10-Q 1 wrb331201310q.htm 10-Q WRB 3.31.2013 10Q
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q
(Mark one)
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2013
or
o
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
For the Transition Period from                      to                     .
Commission File Number 1-15202

W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
22-1867895
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
 
 
475 Steamboat Road, Greenwich, Connecticut
 
06830
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(203) 629-3000
 
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
 
 
 
None
 
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.
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 þ     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 þ     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.
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o     No þ
Number of shares of common stock, $.20 par value, outstanding as of April 30, 2013: 136,036,887
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Part I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
$
11,665,117

 
$
11,943,956

Equity securities
399,386

 
376,022

Arbitrage trading account
701,223

 
329,077

Investment funds
793,603

 
809,689

Loans receivable
456,533

 
401,961

Real estate
588,777

 
606,735

Total investments
14,604,639

 
14,467,440

Cash and cash equivalents
945,492

 
905,670

Premiums and fees receivable
1,504,535

 
1,440,752

Due from reinsurers
1,441,389

 
1,450,348

Accrued investment income
126,577

 
127,230

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
345,329

 
316,309

Deferred policy acquisition costs
425,070

 
404,047

Real estate, furniture and equipment
271,012

 
267,227

Goodwill
107,529

 
87,865

Trading account receivables from brokers and clearing organizations
28,720

 
446,873

Other assets
320,342

 
242,135

Total assets
$
20,120,634

 
$
20,155,896

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Reserves for losses and loss expenses
$
9,809,843

 
$
9,751,086

Unearned premiums
2,635,995

 
2,474,847

Due to reinsurers
298,557

 
316,388

Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased
79,965

 
121,487

Federal and foreign income taxes - current and deferred
104,810

 
82,801

Other liabilities
844,297

 
959,080

Junior subordinated debentures
243,258

 
243,206

Senior notes and other debt
1,693,279

 
1,871,535

Total liabilities
15,710,004

 
15,820,430

Equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share:
 
 
 
Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - none
—

 
—

Common stock, par value $.20 per share:
 
 
 
Authorized 500,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding, net of treasury shares, 136,028,287 and 136,017,732 shares, respectively
47,024

 
47,024

Additional paid-in capital
949,926

 
945,166

Retained earnings
4,922,178

 
4,817,807

Accumulated other comprehensive income
428,592

 
465,631

Treasury stock, at cost, 99,089,631and 99,100,186 shares, respectively
(1,969,179
)
 
(1,969,411
)
Total stockholders’ equity
4,378,541

 
4,306,217

Noncontrolling interests
32,089

 
29,249

Total equity
4,410,630

 
4,335,466

Total liabilities and equity
$
20,120,634

 
$
20,155,896


See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.


1


W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
For the Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
2013
 
2012
REVENUES:
 
 
 
Net premiums written
$
1,376,966

 
$
1,203,526

Change in net unearned premiums
(144,847
)
 
(103,875
)
Net premiums earned
1,232,119

 
1,099,651

Net investment income
135,929

 
157,619

Insurance service fees
26,736

 
23,877

 Net investment gains
19,969

 
43,477

Change in valuation allowance, net of other-than-temporary impairments
—

 
4,014

Revenues from wholly-owned investees
91,735

 
49,675

Other income
281

 
392

Total revenues
1,506,769

 
1,378,705

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses
744,679

 
679,472

Other operating costs and expenses
481,604

 
431,779

Expenses from wholly-owned investees
89,152

 
51,330

Interest expense
31,111

 
28,821

Total operating costs and expenses
1,346,546

 
1,191,402

Income before income taxes
160,223

 
187,303

Income tax expense
(43,625
)
 
(52,071
)
Net income before noncontrolling interests
116,598

 
135,232

Noncontrolling interests
17

 
86

Net income to common stockholders
$
116,615

 
$
135,318

 
 
 
 
NET INCOME PER SHARE:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.86

 
$
0.98

Diluted
0.83

 
0.94


See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.





2

W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
2013
 
2012
Net income before noncontrolling interests
$
116,598

 
$
135,232

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
Change in unrealized translation adjustments
(46,623
)
 
15,583

Change in unrealized investment gains (losses), net of taxes
7,810

 
22,024

Change in net pension asset, net of taxes
1,814

 
824

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(36,999
)
 
38,431

Comprehensive income
79,599

 
173,663

Comprehensive (income) loss to the noncontrolling interest
(23
)
 
63

Comprehensive income to common stockholders
$
79,576

 
$
173,726


See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

3

W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
2013
 
2012
COMMON STOCK:
 
 
 
Beginning and end of period
$
47,024

 
$
47,024

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
945,166

 
$
941,109

Stock options exercised and restricted stock units issued, net of tax
(233
)
 
(10,139
)
Restricted stock units expensed
4,993

 
7,447

End of period
$
949,926

 
$
938,417

RETAINED EARNINGS:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
4,817,807

 
$
4,491,162

Net income to common stockholders
116,615

 
135,318

Dividends
(12,244
)
 
(11,041
)
End of period
$
4,922,178

 
$
4,615,439

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
 
 
 
Unrealized investment gains:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
517,658

 
$
430,419

Unrealized gains on securities not other-than-temporarily impaired
7,047

 
20,868

Unrealized gains on other-than-temporarily impaired securities
723

 
1,133

End of period
525,428

 
452,420

Currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
(36,676
)
 
(61,239
)
Net change in period
(46,623
)
 
15,583

End of period
(83,299
)
 
(45,656
)
Net pension asset:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
(15,351
)
 
(14,329
)
Net change in period
1,814

 
824

End of period
(13,537
)
 
(13,505
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income
$
428,592

 
$
393,259

TREASURY STOCK:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
(1,969,411
)
 
$
(1,880,790
)
Stock exercised/vested
232

 
20,099

Stock repurchased
—

 
(6,532
)
End of period
$
(1,969,179
)
 
$
(1,867,223
)
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
29,249

 
$
7,526

Contributions
2,817

 
1,076

Net income
(17
)
 
(86
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
40

 
23

End of period
$
32,089

 
$
8,539

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

4

W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income to common stockholders
$
116,615

 
$
135,318

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net investment gains
(19,969
)
 
(47,491
)
Depreciation and amortization
20,910

 
22,212

Noncontrolling interests
(17
)
 
(86
)
Investment funds
(10,934
)
 
(27,624
)
Stock incentive plans
4,989

 
7,447

Change in:
 
 
 
Arbitrage trading account
4,485

 
(2,946
)
Premiums and fees receivable
(76,268
)
 
(97,077
)
Reinsurance accounts
(34,039
)
 
(16,857
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
(23,608
)
 
(11,483
)
Income taxes
22,471

 
48,160

Reserves for losses and loss expenses
84,569

 
47,443

Unearned premiums
174,229

 
115,434

Other
(148,321
)
 
(98,688
)
Net cash from operating activities
115,112

 
73,762

CASH FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities
463,388

 
295,134

Proceeds from sale of equity securities
38,248

 
32,575

Distributions from (contributions to) investment funds
(22,072
)
 
24,744

Proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed maturity securities
667,711

 
408,647

Purchase of fixed maturity securities
(896,378
)
 
(872,588
)
Purchase of equity securities
(35,486
)
 
(68,652
)
Real estate purchased
(10,301
)
 
(5,611
)
Change in loans receivable
(53,405
)
 
(93,934
)
Net additions to real estate, furniture and equipment
(13,042
)
 
(15,055
)
Change in balances due to security brokers
43,325

 
16,146

Payment for business purchased, net of cash acquired
(38,556
)
 
—

Net cash from (used in) investing activities
143,432

 
(278,594
)
CASH FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Repayment of senior notes and other debt
(206,280
)
 
(1,684
)
Net proceeds from issuance of debt
—

 
354,315

Net proceeds from stock options exercised
—

 
3,428

Other, net
7,638

 
10,446

Net cash from (used in) financing activities
(198,642
)
 
366,505

Net impact on cash due to change in foreign exchange rates
(20,080
)
 
8,992

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
39,822

 
170,665

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
905,670

 
911,742

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
945,492

 
$
1,082,407

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

5

W. R. Berkley Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(1) General
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of W. R. Berkley Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and notes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. The unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, which are necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and results of operations on a basis consistent with the prior audited consolidated financial statements. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements requires the use of management estimates. For further information related to a description of areas of judgment and estimates and other information necessary to understand the Company’s financial position and results of operations, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Reclassifications have been made in the 2012 financial statements as originally reported to conform to the presentation of the 2013 financial statements.
The income tax provision has been computed based on the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for the quarter differs from the federal income tax rate of 35% principally because of tax-exempt investment income.

(2) Per Share Data
The Company presents both basic and diluted net income per share (“EPS”) amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period and is calculated using the treasury stock method for stock incentive plans. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect. Stock options for which the exercise price exceeds the average market price over the period have an anti-dilutive effect on EPS and, accordingly, are excluded from the calculation.
The weighted average number of common shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share was as follows:
(In thousands)
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
Basic
 
136,025

 
137,814

Diluted
 
141,223

 
143,411


(3) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2013-02 relating to disclosures about items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company’s adoption of the updated guidance effective January 1, 2013 resulted in a change in the disclosures for accumulated other comprehensive income in the Company’s consolidated financial statements but did not have any impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
All recently issued but not yet effective accounting and reporting standards are either not applicable to the Company or are not expected to have a material impact on the Company.

(4) Acquisitions

In 2012, the Company acquired a 49% interest in a worldwide supplier of after-market original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, systems and custom logistic support services for military aircraft operations for $43 million. In January 2013, the Company acquired the remaining 51% of this business for $43 million. The estimated useful lives of the intangible assets acquired range from 2 years to 15 years, with approximately $3 million having an indefinite life.

