UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

ý    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

For the period ended September 30, 2005

 

 

 

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 1-8993

 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Bermuda

 

94-2708455

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

80 SOUTH MAIN STREET, HANOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03755-2053

(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

 

(603) 640-2200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days

 

Yes  ý      No  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)

 

Yes  ý      No  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)

 

Yes  o      No  ý

 

As of October 28, 2005, 10,775,223 common shares with a par value of $1.00 per share (“Common Shares”) were outstanding (which includes 13,000 restricted Common Shares which were not vested at such date).

 

 



 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

 

Table of Contents

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets, September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004

3

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004

4

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Common Shareholders’ Equity, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004

5

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004

6

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Results of Operations - Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004

28

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

39

 

 

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

40

 

 

 

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

45

 

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

46

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

47

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

47

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Items 1 through 6.

47

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

48

 

2



 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Unaudited

 

(dollars in millions, except share amounts)

 

September 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments, at fair value (amortized cost: $7,549.0 and $7,684.1)

 

$

7,594.2

 

$

7,900.0

 

Common equity securities, at fair value (cost: $829.5 and $775.9)

 

1,000.1

 

1,043.9

 

Short-term investments, at amortized cost (which approximates fair value)

 

1,027.3

 

1,058.2

 

Other investments (cost: $405.5 and $442.7)

 

507.1

 

527.4

 

Total investments

 

10,128.7

 

10,529.5

 

Cash

 

205.4

 

243.1

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

2,765.2

 

2,036.2

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses - Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

 

2,058.8

 

1,761.2

 

Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses

 

103.3

 

92.0

 

Insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

1,039.7

 

942.2

 

Securities lending collateral

 

786.9

 

593.3

 

Funds held by ceding companies

 

707.6

 

943.8

 

Investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

486.8

 

466.6

 

Deferred tax asset

 

338.3

 

271.5

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

308.3

 

308.2

 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

242.2

 

224.1

 

Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales

 

27.0

 

19.9

 

Investment income accrued

 

91.0

 

102.4

 

Other assets

 

506.6

 

481.1

 

Total assets

 

$

19,795.8

 

$

19,015.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

$

10,102.6

 

$

9,398.5

 

Reserves for structured contracts

 

268.3

 

375.9

 

Unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

1,717.9

 

1,739.4

 

Securities lending payable

 

786.9

 

593.3

 

Debt

 

775.2

 

783.3

 

Deferred tax liability

 

281.7

 

316.3

 

Ceded reinsurance payable

 

219.1

 

201.4

 

Funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

169.9

 

155.4

 

Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases

 

162.8

 

30.9

 

Other liabilities

 

1,200.7

 

1,324.9

 

Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption:

 

 

 

 

 

Held by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (redemption value $300.0)

 

207.9

 

191.9

 

Held by others (redemption value $20.0)

 

20.0

 

20.0

 

Total liabilities

 

15,913.0

 

15,131.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common Shares at $1 par value per share - authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 10,773,723 and 10,772,789 shares

 

10.8

 

10.8

 

Paid-in surplus

 

1,718.5

 

1,719.2

 

Retained earnings

 

1,888.0

 

1,695.9

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, after-tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains on investments

 

288.8

 

416.1

 

Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)

 

(18.5

)

48.5

 

Minimum pension liability

 

(2.4

)

(2.4

)

Unearned compensation - restricted Common Share awards

 

(2.4

)

(4.2

)

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

3,882.8

 

3,883.9

 

Total liabilities and common shareholders’ equity

 

$

19,795.8

 

$

19,015.1

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3



 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Unaudited

 

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

982.4

 

$

992.3

 

$

2,880.8

 

$

2,821.4

 

Net investment income

 

110.8

 

83.4

 

389.3

 

247.6

 

Net realized investment gains

 

18.9

 

53.6

 

119.3

 

109.8

 

Other revenue

 

65.5

 

34.3

 

184.4

 

126.1

 

Total revenues

 

1,177.6

 

1,163.6

 

3,573.8

 

3,304.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

929.6

 

787.8

 

2,119.1

 

1,934.5

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

199.7

 

203.6

 

572.9

 

545.2

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

105.7

 

137.5

 

356.2

 

386.7

 

General and administrative expenses

 

39.5

 

78.4

 

138.7

 

202.4

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

9.1

 

10.2

 

28.1

 

33.1

 

Interest expense on debt

 

11.5

 

12.2

 

34.8

 

35.6

 

Interest expense - dividends on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

7.6

 

7.5

 

22.7

 

22.7

 

Interest expense - accretion on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

5.7

 

4.5

 

16.1

 

12.6

 

Total expenses

 

1,308.4

 

1,241.7

 

3,288.6

 

3,172.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

(130.8

)

(78.1

)

285.2

 

132.1

 

Income tax benefit (provision)

 

55.6

 

23.6

 

(56.1

)

(65.7

)

Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and extraordinary items

 

(75.2

)

(54.5

)

229.1

 

66.4

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

8.9

 

3.7

 

27.7

 

26.8

 

Net income (loss) before extraordinary item

 

(66.3

)

(50.8

)

256.8

 

93.2

 

Excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost

 

 

40.7

 

 

160.7

 

Net income (loss)

 

(66.3

)

(10.1

)

256.8

 

253.9

 

Change in net unrealized gains and losses for investments held

 

(66.9

)

165.1

 

.3

 

154.8

 

Change in foreign currency translation

 

1.6

 

(.1

)

(67.0

)

8.6

 

Recognition of net unrealized gains and losses for investments sold

 

(55.5

)

(33.7

)

(127.6

)

(63.6

)

Comprehensive net income (loss)

 

$

(187.1

)

$

121.2

 

$

62.5

 

$

353.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before extraordinary item

 

$

(6.16

)

$

(4.72

)

$

23.87

 

$

9.70

 

Net income (loss)

 

(6.16

)

(.94

)

23.87

 

26.41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before extraordinary item

 

$

(6.16

)

$

(4.72

)

$

23.73

 

$

8.93

 

Net income (loss)

 

(6.16

)

(.94

)

23.73

 

24.44

 

Dividends declared and paid per Common Share

 

$

2.00

 

$

 

$

6.00

 

$

1.00

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4



 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Unaudited

 

(millions)

 

Common
shareholders’
equity

 

Common
Shares and
paid-in
surplus

 

Retained
earnings

 

Accum. other
comprehensive
income,
after-tax

 

Unearned
compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at January 1, 2005

 

$

3,883.9

 

$

1,730.0

 

$

1,695.9

 

$

462.2

 

$

(4.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

256.8

 

 

256.8

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, after-tax

 

(194.3

)

 

 

(194.3

)

 

Dividends declared on Common Shares

 

(64.6

)

 

(64.6

)

 

 

Changes to accrued option expense

 

(.6

)

(.6

)

 

 

 

Issuances of Common Shares

 

.3

 

.3

 

 

 

 

Repurchases and retirements of Common Shares

 

(.5

)

(.4

)

(.1

)

 

 

Amortization and cancellation of restricted Common Share awards

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at September 30, 2005

 

$

3,882.8

 

$

1,729.3

 

$

1,888.0

 

$

267.9

 

$

(2.4

)

 

(millions)

 

Common
shareholders’
equity

 

Common
Shares and
paid-in
Surplus

 

Retained
earnings

 

Accum. other
Comprehensive
income,
after-tax

 

Unearned
compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at January 1, 2004

 

$

2,979.2

 

$

1,408.6

 

$

1,286.4

 

$

285.7

 

$

(1.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

253.9

 

 

253.9

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, after-tax

 

99.8

 

 

 

99.8

 

 

Dividends declared on Common Shares

 

(9.1

)

 

(9.1

)

 

 

Changes to accrued option expense

 

3.5

 

3.5

 

 

 

 

Exercise of warrants held by Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.

 

294.0

 

294.0

 

 

 

 

Issuances of Common Shares

 

13.3

 

18.0

 

 

 

(4.7

)

Repurchases and retirements of Common Shares

 

(.1

)

(.1

)

 

 

 

Amortization of restricted Common Share awards

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at September 30, 2004

 

$

3,635.9

 

$

1,724.0

 

$

1,531.2

 

$

385.5

 

$

(4.8

)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5



 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

(millions)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Cash flows from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

256.8

 

$

253.9

 

Charges (credits) to reconcile net income to cash flows used for operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost

 

 

(160.7

)

Net realized investment gains

 

(119.3

)

(109.8

)

Other operating items:

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

1,018.8

 

(506.4

)

Net change in funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

244.7

 

(80.1

)

Net change in reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

(1,132.3

)

203.1

 

Net change in insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

(164.6

)

(92.9

)

Net change in reserves for structured contracts

 

(107.0

)

(32.2

)

Net change in deferred acquisition costs

 

(17.7

)

(68.3

)

Net change in other assets and liabilities

 

(11.3

)

86.0

 

Net cash used for operations

 

(31.9

)

(507.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in short-term investments

 

(21.4

)

(8.3

)

Sales of fixed maturity investments

 

4,345.9

 

4,699.3

 

Maturities of fixed maturity investments

 

722.9

 

1,259.4

 

Sales of common equity securities and other investments

 

451.8

 

596.5

 

Net change in unsettled investment purchases and sales

 

124.9

 

70.0

 

Purchases of common equity securities and other investments

 

(390.7

)

(423.4

)

Purchases of fixed maturity investments

 

(5,286.6

)

(5,391.7

)

Sales of consolidated affiliates, net of cash sold

 

180.6

 

22.1

 

Sale of Montpelier common shares

 

 

155.3

 

Purchases of consolidated affiliates, net of cash acquired

 

 

(458.5

)

Investment in unconsolidated insurance affiliate

 

 

(194.7

)

Net acquisitions of property and equipment

 

(36.4

)

(14.5

)

Net cash provided from investing activities

 

91.0

 

311.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments of debt

 

 

(25.0

)

Cash dividends paid to common shareholders

 

(64.6

)

(9.1

)

Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders

 

(22.7

)

(22.7

)

Proceeds from issuances of Common Shares

 

.3

 

13.3

 

Proceeds from exercise of warrants to acquire Common Shares

 

 

294.0

 

Net cash (used for) provided from financing activities

 

(87.0

)

250.5

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

(9.8

)

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash during the period

 

(37.7

)

54.6

 

Cash balances at beginning of period

 

243.1

 

89.9

 

Cash balances at end of period

 

$

205.4

 

$

144.5

 

Supplemental cash flows information:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

21.7

 

$

23.0

 

Net income taxes paid

 

8.6

 

69.0

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6



 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

 

These interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (the “Company” or the “Registrant”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, “White Mountains”) and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company is a Bermuda exempted limited company with its headquarters located at the Bank of Butterfield Building, 42 Reid Street, Hamilton HM 12, Bermuda. The Company’s principal executive office is located at 80 South Main Street, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755-2053 and its registered office is located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. White Mountains’ reportable segments are OneBeacon, White Mountains Re, Esurance and Other Operations, as defined below.

 

The OneBeacon segment consists of the OneBeacon Insurance Group LLC family of companies (collectively “OneBeacon”), which are U.S.-based property and casualty insurance writers, substantially all of which operate in a multi-company pool. OneBeacon offers a wide range of specialty, personal and commercial products and services sold primarily through select independent agents. OneBeacon was acquired by White Mountains from Aviva plc (“Aviva”, formerly CGU) in 2001 (the “OneBeacon Acquisition”).

 

The White Mountains Re segment consists of White Mountains Re Group, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively “White Mountains Re”). White Mountains Re offers lead reinsurance capacity for property, casualty, accident & health and marine exposures on a worldwide basis through its reinsurance subsidiaries, Folksamerica Reinsurance Company (“Folksamerica Re”, together with its parent, Folksamerica Holding Company, “Folksamerica”), which has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of White Mountains since 1998, and Sirius International Insurance Corporation (“Sirius International”), which has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of White Mountains since 2004. White Mountains’ reinsurance operations also include its wholly-owned subsidiaries, White Mountains Underwriting Limited (domiciled in Ireland) and White Mountains Underwriting (Bermuda) Limited (collectively, “WMU”). WMU is an underwriting advisory company specializing in international property and marine excess reinsurance.

 

The Esurance segment consists of Esurance Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Esurance”). Esurance, which has been a unit of White Mountains since 2000, markets personal auto insurance directly to consumers online and through select online agents.

 

White Mountains’ Other Operations segment consists of the Company and its intermediate holding companies, as well as the International American Group, Inc. (the “International American Group”). The International American Group, which was acquired by White Mountains in 1999, consists of American Centennial Insurance Company (“American Centennial”) and British Insurance Company of Cayman (“British Insurance Company”), both of which are in run-off. The Other Operations segment also includes White Mountains’ investments in warrants to purchase common shares of both Montpelier Re Holdings, Ltd. (“Montpelier”) and Symetra Financial Corporation (“Symetra”).

 

White Mountains completed numerous significant transactions during 2004 that affect the comparability of the financial statement information presented herein. White Mountains’ consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income include the results of acquired businesses beginning as of the date each respective acquisition was completed.

 

All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The financial statements include all adjustments considered necessary by management to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of White Mountains. All adjustments made are of a normal and recurring nature except as otherwise noted herein. These interim financial statements may not be indicative of financial results for the full year and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. Refer to the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion regarding White Mountains’ significant accounting policies.

 

7



 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”). SFAS 123(R) is a revision of FASB Statement 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”) and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) and its related implementation guidance. The Statement focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. SFAS No. 123(R) requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost is to be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.

 

On April 14, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) announced that the effective date of SFAS 123(R) will be suspended from June 15, 2005 until the first interim or annual reporting period that begins on or after December 15, 2005. White Mountains currently expects to adopt SFAS 123(R) effective January 1, 2006 and does not expect the adoption to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. White Mountains already expenses the full cost of all its share-based compensation, including its outstanding options to acquire Common Shares.

 

In June 2005, the FASB issued Statement No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections” (“SFAS 154”), which replaces APB 20 and SFAS 3. SFAS 154 applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principles. The Statement requires that voluntary changes in accounting principles be applied retrospectively to prior periods unless doing so is impracticable. The statement does not change the transition method for new accounting standards where the new pronouncements address transition provisions, and accordingly, White Mountains does not expect that SFAS 154 will affect White Mountains’ adoption of SFAS 123(R).

 

Note 2.  Acquisitions and Dispositions

 

Sirius

 

On April 16, 2004, White Mountains acquired Sirius Insurance Holding Sweden AB and its subsidiaries (“Sirius”) from ABB Ltd. (the “Sirius Acquisition”) for SEK 3.27 billion (approximately $427.5 million based upon the foreign exchange spot rate at the date of acquisition), which included $10.5 million of expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition. The principal companies acquired were Sirius International, Sirius America Insurance Company (“Sirius America”) and Scandinavian Reinsurance Company Ltd. (“Scandinavian Re”). Sirius International is domiciled in Sweden and has offices in Belgium, Hamburg, London, Singapore, Stockholm and Zurich. Sirius America is a U.S.-based insurer focused on primary insurance programs that was acquired by Folksamerica as part of the transaction. Scandinavian Re is a reinsurance company that has been in run-off since 2002.

 

Supplemental unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statement information for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, which assumes that the Sirius Acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2004, follows:

 

(Unaudited)
Millions, except per share amounts

 

Pro Forma
Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2004

 

Total revenues

 

$

3,451.6

 

 

 

 

 

Income before extraordinary items

 

$

128.4

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

289.1

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

Pro forma net income - basic

 

$

30.07

 

Pro forma net income - diluted

 

$

27.84

 

 

The unaudited pro forma information presented above for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 has been supplied for comparative purposes only and does not purport to reflect the actual results that would have been reported had the Sirius Acquisition been consummated at January 1, 2004. Additionally, such pro forma financial information does not purport to represent results that may occur in the future.

