(827
)
 
3,002

 
(487
)
 
174

 
643

 
(123
)
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(21,868
)
 

 
(31
)
 
278

 
(620
)
 

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
25,682

 
68,305

 
(4,332
)
 
(10,527
)
 
(2,812
)
 
596

Other revenues
 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases(1)
 
67,596

 

 
29,315

 
37,271

 
1,545

 
113

Sales(1)
 
(9,582
)
 

 
(448
)
 
(8,500
)
 
(3,638
)
 

Settlements(1)
 
(49,494
)
 

 
(11,440
)
 
(3,725
)
 
(69
)
 
(971
)
Transfers into Level 3
 
5,183

 

 
38

 
6,398

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 

 

 
(10,011
)
 
(39,985
)
 
(38
)
 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
1,243,660

 
$
487,383

 
$
333,253

 
$
285,220

 
$
63,574

 
$
25,880

Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
(820
)
 
$
3,002

 
$
(488
)
 
$
163

 
$
546

 
$
(123
)
Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(21,726
)
 

 

 

 
(657
)
 

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32

Table of Contents


For the three months ended March 31, 2016 (continued):
 
Fixed maturity securities
available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State
and political
subdivisions
 
Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
Funds withheld
at interest-
embedded
derivatives
 
Other assets - longevity swaps
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities embedded derivatives
 
Other liabilities - mortality swaps
Fair value, beginning of period
 
$
38,342

 
$
14,065

 
$
(76,698
)
 
$
14,996

 
$
(1,070,584
)
 
$
(2,619
)
Total gains/losses (realized/unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
183

 

 

 

 

 

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 

 
(92,250
)
 

 
(62,940
)
 

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 
1,394

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
333

 
193

 

 
723

 

 

Other revenues
 

 

 

 
87

 

 
(424
)
Purchases(1)
 

 

 

 

 
(2,668
)
 

Sales(1)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements(1)
 
(31
)
 
(322
)
 

 

 
16,729

 

Transfers into Level 3
 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 
(4,203
)
 

 

 

 

 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
34,624

 
$
13,936

 
$
(168,948
)
 
$
15,806

 
$
(1,118,069
)
 
$
(3,043
)
Unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the period relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income, net of related expenses
 
$
183

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 

 
(92,250
)
 

 
(65,479
)
 

Other revenues
 

 

 

 
87

 

 
(424
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 
(15,335
)
 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 


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


33

Table of Contents


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

 
$
188,094

 
$
572,960

 
$
86,746

 
$
28,529

 
$
42,711

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

 
594

 
(19
)
 
7

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

 
87

 
(107
)
 
(4
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
6,069

 
523

 
3,632

 
(310
)
 
176

 
25

Purchases (1)
 
36,900

 
11,439

 
40,991

 

 
121

 

Sales(1)
 

 
(714
)
 
(7,356
)
 
(956
)
 

 

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

 
600

 
9,055

 
12,828

 

 

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

 

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

 
$
192,579

 
$
609,436

 
$
93,869

 
$
27,756

 
$
41,875

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

 
$
589

 
$
(19
)
 
$
7

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 

 

 

 

 

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 

 


34

Table of Contents


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

 
$
22,094

 
$
7,904

 
$
7,727

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

 

 

 

 

 

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 
(2,325
)
 

 

 
(25,133
)
 

Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 
(29,326
)
 

Included in other comprehensive income
 
182

 

 
88

 
1,821

 

 

Other revenues
 

 

 

 
(946
)
 

 
(479
)
Purchases(1)
 

 

 
29

 

 
(11,644
)
 

Sales(1)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements(1)
 
(310
)
 

 

 

 

 

Transfers into Level 3
 

 

 

 

 
18,999

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 
(4,333
)
 

 
(29
)
 

 

 

Fair value, end of period
 
$
15,202

 
$
19,769

 
$
7,992

 
$
8,602

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

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Investment related gains (losses), net
 

 

 

 

 
(28,245
)
 

Other revenues
 

 

 

 
(946
)
 

 
(479
)
Claims & other policy benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited
 

 
(2,325
)
 

 

 
(48,324
)
 

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)
The amount reported within purchases, sales and settlements is the purchase price (for purchases) and the sales/settlement proceeds (for sales and settlements) based upon the actual date purchased or sold/settled. Items purchased and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. The Company had no issuances during the period.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents information for assets measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the periods presented; they are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The estimated fair values for these assets were determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
 
 
Carrying Value After Measurement
 
Net Investment Gains (Losses)  
 
 
At March 31,
 
Three months ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Mortgage loans(1)
 
$
9,663

 
$
3,540

 
$
(302
)
 
$
50

Limited partnership interests(2)
 
4,298

 
13,667

 
(2,053
)
 
(4,509
)
 
(1)
Mortgage loans — The impaired mortgage loans presented above were written down to their estimated fair values at the date the impairments were recognized and are reported as losses above. Subsequent improvements in estimated fair value on previously impaired loans recorded through a reduction in the previously established valuation allowance are reported as gains above. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments on mortgage loans are based on the fair value of underlying collateral or discounted cash flows.
(2)
Limited partnership interests — The impaired limited partnership interests presented above were accounted for using the cost method. Impairments on these cost method investments were recognized at estimated fair value determined using the net asset values of the Company’s ownership interest as provided in the financial statements of the investees. The market for these investments has limited activity and price transparency.

35

Table of Contents


Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company is required by general accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures to disclose the fair value of certain financial instruments including those that are not carried at fair value. The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which were not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands). This table excludes any payables or receivables for collateral under repurchase agreements and other transactions. The estimated fair value of the excluded amount approximates carrying value as they equal the amount of cash collateral received/paid.
March 31, 2016:
 
Carrying Value    
 
Estimated 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Measurement Using:
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
NAV
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans on real estate
 
$
3,292,496

 
$
3,397,398

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,397,398

 
$

Policy loans
 
1,451,857

 
1,451,857

 

 
1,451,857

 

 

Funds withheld at interest(1)
 
5,963,937

 
6,321,182

 

 

 
6,321,182

 

Cash and cash equivalents(2)
 
924,198

 
924,198

 
924,198

 

 

 

Short-term investments(2)
 
67,321

 
67,321

 
67,321

 

 

 

Other invested assets(2)
 
392,671

 
425,652

 
4,628

 
36,724

 
99,801

 
284,499

Accrued investment income
 
364,432

 
364,432

 

 
364,432

 

 

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)
 
$
10,133,638

 
$
10,129,026

 
$

 
$

 
$
10,129,026

 
$

Short-term debt
 
299,739

 
309,900

 

 

 
309,900

 

Long-term debt
 
1,997,970

 
2,062,232

 

 

 
2,062,232

 

Collateral finance and securitization notes
 
899,482

 
805,612

 

 

 
805,612

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015:
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Measurement Using:
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
NAV
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans on real estate
 
$
3,129,951

 
$
3,197,808

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,197,808

 
$

Policy loans
 
1,468,796

 
1,468,796

 

 
1,468,796

 

 

Funds withheld at interest(1)
 
5,956,380

 
6,311,780

 

 

 
6,311,780

 

Cash and cash equivalents(2)
 
1,118,754

 
1,118,754

 
1,118,754

 

 

 

Short-term investments(2)
 
27,511

 
27,511

 
27,511

 

 

 

Other invested assets(2)
 
399,799

 
444,342

 
4,445

 
34,886

 
111,412

 
293,599

Accrued investment income
 
339,452

 
339,452

 

 
339,452

 

 

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-sensitive contract liabilities(1)
 
$
9,746,870

 
$
9,841,576

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,841,576

 
$

Long-term debt
 
2,297,548

 
2,415,119

 

 

 
2,415,119

 

Collateral finance and securitization notes
 
899,161

 
791,275

 

 

 
791,275

 

