v3.8.0.1
Investments
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Schedule of Investments [Abstract]  
Investments
Investments
a)
Fixed Maturities and Other Investments
During the second quarter of 2017, we designated additional fixed maturities with a fair value of $391,934 as held-to-maturity ("HTM") and during 2016 we designated fixed maturities with a total fair value of $155,538 as HTM reflecting our intent to hold these securities to maturity. The net unrealized holding gain of $4,313 and $15,770, respectively, as at each designation date continues to be reported in the carrying value of the HTM securities and is amortized through other comprehensive income over the remaining life of the securities using the effective yield method in a manner consistent with the amortization of any premium or discount.
The original or amortized cost, estimated fair value and gross unrealized gains and losses of fixed maturities and other investments at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, are as follows:
September 30, 2017
 
Original or amortized cost
 
Gross unrealized gains
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Fair value
Available-for-sale ("AFS") fixed maturities :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
5,194

 
$
150

 
$
(8
)
 
$
5,336

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
2,004,645

 
14,208

 
(12,451
)
 
2,006,402

Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
33,392

 
216

 
(2,012
)
 
31,596

Asset-backed securities
 
257,969

 
4,456

 
(164
)
 
262,261

Corporate bonds
 
1,541,296

 
52,717

 
(17,624
)
 
1,576,389

Municipal bonds
 
2,500

 
103

 

 
2,603

Total AFS fixed maturities
 
3,844,996

 
71,850

 
(32,259
)
 
3,884,587

Held-to-maturity ("HTM") fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
1,057,943

 
34,027

 
(748
)
 
1,091,222

Municipal bonds
 
60,425

 
459

 

 
60,884

Total HTM fixed maturities
 
1,118,368

 
34,486

 
(748
)
 
1,152,106

Other investments
 
5,640

 
1,401

 

 
7,041

Total investments
 
$
4,969,004

 
$
107,737

 
$
(33,007
)
 
$
5,043,734

December 31, 2016
 
Original or amortized cost
 
Gross unrealized gains
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Fair value
AFS fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
5,186

 
$
238

 
$
(11
)
 
$
5,413

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
1,720,436

 
12,867

 
(17,265
)
 
1,716,038

U.S. agency bonds – other
 
18,082

 
20

 

 
18,102

Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
35,158

 
73

 
(5,297
)
 
29,934

Asset-backed securities
 
217,232

 
3,713

 
(69
)
 
220,876

Corporate bonds
 
1,947,347

 
30,951

 
(62,093
)
 
1,916,205

Municipal bonds
 
62,201

 
2,897

 

 
65,098

Total AFS fixed maturities
 
4,005,642

 
50,759

 
(84,735
)
 
3,971,666

HTM fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
752,212

 
16,370

 
(2,447
)
 
766,135

Total HTM fixed maturities
 
752,212

 
16,370

 
(2,447
)
 
766,135

Other investments
 
10,057

 
3,003

 

 
13,060

Total investments
 
$
4,767,911

 
$
70,132

 
$
(87,182
)
 
$
4,750,861


4. Investments (continued)
The contractual maturities of our fixed maturities are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
 
AFS fixed maturities
 
HTM fixed maturities
September 30, 2017
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
40,440

 
$
38,784

 
$
49,293

 
$
49,298

Due after one year through five years
 
577,760

 
583,569

 
335,922

 
346,747

Due after five years through ten years
 
961,682

 
990,968

 
723,297

 
746,131

Due after ten years
 
2,500

 
2,603

 
9,856

 
9,930

 
 
1,582,382

 
1,615,924

 
1,118,368

 
1,152,106

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
2,004,645

 
2,006,402

 

 

Asset-backed securities
 
257,969

 
262,261

 

 

Total fixed maturities
 
$
3,844,996

 
$
3,884,587

 
$
1,118,368

 
$
1,152,106


The following tables summarize fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position and the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
September 30, 2017
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
Fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$

 
$

 
$
592

 
$
(8
)
 
$
592

 
$
(8
)
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
700,173

 
(5,545
)
 
390,211

 
(6,906
)
 
