Release Details

• Net income of $2.03 per diluted share
• Adjusted operating loss* of $1.24 per diluted share
• ROE 5.2% and adjusted operating ROE* 3.7% for the trailing twelve months
• Global estimated COVID-19 claim costs of approximately $485 million for the first quarter
• Accounting correction for limited partnership investments had a favorable effect of approximately $1.87 per diluted share on net income and $1.07 per diluted share on adjusted operating loss

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 6, 2021-- Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE: RGA), a leading global provider of life reinsurance, reported first quarter net income of $139 million, or $2.03 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $88 million, or $1.41 per diluted share, in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted operating loss* totaled $84 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, compared with adjusted operating income of $89 million, or $1.41 per diluted share, the year before. Net foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable effect of $0.03 per diluted share on net income and $0.01 per diluted share on adjusted operating loss as compared with the prior year.

First quarter results reflected approximately $474 million of estimated COVID-19 impacts. On a per diluted share basis, the estimated COVID-19 impacts, which includes mortality and morbidity claims with offsetting impacts from longevity, were approximately $5.31.

In the first quarter, consolidated net premiums totaled $2.9 billion, an increase of 3% over last year’s first quarter, with a favorable net foreign currency effect of $78 million. Compared with the year-ago period, excluding spread-based businesses and the value of associated derivatives, first quarter investment income increased significantly to $463 million and average investment yield increased to 5.67% in the first quarter from 4.08% in the prior year. This reflects higher variable investment income as a result of a correction of accounting for limited partnership investments of $92 million related to prior years (see “Accounting Correction” for more details). Additionally, the first quarter reflects strong variable investment income from limited partnership investments.

The effective tax rate on pre-tax income was 25.3% for the first quarter. The effective tax rate benefit on pre-tax adjusted operating loss was 26.9% for the first quarter. The effective rate was above expectations due to the geographical mix of earnings which resulted in a higher-than-expected quarterly tax rate.

Anna Manning, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our first quarter was negatively impacted by a significant level of COVID-19 mortality claims in a range of geographies. Beyond the effect of COVID-19, our results were solid and continued to show resilience. Our underlying earnings power remains strong as a number of our segments performed well, and we deployed $100 million into in-force transactions.

“Our balance sheet remains strong, and we ended the quarter with excess capital of approximately $1.2 billion. While we expect our results to continue to reflect additional COVID-19 claims, we expect that impact to diminish in the coming quarters, and believe that our strong financial condition and global business platform will deliver improved results as the year progresses.”

SEGMENT RESULTS

U.S. and Latin America

Traditional

• Results reflected approximately $358 million of COVID-19 claim costs.
• Group and Individual Health experience was favorable.
• Strong variable investment income due to favorable limited partnership performance.

Financial Solutions

• Asset-Intensive results were modestly below the expected run rate, due to unfavorable policyholder experience.
• Capital Solutions results were in line with expectations.

Canada

Traditional

• Foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable effect of $16 million on net premiums.
• Results reflected approximately $26 million of COVID-19 claim costs.
• Foreign currency exchange rates had an immaterial effect on pre-tax income and pre-tax adjusted operating income.

Financial Solutions

• Results reflected favorable longevity experience, believed to be related to COVID-19.
• Foreign currency exchange rates had an immaterial effect on pre-tax income and pre-tax adjusted operating income.

Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)

Traditional

• Foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable effect of $26 million on net premiums.
• Results reflected approximately $98 million of COVID-19 claim costs.
• Foreign currency exchange rates had an adverse effect of $5 million on pre-tax loss and pre-tax adjusted operating loss.

Financial Solutions

• Results reflected the negative effects of model updates and lower than expected COVID-19 impact on longevity experience due to longer reporting lags.
• Foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable effect of $5 million on pre-tax income and $4 million on pre-tax adjusted operating income.

Asia Pacific

Traditional

• Net premiums decreased over the prior year, reflecting a 3% increase in Asia, offset by a 31% decline in Australia.
• Foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable effect of $29 million on net premiums.
• Results reflected favorable underwriting experience in Asia, and Australia reported break even results.
• Foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable effect of $1 million on pre-tax income and pre-tax adjusted operating income.