 
(1)
Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are embedded derivatives and are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
(2)
Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate – The fair value of mortgage loans on real estate is estimated by discounting cash flows, both principal and interest, using current interest rates for mortgage loans with similar credit ratings and similar remaining maturities. As such, inputs include current treasury yields and spreads, which are based on the credit rating and average life of the loan, corresponding to the market spreads. The valuation of mortgage loans on real estate is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Policy Loans – Policy loans typically carry an interest rate that is adjusted annually based on an observable market index and therefore carrying value approximates fair value. The valuation of policy loans is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

36

Table of Contents


Funds Withheld at Interest – The carrying value of funds withheld at interest approximates fair value except where the funds withheld are specifically identified in the agreement. When funds withheld are specifically identified in the agreement, the fair value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets which are held by the ceding company. Ceding companies use a variety of sources and pricing methodologies, which are not transparent to the Company and may include significant unobservable inputs, to value the securities that are held in distinct portfolios, therefore the valuation of these funds withheld assets are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments – The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments approximates fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments and are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
Other Invested Assets – This primarily includes limited partnership interests accounted for using the cost method, structured loans, FHLB common stock, cash collateral and equity release mortgages. The fair value of limited partnerships and other investments accounted for using the cost method is determined using the net asset values ("NAV") of the Company’s ownership interest as provided in the financial statements of the investees. The fair value of structured loans is estimated based on a discounted cash flow analysis using discount rates applicable to each structured loan, this is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Company’s common stock investment in the FHLB is considered to be the carrying value and it is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Company's cash collateral is considered to be the carrying value and considered to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Company’s equity release mortgage loan portfolio, considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, is estimated by discounting cash flows, both principal and interest, using current interest rates and credit spread adjustments derived from benchmarking against similar loans, allowing also for United Kingdom house price inflation and actuarial analyses of borrower behavior, mortality and morbidity.
Accrued Investment Income – The carrying value for accrued investment income approximates fair value as there are no adjustments made to the carrying value. This is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Interest-Sensitive Contract Liabilities – The carrying and fair values of interest-sensitive contract liabilities reflected in the table above exclude contracts with significant mortality risk. The fair value of the Company’s interest-sensitive contract liabilities utilizes a market standard technique with both capital market inputs and policyholder behavior assumptions, as well as cash values adjusted for recapture fees. The capital market inputs to the model, such as interest rates, are generally observable. Policyholder behavior assumptions are generally not observable and may require use of significant management judgment. The valuation of interest-sensitive contract liabilities is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Short- and Long-term Debt/Collateral Finance and Securitization Notes – The fair value of the Company’s short- and long-term, debt and collateral finance and securitization notes is generally estimated by discounting future cash flows using market rates currently available for debt with similar remaining maturities and reflecting the credit risk of the Company, including inputs when available, from actively traded debt of the Company or other companies with similar credit quality. The valuation of short- and long-term debt, and collateral finance and securitization notes are generally obtained from brokers and is considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company's short-term debt represents the portion of long-term debt maturing within one year.
 
7.
Segment Information
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements accompanying the 2015 Annual Report. The Company measures segment performance primarily based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes. There are no intersegment reinsurance transactions and the Company does not have any material long-lived assets. Investment income is allocated to the segments based upon average assets and related capital levels deemed appropriate to support the segment business volumes.
The Company allocates capital to its segments based on an internally developed economic capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model considers the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company’s businesses. As a result of the economic capital allocation process, a portion of investment income is attributed to the segments based on the level of allocated capital. In addition, the segments are charged for excess capital utilized above the allocated economic capital basis. This charge is included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.
The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that are primarily segregated by geographic region. Information related to revenues, income (loss) before income taxes and total assets of the Company for each reportable segment are summarized below (dollars in thousands).

37

Table of Contents


 
Three months ended March 31,
Revenues:
2016
 
2015
U.S. and Latin America:
 
 
 
Traditional
$
1,400,817

 
$
1,255,290

Non-Traditional
38,905

 
192,673

Total
1,439,722

 
1,447,963

Canada:
 
 
 
Traditional
258,000

 
265,004

Non-Traditional
10,684

 
11,874

Total
268,684

 
276,878

Europe, Middle East and Africa:
 
 
 
Traditional
289,634

 
295,232

Non-Traditional
67,756

 
55,376

Total
357,390

 
350,608

Asia Pacific:
 
 
 
Traditional
394,199

 
393,875

Non-Traditional
20,071

 
19,570

Total
414,270

 
413,445

Corporate and Other
32,502

 
31,719

Total
$
2,512,568

 
$
2,520,613

 
 
Three months ended March 31,
Income (loss) before income taxes:
 
2016
 
2015
U.S. and Latin America:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
$
51,098

 
$
17,843

Non-Traditional
 
(14,896
)
 
54,505

Total
 
36,202

 
72,348

Canada:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
20,095

 
22,727

Non-Traditional
 
592

 
4,131

Total
 
20,687

 
26,858

Europe, Middle East and Africa:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
(1,116
)
 
10,482

Non-Traditional
 
25,424

 
19,634

Total
 
24,308

 
30,116

Asia Pacific:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
41,160

 
52,648

Non-Traditional
 
8,553

 
10,145

Total
 
49,713

 
62,793

Corporate and Other
 
(23,330
)
 
(7,990
)
Total
 
$
107,580

 
$
184,125

Assets:
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
U.S. and Latin America:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
$
17,622,125

 
$
16,554,509

Non-Traditional
 
13,907,045

 
13,405,878

Total
 
31,529,170

 
29,960,387

Canada:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
3,673,055

 
3,604,344

Non-Traditional
 
31,338

 
27,543

Total
 
3,704,393

 
3,631,887

Europe, Middle East and Africa:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
2,651,864

 
2,757,593

Non-Traditional
 
4,309,700

 
4,162,703

Total
 
6,961,564

 
6,920,296

Asia Pacific:
 
 
 
 
Traditional
 
3,552,912

 
3,227,530

Non-Traditional
 
761,868

 
742,528

Total
 
4,314,780

 
3,970,058

Corporate and Other
 
5,676,717

 
5,900,524

Total
 
$
52,186,624

 
$
50,383,152

 

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8.
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
Commitments
Funding of Investments
The Company's commitments to fund investments as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Limited partnerships
$
239,266

 
$
263,163

Commercial mortgage loans
63,100

 
86,325

Bank loans
55,257

 
48,686

Equity release mortgages
8,236

 
8,504

The Company anticipates that the majority of its current commitments will be invested over the next five years; however, these commitments could become due any time at the request of the counterparties. Investments in limited partnerships are carried at cost or reported using the equity method and included in other invested assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Bank loans are carried at fair value and included in fixed maturities available-for-sale. Equity release mortgages are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of any amortized premium or discount and valuation allowance and included in other invested assets.
Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is subject to litigation in the normal course of its business. A legal reserve is established when the Company is notified of an arbitration demand or litigation or is notified that an arbitration demand or litigation is imminent, it is probable that the Company will incur a loss as a result and the amount of the probable loss is reasonably capable of being estimated.
Other Contingencies
In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Since this indemnity generally is not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount due under this indemnity in the future.
Guarantees
Statutory Reserve Support
RGA, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, has committed to provide statutory reserve support to third parties, in exchange for a fee, by funding loans if certain defined events occur. Such statutory reserves are required under the U.S. Valuation of Life Policies Model Regulation (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX for term life insurance policies and Regulation A-XXX for universal life secondary guarantees). The third parties have recourse to RGA should the subsidiary fail to provide the required funding, however, as of March 31, 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. The following table presents the maximum potential obligation for these commitments as of March 31, 2016 (dollars in millions):
Commitment Period
March 31, 2016
2023
$
500.0

