Release Details

• Fourth-quarter earnings per diluted share: net income $2.15, operating income* $1.91
• Net premiums up 13 percent to $2.0 billion for the quarter
• Full-year operating return on equity* 13 percent
• Five-year average operating return on equity* 13 percent

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 30, 2012-- Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE:RGA), a leading global provider of life reinsurance, reported fourth-quarter net income of $158.5 million, or $2.15 per diluted share, compared to $196.7 million, or $2.62 per diluted share in the prior-year quarter. Operating income* totaled $140.7 million, or $1.91 per diluted share, compared to $161.4 million, or $2.15 per diluted share in the year-ago quarter.

Net income for the year increased to $599.6 million, or $8.09 per diluted share, from $574.4 million, or $7.69 per diluted share, in 2010. Operating income* totaled $539.2 million, or $7.28 per diluted share, compared with $504.0 million, or $6.75 per diluted share, the year before. Both measures benefited from lower effective tax rates. Net foreign currency fluctuations increased 2011 operating income per diluted share by $0.13, including $0.05 in the Canadian segment. Net premiums increased $676.0 million, or 10 percent, including the effects of currency fluctuations and 8 percent without them.

For the quarter, consolidated net premiums increased 13 percent to $2,034.7 million from $1,801.9 million in the prior-year period. In aggregate, changes in foreign currency exchange rates did not materially affect net premiums. Investment income decreased 14 percent to $304.5 million from $355.2 million in the year-earlier quarter, including a $51.0 million decline in fair value of option contracts, which are included in funds withheld at interest and support equity-indexed annuities. Excluding the effects of these option contracts, investment income was flat. Excluding funds withheld assets, average book value of invested assets increased approximately $1.5 billion to $17.8 billion, and average yields decreased 24 basis points to 5.19 percent quarter over quarter. Net foreign currency fluctuations lowered after-tax operating income $1.6 million, or $0.02 per diluted share.

During the fourth quarter, the company recognized additional income tax benefits associated with unfavorable claims experience on certain treaties, deferred tax refinements, and other items. For the entire year, the company’s effective tax rate of approximately 28 percent was lower than its expected rate of approximately 33 percent. The primary reason for the lower effective rate in 2011 relates to third-quarter adjustments of deferred tax liabilities associated with previously enacted reductions in federal and provincial statutory tax rates in Canada.

A. Greig Woodring, president and chief executive officer, commented, “Global claims experience was somewhat higher than our expectations for the quarter, reflecting higher-than-expected disability claims in Australia and U.S. group reinsurance, offset in part by strong results in most of our other markets. Our asset intensive business also performed well. Overall net premium growth was better-than-expected, and our book value per share continues to climb with consistent earnings contributions.

“Our annualized operating return on equity was 13 percent for the quarter and year, and operating income per diluted share was up 8 percent year over year. Our operating return on equity has averaged 13 percent over the past five years, despite the global market and economic disruptions. RGA’s balance sheet and capitalization remain strong, as does our positioning and outlook for future global growth. We continue to be highly focused on meeting our clients’ needs in all markets.”

SEGMENT RESULTS

U.S.

The U.S. Traditional sub-segment reported pre-tax net income of $116.1 million for the quarter, up slightly from $113.3 million last year. Pre-tax operating income decreased to $86.0 million from $107.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2010, when that business reported better-than-expected claims experience. Mortality claims were in line with expectations this quarter; however, the segment’s group disability reinsurance business reported approximately $10.8 million in adverse underwriting experience. Net premiums rose 9 percent to $1,099.4 million from $1,009.8 million a year ago. For the full year, net premiums increased more than 5 percent and totaled $3,979.5 million.

The U.S. Asset Intensive business reported pre-tax income of $13.2 million, down from $56.4 million a year ago, attributable primarily to changes in the fair values of various free-standing and embedded derivatives. Pre-tax operating income, which excludes the impact of those derivatives, increased to $27.2 million from $20.0 million a year ago, when strong equity market performance and a $3.8 million recapture fee contributed to better-than-expected results. The current period pre-tax operating income includes a $14.0 million increase associated with the recapture of a retroceded annuity treaty. Full-year pre-tax operating income totaled $68.9 million and $66.3 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The U.S. Financial Reinsurance business continued to perform well this quarter and added $6.8 million of pre-tax income compared with $5.6 million last year, primarily due to higher fee income from new business. For the year, pre-tax income rose 51 percent to $26.3 million.