 

8



 

Other

 

On September 30, 2005, OneBeacon sold National Farmers Union Property and Casualty Company (“NFU”) to QBE Insurance Group for $138.3 million in cash and recognized a gain of approximately $28 million ($23 million after-tax) on the sale through other revenues.

 

On September 30, 2005, Folksamerica sold one of its subsidiaries, California Indemnity Insurance Company (“CIIC”), for total proceeds of $19.8 million, $19.3 million of which was paid in cash, and recognized a gain of approximately $5.0 million ($3.3 million after-tax) on the sale through other revenues.

 

On August 2, 2005, OneBeacon sold one of its subsidiaries, Traders and Pacific Insurance Company (“TPIC”), to Endurance Reinsurance for $23.4 million in cash and recognized a gain of approximately $8 million ($5 million after-tax) on the sale through other revenues.

 

Note 3.  Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

 

The following table summarizes the loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserve activities of White Mountains’ insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Millions

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Gross beginning balance

 

$

9,535.8

 

$

9,329.1

 

$

9,398.5

 

$

7,728.2

 

Less beginning reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

(4,403.5

)

(3,733.3

)

(3,797.4

)

(3,473.8

)

Net loss and LAE reserves

 

5,132.3

 

5,595.8

 

5,601.1

 

4,254.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE reserves sold - NFU

 

(95.9

)

 

(95.9

)

 

Loss and LAE reserves sold - TPIC

 

(11.8

)

 

(11.8

)

 

Loss and LAE reserves sold - Peninsula Insurance Company

 

 

 

 

(17.0

)

Loss and LAE reserves acquired - Sirius (1)

 

 

 

 

1,328.9

 

Loss and LAE reserves acquired - Sierra Insurance Group (1)

 

 

 

 

244.4

 

Loss and LAE reserves consolidated - New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association

 

 

 

 

62.1

 

Loss and LAE incurred relating to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year losses

 

884.4

 

746.7

 

2,075.2

 

1,862.3

 

Prior year losses (2)

 

45.2

 

41.1

 

43.9

 

72.2

 

Total incurred losses and LAE

 

929.6

 

787.8

 

2,119.1

 

1,934.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

9.1

 

10.2

 

28.1

 

33.1

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

(3.2

)

(3.9

)

(31.4

)

4.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE paid relating to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year losses

 

(217.2

)

(332.4

)

(509.3

)

(591.8

)

Prior year losses

 

(464.3

)

(437.2

)

(1,821.3

)

(1,632.4

)

Total loss and LAE payments

 

(681.5

)

(769.6

)

(2,330.6

)

(2,224.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net ending balance

 

5,278.6

 

5,620.3

 

5,278.6

 

5,620.3

 

Plus ending reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

4,824.0

 

3,913.6

 

4,824.0

 

3,913.6

 

Gross ending balance

 

$

10,102.6

 

$

9,533.9

 

$

10,102.6

 

$

9,533.9

 

 


(1)   Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses acquired in the Sirius and Sierra Insurance Group acquisitions totalled $283.8 million and $162.5 million, respectively.

(2)   During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, White Mountains Re recorded $2 million and $8 million of unfavorable development on its workers compensation reserves, respectively, relating to its Sierra Insurance Group acquisition, which was offset dollar-for-dollar by a reduction in the principal amount of the adjustable note that White Mountains Re issued as part of the financing of that acquisition (See Note 6).

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, White Mountains experienced $45.2 million and $43.9 million, respectively, of unfavorable development on prior accident year loss reserves. The majority of the adverse development resulted from a ground-up study of Folksamerica’s exposure to asbestos claims that was

 

9



 

completed in the 2005 third quarter. The study examined losses incurred by all insureds that had reported over $250,000 of asbestos claims to Folksamerica and a significant sample of all other insureds with reported asbestos claims of less than $250,000. Comparing estimates generated by the study to Folksamerica’s exposed limits by underwriting year led to an increase of approximately $50 million in IBNR during the third quarter of 2005. Substantially all of this increase was offset by favorable activity recorded in the third quarter of 2005 related to the 2005 and 2004 underwriting years.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, White Mountains experienced $41.1 million and $72.2 million, respectively, of net unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident year loss reserves, principally due to emerging claims experienced in OneBeacon’s run-off operations and increases in reserves at OneBeacon as a result of audits of national account and program claims administered by third parties.

 

In connection with purchase accounting for the acquisitions of OneBeacon and Sirius, White Mountains was required to adjust loss and LAE reserves and the related reinsurance recoverables to fair value on OneBeacon’s and Sirius’ acquired balance sheets. The net reduction to loss and LAE reserves is being recognized through an income statement charge ratably with and over the period the claims are settled. Accordingly, White Mountains recognized $9.1 million and $28.1 million of such charges, recorded as loss and LAE, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively, and $10.2 million and $33.1 million of such charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively.

 

Note 4. Third Party Reinsurance

 

In the normal course of business, White Mountains’ insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries seek to limit losses that may arise from catastrophes or other events by reinsuring with third party reinsurers. White Mountains remains liable for risks reinsured in the event that the reinsurer does not honor its obligations under reinsurance contracts.

 

OneBeacon

 

At September 30, 2005, OneBeacon had $29.0 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid losses and $3,380.5 million (gross of $265.6 million in purchase accounting adjustments, as described in Note 3) that will become recoverable if claims are paid in accordance with current reserve estimates. The collectibility of balances due from OneBeacon’s reinsurers is critical to OneBeacon’s financial strength because reinsurance contracts do not relieve OneBeacon of its primary obligation to its policyholders. OneBeacon is selective with its reinsurers, placing reinsurance with only those reinsurers having a strong financial condition. OneBeacon monitors the financial strength of its reinsurers on an ongoing basis. As a result, uncollectible amounts have historically not been significant. The following table provides a listing of OneBeacon’s top reinsurers based upon recoverable amounts, the percentage of total reinsurance recoverables and the reinsurers’ A.M. Best ratings.

 

Top Reinsurers(1) (dollars in millions)

 

Balance at
Sept. 30, 2005

 

% of Total

 

A.M. Best
Rating
(2)

 

Subsidiaries of Berkshire (NICO and GRC) (3)

 

$

2,382.0

 

70

%

A

++

 

Liberty Mutual Insurance Group and subsidiaries (4)

 

97.7

 

3

 

A

 

 

American Re-Insurance Company

 

54.9

 

2

 

A

 

 

Nichido (formerly Tokio Fire and Marine Insurance Company)

 

53.4

 

2

 

A

+

 

Swiss Re

 

28.2

 

1

 

A

+

 

 


(1)   OneBeacon also has an additional $449 million of Third Party Recoverables (as defined below) from various reinsurers, the majority of which are rated “A” or better by A.M. Best.

(2)   A.M. Best ratings as detailed above are: “A++” (Superior, which is the highest of fifteen ratings), “A+” ( Superior, which is the second highest of fifteen ratings) and “A” (Excellent, which is the third highest of fifteen ratings).

(3)   Includes $404.0 million of Third Party Recoverables, which NICO would pay under the terms of the NICO Cover (as defined below) if they are unable to collect from third party reinsurers.

(4)   At September 30, 2005, OneBeacon had assumed balances payable and expenses payable of approximately $15.1 million under its renewal rights agreement with Liberty Mutual Insurance Group (“Liberty Mutual”), which expired on October 31, 2003. In the event of a Liberty Mutual insolvency, OneBeacon has the right to offset these balances against its reinsurance recoverable due from Liberty Mutual.

 

10



 

In June 2005, OneBeacon completed an internal study of its asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) exposures. Based on the results of the study, OneBeacon increased its best estimate of its incurred losses ceded to National Indemnity Company (“NICO”) by $353 million, net of underlying reinsurance ($841 million gross) to $2.1 billion. Due to the NICO Cover (as defined below), there was no impact to income or equity from the change in the estimate. See Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES for a detailed discussion of the results of this study.

 

In connection with the OneBeacon Acquisition, Aviva caused OneBeacon to purchase two reinsurance contracts: a full risk-transfer cover from NICO for up to $2.5 billion in old A&E claims and certain other exposures (the “NICO Cover”) and an adverse development cover from General Reinsurance Corporation (“GRC”) for up to $400.0 million of adverse development on losses occurring in years 2000 and prior (the “GRC Cover”) in addition to $170.0 million of reserves ceded as of the date of the OneBeacon Acquisition. The NICO Cover and GRC Cover, which were contingent on and occurred contemporaneously with the OneBeacon Acquisition, were put in place in lieu of a seller guarantee of loss and LAE reserves and are therefore accounted for as prospective reinsurance under GAAP in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Technical Matter Document No. D-54 (“EITF Topic
D-54”). NICO and GRC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”).

 

Under the terms of the NICO Cover, NICO receives reinsurance recoverables from certain of OneBeacon’s third party reinsurers (“Third Party Reinsurers”) in existence at the time the NICO Cover was executed (“Third Party Recoverables”). As a result, the Third Party Recoverables serve to protect the $2.5 billion limit of NICO coverage for the benefit of OneBeacon. White Mountains estimates that on an incurred basis, net of Third Party Recoverables, as of September 30, 2005 it has used approximately $2.1 billion of the coverage provided by NICO. Approximately $759 million of these incurred losses have been paid by NICO through September 30, 2005. At September 30, 2005, $31.7 million of the $2.1 billion of utilized coverage from NICO related to uncollectible Third Party Recoverables. To the extent that actual experience differs from White Mountains’ estimate of ultimate A&E losses and Third Party Recoverables, future losses could utilize some or all of the protection remaining under the NICO Cover.

 

Pursuant to the GRC Cover, OneBeacon is not entitled to recover losses to the full contract limit if such losses are reimbursed by GRC more quickly than anticipated at the time the contract was signed. OneBeacon will only seek reimbursement from GRC for claims which result in payment patterns similar to those supporting its recoverables recorded pursuant to the GRC Cover. The economic cost of not submitting certain other eligible claims to GRC is primarily the investment spread between the rate credited by GRC and the rate achieved by OneBeacon on its own investments. This cost, if any, is expected to be small.

 

White Mountains Re

 

At September 30, 2005, White Mountains Re had $74.0 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid losses and $1,693.2 million that will become recoverable if claims are paid in accordance with current reserve estimates. Because reinsurance contracts do not relieve White Mountains Re of its obligation to its ceding companies, the collectibility of balances due from its reinsurers is critical to White Mountains Re’s financial strength. White Mountains Re is selective with its reinsurers, placing reinsurance with only those reinsurers having strong financial condition. White Mountains Re monitors the financial strength of its reinsurers on an ongoing basis. Amounts due from certain of its reinsurers, including Olympus Reinsurance Company (“Olympus”), London Life & General Reinsurance Company Ltd. and London Life & Casualty Reinsurance Corp. (“London Life”) and Imagine Insurance Company, Limited (“Imagine Re”), are fully collateralized through funds held, letters of credit or trust agreements. The following table provides a listing of White Mountains Re’s top reinsurers based upon recoverable amounts, the percentage of total recoverables and the reinsurers’ A.M. Best ratings.

 

11



 

Top Reinsurers (dollars in millions)

 

Balance at
September 30, 2005

 

% of Total

 

A.M. Best
Rating
(1)

 

%
Collateralized

 

Olympus

 

$

705.6

 

40

%

B

+

 

102

%

Imagine Re

 

221.6

 

13

 

A

-

 

103

 

London Life

 

130.8

 

7

 

A

 

 

109

 

Subsidiaries of Berkshire (GRC & affiliates)

 

80.8

 

5

 

A

++

 

22

 

St. Paul Travelers

 

58.6

 

3

 

A

 

 

 

 


(1)   A.M. Best ratings as detailed above are: “A++” (Superior, which is the highest of fifteen ratings), “A” (Excellent, which is the third highest of fifteen ratings), “A-” (Excellent, which is the fourth highest of fifteen ratings) and “B+” (Very Good, which is the sixth highest of fifteen ratings).

 

At September 30, 2005, White Mountains Re had $705.6 million of reinsurance recoverables from Olympus. Included in this amount is $457.2 million recorded in the third quarter of 2005 related to hurricanes Katrina and Rita. As a result of these property catastrophe events in the third quarter of 2005, Olympus’ rating was downgraded by A.M. Best from A- to B+. White Mountains Re’s reinsurance recoverables from Olympus are fully collateralized, in the form of assets in a trust, funds held and offsetting balances payable. During October 2005, Olympus provided additional collateral to White Mountains Re, which increased their collateralized position to 115% of the balance of reinsurance recoverable from Olympus.

 

Note 5.  Investment Securities

 

White Mountains’ net investment income is comprised primarily of interest income associated with White Mountains’ fixed maturity investments, dividend income from its equity investments and interest income from its short-term investments. Net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Millions

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Investment income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments

 

$

81.8

 

$

80.4

 

$

248.1

 

$

216.9

 

Short-term investments

 

16.7

 

3.6

 

37.8

 

9.8

 

Common equity securities

 

4.0

 

.8

 

52.4

 

17.5

 

Other

 

11.4

 

1.0

 

60.8

 

8.5

 

Total investment income

 

113.9

 

85.8

 

399.1

 

252.7

 

Less investment expenses

 

(3.1

)

(2.4

)

(9.8

)

(5.1

)

Net investment income, pre-tax

 

$

110.8

 

$

83.4

 

$

389.3

 

$

247.6

 

 

During the first quarter of 2005, Montpelier declared a special dividend of $5.50 per share, payable to holders of both its common shares and warrants to acquire its common shares. White Mountains recorded pre-tax investment income of $74.1 million in the first quarter for this special dividend, of which $34.7 million (relating to its common share investment) was included in net investment income from common equity securities and $39.4 million (relating to its warrant investment) was included in net investment income from other investments. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, White Mountains also recorded an aggregate of $4.9 million and $14.7 million, respectively, in pre-tax investment income from Montpelier’s regular quarterly dividend.

 

The composition of realized investment gains (losses) consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Millions

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Fixed maturity investments

 

$

10.9

 

$

7.0

 

$

43.1

 

$

18.7

 

Common equity securities

 

55.7

 

22.3

 

120.9

 

48.5

 

Montpelier common shares

 

 

 

 

35.2

 

Other investments

 

(47.7

)

24.3

 

(44.7

)

7.4

 

Net realized investment gains, pre-tax

 

$

18.9

 

$

53.6

 

$

119.3

 

$

109.8

 

 

12



 

In accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”), White Mountains accounts for its Montpelier warrants at fair value as a component of other investments, and records changes in fair value through the income statement as realized investment gains or losses. White Mountains recorded investment losses of $60.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and investment losses of $75.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and investment gains of $10.9 million and $3.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 related to its Montpelier warrants.

 

During the first quarter of 2004, White Mountains sold 4.5 million common shares of Montpelier to third parties for net proceeds of $155.3 million, resulting in a realized investment gain of $35.2 million. Also during the first quarter of 2004, White Mountains purchased additional warrants to acquire 2,390,786 common shares of Montpelier from an existing warrant holder for $54.1 million in cash, thereby raising the total number of such warrants owned by White Mountains to 7,172,358. The Montpelier warrants have an exercise price of $16.67 per share (as adjusted for stock splits) and are exercisable until December 2011.

 

The following table summarizes the carrying value of White Mountains’ investment in Montpelier as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004:

 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

December 31, 2004

 

Millions

 

Shares

 

Fair
Value

 

Shares

 

Fair
Value

 

Montpelier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares

 

6.3

 

$

152.4

 

6.3

 

$

235.4

 

Warrants to acquire common shares

 

7.2

 

84.9

 

7.2

 

160.9

 

Total investment in Montpelier

 

13.5

 

$

237.3

 

13.5

 

$

396.3

 

 

The components of White Mountains’ ending net unrealized investment gains and losses on its investment portfolio and its investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were as follows:

 

Millions

 

September 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

Investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Gross unrealized investment gains

 

$

463.8

 

$

551.7

 

Gross unrealized investment losses

 

(101.1

)

(26.3

)

Net unrealized gains from investment securities

 

362.7

 

525.4

 

Net unrealized gains from investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

47.9

 

67.2

 

Total net unrealized investment gains, before tax

 

410.6

 

592.6

 

Income taxes attributable to such gains

 

(121.8

)

(176.5

)

Total net unrealized investment gains, after-tax

 

$

288.8

 

$

416.1

 

 

Impairment

 

Temporary losses on investment securities are recorded as unrealized losses. Temporary losses do not impact net income and earnings per share but serve to reduce comprehensive net income, shareholders’ equity and tangible book value. Unrealized losses subsequently identified as other-than-temporary impairments are recorded as realized losses. Other-than-temporary impairments previously recorded as unrealized losses do not impact comprehensive net income, shareholders’ equity and tangible book value but serve to reduce net income and earnings per share.