2033
950.0

2034
3,000.0

2035
1,314.2

2036
1,432.0









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Other Guarantees
RGA has issued guarantees to third parties on behalf of its subsidiaries for the payment of amounts due under certain securities borrowing arrangements, financing arrangements and office lease obligations, whereby, if a subsidiary fails to meet an obligation, RGA or one of its other subsidiaries will make a payment to fulfill the obligation. Additionally, in limited circumstances, treaty guarantees are granted to ceding companies in order to provide them additional security, particularly in cases where RGA’s subsidiary is relatively new, unrated, or not of a significant size, relative to the ceding company. Liabilities supported by the treaty guarantees, before consideration for any legally offsetting amounts due from the guaranteed party are reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets in future policy benefits. Potential guaranteed amounts of future payments will vary depending on production levels and underwriting results. Guarantees related to borrowed securities provide additional security to third parties should a subsidiary fail to return the borrowed securities when due. RGA’s guarantees issued as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Treaty guarantees
$
797,246

 
$
765,505

Treaty guarantees, net of assets in trust
663,575

 
634,909

Borrowed securities
268,800

 
259,540

Financing arrangements

 
100,000

Lease obligations
3,650

 
5,217

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

9.
Income Tax
Provision for income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax statutory rate of 35% to pre-tax income as a result of the following for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate
 
$
37,653

 
$
64,444

Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
 
 
 
 
Foreign tax rate differing from U.S. tax rate
 
(3,884
)
 
(5,517
)
Differences in tax bases in foreign jurisdictions
 
(8,935
)
 
(6,670
)
Deferred tax valuation allowance
 
4,999

 
6,791

Amounts related to tax audit contingencies
 
602

 
952

Corporate rate changes
 
(65
)
 
272

Subpart F
 
696

 
6,434

Foreign tax credits
 
(293
)
 
(2,343
)
Return to provision adjustments
 
125

 
(4,765
)
Other, net
 
210

 
(587
)
Total provision for income taxes
 
$
31,108

 
$
59,011

Effective tax rate
 
28.9
%
 
32.0
%
The first quarter of 2016 effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. Statutory rate of 35.0% primarily as a result of income in non-U.S. jurisdictions with lower tax rates than the U.S. and differences in tax bases in foreign jurisdictions. The 2015 tax benefits from income in non-U.S. jurisdictions were partially offset by a tax accrual related to the Active Financing Exception business extender provision that the U.S. Congress did not pass prior to March 31, 2015.

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10.    Employee Benefit Plans
The components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Service cost
 
$
2,306

 
$
2,030

 
$
1,016

 
$
589

Interest cost
 
1,259

 
1,243

 
643

 
491

Expected return on plan assets
 
(1,224
)
 
(1,118
)
 

 

Amortization of prior service cost
 
78

 
83

 

 

Amortization of prior actuarial loss
 
857

 
439

 
616

 
265

Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
3,276

 
$
2,677

 
$
2,275

 
$
1,345

The Company has made no pension contributions during the first three months of 2016, and expects to make pension contributions of $8.0 million in 2016.
 
11.
Equity Based Compensation
Equity compensation expense was $11.5 million and $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively. In the first quarter of 2016, the Company granted 0.3 million stock appreciation rights at $93.53 weighted average exercise price per share and 0.2 million performance contingent units to employees. Additionally, non-employee directors were granted a total of 8,908 shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2016, 1.9 million share options at a weighted average strike price per share of $56.20 were vested and exercisable, with a remaining weighted average exercise period of 5.0 years. As of March 31, 2016, the total compensation cost of non-vested awards not yet recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements was $47.6 million. It is estimated that these costs will vest over a weighted average period of 2.4 years.
12.
Reinsurance
The Company generally reports retrocession activity on a gross basis. Amounts paid or deemed to have been paid for reinsurance are reflected in reinsurance ceded receivables. The cost of reinsurance related to long-duration contracts is recognized over the terms of the reinsured policies on a basis consistent with the reporting of those policies.
Retrocession reinsurance treaties do not relieve the Company from its obligations to direct writing companies. Failure of retrocessionaires to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. Consequently, allowances would be established for amounts deemed uncollectible. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, no allowances were deemed necessary. The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of the insurance companies from which it assumes and to which it cedes reinsurance.
Retrocessions are arranged through the Company’s retrocession pools for amounts in excess of the Company’s retention limit. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, all rated retrocession pool participants followed by the A.M. Best Company were rated “A- (excellent)” or better. The Company verifies retrocession pool participants’ ratings on a quarterly basis. For a majority of the retrocessionaires that were not rated, security in the form of letters of credit or trust assets has been posted. In addition, the Company performs annual financial reviews of its retrocessionaires to evaluate financial stability and performance. In addition to its third party retrocessionaires, various RGA reinsurance subsidiaries retrocede amounts in excess of their retention to affiliated subsidiaries.
The following table presents information for the Company's reinsurance ceded receivable assets, including the respective amount and A.M. Best rating for each reinsurer representing in excess of five percent of the total as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Reinsurer
 
A.M. Best Rating
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
Amount
 
% of Total
Reinsurer A
 
A+
 
$
219,510

 
31.9
%
 
$
199,479

 
31.3
%
Reinsurer B
 
A+
 
191,988

 
27.9

 
179,522

 
28.1

Reinsurer C
 
A+
 
71,542

 
10.4

 
72,836

 
11.4

Reinsurer D
 
A++
 
41,621

 
6.0

 
41,807

 
6.6

Reinsurer E
 
A
 
39,510

 
5.7

 
37,138

 
5.8

Other reinsurers
 
 
 
124,320

 
18.1

 
107,077

 
16.8

Total
 
 
 
$
688,491

 
100.0
%
 
$
637,859

 
100.0
%

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Included in the total reinsurance ceded receivables balance were $256.0 million and $233.7 million of claims recoverable, of which $4.9 million and $2.0 million were in excess of 90 days past due, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
13.
New Accounting Standards
Changes to the general accounting principles are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") in the form of accounting standards updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™. Accounting standards updates not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Transfers and Servicing
In June 2014, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Transfers and Servicing as it relates to the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions, repurchase financings, and disclosures. This amendment requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings, eliminates guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets that are accounted for as sales and certain transfers accounted for as secured borrowings. These amendments are effective for annual years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Certain interim period disclosures for repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions were not required until the second quarter of 2015. The adoption of this amendment did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements other than the addition of the required disclosures. The Company adopted these amendments and the required disclosures are provided in Note 4 "Investments."
Business Combinations
In September 2015, the FASB amended the general accounting principles for Business Combinations as it relates to measurement period adjustments. This amendment requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, including the cumulative effect of the change in provisional amount as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The adjustments related to previous reporting periods since the acquisition date must be disclosed by income statement line item either on the face of the income statement or in the notes. The Company adopted this amendment during the three months ended September 30, 2015. Accordingly, the Company applied the amendments in this update to the measurement period adjustments made during the three months ended September 30, 2015 with no material effect on previous-period or current-period earnings.
Debt Issuance costs
In April 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” which requires capitalized debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the statement of financial position as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted for financial statements not yet issued. The Company elected to adopt this standard as of December 31, 2015, with retrospective application to all balance sheets presented.
Fair Value Measurement
In May 2015, the FASB issued amended guidance on the disclosures for investments in certain entities that calculate NAV per share (or its equivalent). The amendments remove the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the NAV per share practical expedient. The amendments also remove the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the NAV per share practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods within those years. Early application is permitted. The Company adopted the guidance for the year ended December 31, 2015 and applied the guidance retrospectively. Adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Financial Services - Insurance
In May 2015, the FASB amended the general accounting principle for Financial Services - Insurance which expanded the breadth of disclosures that an insurance entity must provide about its short-duration insurance contracts. This amendment requires insurance entities to disclose for annual reporting periods information about the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. The amendment also requires insurance entities to disclose information about significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, including reasons for the change and the effects on the financial statements. In addition, the amendment requires insurance entities to disclose for annual and interim reporting