6

The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
(In thousands)
Acquired in 2013
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
3,911

Real estate, furniture and equipment
898

Goodwill
19,664

Intangible assets
44,800

Other assets
60,661

Total assets acquired
129,934

Debt
(27,612
)
Other liabilities assumed
(17,076
)
  Net assets acquired
$
85,246


(5) Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table presents the components of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2013:
 
Unrealized Investment gains
 
Currency translation adjustments
 
Net pension asset
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in AOCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
517,658

 
$
(36,676
)
 
$
(15,351
)
 
$
465,631

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
20,989

 
(46,623
)
 
—

 
(25,634
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(13,179
)
 
—

 
1,814

 
(11,365
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
7,810

 
(46,623
)
 
1,814

 
(36,999
)
Unrealized investment gain related to non-controlling interest
(40
)
 
—

 
—

 
(40
)
Ending balance
$
525,428

 
$
(83,299
)
 
$
(13,537
)
 
$
428,592

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax
$
(20,075
)
(1
)
$
—

 
$
2,792

(3
)
$
(17,283
)
Tax effect
6,896

(2
)
—

 
(978
)
(2
)
5,918

After-tax amounts reclassified
$
(13,179
)
 
$
—

 
$
1,814

 
$
(11,365
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax
$
12,015

 
$
(46,623
)
 
$
2,792

 
$
(31,816
)
Tax effect
(4,205
)
 
—

 
(978
)
 
(5,183
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
7,810

 
$
(46,623
)
 
$
1,814

 
$
(36,999
)
_______________
(1) Net investment gains in the consolidated statements of operations.
(2) Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
(3) Other operating costs and expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

(6) Statements of Cash Flow
Interest payments were $53,691,000 and $45,358,000 and income taxes paid were $23,850,000 and $3,249,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

7


(7) Investments in Fixed Maturity Securities
At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, investments in fixed maturity securities were as follows:
 
(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Gains
 
Losses
 
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and municipal
$
66,125

 
$
17,675

 
$
—

 
$
83,800

 
$
66,125

Residential mortgage-backed
31,181

 
4,977

 
—

 
36,158

 
31,181

Corporate
4,997

 
555

 
—

 
5,552

 
4,997

Total held to maturity
102,303

 
23,207

 
—

 
125,510

 
102,303

Available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agency
807,341

 
68,429

 
(58
)
 
875,712

 
875,712

State and municipal
4,110,714

 
308,121

 
(9,219
)
 
4,409,616

 
4,409,616

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential (1)
1,293,875

 
48,550

 
(6,878
)
 
1,335,547

 
1,335,547

Commercial
203,260

 
6,504

 
(398
)
 
209,366

 
209,366

Corporate
3,370,627

 
210,832

 
(10,380
)
 
3,571,079

 
3,571,079

Foreign
1,065,472

 
96,381

 
(359
)
 
1,161,494

 
1,161,494

Total available for sale
10,851,289

 
738,817

 
(27,292
)
 
11,562,814

 
11,562,814

Total investments in fixed maturity securities
$
10,953,592

 
$
762,024

 
$
(27,292
)
 
$
11,688,324

 
$
11,665,117

December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and municipal
$
65,190

 
$
18,529

 
$
—

 
$
83,719

 
$
65,190

Residential mortgage-backed
32,764

 
5,286

 
—

 
38,050

 
32,764

Corporate
4,997

 
605

 
—

 
5,602

 
4,997

Total held to maturity
102,951

 
24,420

 
—

 
127,371

 
102,951

Available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agency
827,591

 
72,532

 
(1,660
)
 
898,463

 
898,463

State and municipal
4,449,238

 
328,974

 
(9,693
)
 
4,768,519

 
4,768,519

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential (1)
1,395,739

 
53,846

 
(7,456
)
 
1,442,129

 
1,442,129

Commercial
268,671

 
5,641

 
(744
)
 
273,568

 
273,568

Corporate
3,144,480

 
214,322

 
(12,083
)
 
3,346,719

 
3,346,719

Foreign
1,029,284

 
83,347

 
(1,024
)
 
1,111,607

 
1,111,607

Total available for sale
11,115,003

 
758,662

 
(32,660
)
 
11,841,005

 
11,841,005

Total investments in fixed maturity securities
$
11,217,954

 
$
783,082

 
$
(32,660
)
 
$
11,968,376

 
$
11,943,956

___________
(1)
Gross unrealized losses for residential mortgage-backed securities include $1,925,000 and $3,037,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, related to the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) recognized in other comprehensive income.


8

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
 
(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
798,683

 
$
826,292

Due after one year through five years
3,482,465

 
3,673,747

Due after five years through ten years
2,536,987

 
2,806,448

Due after ten years
2,607,141

 
2,800,766

Mortgage-backed securities
1,528,316

 
1,581,071

Total
$
10,953,592

 
$
11,688,324

At March 31, 2013, there were no investments, other than investments in United States government and government agency securities, which exceeded 10% of common stockholders’ equity.

(8) Investments in Equity Securities
At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, investments in equity securities were as follows:
 
(In thousands)
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Gains
 
Losses
 
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
$
224,378

 
$
71,995

 
$
(1,342
)
 
$
295,031

 
$
295,031

Preferred stocks
82,600

 
23,340

 
(1,585
)
 
104,355

 
104,355

Total
$
306,978

 
$
95,335

 
$
(2,927
)
 
$
399,386

 
$
399,386

December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
$
222,671

 
$
60,102

 
$
(707
)
 
$
282,066

 
$
282,066

Preferred stocks
85,504

 
10,103

 
(1,651
)
 
93,956

 
93,956

Total
$
308,175

 
$
70,205

 
$
(2,358
)
 
$
376,022

 
$
376,022


(9) Arbitrage Trading Account
At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair value and carrying value of the arbitrage trading account were $701 million and $329 million, respectively. The primary focus of the trading account is merger arbitrage. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies which are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers. Arbitrage investing differs from other types of investing in its focus on transactions and events believed likely to bring about a change in value over a relatively short time period (usually four months or less). The Company believes that this makes arbitrage investments less vulnerable to changes in general financial market conditions.


9

(10) Net Investment Income
Net investment income consists of the following: 
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
(In thousands)
2013
 
2012
Investment income earned on:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable
$
117,836

 
$
119,288

Investment funds
10,934

 
27,623

Arbitrage trading account
3,783

 
6,481

Equity securities available for sale
2,247

 
3,150

Real estate
3,141

 
2,176

Gross investment income
137,941

 
158,718

Investment expense
(2,012
)
 
(1,099
)
Net investment income
$
135,929

 
$
157,619


(11) Investment Funds
Investment funds consist of the following:
 
Carrying Value
as of
 
Income (Losses)
from Investment Funds
 
March 31
 
December 31,
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Real estate
$
379,006

 
$
373,259

 
$
(2,001
)
 
$
8,655

Energy
147,383

 
146,325

 
9,466

 
17,938

Arbitrage
63,462

 
63,920

 
(458
)
 
1,770

Other
203,752

 
226,185

 
3,927

 
(740
)
Total
$
793,603

 
$
809,689

 
$
10,934


$
27,623


The Company's share of the earnings or losses of investment funds is generally reported on a one-quarter lag in order to facilitate the timely completion of the Company's consolidated financial statements.
(12) Real Estate

Investment in real estate represents directly owned property held for investment, as follows:    
 
Carrying value as of
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
(In thousands)
2013
 
2012
Properties in operation
$
264,755

 
$
282,899

Properties under development
324,022

 
323,836

Total
$
588,777

 
$
606,735


Properties in operation represent an office building in London and a long-term ground lease in Washington D.C. These properties are net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $11,397,000 and $10,354,000, as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Related depreciation expense was $1,757,000 and $2,105,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Future minimum rental income expected on operating leases relating to real estate held for investment is $1,099,000 in 2013, $1,504,000 in 2014, $1,549,000 in 2015, $1,596,000 in 2016, $1,644,000 in 2017 and $329,013,000 thereafter.

Properties under development represent an office building in London, a mixed-use project in Washington D.C. and an office complex in New York City. The Company expects to fund further development costs for these projects with a combination of its own funds and external financing.

10

(13) Loans Receivable
Loans receivable are as follows:
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Loans receivable
$
456,533

 
$
401,961

 
 
 
 
Valuation allowance:
 
 
 
  Specific
$
3,500

 
$
3,000

  General
2,682

 
2,620

  Total
$
6,182

 
$
5,620

 
 
 
 
Impaired loans:
 
 
 
  With a specific valuation allowance
$
3,003

 
$
1,775

  Without a valuation allowance
30,000

 
31,023

  Unpaid principal balance
36,003

 
35,872

 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
  Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance
$
62

 
$
(6,896
)
  Loans receivable charged off
463

 
85


Loans receivable in non-accrual status were $3 million at both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. If these loans had been current, additional interest income of $0.7 million and $0.2 million would have been recognized in accordance with their original terms for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable and assesses the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest based upon loan structure, underlying property values, cash flow and related financial and operating performance of the property and market conditions. Loans receivable with a potential for default are further assessed using discounted cash flow analysis and comparable cost and sales methodologies, if appropriate.
The Company's six largest loans receivable, which have an aggregate amortized cost of $243 million and an aggregate fair value of $250 million at March 31, 2013, are secured by commercial real estate located primarily in New York City, California, Hawaii and Chicago. These loans earn interest at floating LIBOR-based interest rates and have maturities (inclusive of extension options) through August 2025.
The Company utilizes an internal risk rating system to assign a risk to each of its commercial loans. The loan rating system takes into consideration credit quality indicators including loan to value ratios, which compare the outstanding loan amount to the estimated value of the property, the borrower's financial condition and performance with respect to loan terms, the Company's position in the capital structure, and the overall leverage in the capital structure. Based on this rating system, one loan with an aggregate cost basis of $30 million was considered to be impaired at March 31, 2013. A determination was made as to the amount of loss in the event of a default and whether the loss is probable. The results of the determination were considered in connection with the valuation allowance noted above.


11

(14) Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains

 Realized and unrealized investment gains and losses are as follows:
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)
2013
 
2012
Realized investment gains and losses:
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities:
 

 
 

Gains
$
10,996

 
$
14,955

Losses
(5,966
)
 
(543
)
Equity securities available for sale
15,245

 
26,238

Investment funds
194

 
1,310

Other
(500
)
 
1,517

    Total
19,969

 
43,477

 
 
 
 
Change in valuation allowance, net other-than-temporary impairments:
 
 
 
Decrease in valuation allowance
—

 
6,998

 Other-than-temporary impairments
—

 
(2,984
)
    Total
—

 
4,014

 
 
 
 
Net investment gains
19,969

 
47,491

Income tax expense
(6,989
)
 
(16,409
)
    Total after-tax investment gains and losses
$
12,980

 
$
31,082

Change in unrealized investment gains and losses:
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities
$
(15,589
)
 
$
19,422

Previously impaired fixed maturity securities
1,112

 
1,743

Equity securities available for sale
24,561

 
11,595

Investment funds
(3,268
)
 
1,677

Total change in unrealized investment gains and losses
6,816

 
34,437

Income tax benefit (expense)
994

 
(12,413
)
Noncontrolling interests
(40
)
 
(23
)
    Total after-tax unrealized gains and losses
$
7,770

 
$
22,001

            


12

(15) Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position
The following table summarizes all securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 by the length of time those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position: 
  
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Total
(In thousands)
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agency
$
24,203