 

13



 

White Mountains’ methodology of assessing other-than-temporary impairments is based on security-specific facts and circumstances as of the balance sheet date. As a result, subsequent adverse changes in an issuers’ credit quality or subsequent weakening of market conditions that differ from expectations could result in additional other-than-temporary impairments. In addition, the sale of a fixed maturity security with a previously recorded unrealized loss would result in a realized loss. Either of these situations would adversely impact net income and earnings per share but would not impact comprehensive net income, shareholders’ equity or tangible book value.

 

The following table presents an analysis of the continuous periods during which White Mountains has held investment positions which were carried at an unrealized loss as of September 30, 2005 (excluding short-term investments):

 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

Dollars in millions

 

0-6
Months

 

6-12
Months

 

> 12
Months

 

Total

 

Fixed maturity investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

320

 

204

 

93

 

617

 

Market value

 

$

2,738.7

 

$

1,456.5

 

$

524.6

 

$

4,719.8

 

Amortized cost

 

$

2,768.0

 

$

1,488.7

 

$

536.9

 

$

4,793.6

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(29.3

)

$

(32.2

)

$

(12.3

)

$

(73.8

)

Common equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

35

 

8

 

 

43

 

Market value

 

$

223.0

 

$

5.3

 

$

 

$

228.3

 

Cost

 

$

245.7

 

$

6.3

 

$

 

$

252.0

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(22.7

)

$

(1.0

)

$

 

$

(23.7

)

Other investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

10

 

1

 

1

 

12

 

Market value

 

$

11.8

 

$

0.4

 

$

1.6

 

$

13.8

 

Cost

 

$

15.3

 

$

0.4

 

$

1.7

 

$

17.4

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(3.5

)

$

 

$

(0.1

)

$

(3.6

)

Total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

365

 

213

 

94

 

672

 

Market value

 

$

2,973.5

 

$

1,462.2

 

$

526.2

 

$

4,961.9

 

Amortized cost

 

$

3,029.0

 

$

1,495.4

 

$

538.6

 

$

5,063.0

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(55.5

)

$

(33.2

)

$

(12.4

)

$

(101.1

)

% of total gross unrealized losses

 

54.9

%

32.7

%

12.4

%

100.0

%

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, White Mountains did not experience any material other-than-temporary impairment charges. White Mountains believes that the gross unrealized losses relating to its fixed maturity investments at September 30, 2005 resulted primarily from increases in market interest rates from the dates that certain investments within that portfolio were acquired as opposed to fundamental changes in the credit quality of the issuers of such securities. White Mountains views these decreases in value as being temporary because it has the intent and ability to retain such investments until recovery. However, should White Mountains determine that it no longer has the intent and ability to hold a fixed maturity investment that has an existing unrealized loss resulting from an increase in market interest rates until it recovers, this loss would be realized through the income statement at the time such determination is made. White Mountains also believes that the gross unrealized losses recorded on its common equity securities and its other investments at September 30, 2005 resulted primarily from decreases in quoted market values from the dates that certain investments securities within that portfolio were acquired as opposed to fundamental changes in the issuer’s financial performance and near-term financial prospects. Therefore, these decreases are also viewed as being temporary. However, due to the inherent risk involved in investing in the equity markets, it is possible that the decrease in market value of these investments may ultimately prove to be other than temporary. As of September 30, 2005, White Mountains’ investment portfolio did not include any investment securities with an after-tax unrealized loss of more than $3.0 million for more than a six-month period.

 

14



 

Note 6.  Debt

 

White Mountains’ debt outstanding as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 consisted of the following:

 

Millions

 

September 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

Senior unsecured notes (“Senior Notes”), at face value

 

$

700.0

 

$

700.0

 

Unamortized original issue discount

 

(1.6

)

(1.7

)

Senior Notes, carrying value

 

698.4

 

698.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$400 million revolving credit facility (“Bank Facility”)

 

 

 

Sierra Insurance Group Note

 

41.8

 

50.0

 

Atlantic Specialty Note

 

20.0

 

20.0

 

Other debt

 

15.0

 

15.0

 

Total debt

 

$

775.2

 

$

783.3

 

 

In connection with its acquisition of the Sierra Insurance Group on March 31, 2004, Folksamerica entered into a $62.0 million purchase note (the “Sierra Insurance Group Note”), $58.0 million of which will be adjusted over its approximate six-year term to reflect favorable or adverse loss reserve development on the acquired reserve portfolio and run-off of remaining policies in force (mainly workers compensation business) as well as certain other balance sheet protections. Since the closing of this acquisition, the Sierra Insurance Group Note has been reduced by $20.2 million as a result of adverse development on the acquired reserves and run-off of unearned premium, $8.2 million of which occurred during 2005.

 

15



 

Note 7.  Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding excluding unearned restricted Common Shares (“Restricted Shares”), which are being fully expensed over the vesting period and were anti-dilutive for all periods presented. Diluted earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of Common Shares and the net effect of potentially dilutive Common Shares outstanding, based on the treasury stock method. The following table outlines the Company’s computation of earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004:

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Basic earnings per share numerators (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before extraordinary item

 

$

(66.3

)

$

(50.8

)

$

256.8

 

93.2

 

Extraordinary item - excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost

 

 

40.7

 

 

160.7

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(66.3

)

$

(10.1

)

$

256.8

 

$

253.9

 

Diluted earnings per share numerators (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before extraordinary item

 

$

(66.3

)

$

(50.8

)

$

256.8

 

$

93.2

 

Other effects on diluted earnings (1)

 

 

 

(.6

)

(.8

)

Adjusted net income (loss) before extraordinary item

 

$

(66.3

)

$

(50.8

)

$

256.2

 

$

92.4

 

Extraordinary item - excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost

 

 

40.7

 

 

160.7

 

Adjusted net income (loss)

 

$

(66.3

)

$

(10.1

)

$

256.2

 

$

253.1

 

Earnings per share denominators (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share denominator (average Common Shares outstanding)

 

10,761

 

10,754

 

10,760

 

9,616

 

Average outstanding dilutive options and Warrants

 

 

 

35

 

742

 

Diluted earnings per share denominator (2)

 

10,761

 

10,754

 

10,795

 

10,358

 

Basic earnings per share (in dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before extraordinary item

 

$

(6.16

)

$

(4.72

)

$

23.87

 

$

9.70

 

Extraordinary item - excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost

 

 

3.78

 

 

16.71

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(6.16

)

$

(.94

)

$

23.87

 

$

26.41

 

Diluted earnings per share (in dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before extraordinary item

 

$

(6.16

)

$

(4.72

)

$

23.73

 

$

8.93

 

Extraordinary item - excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost

 

 

3.78

 

 

15.51

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(6.16

)

$

(.94

)

$

23.73

 

$

24.44

 

 


(1)   The diluted earnings per share numerator for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 has been adjusted to exclude an income statement credit associated with outstanding options to acquire Common Shares (see note below). The diluted earnings per share numerator for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 has been adjusted to exclude a portion of White Mountains’ equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, which is reflective of dilution in Montpelier’s earnings brought about by outstanding warrants and options to acquire common shares of Montpelier that are in-the-money. As of March 31, 2004, White Mountains changed its method of accounting for its investment in Montpelier from equity accounting to fair value, therefore, this adjustment is only applicable for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

(2)   The diluted earnings per share denominator for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 includes the effects of options to acquire an average of 45,068 Common Shares at an average strike price of $144.26 per Common Share. The options were not dilutive during any other periods presented. The diluted earnings per share denominator for th nine months ended September 30, 2004 includes the effects of warrants to acquire an average of 1,138,979 Common Shares at an average strike price of $173.99 per Common Share. The warrants were fully exercised on June 29, 2004, therefore, this adjustment is not applicable for periods thereafter.

 

16



 

Note 8.  Segment Information

 

White Mountains has determined that its reportable segments are OneBeacon, White Mountains Re, Esurance and Other Operations. White Mountains has made its segment determination based on consideration of the following criteria: (i) the nature of the business activities of each of the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates; (ii) the manner in which the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates are organized; (iii) the existence of primary managers responsible for specific subsidiaries and affiliates; and (iv) the organization of information provided to the Board of Directors. Significant intercompany transactions among White Mountains’ segments have been eliminated herein. Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. Financial information for White Mountains’ segments follows:

 

Millions

 

OneBeacon

 

White
Mountains Re

 

Esurance

 

Other
Operations

 

Total

 

Three months ended September 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

537.1

 

$

363.5

 

$

81.8

 

$

 

$

982.4

 

Net investment income

 

54.4

 

38.9

 

2.3

 

15.2

 

110.8

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

60.0

 

12.5

 

1.1

 

(54.7

)

18.9

 

Other revenue

 

54.5

 

2.8

 

.8

 

7.4

 

65.5

 

Total revenues

 

706.0

 

417.7

 

86.0

 

(32.1

)

1,177.6

 

Losses and LAE

 

396.2

 

478.2

 

54.6

 

.6

 

929.6

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

102.2

 

69.6

 

27.9

 

 

199.7

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

75.5

 

19.9

 

9.9

 

.4

 

105.7

 

General and administrative expenses

 

15.5

 

2.7

 

.1

 

21.2

 

39.5

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

2.6

 

 

6.5

 

9.1

 

Interest expense on debt

 

.4

 

.6

 

 

10.5

 

11.5

 

Interest expense on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

 

 

13.3

 

13.3

 

Total expenses

 

589.8

 

573.6

 

92.5

 

52.5

 

1,308.4

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

116.2

 

$

(155.9

)

$

(6.5

)

$

(84.6

)

$

(130.8

)

 

Millions

 

OneBeacon

 

White
Mountains Re

 

Esurance

 

Other
Operations

 

Total

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

1,622.0

 

$

1,044.0

 

$

213.0

 

$

1.8

 

$

2,880.8

 

Net investment income

 

191.7

 

109.1

 

6.5

 

82.0

 

389.3

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

146.6

 

31.0

 

3.3

 

(61.6

)

119.3

 

Other revenue

 

98.9

 

30.4

 

2.3

 

52.8

 

184.4

 

Total revenues

 

2,059.2

 

1,214.5

 

225.1

 

75.0

 

3,573.8

 

Losses and LAE

 

1,060.5

 

914.8

 

141.5

 

2.3

 

2,119.1

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

300.0

 

210.8

 

62.0

 

.1

 

572.9

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

247.8

 

82.1

 

25.0

 

1.3

 

356.2

 

General and administrative expenses

 

52.7

 

9.0

 

 

77.0

 

138.7

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

8.6

 

 

19.5

 

28.1

 

Interest expense on debt

 

1.1

 

1.7

 

 

32.0

 

34.8

 

Interest expense on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

 

 

38.8

 

38.8

 

Total expenses

 

1,662.1

 

1,227.0

 

228.5

 

171.0

 

3,288.6

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

397.1

 

$

(12.5

)

$

(3.4

)

$

(96.0

)

$

285.2

 

 

17



 

Millions

 

OneBeacon

 

White
Mountains Re

 

Esurance

 

Other
Operations

 

Total

 

Three months ended September 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

600.1

 

$

345.9

 

$

46.4

 

$

(.1

)

$

992.3

 

Net investment income

 

52.3

 

18.6

 

.9

 

11.6

 

83.4

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

36.1

 

(3.4

)

.2

 

20.7

 

53.6

 

Other revenue (loss)

 

29.1

 

(10.4

)

.8

 

14.8

 

34.3

 

Total revenues

 

717.6

 

350.7

 

48.3

 

47.0

 

1,163.6

 

Losses and LAE

 

441.9

 

305.3

 

31.6

 

9.0

 

787.8

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

111.7

 

83.5

 

8.4

 

 

203.6

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

97.7

 

32.2

 

7.1

 

.5

 

137.5

 

General and administrative expenses

 

31.5

 

5.1

 

.3

 

41.5

 

78.4

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

3.7

 

 

6.5

 

10.2

 

Interest expense on debt

 

.3

 

1.0

 

 

10.9

 

12.2

 

Interest expense on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

 

 

12.0

 

12.0

 

Total expenses

 

683.1

 

430.8

 

47.4

 

80.4

 

1,241.7

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

34.5

 

$

(80.1

)

$

.9

 

$

(33.4

)

$

(78.1

)

 

Millions

 

OneBeacon

 

White
Mountains Re

 

Esurance

 

Other
Operations

 

Total

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

1,794.5

 

$

903.4

 

$

123.5

 

$

 

$

2,821.4

 

Net investment income

 

161.7

 

60.2

 

2.2

 

23.5

 

247.6

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

107.0

 

9.0

 

.6

 

(6.8

)

109.8

 

Other revenue

 

93.0

 

23.0

 

1.3

 

8.8

 

126.1

 

Total revenues

 

2,156.2

 

995.6

 

127.6

 

25.5

 

3,304.9

 

Losses and LAE

 

1,180.2

 

655.3

 

89.0

 

10.0

 

1,934.5

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

328.1

 

197.2

 

19.9

 

 

545.2

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

284.0

 

83.1

 

18.3

 

1.3

 

386.7

 

General and administrative expenses

 

90.8

 

11.6

 

.3

 

99.7

 

202.4

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

6.4

 

 

26.7

 

33.1

 

Interest expense on debt

 

.7

 

2.7

 

 

32.2

 

35.6

 

Interest expense on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

 

 

35.3

 

35.3

 

Total expenses

 

1,883.8

 

956.3

 

127.5

 

205.2

 

3,172.8

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

272.4

 

$

39.3

 

$

.1

 

$

(179.7

)

$

132.1

 

 

18



 

Note 9.  Share-Based Compensation

 

White Mountains’ share-based compensation plans consist primarily of performance shares with limited use of Restricted Shares and a one-time grant of incentive stock options with an escalating exercise price to acquire Common Shares (“Options”). Such plans are designed to maximize shareholder value over long periods of time by aligning the financial interests of its management with those of its owners. Performance shares are payable upon achievement of pre-defined business goals and the cost of these awards, which is based on the market value of Common Shares, is expensed over the service period (typically three years). Performance shares are typically paid in cash, though they may be paid in Common Shares at the election of the Board of Directors, or may be deferred in accordance with the terms of the Company’s deferred compensation plans.

 

White Mountains expenses all its share-based compensation, including its outstanding Options and Restricted Shares. White Mountains recorded compensation charges (credits) of ($8.1) million and $24.7 million for outstanding performance shares during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively, and $42.7 million and $125.6 million for outstanding performance shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively. Compensation expense charged to earnings for Restricted Shares was $.4 million and $1.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively, and $.6 million and $1.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively. During the 2005 third quarter, the Company cancelled and retired 1,000 Restricted Shares that were forfeited by a former employee. Compensation charges (credits) recorded for Options were ($.7) million and ($.6) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively, and $1.0 million and $3.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively. At September 30, 2005, the Company had 44,280 Options outstanding (8,280 of which were exercisable) with an exercise price of $147.10 per Common Share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, 2,250 Options were exercised at an average exercise price of $142.11 per Common Share.

 

White Mountains has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS 123 with respect to its outstanding Options and Restricted Shares. The following table illustrates the pro forma effect on net income and earnings per share for each period indicated as if the Company applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 to its employee Option incentive compensation program. The effects of Restricted Share and performance share expense are not included below because the accounting treatment that the Company follows under APB 25 is identical to the fair value accounting prescribed by SFAS 123 for these instruments.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Millions, except per share amounts

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net income (loss), as reported

 

$

(66.3

)

$

(10.1

)

$

256.8

 

$

253.9

 

Add: Option (income) expense included in reported net income

 

(.7

)

1.0

 

(.6

)

3.5

 

Deduct: Option expense determined under fair value based method

 

 

 

(.1

)

(.1

)

Net income (loss), pro forma

 

$

(67.0

)

$

(9.1

)

$

256.1

 

$

257.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic - as reported

 

$

(6.16

)

$

(.94

)

$

23.87

 

$

26.41

 

Basic - pro forma

 

(6.23

)

(.85

)

23.80

 

26.76

 

Diluted - as reported

 

(6.16

)

(.94

)

23.73

 

24.44

 

Diluted - pro forma

 

(6.23

)

(.85

)

23.72

 

24.77

 

 

NOTE 10.  Investments in Unconsolidated Insurance Affiliates

 

White Mountains’ investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates represent operating investments in other insurers in which White Mountains has a significant voting and economic interest but does not own more than 50% of the entity.

 

Symetra

 

White Mountains owns 24% of the common shares of Symetra on a fully converted basis, consisting of 2 million common shares and warrants to acquire an additional 1.1 million common shares. White Mountains accounts for its

 

19



 

investment in Symetra’s common shares using the equity method of accounting and accounts for its Symetra warrants under SFAS 133, recording the warrants at fair value with changes in fair value recognized through the income statement as a realized investment gain or loss.

 

The following table provides summary financial amounts recorded by White Mountains during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 relating to its investment in Symetra:

 

Millions

 

Common
Shares

 

Warrants

 

Total

 

Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of December 31, 2004

 

$

267.7

 

$

37.3

 

$

305.0

 

Equity in earnings of Symetra (1)

 

6.8

 

 

6.8

 

Net unrealized losses from Symetra’s equity portfolio

 

(0.1

)

 

(0.1

)

Net unrealized losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

(24.5

)

 

(24.5

)

Increase in value of warrants

 

 

2.1

 

2.1

 

Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of March 31, 2005

 

249.9

 

39.4

 

289.3

 

Equity in earnings of Symetra (1)

 

7.5

 

 

7.5

 

Net unrealized gains from Symetra’s equity portfolio

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

63.6

 

 

63.6

 

Increase in value of warrants

 

 

1.5

 

1.5

 

Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of June 30, 2005

 

321.0

 

40.9

 

361.9

 

Equity in earnings of Symetra (1)

 

6.1

 

 

6.1

 

Net unrealized gains from Symetra’s equity portfolio

 

.7

 

 

.7

 

Net unrealized losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

(56.3

)

 

(56.3

)

Increase in value of warrants

 

 

3.7

 

3.7

 

Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of September 30, 2005

 

$

271.5

 

$

44.6

 

$

316.1

 

 


(1) Equity in earnings is net of tax of $0.

 

The following table provides summary financial amounts recorded by White Mountains during the three months ended September 30, 2004 relating to its investment in Symetra:

 

Millions

 

Common
Shares

 

Warrants

 

Total

 

Initial value of investment in Symetra at closing, August 2, 2004

 

$

159.3

 

$

35.4

 

$

194.7

 

Extraordinary gain - excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost

 

40.7

 

 

40.7

 

Equity in earnings of Symetra (1)

 

4.4

 

 

4.4

 

Net unrealized gains from Symetra’s equity portfolio

 

.3

 

 

.3

 

Net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

48.1

 

 

48.1

 

Increase in value of warrants

 

 

.4

 

.4

 

Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of September 30, 2004

 

$

252.8

 

$

35.8

 

$

288.6

 

 


(1) Equity in earnings is net of tax of $0.

 

MSA

 

White Mountains owns 50% of the total common shares outstanding of Main Street America Holdings, Inc. (“MSA”), a stock subsidiary of National Grange Mutual, and accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, White Mountains recorded after-tax net income of $2.8 million and $7.3 million, respectively, from its investment in MSA. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, White Mountains recorded ($1.8) million and ($3.9) million of after-tax equity in MSA’s unrealized investment (losses), respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, White Mountains recorded $(.7) million and $11.4 million, respectively, of after-tax equity in earnings (loss) and $3.4 million and $(.6) million, respectively, of after-tax equity in MSA’s unrealized investment gains (losses). As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, White Mountains’ investment in MSA totaled $170.8 million and $161.6 million, respectively.

 

20



 

Note 11. Consolidating Financial Information

 

In 2003, Fund American Companies, Inc. (“Fund American”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, issued the Senior Notes through a public offering. The Company has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Senior Notes and may fully and unconditionally guarantee any debt securities or trust preferred securities issued by Fund American’s subsidiaries pursuant to its July 2003 shelf registration statement. The following tables present White Mountains’ consolidating balance sheets as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. These financial statements reflect the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows on a stand-alone basis, that of Fund American and of the Company’s other entities, as well as the necessary adjustments to eliminate intercompany balances and transactions.

 

Consolidating Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2005
(Dollars in Millions)

 

The Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund American

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments, at fair value

 

$

219.8

 

$

3,779.0

 

$

3,595.4

 

$

 

$

7,594.2

 

Common equity securities, at fair value

 

 

370.5

 

629.6

 

 

1,000.1

 

Short-term investments, at amortized cost

 

12.3

 

585.2

 

429.8

 

 

1,027.3

 

Other investments

 

 

302.0

 

205.1

 

 

507.1

 

Total investments

 

232.1

 

5,036.7

 

4,859.9

 

 

10,128.7

 

Cash

 

 

144.9

 

60.5

 

 

205.4

 

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

 

1,767.4

 

3,159.9

 

 

4,927.3

 

Insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

 

366.0

 

673.7

 

 

1,039.7

 

Securities lending collateral

 

 

232.1

 

554.8

 

 

786.9

 

Funds held by ceding companies

 

 

707.6

 

 

 

707.6

 

Investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

44.5

 

271.5

 

170.8

 

 

486.8

 

Deferred tax asset

 

 

106.5

 

231.8

 

 

338.3

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

 

96.3

 

212.0

 

 

308.3

 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

 

209.6

 

32.6

 

 

242.2

 

Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales

 

 

8.3

 

18.7

 

 

27.0

 

Investment income accrued

 

.9

 

43.2

 

46.9

 

 

91.0

 

Investment in consolidated subsidiaries

 

3,670.4

 

 

 

(3,670.4

)

 

Other assets

 

17.8

 

88.9

 

399.9

 

 

506.6

 

Total assets

 

$

3,965.7

 

$

9,079.0

 

$

10,421.5

 

$

(3,670.4

)

$

19,795.8

 

LIABILITIES AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE reserves

 

$

 

$

4,630.0

 

$

5,472.6

 

$

 

$

10,102.6

 

Reserves for structured contracts

 

 

268.3

 

 

 

268.3

 

Unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

 

634.7

 

1,083.2

 

 

1,717.9

 

Securities lending payable

 

 

232.1

 

554.8

 

 

786.9

 

Debt

 

 

48.7

 

726.5

 

 

775.2

 

Deferred tax liability

 

 

281.7

 

 

 

281.7

 

Ceded reinsurance payable

 

 

122.6

 

96.5

 

 

219.1

 

Funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

 

164.2

 

5.7

 

 

169.9

 

Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases

 

 

97.3

 

65.5

 

 

162.8

 

Other liabilities

 

82.9

 

414.5

 

703.3

 

 

1,200.7

 

Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

20.0

 

207.9

 

 

227.9

 

Total liabilities

 

82.9

 

6,914.1

 

8,916.0

 

 

15,913.0

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

3,882.8

 

2,164.9

 

1,505.5

 

(3,670.4

)

3,882.8

 

Total liabilities and common shareholders’ equity

 

$

3,965.7

 

$

9,079.0

 

$

10,421.5

 

$

(3,670.4

)

$

19,795.8

 

 

21



 

Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004
(Dollars in Millions)

 

The Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund American

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments, at fair value

 

$

246.8

 

$

3,457.6

 

$

4,195.6

 

$

 

$

7,900.0

 

Common equity securities, at fair value

 

 

327.7

 

716.2

 

 

1,043.9

 

Short-term investments, at amortized cost

 

16.2

 

632.9

 

409.1

 

 

1,058.2

 

Other investments

 

 

367.0

 

160.4

 

 

527.4

 

Total investments

 

263.0

 

4,785.2

 

5,481.3

 

 

10,529.5

 

Cash

 

 

195.8

 

47.3

 

 

243.1

 

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

 

1,388.9

 

2,500.5

 

 

3,889.4

 

Insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

 

392.0

 

550.2

 

 

942.2

 

Securities lending collateral

 

 

308.4

 

284.9

 

 

593.3

 

Funds held by ceding companies

 

 

943.8

 

 

 

943.8

 

Investment in unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

37.3

 

267.6

 

161.7

 

 

466.6

 

Deferred tax asset

 

 

92.4

 

179.1

 

 

271.5

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

 

108.0

 

200.2

 

 

308.2

 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

 

182.5

 

41.6

 

 

224.1

 

Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales

 

 

.2

 

19.7

 

 

19.9

 

Investment income accrued

 

1.6

 

41.3

 

59.5

 

 

102.4

 

Investment in consolidated subsidiaries

 

3,665.1

 

 

 

(3,665.1

)

 

Other assets

 

12.3

 

87.7

 

381.1

 

 

481.1

 

Total assets

 

$

3,979.3

 

$

8,793.8

 

$

9,907.1

 

$

(3,665.1

)

$

19,015.1

 

LIABILITIES AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE reserves

 

$

 

$

4,277.8

 

$

5,120.7

 

$

 

$

9,398.5

 

Reserves for structured contracts

 

 

375.9

 

 

 

375.9

 

Unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

 

672.6

 

1,066.8

 

 

1,739.4

 

Securities lending payable

 

 

308.4

 

284.9

 

 

593.3

 

Debt

 

 

57.0

 

726.3

 

 

783.3

 

Deferred tax liability

 

 

316.3

 

 

 

316.3

 

Ceded reinsurance payable

 

 

121.4

 

80.0

 

 

201.4

 

Funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

 

149.3

 

6.1

 

 

155.4

 

Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases

 

 

11.8

 

19.1

 

 

30.9

 

Other liabilities

 

95.4

 

409.8

 

819.7

 

 

1,324.9

 

Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

19.9

 

192.0

 

 

211.9

 

Total liabilities

 

95.4

 

6,720.2

 

8,315.6

 

 

15,131.2

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

3,883.9

 

2,073.6

 

1,591.5

 

(3,665.1

)

3,883.9

 

Total liabilities and common shareholders’ equity

 

$

3,979.3

 

$

8,793.8

 

$

9,907.1

 

$

(3,665.1

)

$

19,015.1

 

 

22



 

Consolidating Statement of Income
Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
(Dollars in Millions)

 

The Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund American

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

 

$

435.5

 

$

546.9

 

$

 

$

982.4

 

Net investment income

 

1.7

 

46.6

 

62.5

 

 

110.8

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

2.9

 

(43.9

)

59.9

 

 

18.9

 

Other revenue

 

 

3.7

 

61.8

 

 

65.5

 

Total revenues

 

4.6

 

441.9

 

731.1

 

 

1,177.6

 

Losses and LAE

 

 

522.0

 

407.6

 

 

929.6

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

 

99.2

 

100.5

 

 

199.7

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

 

29.9

 

75.8

 

 

105.7

 

General and administrative expenses

 

(.8

)

19.4

 

20.9

 

 

39.5

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

2.6

 

6.5

 

 

9.1

 

Interest expense on debt

 

 

.5

 

11.0

 

 

11.5

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

 

.5

 

12.8

 

 

13.3

 

Total expenses

 

(.8

)

674.1

 

635.1

 

 

1,308.4

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

5.4

 

(232.2

)

96.0

 

 

(130.8

)

Income tax benefit (provision)

 

(.1

)

101.2

 

(45.5

)

 

55.6

 

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

 

(71.6

)

 

 

71.6

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

 

6.1

 

2.8

 

 

8.9

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(66.3

)

$

(124.9

)

$

53.3

 

$

71.6

 

$

(66.3

)

 

Consolidating Statement of Income
Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
(Dollars in Millions)

 

The Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund American

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

 

$

123.8

 

$

868.5

 

$

 

$

992.3

 

Net investment income

 

.6

 

10.2

 

72.6

 

 

83.4

 

Net realized investment gains

 

.3

 

13.3

 

40.0

 

 

53.6

 

Other revenue (loss)

 

 

(9.1

)

45.8

 

(2.4

)

34.3

 

Total revenues

 

.9

 

138.2

 

1,026.9

 

(2.4

)

1,163.6

 

Losses and LAE

 

 

63.6

 

724.2

 

 

787.8

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

 

42.4

 

163.6

 

(2.4

)

203.6

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

 

17.6

 

119.9

 

 

137.5

 

General and administrative expenses

 

11.5

 

30.2

 

36.7

 

 

78.4

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

3.7

 

6.5

 

 

10.2

 

Interest expense on debt

 

.2

 

 

12.0

 

 

12.2

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

 

.5

 

11.5

 

 

12.0

 

Total expenses

 

11.7

 

158.0

 

1,074.4

 

(2.4

)

1,241.7

 

Pre-tax loss

 

(10.8

)

(19.8

)

(47.5

)

 

(78.1

)

Income tax benefit (provision)

 

 

41.8

 

(18.2

)

 

23.6

 

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

 

(40.0

)

 

 

40.0

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

 

4.4

 

(.7

)

 

3.7

 

Excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost

 

40.7

 

 

 

 

40.7

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(10.1

)

$

26.4

 

$

(66.4

)

$

40.0

 

$

(10.1

)

 

23



 

Consolidating Statement of Income
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
(Dollars in Millions)

 

The Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund American

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

 

$

1,257.4

 

$

1,623.4

 

$

 

$

2,880.8

 

Net investment income

 

5.2

 

170.5

 

213.6

 

 

389.3

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

6.2

 

(35.5

)

148.6

 

 

119.3

 

Other revenue

 

30.6

 

32.7

 

121.1

 

 

184.4

 

Total revenues

 

42.0

 

1,425.1

 

2,106.7

 

 

3,573.8

 

Losses and LAE

 

 

1,034.6

 

1,084.5

 

 

2,119.1

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

 

287.0

 

285.9

 

 

572.9

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

 

107.2

 

249.0

 

 

356.2

 

General and administrative expenses

 

18.1

 

39.6

 

81.0

 

 

138.7

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

8.6

 

19.5

 

 

28.1

 

Interest expense on debt

 

 

1.7

 

33.1

 

 

34.8

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

 

1.5

 

37.3

 

 

38.8

 

Total expenses

 

18.1

 

1,480.2

 

1,790.3

 

 

3,288.6

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

23.9

 

(55.1

)

316.4

 

 

285.2

 

Income tax benefit (provision)

 

(.2

)

87.8

 

(143.7

)

 

(56.1

)

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

 

233.1

 

 

 

(233.1

)

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

 

20.4

 

7.3

 

 

27.7

 

Net income

 

$

256.8

 

$

53.1

 

$

180.0

 

$

(233.1

)

$

256.8

 

 

Consolidating Statement of Income
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
(Dollars in Millions)

 

The Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund American

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

 

$

308.0

 

$

2,513.4

 

$

 

$

2,821.4

 

Net investment income

 

.6

 

29.5

 

217.5

 

 

247.6

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

.3

 

(6.3

)

115.8

 

 

109.8

 

Other revenue

 

 

16.2

 

118.7

 

(8.8

)

126.1

 

Total revenues

 

.9

 

347.4

 

2,965.4

 

(8.8

)

3,304.9

 

Losses and LAE

 

 

174.9

 

1,759.6

 

 

1,934.5

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

 

86.3

 

467.7

 

(8.8

)

545.2

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

 

32.4

 

354.3

 

 

386.7

 

General and administrative expenses

 

34.4

 

37.6

 

130.4

 

 

202.4

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

6.4

 

26.7

 

 

33.1

 

Interest expense on debt

 

.3

 

.1

 

35.2

 

 

35.6

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

 

1.5

 

33.8

 

 

35.3

 

Total expenses

 

34.7

 

339.2

 

2,807.7

 

(8.8

)

3,172.8

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

(33.8

)

8.2

 

157.7

 

 

132.1

 

Income tax benefit (provision)

 

(.1

)

38.2

 

(103.8

)

 

(65.7

)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

247.1

 

 

 

(247.1

)

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

 

4.4

 

22.4

 

 

26.8

 

Excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost

 

40.7

 

110.9

 

9.1

 

 

160.7

 

Net income

 

$

253.9

 

$

161.7

 

$

85.4

 

$

(247.1

)

$

253.9

 

 

24



 

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
(Dollars in Millions)

 

The Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund American

 

Total

 

Cash flows from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income, excluding equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

$

23.7

 

$

53.1

 

$

180.0

 

$

256.8

 

Charges (credits) to reconcile net income to cash flows from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment (gains) losses

 

(2.9

)

32.2

 

(148.6

)

(119.3

)

Other operating items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

 

545.5

 

473.3

 

1,018.8

 

Net change in funds held by ceding companies

 

 

245.1

 

(.4

)

244.7

 

Net change in reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

 

(459.2

)

(673.1

)

(1,132.3

)

Net change in insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

 

(14.0

)

(150.6

)

(164.6

)

Net change in reserves for structured contracts

 

 

(107.0

)

 

(107.0

)

Net change in deferred acquisition costs

 

 

7.4

 

(25.1

)

(17.7

)

Net change in other assets and liabilities

 

(20.0

)

(137.2

)

145.9

 

(11.3

)

Net cash flows (used for) provided from operations

 

.8

 

165.9

 

(198.6

)

(31.9

)

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in short-term investments

 

4.0

 

22.0

 

(47.4

)

(21.4

)

Sales of fixed maturity investments

 

106.6

 

1,785.9

 

2,453.4

 

4,345.9

 

Maturities of fixed maturity investments

 

 

654.0

 

68.9

 

722.9

 

Sales of common equity securities and other investments

 

 

89.8

 

362.0

 

451.8

 

Net change in unsettled investment purchases and sales

 

 

77.5

 

47.4

 

124.9

 

Purchases of common equity securities and other investments

 

 

(96.3

)

(294.4

)

(390.7

)

Purchases of fixed maturity investments

 

(82.1

)

(2,950.4

)

(2,254.1

)

(5,286.6

)

Sales of consolidated affiliates, net of cash sold

 

 

 

19.0

 

161.6

 

180.6

 

Net acquisitions of property and equipment

 

 

(7.6

)

(28.8

)

(36.4

)

Net cash flows provided from (used for) investing activities

 

28.5

 

(406.1

)

468.6

 

91.0

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany dividends and transfers

 

35.0

 

200.6

 

(235.6

)

 

Cash dividends paid to common shareholders

 

(64.6

)

 

 

(64.6

)

Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders

 

 

(1.5

)

(21.2

)

(22.7

)

Proceeds from issuance of Common Shares

 

.3

 

 

 

.3

 

Net cash (used for) provided from financing activities

 

(29.3

)

199.1

 

(256.8

)

(87.0

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

(9.8

)

 

(9.8

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash during period

 

 

(50.9

)

13.2

 

(37.7

)

Cash balances at beginning of period

 

 

195.8

 

47.3

 

243.1

 

Cash balances at end of period

 

$

 

$

144.9

 

$

60.5

 

$

205.4

 

 

25



 

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
(Dollars in Millions)

 

The Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund American

 

Total

 

Cash flows from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income, excluding equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

$

6.8

 

$

161.7

 

$

85.4

 

$

253.9

 

Charges (credits) to reconcile net income to cash flows from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess of fair value of acquired assets over cost

 

(40.7

)

(110.9

)

(9.1

)

(160.7

)

Net realized investment (gains) losses

 

(.4

)

6.4

 

(115.8

)

(109.8

)

Other operating items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

 

(314.4

)

(192.0

)

(506.4

)

Net change in funds held by ceding companies

 

 

1.5

 

(81.6

)

(80.1

)

Net change in reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

 

132.4

 

70.7

 

203.1

 

Net change in insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

 

25.9

 

(118.8

)

(92.9

)

Net change in reserves for structured contracts

 

 

(32.2

)

 

(32.2

)

Net change in deferred acquisition costs

 

 

(3.9

)

(64.4

)

(68.3

)

Net change in other assets and liabilities

 

(17.1

)

94.2

 

8.9

 

86.0

 

Net cash flows used for operations

 

(51.4

)

(39.3

)

(416.7

)

(507.4

)

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in short-term investments

 

(497.0

)

362.0

 

126.7

 

(8.3

)

Sales of fixed maturity investments

 

 

237.4

 

4,461.9

 

4,699.3

 

Maturities of fixed maturity investments

 

 

450.7

 

808.7

 

1,259.4

 

Sales of common equity securities and other investments

 

 

355.6

 

240.9

 

596.5

 

Net change in unsettled investment purchases and sales

 

244.7

 

(227.0

)

52.3

 

70.0

 

Purchases of common equity securities and other investments

 

 

(218.7

)

(204.7

)

(423.4

)

Purchases of fixed maturity investments

 

 

(444.9

)

(4,946.8

)

(5,391.7

)

Sales of consolidated affiliates, net of cash sold

 

 

 

22.1

 

22.1

 

Sale of Montpelier common shares

 

 

 

155.3

 

155.3

 

Purchases of consolidated affiliates, net of cash acquired

 

 

(358.8

)

(99.7

)

(458.5

)

Investment in unconsolidated insurance affiliate

 

5.3

 

(200.0

)

 

(194.7

)

Net acquisitions of property and equipment

 

 

(.7

)

(13.8

)

(14.5

)

Net cash flows provided from (used for) investing activities

 

(247.0

)

(44.4

)

602.9

 

311.5

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany dividends and transfers

 

 

69.3

 

(69.3

)

 

Repayment of debt

 

 

 

(25.0

)

(25.0

)

Cash dividends paid to common shareholders

 

(9.1

)

 

 

(9.1

)

Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders

 

 

(1.5

)

(21.2

)

(22.7

)

Proceeds from issuance of Common Shares

 

13.3

 

 

 

13.3

 

Proceeds from exercise of warrants to acquire Common Shares

 

294.0

 

 

 

294.0

 

Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities

 

298.2

 

67.8

 

(115.5

)

250.5

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash during period

 

(.2

)

(15.9

)

70.7

 

54.6

 

Cash balances at beginning of period

 

.3

 

27.1

 

62.5

 

89.9

 

Cash balances at end of period

 

$

.1

 

$

11.2

 

$

133.2

 

$

144.5

 

 

26



 

Note 12. Retirement and Postretirement Plans

 

The components of net periodic benefit costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Postretirement Benefits

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Millions

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Service cost

 

$

.3

 

$

.3

 

$

 

$

 

Interest cost

 

7.1

 

6.7

 

.7

 

1.0

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(7.6

)

(7.6

)

 

 

Amortization of prior service benefit

 

 

 

(1.0

)

(1.0

)

Amortization of unrecognized loss

 

 

 

 

.2

 

Net periodic pension cost before settlements, curtailments and special termination benefits

 

(.2

)

(.6

)

(.3

)

.2

 

Special termination benefits expense (2)

 

.9

 

.1

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost (income)

 

$

.7

 

$

(.5

)

$

(.3

)

$

.2

 

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Postretirement Benefits

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Millions

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Service cost

 

$

1.2

 

$

.8

 

$

.1

 

$

.1

 

Interest cost

 

22.1

 

20.1

 

2.1

 

2.9

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(23.5

)

(22.7

)

 

 

Amortization of prior service benefit

 

 

 

(3.1

)

(3.0

)

Amortization of unrecognized loss

 

.1

 

 

 

.5

 

Net periodic pension cost before settlements, curtailments and special termination benefits

 

(.1

)

(1.8

)

(.9

)

.5

 

Curtailment gain (1)

 

(.7

)

 

 

 

Special termination benefits expense (2)

 

2.8

 

1.1

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost (income)

 

$

2.0

 

$

(.7

)

$

(.9

)

$

.5

 

 


(1)   During June 2005, NFU froze its pension plan and recognized a $.7 million curtailment gain. NFU was sold to a third party on September 30, 2005.

(2)   Special termination benefits are additional payments made from the pension plan when a vested participant terminates employment due to a reduction in force.

 

At December 31, 2004, OneBeacon expected to contribute $4.2 million to its pension plans and $6.9 million to its other postretirement plans during 2005. As of September 30, 2005, $2.4 million and $6.1 million had been contributed to the pension plans and other postretirement plans in 2005. OneBeacon anticipates contributing an additional $1.8 million and $.8 million to the pension plans and other postretirement plans during the remainder of 2005. The majority of OneBeacon’s expected pension contributions in 2005 relate to non-qualified pension plans, for which OneBeacon holds assets in rabbi trusts.

 

27



 

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

 

The following discussion contains “forward-looking statements”. White Mountains intends statements that are not historical in nature, which are hereby identified as forward-looking statements, to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. White Mountains cannot promise that its expectations in such forward-looking statements will turn out to be correct. White Mountains’ actual results could be materially different from and worse than its expectations. SeeFORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSfor specific important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements.

 

The following discussion also includes three non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted comprehensive net income (loss), fully converted tangible book value per common and equivalent share and tangible capital, that have been reconciled to their most comparable GAAP financial measures (see page 39). White Mountains believes these measures to be more relevant than comparable GAAP measures in evaluating White Mountains’ financial performance and condition.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2004

 

Overview

 

White Mountains ended the third quarter of 2005 with a fully converted tangible book value per common and equivalent share of $345, down $14 from the second quarter of 2005 primarily due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Including dividends, tangible book value per share was up 2.5% for the first nine months of 2005 and 10% for the last twelve months.

 

Adjusted comprehensive net loss for the third quarter of 2005 was $131 million, compared to adjusted comprehensive net income of $73 million in the third quarter of 2004. For the first nine months of 2005, adjusted comprehensive net income was $80 million compared to $306 million in the same period of last year. The following after-tax items impacted the quarter:

 

      $186 million in losses from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In addition, there was a $12 million reduction in accrued profit commissions from Olympus.

      $87 million decrease in the value of White Mountains’ investment in Montpelier, net of dividends received.

 

Net loss for the current quarter was $66 million, compared to a net loss of $10 million in the third quarter of 2004. The increased loss was driven by a higher level of catastrophe claims from the Gulf Coast hurricanes ($186 million after-tax) versus last year’s storms ($84 million after-tax), and was also affected by the decrease in value of White Mountains’ investment in Montpelier warrants ($52 million after-tax loss in the 2005 quarter versus a $9 million after-tax gain in 2004) and the recognition of a $41 million gain on the Symetra acquisition reported in the third quarter of last year. Partially offsetting these items were increased net investment income and increased other revenues due to gains on the sale of two OneBeacon subsidiaries during the third quarter of 2005.

 

Net income for the first nine months of 2005 was $257 million versus $254 million in the comparable period of the prior year. In addition to the factors noted above, the first nine months of 2005 benefitted from the special dividend of $56 million after-tax ($74 million pre-tax) paid by Montpelier in the first quarter of 2005, while the first nine months of 2004 benefitted from an additional $120 million in transaction gains, primarily from the Sirius acquisition.

 

Recent Developments

 

White Mountains experienced losses related to hurricane Wilma subsequent to the end of the third quarter of 2005. Based on preliminary estimates, total pre-tax net losses resulting from the impact of this storm on White Mountains’ insurance and reinsurance operations are expected to be less than $50 million. These estimates do not reflect any impact on the value of White Mountains’ investment in Montpelier.

 

28



 

Fully Converted Tangible Book Value Per Common and Equivalent Share

 

The following table presents the Company’s tangible book value per share and reconciles this non-GAAP measure to the most comparable GAAP measure.

 

 

 

Sept. 30,
2005

 

June 30,
2005

 

Dec. 31,
2004

 

Sept. 30,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book value per share numerators (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

$

3,882.8

 

$

4,091.8

 

$

3,883.9

 

$

3,635.9

 

Benefits to be received from share obligations under employee benefit plans

 

6.5

 

6.6

 

6.7

 

7.1

 

Remaining accretion of subsidiary preferred stock to face value

 

(92.1

)

(97.8

)

(108.1

)

(112.9

)

Book value per share numerator

 

3,797.2

 

4,000.6

 

3,782.5

 

3,530.1

 

Equity in net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

(39.4

)

(95.7

)

(56.6

)

(48.1

)

Unamortized goodwill of consolidated limited partnerships

 

(25.4

)

(19.7

)

(20.0

)

(20.0

)

Fully converted tangible book value per common and equivalent share numerator

 

$

3,732.4

 

$

3,885.2

 

$

3,705.9

 

$

3,462.0

 

Book value per share denominators (in thousands of shares):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Shares outstanding

 

10,773.7

 

10,774.3

 

10,772.8

 

10,769.4

 

Share obligations under employee benefit plans

 

44.3

 

44.7

 

46.5

 

50.0

 

Fully converted tangible book value per common and equivalent share denominator

 

10,818.0

 

10,819.0

 

10,819.3

 

10,819.4

 

Book value per common and equivalent share

 

$

351.01

 

$

369.78

 

$

349.60

 

$

326.28

 

Fully converted tangible book value per common and equivalent share

 

$

345.02

 

$

359.11

 

$

342.52

 

$

319.98

 

 

29



 

Review of Consolidated Results

 

White Mountains’ consolidated financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Millions

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

1,255.9

 

$

1,403.2

 

$

3,608.4

 

$

3,811.8

 

Net written premiums

 

$

1,009.9

 

$

1,070.2

 

$

2,948.9

 

$

3,081.3

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

982.4

 

$

992.3

 

$

2,880.8

 

$

2,821.4

 

Net investment income

 

110.8

 

83.4

 

389.3

 

247.6

 

Net realized investment gains

 

18.9

 

53.6

 

119.3

 

109.8

 

Other revenue

 

65.5

 

34.3

 

184.4

 

126.1

 

Total revenues

 

1,177.6

 

1,163.6

 

3,573.8

 

3,304.9

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and LAE

 

929.6

 

787.8

 

2,119.1

 

1,934.5

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

199.7

 

203.6

 

572.9

 

545.2

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

105.7

 

137.5

 

356.2

 

386.7

 

General and administrative expenses

 

39.5

 

78.4

 

138.7

 

202.4

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

9.1

 

10.2

 

28.1

 

33.1

 

Interest expense - debt

 

11.5

 

12.2

 

34.8

 

35.6

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

13.3

 

12.0

 

38.8

 

35.3

 

Total expenses

 

1,308.4

 

1,241.7

 

3,288.6

 

3,172.8

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

(130.8

)

$

(78.1

)

$

285.2

 

$

132.1

 

Income tax benefit (provision)

 

55.6

 

23.6

 

(56.1

)

(65.7

)

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

 

8.9

 

3.7

 

27.7

 

26.8

 

Net income (loss) before extraordinary item

 

$

(66.3

)

$

(50.8

)

$

256.8

 

$

93.2

 

Excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost

 

 

40.7

 

 

160.7

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(66.3

)

$

(10.1

)

$

256.8

 

$

253.9

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(120.8

)

131.3

 

(194.3

)

99.8

 

Comprehensive net income (loss)

 

$

(187.1

)

$

121.2

 

$

62.5

 

$

353.7

 

Deduct: Net unrealized (gains) losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

56.3

 

(48.1

)

17.2

 

(48.1

)

Adjusted comprehensive net income (loss)

 

$

(130.8

)

$

73.1

 

$

79.7

 

$

305.6

 

 

White Mountains’ total revenues in the third quarter of 2005 increased by 1% over the third quarter of 2004.  Higher short-term interest rates contributed to a 33% increase in net investment income over the third quarter of 2004, while net realized investment gains decreased by 65% from the third quarter of 2004, due primarily to the decrease in the value of Montpelier warrants (a $61 million loss in the 2005 quarter versus an $11 million gain in the 2004 quarter). Other revenues increased in the third quarter of 2005 primarily due to $36 million in gains from sales of subsidiaries at OneBeacon. White Mountains’ total expenses increased by 5% in the third quarter of 2005 compared to 2004, as the losses from the Gulf Coast hurricanes were partially offset by a 50% decrease in general and administrative expenses, due mainly to lower incentive compensation accruals. Because most of the hurricane-related losses that the Company suffered in the third quarter of 2005 occurred in U.S.-domiciled businesses and were primarily responsible for White Mountains’ net loss in the quarter, the effective income tax rate of 43% for the third quarter of 2005 was higher than the U.S. statutory rate of 35%.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, White Mountains’ total revenues were up 8% over the comparable

 

30



 

2004 period due, in addition to the factors affecting the third quarter of 2005, primarily to the $74 million special dividend from Montpelier in the first quarter of 2005. White Mountains’ total expenses increased by 4% in the first nine months of 2005 compared to the first nine months of 2004, as the significant losses from the Gulf Coast hurricanes were slightly offset by a 31% decrease in general and administrative expenses, due mainly to lower incentive compensation accruals. White Mountains’ effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 of 20% was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to income generated in jurisdictions other than the United States.