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periods a roll-forward of the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. This amendment focuses only on disclosure; it does not change the accounting model for short-duration contracts. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The new guidance should be applied retrospectively by providing comparative disclosures for each period presented, except for those requirements that apply only to the current period. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements other than the addition of the required disclosures.
Financial Instruments
In January 2016, the FASB amended the general accounting principle for Financial Instruments, effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The amendment revises the accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities, (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value, (3) certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The new guidance should be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values (including disclosure requirements) should be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance which will replace most existing lease accounting guidance. The new standard, based on the principle that entities should recognize assets and liabilities arising from leases, does not significantly change the lessees’ recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from the previous accounting standard. Leases are classified as finance or operating. The new standard's primary change is the requirement for entities to recognize a lease liability for payments and a right of use asset representing the right to use the leased asset during the term of operating lease arrangements. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less. Lessors’ accounting is largely unchanged from the previous accounting standard. In addition, the new standard expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Lessees and lessors will use a modified retrospective transition approach, which includes a number of practical expedients. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its consolidated financial statements.
Stock Compensation
In March 2016, the FASB updated the general accounting principal for Stock Compensation. This update was issued as part of the FASB’s simplification initiative and affects all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. The amendments in this update cover such areas as the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies, the classification of those excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, an accounting policy election for forfeitures, the amount an employer can withhold to cover income taxes and still qualify for equity classification and the classification of those taxes paid on the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. This guidance will be applied either prospectively, retrospectively or using a modified retrospective transition method, depending on the area covered in this update. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its consolidated financial statements.

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

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Historically, the Company’s primary business has been traditional life reinsurance, which involves reinsuring life insurance policies that are often in force for the remaining lifetime of the underlying individuals insured, with premiums earned typically over a period of 10 to 30 years. Each year, however, a portion of the business under existing treaties terminates due to, among other things, lapses or voluntary surrenders of underlying policies, deaths of insureds, and the exercise of recapture options by ceding companies. The Company has expanded its 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 decreased $76.5 million, or 41.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in income for first three months of 2016 was primarily due to investment related losses and adverse foreign currency fluctuations offset by improved mortality experience in the U.S. and Latin America, and Canada operations. Current-period investment related losses primarily reflect unfavorable changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives on modco or funds withheld treaties, primarily due to changes in credit spreads. Additionally, the Company reported an increase in impairments on fixed maturity and equity securities of $31.3 million in the first three months of 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. Foreign currency fluctuations relative to the prior year unfavorably affected income before income taxes by approximately $9.2 million for the first three months of 2016, as compared to the same period 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 a decrease in consolidated income before income taxes of approximately $70.2 million in the first three months of 2016, as compared to the same period 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 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, decreased income before income taxes by $37.2 million in the first three months of 2016, as compared to the same period 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, decreased income before income taxes by $7.7 million in the first three months of 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.

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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 $25.3 million in the first three months of 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.
Consolidated net premiums increased $133.2 million, or 6.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015, due to growth in life reinsurance in force. Foreign currency fluctuations unfavorably affected net premiums by approximately $70.2 million for the first three months of 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. Consolidated assumed life insurance in force increased to $3,068.4 billion as of March 31, 2016 from $2,844.7 billion as of March 31, 2015 due to new business production and in force transactions. The Company added new business production, measured by face amount of insurance in force, of $107.8 billion and $105.8 billion during the first three months of 2016 and 2015, respectively. 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, decreased $9.6 million, or 2.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in market value changes related to the Company’s funds withheld at interest investment associated with the reinsurance of certain EIAs decreased investment income by $51.1 million in the first three months of 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The effect on investment income of the EIA's market value changes is substantially offset by a corresponding change in interest credited to policyholder account balances resulting in an insignificant effect on net income. In addition, investment income was negatively affected by a decrease in the average investment yield, partially offset by the effect of a larger average invested asset base, excluding spread related business. Average invested assets at amortized cost, excluding spread related business, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 totaled $22.4 billion, a 6.2% increase over March 31, 2015. The average yield earned on investments, excluding spread related business, was 4.46% and 4.78% for the three months ended March 31, 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 decreased by $128.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease is primarily due to an unfavorable change in the embedded derivatives related to reinsurance treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis of $89.9 million, reflecting the impact of changes in credit spreads on the calculation of fair value. In addition, impairments on fixed maturity and equity securities increased by $31.3 million in the first three 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 28.9% and 32.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The effective tax rate for the first three months of 2016 was 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. Tax benefits from income in non-U.S. jurisdictions recognized in the first three months of 2015 were partially offset by a tax accrual related to the Active Financing Exception business extender provision that the U.S. Congress did not pass prior to March 31, 2015.

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

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Management believes the critical accounting policies relating to the following areas are most dependent on the application of estimates and assumptions:
Premiums receivable;
Deferred acquisition costs;
Liabilities for future policy benefits and incurred but not reported claims;
Valuation of investments and other-than-temporary impairments to specific investments;
Valuation of embedded derivatives; and
Income taxes.
A discussion of each of the critical accounting policies may be found in the Company’s 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.


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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.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
Non-Traditional
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Asset-Intensive
 
Financial
Reinsurance
 
Total U.S. and Latin America
 
 
Traditional
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
 
$
1,234,394

 
$
6,219

 
$

 
$
1,240,613

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
165,023

 
117,215

 
2,607

 
284,845

Investment related gains (losses), net
 
(2,100
)
 
(128,551
)
 

 
(130,651
)
Other revenues
 
3,500

 
22,834

 
18,581

 
44,915

Total revenues
 
1,400,817

 
17,717

 
21,188

 
1,439,722

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
1,119,442

 
19,833

 

 
1,139,275

Interest credited
 
21,400

 
62,558

 

 
83,958

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 
177,078

 
(39,656
)
 
2,568

 
139,990

Other operating expenses
 
31,799

 
5,812

 
2,686

 
40,297

Total benefits and expenses
 
1,349,719

 
48,547

 
5,254

 
1,403,520

Income before income taxes
 
$
51,098

 
$
(30,830
)
 
$
15,934


$
36,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2015:
 
 
 
Non-Traditional
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Asset-Intensive
 
Financial
Reinsurance
 
Total U.S. and Latin America
 
 
Traditional
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
 
$
1,114,094

 
$
5,041

 
$

 
$
1,119,135

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
143,005

 
147,837

 
1,145

 
291,987

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

 
(5,672
)
Other revenues
 
664

 
26,544

 
15,305

 
42,513

Total revenues
 
1,255,290

 
176,223

 
16,450

 
1,447,963

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

 
6,726

 

 
1,046,133

Interest credited
 
12,944

 
94,985

 

 
107,929

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
 
158,567

 
28,054

 
2,416

 
189,037

Other operating expenses
 
26,529

 
4,318

 
1,669

 
32,516

Total benefits and expenses
 
1,237,447

 
134,083

 
4,085

 
1,375,615

Income before income taxes
 
$
17,843

 
$
42,140

 
$
12,365


$
72,348

Income before income taxes decreased by $36.1 million, or 50.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in income before income taxes was primarily due to changes in the value of the embedded derivatives associated with reinsurance treaties structured on a modco or funds withheld basis combined with an increase in other-than-temporary impairments, primarily related to securities in the energy sector. The decrease in income was partially offset by favorable claims experience in the U.S. Traditional segment.
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 $33.3 million, or 186.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase is 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.