 
$
58

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
24,203

 
$
58

State and municipal
133,592

 
1,830

 
100,664

 
7,389

 
234,256

 
9,219

Mortgage-backed securities
451,452

 
4,235

 
44,419

 
3,041

 
495,871

 
7,276

Corporate
348,050

 
2,425

 
66,309

 
7,955

 
414,359

 
10,380

Foreign
91,803

 
309

 
3,221

 
50

 
95,024

 
359

Fixed maturity securities
1,049,100

 
8,857

 
214,613

 
18,435

 
1,263,713

 
27,292

Common stocks
31,119

 
1,342

 
—

 
—

 
31,119

 
1,342

Preferred stocks
386

 
235

 
24,324

 
1,350

 
24,710

 
1,585

Equity securities
31,505

 
1,577

 
24,324

 
1,350

 
55,829

 
2,927

Total
$
1,080,605

 
$
10,434

 
$
238,937

 
$
19,785

 
$
1,319,542

 
$
30,219

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agency
$
69,551

 
$
1,660

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
69,551

 
$
1,660

State and municipal
152,694

 
1,639

 
135,967

 
8,054

 
288,661

 
9,693

Mortgage-backed securities
484,731

 
3,629

 
58,292

 
4,571

 
543,023

 
8,200

Corporate
371,781

 
2,964

 
70,537

 
9,119

 
442,318

 
12,083

Foreign
95,623

 
996

 
11,210

 
28

 
106,833

 
1,024

Fixed maturity securities
1,174,380

 
10,888

 
276,006

 
21,772

 
1,450,386

 
32,660

Common stocks
46,725

 
707

 
—

 
—

 
46,725

 
707

Preferred stocks
—

 
—

 
39,812

 
1,651

 
39,812

 
1,651

Equity securities
46,725

 
707

 
39,812

 
1,651

 
86,537

 
2,358

Total
$
1,221,105

 
$
11,595

 
$
315,818

 
$
23,423

 
$
1,536,923

 
$
35,018

Fixed Maturity Securities – A summary of the Company’s non-investment grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2013 is presented in the table below.  
($ in thousands)
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
Unrealized loss greater than $5 million:
—

 
$
—

—

$
—

Unrealized loss less than $5 million:
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
12

 
54,367

 
2,925

Corporate
9

 
28,242

 
3,172

State and municipal
2

 
24,654

 
1,264

        Foreign
1

 
11,513

 
7

Total
24

 
$
118,776

 
$
7,368


For OTTI of fixed maturity securities that management does not intend to sell or, more likely than not, would not be required to sell, the portion of the decline in value considered to be due to credit factors is recognized in earnings and the portion of the decline in value considered to be due to non-credit factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no changes in the portion of impairments recognized in earnings for those securities that have been impaired due to both credit factors and non-credit factors.
 
The Company has evaluated its fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and believes the unrealized losses are due primarily to temporary market and sector-related factors rather than to issuer-specific factors. None of these securities are

13

delinquent or in default under financial covenants. Based on its assessment of these issuers, the Company expects them to continue to meet their contractual payment obligations as they become due and does not consider any of these securities to be OTTI.
Preferred Stocks – At March 31, 2013, there were two preferred stocks in an unrealized loss position, with an aggregate fair value of $25 million and a gross unrealized loss of $2 million. One of those preferred stocks with a gross unrealized loss of $0.2 million was rated non-investment grade. Based upon management’s view of the underlying value of these securities, the Company does not consider either of these preferred stocks to be OTTI.
Common Stocks – At March 31, 2013, the Company owned two common stocks in an unrealized loss position with an aggregate fair value of $31 million and an aggregate unrealized loss of $1 million. The Company does not consider these common stocks to be OTTI.

(16) Fair Value Measurements
The Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale and its arbitrage trading account securities are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for similar assets in active markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs may only be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available.
Because many fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis, the Company utilizes pricing models and processes which may include benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. Market inputs used to evaluate securities include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. Quoted prices are often unavailable for recently issued securities, securities that are infrequently traded or securities that are only traded in private transactions. For publicly traded securities for which quoted prices are unavailable, the Company determines fair value based on independent broker quotations and other observable market data. For securities traded only in private negotiations, the Company determines fair value based primarily on the cost of such securities, which is adjusted to reflect prices of recent placements of securities of the same issuer, financial projections, credit quality and business developments of the issuer and other relevant information.



14

The following tables present the assets and liabilities measured at fair value, on a recurring basis, as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 by Level:
 
(In thousands)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agency
$
875,712

 
$
—

 
$
875,712

 
$
—

State and municipal
4,409,616

 
—

 
4,409,616

 
—

Mortgage-backed securities
1,544,913

 
—

 
1,544,913

 
—

Corporate
3,571,079

 
—

 
3,515,310

 
55,769

Foreign
1,161,494

 
—

 
1,161,494

 
—

Total fixed maturity securities available for sale
11,562,814

 
—

 
11,507,045

 
55,769

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
295,031

 
293,793

 
—

 
1,238

Preferred stocks
104,355

 
—

 
103,969

 
386

Total equity securities
399,386

 
293,793

 
103,969

 
1,624

Arbitrage trading account
701,223

 
236,670

 
463,456

 
1,097

Total
$
12,663,423

 
$
530,463

 
$
12,074,470

 
$
58,490

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold but not yet purchased
$
79,965

 
$
70,580

 
$
9,383

 
$
2

December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agency
$
898,463

 
$
—

 
$
898,463

 
$
—

State and municipal
4,768,519

 
—

 
4,768,519

 
—

Mortgage-backed securities
1,715,697

 
—

 
1,715,697

 
—

Corporate
3,346,719

 
—

 
3,287,654

 
59,065

Foreign
1,111,607

 
—

 
1,111,607

 
—

Total fixed maturity securities available for sale
11,841,005

 
—

 
11,781,940

 
59,065

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
282,066

 
280,658

 
—

 
1,408

Preferred stocks
93,956

 
—

 
93,335

 
621

Total equity securities
376,022

 
280,658

 
93,335

 
2,029

Arbitrage trading account
329,077

 
233,603

 
94,546

 
928

Total
$
12,546,104

 
$
514,261

 
$
11,969,821

 
$
62,022

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold but not yet purchased
$
121,487

 
$
114,909

 
$
6,558

 
$
20

There were no significant transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2013 or during the year ended December 31, 2012.








15

The following tables summarize changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012:
 
  
 
 
Gains (Losses) Included in
 
 
(In thousands)
Beginning
Balance
 
Earnings
 
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Purchases
 
(Sales)
 
Maturities
 
Transfer in
 
Ending
Balance
Three months ended March 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
$
59,065

 
$
(15
)
 
$
144

 
$
14,297

 
$
(14,255
)
 
$
(3,467
)
 
$
—

 
$
55,769

Total
59,065

 
(15
)
 
144

 
14,297

 
(14,255
)
 
(3,467
)
 
—

 
55,769

Equity securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
1,408

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(170
)
 
—

 
—

 
1,238

Preferred stocks
621

 
—

 
(235
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
386

Total
2,029

 
—

 
(235
)
 
—

 
(170
)
 
—

 
—

 
1,624

Arbitrage trading account
928

 
169

 
—

—

—

—

—

 
—

 
—

 
1,097

Total
$
62,022

 
$
154

 
$
(91
)
 
$
14,297

 
$
(14,425
)
 
$
(3,467
)
 
$
—

 
$
58,490

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold but not yet purchased
$
20

 
$
(18
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
$
67,828

 
$
(1,497
)
 
$
9,622

 
$
283

 
$
—

 
$
(17,171
)
 
$
—

 
$
59,065

Total
67,828

 
(1,497
)
 
9,622

 
283

 
—

 
(17,171
)
 
—

 
59,065

Equity securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
1,559

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(151
)
 
—

 
—

 
1,408

Preferred stocks
12,303

 
1,126

 
(1,737
)
 
—

 
(11,071
)
 
—

 
—

 
621

Total
13,862

 
1,126

 
(1,737
)
 
—

 
(11,222
)
 
—

 
—

 
2,029

Arbitrage trading account
851

 
(3,534
)
 
3,570

 
—

 
(52
)
 
—

 
93

 
928

Total
$
82,541

 
$
(3,905
)
 
$
11,455

 
$
283

 
$
(11,274
)
 
$
(17,171
)
 
$
93

 
$
62,022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold but not yet purchased
$
21

 
$
(1
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
20

There were no significant transfers in or out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2013 or during the year ended December 31, 2012.


16

(17) Reinsurance
The following is a summary of reinsurance financial information:
  
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
(In thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
Written premiums:
 
 
 
 
Direct
 
$
1,400,412

 
$
1,201,019

Assumed
 
231,209

 
200,507

Ceded
 
(254,655
)
 
(198,000
)
Total net premiums written
 
$
1,376,966

 
$
1,203,526

 
 
 
 
 
Earned premiums:
 
 
 
 
Direct
 
$
1,240,562

 
$
1,103,956

Assumed
 
214,016

 
179,518

Ceded
 
(222,459
)
 
(183,823
)
Total net premiums earned
 
$
1,232,119

 
$
1,099,651

 
 
 
 
 
Ceded losses incurred
 
$
110,551

 
$
85,277

The Company reinsures a portion of its exposures principally to reduce its net liability on individual risks and to protect against catastrophic losses. The Company also cedes premiums to state assigned risk plans and captive insurance companies. Estimated amounts due from reinsurers are reported net of reserves for uncollectible reinsurance of $2 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

(18) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments:
 
  
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
(In thousands)
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
$
11,665,117

 
$
11,688,324

 
$
11,943,956

 
$
11,968,376

Equity securities available for sale
399,386

 
399,386

 
376,022

 
376,022

Arbitrage trading account
701,223

 
701,223

 
329,077

 
329,077

Loans receivable
456,533

 
462,779

 
401,961

 
406,443

Cash and cash equivalents
945,492

 
945,492

 
905,670

 
905,670

Trading account receivables from brokers and clearing organizations
28,720

 
28,720

 
446,873

 
446,873

Due from broker
—

 
—

 
14,449

 
14,449

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased
79,965

 
79,965

 
121,487

 
121,487

Due to broker
31,300

 
31,300

 
—

 
—

Junior subordinated debentures
243,258

 
254,800

 
243,206

 
252,000

Senior notes and other debt
1,693,279

 
1,961,361

 
1,871,535

 
2,190,173

The estimated fair values of the Company’s fixed maturity securities, equity securities available for sale and arbitrage trading account securities are based on various valuation techniques that rely on fair value measurements as described in Note 16 above. The fair value of loans receivable are estimated by using current institutional purchaser yield requirements for loans with similar credit characteristics, which is considered a Level 2 input. The fair value of the senior notes and other debt and the junior subordinated debentures is based on spreads for similar securities, which is considered a Level 2 input.


17

(19) Restricted Stock Units
Pursuant to its stock incentive plan, the Company may issue restricted stock units (RSUs) to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The RSUs generally vest five years from the award date and are subject to other vesting and forfeiture provisions contained in the award agreement. RSUs are expensed pro-ratably over the vesting period. RSU expenses were $5 million and $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Grants of RSUs are made periodically, generally every other year. A summary of RSUs issued in the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 follows:
 
($ in thousands)
Units
 
Fair Value
Three months ended March 31:
 
 
 
2013
36,450

 
$
1,515

2012
35,000

 
$
1,218

(20) Business Segments
The Company’s financial results are presented for the following reportable business segments:
    
•
Insurance-Domestic - commercial insurance business, including excess and surplus lines and admitted lines, throughout the United States;

•
Insurance-International - insurance business primarily in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, South America, Canada, Scandinavia, and Australia; and

•
Reinsurance-Global - reinsurance business on a facultative and treaty basis, primarily in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific Region.
During the first quarter of 2013, the Company changed the aggregation of its business segments. All domestic insurance operating companies, previously included in the Specialty, Regional and Alternative Markets segments, were aggregated into the Insurance-Domestic segment; all reinsurance operating companies were aggregated into the Reinsurance-Global segment; and all international insurance companies were aggregated into the Insurance-International segment. The segment disclosures for prior periods have been revised to be consistent with the new reportable business segment presentation. The segment disclosures for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, and as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, have also been included herein, revised for the new reportable business segment presentation.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Income tax expense and benefits are calculated based upon the Company’s overall effective tax rate.

18

Summary financial information about the Company's business segments is presented in the following tables.
  
Revenues
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Earned
Premiums
 
Investment
Income 
 
Other
 
Total
 
Pre-Tax
Income
(Loss)
 
Net
Income
(Loss)
Three months ended March 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance-Domestic
$
884,378

 
$
97,797

 
$
26,736

 
$
1,008,911

 
$
141,350

 
$
99,408

Insurance-International
171,119

 
12,061

 
—

 
183,180

 
22,382

 
15,477

Reinsurance-Global
176,622

 
22,499

 
—

 
199,121

 
37,941

 
26,394

Corporate and eliminations (1)
—

 
3,572

 
92,016

 
95,588

 
(61,419
)
 
(37,644
)
Net investment gains
—

 
—

 
19,969

 
19,969

 
19,969

 
12,980

  Total
$
1,232,119

 
$
135,929

 
$
138,721

 
$
1,506,769

 
$
160,223

 
$
116,615

Three months ended March 31, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance-Domestic
$
810,069

 
$
112,086

 
$
23,877

 
$
946,032

 
$
147,735

 
$
105,880

Insurance-International
143,885

 
10,331

 
—

 
154,216

 
15,699

 
11,112

Reinsurance-Global
145,697

 
28,687

 
—

 
174,384

 
31,638

 
23,086

Corporate and eliminations (1)
—

 
6,515

 
50,067

 
56,582

 
(55,260
)
 
(35,842
)
Net investment gains
—

 
—

 
47,491

 
47,491

 
47,491

 
31,082

  Total
$
1,099,651

 
$
157,619

 
$
121,435

 
$
1,378,705

 
$
187,303

 
$
135,318

Twelve months ended December 31, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance-Domestic
$
3,417,022

 
$
424,787

 
$
103,133

 
$
3,944,942

 
$
578,500

 
$
412,514

Insurance-International
631,841

 
45,796

 
—

 
677,637

 
51,639

 
37,499

Reinsurance-Global
624,653

 
106,932

 
—

 
731,585

 
103,690

 
76,584

Corporate and eliminations (1)
—

 
9,248

 
249,677

 
258,925

 
(242,366
)
 
(152,807
)
Net investment gains
—

 
—

 
210,465

 
210,465

 
210,465

 
136,802

  Total
$
4,673,516

 
$
586,763

 
$
563,275

 
$
5,823,554

 
$
701,928

 
$
510,592

Twelve months ended December 31, 2011:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance-Domestic
$
3,121,281

 
$
372,053

 
$
92,847

 
$
3,586,181

 
$
467,126

 
$
344,521

Insurance-International
508,509

 
36,958

 
—

 
545,467

 
36,912

 
28,054

Reinsurance-Global
531,077

 
97,795

 
—

 
628,872

 
85,271

 
66,174

Corporate and eliminations (1)
—

 
19,545

 
250,438

 
269,983

 
(201,704
)
 
(129,185
)
Net investment gains
—

 
—

 
125,481

 
125,481

 
125,481

 
81,647

  Total
$
4,160,867

 
$
526,351

 
$
468,766

 
$
5,155,984

 
$
513,086

 
$
391,211

Twelve months ended December 31, 2010:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance-Domestic
$
2,963,486

 
$
385,783

 
$
85,417

 
$
3,434,686

 
$
589,138

 
$
425,337

Insurance-International
378,693

 
29,011

 
—

 
407,704

 
15,172

 
13,050

Reinsurance-Global
493,403

 
106,862

 
—

 
600,265

 
134,996

 
99,492

Corporate and eliminations (1)
—

 
8,869

 
215,964

 
224,833

 
(196,977
)
 
(128,348
)
Net investment gains
—

 
—

 
56,581

 
56,581

 
56,581

 
36,874

  Total
$
3,835,582

 
$
530,525

 
$
357,962

 
$
4,724,069

 
$
598,910

 
$
446,405



19

Identifiable assets by segment are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Insurance-Domestic
$
14,023,370

 
$
14,661,476

 
$
13,126,472

Insurance-International
1,690,937

 
1,605,448

 
1,341,907

Reinsurance-Global
3,420,508

 
3,337,937

 
3,168,528

Corporate and eliminations
985,819

 
615,118

 
766,966

  Total
$
20,120,634

 
$
20,155,896

 
$
18,403,873

___________
(1) Corporate and eliminations represent corporate revenues and expenses that are not allocated to business segments.

Net premiums earned by major line of business are as follows:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
(In thousands)
2013
 
2012
  Insurance-Domestic
 
 
 
Other liability
$
295,588

 
$
273,564

Workers’ compensation
229,011

 
189,544

Short-tail lines (1)
178,749

 
173,902

Commercial automobile
116,122

 
110,367

Products liability
64,908

 
62,692

Total
884,378

 
810,069

 
 
 
 
  Insurance-International
 
 
 
Other liability
15,218

 
15,534

Workers’ compensation
22,889

 
18,618

Short-tail lines (1)
72,123

 
52,478

Commercial automobile
34,639

 
30,668

Products liability
26,250

 
26,587

Total
171,119

 
143,885

 
 
 
 
  Reinsurance-Global
 
 
 
Casualty
121,327

 
105,089

Property
55,295

 
40,608

Total
176,622

 
145,697

 
 
 
 
Total
$
1,232,119

 
$
1,099,651

_____________________
(1) Short-tail lines includes commercial multi-peril (non-liability), inland and ocean marine, accident and health, fidelity and surety, boiler and machinery and other lines.

(21) Subsequent Event

On May 2, 2013, the Company issued $350 million aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Subordinated Debentures due 2053. Net proceeds from this offering will be used for the repayment of $250 million principal amount of the Company's 6.750% Subordinated Debentures due 2045 on May 26, 2013, which were called for redemption on April 26, 2013; the remainder will be used for general corporate purposes.



20

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This is a “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This document may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continued,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including statements related to our outlook for the industry and for our performance for the year 2013 and beyond, are based upon the Company’s historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information is not and should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. They are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: the cyclical nature of the property casualty industry; the impact of significant competition; the long-tail and potentially volatile nature of the insurance and reinsurance business; product demand and pricing; claims development and the process of estimating reserves; investment risks, including those of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities and investments in equity securities, including investments in financial institutions, municipal bonds, mortgage-backed securities, loans receivable, investment funds, real estate, merger arbitrage and private equity investments; effects of emerging claim and coverage issues; the uncertain nature of damage theories and loss amounts; natural and man-made catastrophic losses, including as a result of terrorist activities; general economic and market activities, including inflation, interest rates and volatility in the credit and capital markets; the impact of the conditions in the financial markets and the global economy, and the potential effect of any legislative, regulatory, accounting or other initiatives taken in response to it, on our results and financial condition; continued availability of capital and financing; the success of our new ventures or acquisitions and the availability of other opportunities; the availability of reinsurance; our retention under the Terrorism Risk Act of 2002, as amended; the ability of our reinsurers to pay reinsurance recoverables owed to us; foreign currency and political risks relating to our international operations; other legislative and regulatory developments, including those related to business practices in the insurance industry; credit risk relating to our policyholders, independent agents and brokers; changes in the ratings assigned to us or our insurance company subsidiaries by rating agencies; the availability of dividends from our insurance company subsidiaries; our ability to attract and retain key personnel and qualified employees; potential difficulties with technology and/or data security; the effectiveness of our controls to ensure compliance with guidelines, policies and legal and regulatory standards; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results for the year 2013 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement we make. Any projections of growth in our revenues would not necessarily result in commensurate levels of earnings. Our future financial performance is dependent upon factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and our other SEC filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except to the extent required by applicable laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

21

Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview
W. R. Berkley Corporation is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates in three business segments: Insurance-Domestic, Insurance-International and Reinsurance-Global. Our decentralized structure provides us with the flexibility to respond quickly and efficiently to local or specific market conditions and to pursue specialty business niches. It also allows us to be closer to our customers in order to better understand their individual needs and risk characteristics. While providing our business units with certain operating autonomy, our structure allows us to capitalize on the benefits of economies of scale through centralized capital, investment, reinsurance and enterprise risk management, and actuarial, financial and corporate legal staff support. The Company’s primary sources of revenues and earnings are its insurance operations and its investments.
An important part of our strategy is to form new operating units to capitalize on various business opportunities, with 24 of our 49 units formed since 2006. These newer units are focused on important parts of the economy in the U.S., including healthcare, energy and agriculture, and on growing international markets, including Scandinavia, Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and South America. As a result, our international operations have become an increasingly important part of our business.
The profitability of the Company’s insurance business is affected primarily by the adequacy of premium rates. The ultimate adequacy of premium rates is not known with certainty at the time an insurance policy is issued because premiums are determined before claims are reported. The ultimate adequacy of premium rates is affected mainly by the severity and frequency of claims, which are influenced by many factors, including natural and other disasters, regulatory measures and court decisions that define and change the extent of coverage and the effects of economic inflation on the amount of compensation for injuries or losses. General insurance prices are also influenced by available insurance capacity, i.e., the level of policyholders’ surplus employed in the industry, and the industry’s willingness to deploy that capital.
Beginning in 2005, the property casualty insurance market became more competitive and insurance rates decreased across most business lines. Increased competition and the impact of the economic downturn also put pressure on policy terms and conditions. While prices have increased since the beginning of 2011, loss costs are also increasing and current market price levels for certain lines of business remain below the prices required for the Company to achieve its long-term return objectives. With its investments in new businesses, the Company believes it is well-positioned to take advantage of new opportunities. Price changes are reflected in the Company’s results over time as premiums are earned.
The Company’s profitability is also affected by its investment income and investment gains. The Company’s invested assets, which are derived from its own capital and cash flow from its insurance business, are invested principally in fixed maturity securities. The return on fixed maturity securities is affected primarily by general interest rates, as well as the credit quality and duration of the securities. Returns available on fixed maturity investments are at historically low levels. The Company's investment income has been negatively impacted by the low fixed maturity investment returns, and will be further impacted if investment returns remain at this level.
The Company also invests in equity securities, merger arbitrage, private equity investments, investment funds, loans receivable and real estate. The Company's investments in investment funds have experienced, and the Company expects to continue to experience, greater fluctuations in investment income.