1,090,384

 
(12,451
)
Non–U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
12,678

 
(1,116
)
 
15,132

 
(896
)
 
27,810

 
(2,012
)
Asset-backed securities
 
21,499

 
(105
)
 
3,323

 
(59
)
 
24,822

 
(164
)
Corporate bonds
 
152,959

 
(4,437
)
 
262,782

 
(13,935
)
 
415,741

 
(18,372
)
Total temporarily impaired fixed maturities
 
$
887,309

 
$
(11,203
)
 
$
672,040

 
$
(21,804
)
 
$
1,559,349

 
$
(33,007
)

At September 30, 2017, there were approximately 148 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $1,559,349 and unrealized losses of $33,007. Of these securities, there were 93 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $672,040 and unrealized losses of $21,804.
4. Investments (continued)
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
December 31, 2016
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
Fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
589

 
$
(11
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
589

 
$
(11
)
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
997,943

 
(14,440
)
 
47,969

 
(2,825
)
 
1,045,912

 
(17,265
)
Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
3,169

 
(160
)
 
25,236

 
(5,137
)
 
28,405

 
(5,297
)
Asset-backed securities
 
30,589

 
(69
)
 

 

 
30,589

 
(69
)
Corporate bonds
 
642,599

 
(15,058
)
 
357,954

 
(49,482
)
 
1,000,553

 
(64,540
)
Total temporarily impaired fixed maturities
 
$
1,674,889

 
$
(29,738
)
 
$
431,159

 
$
(57,444
)
 
$
2,106,048

 
$
(87,182
)

At December 31, 2016, there were approximately 251 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $2,106,048 and unrealized losses of $87,182. Of these securities, there were 91 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $431,159 and unrealized losses of $57,444.
OTTI
The Company performs quarterly reviews of its fixed maturities in order to determine whether declines in fair value below the amortized cost basis were considered other-than-temporary in accordance with applicable guidance. At September 30, 2017, we have determined that the unrealized losses on fixed maturities were primarily due to widening of credit and interest rate spreads as well as the impact of foreign exchange rate changes on certain foreign currency denominated AFS fixed maturities since their date of purchase. Because we do not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to do so until a recovery of fair value to amortized cost, we currently believe it is probable that we will collect all amounts due according to their respective contractual terms. Therefore, we do not consider these fixed maturities to be other-than-temporarily impaired ("OTTI") at September 30, 2017. The Company has recognized no OTTI through earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
The following summarizes the credit ratings of our fixed maturities:
Ratings(1) at September 30, 2017
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
 
% of Total
fair value
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
5,194

 
$
5,336

 
0.1
%
U.S. agency bonds
 
2,004,645

 
2,006,402

 
39.8
%
AAA
 
169,514

 
173,589

 
3.4
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
238,268

 
244,507

 
4.9
%
A+, A, A-
 
1,395,001

 
1,421,504

 
28.3
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
1,093,491

 
1,125,119

 
22.3
%
BB+ or lower
 
57,251

 
60,236

 
1.2
%
Total fixed maturities
 
$
4,963,364

 
$
5,036,693

 
100.0
%
4. Investments (continued)
Ratings(1) at December 31, 2016
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
 
% of Total
fair value
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
5,186

 
$
5,413

 
0.1
%
U.S. agency bonds
 
1,738,518

 
1,734,140

 
36.6
%
AAA
 
170,515

 
171,090

 
3.6
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
238,315

 
237,169

 
5.0
%
A+, A, A-
 
1,386,023

 
1,374,860

 
29.0
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
1,053,529

 
1,047,376

 
22.2
%
BB+ or lower
 
165,768

 
167,753

 
3.5
%
Total fixed maturities
 
$
4,757,854

 
$
4,737,801

 
100.0
%
(1)
Based on Standard & Poor’s ("S&P"), or equivalent, ratings
b)
Other Investments
The table below shows our portfolio of other investments:
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Fair value
 
% of Total
fair value
 
Fair value
 
% of Total
fair value
Investment in limited partnerships
 
$
5,541

 
78.7
%
 
$
5,474

 
41.9
%
Investment in quoted equity
 

 
%
 
6,586

 
50.4
%
Other
 
1,500

 
21.3
%
 
1,000

 
7.7
%
Total other investments
 
$
7,041

 
100.0
%
 
$
13,060

 
100.0
%

The Company has a remaining unfunded commitment on its investment in limited partnerships of approximately $319 at September 30, 2017 (December 31, 2016 - $463).
c)
Net Investment Income
Net investment income was derived from the following sources:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Fixed maturities
 
$
40,369

 
$
35,769

 
$
123,849

 
$
108,018

Cash and cash equivalents
 
899

 
506

 
1,328

 
1,147

Loan to related party
 
913

 
599

 
2,441

 
1,729

Other
 
569

 
572

 
1,460

 
1,519

 
 
42,750

 
37,446

 
129,078

 
112,413

Investment expenses
 
(1,927
)
 
(1,780
)
 
(5,586
)
 
(5,122
)
Net investment income
 
$
40,823

 
$
35,666

 
$
123,492

 
$
107,291


4. Investments (continued)
d)
Realized Gains (Losses) on Investment
Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the first in first out cost method. The following provides an analysis of net realized gains on investment included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
AFS fixed maturities
 
$
1,366

 
$
(997
)
 
$
369

Other investments
 
5,490

 

 
5,490

Net realized gains on investment
 
$
6,856

 
$
(997
)
 
$
5,859

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
AFS fixed maturities
 
$
1,813

 
$

 
$
1,813

Other investments
 
87

 

 
87

Net realized gains on investment
 
$
1,900

 
$

 
$
1,900

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
AFS fixed maturities
 
$
3,854

 
$
(1,253
)
 
$
2,601

Other investments
 
5,715

 

 
5,715

Net realized gains on investment
 
$
9,569

 
$
(1,253
)
 
$
8,316

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
AFS fixed maturities
 
$
4,953

 
$
(891
)
 
$
4,062

Other investments
 
449

 

 
449

Net realized gains on investment
 
$
5,402

 
$
(891
)
 
$
4,511


Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities classified as AFS were $97,357 and $199,751 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively (2016 - $15,260 and $101,923, respectively).
Net unrealized (losses) gains were as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Fixed maturities
 
$
47,888

 
$
(23,635
)
Other investments
 
1,401

 
3,003

Total net unrealized gains (losses)
 
49,289

 
(20,632
)
Deferred income tax
 
(79
)
 
(84
)
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax
 
$
49,210

 
$
(20,716
)
Change, net of deferred income tax
 
$
69,926

 



e)
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments
We are required to maintain assets on deposit to support our reinsurance operations and to serve as collateral for our reinsurance liabilities under various reinsurance agreements. The assets on deposit are available to settle reinsurance liabilities. We also utilize trust accounts to collateralize business with our reinsurance counterparties. These trust accounts generally take the place of letter of credit requirements.
4. Investments (continued)
The assets in trust as collateral are primarily cash and highly rated fixed maturities. The fair value of our restricted assets was as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Restricted cash – third party agreements
 
$
80,999

 
$
56,891

Restricted cash – related party agreements
 
50,467

 
46,777

Restricted cash – U.S. state regulatory authorities
 
132

 
120

Total restricted cash
 
131,598

 
103,788

Restricted investments – in trust for third party agreements at fair value (Amortized cost: 2017 – $1,337,185; 2016 – $1,307,926)
 
1,354,548

 
1,299,569

Restricted investments AFS– in trust for related party agreements at fair value (Amortized cost: 2017 – $2,193,678; 2016 – $2,242,565)
 
2,218,382

 
2,225,066

Restricted investments HTM– in trust for related party agreements at fair value (Amortized cost: 2017 – $1,118,368; 2016 – $752,212)
 
1,152,106

 
766,135

Restricted investments – in trust for U.S. state regulatory authorities (Amortized cost: 2017 – $4,071; 2016 – $4,059)
 
4,188

 
4,238

Total restricted investments
 
4,729,224

 
4,295,008

Total restricted cash and investments
 
$
4,860,822

 
$
4,398,796