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Net premiums increased $120.3 million, or 10.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to large in force block transactions entered into the latter part of 2015 and expected organic premium growth. Further, the segment added new individual life business production, measured by face amount of insurance in force of $41.3 billion and $19.7 billion for the first three months of 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Net investment income increased $22.0 million, or 15.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the average invested asset base primarily associated with the aforementioned in force block transactions. Investment related gains (losses), net increased $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period 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 90.7% and 93.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in the loss ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015 was due primarily to lower average size of individual mortality claims. Although reasonably predictable over a period of years, claims can be volatile over short-term periods.
Interest credited expense increased $8.5 million, or 65.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. Interest credited in this segment relates to amounts credited on cash value products which also have a significant mortality component. The increase 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 14.3% and 14.2% for the three months ended March 31, 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 $5.3 million, or 19.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. A majority of the increase was due to an increase in underwriting personnel to support clients and the aforementioned acquisition of Aurora. Other operating expenses, as a percentage of net premiums were 2.6% and 2.4% for the three month periods ended March 31, 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 whereby the Company recognizes profits or losses primarily from the spread between the investment income earned and the interest credited on the underlying deposit liabilities, as well as fees associated with variable annuity account values and guaranteed investment contracts.
Impact of certain derivatives:
Income from the asset-intensive business tends to be volatile due to changes in the fair value of certain derivatives, including embedded derivatives associated with reinsurance treaties structured on a modco or funds withheld basis, as well as embedded derivatives associated with the Company’s reinsurance of equity-indexed annuities and variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefit riders. Fluctuations occur period to period primarily due to changing investment conditions including, but not limited to, interest rate movements (including risk-free rates and credit spreads), implied volatility and equity market performance, all of which are factors in the calculations of fair value. Therefore, management believes it is helpful to distinguish between the effects of changes in these derivatives, net of related hedging activity, and the primary factors that drive profitability of the underlying treaties, namely investment income, fee income (included in other revenues), and interest credited. These fluctuations are considered unrealized by management and do not affect current cash flows, crediting rates or spread performance on the underlying treaties.
The following table summarizes the asset-intensive results and quantifies the impact of these embedded derivatives for the periods presented. Revenues before certain derivatives, benefits and expenses before certain derivatives, and income before income taxes and certain derivatives, should not be viewed as substitutes for GAAP revenues, GAAP benefits and expenses, and GAAP income before income taxes.

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(dollars in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
 
$
17,717

 
$
176,223

Less:
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties
 
(90,214
)
 
147

Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives
 
(14,986
)
 
(4,567
)
Revenues before certain derivatives
 
122,917

 
180,643

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
Total benefits and expenses
 
48,547

 
134,083

Less:
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties
 
(51,053
)
 
1,656

Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives
 
(2,849
)
 
(1,149
)
Equity-indexed annuities
 
13,260

 
5,601

Benefits and expenses before certain derivatives
 
89,189

 
127,975

Income before income taxes:
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
 
(30,830
)
 
42,140

Less:
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives – modco/funds withheld treaties
 
(39,161
)
 
(1,509
)
Guaranteed minimum benefit riders and related free standing derivatives
 
(12,137
)
 
(3,418
)
Equity-indexed annuities
 
(13,260
)
 
(5,601
)
Income before income taxes and certain derivatives
 
$
33,728

 
$
52,668

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 three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
The change in fair value of the embedded derivatives - modco/funds withheld treaties decreased income before income taxes by $39.2 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily due to widening credit spreads. Offsetting this somewhat were declining risk-free rates.
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 three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
The change in fair value of the guaranteed minimum benefits, after allowing for changes in the associated free standing derivatives, decreased income before income taxes by $12.1 million and $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was primarily the result of updating policyholder fair value assumptions.
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 decreased income before income taxes by $13.3 million and $5.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The decrease in income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily due to declining equity markets, which was partially offset by decreasing interest rates. The decrease in income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily due to rising equity markets and declining interest rates.

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The changes in derivatives discussed above are considered unrealized by management and do not affect current cash flows, crediting rates or spread performance on the underlying treaties. Fluctuations occur period to period primarily due to changing investment conditions including, but not limited to, interest rate movements (including benchmark rates and credit spreads), 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 decreased by $18.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to an increase of $21.4 million in other-than-temporary impairments on investments, partially offset by the inclusion of Aurora in the 2016 results.
Revenue before certain derivatives decreased by $57.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in the first quarter 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 decreased by $38.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in the first quarter of 2016 was primarily due to lower interest credited associated with the reinsurance of EIAs and fixed annuities 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 increased to $13.1 billion as of March 31, 2016 from $10.8 billion as of March 31, 2015. The increase in the asset base was due primarily to the acquisition of Aurora in the second quarter of 2015. As of March 31, 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 $3.6 million, or 28.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period 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 March 31, 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 $7.4 billion and $6.2 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.

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(dollars in thousands)
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues:
Traditional
 
Non-Traditional
 
Total Canada
 
Traditional
 
Non-Traditional
 
Total Canada
Net premiums
$
215,463

 
$
8,951

 
$
224,414

 
$
212,550

 
$
9,967

 
$
222,517

Investment income, net of related expenses
42,023

 
384

 
42,407

 
49,440

 
550

 
49,990

Investment related gains (losses), net
1,640

 

 
1,640

 
1,458

 

 
1,458

Other revenues
(1,126
)
 
1,349

 
223

 
1,556

 
1,357

 
2,913

Total revenues
258,000

 
10,684

 
268,684

 
265,004

 
11,874

 
276,878

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
172,401

 
9,604

 
182,005

 
183,534

 
7,299

 
190,833

Interest credited
2

 

 
2

 
4

 

 
4

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
57,138

 
204

 
57,342

 
49,551

 
107

 
49,658

Other operating expenses
8,364

 
284

 
8,648

 
9,188

 
337

 
9,525

Total benefits and expenses
237,905

 
10,092

 
247,997

 
242,277

 
7,743

 
250,020

Income before income taxes
$
20,095

 
$
592

 
$
20,687

 
$
22,727

 
$
4,131

 
$
26,858

Income before income taxes decreased by $6.2 million, or 23.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in income in the first three months of 2016 is primarily due to a decrease in investment income and unfavorable experience on longevity business offset by improved traditional individual life mortality experience, as compared to the same period in 2015. A weaker Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.
Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes for the Canada Traditional segment decreased by $2.6 million, or 11.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in income before income taxes in 2016 is primarily due to a decrease in investment income and other income offset by favorable traditional individual life mortality experience, as compared to the same period in 2015. Additionally, a weaker Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.
Net premiums increased $2.9 million, or 1.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase in net premiums was primarily due to an increase from creditor business of $15.9 million, as compared to the same period in 2015. This increase was largely offset by foreign currency exchange fluctuation in the Canadian dollar which resulted in a decrease in net premiums of approximately $22.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period 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 decreased $7.4 million, or 15.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation in the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in net investment income of approximately $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. Also contributing to the decrease was a decline in investment yeild. 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 decreased by $2.7 million, or 172.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in other revenues in the first three months of 2016 relates to unfavorable foreign currency exchange fluctuations.
Loss ratios for this segment were 80.0% and 86.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in the loss ratio for the first quarter of 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015, is due to improved traditional life mortality experience. Loss ratios for the traditional individual life mortality business were 99.4% and 102.5% for the first three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Excluding creditor business, claims as a percentage of net premiums for this segment were 78.4% and 84.6% for the three months ended March 31, 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 79.2% and 78.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 26.5% and 23.3% for the three months ended March 31, 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 decreased by $0.8 million, or 9.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to foreign currency exchange fluctuation in the Canadian dollar, which resulted in a decrease in operating expenses of approximately $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 3.9% and 4.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Non-Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes decreased by $3.5 million, or 85.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in income in the first three months was primarily due to unfavorable experience on longevity business. A weaker Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.
Net premiums decreased $1.0 million, or 10.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. A weaker Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in net premiums of approximately $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period 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 decreased $0.2 million, or 30.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015 primarily due to a decrease in the invested asset base. 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.
Claims and other policy benefits increased $2.3 million, or 31.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase was a result of unfavorable experience on longevity 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 March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues:
Traditional
 
Non-Traditional
 
Total EMEA
 
Traditional
 
Non-Traditional
 
Total EMEA
Net premiums
$
276,435

 
$
35,606

 
$
312,041

 
$
269,746

 
$
29,860

 
$
299,606

Investment income, net of related expenses
12,168

 
28,684

 
40,852

 
12,089

 
16,877

 
28,966

Investment related gains (losses), net
5

 
(1,004
)
 
(999
)
 