 

I. Summary of Operations By Segment

 

White Mountains conducts its operations through four segments: (i) OneBeacon, (ii) White Mountains Re, (iii) Esurance and (iv) Other Operations. White Mountains manages all of its investments through its wholly-owned subsidiary, White Mountains Advisors LLC (“WM Advisors”), therefore, a discussion of White Mountains’ consolidated investment results is included after the discussion of operations by segment. White Mountains’ segment information is presented in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

OneBeacon

 

Financial results for OneBeacon for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Millions

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

611.4

 

$

744.1

 

$

1,771.4

 

$

2,107.4

 

Net written premiums

 

$

581.0

 

$

638.2

 

$

1,659.5

 

$

1,941.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

537.1

 

$

600.1

 

$

1,622.0

 

$

1,794.5

 

Net investment income

 

54.4

 

52.3

 

191.7

 

161.7

 

Net realized investment gains

 

60.0

 

36.1

 

146.6

 

107.0

 

Other revenue

 

54.5

 

29.1

 

98.9

 

93.0

 

Total revenues

 

706.0

 

717.6

 

2,059.2

 

2,156.2

 

Losses and LAE

 

396.2

 

441.9

 

1,060.5

 

1,180.2

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

102.2

 

111.7

 

300.0

 

328.1

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

75.5

 

97.7

 

247.8

 

284.0

 

General and administrative expenses

 

15.5

 

31.5

 

52.7

 

90.8

 

Interest expense on debt

 

.4

 

.3

 

1.1

 

.7

 

Total expenses

 

589.8

 

683.1

 

1,662.1

 

1,883.8

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

116.2

 

$

34.5

 

$

397.1

 

$

272.4

 

 

31



 

The following tables provide GAAP ratios, net written premiums and earned insurance premiums for OneBeacon’s ongoing operations and in total for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2005

 

 

 

GAAP Ratios

 

Net Premiums

 

 

 

Loss

 

Expense

 

Combined

 

Written

 

Earned

 

Specialty

 

90

%

34

%

124

%

$

244.7

 

$

208.3

 

Personal

 

54

 

27

 

81

 

161.1

 

163.4

 

Commercial

 

61

 

40

 

101

 

161.3

 

152.1

 

Total (1)

 

74

%

33

%

107

%

$

581.0

 

$

537.1

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

 

 

 

GAAP Ratios

 

Net Premiums

 

 

 

Loss

 

Expense

 

Combined

 

Written

 

Earned

 

Specialty

 

75

%

32

%

107

%

$

227.4

 

$

193.2

 

Personal

 

64

 

28

 

92

 

217.1

 

199.0

 

Commercial

 

61

 

39

 

100

 

167.5

 

171.8

 

Total (1)

 

74

%

35

%

109

%

$

638.2

 

$

600.1

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005

 

 

 

GAAP Ratios

 

Net Premiums

 

 

 

Loss

 

Expense

 

Combined

 

Written

 

Earned

 

Specialty

 

67

%

33

%

100

%

$

671.7

 

$

615.0

 

Personal

 

58

 

31

 

89

 

481.9

 

500.6

 

Commercial

 

57

 

42

 

99

 

467.6

 

466.5

 

Total (1)

 

65

%

34

%

99

%

$

1,659.5

 

$

1,622.0

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

 

 

 

GAAP Ratios

 

Net Premiums

 

 

 

Loss

 

Expense

 

Combined

 

Written

 

Earned

 

Specialty

 

59

%

30

%

89

%

$

647.6

 

$

606.3

 

Personal

 

60

 

32

 

92

 

559.9

 

540.1

 

Commercial

 

60

 

40

 

100

 

676.3

 

530.8

 

Total (1)

 

66

%

34

%

100

%

$

1,941.7

 

$

1,794.5

 

 


(1)   Includes results from consolidated reciprocals (in the second quarter of 2004 and all of 2005) and run-off operations (in all periods presented).  Results from reciprocals are net of business assumed by OneBeacon, which is reported in Personal Lines.

 

OneBeacon Results - Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 versus Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

 

OneBeacon’s pre-tax income for the third quarter of 2005, was $116 million compared to $35 million for the third quarter of 2004 and its GAAP combined ratio was 107% compared to 109% for the prior year period. The third quarter of 2005 results included $55 million in losses related to the Gulf Coast hurricanes that impacted the loss ratio by 10 points. Pre-tax income for the third quarter of 2005 also included $36 million in gains recorded in other revenues from the sales of two subsidiaries, NFU and TPIC. OneBeacon’s third quarter 2004 results included $31 million of storm losses primarily from four storms in the southeastern United States (which impacted the loss ratio by 5 points), as well as a $53 million reserve increase primarily related to run-off workers compensation and general liability reserves (which impacted the loss ratio by 9 points).

 

Net written premiums decreased 9% in the third quarter of 2005 to $581 million, compared to $638 million in the third quarter of 2004. The decrease was mainly due to a 26% decrease in personal lines partially offset by increased premiums in specialty lines.

 

32



 

Specialty Lines. The specialty lines combined ratio for the third quarter of 2005 was 124%, compared to 107% in the third quarter of 2004. The increase in the combined ratio was mainly due to $51 million of losses related to the Gulf Coast hurricanes, which added 24 points to the loss ratio. The losses were incurred at OneBeacon Specialty Property (“OBSP”)($44 million), International Marine Underwriters ($5 million) and agricultural (“AGRE”)($2 million). In the third quarter of 2004, the specialty lines was impacted by $11 million in losses from four storms in the southeastern United States, which added 5 points to the loss ratio. Net written premiums for specialty lines increased 8% in the third quarter of 2005 to $245 million, compared to $227 million in the third quarter of 2004. The increase was due mainly to increased premiums at OneBeacon Professional Partners (“OBPP”), which included $13 million of net written premium from a renewal rights agreement with Chubb Specialty Insurance that took effect in the third quarter of 2005, and OBSP, which commenced operations in the third quarter of 2004. The increase was partially offset by decreased premiums at AutoOne due to softening in the New York assigned risk and take-out credit markets.

 

Personal Lines. The combined ratio for personal lines for the third quarter of 2005 was 81%, compared to 92% in the third quarter of 2004. The decrease in the combined ratio was primarily due to 7 points of improved loss experience in both homeowners and automobile businesses. Net written premiums for personal lines decreased 26% in the third quarter of 2005 to $161 million, compared to $217 million in the third quarter of 2004. The decrease was the result of planned reductions in Massachusetts automobile writings, due to unfavorable market conditions, and a decrease in assumed premium from the quota share agreement with New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association as a result of increased competition in New Jersey. The decrease was also due to reduced writings in New York, primarily with respect to agencies affected by the sale of the renewal rights of the New York legacy commercial business to Tower Insurance Group in 2004.

 

Commercial Lines. The combined ratio for commercial lines was 101% for the third quarter of 2005 compared to 100% in the third quarter of 2004. Commercial lines experienced a high level of large losses (claims in excess of $250,000) in the third quarter of 2005. Large losses caused an increase of 3 points on the loss ratio over the prior year period, which had 6 points of the loss ratio attributable to large losses. Also, commercial lines was modestly affected by the Gulf Coast hurricanes (3 points on the loss ratio). The commercial lines loss ratio in the third quarter of 2004 included 8 points related to the four storms in the southeastern United States. Net written premiums for commercial lines decreased 4% in the third quarter of 2005 to $161 million, compared to $167 million in the third quarter of 2004. The decrease was primarily from the sale of the renewal rights of the New York legacy business to Tower Insurance Group.

 

OneBeacon Results - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

 

OneBeacon’s pre-tax income for the first nine months of 2005 was $397 million, compared to pre-tax income of $272 million for the comparable 2004 period, and its GAAP combined ratio was 99%, compared to 100% for the comparable 2004 period. In addition to the factors that affected the third quarter results noted above, net investment income for the first nine months of 2005 included a $35 million special dividend from Montpelier.

 

Net written premiums for the first nine months of 2005 were $1.7 billion compared with $1.9 billion in the comparable period last year. The decrease is primarily due to $135 million of non-recurring premiums included in the first nine months of 2004 from unearned premiums acquired at the closing of OneBeacon’s acquisition of the renewal rights to Atlantic Mutual’s segmented commercial book. The decrease is also due to reduced written premiums in commercial lines resulting from the sale of non-Atlantic Mutual New York commercial lines business to Tower Insurance Group and the shortfall of new personal lines business in Massachusetts and New York.

 

The results of each of the three major lines of business for the first nine months of 2005 and their comparison with the first nine months of 2004 were consistent with those for the third quarter results described above. The decrease in net written premiums for commercial lines is much higher for the nine-month period as the first quarter of 2004 included a one-time acquisition of $135 million of unearned premiums associated with the OneBeacon acquisition of the renewal rights to Atlantic Mutual’s segmented commercial book.

 

33



 

White Mountains Re

 

Financial results and GAAP combined ratios for White Mountains Re for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 follow:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Millions

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

543.8

 

$

603.1

 

$

1,579.8

 

$

1,559.0

 

Net written premiums

 

$

329.1

 

$

377.5

 

$

1,034.2

 

$

995.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

363.5

 

$

345.9

 

$

1,044.0

 

$

903.4

 

Net investment income

 

38.9

 

18.6

 

109.1

 

60.2

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

12.5

 

(3.4

)

31.0

 

9.0

 

Other revenue (loss)

 

2.8

 

(10.4

)

30.4

 

23.0

 

Total revenues

 

417.7

 

350.7

 

1,214.5

 

995.6

 

Losses and LAE

 

478.2

 

305.3

 

914.8

 

655.3

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

69.6

 

83.5

 

210.8

 

197.2

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

19.9

 

32.2

 

82.1

 

83.1

 

General and administrative expenses

 

2.7

 

5.1

 

9.0

 

11.6

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to losses and LAE reserves

 

2.6

 

3.7

 

8.6

 

6.4

 

Interest expense on debt

 

.6

 

1.0

 

1.7

 

2.7

 

Total expenses

 

573.6

 

430.8

 

1,227.0

 

956.3

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

(155.9

)

$

(80.1

)

$

(12.5

)

$

39.3

 

GAAP ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and LAE

 

132

%

88

%

88

%

73

%

Expense

 

24

%

34

%

28

%

31

%

Total Combined

 

156

%

122

%

116

%

104

%

 

White Mountains Re Results - Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 vs. Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

 

White Mountains Re reported a pre-tax loss of $156 million for the third quarter of 2005, compared to a pre-tax loss of $80 million for the third quarter of 2004. The increase in the pre-tax loss was due to property catastrophe events, primarily the Gulf Coast hurricanes, and to a lesser extent floods in Europe and India, partially offset by an increase in net investment income and a decrease in incentive compensation accruals. White Mountains Re recorded pre-tax losses, net of reinstatements and reinsurance, of $228 million from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as a $13 million pre-tax reduction of accrued profit commissions payable to White Mountains Re by Olympus, which is recorded in other revenues. Results from the prior year period included $95 million in pre-tax losses from four hurricanes that affected the southeastern United States during the third quarter of 2004, as well as a $15 million pre-tax reduction of accrued profit commissions payable to White Mountains Re by Olympus, which is recorded in other revenues.

 

White Mountains Re’s GAAP combined ratio was 156% for the third quarter of 2005, compared to 122% for the third quarter of 2004. The losses from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, net of reinstatement premiums and reinsurance, added 63 points to the combined ratio for the third quarter of 2005, while losses from the four hurricanes discussed above added 27 points to the combined ratio for the third quarter of 2004. Earnings from business segments not impacted by the property catastrophe events have partially offset these losses. The expense ratio decreased in the third quarter of 2005, compared to the 2004 quarter, due to a decrease in incentive compensation accruals.

 

For the third quarter of 2005, gross written premiums decreased by $59 million, or 10%, and net written premiums decreased by $48 million, or 13%, from the comparable prior period. While White Mountains Re has experienced favorable underwriting conditions for the past several underwriting years, increasing competition adversely impacted pricing on certain classes of property and liability lines of business through the third quarter of 2005. This recent softness in the reinsurance market has led White Mountains Re to non-renew some business that did not meet its strict

 

34



 

underwriting and profitability guidelines. However, the Company believes hurricane Katrina is an industry changing event, with magnitude of industry-wide insured losses a multiple of any previous natural disaster. White Mountains Re has already begun to see an increase in prices and improved terms and conditions in the market.

 

During the quarter, White Mountains Re completed a detailed, ground-up study of all insureds that have reported over $250,000 of asbestos claims to Folksamerica and a significant sample of all other insureds with reported asbestos claims of less than $250,000. Comparing estimates generated by the study to Folksamerica exposed limits by underwriting year led to an increase of approximately $50 million in IBNR during the third quarter of 2005. Substantially all of this increase was offset by favorable activity recorded in the third quarter of 2005 related to the 2005 and 2004 underwriting years.

 

White Mountains Re receives fee income on reinsurance placements referred to Olympus and is entitled to a profit commission based on net underwriting profits on referred business. During the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, White Mountains Re earned $9 million and $1 million, respectively, of fee income from Olympus, which is recorded in other revenues. The increase in fee income from the prior periods is due primarily to override commissions on the reinstatement premiums resulting from the Gulf Coast hurricanes being higher than those resulting from the four storms in 2004. The profit commission arrangement with Olympus is subject to a deficit carryforward whereby net underwriting losses from one underwriting year carryover to future underwriting years. As a result of the Gulf Coast hurricanes, Olympus has recorded substantial net underwriting losses during 2005. Accordingly, White Mountains Re does not expect to record profit commissions from Olympus for some time into the future.

 

White Mountains Re Results - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 vs. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

 

White Mountains Re reported a pre-tax loss of $13 million for the first nine months of 2005, compared to pre-tax income of $39 million for the first nine months of 2004. The decrease in pre-tax income was due primarily to the property catastrophe events referred to above, which occurred during the third quarter of 2005, as well as additional losses of $11 million recorded in the second quarter of 2005 related to 2004 property catastrophe events. In addition, the pre-tax loss for the first nine months of 2005 includes $33 million of pre-tax losses, net of reinsurance, attributable to European storm Erwin, which affected northern Europe in the first quarter of 2005, particularly Scandinavia where Sirius International is a major reinsurer.

 

White Mountains Re’s GAAP combined ratio was 116% for the first nine months of 2005, compared to 104% for the first nine months of 2004. The losses from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, net of reinstatement premiums and reinsurance, added 22 points to the combined ratio for the first nine months of 2005, while losses from the four hurricanes discussed above added 11 points to the combined ratio for the first nine months of 2004. Earnings from business segments not impacted by the property catastrophe events have partially offset these losses.

 

For the first nine months of 2005, gross written premiums increased by $21 million, or 1%, and net written premiums increased by $39 million, or 3.9%, over the comparable prior year period. The increase was due primarily to the acquisition of Sirius, which occurred in the second quarter of 2004, partially offset by decreased premium volume at both Sirius International and Folksamerica as a result of the softness in the reinsurance market prior to hurricanes Katrina and Rita discussed above.

 

During the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, White Mountains Re earned $50 million and $49 million, respectively, of fee income from Olympus, which is recorded in other revenues. There was no profit commission in either period due the effects of the property catastrophe events discussed above.

 

35



 

Esurance

 

Esurance’s financial results and GAAP combined ratios for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Millions

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

100.7

 

$

56.0

 

$

255.4

 

$

145.4

 

Net written premiums

 

$

99.8

 

$

54.6

 

$

253.4

 

$

144.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

81.8

 

$

46.4

 

$

213.0

 

$

123.5

 

Net investment income

 

2.3

 

.9

 

6.5

 

2.2

 

Net realized gains on investments

 

1.1

 

.2

 

3.3

 

.6

 

Other revenue

 

.8

 

.8

 

2.3

 

1.3

 

Total revenues

 

86.0

 

48.3

 

225.1

 

127.6

 

Losses and LAE

 

54.6

 

31.6

 

141.5

 

89.0

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

27.9

 

8.4

 

62.0

 

19.9

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

9.9

 

7.1

 

25.0

 

18.3

 

General and administrative expenses

 

.1

 

.3

 

 

.3

 

Total expenses

 

92.5

 

47.4

 

228.5

 

127.5

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

(6.5

)

$

.9

 

$

(3.4

)

$

.1

 

GAAP ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and LAE

 

67

%

68

%

66

%

72

%

Expense

 

46

%

33

%

41

%

31

%

Total Combined

 

113

%

101

%

107

%

103

%

 

Esurance reported a pre-tax loss of $6.5 million in the third quarter of 2005, compared to pre-tax income of $1 million in third quarter of 2004, and a pre-tax loss of $3 million for the first nine months of 2005, compared to break-even in the comparable period of 2004. Net written premiums increased 83% and 76% for the third quarter and nine months, respectively, from the comparable periods of 2004. As of September 2005, Esurance’s in-force policy count totaled 192,000 policies, a 79% increase over September 30, 2004. Esurance continues to expand through online marketing, online agency channels, and offline marketing, which primarily includes radio, television and direct mail. Intense competition for new customers continued to drive higher acquisition costs and GAAP expense ratios. Third quarter expenses were also impacted by the establishment of a long-term incentive plan retroactive to January 2005. Long-term compensation expense accruals increased the GAAP expense ratio by 7 points in the quarter and 3 points for the nine-month period in 2005.

 

Esurance’s combined ratio was 113% and 107% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively, compared to 101% and 103% for the comparable 2004 periods. Esurance’s loss ratio decreased to 67% and 66% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively, from 68% and 72% in the comparable 2004 periods. Loss ratio improvement resulted from low claim frequency, improved claims performance, and increased pricing sophistication. Esurance’s expense ratio rose to 46% and 41% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively, from 33% and 31% in the comparable 2004 periods, primarily due to higher advertising costs and the new long-term incentive compensation plan.

 

With the recent addition of Indiana, Esurance now writes business in 20 states. In the third quarter of 2005, Esurance’s largest states were Florida (with 19% of direct written premium), followed by California (18%), New York (9%), Texas (8%) and Michigan (8%). Esurance’s 15 other states comprised 38% of direct written premium in the third quarter of 2005.

 

36



 

Other Operations

 

Other Operations consists of the operations of the Company, the Company’s intermediate subsidiary holding companies, the International American Group and White Mountains’ investments in warrants of Montpelier and Symetra. A summary of White Mountains’ financial results from its Other Operations segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Millions

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

 

$

 

$

1.8

 

$

 

Net written premiums

 

$

 

$

 

$

1.8

 

$

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

 

$

(.1

)

$

1.8

 

$

 

Net investment income

 

15.2

 

11.6

 

82.0

 

23.5

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

(54.7

)

20.7

 

(61.6

)

(6.8

)

Other revenue

 

7.4

 

14.8

 

52.8

 

8.8

 

Total revenues (losses)

 

(32.1

)

47.0

 

75.0

 

25.5

 

Losses and LAE

 

.6

 

9.0

 

2.3

 

10.0

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

 

 

.1

 

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

.4

 

.5

 

1.3

 

1.3

 

General and administrative expenses

 

21.2

 

41.5

 

77.0

 

99.7

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to losses and LAE reserves

 

6.5

 

6.5

 

19.5

 

26.7

 

Interest expense - debt

 

10.5

 

10.9

 

32.0

 

32.2

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

13.3

 

12.0

 

38.8

 

35.3

 

Total expenses

 

52.5

 

80.4

 

171.0

 

205.2

 

Pre-tax loss

 

$

(84.6

)

$

(33.4

)

$

(96.0

)

$

(179.7

)

 

White Mountains’ capital raising and capital allocation activities are principally conducted through its holding companies. In this regard, the results of its Other Operations segment primarily relate to financing activities, purchase accounting adjustments relating to the OneBeacon acquisition, gains and losses recognized from the purchase and sale of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and other assets and general and administrative expenses incurred at the holding company level.

 

White Mountains’ Other Operations segment reported a pre-tax loss of $85 million for the third quarter of 2005, compared to a pre-tax loss of $33 million for the third quarter of 2004. The increased loss for the 2005 quarter was mainly due to a $72 million decrease in net realized investment gains due to the lower valuation of the Montpelier warrants (a $61 million loss in the 2005 quarter versus an $11 million gain in the 2004 quarter), partially offset by a $36 million decrease in incentive compensation accruals. Both of these factors were primarily driven by decreases in share prices of Montpelier and White Mountains, respectively, during the third quarter of 2005.

 

For the first nine months of 2005, the Other Operations segment reported a pre-tax loss of $96 million versus a pre-tax loss of $180 million in the comparable period of 2004. The following items contributed to the reduced pre-tax loss for the first nine months of 2005: (i) the special dividend from Montpelier in the 2005 first quarter, $39 million of which was reported in this segment; (ii) a $48 million decrease in incentive compensation expense in the 2005 period; (iii) $26 million of gains recorded in other revenues in the 2005 period from the settlement of two lawsuits in which White Mountains was a plaintiff; (iv) a $79 million decrease in net realized investment gains from the valuation of the Montpelier warrants (a $76 million loss in the 2005 period versus a $3 million gain in the 2004 period); and (v) an $18.5 million increase in other net investment income. Additionally, the comparable period of 2004 includes a $20 million realized loss from the impact that currency fluctuations had on hedging the cost of funding for the Sirius acquisition.

 

37



 

II. Summary of Investment Results

 

Investment Philosophy

 

White Mountains manages substantially all of its consolidated investments through its wholly-owned subsidiary, WM Advisors. White Mountains’ investment philosophy is to maximize its after-tax total risk-adjusted return over the long term. Under this approach, each dollar of after-tax investment income and realized and unrealized gains and losses is valued equally. White Mountains’ overall fixed maturity investment strategy is to purchase securities that are attractively priced in relation to credit risks. White Mountains generally manages the interest rate risk associated with holding fixed maturity investments by actively maintaining the average duration of the portfolio to achieve an adequate after-tax total return without subjecting the portfolio to an unreasonable level of interest rate risk. White Mountains’ investment portfolio mix as of September 30, 2005 consisted in large part of high-quality, fixed maturity investments and short-term investments, as well as some equity investments and limited partnerships. White Mountains’ management believes that prudent levels of investments in common equity securities and other investments within its investment portfolio are likely to enhance long term after-tax total returns without significantly increasing the risk profile of the portfolio.

 

Investment Returns

 

White Mountains’ GAAP pre-tax total return on invested assets was 0.5% and 1.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005. Net investment income was $111 million in the quarter, up 33% from the third quarter of 2004, and $389 million for the first nine months of 2005, up 57% from the prior period. Higher short-term interest rates contributed to the quarterly increase, while the nine-month period also benefitted from the Montpelier special dividend.

 

Montpelier investment

 

The following table details the book value effect of White Mountains’ total investment in Montpelier for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Millions

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net investment income, pre-tax

 

$

4.9

 

$

4.6

 

$

88.7

 

$

13.7

 

Net realized investment gains (losses), pre-tax

 

(60.9

)

10.9

 

(75.9

)

38.4

 

Total revenues, pre-tax

 

(56.0

)

15.5

 

12.8

 

52.1

 

Taxes on net investment income and net realized investment gains (losses)

 

7.6

 

(2.7

)

(10.4

)

(14.9

)

Total revenues, after-tax

 

(48.4

)

12.8

 

2.4

 

37.2

 

Change in net unrealized investment gains, after-tax

 

(38.8

)

6.9

 

(54.2

)

29.8

 

Equity in earnings of Montpelier, after-tax

 

 

 

 

11.0

 

Net after-tax change in book value from Montpelier investment

 

$

(87.2

)

$

19.7

 

$

(51.8

)

$

78.0

 

 

During the third quarter of 2005, Montpelier’s common share price decreased from $34.58 at June 30, 2005 to $24.85 at September 30, 2005, resulting in a $61 million pre-tax realized investment loss on White Mountains’ warrant investment and a $39 million after-tax unrealized investment loss on White Mountains’ common share investment.

 

During the first quarter of 2005, Montpelier declared a special dividend of $5.50 per share, payable to holders of both its common shares and warrants to acquire its common shares. White Mountains recorded pre-tax dividend income of $74.1 million in the quarter for this special dividend, in addition to $4.9 million in dividend income from Montpelier’s normal quarterly dividend. The special dividend resulted in a decrease in Montpelier’s stock price, which reduced the value of White Mountains’ investment in Montpelier’s common shares and warrants. As a result, White Mountains recorded investment losses of $20.4 million related to its Montpelier warrants and a $13.1 million decrease in after-tax unrealized gains related to its common share investment during the first quarter of 2005.

 

During the first quarter of 2004, White Mountains sold 4.5 million common shares of Montpelier to third parties for net proceeds of $155.3 million, resulting in a pre-tax realized gain of $35.2 million, and changed the method of accounting for its remaining Montpelier common stock to the fair value method, resulting in a $32.5 million increase in after-tax unrealized gains.

 

38



 

Impairment

 

See Note 5 - Investments of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for White Mountains’ analysis of impairment losses on investment securities.

 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

 

This report includes three non-GAAP financial measures that have been reconciled to their most comparable GAAP financial measures. White Mountains believes these measures to be more relevant than comparable GAAP measures in evaluating White Mountains’ financial performance and capital position.

 

Adjusted comprehensive net income is a non-GAAP measure that excludes the change in net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio from comprehensive net income. GAAP requires these assets to be marked-to-market, which results in gains during periods when interest rates fall and losses in periods when interest rates rise. Because the liabilities related to the life insurance and structured settlement products that these assets support are not marked-to-market, it is likely that the economic impact on Symetra would be the opposite of that shown under GAAP (i.e., in general, Symetra’s intrinsic value increases when interest rates rise and decreases when interest rates fall). The reconciliation of adjusted comprehensive net income to comprehensive net income is included on page 30.

 

Book value per share is derived by dividing the Company’s total GAAP shareholders’ equity as of a given date by the number of Common Shares outstanding as of that date, including the dilutive effects of outstanding Options and warrants to acquire Common Shares, as well as the unamortized accretion of preferred stock. Fully converted tangible book value per common and equivalent share is a non-GAAP measure which is derived by expanding the GAAP book value per share calculation to include the effects of assumed conversion of all convertible securities and to exclude any unamortized goodwill and net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio. The reconciliation of fully converted tangible book value per common and equivalent share to book value per share is included on page 29.

 

Total capital at White Mountains is comprised of common shareholders’ equity, debt and preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption. Tangible capital excludes from total capital the unamortized goodwill of consolidated limited partnerships and the equity in net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio. The reconciliation of total capital to total tangible capital is included on page 42.

 

39



 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Operating cash and short-term investments

 

Holding company level. The primary sources of cash for the Company and certain of its intermediate holding companies are dividends and tax sharing payments received from its insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries, financing activities, net investment income and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments. The primary uses of cash are interest payments on the Senior Notes, dividend payments on Common Shares and on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, purchases of investments and holding company operating expenses.

 

Operating subsidiary level. The primary sources of cash for White Mountains’ insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries are premium collections, net investment income and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments. The primary uses of cash are claim payments, policy acquisition costs, operating expenses, the purchase of investments and dividend and tax sharing payments made to parent holding companies.

 

Both internal and external forces influence White Mountains’ financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Claim settlements, premium levels and investment returns may be impacted by changing rates of inflation and other economic conditions. In many cases, significant periods of time, up to several years or more, may lapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting of the loss to White Mountains and the settlement of the liability for that loss. The exact timing of the payment of claims and benefits cannot be predicted with certainty. White Mountains’ insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries maintain portfolios of invested assets with varying maturities and a substantial amount of short-term investments to provide adequate cash for the payment of claims.

 

Management believes that White Mountains’ cash balances, cash flows from operations and routine sales of investments are adequate to meet expected cash requirements for the foreseeable future on both a holding company and insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiary level. In addition, the Company has the ability to borrow up to $400 million under its Bank Facility (as further described below) and has access to the capital markets through an effective shelf registration for offerings of up to $2.0 billion in debt and/or equity securities.

 

Dividend Capacity

 

Under the insurance laws of the states and jurisdictions under which White Mountains’ insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries are domiciled, an insurer is restricted with respect to the timing or the amount of dividends it may pay without prior approval by regulatory authorities. Accordingly, there can be no assurance regarding the amount of such dividends that may be paid by such subsidiaries in the future. Following is a description of the ability of White Mountains’ insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Company and certain of its intermediate holding companies:

 

OneBeacon:

 

Based on 2004 statutory net income, OneBeacon’s top tier regulated insurance operating subsidiaries have the ability to pay $325 million of dividends during 2005 without prior approval of regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of unassigned funds. As of December 31, 2004, OneBeacon’s top tier regulated insurance operating subsidiaries had $1.3 billion of unassigned funds available for dividend distribution.

 

In addition, as of December 31, 2004, OneBeacon had $195 million of cash and investments outside of its regulated insurance operating subsidiaries available for distribution during 2005.

 

During the first nine months of 2005, OneBeacon paid cash dividends of $260 million to Fund American.

 

White Mountains Re:

 

Based on December 31, 2004 statutory surplus of $917 million, Folksamerica Re would have had the ability to pay approximately $92 million of dividends during 2005 without prior approval of regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of earned surplus.  As a result of the hurricane-related losses it sustained during the third quarter of 2005, Folksamerica Re had $14 million of negative earned surplus as of September 30, 2005.  Consequentially, it does not expect to pay any additional dividends for the remainder of 2005. During the first nine months of 2005, Folksamerica Re paid $15 million of cash dividends to its immediate parent.

 

Sirius International has the ability to pay dividends subject to the availability of unrestricted statutory surplus. Historically, Sirius International had allocated the majority of its earnings to the Safety Reserve (see Safety Reserve below). Currently, Sirius International has no unrestricted statutory surplus.

 

As of December 31, 2004, WMU had $3 million of cash and investments available for distribution during 2005. In

 

40



 

addition, WMU has the ability to distribute its 2005 earnings without restriction. During the nine months of 2005, WMU paid $30 million of cash dividends to its immediate parent.

 

As of December 31, 2004, White Mountains Re had approximately $97 million of cash and investments outside of its regulated insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries available for distribution during 2005. During the first nine months of 2005, White Mountains Re distributed $93 million of cash and investments from various holding companies to its immediate parent.

 

Safety Reserve

 

In accordance with provisions of Swedish law, Sirius International can voluntarily transfer its pre-tax income, or a portion thereof, subject to certain limitations, into an untaxed reserve referred to as a safety reserve. The safety reserve is a Swedish regulatory concept that has no equivalent under GAAP. Accordingly, an amount equal to Sirius International’s safety reserve of $1.0 billion at September 30, 2005, net of the related deferred tax liability established at the Swedish tax rate of 28%, is classified as equity under GAAP and as restricted surplus under local statutory requirements. Generally, this deferred tax liability is only required to be paid by Sirius International if it fails to maintain predetermined levels of premium writings in future years. As a result of the indefinite deferral of these taxes, Swedish regulatory authorities do not apply any taxes to the safety reserve when calculating solvency capital under Swedish insurance regulations.

 

Insurance Float

 

Insurance float is an important dynamic of White Mountains’ operations that must be managed effectively. Float is money that an insurance company holds for a limited time. In an insurance operation, float arises because premiums are collected before losses are paid. This interval can extend over many years. During that time, the insurer invests the money. When the premiums that an insurer collects do not cover the losses and expenses it eventually must pay, the result is an underwriting loss, which is considered to be the cost of float. The amount and cost of float for White Mountains is affected by underlying market conditions, as well as acquisitions or dispositions of insurance and reinsurance businesses. Although insurance float can be calculated using numbers determined under GAAP, insurance float is not a GAAP concept and therefore there is no comparable GAAP measure.

 

One of the means by which White Mountains calculates its insurance float is by taking its net investment assets and subtracting its total tangible capital.

 

41



 

The following table illustrates White Mountains’ consolidated insurance float position as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004:

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

($ in millions)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Total investments

 

$

10,128.7

 

$

10,529.5

 

Cash

 

205.4

 

243.1

 

Investment in unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

486.8

 

466.6

 

Equity in net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

(39.4

)

(56.6

)

Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales

 

27.0

 

19.9

 

Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases

 

(162.8

)

(30.9

)

Interest-bearing funds held by ceding companies  (1)

 

386.8

 

516.9

 

Interest-bearing funds held under reinsurance treaties  (2)

 

(99.1

)

(105.1

)

Net investment assets

 

$

10,933.4

 

$

11,583.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

$

3,882.8

 

$

3,883.9

 

Debt

 

775.2

 

783.3

 

Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

227.9

 

211.9

 

Total capital

 

$

4,885.9

 

$

4,879.1

 

Unamortized goodwill of consolidated limited partnerships

 

(25.4

)

(20.0

)

Equity in net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

(39.4

)

(56.6

)

Total tangible capital

 

$

4,821.1

 

$

4,802.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance float

 

$

6,112.3

 

$

6,780.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance float as a multiple of total tangible capital

 

1.3x

 

1.4x

 

Net investment assets as a multiple of total tangible capital

 

2.3x

 

2.4x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance float as a multiple of common shareholders’ equity

 

1.6x

 

1.7x

 

Net investment assets as a multiple of common shareholders’ equity

 

2.8x

 

3.0x

 

 


(1)   Excludes funds held by ceding companies from which White Mountains does not receive interest credit.

(2)   Excludes funds held by White Mountains under reinsurance treaties for which White Mountains does not provide interest credits.

 

White Mountains has historically obtained its float primarily through acquisitions, as opposed to organic growth. In recent years, White Mountains has had negative cash flows from operations but has generated significant float from its insurance and reinsurance operations. This is due to the fact that White Mountains’ cash flow from operations does not reflect cash and investments generated by the acquisition of insurance and reinsurance businesses in recent years. Post-acquisition, such companies are often placed into partial or complete run-off, thereby resulting in negative cash flows from operations as the investments acquired are liquidated over time to pay claims. The decrease in White Mountains’ insurance float position from December 31, 2004 to September 30, 2005 was principally due to the continued run-off of OneBeacon’s reserves, as described below, and incentive compensation payments made during the first quarter of 2005.

 

In the case of OneBeacon, the substantial amount of float initially acquired with the OneBeacon Acquisition has shrunk as a result of OneBeacon’s re-underwriting efforts and the effects of the Liberty Agreement. OneBeacon’s float is expected to continue to shrink during 2005 as older, long-tailed loss reserves are paid and are not replaced with the same level of current exposures and premium as those written in the past.

 

It is White Mountains’ intention to generate low-cost float over time through a combination of acquisitions and/or by organic growth in its existing insurance and reinsurance operations. However, White Mountains will seek to increase its float organically only when market conditions allow for an expectation of generating underwriting profits.

 

42



 

Financing

 

The following table summarizes White Mountains’ capital structure as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004:

 

$ in millions

 

September 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

Senior Notes, carrying value

 

$

698.4

 

$

698.3

 

Bank Facility

 

 

 

Other debt of operating subsidiaries

 

76.8

 

85.0

 

Total debt

 

775.2

 

783.3

 

Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

227.9

 

211.9

 

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

3,882.8

 

3,883.9

 

Total capital

 

4,885.9

 

4,879.1

 

Unamortized goodwill of consolidated limited partnerships

 

(25.4

)

(20.0

)

Equity in net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

(39.4

)

(56.6

)

Total tangible capital

 

$

4,821.1

 

$

4,802.5

 

Senior Notes to total tangible capital

 

14

%

15

%

Total debt to total tangible capital

 

16

%

16

%

Total debt and preferred stock to total tangible capital

 

21

%

21

%

 

Management believes that White Mountains’ strong financial position provides it with the flexibility and capacity to obtain funds externally as needed through debt or equity financing on both a short-term and long-term basis.

 

Fund American and the Company are both permitted borrowers under the Bank Facility. As of September 30, 2005, the Bank Facility, which matures in August 2009, was undrawn. At September 30, 2005, White Mountains was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Bank Facility, and anticipates it will continue to remain in compliance with these covenants for the foreseeable future.

 

Detailed information concerning White Mountains’ liquidity and capital resource activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 follows:

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005

 

Financing and Other Capital Activities

 

During the first nine months of 2005, White Mountains declared and paid cash dividends of $65 million and $24 million to holders of Common Shares and mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, respectively.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, OneBeacon declared and paid cash dividends of $260 million to Fund American. Also during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, White Mountains Re paid $93 million of dividends to its immediate parent.

 

During the 2005 third quarter, White Mountains contributed $150 million to Folksamerica Re.

 

Acquisitions and Dispositions

 

During the 2005 third quarter, OneBeacon sold two of its insurance subsidiaries, NFU and TPIC, to third parties for a total of $161.7 million in cash.

 

During the 2005 third quarter, Folksamerica sold one of its subsidiaries, CIIC, to a third party for a total of $19.8 million, $19.3 million of which was paid in cash.

 

On April 29, 2005, OneBeacon purchased a 284,000 square foot office facility located in Canton, MA for $23 million.

 

Other Liquidity and Capital Resource Activities

 

During the third quarter of 2005, White Mountains received a total of $60 million in tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service related to the completion of an audit of White Mountains’ 1997-2000 tax years, the period during which the Company redomesticated to Bermuda.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, the Company issued a total of 2,250 Common Shares to its

 

43



 

employees through the exercise of Options during the period and received cash proceeds of $.3 million in connection with these Option exercises.

 

During the first quarter of 2005, White Mountains made payments totaling $235 million, in cash or by deferral into certain non-qualified compensation plans of the Company or its subsidiaries, to participants in its long-term incentive compensation plans. These payments were made with respect to 212,611 performance shares at payout levels ranging from 135% to 180% of target.

 

During the first quarter of 2005, White Mountains received a $74 million special dividend related to its common stock and warrant investment in Montpelier. This dividend represented $5.50 per share and was in addition to Montpelier’s normal quarterly dividend of $.36 per share.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004

 

Financing and Other Capital Activities

 

On August 27, 2004, White Mountains repaid the $25 million note that was issued as part of the financing of its 2001 acquisition of C-F Insurance Company.

 

On June 29, 2004, Berkshire exercised of all of its warrants to purchase 1,724,200 Common Shares of White Mountains for $294.0 million. Berkshire bought the warrants in connection with the financing of White Mountains’ acquisition of OneBeacon in 2001. The warrants were exercisable at any time until May 2008 and callable by the Company on or after May 31, 2005. In consideration for the early exercise of the warrants, Berkshire and the Company agreed to reduce the original exercise price by approximately 2%.

 

In March 2004, the Company declared and paid an annual dividend of $9.1 million to its common shareholders. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, White Mountains declared and paid cash dividends of $23 million to holders of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, OneBeacon declared and paid a total of $165.0 million in cash dividends to Fund American. Also during the nine months ended September 30, 2004, WMU paid a total of $55.0 million of cash dividends to its immediate parent.

 

Acquisitions and Dispositions

 

On August 2, 2004, White Mountains invested $195 million in Symetra, a newly formed acquisition company which purchased Safeco Life for approximately $1.35 billion. In addition to the 2.0 million common shares of Symetra that Sirius purchased, the Company also received warrants to acquire an additional 1.1 million shares of Symetra, at an exercise price of $100 per share.

 

On April 16, 2004, White Mountains completed the Sirius Acquisition for SEK 3.27 billion (approximately $427.5 million based upon the foreign exchange spot rate at the date of acquisition) which included $10.5 million of expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition.

 

On March 31, 2004, White Mountains completed the acquisition of the Sierra Insurance Group from Sierra Health Services, Inc. White Mountains paid $76.2 million for the Sierra Insurance Group, which included $14.2 million in cash and a $62.0 million purchase note.

 

Other Liquidity and Capital Resource Activities

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Company issued a total of 600 Common Shares to its employees through the exercise of Options during the period and, as a result, the Company received cash proceeds of $.1 million in connection with these Option exercises. In addition, during the first quarter of 2004, White Mountains issued 27,772 Common Shares to employees of OneBeacon in connection with OneBeacon’s employee stock ownership plan. OneBeacon paid $13.2 million to the Company in consideration for these Common Shares.

 

During the first quarter of 2004, White Mountains made payments amounting to $126.6 million, in cash or by deferral into certain non-qualified compensation plans of the Company or its subsidiaries, to participants in its long-term incentive compensation plans. These payments were made with respect to 168,329 performance shares at payout levels ranging from 93% to 200% of target.

 

44



 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

Refer to the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion regarding White Mountains’ critical accounting estimates. That information is hereby supplemented as follows:

 

OneBeacon Asbestos and Environmental Reserves

 

In June 2005, OneBeacon completed an internal study of its A&E exposures. This study considered, among other items, (i) facts, such as policy limits, deductibles and available third party reinsurance, related to reported claims; (ii) current law; (iii) past and projected claim activity and past settlement values for similar claims; (iv) industry studies and events, such as recent settlements and asbestos-related bankruptcies; and (v) collectibility of third-party reinsurance. Based on the study, OneBeacon increased its best estimate of its incurred losses ceded to NICO, net of underlying reinsurance, by $353 million ($841 million gross) to $2.1 billion, which is within the $2.5 billion coverage provided by the NICO Cover. OneBeacon estimates that the range of reasonable outcomes around its best estimate is $1.7 billion to $2.4 billion, versus a range of $1.5 billion to $2.4 billion from its prior study conducted in 2003. Approximately $759 million of the estimated $2.1 billion of incurred losses have been paid by NICO through September 30, 2005. Due to the NICO Cover, there was no impact to income or equity from the change in estimate.

 

The increase in the estimate of incurred A&E losses was principally driven by raised projections for claims related to asbestos (particularly from assumed reinsurance business), and for mass torts other than asbestos and environmental, particularly lead and sexual molestation, partially offset by reduced projections of ultimate hazardous waste losses. The ratio of reserves net of Third Party Recoverables for A&E losses at September 30, 2005 to trailing three year average paid loss and allocated LAE (known in the industry as the “survival ratio”) is 19.6 years including the remaining available protection under the NICO Cover.

 

OneBeacon’s reserves for A&E losses at September 30, 2005 represent management’s best estimate of its ultimate liability based on information currently available. However, as case law evolves, medical and clean-up costs increase and industry settlement practices change, OneBeacon may be subject to A&E losses beyond currently estimated amounts. OneBeacon cannot reasonably estimate at the present time loss reserve additions arising from any such future unfavorable developments and cannot be sure that allocated loss reserves, plus the remaining capacity under the NICO Cover, will be sufficient to cover additional liability arising from any such unfavorable developments. OneBeacon remains liable for risks reinsured in the event that a reinsurer does not honor its obligations under reinsurance contracts. To the extent that actual experience differs from OneBeacon’s estimate of incurred A&E losses and Third Party Recoverables, future losses could utilize some or all of the $400 million of protection remaining under the NICO Cover.

 

45



 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The information contained in this report may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or referenced in this report which address activities, events or developments which White Mountains expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words “will”, “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict” and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to White Mountains’:

 

      growth in book value per share or return on equity;

      business strategy;

      financial and operating targets or plans;

      incurred losses and the adequacy of its losses and LAE reserves and related reinsurance;

      projections of revenues, income (or loss), earnings (or loss) per share, dividends, market share or other financial forecasts;

      expansion and growth of its business and operations; and

      future capital expenditures.

 

These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by White Mountains in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with its expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, including:

 

      claims arising from catastrophic events, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods or terrorist attacks;

      the continued availability of capital and financing;

      general economic, market or business conditions;

      business opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to it and pursued;

      competitive forces, including the conduct of other property and casualty insurers and reinsurers;

      changes in domestic or foreign laws or regulations, or their interpretation, applicable to White Mountains, its competitors or its clients;

      an economic downturn or other economic conditions adversely affecting its financial position;

      recorded loss reserves subsequently proving to have been inadequate; and

      other factors, most of which are beyond White Mountains’ control.

 

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by White Mountains will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, White Mountains or its business or operations. White Mountains assumes no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

46



 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Refer to the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in particular Item 7A. - “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

The Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) and the Principal Financial Officer (“PFO”) of White Mountains have evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the PEO and PFO have concluded that White Mountains’ disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective.

 

There were no significant changes with respect to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2005.

 

Part II.           OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.            Legal Proceedings.

 

Refer to the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in particular Item 3 - “Legal Proceedings” for a brief description of non-routine legal proceedings. Damages sought by the claimants do not exceed 10% of the Company’s current assets.

 

Item 2.            Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

 

Item 3.            Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

 

Item 4.            Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

None.

 

Item 5.            Other Information.

None.

 

Item 6.            Exhibits.

 

(a)

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

11 -

Statement Re Computation of Per Share Earnings*

 

 

31.1 -

Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 (a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended.

 

 

31.2 -

Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 (a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended.

 

 

32.1 -

Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.2 -

Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 


          Not included as an exhibit as the information is contained elsewhere within this report. See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

47



 

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.

 

 

 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

Date: November 1, 2005

By:

/s/ J. Brian Palmer

 

 

J. Brian Palmer

 

Chief Accounting Officer

 

48


Exhibit 31.1

 

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a - 14(a)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED

 

I, Steven E. Fass, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

October 31, 2005

 

/s/ Steven E. Fass

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

1


Exhibit 31.2

 

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a - 14(a)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED

 

I, David T. Foy, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

October 31, 2005

 

/s/ David T. Foy

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

1


Exhibit 32.1

 

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Steven E. Fass, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

 

                  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and,

 

                  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the periods presented in the Report.

 

 

/s/ Steven E. Fass

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date: October 31, 2005

 

1


Exhibit 32.2

 

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David T. Foy, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

 

                  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and,

 

                  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the periods presented in the Report.

 

 

/s/ David T. Foy

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

Date: October 31, 2005

 

1