Canada

Canadian operations reported pre-tax net income of $47.5 million compared with $36.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Pre-tax operating income increased 12 percent to $41.0 million from $36.6 million in the prior-year period, reflecting better-than-expected mortality experience. A relatively weaker Canadian dollar relative to the fourth quarter of 2010 adversely affected pre-tax operating income by approximately $0.6 million. Fourth-quarter net premiums increased 9 percent to $224.8 million from $205.9 million last year, including an adverse foreign currency effect of $2.7 million. On a Canadian dollar basis, net premiums increased 10 percent. For the year, net premiums rose 5 percent over 2010, which benefited from a single premium of $43.3 million. Excluding that advance premium, net premiums rose 11 percent year over year, including a favorable foreign currency effect of $31.3 million.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific reported pre-tax net income of $4.1 million compared with $10.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The segment reported a pre-tax operating loss of $1.2 million compared to pre-tax operating income of $8.1 million a year ago. Similar to the fourth quarter of 2010, disability experience in Australia was unfavorable. Liabilities in Australia were strengthened by approximately $24.0 million, of which approximately $16.1 million was associated with lower-than-anticipated termination rates on disability claims. Foreign currency fluctuations added $0.3 million to the current period pre-tax operating income. Net premiums increased 8 percent to $348.4 million from $322.5 million in the prior year. On a local currency basis, net premiums rose 6 percent. For the year, net premiums were up 15 percent on a U.S. dollar basis and 5 percent on an original currency basis.

Europe & South Africa

Europe & South Africa pre-tax net income rose sharply to $41.6 million from $35.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Pre-tax operating income increased 6 percent to $38.7 million from $36.4 million last year, when claims experience was particularly favorable. Better-than-expected results were spread across most locations, including the UK and South Africa. Foreign currency fluctuations adversely affected pre-tax operating income by $1.6 million. Net premiums totaled $356.3 million, up 38 percent from $258.0 million in the prior-year quarter. On a local currency basis, net premiums were up 42 percent. The current-quarter net premiums include approximately $64.7 million associated with a single premium in-force transaction in Italy. For the year, net premiums were up 30 percent on a U.S. dollar basis and 27 percent on an original currency basis.

Corporate and Other

The Corporate and Other segment reported a pre-tax net loss of $8.8 million in the fourth quarter versus pre-tax net income of $18.4 million in the year-ago period. The current quarter result includes $14.4 million in net investment related losses compared to $10.6 million in net investment related gains in the prior-year period. Fourth-quarter pre-tax operating income was approximately $10.5 million lower than last year, primarily due to higher other operating expenses.

2012 Guidance

Management projects 2012 operating income per diluted share to be within a range of $6.70 to $7.30. This guidance assumes an expected level of death claims, which are prone to normal short-term statistical fluctuations that can significantly affect results on quarterly and annual bases. Additionally, the guidance reflects adverse effects of approximately $0.55 and $0.15 per diluted share related to the adoption of new deferred acquisition cost accounting guidance and lower anticipated investment yields in 2012, respectively. Finally, the guidance assumes that Congress will pass an extension of the active financing exception legislation this year. If that legislation is not extended for any reason, the company estimates its tax provision would increase by approximately $15 million for the year, reducing earnings by approximately $0.20 per diluted share. On a U.S. dollar basis, the company expects consolidated net premiums to increase by approximately 7 to 9 percent.

Board of Directors

The company announced that Stanley B. Tulin, retired vice chairman and chief financial officer of AXA Financial, Inc., was elected to the board of directors effective January 26, 2012. Tulin will serve as a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees. The company also announced that Stuart Greenbaum retired from the board of directors.

Dividend Declaration

The board of directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.18, payable March 2 to shareholders of record as of February 10.

Earnings Conference Call

A conference call to discuss fourth-quarter results will begin at 9 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, January 31. Interested parties may access the call by dialing 877-419-6590 (domestic) or 719-325-4778 (international). The access code is 8994796. 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. A telephonic replay will also be available through February 8 at 888-203-1112 (domestic) or 719-457-0820 (international), access code 8994796.

The company has posted to its website 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 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 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 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, operating income excludes any net gain or loss from discontinued operations and the cumulative effect of any accounting changes, which management believes are not indicative of the company’s ongoing operations. The definition of operating income can vary by company and is not considered a substitute for GAAP net income. ReconciliationstoGAAP net income are provided in thefollowing tables. Additional financial information can be found in the Quarterly Financial Supplement on RGA’s Investor Relations website at www.rgare.com in the “Quarterly Results” tab and in the “Featured Report” section.

Book value per share outstanding before 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.

Operating return on equity is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated as operating income divided by average shareholders’ equity excluding AOCI.

About RGA

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated is among the largest global providers of life reinsurance, with operations in Australia, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Worldwide, the company has approximately $2.7 trillion of life reinsurance in force, and assets of $32.1 billion.

Cautionary Statement 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 earnings, revenues, income or loss, future financial performance and growth potential of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated and its subsidiaries (which we refer to in the following paragraphs as "we," "us" or "our"). The words "intend," "expect," "project," "estimate," "predict," "anticipate," "should," "believe," and other similar expressions also are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements.

Numerous important factors could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements including, without limitation, (1) adverse capital and credit market conditions and their impact on our liquidity, access to capital, and cost of capital, (2) the impairment of other financial institutions and its effect on our business, (3) requirements to post collateral or make payments due to declines in market value of assets subject to our collateral arrangements, (4) the fact that the determination of allowances and impairments taken on our investments is highly subjective, (5) adverse changes in mortality, morbidity, lapsation, or claims experience, (6) changes in our financial strength and credit ratings and the effect of such changes on our future results of operations and financial condition, (7) inadequate risk analysis and underwriting, (8) general economic conditions or a prolonged economic downturn affecting the demand for insurance and reinsurance in our current and planned markets, (9) the availability and cost of collateral necessary for regulatory reserves and capital, (10) market or economic conditions that adversely affect the value of our investment securities or result in the impairment of all or a portion of the value of certain of our investment securities, (11) market or economic conditions that adversely affect our ability to make timely sales of investment securities, (12) risks inherent in our risk management and investment strategy, including changes in investment portfolio yields due to interest rate or credit quality changes, (13) fluctuations in U.S. or foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, or securities and real estate markets, (14) adverse litigation or arbitration results, (15) the adequacy of reserves, resources, and accurate information relating to settlements, awards, and terminated and discontinued lines of business, (16) the stability of and actions by governments and economies in the markets in which we operate, including ongoing uncertainties regarding the amount of United States sovereign debt and the credit ratings thereof, (17) competitive factors and competitors' responses to our initiatives, (18) the success of our clients, (19) successful execution of our entry into new markets, (20) successful development and introduction of new products and distribution opportunities, (21) our ability to successfully integrate and operate reinsurance business that we acquire, (22) action by regulators who have authority over our reinsurance operations in the jurisdictions in which we operate, (23) our dependence on third parties, including those insurance companies and reinsurers to which we cede some reinsurance, third-party investment managers, and others, (24) the threat of natural disasters, catastrophes, terrorist attacks, epidemics, or pandemics anywhere in the world where we or our clients do business, (25) changes in laws, regulations, and accounting standards applicable to us, our subsidiaries, or our business, (26) the effect of our status as an insurance holding company and regulatory restrictions on our ability to pay principal and interest on our debt obligations, and (27) other risks and uncertainties described in this document and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect our business, including those mentioned in this document and described in the periodic reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. We do not undertake any obligations to update these forward-looking statements, even though our situation may change in the future. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, you are advised to review the risk factors in our 2010 Form 10-K.

Source: Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
John W. Hayden, 636-736-7000
Senior Vice President, Controller and Investor Relations