12,257

 
851

 
13,108

Other revenues
1,026

 
4,470

 
5,496

 
1,140

 
7,788

 
8,928

Total revenues
289,634

 
67,756

 
357,390

 
295,232

 
55,376

 
350,608

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
251,243

 
36,443

 
287,686

 
235,307

 
32,081

 
267,388

Interest credited

 
408

 
408

 
12,349

 

 
12,349

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
14,782

 
(193
)
 
14,589

 
12,008

 
(530
)
 
11,478

Other operating expenses
24,725

 
5,674

 
30,399

 
25,086

 
4,191

 
29,277

Total benefits and expenses
290,750

 
42,332

 
333,082

 
284,750

 
35,742

 
320,492

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(1,116
)
 
$
25,424

 
$
24,308

 
$
10,482

 
$
19,634

 
$
30,116


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Income before income taxes decreased by $5.8 million, or 19.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in income before income taxes for the first three months was primarily due to unfavorable critical illness claims experience partially offset by increased payout annuity and longevity closed block business. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes totaling $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.
Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes decreased by $11.6 million, or 110.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in income before income taxes was primarily due to unfavorable claims experience from critical illness business. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes totaling $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.
Net premiums increased $6.7 million, or 2.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. 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 $23.0 million for the three months of 2016, as compared to the same period 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 $53.6 million and $58.2 million for the first three 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 $0.1 million, or 0.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase for the first three months of 2016 was primarily due to an increase in the invested asset base. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation resulted in a decrease in net investment income of approximately $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period 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 90.9% and 87.2% for the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in the loss ratio for the first three months of 2016 reflects unfavorable critical illness claims experience compared to the same period 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 decreased by $12.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period 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 5.3% and 4.5% for the three months ended March 31, 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 decreased $0.4 million, or 1.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to the effect on foreign currency fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation resulted in a decrease in operating expenses of approximately $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net premiums totaled 8.9% and 9.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Non-Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes increased by $5.8 million, or 29.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase in income before income taxes for the first three months was primarily related to a payout annuity reinsurance (longevity) transaction executed after the third quarter of 2015 and favorable experience related to longevity business. Unfavorable foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes totaling $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.
Net premiums increased $5.7 million, or 19.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015 due to growth in longevity business. Net premiums increased due to increased volumes related to a closed longevity block. Unfavorable foreign currency exchange fluctuations decreased net premiums by approximately $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period 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.

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Net investment income increased $11.8 million, or 70.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the invested asset base related to payout annuity reinsurance (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 $3.3 million, or 42.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in other revenues relates to reduced fee income associated with a treaty terminated at year end 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 $4.4 million, or 13.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period 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 $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period 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 $1.5 million, or 35.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase is primarily due to increased administration costs related to longevity transactions and are offset partially by the effect of foreign currency fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation resulted in a decrease in operating expenses of approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period 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 March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues:
Traditional
 
Non-Traditional
 
Total Asia Pacific
 
Traditional
 
Non-Traditional
 
Total Asia Pacific
Net premiums
$
374,142

 
$
5,686

 
$
379,828

 
$
372,145

 
$
10,282

 
$
382,427

Investment income, net of related expenses
19,867

 
6,374

 
26,241

 
20,604

 
3,649

 
24,253

Investment related gains (losses), net
14

 
1,687

 
1,701

 

 
522

 
522

Other revenues
176

 
6,324

 
6,500

 
1,126

 
5,117

 
6,243

Total revenues
394,199

 
20,071

 
414,270

 
393,875

 
19,570

 
413,445

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
274,298

 
3,473

 
277,771

 
265,309

 
5,735

 
271,044

Interest credited

 
3,030

 
3,030

 

 
184

 
184

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses
44,367

 
1,287

 
45,654

 
46,912

 
546

 
47,458

Other operating expenses
34,374

 
3,728

 
38,102

 
29,006

 
2,960

 
31,966

Total benefits and expenses
353,039

 
11,518

 
364,557

 
341,227

 
9,425

 
350,652

Income before income taxes
$
41,160

 
$
8,553

 
$
49,713

 
$
52,648

 
$
10,145

 
$
62,793

Income before income taxes decreased by $13.1 million, or 20.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in income before income taxes for the first three months is primarily attributable to a more favorable mortality experience in the first three months of 2015 and higher operating expenses in 2016. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease to income before income taxes totaling approximately $2.0 million for the three months of 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.

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Traditional Reinsurance
Income before income taxes decreased by $11.5 million, or 21.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in income before income taxes in 2016 was primarily driven by a more favorable mortality experience in the first three months of 2015 and higher operating expenses in 2016. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in an increase (decrease) to income before income taxes totaling approximately $2.7 million for the three months of 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.
Net premiums increased by $2.0 million, or 0.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase for the three month period in 2016 were driven by both new and existing business written throughout the segment. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in a decrease in net premiums of approximately $21.6 million for the three 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 $98.4 million and $69.9 million for the first three months ended March 31, 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 decreased $0.7 million, or 3.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decreases were primarily due to a decline in investment yield and an unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange fluctuations of $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period 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 decreased by $1.0 million, or 84.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease in other revenues for the first three months of 2016 was due to transaction currency gains recognized in the first three months of 2015.
Loss ratios for this segment were 73.3% and 71.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in the loss ratios for 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, was primarily due to more favorable mortality experience in the first three months of 2015. Although reasonably predictable over a period of years, claims can be volatile over shorter periods. Management views recent experience as normal short-term volatility that is inherent in the business.
Policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses as a percentage of net premiums were 11.9% and 12.6% for the three months ended March 31, 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 $5.4 million, or 18.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period 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 9.2% and 7.8% for the three months ended March 31, 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 decreased by $1.6 million, or 15.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. These decrease in income before income taxes is primarily attributable to unfavorable experience in the disability business within the segment in the first three months of 2016. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in an increase to income before income taxes totaling approximately $0.8 million for the three months of 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.
Net premiums decreased $4.6 million, or 44.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decreases were primarily due to policy lapses on a closed block of business associated with a treaty in Japan. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations resulted in an increase in net premiums of approximately $0.2 million for the three months of 2016, as compared to the same period 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.

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Net investment income increased $2.7 million, or 74.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015 mainly due to growth in the invested asset base. Foreign currency exchange fluctuation resulted in a decrease in net investment income of approximately $0.4 million for the three months of 2016, as compared to the same period 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 $1.2 million, or 23.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase in other revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily due to certain non-traditional transactions entered into in 2016. At March 31, 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 $1.3 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 decreased by $2.3 million, or 39.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. This decrease is attributable to favorable experience on life business within the segment. Although reasonably predictable over a period of years, claims can be volatile over shorter periods. Management views recent experience as normal short-term volatility that is inherent in the business.
Other operating expenses increased $0.8 million, or 25.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period 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 March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
 
$
109

 
$
167

Investment income, net of related expenses
 
22,921

 
31,695

Investment related gains (losses), net
 
7,423

 
(1,833
)
Other revenues
 
2,049

 
1,690

Total revenues
 
32,502

 
31,719

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
Claims and other policy benefits
 
27

 
53

Interest credited
 
507

 
212

Policy acquisition costs and other insurance income
 
(23,812
)
 
(20,588
)
Other operating expenses
 
39,978

 
18,334

Interest expense
 
32,807

 
35,627

Collateral finance and securitization expense
 
6,325

 
6,071

Total benefits and expenses
 
55,832

 
39,709

Loss before income taxes
 
$
(23,330
)
 
$
(7,990
)
Loss before income taxes increased by $15.3 million, or 192.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase in loss before income taxes in the first quarter is primarily due to an increase of $16.1 million in total benefits and expenses.
Total revenues increased by $0.8 million, or 2.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase for the first three months is primarily due to an increase of $9.3 million in investment related gains (losses), net, partially offset by a decrease of $8.8 million in investment income, net of related expenses due to a decrease in allocated invested assets and lower investment yields.