Financial Solutions

• Results reflected organic growth and favorable experience on existing treaties.
• Foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable effect of $1 million on pre-tax income and an immaterial effect on pre-tax adjusted operating income.

Corporate and Other

• Pre-tax income reflected a one-time adjustment of $162 million associated with prior periods that includes $92 million to correct accounting for equity method limited partnerships to reflect unrealized gains in investment income that were previously reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income, in addition to $70 million reflected in investment related gains/losses associated with unrealized gains on cost method limited partnerships.
• Pre-tax income reflected $144 million of capital gains associated with portfolio repositioning.
• Pre-tax adjusted operating income reflected the one-time adjustment of $92 million discussed above to correct accounting for equity method limited partnerships.
• Pre-tax adjusted operating income also reflected lower overall expenses.

Dividend Declaration

Effective as of May 6, 2021, the board of directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.70, payable June 1, 2021, to shareholders of record as of May 18, 2021.

Accounting Correction

During the three-months ended March 31, 2021, the Company reclassified approximately $92 million of pre-tax unrealized gains from AOCI to investment income associated with investments in limited partnerships and private equity funds for which it utilizes the equity method of accounting. The unrealized gains should have been recognized directly in investment income in the same prior periods they were reported by the investees. In addition, the Company recorded approximately $70 million of pre-tax investment related gains associated with investments in limited partnerships considered to be investment companies in order to adjust the carrying value from cost less impairments to a fair value approach. If these adjustments were recorded in the years they were reported by the investees, the Company estimates that it would have recognized approximately $102 million, $(2) million, $1 million and $10 million of pre-tax income in the years ended December 31 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Earnings Conference Call

A conference call to discuss first quarter results will begin at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, May 7. Interested parties may access the call by dialing 800-458-4121 (domestic) or 323-794-2093 (international). The access code is 4329984. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at www.rgare.com. A replay of the conference call will be available at the same address for 90 days following the conference call.

The Company has posted to its website an earnings presentation and a Quarterly Financial Supplement that includes financial information for all segments, as well as information on its investment portfolio. Additionally, the Company posts periodic reports, press releases and other useful information on its Investor Relations website.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

RGA uses a non-GAAP financial measure called adjusted operating income as a basis for analyzing financial results. This measure also serves as a basis for establishing target levels and awards under RGA’s management incentive programs. Management believes that adjusted operating income, on a pre-tax and after-tax basis, better measures the ongoing profitability and underlying trends of the Company’s continuing operations, primarily because that measure excludes substantially all of the effect of net investment related gains and losses, as well as changes in the fair value of certain embedded derivatives and related deferred acquisition costs. These items can be volatile, primarily due to the credit market and interest rate environment, and are not necessarily indicative of the performance of the Company’s underlying businesses. Additionally, adjusted operating income excludes any net gain or loss from discontinued operations, the cumulative effect of any accounting changes, tax reform and other items that management believes are not indicative of the Company’s ongoing operations. The definition of adjusted operating income can vary by company and is not considered a substitute for GAAP net income.

Book value per share excluding the impact of AOCI is a non-GAAP financial measure that management believes is important in evaluating the balance sheet in order to ignore the effects of unrealized amounts primarily associated with mark-to-market adjustments on investments and foreign currency translation.

Adjusted operating income per diluted share is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated as adjusted operating income divided by weighted average diluted shares outstanding. Adjusted operating return on equity is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated as adjusted operating income divided by average stockholders’ equity excluding AOCI. Similar to adjusted operating income, management believes these non-GAAP financial measures better reflect the ongoing profitability and underlying trends of the Company’s continuing operations, they also serve as a basis for establishing target levels and awards under RGA’s management incentive programs.

Reconciliations from GAAP net income, book value per share, net income per diluted share and average stockholders’ equity are provided in the following tables. Additional financial information can be found in the Quarterly Financial Supplement on RGA’s Investor Relations website at www.rgare.com in the “Financial Information” section.