Critical Accounting Estimates
The following presents a discussion of accounting policies and estimates relating to reserves for losses and loss expenses, assumed premiums and other-than-temporary impairments of investments. Management believes these policies and estimates are the most critical to its operations and require the most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses. To recognize liabilities for unpaid losses, either known or unknown, insurers establish reserves, which is a balance sheet account representing estimates of future amounts needed to pay claims and related expenses with respect to insured events which have occurred. Estimates and assumptions relating to reserves for losses and loss expenses are based on complex and subjective judgments, often including the interplay of specific uncertainties with related accounting and actuarial measurements. Such estimates are also susceptible to change as significant periods of time may elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the report of the loss to the insurer, the ultimate determination of the cost of the loss and the insurer’s payment of that loss.
In general, when a claim is reported, claims personnel establish a “case reserve” for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment based upon known information about the claim at that time. The estimate represents an informed judgment based on general reserving practices and reflects the experience and knowledge of the claims personnel regarding the nature

22

and value of the specific type of claim. Reserves are also established on an aggregate basis to provide for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) to the insurer, potential inadequacy of case reserves and the estimated expenses of settling claims, including legal and other fees and general expenses of administrating the claims adjustment process. Reserves are established based upon the then current legal interpretation of coverage provided.
In examining reserve adequacy, several factors are considered in estimating the ultimate economic value of losses. These factors include, among other things, historical data, legal developments, changes in social attitudes and economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. The actuarial process relies on the basic assumption that past experience, adjusted judgmentally for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future outcomes. Reserve amounts are based on management’s informed estimates and judgments using currently available data. As additional experience and other data become available and are reviewed, these estimates and judgments may be revised. This may result in reserve increases or decreases that would be reflected in our results in periods in which such estimates and assumptions are changed.
Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Rather, reserves represent an estimate of what management expects the ultimate settlement and claim administration will cost. While the methods for establishing reserves are well tested over time, some of the major assumptions about anticipated loss emergence patterns are subject to unanticipated fluctuation. These estimates, which generally involve actuarial projections, are based on management’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, as well as estimates of trends in claims severity and frequency, judicial theories of liability and other factors, including the actions of third parties which are beyond the Company’s control. These variables are affected by external and internal events, such as inflation and economic volatility, judicial and litigation trends, reinsurance coverage, legislative changes and claim handling and reserving practices, which make it more difficult to accurately predict claim costs. The inherent uncertainties of estimating reserves are greater for certain types of liabilities where long periods of time elapse before a definitive determination of liability is made. Because setting reserves is inherently uncertain, the Company cannot provide assurance that its current reserves will prove adequate in light of subsequent events.
Loss reserves included in the Company’s financial statements represent management’s best estimates based upon an actuarially derived point estimate and other considerations. The Company uses a variety of actuarial techniques and methods to derive an actuarial point estimate for each operating unit. These methods include paid loss development, incurred loss development, paid and incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods and frequency and severity methods. In circumstances where one actuarial method is considered more credible than the others, that method is used to set the point estimate. For example, the paid loss and incurred loss development methods rely on historical paid and incurred loss data. For new lines of business, where there is insufficient history of paid and incurred claims data, or in circumstances where there have been significant changes in claim practices, the paid and incurred loss development methods would be less credible than other actuarial methods. The actuarial point estimate may also be based on a judgmental weighting of estimates produced from each of the methods considered. Industry loss experience is used to supplement the Company’s own data in selecting “tail factors” and in areas where the Company’s own data is limited. The actuarial data is analyzed by line of business, coverage and accident or policy year, as appropriate, for each operating unit.
The establishment of the actuarially derived loss reserve point estimate also includes consideration of qualitative factors that may affect the ultimate losses. These qualitative considerations include, among others, the impact of re-underwriting initiatives, changes in the mix of business, changes in distribution sources and changes in policy terms and conditions. Examples of changes in terms and conditions that can have a significant impact on reserve levels are the use of aggregate policy limits, the expansion of coverage exclusions, whether or not defense costs are within policy limits, and changes in deductibles and attachment points.
The key assumptions used to arrive at the best estimate of loss reserves are the expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation, and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Expected loss ratios represent management’s expectation of losses at the time the business is written, before any actual claims experience has emerged. This expectation is a significant determinant of the estimate of loss reserves for recently written business where there is little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Expected loss ratios are generally derived from historical loss ratios adjusted for the impact of rate changes, loss cost trends and known changes in the type of risks underwritten. Expected loss ratios are estimated for each key line of business within each operating unit. Expected loss cost inflation is particularly important for the long-tail lines, such as excess casualty, and claims with a high medical component, such as workers’ compensation. Reported and paid loss emergence patterns are used to project current reported or paid loss amounts to their ultimate settlement value. Loss development factors are based on the historical emergence patterns of paid and incurred losses, and are derived from the Company’s own experience and industry data. The paid loss emergence pattern is also significant to excess and assumed workers’ compensation reserves because those reserves are discounted to their estimated present value based upon such estimated payout patterns. Management believes the estimates and assumptions it makes in the reserving process provide the best estimate of the ultimate cost of settling claims and related expenses with respect to insured events which have occurred; however, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different reserve estimates.

23

Loss frequency and severity are measures of loss activity that are considered in determining the key assumptions described in our discussion of loss and loss expense reserves, including expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Loss frequency is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss controls and safety programs and changes in economic activity or weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.
Another factor affecting estimates of loss frequency and severity is the loss reporting lag, which is the period of time between the occurrence of a loss and the date the loss is reported to the Company. The length of the loss reporting lag affects our ability to accurately predict loss frequency (loss frequencies are more predictable for lines with short reporting lags) as well as the amount of reserves needed for incurred but not reported losses (less IBNR is required for lines with short reporting lags). As a result, loss reserves for lines with short reporting lags are likely to have less variation from initial loss estimates. For lines with short reporting lags, which include commercial automobile, primary workers’ compensation, other liability (claims-made) and property business, the key assumption is the loss emergence pattern used to project ultimate loss estimates from known losses paid or reported to date. For lines of business with long reporting lags, which include other liability (occurrence), products liability, excess workers’ compensation and liability reinsurance, the key assumption is the expected loss ratio since there is often little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Historically, the Company has experienced less variation from its initial loss estimates for lines of businesses with short reporting lags than for lines of business with long reporting lags.
The key assumptions used in calculating the most recent estimate of the loss reserves are reviewed each quarter and adjusted, to the extent necessary, to reflect historical changes, current trends and other factors observed. If the actual level of loss frequency and severity are higher or lower than expected, the ultimate losses will be different than management’s estimate. The following table reflects the impact of changes (which could be favorable or unfavorable) in frequency and severity, relative to our assumptions, on our loss estimate for claims occurring in 2012 (dollars in thousands):
 
Frequency (+/-)
Severity (+/-)
1%
 
5%
 
10%
1%
$
60,260

 
$
181,379

 
$
332,777

5%
181,379

 
307,294

 
464,689

10%
332,777

 
464,689

 
629,579

Our net reserves for losses and loss expenses of approximately $8.5 billion as of March 31, 2013 relate to multiple accident years. Therefore, the impact of changes in frequency or severity for more than one accident year could be significantly higher or lower than the amounts reflected above.
Approximately $1.6 billion, or 19%, of the Company’s net loss reserves as of March 31, 2013 relate to the Reinsurance-Global segment. There is a higher degree of uncertainty and greater variability regarding estimates of assumed loss reserves because those estimates are based, in part, upon information received from ceding companies. If information received from ceding companies is not timely or correct, the Company’s estimate of ultimate losses may not be accurate. Furthermore, due to delayed reporting of claim information by ceding companies, the claim settlement tail for assumed reinsurance is extended. Management considers the impact of delayed reporting in its selection of assumed loss development factors.
Information received from ceding companies is used to set initial expected loss ratios, to establish case reserves and to estimate reserves for incurred but not reported losses on assumed reinsurance business. This information, which is generally provided through reinsurance intermediaries, is gathered through the underwriting process and from periodic claim reports and other correspondence with ceding companies. The Company performs underwriting and claim audits of selected ceding companies to determine the accuracy and completeness of information provided to the Company. The information received from the ceding companies is supplemented by the Company’s own loss development experience with similar lines of business as well as industry loss trends and loss development benchmarks.







24

Following is a summary of the Company’s reserves for losses and loss expenses by business segment as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
(In thousands)
March 31
 
December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Insurance-Domestic
$
6,345,559

 
$
6,297,773

Insurance-International
536,502

 
540,769

Reinsurance-Global
1,584,633

 
1,573,309

Net reserves for losses and loss expenses
8,466,694

 
8,411,851

Ceded reserves for losses and loss expenses
1,343,149

 
1,339,235

Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses
$
9,809,843

 
$
9,751,086

Following is a summary of the Company’s net reserves for losses and loss expenses by major line of business as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
(In thousands)
Reported Case
Reserves
 
Incurred But
Not Reported
 
Total
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Other liability
$
931,703

 
$
1,845,104

 
$
2,776,807

Workers’ compensation
1,449,415

 
1,126,527

 
2,575,942

Short-tail lines
239,397

 
209,432

 
448,829

Commercial automobile
277,563

 
197,905

 
475,468

Products liability
280,900

 
324,115

 
605,015

Total primary
3,178,978

 
3,703,083

 
6,882,061

Reinsurance
647,161

 
937,472

 
1,584,633

Total
$
3,826,139

 
$
4,640,555

 
$
8,466,694

December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
Other liability
$
922,568

 
$
1,863,465

 
$
2,786,033

Workers’ compensation
1,427,599

 
1,114,340

 
2,541,939

Short-tail lines
240,411

 
205,272

 
445,683

Commercial automobile
275,322

 
204,900

 
480,222

Products liability
271,854

 
312,811

 
584,665

Total primary
3,137,754

 
3,700,788

 
6,838,542

Reinsurance
626,962

 
946,347

 
1,573,309

Total
$
3,764,716

 
$
4,647,135

 
$
8,411,851

Reserves for excess and assumed workers’ compensation business are net of an aggregate net discount of $858 million and $867 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.


25

The following table presents development in our estimate of claims occurring in prior years: 
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
March 31
(In thousands)
2013
 
2012
Favorable reserve development:
 
 
 
Insurance-Domestic
$
4,180

 
$
14,070

Insurance-International
3,307

 
2,562

Reinsurance-Global
16,059

 
8,542

Total favorable reserve development
$
23,546

 
$
25,174


For the three months ended March 31, 2013, estimates for claims occurring in prior years decreased by $24 million. The favorable reserve development in 2013 was primarily attributable to accident years 2010 and 2012, and was partially offset by unfavorable reserve development for accident year 2011. The changes in prior year loss reserve estimates are generally the result of ongoing analysis of recent loss development trends. Original estimates are increased or decreased as additional information becomes known regarding individual claims and aggregate claim trends.

Insurance - Domestic - Favorable reserve development in 2013 related primarily to our excess and surplus lines casualty business and our regional companies, although occurring at a lower rate than in 2012. In 2013, we also continued to see favorable reserve development in our excess medical malpractice and excess professional liability lines of business. This favorable reserve development was partially offset by unfavorable development in our primary professional liability and aviation lines of business.

Insurance - International - Reserve development in 2013 was primarily related to property business in the 2012 accident year.

Reinsurance-Global - The favorable development in 2013 was primarily related to the Company's minority participation in a Lloyd's syndicate. The favorable development was concentrated in underwriting years 2010 through 2012 and resulted from lower than expected reported losses.
The Company discounts its liabilities for excess and assumed workers’ compensation business because of the long period of time over which losses are paid. Discounting is intended to appropriately match losses and loss expenses to income earned on investment securities supporting the liabilities. The expected losses and loss expense payout pattern subject to discounting was derived from the Company’s loss payout experience. For non-proportional business, reserves for losses and loss expenses have been discounted using risk-free discount rates determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve. For proportional business, reserves for losses and loss expenses have been discounted at the statutory rate of 2.2%. As of March 31, 2013, the aggregate blended discount rates ranged from 2.1% to 6.5%, with a weighted average discount rate of 4.4%. The aggregate net discount, after reflecting the effects of ceded reinsurance, was $858 million and $867 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
Assumed Reinsurance Premiums. The Company estimates the amount of assumed reinsurance premiums that it will receive under treaty reinsurance agreements at the inception of the contracts. These premium estimates are revised as the actual amount of assumed premiums is reported to the Company by the ceding companies. As estimates of assumed premiums are made or revised, the related amount of earned premiums, commissions and incurred losses associated with those premiums are recorded. Estimated assumed premiums receivable were approximately $56 million and $73 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The assumed premium estimates are based upon terms set forth in reinsurance agreements, information received from ceding companies during the underwriting and negotiation of agreements, reports received from ceding companies and discussions and correspondence with reinsurance intermediaries. The Company also considers its own view of market conditions, economic trends and experience with similar lines of business. These premium estimates represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate amount of premiums to be received under its assumed reinsurance agreements.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (OTTI) of Investments. The cost of securities is adjusted where appropriate to include a provision for decline in value which is considered to be other-than-temporary. An other-than-temporary decline is considered to occur in investments where there has been a sustained reduction in fair value and where the Company does not expect the fair value to recover prior to the time of sale or maturity. Since equity securities do not have a contractual cash flow or maturity, the Company considers whether the price of an equity security is expected to recover within a reasonable period of time.

26

The Company classifies its fixed maturity securities and preferred stocks by credit rating, primarily based on ratings assigned by credit rating agencies. For purposes of classifying securities with different ratings, the Company uses the lower rating if two ratings were assigned and the middle rating if three ratings were assigned, unless the Company’s own analysis indicates that the lower rating is more appropriate. Securities that are not rated by a rating agency are evaluated and classified by the Company on a case-by-case basis.
Fixed Maturity Securities – For securities that we intend to sell or, more likely than not, would be required to sell, a decline in value below amortized cost is considered to be OTTI. The amount of OTTI is equal to the difference between amortized cost and fair value at the balance sheet date. For securities that we do not intend to sell or expect to be required to sell, a decline in value below amortized cost is considered to be an OTTI if we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of a security (i.e., the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis of the security).
The portion of the decline in value considered to be a credit loss (i.e., the difference between the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the security) is recognized in earnings. The portion of the decline in value not considered to be a credit loss (i.e., the difference in the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the fair value of the security) is recognized in other comprehensive income.
Impairment assessments for structured securities, including mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and corporate debt, are generally evaluated based on the performance of the underlying collateral under various economic and default scenarios that may involve subjective judgments and estimates by management. Modeling these securities involves various factors, such as projected default rates, the nature and realizable value of the collateral, if any, the ability of the issuer to make scheduled payments, historical performance and other relevant economic and performance factors. If an OTTI determination is made, a discounted cash flow analysis is used to ascertain the amount of the credit impairment.

The following table provides a summary of fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2013:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
Unrealized loss less than 20% of amortized cost
181

 
$
1,261,456

 
$
26,020

Unrealized loss of 20% or greater of amortized cost:
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve months and longer
6

 
2,257

 
1,272

Total
187

 
$
1,263,713

 
$
27,292

A summary of the Company’s non-investment grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2013 is presented in the table below.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Number of
Securities
 
Aggregate
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
Unrealized loss greater than $5 million
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Unrealized loss less than $5 million
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
12

 
54,367

 
2,925

Corporate
9

 
28,242

 
3,172

State and municipal
2

 
24,654

 
1,264

        Foreign
1

 
11,513

 
7

Total
24

 
$
118,776

 
$
7,368

    
The Company has evaluated its fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and believes the unrealized loss is due primarily to temporary market and sector-related factors rather than to issuer-specific factors. None of these securities are delinquent or in default under financial covenants. Based on its assessment of these issuers, the Company expects them to continue to meet their contractual payment obligations as they become due and does not consider any of these securities to be OTTI.

27

Preferred Stocks – At March 31, 2013, there were two preferred stocks in an unrealized loss position, with an aggregate fair value of $25 million and a gross unrealized loss of $2 million. One of those preferred stocks with a gross unrealized loss of $0.2 million was rated non-investment grade. Based upon management's view of the underlying value of these securities, the Company does not consider either of these preferred stocks to be OTTI.
Common Stocks – At March 31, 2013, the Company owned two common stocks in an unrealized loss position with an aggregate fair value of $31 million and an aggregate unrealized loss of $1 million. The Company does not consider these common stocks to be OTTI.
Loans Receivable – The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable, including current market conditions for each loan and the ability to collect principal and interest. For loans where the Company determines it is probable that the contractual terms will not be met, an analysis is performed and a valuation reserve is established, if necessary, with a charge to earnings. Loans receivable are reported net of a valuation reserve of $6 million at both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable and assesses the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest based upon loan structure, underlying property values, cash flow and related financial and operating performance of the property and market conditions. Loans receivable with a potential for default are further assessed using discounted cash flow analysis and comparable cost and sales methodologies, if appropriate.
Fair Value Measurements. The Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale and its trading account securities are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for similar assets in active markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs may only be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available. The fair value of the vast majority of the Company’s portfolio is based on observable data (other than quoted prices) and, accordingly, is classified as Level 2.

In classifying particular financial securities in the fair value hierarchy, the Company uses its judgment to determine whether the market for a security is active and whether significant pricing inputs are observable. The Company determines the existence of an active market by assessing whether transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information. The Company determines whether inputs are observable based on the use of such information by pricing services and external investment managers, the uninterrupted availability of such inputs, the need to make significant adjustments to such inputs and the volatility of such inputs over time. If the market for a security is determined to be inactive or if significant inputs used to price a security are determined to be unobservable, the security is categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Because many fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis, the Company utilizes pricing models and processes which may include benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. Market inputs used to evaluate securities include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. Quoted prices are often unavailable for recently issued securities that are infrequently traded or securities that are only traded in private transactions. For publicly traded securities for which quoted prices are unavailable, the Company determines fair value based on independent broker quotations and other observable market data. For securities traded only in private negotiations, the Company determines fair value based primarily on the cost of such securities, which is adjusted to reflect prices of recent placements of securities of the same issuer, financial data, projections and business developments of the issuer and other relevant information.

28

The following is a summary of pricing sources for the Company's fixed maturity securities available for sale as of March 31, 2013:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying
Value
 
Percent
of Total
Pricing source:
 
 
 
Independent pricing services
$
10,564,047

 
91.3
%
Syndicate manager
91,244

 
0.8
%
Directly by the Company based on:
 
 
 
Observable data
851,754

 
7.4
%
Cash flow model
55,769

 
0.5
%
Total
$
11,562,814

 
100.0
%
Independent pricing services - The vast majority of the Company’s fixed maturity securities available for sale were priced by independent pricing services (generally one U.S. pricing service plus additional pricing services with respect to a limited number of foreign securities held by the Company). The prices provided by the independent pricing services are generally based on observable market data in active markets (e.g., broker quotes and prices observed for comparable securities). The determination of whether markets are active or inactive is based upon the volume and level of activity for a particular asset class. The Company reviews the prices provided by pricing services for reasonableness based upon current trading levels for similar securities. If the prices appear unusual to the Company, they are re-examined and the value is either confirmed or revised. In addition, the Company periodically performs independent price tests of a sample of securities to ensure proper valuation and to verify our understanding of how securities are priced. As of March 31, 2013, the Company did not make any adjustments to the prices provided by the pricing services. Based upon the Company’s review of the methodologies used by the independent pricing services, these securities were classified as Level 2.
Syndicate manager – The Company has a 15% participation in a Lloyd’s syndicate, and the Company’s share of the securities owned by the syndicate is priced by the syndicate’s manager. The majority of the securities are liquid, short duration fixed maturity securities. The Company reviews the syndicate manager’s pricing methodology and audited financial statements and holds discussions with the syndicate manager as necessary to confirm its understanding and agreement with security prices. Based upon the Company’s review of the methodologies used by the syndicate manager, these securities were classified as Level 2.
Observable data – If independent pricing is not available, the Company prices the securities directly. Prices are based on observable market data where available, including current trading levels for similar securities and non-binding quotations from brokers. The Company generally requests two or more quotes. If more than one quote is received, the Company sets a price within the range of quotes received based on its assessment of the credibility of the quote and its own evaluation of the security. The Company generally does not adjust quotes obtained from brokers. Since these securities were priced based on observable data, they were classified as Level 2.
Cash flow model – If the above methodologies are not available, the Company prices securities using a discounted cash flow model based upon assumptions as to prevailing credit spreads, interest rates and interest rate volatility, time to maturity and subordination levels. Discount rates are adjusted to reflect illiquidity where appropriate. These securities were classified as Level 3.



29

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
 
Business Segment Results
Following is a summary of gross and net premiums written, premiums earned, loss ratios (losses and loss expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of premiums earned), expense ratios (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) combined ratios (sum of loss ratio and expense ratio) for each of our business segments for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. The GAAP combined ratio represents a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding investment income. A GAAP combined ratio in excess of 100 indicates an underwriting loss; a number below 100 indicates an underwriting profit. See the further discussion of the change to our business segments in Note 20 to the interim consolidated financial statements.
(Dollars in thousands)
2013

 
2012

Insurance-Domestic:
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
1,179,722

 
$
1,038,434

Net premiums written
986,180

 
882,943

Net premiums earned
884,378

 
810,069

Loss ratio
62.4
%
 
62.9
%
Expense ratio
33.1
%
 
33.2
%
GAAP combined ratio
95.5
%
 
96.1
%
Insurance-International:
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
251,575

 
$
200,504

Net premiums written
205,135

 
167,994

Net premiums earned
171,119

 
143,885

Loss ratio
55.8
%
 
57.3
%
Expense ratio
38.0
%
 
40.3
%
GAAP combined ratio
93.8
%
 
97.6
%
Reinsurance-Global:
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
200,324

 
$
162,588

Net premiums written
185,651

 
152,589

Net premiums earned
176,622

 
145,697

Loss ratio
55.0
%
 
60.2
%
Expense ratio
36.3
%
 
37.6
%
GAAP combined ratio
91.3
%
 
97.8
%
Consolidated:
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
1,631,621

 
$
1,401,526

Net premiums written
1,376,966

 
1,203,526

Net premiums earned
1,232,119

 
1,099,651

Loss ratio
60.4
%
 
61.8
%
Expense ratio
34.3
%
 
34.7
%
GAAP combined ratio
94.7
%
 
96.5
%

Net Income to Common Stockholders. The following table presents the Company's net income to common stockholders and net income per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
(In thousands, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
Net income to common stockholders
$
116,615

 
$
135,318

Weighted average diluted shares
141,223

 
143,411

Net income per diluted share
$
0.83

 
$
0.94

The Company reported net income of $117 million in 2013 compared to $135 million in 2012. The decrease in net income was primarily due to decreases in after-tax net investment gains of $18 million and in after-tax net investment income of $15 million, partially offset by an increase in after-tax underwriting income of $17 million. The number of weighted average diluted shares decreased as a result of the Company’s repurchases of its common stock in 2012.

30

Premiums. Gross premiums written were $1,632 million in 2013, an increase of 16% from $1,402 million in 2012. The growth was due to a combination of rate increases and increased exposures, including expansion into new geographic and product markets. Approximately 76.4% of policies expiring in 2013 were renewed, compared with a 77.5% renewal retention rate for policies expiring in 2012. The average rate (i.e., average premium adjusted for change in exposures) for policies that renewed in 2013 increased 7.3%. Audit premiums were $31 million in 2013 compared with $22 million in 2012.
From 2005 through 2010, the property casualty insurance market was highly competitive and insurance rates decreased across most business lines. Prices began to increase in 2011, and the rate of increase accelerated in 2012. Cumulatively, our average rates have increased 15% since the end of 2010. However, overall loss costs are also generally increasing, and current market price levels for certain lines of business remain below the prices required for the Company to achieve its long-term return objectives. A summary of gross premiums written in 2013 compared with 2012 by line of business within each business segment follows:
•
Insurance-Domestic premiums increased 14% to $1,180 million in 2013 from $1,038 million in 2012. Gross premiums increased $67 million (22%) for workers' compensation, $40 million (12%) for other liability, $18 million (8%) for short-tail lines, $13 million (19%) for professional liability and $3 million (2%) for commercial automobile.
•
Insurance-International gross premiums increased 25% to $252 million in 2013 from $201 million in 2012. Gross premiums increased $43 million (43%) for short-tail lines, $4 million (22%) for workers' compensation, $2 million (8%) for professional liability, $1 million (5%) for other liability and $1 million (3%) for commercial automobile.
•
Reinsurance-Global gross premiums increased 23% to $200 million in 2013 from $163 million in 2012. Gross premiums increased $18 million (36%) for property business and $19 million (18%) for casualty business.
Net premiums written were $1,377 million in 2013, an increase of 14% from $1,204 million in 2012. Ceded reinsurance premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums were 16% in 2013 and 14% in 2012. The increase in the percentage of business ceded was due to expanded reinsurance protection for certain lines of business and to disproportionately higher growth by companies that purchase more reinsurance protection.
Premiums earned increased 12% to $1,232 million in 2013 from $1,100 million in 2012. Insurance premiums (including the impact of rate changes) are generally earned evenly over the policy term, and accordingly we expect to recognize recent rate increases over the upcoming quarters. Premiums earned in 2013 are related to business written during both 2013 and 2012.

Net Investment Income. Following is a summary of net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012: 
($ in thousands)
Amount
 
Average Annualized
Yield

2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable
$
117,836

 
$
119,288

 
3.7
%
 
3.8
%
Arbitrage trading account
3,783

 
6,481

 
3.7

 
8.5

Investment funds
10,934

 
27,623

 
5.7

 
17.8

Equity securities available for sale
2,247

 
3,150

 
2.9

 
3.5

Real estate
3,141

 
2,176

 
2.1

 
2.5

Gross investment income
137,941

 
158,718

 
3.7
%
 
4.5
%
Investment expenses
(2,012
)
 
(1,099
)
 
 
 
 
Total
$
135,929

 
$
157,619

 
3.7
%
 
4.5
%
Net investment income decreased 14% to $136 million in 2013 from $158 million in 2012. The decrease in investment income was primarily due to an decrease in income from energy and real estate funds (investment funds are reported on a one quarter lag). The average annualized yield for fixed maturity securities declined from 3.8% to 3.7% due to lower long-term reinvestment yields available in the market. Average invested assets, at cost (including cash and cash equivalents) were $14.8 billion in 2013 and $14.2 billion in 2012.
Insurance Service Fees. The Company is a servicing carrier of workers' compensation assigned risk plans for 20 states and provides insurance program management services to self-insureds, captives, governmental entities, risk retention groups, and insurance companies. Service fees were $27 million in 2013, up from $24 million in 2012, primarily as a result of an increase in fees from assigned risk plans.

31

Net Realized Gains on Investment Sales. The Company buys and sells securities on a regular basis in order to maximize its total return on investments. Decisions to sell securities are based on management’s view of the underlying fundamentals of specific securities as well as management’s expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads, currency values and general economic conditions. Net realized gains on investment sales were $20 million in 2013 compared with $43 million in 2012.
Change in Valuation Allowance, Net of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. For loans where the Company determines it is probable that the contractual terms will not be met, an analysis is performed and a valuation reserve is established, if necessary, with a charge to earnings. The cost of securities is adjusted where appropriate to include a provision for a decline in value that is considered to be other-than-temporary. In 2012, the valuation allowance for mortgage loans decreased by $7 million. There were no other-than-temporary impairments in 2013 compared with $3 million in 2012.
Revenues from Wholly-Owned Investees. Revenues from wholly-owned investees were derived from aviation-related businesses that provide services to the general aviation market, including fuel and line service, aircraft sales and maintenance, avionics and engineering services and parts fabrication. Revenues from wholly-owned investees increased to $92 million in 2013 from $50 million in 2012, primarily as a result of the acquisition of an aircraft equipment supplier in January 2013.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses increased to $745 million in 2013 from $679 million in 2012. The consolidated loss ratio was 60.4% in 2013, down from 61.8% in 2012. Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums, were $5 million in 2013 compared with $4 million in 2012. Favorable prior year reserve development was $24 million in 2013 compared with $25 million in 2012, a difference of 0.4 loss ratio points. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development decreased 1.8 points to 61.9% in 2013 from 63.7% in 2012. A summary of loss ratios in 2013 compared with 2012 by business segment follows:
•
Insurance-Domestic - The loss ratio of 62.4% in 2013 was 0.5 points lower than the loss ratio of 62.9% in 2012. Catastrophe losses were $4 million in 2013, the same as in 2012. Favorable prior year reserve development was $4 million in 2013 compared with $14 million in 2012, a difference of 1.2 loss ratio points. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development decreased 1.6 points to 62.5% in 2013 from 64.1% in 2012.
•
Insurance-International - The loss ratio of 55.8% in 2013 was 1.5 points lower than the loss ratio of 57.3% in 2012. Favorable prior year reserve development was $4 million in 2013 compared with $3 million in 2012. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development decreased 1.5 points to 57.6% in 2013 from 59.1% in 2012 due to favorable pricing and loss cost trends.
•
Reinsurance-Global - The loss ratio of 55.0% in 2013 was 5.2 points lower than the loss ratio of 60.2% in 2012. There were $1 million in catastrophe losses in 2013 compared with none in 2012, an increase of 0.6 loss ratio points. Favorable prior year reserve development was $16 million in 2013 and $8 million in 2012, a difference of 3.3 loss ratio points. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development decreased 2.5 points to 63.5% in 2013 from 66.0% in 2012 due to lower property losses.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses. Following is a summary of other operating costs and expenses:
(In thousands)
2013
 
2012
Underwriting expenses
$
422,213

 
$
382,023

Service expenses
22,305

 
19,592

Net foreign currency losses (gains)
1,947

 
(1,434
)
Other costs and expenses
35,139

 
31,598

Total
$
481,604

 
$
431,779

Underwriting expenses are comprised of commissions paid to agents and brokers, premium taxes and other assessments and internal underwriting costs. Underwriting expenses increased 11% compared with an increase in net premiums written of 14%. The expense ratio (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of premiums earned) was 34.3% in 2013 and 34.7% in 2012, reflecting the increase in earned premium.
Service expenses, which represent the costs associated with the fee-based businesses, increased 14% to $22 million. The increase was due to an increase in general and administrative expenses related to fee-based business.
Net foreign currency losses (gains) result from transactions denominated in a currency other than the operating unit’s functional currency.

32

Other costs and expenses were $35 million in 2013 compared with $32 million in 2012. Other costs and expenses represent general and administrative expenses of the parent company and other expenses not allocated to business segments, including the cost of certain long-term incentive plans.
Expenses from Wholly-Owned Investees. Expenses from wholly-owned investees represent costs associated with aviation-related businesses that include cost of goods sold related to aircraft and other sales, labor and equipment costs related to repairs and other services and general and administrative expenses. Expenses from wholly-owned investees increased to $89 million in 2013 from $51 million in 2012 primarily due to an acquisition in January 2013.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $31 million in 2013 compared with $29 million in 2012. The Company issued $350 million of 4.625% senior notes in March 2012 and repaid $200 million of 5.875% senior notes that matured in February 2013. As described below, in May 2013, the Company issued $350 aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Subordinated Debentures due 2053, the proceeds of which will be used in part to redeem the Company's 6.750% Subordinated Debentures due 2045.
Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 27% in 2013 compared to 28% in 2012. The effective income tax rate differs from the federal income tax rate of 35% primarily because of tax-exempt investment income. Tax exempt investment income comprised a slightly higher portion of the 2013 pre-tax income and as such had a more impact on the effective tax rate for 2013 compared with 2012.
    
The Company has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of approximately $104 million of its non-U.S. subsidiaries since these earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested in the non-U.S. subsidiaries. However, in the future, if such earnings were distributed to the Company, taxes of approximately $9 million, assuming all tax credits are realized, would be payable on such undistributed earnings and would be reflected in the tax provision for the year in which these earnings are no longer intended to be permanently reinvested in the foreign subsidiary.





33

Investments
As part of its investment strategy, the Company establishes a level of cash and highly liquid short-term and intermediate-term securities that, combined with expected cash flow, it believes is adequate to meet its payment obligations.
The Company also attempts to maintain an appropriate relationship between the average duration of the investment portfolio and the approximate duration of its liabilities (i.e., policy claims and debt obligations). The average duration of the fixed maturity portfolio was 3.3 years at March 31, 2013 and 3.4 years at December 31, 2012. The Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio and investment-related assets as of March 31, 2013 were as follows:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying
Value
 
Percent
of Total
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agencies
$
875,712

 
6.0
%
State and municipal:
 
 
 
Special revenue
2,018,194

 
13.8
%
Pre-refunded (1)
853,418

 
5.8
%
State general obligation
859,481

 
5.9
%
Local general obligation
374,158

 
2.6
%
Corporate backed
370,490

 
2.5
%
Total state and municipal
4,475,741

 
30.6
%
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
Agency
1,057,039

 
7.2
%
Residential-Prime
209,938

 
1.4
%
Residential-Alt A
99,751

 
0.7
%
Commercial
209,366

 
1.4
%
Total mortgage-backed securities
1,576,094

 
10.8
%
Corporate:
 
 
 
Industrial
1,548,214

 
10.6
%
Financial
859,566

 
5.9
%
Asset-backed
822,825

 
5.6
%
Utilities
219,618

 
1.5
%
Other
125,853

 
0.9
%
Total corporate
3,576,076

 
24.5
%
Foreign government and foreign government agencies
1,161,494

 
8.0
%
Total fixed maturity securities
11,665,117

 
79.9
%
Equity securities
 
 
 
Common stocks
295,031

 
2.0
%
Preferred stocks
104,355

 
0.7
%
Total equity securities
399,386

 
2.7
%
 
 
 
 
Investment funds
793,603

 
5.4
%
Real estate
588,777

 
4.0
%
Arbitrage trading account
701,223

 
4.8
%
Loans receivable
456,533

 
3.1
%
Total investments
$
14,604,639

 
100.0
%
 

______________    
(1)
Pre-refunded securities are securities for which an escrow account has been established to fund the remaining payments of principal and interest through maturity. Such escrow accounts are funded almost exclusively with U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agency securities.


34


Fixed Maturity Securities. The Company’s investment policy with respect to fixed maturity securities is generally to purchase instruments with the expectation of holding them to their maturity. However, management of the available for sale portfolio is considered necessary to maintain an approximate matching of assets and liabilities as well as to adjust the portfolio as a result of changes in financial market conditions and tax considerations.
The Company’s philosophy related to holding or selling fixed maturity securities is based on its objective of maximizing total return. The key factors that management considers in its investment decisions as to whether to hold or sell fixed maturity securities are its view of the underlying fundamentals of specific securities as well as its expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads and currency values. In a period in which management expects interest rates to rise, the Company may sell longer duration securities in order to mitigate the impact of an interest rate rise on the fair value of the portfolio. Similarly, in a period in which management expects credit spreads to widen, the Company may sell lower quality securities, and in a period in which management expects certain foreign currencies to decline in value, the Company may sell securities denominated in those foreign currencies. The sale of fixed maturity securities in order to achieve the objective of maximizing total return may result in realized gains; however, there is no reason to expect these gains to continue in future periods.
At March 31, 2013, investments in foreign fixed maturity securities were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Government
Corporate
Total
Australia
$
243,737

$
139,062

$
382,799

Canada
136,247

49,419

185,666

United Kingdom
111,644

58,200

169,844

Argentina
133,466

29,511

162,977

Germany
72,055

—

72,055

Norway
64,936

 
64,936

Brazil
49,550

—

49,550

Supranational (1)
38,672

—

38,672

Netherlands
—

13,057

13,057

Switzerland
—

11,279

11,279

Singapore
6,840

—

6,840

Uruguay
3,400

—

3,400

New Zealand
419

—

419

 Total
$
860,966

$
300,528

$
1,161,494

_______________
(1) Supranational represents investments in the North American Development Bank, European Investment Bank and Inter-American Development Bank.
Equity Securities. Equity securities primarily represent investments in high-dividend yielding common and preferred stocks issued by large market capitalization companies.
Investment Funds. At March 31, 2013, the carrying value of investment funds was $794 million, including investments in real estate funds of $379 million and investments in energy funds of $147 million.
Real Estate. Real estate is directly owned property held for investment. At March 31, 2013, real estate consists of an office building in operation, three office buildings under development and a long-term ground lease.
Arbitrage Trading Account. The arbitrage trading account is comprised of direct investments in arbitrage securities. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies that are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers.
Loans Receivable. Loans receivable, which are carried at amortized cost, have an aggregate cost of $457 million and an aggregate fair value of $463 million at March 31, 2013. Amortized cost of these loans is net of a valuation allowance of $6 million as of March 31, 2013. The six largest loans have an aggregate amortized cost of $243 million and an aggregate fair value of $250 million as of such date and are secured by commercial real estate. These loans earn interest at floating LIBOR-based interest rates and have maturities (inclusive of extension options) through August 2025. The loans are secured by commercial real estate located primarily in New York City, California, Hawaii and Chicago.

35

Market Risk. The fair value of the Company’s investments is subject to risks of fluctuations in credit quality and interest rates. The Company uses various models and stress test scenarios to monitor and manage interest rate risk. The Company attempts to manage its interest rate risk by maintaining an appropriate relationship between the average duration of the investment portfolio and the approximate duration of its liabilities (i.e., policy claims and debt obligations). The average duration for the fixed maturity portfolio was 3.3 years at March 31, 2013 and 3.4 years at December 31, 2012. In addition, the fair value of the Company’s international investments is subject to currency risk. The Company attempts to manage its currency risk by matching its foreign currency assets and liabilities where considered appropriate.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
        Cash Flow. Cash flow provided from operating activities increased to $115 million in 2013 from $74 million in 2012 due primarily to an increase in cash flow from underwriting activities, partially offset by higher tax payments. The increase in cash flow from underwriting activities primarily reflects a reduction in the paid loss ratio (paid losses as a percent of earned premiums) to 54% in 2013 from 59% in 2012.

The Company's insurance subsidiaries' principal sources of cash are premiums, investment income, service fees and proceeds from sales and maturities of portfolio investments. The principal uses of cash are payments for claims, taxes, operating expenses and dividends. The Company expects its insurance subsidiaries to fund the payment of losses with cash received from premiums, investment income and fees. The Company targets an average duration for its investment portfolio that is within one year of the average duration of its liabilities so that portions of its investment portfolio mature throughout the claim cycle and are available for the payment of claims if necessary. In the event operating cash flow and proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed income securities are not sufficient to fund claim payments and other cash requirements, the remainder of the Company's cash and investments is available to pay claims and other obligations as they become due. The Company's investment portfolio is highly liquid, with approximately 81% invested in cash, cash equivalents and marketable fixed maturity securities as of March 31, 2013. If the sale of fixed maturity securities were to become necessary, a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the cost and sales price of securities sold would be recognized.
Debt. At March 31, 2013, the Company had senior notes, junior subordinated debentures and other debt outstanding with a carrying value of $1,937 million and a face amount of $1,956 million. The maturities of the outstanding debt are $4 million in 2013, $33 million in 2014, $238 million in 2015, $4 million in 2016, $450 million in 2019, $300 million in 2020, $426 million in 2022, $1 million in 2023, $250 million in 2037 and $250 million in 2045.
In March 2012, the Company issued $350 million of 4.625% senior notes due 2022. In February 2013, the Company repaid $200 million of 5.875% senior notes at maturity. In May 2013, the Company issued $350 million aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Subordinated Debentures due 2053. Net proceeds from this offering will be used to pay $250 million principal amount of the Company's 6.750% Subordinated Debentures on May 26, 2013, which were called for redemption on April 26, 2013; the remainder will be used for general corporate purposes.
Equity. At March 31, 2013, total common stockholders’ equity was $4.4 billion, common shares outstanding were 136,028,287 and stockholders’ equity per outstanding share was $32.19.
Total Capital. Total capitalization (equity, debt and junior subordinated debentures) was $6.3 billion at March 31, 2013. The percentage of the Company’s capital attributable to debt and junior subordinated debentures was 31% at March 31, 2013 and 33% at December 31, 2012.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
Reference is made to the information under “Investments - Market Risk” under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-Q.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
          Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14 as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company has in place effective controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules thereunder, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company’s subsidiaries are subject to disputes, including litigation and arbitration, arising in the ordinary course of their insurance and reinsurance businesses. The Company’s estimates of the costs of settling such matters are reflected in its aggregate reserves for losses and loss expenses, and the Company does not believe that the ultimate outcome of such matters will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
No shares were repurchased by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The maximum number of shares that may be repurchased under the Company's outstanding repurchase plan is 9,068,093.


Item 6. Exhibits

Number 
 
 
(31.1)
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a).
 
 
 
(31.2)
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a).
 
 
 
(32.1)
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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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.
 
 
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
 
Date:
May 6, 2013
/s/ William R. Berkley  
 
 
William R. Berkley 
 
 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer 
 
 
 
Date:
May 6, 2013
/s/ Eugene G. Ballard  
 
 
Eugene G. Ballard 
 
 
Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer 

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