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Total benefits and expenses increased by $16.1 million, or 40.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase in the first three months is primarily due to a $21.6 million increase in other operating expenses mainly due to increases related to compensation, including incentive compensation accruals, and general expenses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
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, has decreased 32 basis points for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. Results of operations in the first three months of 2016 and 2015 include unfavorable changes in the value of embedded derivatives. The effect of changes in credit spreads in the U.S. markets generated decreases in revenue related to embedded derivatives in both three month periods but to a greater extent in 2016 than 2015. In addition, the Company’s insurance liabilities, in particular its annuity products, are sensitive to changing market factors. The decrease in interest rates during the first quarter of 2016 has increased gross unrealized gains on fixed maturity and equity securities available-for-sale, which totaled $2,493.8 million and $1,947.0 million at March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively. Similarly, gross unrealized losses decreased from $627.5 million at December 31, 2015 to $386.5 million at March 31, 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 $2,493.8 million remain well in excess of gross unrealized losses of $386.5 million as of March 31, 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.
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 March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Interest expense
 
$
40,523

 
$
44,022

Capital contributions to subsidiaries
 

 

Dividends to shareholders
 
24,019

 
22,669

Interest and dividend income
 
23,049

 
23,843

Issuance of unaffiliated debt
 

 

 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Cash and invested assets
 
$
674,317

 
$
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 March 31, 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

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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 was $45.0 million outstanding under the intercompany revolving credit facility as of March 31, 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 $45.9 million and $43.7 million as of March 31, 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 Company believes that it has sufficient liquidity for the next 12 months to fund its cash needs under various scenarios that include the potential risk of early recapture of reinsurance treaties and higher than expected death claims. Historically, the Company has generated positive net cash flows from operations. However, in the event of significant unanticipated cash requirements beyond normal liquidity, the Company has multiple liquidity alternatives available based on market conditions and the amount and timing of the liquidity need. These options include borrowings under committed credit facilities, secured borrowings, the ability to issue long-term debt, preferred securities or common equity and, if necessary, the sale of invested assets subject to market conditions.
The undistributed earnings of substantially all of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been reinvested indefinitely in such non-U.S. operations, as described in Note 9 - “Income Tax” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 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):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Dividends to shareholders
$
24,019

 
$
22,669

Repurchases of treasury stock
105,144

 
230,124

Total amount paid to shareholders
$
129,163

 
$
252,793

 
 
 
 
Number of shares repurchased
1,232,684

 
2,538,718

Average price per share
$
85.30

 
$
90.65

In April 2016, RGA’s board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $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.

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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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had $2,312.2 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).
The Company may borrow up to $850.0 million in cash and obtain letters of credit in multiple currencies on its revolving credit facility that expires in September 2019. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had no cash borrowings outstanding and $231.7 million in issued, but undrawn, letters of credit under this facility. As of both March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the average interest rate on short-term and long-term debt outstanding was 5.22% 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 March 31, 2016, the Company maintained an $850.0 million syndicated revolving credit facility and certain committed letter of credit facilities aggregating $714.8 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 March 31, 2016, there were approximately $118.6 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 March 31, 2016, $980.5 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.

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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

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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 $618.3 million as of March 31, 2016. The Company also has $848.7 million of funds available through collateralized borrowings from the FHLB as of March 31, 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.







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Summary of Primary Sources and Uses of Liquidity and Capital
The Company's primary sources and uses of liquidity and capital are summarized as follows:
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Sources:
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
368,572

 
$
316,211

 
Exercise of stock options, net
3,239

 
5,759

 
Change in cash collateral for derivative positions and other arrangements
40,392

 
31,109

 
Cash provided by changes in universal life and other
 
 
 
 
investment type policies and contracts
391,071

 

 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
20,439

 

 
Total sources
823,713

 
353,079

 
 
 
 
 
Uses:
 
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
709,597

 
503,714

 
Dividends to stockholders
24,019

 
22,669

 
Repayment of collateral finance and securitization notes
6,877

 
7,367

 
Debt issuance costs

 
1,184

 
Principal payments of long-term debt
610

 
586

 
Purchases of treasury stock
105,803

 
214,665

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

 
130,294

 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 
35,090

 
Total uses
846,906

 
915,569

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
$
(23,193
)
 
$
(562,490
)
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
There were no 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.

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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 $1,933.6 million and $2,083.6 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents includes cash collateral received from derivative counterparties of $265.3 million and $245.0 million as of March 31, 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 $36.7 million of FHLB common stock, which is included in other invested assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. Membership provides RGA Reinsurance access to borrowing arrangements (“advances”) and funding agreements, discussed below, with the FHLB. RGA Reinsurance did not have any advances from the FHLB at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. RGA Reinsurance’s average outstanding balance of advances was $35.5 million for the first three months of 2016, and did not have any advances during the first three months of 2015. 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 $668.1 million and $622.1 million at March 31, 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.

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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 $45.0 billion and $43.5 billion at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, as illustrated below (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
% of Total
 
December 31, 2015
 
% of Total
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
 
$
31,148,714

 
69.3
%
 
$
29,642,905

 
68.1
%
Mortgage loans on real estate
 
3,292,496

 
7.3

 
3,129,951

 
7.2

Policy loans
 
1,451,857

 
3.2

 
1,468,796

 
3.4

Funds withheld at interest
 
5,797,183

 
12.9

 
5,880,203

 
13.5

Short-term investments
 
431,535

 
1.0

 
558,284

 
1.3

Other invested assets
 
1,368,544

 
3.0

 
1,298,120

 
3.0

Cash and cash equivalents
 
1,502,082

 
3.3

 
1,525,275

 
3.5

Total cash and invested assets
 
$
44,992,411

 
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 March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
  Increase/  
  (Decrease)  
Average invested assets at amortized cost
$
22,379,003

 
$
21,073,262

 
6.2
 %
Net investment income
245,299

 
247,239

 
(0.8
)%
Investment yield (ratio of net investment income to average invested assets)
4.46
%
 
4.78
%
 
(32) bps


Investment yield decreased for the three months ended March 31, 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, approximately 94.8% and 94.6%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated investment portfolio of fixed maturity securities were investment grade.

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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 59.5% and 59.7% of total fixed maturity securities as of March 31, 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
As of March 31, 2016, the Company’s investments in Canadian and Canadian provincial government securities represented 12.5% 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 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
 
$
18,511,837

 
$
20,516,462

 
65.9
%
 
$
17,801,017

 
$
19,231,535

 
64.8
%
2
 
BBB
 
8,813,991

 
9,005,192

 
28.9

 
8,838,444

 
8,830,172

 
29.8

3
 
BB
 
1,096,165

 
1,057,763

 
3.4

 
1,054,449

 
1,001,614

 
3.4

4
 
B
 
402,872

 
372,795

 
1.2

 
399,417

 
359,591

 
1.2

5
 
CCC and lower
 
178,537

 
165,491

 
0.5

 
207,351

 
197,498

 
0.7

6
 
In or near default
 
31,872

 
31,011

 
0.1

 
22,299

 
22,495

 
0.1

 
 
Total
 
$
29,035,274

 
$
31,148,714

 
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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): 
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
 
$
593,662

 
$
642,617

 
$
602,524

 
$
634,077

Non-agency
 
737,232

 
738,280

 
675,474

 
677,400

Total residential mortgage-backed securities
 
1,330,894

 
1,380,897

 
1,277,998

 
1,311,477

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,466,500

 
1,508,183

 
1,456,848

 
1,483,087

Asset-backed securities
 
1,319,616

 
1,289,381

 
1,219,000

 
1,212,676

Total
 
$
4,117,010

 
$
4,178,461

 
$
3,953,846

 
$
4,007,240


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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 12.1% and 12.4% of the total fixed maturity securities at March 31, 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 months ended March 31, 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 months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands).
 
Three months ended March 31,
2016
 
2015
Impairment losses on fixed maturity securities
$
33,817

 
$
2,527

Other impairment losses
2,049

 
4,509

Change in mortgage loan provision
11

 
(341
)
Total
$
35,877

 
$
6,695

The fixed maturity impairments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were largely related to high-yield energy and emerging market corporate securities. In addition, other impairment losses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Total energy sector investments, estimated fair value
 
$
2,432,272

 
$
2,342,803

Fixed maturity and equity securities:
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
 
$
2,408,850

 
$
2,378,775

Net unrealized losses
 
84,343

 
157,813

Estimated fair value
 
$
2,324,507

 
$
2,220,962

Percentage investment grade
 
87.5
%
 
89.0
%
Net written credit default swaps, notional amount
 
$
110,608

 
$
110,608


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At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had $386.5 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.
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Sector:
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
76.4
%
 
75.8
%
Canadian and Canada provincial governments
 

 
0.4

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
2.9

 
1.9

Asset-backed securities
 
10.6

 
2.9

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1.6

 
1.8

State and political subdivisions
 
2.1

 
9.2

U.S. government and agencies
 
0.8

 
1.4

Other foreign government, supranational and foreign government-sponsored enterprises
 
5.6

 
6.6

Total
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Industry:
 
 
 
 
Finance
 
11.3
%
 
8.8
%
Asset-backed
 
10.6

 
2.9

Industrial
 
61.3

 
62.1

Mortgage-backed
 
4.5

 
3.7

Government
 
8.5

 
17.6

Utility
 
3.8

 
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 March 31, 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company classified approximately 8.0% 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 7.3% and 7.2% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. 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.

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As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowances, were distributed geographically as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of Total
Pacific
 
$
948,820

 
28.8
%
 
$
894,411

 
28.5
%
South Atlantic
 
692,390

 
21.0

 
663,528

 
21.2

Mountain
 
532,317

 
16.1

 
486,699

 
15.5

East North Central
 
314,560

 
9.5

 
337,002

 
10.7

West North Central
 
295,070

 
8.9

 
274,760

 
8.8

West South Central
 
240,186

 
7.3

 
237,549

 
7.6

Middle Atlantic
 
162,568

 
4.9

 
151,084

 
4.8

East South Central
 
74,440

 
2.3

 
59,630

 
1.9

New England
 
33,443

 
1.0

 
32,101

 
1.0

Subtotal - U.S.
 
3,293,794

 
99.8

 
3,136,764

 
100.0

Canada
 
5,526

 
0.2

 

 

Total
 
$
3,299,320

 
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 3.2% and 3.4% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of March 31, 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 12.9% and 13.5% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of March 31, 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 March 31, 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 3.0% of the Company’s cash and invested assets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. See “Other Invested Assets” in Note 4 – “Investments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the carrying value of the Company’s other invested assets by type as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.


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The Company has utilized derivative financial instruments to protect the Company against possible changes in the fair value of its investment portfolio as a result of interest rate changes, to hedge against risk of changes in the purchase price of securities, to hedge liabilities associated with the reinsurance of variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits and to manage the portfolio’s effective yield, maturity and duration. In addition, the Company has used derivative financial instruments to reduce the risk associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company uses both exchange-traded, centrally cleared, and customized over-the-counter derivative financial instruments.
See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a table that presents the notional amounts and fair value of investment related derivative instruments held at March 31, 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 credit exposure related to its derivative contracts, excluding futures and mortality swaps, of $6.0 million and $7.8 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
The Company manages its credit risk related to over-the-counter derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination. Certain of the Company's OTC derivatives are cleared derivatives, which are bilateral transactions between the Company and a counterparty where the transactions are cleared through a clearinghouse, such that each derivative counterparty is only exposed to the default of the clearinghouse. As exchange-traded futures are affected through regulated exchanges, and positions are marked to market on a daily basis, the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. See Note 5 - “Derivative Instruments” 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.



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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.

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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

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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.

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Fixed Indexed Annuities
The Company reinsures fixed indexed annuities ("FIAs"). Credits for FIAs are affected by changes in equity markets. Thus the fair value of the benefit is a function of primarily index returns and volatility. The Company hedges most of the underlying FIA equity exposure.
Variable Annuities
The Company reinsures variable annuities including those with guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”), guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”), guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”). Strong equity markets, increases in interest rates and decreases in equity market volatility will generally decrease the fair value of the liabilities underlying the benefits. Conversely, a decrease in the equity markets along with a decrease in interest rates and an increase in equity market volatility will generally result in an increase in the fair value of the liabilities underlying the benefits, which has the effect of increasing reserves and lowering earnings. The Company maintains a customized dynamic hedging program that is designed to substantially mitigate the risks associated with income volatility around the change in reserves on guaranteed benefits, ignoring the Company’s own credit risk assessment. However, the hedge positions may not fully offset the changes in the carrying value of the guarantees due to, among other things, time lags, high levels of volatility in the equity and derivative markets, extreme swings in interest rates, unexpected contract holder behavior, and divergence between the performance of the underlying funds and hedging indices. These factors, individually or collectively, may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s net income, financial condition or liquidity. The table below provides a summary of variable annuity account values and the fair value of the guaranteed benefits as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
 
(dollars in millions)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
No guarantee minimum benefits
 
$
753

 
$
782

GMDB only
 
60

 
62

GMIB only
 
5

 
5

GMAB only
 
31

 
33

GMWB only
 
1,386

 
1,425

GMDB / WB
 
349

 
359

Other
 
21

 
22

Total variable annuity account values
 
$
2,605

 
$
2,688

Fair value of liabilities associated with living benefit riders
 
$
255

 
$
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.

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The Company enters into various collateral arrangements, which require both the posting and accepting of collateral in connection with its derivative instruments. Collateral agreements contain attachment thresholds that 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 March 31, 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.



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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.

ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There has been no significant change in the Company’s quantitative or qualitative aspects of market risk during the quarter ended March 31, 2016 from that disclosed in the 2015 Annual Report. See “Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Market Risk”, which is included herein, for additional information.
ITEM 4.  Controls and Procedures
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) during the quarter ended March 31, 2016, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  Legal Proceedings
The Company is subject to litigation in the normal course of its business. A legal reserve is established when the Company is notified of an arbitration demand or litigation or is notified that an arbitration demand or litigation is imminent, it is probable that the Company will incur a loss as a result and the amount of the probable loss is reasonably capable of being estimated.
ITEM 1A.  Risk Factors
There were no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the 2015 Annual Report.
ITEM 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table summarizes RGA’s repurchase activity of its common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average Price Paid per   
Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced Plans
or Programs (1)
 
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased Under
the Plan or Program
January 1, 2016 -
January 31, 2016
 
544

 
$
83.82

 

 
$
400,000,000

February 1, 2016 -
February 29, 2016
 
1,238,501

 
$
85.31

 
1,232,684

 
$
294,855,892

March 1, 2016 -
March 31, 2016
 
1,107

 
$
94.24

 

 
$
294,855,892

 
(1)
RGA repurchased 1,232,684 shares of common stock under its share repurchase program for $105.1 million during February 2016. The Company net settled - issuing 844, 15,474 and 3,592 shares from treasury and repurchasing from recipients 544, 5,817 and 1,107 shares in January, February and March, respectively, in settlement of income tax withholding requirements incurred by the recipients of an equity incentive award.
On January 21, 2016, RGA’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, with no expiration date, for up to $400.0 million of the RGA’s outstanding common stock. In connection with this authorization, the board of directors terminated the stock repurchase authority granted in 2015.
ITEM 6.  Exhibits
See index to exhibits.

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

 
 
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
 
 
Date: May 5, 2016
 
By: 
/s/ A. Greig Woodring
 
 
 
A. Greig Woodring
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date: May 5, 2016
 
By:
/s/ Todd C. Larson
 
 
 
Todd C. Larson
 
 
 
Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
 
 
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 25, 2008.
 
 
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 18, 2014.
 
 
 
10.1
 
Form of Performance Contingent Share Agreement between the Company and A. Greig Woodring, effective March 4, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 8, 2016.*
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
* Represents a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 15 of this Report.


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