About RGA

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (RGA), a Fortune 500 company, is among the leading global providers of life reinsurance and financial solutions, with approximately $3.4 trillion of life reinsurance in force and assets of $84.8 billion as of March 31, 2021. Founded in 1973, RGA today is recognized for its deep technical expertise in risk and capital management, innovative solutions, and commitment to serving its clients. With headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, and operations around the world, RGA delivers expert solutions in individual life reinsurance, individual living benefits reinsurance, group reinsurance, health reinsurance, facultative underwriting, product development, and financial solutions. To learn more about RGA and its businesses, visit the Company’s website at www.rgare.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, among others, statements relating to projections of the future operations, strategies, earnings, revenues, income or loss, ratios, financial performance and growth potential of the Company. Forward-looking statements often contain words and phrases such as “intend,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe” and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results, performance, and achievements could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response thereto on economic conditions, the financial markets and insurance risks, and the resulting effects on the Company’s financial results, liquidity, capital resources, financial metrics, investment portfolio and stock price, could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Further, any estimates, projections, illustrative scenarios or frameworks used to plan for potential effects of the pandemic are dependent on numerous underlying assumptions and estimates that may not materialize. Additionally, numerous other important factors (whether related to, resulting from or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise) could also cause results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: (1) adverse changes in mortality, morbidity, lapsation or claims experience, (2) inadequate risk analysis and underwriting, (3) adverse capital and credit market conditions and their impact on the Company’s liquidity, access to capital and cost of capital, (4) changes in the Company’s financial strength and credit ratings and the effect of such changes on the Company’s future results of operations and financial condition, (5) the availability and cost of collateral necessary for regulatory reserves and capital, (6) requirements to post collateral or make payments due to declines in market value of assets subject to the Company’s collateral arrangements, (7) action by regulators who have authority over the Company’s reinsurance operations in the jurisdictions in which it operates, (8) the effect of the Company parent’s status as an insurance holding company and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay principal of and interest on its debt obligations, (9) general economic conditions or a prolonged economic downturn affecting the demand for insurance and reinsurance in the Company’s current and planned markets, (10) the impairment of other financial institutions and its effect on the Company’s business, (11) fluctuations in U.S. or foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, or securities and real estate markets, (12) market or economic conditions that adversely affect the value of the Company’s investment securities or result in the impairment of all or a portion of the value of certain of the Company’s investment securities, that in turn could affect regulatory capital, (13) market or economic conditions that adversely affect the Company’s ability to make timely sales of investment securities, (14) risks inherent in the Company’s risk management and investment strategy, including changes in investment portfolio yields due to interest rate or credit quality changes, (15) the fact that the determination of allowances and impairments taken on the Company’s investments is highly subjective, (16) the stability of and actions by governments and economies in the markets in which the Company operates, including ongoing uncertainties regarding the amount of U.S. sovereign debt and the credit ratings thereof, (17) the Company’s dependence on third parties, including those insurance companies and reinsurers to which the Company cedes some reinsurance, third-party investment managers and others, (18) financial performance of the Company’s clients, (19) the threat of natural disasters, catastrophes, terrorist attacks, epidemics or pandemics anywhere in the world where the Company or its clients do business, (20) competitive factors and competitors’ responses to the Company’s initiatives, (21) development and introduction of new products and distribution opportunities, (22) execution of the Company’s entry into new markets, (23) integration of acquired blocks of business and entities, (24) interruption or failure of the Company’s telecommunication, information technology or other operational systems, or the Company’s failure to maintain adequate security to protect the confidentiality or privacy of personal or sensitive data and intellectual property stored on such systems, (25) adverse litigation or arbitration results, (26) the adequacy of reserves, resources and accurate information relating to settlements, awards and terminated and discontinued lines of business, (27) changes in laws, regulations, and accounting standards applicable to the Company or its business, (28) the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 may be different than expected and (29) other risks and uncertainties described in this document and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect the Company’s business, including those mentioned in this document and described in the periodic reports the Company files with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even though the Company’s situation may change in the future. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, you are advised to see Item 1A - “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as may be supplemented by Item 1A - “Risk Factors” in the Company’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

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Investor Contact
Jeff Hopson
Senior Vice President - Investor Relations
(636) 736-2068

Source: Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated