UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the period ended September 30, 2014
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 | (I.R.S. Employer | |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) | |
80 South Main Street, | ||
Hanover, New Hampshire | 03755-2053 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (603) 640-2200
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, 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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months. Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ý | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company 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 29, 2014, 6,004,776 common shares with a par value of $1.00 per share were outstanding (which includes 81,325 restricted common shares that were not vested at such date).
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
Table of Contents
Page No. | ||
Part I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
Item 1. | Financial Statements |
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Millions, except share amounts) | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
Assets | Unaudited | |||||||
Fixed maturity investments, at fair value | $ | 4,785.5 | $ | 5,030.5 | ||||
Short-term investments, at amortized cost (which approximates fair value) | 834.9 | 635.9 | ||||||
Common equity securities, at fair value | 986.1 | 1,156.8 | ||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments, at fair value | 48.9 | 80.5 | ||||||
Other long-term investments | 320.9 | 288.9 | ||||||
Total investments | 6,976.3 | 7,192.6 | ||||||
Cash (restricted: $23.8 and $56.1) | 543.5 | 382.8 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses | 430.7 | 428.1 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses | 27.2 | 25.4 | ||||||
Insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable | 677.8 | 518.9 | ||||||
Funds held by ceding entities | 123.9 | 106.3 | ||||||
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates | 413.5 | 321.4 | ||||||
Deferred acquisition costs | 204.4 | 174.7 | ||||||
Deferred tax asset | 439.1 | 512.1 | ||||||
Ceded unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums | 114.3 | 92.4 | ||||||
Accrued investment income | 32.7 | 39.3 | ||||||
Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales | 39.0 | 12.1 | ||||||
Other assets | 466.7 | 458.1 | ||||||
Assets held for sale | 1,699.2 | 1,880.1 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 12,188.3 | $ | 12,144.3 | ||||
Liabilities | ||||||||
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves | $ | 3,022.9 | $ | 3,079.3 | ||||
Unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums | 1,089.5 | 901.4 | ||||||
Variable annuity benefit guarantee | 11.7 | 52.8 | ||||||
Debt | 678.1 | 676.4 | ||||||
Deferred tax liability | 303.0 | 356.2 | ||||||
Accrued incentive compensation | 187.5 | 218.3 | ||||||
Ceded reinsurance payable | 134.0 | 71.9 | ||||||
Funds held under insurance and reinsurance contracts | 132.2 | 127.1 | ||||||
Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases | 76.0 | 20.5 | ||||||
Other liabilities | 355.4 | 362.9 | ||||||
Liabilities held for sale | 1,699.2 | 1,880.1 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 7,689.5 | 7,746.9 | ||||||
Equity | ||||||||
White Mountains’s common shareholders’ equity | ||||||||
White Mountains’s common shares at $1 par value per share - authorized 50,000,000 shares; | ||||||||
issued and outstanding 6,028,251 and 6,176,739 shares | 6.0 | 6.2 | ||||||
Paid-in surplus | 1,030.9 | 1,044.9 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 2,961.5 | 2,802.3 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), after tax: | ||||||||
Equity in net unrealized gains (losses) from investments in Symetra common shares | 19.1 | (40.4 | ) | |||||
Net unrealized foreign currency translation (losses) gains | (11.9 | ) | 88.4 | |||||
Pension liability and other | 4.5 | 4.1 | ||||||
Total White Mountains’s common shareholders’ equity | 4,010.1 | 3,905.5 | ||||||
Non-controlling interests | ||||||||
Non-controlling interest - OneBeacon Ltd. | 275.6 | 273.7 | ||||||
Non-controlling interest - SIG Preference Shares | 250.0 | 250.0 | ||||||
Non-controlling interest - HG Global | 18.0 | 16.6 | ||||||
Non-controlling interest - BAM | (114.3 | ) | (97.6 | ) | ||||
Non-controlling interest - other | 59.4 | 49.2 | ||||||
Total non-controlling interests | 488.7 | 491.9 | ||||||
Total equity | 4,498.8 | 4,397.4 | ||||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 12,188.3 | $ | 12,144.3 | ||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
Unaudited
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(Millions, except per share amounts) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums | $ | 538.6 | $ | 500.4 | $ | 1,535.6 | $ | 1,493.3 | ||||||||
Net investment income | 24.7 | 27.3 | 78.1 | 84.5 | ||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains | 20.8 | 28.2 | 198.5 | 66.1 | ||||||||||||
Other revenue | 5.3 | 18.2 | 8.3 | 46.9 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 589.4 | 574.1 | 1,820.5 | 1,690.8 | ||||||||||||
Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Loss and loss adjustment expenses | 289.1 | 278.3 | 801.1 | 797.2 | ||||||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | 105.3 | 106.7 | 299.3 | 281.0 | ||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | 81.0 | 80.4 | 244.3 | 244.0 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 69.3 | 41.5 | 189.9 | 125.5 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 10.3 | 11.9 | 30.4 | 32.4 | ||||||||||||
Total expenses | 555.0 | 518.8 | 1,565.0 | 1,480.1 | ||||||||||||
Pre-tax income from continuing operations | 34.4 | 55.3 | 255.5 | 210.7 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense | (7.8 | ) | (8.2 | ) | (62.0 | ) | (49.2 | ) | ||||||||
Net income from continuing operations | 26.6 | 47.1 | 193.5 | 161.5 | ||||||||||||
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax | 6.7 | .4 | 8.8 | 4.8 | ||||||||||||
Income before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 33.3 | 47.5 | 202.3 | 166.3 | ||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax | 7.0 | 8.6 | 33.3 | 24.9 | ||||||||||||
Net income | 40.3 | 56.1 | 235.6 | 191.2 | ||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | 11.2 | 1.1 | 7.1 | 12.7 | ||||||||||||
Net income attributable to White Mountains’s common shareholders | 51.5 | 57.2 | 242.7 | 203.9 | ||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: | ||||||||||||||||
Change in equity in net unrealized (losses) gains from investments in Symetra common shares, net of tax | (9.9 | ) | (7.2 | ) | 59.5 | (81.2 | ) | |||||||||
Change in foreign currency translation, pension liability and other | (64.3 | ) | 46.6 | (100.0 | ) | 8.4 | ||||||||||
Comprehensive (loss) income | (22.7 | ) | 96.6 | 202.2 | 131.1 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests | .1 | (.1 | ) | .1 | (.1 | ) | ||||||||||
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to White Mountains’s common shareholders | $ | (22.6 | ) | $ | 96.5 | $ | 202.3 | $ | 131.0 | |||||||
Income per share attributable to White Mountains’s common shareholders | ||||||||||||||||
Basic income per share | ||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | 7.35 | $ | 9.20 | $ | 38.07 | $ | 32.05 | ||||||||
Discontinued operations | 1.10 | .06 | 1.43 | .78 | ||||||||||||
Total consolidated operations | $ | 8.45 | $ | 9.26 | $ | 39.50 | $ | 32.83 | ||||||||
Diluted income per share | ||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | 7.35 | $ | 9.20 | $ | 38.07 | $ | 32.05 | ||||||||
Discontinued operations | 1.10 | .06 | 1.43 | .78 | ||||||||||||
Total consolidated operations | $ | 8.45 | $ | 9.26 | $ | 39.50 | $ | 32.83 | ||||||||
Dividends declared per White Mountains’s common share | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | ||||||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Unaudited
White Mountains’s Common Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions) | Common shares and paid-in surplus | Retained earnings | AOCI, after tax | Total | Non-controlling interest | Total Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 | $ | 1,051.1 | $ | 2,802.3 | $ | 52.1 | $ | 3,905.5 | $ | 491.9 | $ | 4,397.4 | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | — | 242.7 | — | 242.7 | (7.1 | ) | 235.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized gains from investments in unconsolidated affiliates | — | — | 59.5 | 59.5 | — | 59.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net change in foreign currency translation | — | — | (100.3 | ) | (100.3 | ) | (.1 | ) | (100.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net change in pension liability and other accumulated comprehensive items | — | — | .4 | .4 | — | .4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | — | 242.7 | (40.4 | ) | 202.3 | (7.2 | ) | 195.1 | ||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on common shares | — | (6.2 | ) | — | (6.2 | ) | — | (6.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Dividends to non-controlling interests | — | — | — | — | (26.0 | ) | (26.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Repurchases and retirements of common shares | (29.6 | ) | (77.3 | ) | — | (106.9 | ) | — | (106.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Issuances of common shares | 2.9 | — | — | 2.9 | — | 2.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net contributions from non-controlling interests | — | — | — | — | 29.4 | 29.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of restricted share awards | 12.5 | — | — | 12.5 | .6 | 13.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2014 | $ | 1,036.9 | $ | 2,961.5 | $ | 11.7 | $ | 4,010.1 | $ | 488.7 | $ | 4,498.8 | ||||||||||||
White Mountains’s Common Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions) | Common shares and paid-in surplus | Retained earnings | AOCI, after tax | Total | Non-controlling interest | Total Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2013 | $ | 1,057.2 | $ | 2,542.7 | $ | 131.9 | $ | 3,731.8 | $ | 526.4 | $ | 4,258.2 | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | — | 203.9 | — | 203.9 | (12.7 | ) | 191.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized losses from investments in unconsolidated affiliates | — | — | (81.2 | ) | (81.2 | ) | — | (81.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net change in foreign currency translation | — | — | 7.8 | 7.8 | — | 7.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net change in pension liability and other accumulated comprehensive items | — | — | .5 | .5 | .1 | .6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | — | 203.9 | (72.9 | ) | 131.0 | (12.6 | ) | 118.4 | ||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on common shares | — | (6.2 | ) | — | (6.2 | ) | — | (6.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Dividends to non-controlling interests | — | — | — | — | (25.1 | ) | (25.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Repurchases and retirements of common shares | (23.8 | ) | (56.0 | ) | — | (79.8 | ) | — | (79.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Issuances of common shares | 1.0 | — | — | 1.0 | — | 1.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net contributions from non-controlling interests | — | — | — | — | 7.7 | 7.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of restricted share awards | 12.2 | — | — | 12.2 | .8 | 13.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2013 | $ | 1,046.6 | $ | 2,684.4 | $ | 59.0 | $ | 3,790.0 | $ | 497.2 | $ | 4,287.2 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
3
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
(Millions) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Cash flows from operations: | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 235.6 | $ | 191.2 | ||||
Charges (credits) to reconcile net income to net cash (used for) provided from operations: | ||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains | (198.5 | ) | (66.1 | ) | ||||
Deferred income tax expense | 19.7 | 5.4 | ||||||
Net income from discontinued operations | (8.8 | ) | (4.8 | ) | ||||
Gain on sale of subsidiary - Citation and Essentia | (.7 | ) | (23.0 | ) | ||||
Excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost - Ashmere | — | (6.9 | ) | |||||
Undistributed equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax | (33.3 | ) | (24.9 | ) | ||||
Other operating items: | ||||||||
Net change in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves | 2.3 | (95.1 | ) | |||||
Net change in reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses | (28.3 | ) | 15.5 | |||||
Net change in unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums | 232.8 | 91.2 | ||||||
Net change in variable annuity benefit guarantee liabilities | (41.1 | ) | (297.8 | ) | ||||
Net change in variable annuity benefit guarantee derivative instruments | 3.9 | 6.8 | ||||||
Net change in deferred acquisition costs | (36.3 | ) | 7.6 | |||||
Net change in funds held by ceding entities | (24.7 | ) | 36.0 | |||||
Net change in ceded unearned premiums | (35.3 | ) | (30.6 | ) | ||||
Net change in funds held under reinsurance treaties | 11.8 | 44.8 | ||||||
Net change in insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable | (197.5 | ) | (143.8 | ) | ||||
Net change in ceded reinsurance payable | 63.9 | 53.2 | ||||||
Net change in restricted cash | 32.3 | 175.4 | ||||||
Net change in other assets and liabilities, net | 153.1 | 88.6 | ||||||
Net cash provided from operations - continuing operations | 150.9 | 22.7 | ||||||
Net cash used for operations - discontinued operations | (27.6 | ) | (93.5 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided from (used for) operations | 123.3 | (70.8 | ) | |||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Net change in short-term investments | (240.8 | ) | (9.9 | ) | ||||
Sales of fixed maturity and convertible fixed maturity investments | 3,654.4 | 3,350.9 | ||||||
Maturities, calls and paydowns of fixed maturity and convertible fixed maturity investments | 368.3 | 380.0 | ||||||
Sales of common equity securities | 344.7 | 412.5 | ||||||
Distributions and redemptions of other long-term investments | 45.1 | 36.6 | ||||||
Sales of consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates, net of cash sold | 12.8 | 31.3 | ||||||
Funding of operational cash flows for discontinued operations | (27.6 | ) | (93.5 | ) | ||||
Purchases of other long-term investments | (31.6 | ) | (31.7 | ) | ||||
Purchases of common equity securities | (163.4 | ) | (357.6 | ) | ||||
Purchases of fixed maturity and convertible fixed maturity investments | (3,764.2 | ) | (3,403.8 | ) | ||||
Purchases of consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates, net of cash acquired | (32.2 | ) | (9.2 | ) | ||||
Net change in unsettled investment purchases and sales | 28.9 | (17.8 | ) | |||||
Net acquisitions of property and equipment | (8.5 | ) | (10.4 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided from investing activities - continuing operations | 185.9 | 277.4 | ||||||
Net cash provided from investing activities - discontinued operations | 27.6 | 93.5 | ||||||
Net cash provided from investing activities | 213.5 | 370.9 | ||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Draw down of revolving line of credit | 40.0 | 150.0 | ||||||
Repayment of revolving line of credit | (40.2 | ) | (225.0 | ) | ||||
Payments on capital lease obligation | (4.0 | ) | (4.0 | ) | ||||
Cash dividends paid to the Company’s common shareholders | (6.2 | ) | (6.2 | ) | ||||
Cash dividends paid to OneBeacon Ltd.’s non-controlling common shareholders | (14.8 | ) | (14.9 | ) | ||||
Cash dividends paid on SIG Preference Shares | (9.4 | ) | (9.4 | ) | ||||
Common shares repurchased | (100.6 | ) | (79.8 | ) | ||||
OneBeacon Ltd. common shares repurchased and retired | (1.8 | ) | — | |||||
Capital contributions from non-controlling interest of consolidated LPs | 2.5 | 1.6 | ||||||
Redemptions paid to non-controlling interest of consolidated LPs | (4.9 | ) | (.7 | ) | ||||
Purchase of interest rate cap | — | (9.9 | ) | |||||
Collateral provided by interest rate cap counterparties | (5.4 | ) | 9.7 | |||||
Capital contributions from BAM members | 11.6 | 11.5 | ||||||
Net cash used for financing activities - continuing operations | (133.2 | ) | (177.1 | ) | ||||
Net cash (used for) provided from financing activities - discontinued operations | — | — | ||||||
Net cash used for financing activities | (133.2 | ) | (177.1 | ) | ||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (10.6 | ) | 1.0 | |||||
Net change in cash during the period | 193.0 | 124.0 | ||||||
Cash balances at beginning of period (excludes restricted cash balances of $56.1 and $249.8) | 326.7 | 212.6 | ||||||
Cash balances at end of period (excludes restricted cash balances of $23.8 and $74.4) | $ | 519.7 | $ | 336.6 | ||||
Supplemental cash flows information: | ||||||||
Interest paid | $ | (41.3 | ) | $ | (32.0 | ) | ||
Net income tax refund (payment) to national governments | $ | 7.8 | $ | (1.5 | ) | |||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
These interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (the “Company” or the “Registrant”), its subsidiaries (collectively, with the Company, “White Mountains”) and other entities required to be consolidated under GAAP. The Company is an exempted Bermuda limited liability company whose principal businesses are conducted through its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries and affiliates. The Company’s headquarters is located at 14 Wesley Street, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 11, its 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, Bermuda HM 11. White Mountains’s reportable segments are OneBeacon, Sirius Group, HG Global/BAM and Other Operations.
The OneBeacon segment consists of OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. (“OneBeacon Ltd.”), an exempted Bermuda limited liability company that owns a family of property and casualty insurance companies (collectively, “OneBeacon”). OneBeacon is a specialty property and casualty insurance writer that offers a wide range of insurance products in the United States through independent agencies, regional and national brokers, wholesalers and managing general agencies. During the third quarter of 2013, OneBeacon formed Split Rock Insurance, Ltd. (“Split Rock”), a Bermuda-based reinsurance company. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, White Mountains owned 75.3% and 75.2% of OneBeacon Ltd.’s outstanding common shares.
As discussed further in Note 2, OneBeacon entered into a definitive agreement to sell its runoff business (the “Runoff Business”) in October 2012 (the “Runoff Transaction”). Accordingly, the Runoff Business is presented as discontinued operations. The OneBeacon Runoff Business includes assets and liabilities that are principally related to non-specialty commercial lines and certain other runoff business that it no longer writes, including nearly all of its asbestos and environmental reserves. Assets and liabilities associated with the Runoff Business as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 have been presented as held for sale in the financial statements (See Note 15 for discontinued operations).
The Sirius Group segment consists of Sirius International Insurance Group, Ltd., an exempted Bermuda limited liability company, and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Sirius Group”). Sirius Group provides insurance and reinsurance products for property, accident and health, aviation and space, trade credit, marine, agriculture and certain other exposures on a worldwide basis through its primary subsidiaries, Sirius International Insurance Corporation (“Sirius International”), Sirius America Insurance Company (“Sirius America”) and Lloyds Syndicate 1945 (“Syndicate 1945”). Sirius Group also specializes in the acquisition and management of runoff insurance and reinsurance companies both in the United States and internationally through its White Mountains Solutions division (“WM Solutions”).
The HG Global/BAM segment consists of HG Global Ltd. (“HG Global”) and the consolidated results of Build America Mutual Assurance Company (“BAM”). In 2012, White Mountains capitalized HG Global with $594.5 million to fund the start-up of BAM. BAM is a municipal bond insurer domiciled in New York that was established to provide insurance on bonds issued to support essential U.S. public purposes such as schools, utilities, core governmental functions and existing transportation facilities. HG Global, together with its subsidiaries, provided the initial capitalization of BAM through the purchase of $503.0 million of surplus notes issued by BAM (the “BAM Surplus Notes”). HG Global, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, HG Re Ltd. (“HG Re”), also provides 15%-of-par, first loss reinsurance protection for policies underwritten by BAM. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, White Mountains owned 96.9% and 97.3% of HG Global's preferred equity and 88.4% and 88.7% of its common equity. White Mountains does not have an ownership interest in BAM, which is a mutual insurance company owned by its members. However, GAAP requires White Mountains to consolidate BAM's results in its financial statements. BAM's results are attributed to non-controlling interests.
White Mountains’s Other Operations segment consists of the Company and its intermediate holding companies, its wholly-owned investment management subsidiary, White Mountains Advisors LLC (“WM Advisors”), White Mountains’s variable annuity reinsurance business, White Mountains Life Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd. (“Life Re Bermuda”), which is in runoff, and its U.S.-based service provider, White Mountains Financial Services LLC (collectively, “WM Life Re”), and White Mountains’s investments in Wobi Insurance Agency Ltd. (“Wobi”), QL Holdings LLC (“QuoteLab”) and Star & Shield Risk Management LLC (“SSRM”). At September 30, 2014, White Mountains holds $17.0 million of Star & Shield Insurance Exchange’s (“SSIE”) surplus notes but does not have an ownership interest in SSIE, which is a reciprocal and is owned by its policyholders. However, as a result of SSRM’s role as the attorney-in-fact to SSIE and the investment in SSIE’s surplus notes, White Mountains is required to consolidate SSIE in its GAAP financial statements. SSIE’s results do not affect White Mountains’s common shareholders’ equity as they are attributable to non-controlling interests.
All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These interim financial statements include all adjustments considered necessary by management to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of White Mountains. 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 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
5
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 and disclosure of contingent 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. Refer to the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion regarding White Mountains’s significant accounting policies.
Non-controlling Interests
Non-controlling interests consist of the ownership interests of non-controlling shareholders in consolidated subsidiaries and are presented separately on the balance sheet.
The percentage of the non-controlling shareholders’ ownership interest in OneBeacon Ltd. at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was 24.7% and 24.8%.
In 2012, HG Global was capitalized with $594.5 million from White Mountains and $14.5 million from certain management members of BAM, the latter of which is included in non-controlling interest. Upon closing, certain BAM management members also received additional common and preferred shares of HG Global that resulted in a $2.2 million allocation of the carrying value of White Mountains’s investment in HG Global to the non-controlling interest, which was recorded as an adjustment to paid-in surplus in White Mountains’s consolidated statement of changes in equity.
White Mountains is required to consolidate BAM in its GAAP financial statements. However, since BAM is a mutual insurance company that is owned by its members, BAM’s results do not affect White Mountains’s common shareholders’ equity as they are attributable to non-controlling interests. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, White Mountains reported $13.1 million and $29.7 million in pre-tax losses from BAM that have been allocated to non-controlling interest. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, White Mountains reported $15.1 million and $60.2 million in pre-tax losses from BAM that have been allocated to non-controlling interest.
In May 2007, Sirius International Group, Ltd. (“SIG”), an intermediate holding company of Sirius Group, issued $250.0 million non-cumulative perpetual preference shares, with a $1,000 per share liquidation preference (the “SIG Preference Shares”), and received $245.7 million of proceeds, net of $4.3 million of issuance costs and commissions. SIG Preference Shares and dividends thereon are included in non-controlling interest on the balance sheet and on the statement of income and comprehensive income. The SIG Preference Shares have an initial fixed annual dividend rate of 7.506%. In June 2017, the fixed rate will move to a floating rate equal to the greater of (i) 7.506% and (ii) 3-month LIBOR plus 320 basis points. In July 2013, SIG executed a 5-year forward LIBOR cap (the “Interest Rate Cap”) for the period from June 2017 to June 2022 to protect against a significant increase in interest rates during that 5-year period. The Interest Rate Cap economically fixes the annual dividend rate on the SIG Preference Shares from June 2017 to June 2022 at 8.30%. The Interest Rate Cap is recorded in other assets at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded in other revenue.
At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the non-controlling equity interest in White Mountains’s consolidated limited partnerships was $45.5 million and $46.1 million. At September 30, 2014, the non-controlling equity interests in Wobi, QuoteLab and SSIE were $3.8 million, $18.0 million and $(11.1) million, respecively. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the non-controlling equity interest in A.W.G. Dewar Inc, a subsidiary of OneBeacon, was $3.2 million and $3.1 million.
Recently Adopted Changes in Accounting Principles
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Effective January 1, 2014, White Mountains adopted ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (ASC 740). The new ASU requires balance sheet presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward or tax credit carryforward rather than as a liability. The exception is in circumstances where a carryforward is not available to settle the additional taxes that might arise upon disallowance of the tax position under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction. Prior to the issuance of ASU 2013-11, the guidance for unrecognized tax benefits under ASC 740 did not provide explicit guidance on whether an entity should present an unrecognized tax benefit as a liability or as a reduction of NOL carryforwards or other tax credits. In circumstances where an NOL carryforward is not available to offset settlement of any additional taxes arising from a disallowed tax position, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability. The new guidance became effective for White Mountains on January 1, 2014. Adoption did not have any impact on White Mountains's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue Recognition
On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) which modifies the guidance for revenue recognition. The scope of the new ASU excludes insurance contracts but is applicable to certain fee arrangements, such as investment management fees. White Mountains is in the process of evaluating the new guidance and has not yet determined the potential effect of adoption on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.
Share-Based Compensation Awards
On June 19, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The new guidance is intended to eliminate diversity in practice for employee share-based awards containing performance targets that could be achieved after the requisite service period. Some reporting entities account for performance targets that can be achieved after the requisite service period as performance conditions that affect the vesting of the award while other reporting entities treat those performance targets as nonvesting conditions that affect the grant-date fair value of the award. The updated guidance requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that can be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which service has been rendered. White Mountains is in the process of evaluating the new guidance and has not yet determined the potential effect of adoption on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015.
Qualified Affordable Housing Projects
On January 15, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects (“QAHP”) (ASC 323), which permits companies to make an accounting policy election to account for its investment in a QAHP using the proportional amortization method, if certain conditions are met. Under this method, the initial cost of the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received, with the net investment performance recognized in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. The new guidance also requires certain new disclosures for all QAHP investments. ASU 2014-01 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and may be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon adoption. White Mountains currently holds an investment in a QAHP that is accounted for under the equity method and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity
On April 10, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity to reduce diversity in practice for reporting discontinued operations. Under the previous guidance, any component of an entity that was a reportable segment, an operating segment, a reporting unit, a subsidiary, or an asset group was eligible for discontinued operations presentation. The revised guidance only allows disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift (e.g., disposal of a major geographical area, a major line of business, a major equity method investment, or other major parts of an entity) and that have a major effect on a reporting entity’s operations and financial results to be reported as discontinued operations. The revised guidance also requires expanded disclosure in the financial statements for discontinued operations as well as for disposals of significant components of an entity that do not qualify for discontinued operations presentation. The updated guidance is effective for transactions entered into after December 15, 2014.
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Note 2. Significant Transactions
durchblicker.at
In July 2014, White Mountains acquired 45% of the outstanding common shares of durchblicker.at, Austria's first independent price comparison portal for insurance, gas/electricity and financial services, for EUR 8.5 million (approximately $11.7 million based upon the foreign exchange spot rate at the date of acquisition).
PassportCard
In June 2014, White Mountains committed $21.0 million to fund a 50/50 joint venture with DavidShield Group (“DavidShield”) for the development, marketing and distribution of PassportCard travel insurance. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014, subject to regulatory approvals.
QuoteLab
On March 14, 2014, White Mountains acquired 60% of the outstanding Class A common units of QuoteLab. As of September 30, 2014, White Mountains owned 58.4% of the equity of QuoteLab. QuoteLab is an advertising technology company that operates a transparent online advertising exchange that facilitates transactions between buyers and sellers of insurance media, including advertising inventory on QuoteLab’s owned and operated websites. White Mountains paid an initial purchase price of $28.1 million and will pay additional consideration to the sellers equal to 62.5% of the 2015 gross profit in excess of the 2013 gross profit. At acquisition, QuoteLab had total assets of $56.9 million, including $43.7 million of intangible assets, and total liabilities of $10.0 million.
Wobi
On February 19, 2014, White Mountains acquired 54% of the outstanding common shares of Wobi for NIS 14.4 million (approximately $4.1 million based upon the foreign exchange spot rate at the date of acquisition). In addition to the common shares, White Mountains also purchased NIS 12.7 million (approximately $3.6 million based upon the foreign exchange spot rate at the date of acquisition) of newly-issued convertible preferred shares of Wobi. Wobi is the only price comparison/aggregation business in Israel, with an insurance carrier panel that represents 85% of the premiums written in the Israeli insurance market. Wobi sells four lines of business, primarily personal auto, and operates as an agency, charging upfront commissions on all policy sales. As of September 30, 2014, on a fully converted basis, White Mountains owned 60.7% of Wobi. At acquisition, Wobi had total assets of $13.4 million, including $8.4 million of intangible assets, and total liabilities of $0.7 million.
Star & Shield
On January 31, 2014, White Mountains acquired certain assets and liabilities of Star & Shield Holdings LLC, including SSRM, the attorney-in-fact for SSIE, for a purchase price of $1.8 million.
White Mountains also purchased $17.0 million of surplus notes issued by SSIE. Principal and interest on the surplus notes are payable to White Mountains only with approval from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
SSIE is a Florida-domiciled reciprocal insurance exchange providing private passenger auto insurance to the public safety community and their families. SSIE is a variable interest entity (“VIE”). As a result of SSRM’s role as the attorney-in-fact to SSIE and the investment in SSIE’s surplus notes, White Mountains is required to consolidate SSIE. At September 30, 2014, consolidated amounts included total assets of $11.8 million and total liabilities of $22.8 million of SSIE. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, SSIE had pre-tax losses of $1.4 million and $11.1 million that were recorded in net loss attributable to non-controlling interests.
WM Solutions
In the first quarter of 2014, WM Solutions completed the shell sale of Citation Insurance Company, which resulted in a gain of $0.7 million recorded in other revenue.
In the first quarter of 2013, WM Solutions acquired Ashmere Insurance Company (“Ashmere”, formerly known as American Fuji Fire and Marine Insurance Company), an American International Group, Inc. (“AIG”) runoff subsidiary. The transaction resulted in a gain of $6.9 million recorded in other revenue.
Sale of Essentia Insurance Company
Effective January 1, 2013, OneBeacon completed the sale of Essentia Insurance Company (“Essentia”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary which wrote the collector car and boat business, to Markel Corporation. Concurrently, OneBeacon and Hagerty Insurance Agency (“Hagerty”) terminated their underwriting arrangement with respect to the collector car and boat business. OneBeacon recognized a pre-tax gain on sale of $23.0 million ($15.0 million after tax) in the first quarter of 2013.
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Sale of OneBeacon Runoff Business
On October 17, 2012, one of OneBeacon’s indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, OneBeacon Insurance Group LLC, entered into a definitive agreement (as amended, the “Runoff SPA”) with Trebuchet US Holdings, Inc. (“Trebuchet”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Armour Group Holdings Limited (together with Trebuchet, “Armour”), to sell the Runoff Business. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, at closing OneBeacon will transfer to Trebuchet all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of certain legal entities that will contain the assets, liabilities (including gross and ceded loss reserves) and capital supporting the Runoff Business as well as certain elements of the Runoff Business infrastructure, including staff and office space. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval. As a result of the agreement, the OneBeacon Runoff Business is reported as discontinued operations (see Note 15).
Common Shares Repurchased and Retired
During the past several years, White Mountains's board of directors has authorized the Company to repurchase its common shares, from time to time, subject to market conditions. The repurchase authorizations do not have a stated expiration date. As of September 30, 2014, White Mountains may repurchase an additional 382,118 shares under these board authorizations. In addition, from time to time White Mountains has also repurchased its common shares through tender offers that were separately approved by its board of directors.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 122,264 common shares for $76.5 million at an average share price of $626.13, all of which were repurchased under the board authorization. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 173,853 common shares for $106.9 million at an average share price of $614.78, which was comprised of 163,378 common shares repurchased under the board authorization and 10,475 common shares repurchased pursuant to employee benefit plans. Shares repurchased pursuant to employee benefit plans do not reduce the board authorizations referred to above.
During the three months ended September 30, 2013, no shares were purchased. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company repurchased 141,535 common shares for $79.8 million at an average share price of $564, which was comprised of 140,000 common shares repurchased under the board authorization and 1,535 common shares repurchased pursuant to employee benefit plans.
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Note 3. Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
The following table summarizes the loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserve activities of White Mountains’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Gross beginning balance | $ | 3,053.3 | $ | 3,057.9 | $ | 3,079.3 | $ | 3,168.9 | ||||||||
Less beginning reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses | (433.2 | ) | (388.6 | ) | (428.1 | ) | (429.1 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss and LAE reserves | 2,620.1 | 2,669.3 | 2,651.2 | 2,739.8 | ||||||||||||
Loss and LAE reserves acquired (1) | — | — | — | 21.3 | ||||||||||||
Loss and LAE reserves consolidated — SSIE | — | — | 13.6 | — | ||||||||||||
Loss and LAE incurred relating to: | ||||||||||||||||
Current year losses | 301.2 | 289.9 | 820.1 | 822.8 | ||||||||||||
Prior year losses | (12.1 | ) | (11.6 | ) | (19.0 | ) | (25.6 | ) | ||||||||
Total incurred losses and LAE | 289.1 | 278.3 | 801.1 | 797.2 | ||||||||||||
Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves | .1 | .2 | .5 | 1.5 | ||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment to loss and LAE reserves | (23.5 | ) | 12.3 | (22.2 | ) | (1.9 | ) | |||||||||
Loss and LAE paid relating to: | ||||||||||||||||
Current year losses | (86.2 | ) | (90.0 | ) | (187.0 | ) | (209.9 | ) | ||||||||
Prior year losses | (207.4 | ) | (178.0 | ) | (665.0 | ) | (655.9 | ) | ||||||||
Total loss and LAE payments | (293.6 | ) | (268.0 | ) | (852.0 | ) | (865.8 | ) | ||||||||
Net ending balance | 2,592.2 | 2,692.1 | 2,592.2 | 2,692.1 | ||||||||||||
Plus ending reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses | 430.7 | 416.0 | 430.7 | 416.0 | ||||||||||||
Gross ending balance | $ | 3,022.9 | $ | 3,108.1 | $ | 3,022.9 | $ | 3,108.1 | ||||||||
(1) Loss and LAE reserves acquired relate to WM Solutions purchase of Ashmere in the first quarter of 2013.
Loss and LAE incurred relating to prior year losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, White Mountains experienced net favorable loss reserve development of $12.1 million and $19.0 million.
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, OneBeacon had net unfavorable loss reserve development of $7.3 million primarily related to unfavorable development in professional liability, management liability and financial services businesses included within OneBeacon Professional Insurance (“OBPI”), in OneBeacon Accident and in the inland marine business within International Marine Underwriters (“IMU”), partially offset by favorable development in the healthcare business within OBPI and in OneBeacon Technology. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, OneBeacon had net unfavorable loss reserve development of $14.3 million primarily related to unfavorable development in professional liability and management liability businesses included within OBPI, in OneBeacon Accident and in the inland marine business within IMU, partially offset by favorable development in the healthcare business within OBPI, in OneBeacon Specialty Property and in the ocean marine business within IMU.
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, Sirius Group had net favorable loss reserve development of $19.2 million primarily due to decreases in property loss reserves, including reductions for prior period catastrophe losses, in addition to decreases in aviation and accident and health loss reserves. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Sirius Group had net favorable loss reserve development of $35.3 million primarily due to decreases in property loss reserves, including reductions for prior period catastrophe losses, in addition to decreases in aviation, accident and health, and trade credit loss reserves.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, SSIE had net favorable loss reserve development of $0.2 million and net unfavorable loss reserve development of $2.0 million.
Loss and LAE incurred relating to prior year losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, White Mountains experienced $11.6 million and $25.6 million of net favorable loss reserve development.
For the three months ended September 30, 2013, OneBeacon had net unfavorable loss reserve development of $3.8 million primarily driven by its property and entertainment business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, OneBeacon had net favorable loss reserve development of $0.1 million. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, Sirius Group had net favorable loss reserve development of $15.4 million and $25.5 million primarily due to decreases in property loss reserves, mostly from recent underwriting years, in addition to reductions in loss reserves for the Japan earthquake.
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Fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves
In connection with purchase accounting for acquisitions, White Mountains is required to adjust loss and LAE reserves and the related reinsurance recoverables to fair value on their respective 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.
White Mountains recognized $0.1 million and $0.5 million of such charges, recorded as loss and LAE for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and $0.2 million and $1.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. As of September 30, 2014, the remaining pre-tax un-accreted adjustment was $4.2 million.
Note 4. Third Party Reinsurance
In the normal course of business, White Mountains’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries may 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, 2014, OneBeacon had $12.7 million and $101.4 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses. At December 31, 2013, OneBeacon had $9.7 million and $80.2 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses. The reinsurance balances associated with the Runoff Business are included in discontinued operations (see Note 15). Reinsurance contracts do not relieve OneBeacon of its 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 and ratings of its reinsurers on an ongoing basis. Uncollectible amounts related to the ongoing specialty business historically have not been significant.
Except as discussed below, there have been no material changes to OneBeacon's reinsurance coverage as discussed in Note 4 —“Reinsurance” in White Mountains’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Effective May 1, 2014, OneBeacon renewed its property catastrophe reinsurance program through April 30, 2015. The program provides coverage for OneBeacon's property business as well as certain acts of terrorism. Under the program, the first $20.0 million of losses resulting from any single catastrophe are retained and 100% of the next $110.0 million of losses resulting from the catastrophe are reinsured. Any loss above $130.0 million would be retained in full. In the event of a catastrophe, OneBeacon's property catastrophe reinsurance program is reinstated for the remainder of the original contract term by paying a reinstatement premium that is based on the percentage of coverage reinstated and the original property catastrophe coverage premium.
Also effective May 1, 2014, OneBeacon lowered its retention on its property-per-risk reinsurance program from $10.0 million to $5.0 million.
Effective January 1, 2014, OneBeacon entered into reinsurance treaties to provide coverage for the 2014 crop year. OneBeacon purchased an aggregate stop loss on its multiple peril crop insurance portfolio, providing 48.5% of coverage in excess of a 101.5% loss ratio on premiums covered by the contract and a separate aggregate stop loss providing 80.0% of coverage in excess of a 100.0% loss ratio on its crop-hail portfolio.
Sirius Group
At September 30, 2014, Sirius Group had $14.5 million and $329.3 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses that will become recoverable if claims are paid in accordance with current reserve estimates. At December 31, 2013, Sirius Group had $15.7 million and $347.9 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses. Because retrocessional reinsurance contracts do not relieve Sirius Group of its obligation to its insureds, the collectability of balances due from Sirius Group’s reinsurers is important to its financial strength. Sirius Group monitors the financial strength and ratings of retrocessionaires on an ongoing basis. Uncollectible amounts historically have not been significant.
Except as discussed below, there have been no material changes to Sirius Group's reinsurance coverage as discussed in Note 4 -“Reinsurance” in White Mountains’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Effective January 1, 2014, Sirius Group entered into a reinsurance agreement to provide excess of loss coverage for losses under medical stop loss policies produced, underwritten and administered on behalf of Sirius Group by various managing general underwriters in the United States. The coverage is in excess of a $1 million retention and consists of multiple layers with limits dependent on the individual policies produced by the managing general underwriters. The coverage is for all losses occurring on or after January 1, 2014 on policies written or renewed with effective dates in 2014.
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Note 5. Investment Securities
White Mountains’s invested assets consist of securities and other long-term investments held for general investment purposes. The portfolio of investment securities includes short-term investments, fixed maturity investments, convertible fixed maturity investments and common equity securities which are all classified as trading securities. Trading securities are reported at fair value as of the balance sheet date. Realized and unrealized investment gains and losses on trading securities are reported in pre-tax revenues. White Mountains’s investments in fixed maturity investments, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, are generally valued using industry standard pricing models. Key inputs include benchmark yields, benchmark securities, reported trades, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit ratings and prepayment speeds. Income on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities is recognized using an effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When actual prepayments differ significantly from anticipated prepayments, the estimated economic life is recalculated and the remaining unamortized premium or discount is amortized prospectively over the remaining economic life.
Realized investment gains and losses resulting from sales of investment securities are accounted for using the specific identification method. Premiums and discounts on all fixed maturity investments are amortized or accreted to income over the anticipated life of the investment. Short-term investments consist of money market funds, certificates of deposit and other securities which, at the time of purchase, mature or become available for use within one year. Short-term investments are carried at amortized or accreted cost, which approximated fair value as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Other long-term investments are primarily comprised of White Mountains’s investments in hedge funds and private equity funds.
Net Investment Income
Pre-tax net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Investment income: | ||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity investments | $ | 24.4 | $ | 25.1 | $ | 72.4 | $ | 76.3 | ||||||||
Short-term investments | .8 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 2.9 | ||||||||||||
Common equity securities | 4.3 | 4.4 | 15.2 | 14.0 | ||||||||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments | 1.1 | .7 | 2.3 | 2.1 | ||||||||||||
Other long-term investments | .1 | 1.2 | 1.8 | 2.7 | ||||||||||||
Interest on funds held under reinsurance treaties | (.1 | ) | — | (.1 | ) | .2 | ||||||||||
Total investment income | 30.6 | 32.5 | 93.6 | 98.2 | ||||||||||||
Less third-party investment expenses | (5.9 | ) | (5.2 | ) | (15.5 | ) | (13.7 | ) | ||||||||
Net investment income, pre-tax | $ | 24.7 | $ | 27.3 | $ | 78.1 | $ | 84.5 | ||||||||
Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses
Net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Net realized investment gains, pre-tax | $ | 76.0 | $ | 11.7 | $ | 128.3 | $ | 60.2 | ||||||||
Net unrealized investment (losses) gains, pre-tax | (55.2 | ) | 16.5 | 70.2 | 5.9 | |||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains, pre-tax | 20.8 | 28.2 | 198.5 | 66.1 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense attributable to net realized and unrealized investment gains | (6.6 | ) | (1.2 | ) | (45.4 | ) | (2.5 | ) | ||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains, after tax | $ | 14.2 | $ | 27.0 | $ | 153.1 | $ | 63.6 | ||||||||
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Net realized investment gains (losses)
Net realized investment gains (losses) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2014 | September 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Net realized gains (losses) | Net foreign exchange gains (losses) | Total net realized gains (losses) reflected in earnings | Net realized gains (losses) | Net foreign currency gains (losses) | Total net realized gains (losses) reflected in earnings | ||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity investments | $ | 6.9 | $ | 7.6 | $ | 14.5 | $ | (9.1 | ) | $ | (.3 | ) | $ | (9.4 | ) | |||||||||
Short-term investments | — | 1.1 | 1.1 | — | (.6 | ) | (.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Common equity securities | 54.6 | .1 | 54.7 | 23.5 | (3.0 | ) | 20.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments | 2.1 | — | 2.1 | (.2 | ) | — | (.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other long-term investments | 3.9 | (.6 | ) | 3.3 | (1.1 | ) | 3.0 | 1.9 | ||||||||||||||||
Forward contracts | .3 | — | .3 | (.5 | ) | — | (.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net realized investment gains (losses), pre-tax | 67.8 | 8.2 | 76.0 | 12.6 | (.9 | ) | 11.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit attributable to net realized investment gains (losses) | (9.6 | ) | (2.0 | ) | (11.6 | ) | (.4 | ) | .4 | — | ||||||||||||||
Net realized investment gains (losses), after tax | $ | 58.2 | $ | 6.2 | $ | 64.4 | $ | 12.2 | $ | (.5 | ) | $ | 11.7 | |||||||||||
Nine Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2014 | September 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Net realized gains (losses) | Net foreign exchange gains (losses) | Total net realized gains (losses) reflected in earnings | Net realized gains (losses) | Net foreign currency gains (losses) | Total net realized gains (losses) reflected in earnings | ||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity investments | $ | 17.1 | $ | 7.1 | $ | 24.2 | $ | 12.9 | $ | (14.4 | ) | $ | (1.5 | ) | ||||||||||
Short-term investments | — | 1.1 | 1.1 | .2 | — | .2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Common equity securities | 92.9 | — | 92.9 | 60.7 | (3.0 | ) | 57.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments | 5.9 | — | 5.9 | (.7 | ) | — | (.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other long-term investments | 4.2 | (.2 | ) | 4.0 | 4.8 | — | 4.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Forward contracts | .2 | — | .2 | (.3 | ) | — | (.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net realized investment gains (losses), pre-tax | 120.3 | 8.0 | 128.3 | 77.6 | (17.4 | ) | 60.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit attributable to net realized investment gains (losses) | (19.6 | ) | (2.1 | ) | (21.7 | ) | (17.8 | ) | 5.1 | (12.7 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net realized investment gains (losses), after tax | $ | 100.7 | $ | 5.9 | $ | 106.6 | $ | 59.8 | $ | (12.3 | ) | $ | 47.5 | |||||||||||
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Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
The following table summarizes net unrealized investment gains (losses) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2014 | September 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Net unrealized gains (losses) | Net foreign exchange gains (losses) | Total net unrealized gains (losses) reflected in earnings | Net unrealized gains (losses) | Net foreign exchange gains (losses) | Total net unrealized gains (losses) reflected in earnings | ||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity investments | $ | (14.3 | ) | $ | 37.6 | $ | 23.3 | $ | 9.3 | $ | (30.5 | ) | $ | (21.2 | ) | |||||||||
Short-term investments | — | — | — | — | .1 | .1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Common equity securities | (67.8 | ) | (2.1 | ) | (69.9 | ) | 35.6 | (2.0 | ) | 33.6 | ||||||||||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments | (4.0 | ) | .1 | (3.9 | ) | 2.4 | (.1 | ) | 2.3 | |||||||||||||||
Other long-term investments | (6.4 | ) | 1.7 | (4.7 | ) | 3.1 | (1.4 | ) | 1.7 | |||||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment (losses) gains, pre-tax | (92.5 | ) | 37.3 | (55.2 | ) | 50.4 | (33.9 | ) | 16.5 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) attributable to net unrealized investment (losses) gains | 15.8 | (10.8 | ) | 5.0 | (8.6 | ) | 7.4 | (1.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment (losses) gains, after tax | $ | (76.7 | ) | $ | 26.5 | $ | (50.2 | ) | $ | 41.8 | $ | (26.5 | ) | $ | 15.3 | |||||||||
Nine Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2014 | September 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Net unrealized gains (losses) | Net foreign exchange gains (losses) | Total net unrealized gains (losses) reflected in earnings | Net unrealized gains (losses) | Net foreign currency gains (losses) | Total net unrealized gains (losses) reflected in earnings | ||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity investments | $ | 30.0 | $ | 78.0 | $ | 108.0 | $ | (94.8 | ) | $ | 6.2 | $ | (88.6 | ) | ||||||||||
Common equity securities | (42.8 | ) | (.2 | ) | (43.0 | ) | 85.2 | (1.0 | ) | 84.2 | ||||||||||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments | (5.8 | ) | .4 | (5.4 | ) | (.5 | ) | — | (.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other long-term investments | 7.2 | 3.4 | 10.6 | 7.6 | 3.2 | 10.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment (losses) gains, pre-tax | (11.4 | ) | 81.6 | 70.2 | (2.5 | ) | 8.4 | 5.9 | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit attributable to net unrealized investment (losses) gains | (3.1 | ) | (20.6 | ) | (23.7 | ) | 13.1 | (2.9 | ) | 10.2 | ||||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment (losses) gains, after tax | $ | (14.5 | ) | $ | 61.0 | $ | 46.5 | $ | 10.6 | $ | 5.5 | $ | 16.1 | |||||||||||
14
The following table summarizes the amount of total pre-tax (losses) gains included in earnings attributable to unrealized investment (losses) gains for Level 3 investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Fixed maturity investments | $ | 1.8 | $ | (2.2 | ) | $ | 2.2 | $ | (2.4 | ) | ||||||
Common equity securities | .9 | (.7 | ) | 3.7 | — | |||||||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments | .1 | — | 3.3 | — | ||||||||||||
Other long-term investments | (6.7 | ) | .9 | 8.3 | 8.7 | |||||||||||
Total unrealized investment (losses) gains, pre-tax - Level 3 investments | $ | (3.9 | ) | $ | (2.0 | ) | $ | 17.5 | $ | 6.3 | ||||||
Investment Holdings
The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, net foreign currency gains and losses, and carrying values of White Mountains’s fixed maturity investments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Cost or amortized cost | Gross unrealized gains | Gross unrealized losses | Net foreign currency gains (losses) | Carrying value | |||||||||||||||
U.S. Government and agency obligations | $ | 254.4 | $ | .2 | $ | (.5 | ) | $ | 5.6 | $ | 259.7 | |||||||||
Debt securities issued by corporations | 2,314.6 | 48.9 | (6.3 | ) | 30.1 | 2,387.3 | ||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations | 78.9 | 1.3 | (.3 | ) | — | 79.9 | ||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities | 1,846.7 | 6.8 | (4.6 | ) | 16.0 | 1,864.9 | ||||||||||||||
Foreign government, agency and provincial obligations | 311.6 | 3.7 | (.8 | ) | (3.3 | ) | 311.2 | |||||||||||||
Preferred stocks | 79.7 | 6.7 | — | — | 86.4 | |||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity investments including assets held for sale | $ | 4,885.9 | $ | 67.6 | $ | (12.5 | ) | $ | 48.4 | $ | 4,989.4 | |||||||||
Fixed maturity investments reclassified to assets held for sale related to the Runoff Transaction | (203.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity investments | $ | 4,785.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Cost or amortized cost | Gross unrealized gains | Gross unrealized losses | Net foreign currency losses | Carrying value | |||||||||||||||
U.S. Government and agency obligations | $ | 365.5 | $ | .5 | $ | (1.0 | ) | $ | (2.5 | ) | $ | 362.5 | ||||||||
Debt securities issued by corporations | 2,330.7 | 44.0 | (13.2 | ) | (14.3 | ) | 2,347.2 | |||||||||||||
Municipal obligations | 18.3 | — | (.4 | ) | — | 17.9 | ||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities | 2,027.3 | 2.4 | (9.9 | ) | (5.3 | ) | 2,014.5 | |||||||||||||
Foreign government, agency and provincial obligations | 444.2 | 3.7 | (3.2 | ) | (4.8 | ) | 439.9 | |||||||||||||
Preferred stocks | 79.9 | 5.1 | — | (.2 | ) | 84.8 | ||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity investments including assets held for sale | $ | 5,265.9 | $ | 55.7 | $ | (27.7 | ) | $ | (27.1 | ) | $ | 5,266.8 | ||||||||
Fixed maturity investments reclassified to assets held for sale related to the Runoff Transaction | (236.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity investments | $ | 5,030.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
15
The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, net foreign currency gains and losses, and carrying values of White Mountains’s common equity securities, convertible fixed maturity investments and other long-term investments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Cost or amortized cost | Gross unrealized gains | Gross unrealized losses | Net foreign currency gains (losses) | Carrying value | |||||||||||||||
Common equity securities | $ | 766.7 | $ | 229.9 | $ | (9.1 | ) | $ | (1.4 | ) | $ | 986.1 | ||||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments | $ | 45.0 | $ | 4.4 | $ | (1.1 | ) | $ | .6 | $ | 48.9 | |||||||||
Other long-term investments | $ | 256.1 | $ | 85.5 | $ | (21.6 | ) | $ | .9 | $ | 320.9 | |||||||||
December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Cost or amortized cost | Gross unrealized gains | Gross unrealized losses | Net foreign currency losses | Carrying value | |||||||||||||||
Common equity securities | $ | 890.2 | $ | 271.0 | $ | (3.6 | ) | $ | (.8 | ) | $ | 1,156.8 | ||||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments | $ | 71.7 | $ | 9.9 | $ | (.9 | ) | $ | (.2 | ) | $ | 80.5 | ||||||||
Other long-term investments | $ | 238.3 | $ | 79.6 | $ | (26.6 | ) | $ | (2.4 | ) | $ | 288.9 | ||||||||
Other Long-term Investments
Other long-term investments consist of the following at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
Fair Value at | ||||||||
Millions | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
Hedge funds and private equity funds, at fair value(1) | $ | 241.9 | $ | 239.0 | ||||
Partnership investments accounted for under the equity method | 23.5 | 26.6 | ||||||
Limited liability companies and private equity securities, at fair value(1) | 50.1 | 20.3 | ||||||
Other(1) | 5.2 | 3.1 | ||||||
Forward contracts at fair value (see Note 8) | .2 | (.1 | ) | |||||
Total other-long term investments | $ | 320.9 | $ | 288.9 | ||||
(1) See Fair Value Measurements by Level table.
16
Hedge Funds and Private Equity Funds
White Mountains owns 67% of the limited partnership interests in Prospector Offshore Fund, Ltd. and 69% of the limited partnership interests in Prospector Turtle Fund (collectively, the “Prospector Funds”). At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, White Mountains’s investment in the Prospector Funds was $95.4 million and $112.4 million. The Prospector Funds are hedge funds that pursue investment opportunities in a variety of equity and equity-related instruments, primarily in the financial services sector. White Mountains has determined that the Prospector Funds are VIEs that White Mountains is required to consolidate. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, White Mountains consolidated total assets of $223.5 million and $249.2 million and total liabilities of $82.7 million and $90.6 million of the Prospector Funds. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, White Mountains also recorded non-controlling interest of $45.4 million and $46.2 million in the Prospector Funds.
In addition to the Prospector Funds, White Mountains holds investments in hedge funds and private equity funds, which are included in other long-term investments. The fair value of these investments has been estimated using the net asset value of the funds. At September 30, 2014, White Mountains held investments in 14 hedge funds and 32 private equity funds. The largest investment in a single fund was $19.5 million at September 30, 2014. The following table summarizes investments in hedge funds and private equity funds by investment objective and sector at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||
Millions | Fair Value | Unfunded Commitments | Fair Value | Unfunded Commitments | ||||||||||||
Hedge funds | ||||||||||||||||
Long/short equity | $ | 54.8 | $ | — | $ | 62.6 | $ | — | ||||||||
Long/short credit & distressed | 22.9 | — | 22.8 | — | ||||||||||||
Long/short equity REIT | 19.5 | — | 18.3 | — | ||||||||||||
Long/short equity activist | 17.2 | — | 16.8 | — | ||||||||||||
Long bank loan | .2 | — | .2 | — | ||||||||||||
Long diversified strategies | — | — | .1 | — | ||||||||||||
Total hedge funds | 114.6 | — | 120.8 | — | ||||||||||||
Private equity funds | ||||||||||||||||
Energy infrastructure & services | 46.8 | 11.0 | 45.9 | 13.1 | ||||||||||||
Multi-sector | 24.5 | 5.9 | 23.8 | 6.5 | ||||||||||||
Manufacturing/Industrial | 18.8 | 14.8 | 11.2 | 15.5 | ||||||||||||
Aerospace/Defense/Government | 12.1 | 13.4 | 5.8 | 19.2 | ||||||||||||
Private equity secondaries | 9.4 | 3.1 | 9.5 | 3.1 | ||||||||||||
Healthcare | 5.8 | 2.8 | 5.6 | 2.8 | ||||||||||||
Real estate | 3.5 | 3.3 | 8.2 | 3.3 | ||||||||||||
Insurance | 2.2 | 41.3 | 2.3 | 41.3 | ||||||||||||
Venture capital | 1.4 | .3 | 1.6 | .3 | ||||||||||||
International multi-sector, Asia | — | — | — | 2.7 | ||||||||||||
International multi-sector, Europe | 2.8 | 2.5 | 3.9 | 2.8 | ||||||||||||
Distressed residential real estate | — | — | .4 | — | ||||||||||||
Total private equity funds | 127.3 | 98.4 | 118.2 | 110.6 | ||||||||||||
Total hedge funds and private equity funds included in other long-term investments | $ | 241.9 | $ | 98.4 | $ | 239.0 | $ | 110.6 | ||||||||
Redemption of investments in certain hedge funds is subject to restrictions including lock-up periods where no redemptions or withdrawals are allowed, restrictions on redemption frequency and advance notice periods for redemptions. Amounts requested for redemptions remain subject to market fluctuations until the redemption effective date, which generally falls at the end of the defined redemption period.
17
The following summarizes the September 30, 2014 fair value of hedge funds subject to restrictions on redemption frequency and advance notice period requirements for investments in active hedge funds:
Notice Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Millions Redemption frequency | 30-59 days notice | 60-89 days notice | 90-119 days notice | 120+ days notice | Total | |||||||||||||||
Monthly | $ | 4.5 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 4.5 | ||||||||||
Quarterly | 30.7 | 22.9 | 11.1 | 8.4 | 73.1 | |||||||||||||||
Semi-annual | — | 26.9 | — | — | 26.9 | |||||||||||||||
Annual | — | — | 9.9 | .2 | 10.1 | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 35.2 | $ | 49.8 | $ | 21.0 | $ | 8.6 | $ | 114.6 | ||||||||||
Certain of the hedge fund investments in which White Mountains is invested are no longer active and are in the process of disposing of their underlying investments. Distributions from such funds are remitted to investors as the fund’s underlying investments are liquidated. At September 30, 2014, distributions of $2.1 million were outstanding from these investments. The actual amount of the final distribution remittances remain subject to market fluctuations. The date at which such remittances will be received is not determinable at September 30, 2014.
White Mountains has also submitted redemption requests for certain of its investments in active hedge funds. At September 30, 2014, redemptions of $28.3 million are outstanding and are subject to market fluctuations. Such redemptions are expected to be received in the first quarter of 2015. Redemptions are recorded as receivables when the investment is no longer subject to market fluctuations.
Investments in private equity funds are generally subject to a “lock-up” period during which investors may not request a redemption. Distributions prior to the expected termination date of the fund may be limited to dividends or proceeds arising from the liquidation of the fund’s underlying investments. In addition, certain private equity funds provide an option to extend the lock-up period at either the sole discretion of the fund manager or upon agreement between the fund and the investors.
At September 30, 2014, investments in private equity funds were subject to lock-up periods as follows:
Millions | 1-3 years | 3 – 5 years | 5 – 10 years | >10 years | Total | |||||
Private Equity Funds — expected lock-up period remaining | $14.4 | $31.6 | $60.6 | $20.7 | $127.3 | |||||
Fair value measurements at September 30, 2014
White Mountains’s invested assets that are measured at fair value include fixed maturity investments, common equity securities, convertible fixed maturity securities and other long-term investments, such as interests in hedge funds and private equity funds. Fair value measurements reflect management’s best estimate of the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements fall into a hierarchy with three levels based on the nature of the inputs. Fair value measurements based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are at the top of the hierarchy (“Level 1”), followed by fair value measurements based on observable inputs that do not meet the criteria for Level 1, including quoted prices in inactive markets and quoted prices in active markets for similar, but not identical instruments (“Level 2”). Measurements based on unobservable inputs, including a reporting entity’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use are at the bottom of the hierarchy (“Level 3”).
18
White Mountains uses quoted market prices or other observable inputs to determine fair value for the vast majority of its investment portfolio. Investments valued using Level 1 inputs include fixed maturity investments, primarily investments in U.S. Treasuries, common equity securities and short-term investments, which include U.S. Treasury Bills. Investments valued using Level 2 inputs consist of fixed maturity investments including corporate debt, state and other governmental debt, convertible fixed maturity securities and mortgage and asset-backed securities. Fair value estimates for investments that trade infrequently and have few or no observable market prices are classified as Level 3 measurements. Level 3 fair value estimates based upon unobservable inputs include White Mountains’s investments in hedge funds and private equity funds, as well as investments in certain debt and equity securities where quoted market prices are unavailable. White Mountains uses brokers and outside pricing services to assist in determining fair values. For investments in active markets, White Mountains uses the quoted market prices provided by outside pricing services to determine fair value. The outside pricing services used by White Mountains have indicated that if no observable inputs are available for a security, they will not provide a price. In those circumstances, White Mountains estimates the fair value using industry standard pricing models and observable inputs such as benchmark interest rates, matrix pricing, market comparables, broker quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit rating, prepayment speeds and other relevant inputs. White Mountains performs procedures to validate the market prices obtained from the outside pricing sources. Such procedures, which cover substantially all of its fixed maturity investments include, but are not limited to, evaluation of model pricing methodologies and review of the pricing services’ quality control processes and procedures on at least an annual basis, comparison of market prices to prices obtained from different independent pricing vendors on at least a semi-annual basis, monthly analytical reviews of certain prices, and review of assumptions utilized by the pricing service for selected measurements on an ad hoc basis throughout the year. White Mountains also performs back-testing of selected sales activity to determine whether there are any significant differences between the market price used to value the security prior to sale and the actual sale price on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year. Prices provided by the pricing services that vary by more than 5% and $1.0 million from the expected price based on these procedures are considered outliers. In circumstances where the results of White Mountains’s review process do not appear to support the market price provided by the pricing services, White Mountains challenges the price. If White Mountains cannot gain satisfactory evidence to support the challenged price, it relies upon its own pricing methodologies to estimate the fair value of the security in question. The fair values of such securities are considered to be Level 3 measurements.
White Mountains’s fixed maturity investments are generally valued using matrix and other pricing models. Key inputs include benchmark yields, benchmark securities, reported trades, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit ratings and prepayment speeds. Income on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities is recognized using an effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When actual prepayments differ significantly from anticipated prepayments, the estimated economic life is recalculated and the remaining unamortized premium or discount is amortized or accreted prospectively over the remaining economic life.
White Mountains employs a number of procedures to assess the reasonableness of the fair value measurements for its other long-term investments, including obtaining and reviewing the audited annual financial statements of each hedge fund and private equity fund and periodically discussing each fund’s pricing with the fund manager. However, since the fund managers do not provide sufficient information to evaluate the pricing inputs and methods for each underlying investment, the inputs are considered to be unobservable. Accordingly, the fair values of White Mountains’s investments in hedge funds and private equity funds have been classified as Level 3 measurements. The fair value of White Mountains’s investments in hedge funds and private equity funds has been determined using net asset value.
In addition to the investments described above, White Mountains has $81.0 million and $86.3 million of investment-related liabilities recorded at fair value and included in other liabilities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. These liabilities relate to securities that have been sold short by limited partnerships in which White Mountains has investments and is required to consolidate under GAAP. These liabilities have a Level 1 designation.
19
Fair Value Measurements by Level
The following tables summarize White Mountains’s fair value measurements for investments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, by level:
September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Millions | Fair value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||
Fixed maturity investments: | ||||||||||||||||
U.S. Government and agency obligations | $ | 259.7 | $ | 197.1 | $ | 62.6 | $ | — | ||||||||
Debt securities issued by corporations: | ||||||||||||||||
Consumer | 680.5 | — | 680.5 | — | ||||||||||||
Financials | 476.4 | — | 476.4 | — | ||||||||||||
Communications | 260.3 | — | 260.3 | — | ||||||||||||
Industrial | 407.8 | — | 407.8 | — | ||||||||||||
Energy | 179.8 | — | 179.8 | — | ||||||||||||
Utilities | 161.1 | — | 161.1 | — | ||||||||||||
Basic Materials | 140.7 | — | 134.7 | 6.0 | ||||||||||||
Technology | 56.8 | — | 56.8 | — | ||||||||||||
Other | 23.9 | — | 23.9 | — | ||||||||||||
Total debt securities issued by corporations: | 2,387.3 | — | 2,381.3 | 6.0 | ||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities | 1,864.9 | — | 1,842.9 | 22.0 | ||||||||||||
Foreign government, agency and provincial obligations | 311.2 | 22.1 | 289.1 | — | ||||||||||||
Preferred stocks | 86.4 | — | 14.9 | 71.5 | ||||||||||||
Municipal obligations | 79.9 | — | 79.9 | — | ||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity investments (1) | 4,989.4 | 219.2 | 4,670.7 | 99.5 | ||||||||||||
Short-term investments | 834.9 | 833.9 | 1.0 | — | ||||||||||||
Common equity securities: | ||||||||||||||||
Financials | 296.4 | 257.5 | — | 38.9 | ||||||||||||
Consumer | 277.5 | 277.2 | .3 | — | ||||||||||||
Industrial | 97.1 | 97.1 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Energy | 58.8 | 58.8 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Communications | 54.6 | 54.6 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Basic materials | 38.9 | 38.9 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Technology | 36.8 | 36.8 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Utilities | 22.3 | 22.3 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Other | 103.7 | 27.5 | 76.2 | — | ||||||||||||
Total common equity securities | 986.1 | 870.7 | 76.5 | 38.9 | ||||||||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments | 48.9 | — | 38.0 | 10.9 | ||||||||||||
Other long-term investments (2) | 297.2 | — | — | 297.2 | ||||||||||||
Total investments | $ | 7,156.5 | $ | 1,923.8 | $ | 4,786.2 | $ | 446.5 | ||||||||
(1) Carrying value includes $203.9 that is classified as assets held for sale relating to discontinued operations.
(2) Excludes carrying value of $23.5 associated with other long-term investment limited partnerships accounted for using the equity method and $0.2 related to forward contracts.
20
December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Millions | Fair value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||
Fixed maturity investments: | ||||||||||||||||
U.S. Government and agency obligations | $ | 362.5 | $ | 295.8 | $ | 66.7 | $ | — | ||||||||
Debt securities issued by corporations: | ||||||||||||||||
Consumer | 754.4 | — | 754.4 | — | ||||||||||||
Financials | 434.4 | — | 434.4 | — | ||||||||||||
Industrial | 281.1 | — | 281.1 | — | ||||||||||||
Communications | 265.0 | — | 265.0 | — | ||||||||||||
Utilities | 173.6 | — | 173.6 | — | ||||||||||||
Energy | 159.7 | — | 159.7 | — | ||||||||||||
Basic materials | 149.1 | — | 149.1 | — | ||||||||||||
Technology | 91.2 | — | 91.2 | — | ||||||||||||
Other | 38.7 | — | 38.7 | — | ||||||||||||
Total debt securities issued by corporations: | 2,347.2 | — | 2,347.2 | — | ||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities | 2,014.5 | — | 1,992.5 | 22.0 | ||||||||||||
Foreign government, agency and provincial obligations | 439.9 | 44.5 | 395.4 | — | ||||||||||||
Preferred stocks | 84.8 | — | 13.8 | 71.0 | ||||||||||||
Municipal obligations | 17.9 | — | 17.9 | — | ||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity investments (1) | 5,266.8 | 340.3 | 4,833.5 | 93.0 | ||||||||||||
Short-term investments | 635.9 | 621.5 | 14.4 | — | ||||||||||||
Common equity securities: | ||||||||||||||||
Financials | 360.4 | 314.3 | — | 46.1 | ||||||||||||
Consumer | 308.2 | 308.2 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Industrial | 105.4 | 105.4 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Energy | 78.6 | 78.6 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Technology | 60.6 | 60.6 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Communications | 57.1 | 57.1 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Basic materials | 53.4 | 53.4 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Utilities | 34.3 | 34.3 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Other | 98.8 | 24.5 | 74.3 | — | ||||||||||||
Total common equity securities | 1,156.8 | 1,036.4 | 74.3 | 46.1 | ||||||||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments | 80.5 | — | 74.4 | 6.1 | ||||||||||||
Other long-term investments (2) | 262.4 | — | — | 262.4 | ||||||||||||
Total investments | $ | 7,402.4 | $ | 1,998.2 | $ | 4,996.6 | $ | 407.6 | ||||||||
(1) Carrying value includes $236.3 that is classified as assets held for sale relating to discontinued operations.
(2) Excludes carrying value of $26.6 associated with other long-term investment limited partnerships accounted for using the equity method and $(0.1) related to currency forward contracts.
21
Debt securities issued by corporations
The following table summarizes the ratings of the corporate debt securities held in White Mountains’s investment portfolio as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
Fair Value at | ||||||||
Millions | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
AAA | $ | — | $ | — | ||||
AA | 233.3 | 228.8 | ||||||
A | 974.6 | 1,039.5 | ||||||
BBB | 1,167.9 | 1,075.5 | ||||||
BB | — | — | ||||||
Other | 11.5 | 3.4 | ||||||
Debt securities issued by corporations(1) | $ | 2,387.3 | $ | 2,347.2 | ||||
(1) Credit ratings are assigned based on the following hierarchy: 1) Standard and Poor's Financial Services LLC ("Standard & Poor’s") and 2) Moody’s Investor Service ("Moody's").
Mortgage-backed, Asset-backed Securities
White Mountains purchases commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities with the goal of maximizing risk adjusted returns in the context of a diversified portfolio. White Mountains’s non-agency commercial mortgage-backed portfolio (“CMBS”) is generally short-term and structurally subordinate. In general, subordination represents the percentage principal loss on the underlying collateral that would be absorbed by other securities lower in the capital structure before the more senior security incurs a loss. As of September 30, 2014, on average less than 1% of the underlying loans were reported as non-performing for all non-agency CMBS held by White Mountains. White Mountains is not an originator of residential mortgage loans. White Mountains’s investments in hedge funds and private equity funds contain negligible amounts of sub-prime mortgage-backed securities at September 30, 2014. White Mountains considers sub-prime mortgage-backed securities as those that have underlying loan pools that exhibit weak credit characteristics, or those that are issued from dedicated sub-prime shelves or dedicated second-lien shelf registrations (i.e., White Mountains considers investments backed primarily by second-liens to be sub-prime risks regardless of credit scores or other metrics).
White Mountains categorizes mortgage-backed securities as “non-prime” (also called “Alt A” or “A-”) if they are backed by collateral that has overall credit quality between prime and sub-prime based on White Mountains’s review of the characteristics of their underlying mortgage loan pools, such as credit scores and financial ratios. White Mountains’s non-agency residential mortgage-backed portfolio is generally moderate-term and structurally senior. White Mountains does not own any collateralized loan obligations. White Mountains does not own any collateralized debt obligations, with the exception of $49.8 million of non-agency residential mortgage resecuritization tranches, each a senior tranche in its own right and each collateralized by a single earlier vintage Super Senior or Senior non-agency residential mortgage backed security.
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The following table summarizes mortgage and asset-backed securities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Fair Value | Level 2 | Level 3 | Fair Value | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Agency: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
GNMA | $ | 429.6 | $ | 429.6 | $ | — | $ | 512.3 | $ | 512.3 | $ | — | ||||||||||||
FNMA | 56.6 | 56.6 | — | 81.2 | 81.2 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
FHLMC | 45.0 | 45.0 | — | 91.3 | 91.3 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Agency(1) | 531.2 | 531.2 | — | 684.8 | 684.8 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-agency: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | 196.6 | 196.6 | — | 125.7 | 125.7 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | 256.2 | 256.2 | — | 282.3 | 282.3 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Non-agency | 452.8 | 452.8 | — | 408.0 | 408.0 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Total mortgage-backed securities | 984.0 | 984.0 | — | 1,092.8 | 1,092.8 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit card receivables | 385.7 | 363.7 | 22.0 | 311.4 | 289.4 | 22.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Vehicle receivables | 305.9 | 305.9 | — | 365.0 | 365.0 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Other | 189.3 | 189.3 | — | 245.3 | 245.3 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Total other asset-backed securities | 880.9 | 858.9 | 22.0 | 921.7 | 899.7 | 22.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total mortgage and asset-backed securities | $ | 1,864.9 | $ | 1,842.9 | $ | 22.0 | $ | 2,014.5 | $ | 1,992.5 | $ | 22.0 | ||||||||||||
(1) Represents publicly traded mortgage-backed securities which carry the full faith and credit guaranty of the U.S. government (i.e., GNMA) or are guaranteed by a government sponsored entity (i.e., FNMA, FHLMC).
Non-agency Mortgage-backed Securities
The security issuance years of White Mountains’s investments in non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") and non-agency CMBS securities as of September 30, 2014 are as follows:
Security Issuance Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Fair Value | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-agency RMBS | $ | 196.6 | $ | 9.5 | $ | 16.1 | $ | 10.6 | $ | — | $ | 17.2 | $ | — | $ | 16.3 | $ | 23.5 | $ | 6.2 | $ | 42.6 | $ | 54.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-agency CMBS | 256.2 | — | — | 8.5 | 2.8 | — | — | 12.0 | — | 20.6 | 94.5 | 117.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 452.8 | $ | 9.5 | $ | 16.1 | $ | 19.1 | $ | 2.8 | $ | 17.2 | $ | — | $ | 28.3 | $ | 23.5 | $ | 26.8 | $ | 137.1 | $ | 172.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-agency Residential Mortgage-backed Securities
The classification of the underlying collateral quality and the tranche levels of White Mountains’s non-agency RMBS securities are as follows as of September 30, 2014:
Millions | Fair Value | Super Senior (1) | Senior (2) | Subordinate (3) | ||||||||||||
Prime | $ | 180.3 | $ | 71.7 | $ | 108.6 | $ | — | ||||||||
Non-prime | 12.1 | — | 12.1 | — | ||||||||||||
Sub-prime | 4.2 | 4.2 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 196.6 | $ | 75.9 | $ | 120.7 | $ | — | ||||||||
(1) At issuance, Super Senior, or in the case of resecuritization, the underlying securities, were rated "AAA" by Standard & Poor’s, "Aaa" by Moody’s or "AAA" by Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") and were senior to other "AAA" or "Aaa" securities.
(2) At issuance, Senior, or in the case of resecuritization, the underlying securities, were rated "AAA" by Standard & Poor’s, "Aaa" by Moody’s or "AAA" by Fitch and were senior to non-"AAA" or non-"Aaa" securities.
(3) At issuance, Subordinate were not rated "AAA" by Standard & Poor’s, "Aaa" by Moody’s or "AAA" by Fitch and were junior to "AAA" or "Aaa" securities.
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Non-agency Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities
The amount of fixed and floating rate securities and their tranche levels of White Mountains’s non-agency CMBS securities are as follows as of September 30, 2014:
Millions | Fair Value | Super Senior (1) | Senior (2) | Subordinate (3) | ||||||||||||
Fixed rate CMBS | $ | 149.3 | $ | 55.4 | $ | 52.3 | $ | 41.6 | ||||||||
Floating rate CMBS | 106.9 | 2.8 | — | 104.1 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 256.2 | $ | 58.2 | $ | 52.3 | $ | 145.7 | ||||||||
(1) At issuance, Super Senior, or in the case of resecuritization, the underlying securities, were rated "AAA" by Standard & Poor’s, "Aaa" by Moody’s or "AAA" by Fitch and were senior to other "AAA" or "Aaa" securities.
(2) At issuance, Senior, or in the case of resecuritization, the underlying securities, were rated "AAA" by Standard & Poor’s, "Aaa" by Moody’s or "AAA" by Fitch and were senior to non-"AAA" or non-"Aaa" securities.
(3) At issuance, Subordinate were not rated "AAA" by Standard & Poor’s, "Aaa" by Moody’s or "AAA" by Fitch and were junior to "AAA" or "Aaa" securities.
Rollforward of Fair Value Measurements by Level
White Mountains uses quoted market prices where available as the inputs to estimate fair value for its investments in active markets. Such measurements are considered to be either Level 1 or Level 2 measurements, depending on whether the quoted market price inputs are for identical securities (Level 1) or similar securities (Level 2). Level 3 measurements for fixed maturity investments, common equity securities, convertible fixed maturity investments and other long-term investments at September 30, 2014 and 2013 consist of securities for which the estimated fair value has not been determined based upon quoted market price inputs for identical or similar securities.
The following tables summarize the changes in White Mountains’s fair value measurements by level for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Level 3 Investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Level 1 investments | Level 2 investments | Fixed maturity investments | Common equity securities | Convertible fixed maturity investments | Other long-term investments | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 | $ | 1,376.7 | $ | 4,982.2 | $ | 93.0 | $ | 46.1 | $ | 6.1 | $ | 262.4 | $ | 6,766.5 | (1)(2)(3) | ||||||||
Total realized and unrealized gains | 57.5 | 115.0 | 3.1 | 3.7 | 3.3 | 15.6 | 198.2 | (4) | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency losses through OCI | (16.8 | ) | (142.1 | ) | (.9 | ) | — | — | (3.5 | ) | (163.3 | ) | |||||||||||
Amortization/Accretion | (.4 | ) | (33.2 | ) | (.1 | ) | — | — | — | (33.7 | ) | ||||||||||||
Purchases | 1,261.6 | 2,595.3 | 80.0 | — | 1.5 | 47.1 | 3,985.5 | ||||||||||||||||
Sales | (1,585.8 | ) | (2,815.2 | ) | — | (10.9 | ) | — | (24.4 | ) | (4,436.3 | ) | |||||||||||
Net change in investments related to (sales) purchases of consolidated affiliates | (2.7 | ) | 7.4 | — | — | — | — | 4.7 | |||||||||||||||
Transfers in | — | 75.8 | — | — | — | — | 75.8 | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers out | (.2 | ) | — | (75.6 | ) | — | — | — | (75.8 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2014 | $ | 1,089.9 | $ | 4,785.2 | $ | 99.5 | $ | 38.9 | $ | 10.9 | $ | 297.2 | $ | 6,321.6 | (1)(2)(3) | ||||||||
(1) Excludes carrying value of $26.6 and $23.5 at January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2014 associated with other long-term investments accounted for using the equity method and $(0.1) and $0.2 at January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2014 related to forward contracts.
(2) Carrying value includes $236.3 and $203.9 at January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2014 that is classified as assets held for sale relating to discontinued operations.
(3) Excludes carrying value of $635.9 and $834.9 at January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2014 associated with short-term investments.
(4) Excludes $0.6 realized and unrealized gains associated with the Prospector Funds consolidation of investment-related liabilities.
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Level 3 Investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Level 1 investments | Level 2 investments | Fixed maturity investments | Common equity securities | Convertible fixed maturity investments | Other long-term investments | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2013 | $ | 1,355.1 | $ | 5,206.1 | $ | 92.9 | $ | 37.3 | $ | — | $ | 259.3 | $ | 6,950.7 | (1)(2)(3) | ||||||||
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 140.6 | (70.7 | ) | (3.3 | ) | — | — | 14.0 | 80.6 | (4) | |||||||||||||
Foreign currency gains through OCI | 1.4 | 17.5 | .5 | — | — | (.8 | ) | 18.6 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization/Accretion | (.9 | ) | (39.7 | ) | — | — | — | — | (40.6 | ) | |||||||||||||
Purchases | 735.9 | 3,014.7 | 32.4 | .5 | — | 91.8 | 3,875.3 | ||||||||||||||||
Sales | (877.9 | ) | (3,309.7 | ) | (.7 | ) | — | — | (91.1 | ) | (4,279.4 | ) | |||||||||||
Net change in investments related to purchases of consolidated affiliates | 14.5 | 2.7 | — | — | — | — | 17.2 | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers in | 1.8 | 32.1 | 90.3 | — | — | — | 124.2 | ||||||||||||||||
Transfers out | — | (91.1 | ) | (32.1 | ) | (1.0 | ) | — | — | (124.2 | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2013 | $ | 1,370.5 | $ | 4,761.9 | $ | 180.0 | $ | 36.8 | $ | — | $ | 273.2 | $ | 6,622.4 | (1)(2)(3) | ||||||||
(1) Excludes carrying value of $35.0 and $26.9 at January 1, 2013 and September 30, 2013 associated with other long-term investment limited partnerships accounted for using the equity method and $(0.1) and $(0.1) at January 1, 2013 and September 30, 2013 related to forward contracts.
(2) Carrying value includes $338.1 and 239.7 at January 1, 2013 and September 30, 2013 that is classified as assets held for sale relating to discontinued operations.
(3) Excludes carrying value of $630.6 and $648.0 at January 1, 2013 and September 30, 2013 and realized and unrealized loss for the period of $0.2 associated with short-term investments.
(4) Excludes $14.1 realized and unrealized losses associated with the Prospector Funds consolidation of investment-related liabilities.
Fair Value Measurements — transfers between levels - Nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
During the first nine months of 2014, four fixed maturity investments classified as Level 3 measurements in the prior
period were recategorized as Level 2 measurements because quoted market prices for similar securities that were considered reliable and could be validated against an alternative source were available at September 30, 2014. These measurements comprise “Transfers out” of Level 3 and “Transfers in” to Level 2 of $75.6 million for the period ended September 30, 2014.
During the first nine months of 2013, two fixed maturity investments classified as Level 3 measurements in the prior period were recategorized as Level 2 measurements because quoted market prices for similar securities that were considered reliable and could be validated against an alternative source were available at September 30, 2013. These measurements comprise “Transfers out” of Level 3 and “Transfers in” to Level 2 of $32.1 million for the period ended September 30, 2013.
During the first nine months of 2014, no fixed maturity investment which had been classified as a Level 2 measurements in the prior period were recategorized as Level 3 measurements.
During the first nine months of 2013, one fixed maturity investment, which had been classified as a Level 2 measurement at June 30, 2013 was recategorized as a Level 3 measurement at September 30, 2013. The security was priced with unobservable inputs and represents "Transfers out" of Level 2 and “Transfers in” to Level 3 of $90.3 million for the period ended September 30, 2013. The fair value of this security was estimated using industry standard pricing methodology, in which
management selected inputs using its best judgment. The security is considered to be Level 3 because the measurements are
not directly observable. At September 30, 2013, the estimated fair value for this security determined using the industry
standard pricing models was $1.3 million less than the estimated fair value based upon quoted prices provided by a third party
pricing vendor.
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Significant Unobservable Inputs
The following summarizes significant unobservable inputs used in estimating the fair value of investment securities classified within Level 3 other than hedge funds and private equity funds as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The fair value of investments in hedge funds and private equity funds, which are classified within Level 3, are estimated using the net asset value of the funds.
($ in Millions) | September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||
Description | Fair Value | Rating (2) | Valuation Technique(s) | Unobservable Input | |||||||
Debt securities issued by corporations(1)(3) | $6.0 | NR | Exchange Transaction | ||||||||
Asset-backed securities(1) | $22.0 | AA+ | Broker pricing | Broker quote | |||||||
Preferred stock(1) | $71.5 | NR | Discounted cash flow | Discount yield | 6.6% | ||||||
Private equity security(1) | $38.4 | NR | Multiple of GAAP book value | Book value multiple | 1.0 | ||||||
Private equity security(1) | $15.7 | NR | Share price of recent transaction | Share price | $1.10 | ||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investment (1) | $6.4 | NR | Multiple of EBITDA | EBITDA multiple | 6X | ||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investment (1) | $4.5 | NR | Share price of recent transaction | Share price | $0.71 | ||||||
Private equity security(1) | $11.7 | NR | Share price of recent transaction | Share price | $290.96 | ||||||
(1) As of September 30, 2014, consists of one security.
(2) Credit ratings are assigned based on the following hierarchy: 1) Standard and Poor's and 2) Moody’s.
(3) Derived from the exchange of a convertible fixed maturity investment, where the valuation of the debt security issued by a corporation represents a portion
of the total exchange price after taking into consideration the cash and value of the common equity security that was also received in the exchange transaction.
($ in Millions) | December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||
Description | Fair Value | Rating (2) | Valuation Technique(s) | Unobservable Input | |||||||
Asset-backed securities(1) | $22.0 | AA+ | Broker pricing | Broker quote | |||||||
Preferred stock(1) | $71.0 | NR | Discounted cash flow | Discount yield | 7.4% | ||||||
Private equity security(1) | $35.6 | NR | Multiple of GAAP book value | Book value multiple | 1.0 | ||||||
Private equity security(1) | $10.5 | NR | Share price of recent transaction | Share price | $1.10 | ||||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments | $6.1 | NR | Share price of recent transaction | Recent market transaction | $6.1 | ||||||
(1) As of December 31, 2013, consists of one security.
(2) Credit ratings are assigned based on the following hierarchy: 1) Standard and Poor's and 2) Moody’s.
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Note 6. Debt
White Mountains’s debt outstanding as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
Millions | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
2012 OBH Senior Notes, at face value | $ | 275.0 | $ | 275.0 | ||||
Unamortized original issue discount | (.3 | ) | (.3 | ) | ||||
2012 OBH Senior Notes, carrying value | 274.7 | 274.7 | ||||||
SIG Senior Notes, at face value | 400.0 | 400.0 | ||||||
Unamortized original issue discount | (.4 | ) | (.4 | ) | ||||
SIG Senior Notes, carrying value | 399.6 | 399.6 | ||||||
WTM Bank Facility | — | — | ||||||
Old Lyme Note | 2.8 | 2.1 | ||||||
QuoteLab | 1.0 | — | ||||||
Total debt | $ | 678.1 | $ | 676.4 | ||||
WTM Bank Facility
On August 14, 2013, White Mountains entered into a revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders administered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which has a total commitment of $425.0 million and has a maturity date of August 14, 2018 (the “WTM Bank Facility”). As of September 30, 2014, the WTM Bank Facility was undrawn.
The WTM Bank Facility contains various affirmative, negative and financial covenants which White Mountains considers to be customary for such borrowings, including certain minimum net worth and maximum debt to capitalization standards. Failure to meet one or more of these covenants could result in an event of default, which ultimately could eliminate availability under these facilities and result in acceleration of principal repayment on any amounts outstanding.
Debt Covenants
At September 30, 2014, White Mountains was in compliance with all debt covenants.
Note 7. Income Taxes
The Company and its Bermuda domiciled subsidiaries are not subject to Bermuda income tax under current Bermuda law. In the event there is a change in the current law such that taxes are imposed, the Company and its Bermuda domiciled subsidiaries would be exempt from such tax until March 31, 2035, pursuant to the Bermuda Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act of 1966. The Company has subsidiaries and branches that operate in various other jurisdictions around the world that are subject to tax in the jurisdictions in which they operate. The jurisdictions in which the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries and branches are subject to tax are Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Gibraltar, Israel, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
White Mountains’s income tax expense related to pre-tax income from continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 represented net effective tax rates of 22.7% and 14.8%. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 24.3% and 23.4%. The effective tax rates for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% due to income generated in jurisdictions with lower tax rates than the United States.
In arriving at the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, White Mountains forecasted all income and expense items including the change in unrealized investment gains (losses) and realized investment gains (losses) for the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2013.
White Mountains records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets if it becomes more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in income tax expense in the period of change. In determining whether or not a valuation allowance, or change therein, is warranted, White Mountains considers factors such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods and strategies that if executed would result in the realization of a deferred tax asset. During the next twelve months, it is possible that certain planning strategies or projected earnings in certain subsidiaries may not be feasible to utilize the entire deferred tax asset, which could result in material changes to White Mountains’s deferred tax assets and tax expense.
White Mountains is no longer subject to U.S. federal or state tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2007. With few exceptions, White Mountains is no longer subject to non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2005.
27
On February 14, 2014, OneBeacon received Form 870-AD (Offer to Waive Restrictions on Assessment and Collection Tax Deficiency and to Accept Overassessment) from the IRS Appeals Office relating to the examination of tax years 2005 and 2006. All disputed items have now been agreed and resolved with the Joint Committee. OneBeacon recorded a tax benefit of $5.0 million in the first quarter of 2014 relating to the settlement of the IRS examination for tax years 2005 and 2006.
On July 28, 2011, the IRS commenced an examination of the income tax returns for 2007, 2008 and 2009 for certain U.S. subsidiaries of OneBeacon. On July 17, 2013, OneBeacon received a revised Form 4549-A (Income Tax Discrepancy Adjustments) from the IRS relating to the examination of tax years 2007, 2008 and 2009. The estimated total assessment, including interest, utilization of alternative minimum and foreign tax credit carryovers and capital loss carrybacks, is $72.0 million. However, $60.2 million of the proposed adjustments relate to items for which the expense deduction has been disallowed in a year being examined, but ultimate deductibility is highly certain to occur in a later period. Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, other than interest and penalties, the disallowance of these deductions in the exam period would not affect the effective tax rate, but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority. White Mountains disagrees with the adjustments proposed by the IRS and is defending its position. Although the timing of the resolution of these issues is uncertain, it is reasonably possible that the resolution could occur within the next twelve months. An estimate of the range of potential outcomes cannot be made at this time. White Mountains does not expect the resolution of this examination to result in a material change to its financial position.
On September 2, 2013, the IRS commenced an examination of the income tax returns for 2010, 2011 and 2012 for certain U.S. subsidiaries of OneBeacon. White Mountains does not expect the resolution of this examination to result in a material change to its financial position.
Note 8. Derivatives
Variable Annuity Reinsurance
White Mountains has entered into agreements to reinsure death and living benefit guarantees associated with certain variable annuities in Japan. WM Life Re reinsured ¥200 billion (approximately $1.7 billion at the then current exchange rate) of guarantees in September 2006 and an additional ¥56 billion (approximately $0.5 billion at the then current exchange rate) in March 2007. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total guarantee value was approximately ¥156.8 billion (approximately $1.4 billion at exchange rates on that date) and ¥203.6 billion (approximately $1.9 billion at exchange rates on that date), respectively. The collective account values of the underlying variable annuities were approximately 107% and 104% of the guarantee value at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. WM Life Re is in runoff, and all of its contracts will mature by June 30, 2016.
The following table summarizes the pre-tax operating results of WM Life Re for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Fees, included in other revenue | $ | 4.5 | $ | 6.2 | $ | 15.0 | $ | 19.2 | ||||||||
Change in fair value of variable annuity liability, included in other revenue | 19.9 | 49.1 | 40.5 | 289.3 | ||||||||||||
Change in fair value of derivatives, included in other revenue | (23.8 | ) | (63.1 | ) | (56.5 | ) | (308.4 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign exchange, included in other revenue | (1.7 | ) | .6 | (1.2 | ) | (13.9 | ) | |||||||||
Other investment income and (losses) gains | (.9 | ) | .2 | (.4 | ) | (5.2 | ) | |||||||||
Total revenue | (2.0 | ) | (7.0 | ) | (2.6 | ) | (19.0 | ) | ||||||||
Change in fair value of variable annuity death benefit liabilities, included in other general and administrative expenses | .2 | 1.3 | .6 | 8.5 | ||||||||||||
Death benefit claims paid, included in general and administrative expenses | — | (.2 | ) | (.1 | ) | (1.6 | ) | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | (.9 | ) | (1.0 | ) | (3.3 | ) | (3.8 | ) | ||||||||
Pre-tax loss | $ | (2.7 | ) | $ | (6.9 | ) | $ | (5.4 | ) | $ | (15.9 | ) | ||||
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The following summarizes realized and unrealized derivative gains (losses) recognized in other revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and the carrying values, included in other assets, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 by type of instrument:
Gains (losses) | Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | As of | ||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed income/interest rate | $ | (8.4 | ) | $ | (24.1 | ) | $ | (20.4 | ) | $ | (97.4 | ) | $ | (2.1 | ) | $ | (9.7 | ) | ||||||
Foreign exchange | (.4 | ) | (28.5 | ) | (13.3 | ) | (144.5 | ) | 52.3 | 58.0 | ||||||||||||||
Equity | (15.0 | ) | (10.5 | ) | (22.8 | ) | (66.5 | ) | 15.1 | 20.9 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | (23.8 | ) | $ | (63.1 | ) | $ | (56.5 | ) | $ | (308.4 | ) | $ | 65.3 | $ | 69.2 | ||||||||
The following tables summarize the changes in White Mountains’s variable annuity reinsurance liabilities and derivative instruments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Variable Annuity (Liabilities) | Derivative Instruments | |||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Level 3 | Level 3 (1) | Level 2 (1)(2) | Level 1 (3) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Beginning of period | $ | (31.8 | ) | $ | 53.3 | $ | 22.3 | $ | (.8 | ) | $ | 74.8 | ||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 20.1 | (4) | (17.4 | ) | (19.8 | ) | 13.4 | (23.8 | ) | |||||||||||
Transfers in | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Sales/settlements | — | — | 22.5 | (8.2 | ) | 14.3 | ||||||||||||||
End of period | $ | (11.7 | ) | $ | 35.9 | $ | 25.0 | $ | 4.4 | $ | 65.3 | |||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Variable Annuity (Liabilities) | Derivative Instruments | |||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Level 3 | Level 3 (1) | Level 2 (1)(2) | Level 1 (3) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Beginning of period | $ | (52.8 | ) | $ | 63.4 | $ | 4.7 | $ | 1.1 | $ | 69.2 | |||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 41.1 | (4) | (27.5 | ) | (42.1 | ) | 13.1 | (56.5 | ) | |||||||||||
Transfers in | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Sales/settlements | — | — | 62.4 | (9.8 | ) | 52.6 | ||||||||||||||
End of period | $ | (11.7 | ) | $ | 35.9 | $ | 25.0 | $ | 4.4 | $ | 65.3 | |||||||||
29
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Variable Annuity (Liabilities) | Derivative Instruments | |||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Level 3 | Level 3 (1) | Level 2 (1)(2) | Level 1 (3) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Beginning of period | $ | (194.1 | ) | $ | 126.5 | $ | 18.2 | $ | (3.4 | ) | $ | 141.3 | ||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 50.4 | (4) | (24.1 | ) | (28.5 | ) | (10.5 | ) | (63.1 | ) | ||||||||||
Transfers in | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Sales/settlements | — | — | 3.2 | 10.1 | 13.3 | |||||||||||||||
End of period | $ | (143.7 | ) | $ | 102.4 | $ | (7.1 | ) | $ | (3.8 | ) | $ | 91.5 | |||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Variable Annuity (Liabilities) | Derivative Instruments | |||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Level 3 | Level 3 (1) | Level 2 (1)(2) | Level 1 (3) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Beginning of period | $ | (441.5 | ) | $ | 140.5 | $ | (20.5 | ) | $ | (21.7 | ) | $ | 98.3 | |||||||
Purchases | — | 59.3 | — | — | 59.3 | |||||||||||||||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) | 297.8 | (4) | (97.4 | ) | (144.5 | ) | (66.5 | ) | (308.4 | ) | ||||||||||
Transfers in | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Sales/settlements | — | — | 157.9 | 84.4 | 242.3 | |||||||||||||||
End of period | $ | (143.7 | ) | $ | 102.4 | $ | (7.1 | ) | $ | (3.8 | ) | $ | 91.5 | |||||||
(1) Consists of over-the-counter instruments.
(2) Consists of interest rate swaps, total return swaps, foreign currency forward contracts, and bond forwards. Fair value measurement based upon bid/ask pricing quotes for similar instruments that are actively traded, where available. Swaps for which an active market does not exist have been priced using observable inputs including the swap curve and the underlying bond index.
(3) Consists of exchange traded equity index, foreign currency and interest rate futures. Fair value measurements based upon quoted prices for identical instruments that are actively traded.
(4) Includes $0.2 and $0.6 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and $1.3and $8.5 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 related to the change in the fair value of variable annuity death benefit liabilities, which are included in general and administrative expenses.
In addition to derivative instruments, WM Life Re held cash, short-term and fixed maturity investments posted as collateral to its variable annuity reinsurance counterparties. The total collateral includes the following:
Millions | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | September 30, 2013 | |||||||||
Cash | $ | 23.8 | $ | 56.1 | $ | 74.4 | ||||||
Short-term investments | — | 2.0 | 15.8 | |||||||||
Fixed maturity investments | 10.4 | 23.2 | 24.6 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 34.2 | $ | 81.3 | $ | 114.8 | ||||||
Collateral in the form of fixed maturity securities consists of Government of Japan Bonds, which are recorded at fair value. Collateral in the form of short-term investments consists of money-market instruments, carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
All of White Mountains’s variable annuity reinsurance liabilities were classified as Level 3 measurements at September 30, 2014 and 2013. The fair value of White Mountains’s variable annuity reinsurance liabilities are estimated using actuarial and capital market assumptions related to the projected discounted cash flows over the term of the reinsurance agreement. Actuarial assumptions regarding future policyholder behavior, including surrender and lapse rates, are generally unobservable inputs and significantly impact the fair value estimates. Market conditions including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, market volatility and foreign currency exchange rates as well as the variations in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior may result in significant fluctuations in the fair value estimates. Generally, the liabilities associated with these guarantees increase with declines in the equity markets, interest rates and currencies against the Japanese yen, as well as with increases in market volatilities. White Mountains uses derivative instruments, including put options, interest rate swaps, total return swaps on bond and equity indices and forwards and futures contracts on major equity indices, currency pairs and government bonds, to mitigate the risks associated with changes in the fair value of the reinsured variable annuity guarantees. The types of inputs used to estimate the fair value of these derivative instruments, with the exception of actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior and risk margins, are generally the same as those used to estimate the fair value of variable annuity liabilities.
30
The following summarizes quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs associated with the fair value estimates for variable annuity reinsurance liabilities and derivative instruments that have been classified as Level 3 measurements:
($ in Millions) | September 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Description | Fair Value | Valuation Technique(s) | Unobservable Input | Range | Weighted Average | |||||||||||
Variable annuity benefit guarantee liabilities | $ | 11.7 | Discounted cash flows | Surrenders | ||||||||||||
1 year | 0.2 | % | - | 32.0% | 26.0 | % | ||||||||||
2 year | 0.1 | % | - | 14.0% | 7.2 | % | ||||||||||
Mortality | 0.0 | % | - | 5.9% | 1.0 | % | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange volatilities | ||||||||||||||||
1 year | 10.3 | % | - | 13.0% | 10.9 | % | ||||||||||
2 year | 10.6 | % | - | 12.6% | 11.4 | % | ||||||||||
Index volatilities | ||||||||||||||||
1 year | 18.3 | % | - | 21.0% | 20.3 | % | ||||||||||
2 year | 18.2 | % | - | 21.1% | 20.3 | % | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange options | $ | 15.4 | Counterparty valuations, adjusted for unwind quote discount | Adjustment to counterparty valuations | (1.2 | )% | - | 8.0% | 2.6 | % | ||||||
Equity index options | $ | 20.5 | Counterparty valuations, adjusted for unwind quote discount | Adjustment to counterparty valuations | 0.5 | % | - | 9.7% | 3.2 | % | ||||||
WM Life Re enters into both over-the-counter (“OTC”) and exchange traded derivative instruments to economically hedge the liability from the variable annuity benefit guarantee. In the case of OTC derivatives, WM Life Re has exposure to credit risk for amounts that are uncollateralized by counterparties. WM Life Re’s internal risk management guidelines establish net counterparty exposure thresholds that take into account OTC counterparties’ credit ratings. The OTC derivative contracts are subject to restrictions on liquidation of the instruments and distribution of proceeds under collateral agreements.
In the case of exchange traded instruments, WM Life Re has exposure to credit risk for amounts uncollateralized by margin balances. WM Life Re has entered into master netting agreements with certain of its counterparties whereby the collateral provided (held) is calculated on a net basis. The following summarizes amounts offset under master netting agreements:
September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Gross asset amounts before offsets(1) | Gross liability amounts offset under master netting arrangements | Net amounts recognized in Other Assets | Gross asset amounts before offsets(1) | Gross liability amounts offset under master netting arrangements | Net amounts recognized in Other Assets | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
OTC | $ | .2 | $ | (3.1 | ) | $ | (2.9 | ) | $ | 2.4 | $ | (11.7 | ) | $ | (9.3 | ) | ||||||||
Exchange traded | .8 | — | .8 | 1.0 | (1.6 | ) | (.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange contracts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
OTC | 48.0 | — | 48.0 | 67.8 | (12.0 | ) | 55.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Exchange traded | 5.0 | (.7 | ) | 4.3 | 2.3 | — | 2.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Equity contracts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
OTC | 20.5 | (4.7 | ) | 15.8 | 30.7 | (9.2 | ) | 21.5 | ||||||||||||||||
Exchange traded | .6 | (1.3 | ) | (.7 | ) | 1.8 | (2.3 | ) | (.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total(2) | $ | 75.1 | $ | (9.8 | ) | $ | 65.3 | $ | 106.0 | $ | (36.8 | ) | $ | 69.2 | ||||||||||
(1) Amount equal to fair value of instrument as recognized in other assets
(2) All derivative instruments held by WM Life Re are subject to master netting arrangements.
31
The following summarizes the value, collateral held or provided by WM Life Re and net exposure to credit losses on OTC and exchange traded derivative instruments by counterparty recorded within other assets:
September 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Net amount of assets reflected in Balance Sheet | Collateral provided to counterparty - Cash | Collateral provided to counter-party - Financial Instruments | Net amount of exposure after effect of collateral provided | Excess collateral provided to counter-party- Cash | Excess collateral provided - Financial Instruments | Counter-party collateral held by WMLife Re - Cash | Net amount of exposure to counter-party | Standard & Poor's Rating(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bank of America | $ | 16.5 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 16.5 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 16.5 | A | ||||||||||||||||||
Barclays | .5 | — | — | .5 | — | — | — | .5 | A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
JP Morgan | 21.7 | — | — | 21.7 | — | — | — | 21.7 | A | + | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Bank of Scotland | 7.1 | — | — | 7.1 | — | — | — | 7.1 | A | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nomura | (.3 | ) | .3 | — | — | 2.6 | 10.4 | — | 13.0 | BBB | + | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Citigroup - OTC | 15.5 | — | — | 15.5 | 6.9 | — | — | 22.4 | A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Citigroup - Exchange Traded | 4.3 | — | — | 4.3 | 13.9 | — | — | 18.2 | A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 65.3 | $ | .3 | $ | — | $ | 65.6 | $ | 23.4 | $ | 10.4 | $ | — | $ | 99.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Net amount of assets reflected in Balance Sheet | Collateral provided to counter-party - Cash | Collateral provided to counter-party - Financial Instruments | Net amount of exposure after effect of collateral provided | Excess collateral provided to counter-party- Cash | Excess collateral provided - Financial Instruments | Counter-party collateral held by WMLife Re- Cash | Net amount of exposure to counter-party | Standard & Poor's Rating(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bank of America | $ | 27.2 | $ | — | — | $ | 27.2 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 27.2 | A | |||||||||||||||||||
Barclays | 1.4 | — | — | 1.4 | — | — | — | 1.4 | A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
JP Morgan | 9.1 | — | — | 9.1 | 22.0 | — | — | 31.1 | A | + | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Bank of Scotland | 11.3 | — | — | 11.3 | — | — | — | 11.3 | A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nomura | (.4 | ) | — | .4 | — | — | 22.8 | (.8 | ) | 22.0 | BBB | + | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Citigroup - OTC | 19.4 | — | — | 19.4 | 2.3 | — | — | 21.7 | A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Citigroup - Exchange Traded | 1.2 | — | — | 1.2 | 19.8 | — | — | 21.0 | A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 69.2 | $ | — | $ | .4 | $ | 69.6 | $ | 44.1 | $ | 22.8 | $ | (.8 | ) | $ | 135.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
(1) Standard & Poor’s ratings as detailed above are: “A+” (Strong, which is the fifth highest of twenty-one creditworthiness ratings), “A” (Strong, which is the sixth highest of twenty-one creditworthiness ratings), “A-” (Strong, which is the seventh highest of twenty-one creditworthiness ratings) and
“BBB+” (Adequate, which is the eighth highest of twenty-one creditworthiness ratings).
Forward Contracts
Beginning in September 2012, White Mountains entered into currency forward contracts at Sirius Group. White Mountains monitors its exposure to foreign currency and adjusts its forward positions within the risk guidelines and ranges established by senior management for each currency, as necessary. While White Mountains actively manages its forward positions, mismatches between movements in foreign currency rates and its forward contracts may result in currency positions being outside the pre-defined ranges and/or foreign currency losses. At September 30, 2014, White Mountains held approximately $9.4 million (SEK 68.0 million) total gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts.
All of White Mountains’s forward contracts are traded over-the-counter. The fair value of the contracts has been estimated using OTC quotes for similar instruments and accordingly, the measurements have been classified as Level 2 measurements at September 30, 2014.
As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying value of the forward contracts, included in other long-term investments, was $0.2 million and $(0.1) million. The net realized and unrealized derivative gains (losses) recognized in net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $0.3 million and $0.2 million. The realized and unrealized derivative gains (losses) recognized in net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $(0.5) million and $(0.3) million.
32
All of White Mountains’s forward contracts are subject to master netting agreements. As of September 30, 2014, the gross liability amount offset under master netting arrangements and net amounts recognized in other investments was $0.2 million. As of December 31, 2013, the gross liability amount offset under master netting arrangements and the net amount recognized in other investments was $(0.1) million.
White Mountains does not hold or provide any collateral for the forward contracts. The following table summarizes the notional amounts and uncollateralized balances associated with forward currency contracts:
September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
Millions | Notional Amount | Carrying Value | Standard & Poor's Rating(1) | Notional Amount | Carrying Value | |||||||||||||
Barclays Bank Plc | $ | 1.3 | $ | — | A | $ | 5.8 | $ | — | |||||||||
Deutsche Bank | 2.2 | .1 | A | 7.7 | — | |||||||||||||
Goldman Sachs | 3.6 | .1 | A | 2.1 | — | |||||||||||||
HSBC Bank Plc | 1.1 | — | AA- | 3.3 | (.1 | ) | ||||||||||||
JP Morgan | 1.2 | — | A+ | 1.3 | — | |||||||||||||
Royal Bank of Canada | — | — | AA- | .2 | — | |||||||||||||
Total | $ | 9.4 | $ | .2 | $ | 20.4 | $ | (.1 | ) | |||||||||
(1) Standard & Poor's ratings as detailed above are: “AA-” (Very Strong, which is the sixth highest of twenty-one creditworthiness ratings), “A+” (Strong, which is the seventh highest of twenty-one creditworthiness ratings) and “A” (Strong, which is the eighth highest of twenty-one creditworthiness ratings).
Interest Rate Cap
In May 2007, SIG issued the SIG Preference Shares, with an initial fixed annual dividend rate of 7.506%. In June 2017, the fixed rate will move to a floating rate equal to the greater of (i) 7.506% and (ii) 3-month LIBOR plus 320 basis points. In July 2013, SIG executed the Interest Rate Cap for the period from June 2017 to June 2022 to protect against a significant increase in interest rates during that 5-year period. The Interest Rate Cap economically fixes the annual dividend rate on the SIG Preference Shares from June 2017 to June 2022 at 8.30%. The cost of the Interest Rate Cap was an upfront premium of 395 basis points of the $250.0 million notional value, or approximately $9.9 million for the full notional amount.
The Interest Rate Cap does not qualify for hedge accounting. It is recorded in other assets at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized within other revenue. Collateral held is recorded within short-term investments with an equal amount recognized as a liability to return collateral. The fair value of the Interest Rate Cap has been estimated using a single broker quote and accordingly, has been classified as a Level 3 measurement at September 30, 2014.
The following tables summarize the changes in the fair value of the Interest Rate Cap for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2014 | ||||||
Beginning of period | $ | 6.2 | $ | 11.1 | ||||
Net realized and unrealized losses | (.8 | ) | (5.7 | ) | ||||
End of period | $ | 5.4 | $ | 5.4 | ||||
White Mountains does not provide any collateral to the interest rate counterparties. Under the terms of the Interest Rate Cap, White Mountains holds collateral in respect of future amounts due. White Mountains’s liability to return that collateral is based on the amounts provided by the counterparty and investment earnings thereon. The following table summarizes the Interest Rate Cap collateral balances held by White Mountains and ratings by counterparty:
September 30, 2014 | ||||||
Millions | Collateral Balances Held | Standard & Poor’s Rating(1) | ||||
Barclays Bank Plc | $ | 3.7 | A | |||
Nordea Bank Finland Plc | 1.7 | AA- | ||||
Total | $ | 5.4 | ||||
(1) Standard & Poor’s ratings as detailed above are: “AA-” (Very Strong, which is the fourth highest of twenty-one creditworthiness ratings) and “A” (Strong, which is the sixth highest of twenty-one creditworthiness ratings).
33
Weather Derivatives
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, Sirius Group recognized $0.8 million and $0.2 million of net gains on its weather and weather contingent derivatives portfolio. The fair values of the assumed contracts are subject to change in the near-term and reflect management’s best estimate based on various factors including, but not limited to, observed and forecasted weather conditions, changes in interest or foreign currency exchange rates and other market factors. Estimating the fair value of derivative instruments that do not have quoted market prices requires management’s judgment in determining amounts that could reasonably be expected to be received from or paid to a third party to settle the contracts. Such amounts could be materially different from the amounts that might be realized in an actual transaction to settle the contract with a third party. Because of the significance of the unobservable inputs used to estimate the fair value of Sirius Group’s weather risk contracts, the fair value measurements of the contracts are deemed to be Level 3 measurements in the fair value hierarchy.
Note 9. Municipal Bond Guarantee Insurance
In 2012, HG Global was capitalized with $594.5 million from White Mountains and $14.5 million from non-controlling interests to fund BAM, a newly formed mutual municipal bond insurer. As of September 30, 2014, White Mountains owned 96.9% of HG Global’s preferred equity and 88.4% of its common equity. HG Global, together with its subsidiaries, provided the initial capitalization of BAM through the purchase of $503.0 million of BAM surplus notes. Through HG Re, which had statutory capital of $445.7 million at September 30, 2014, HG Global provides first loss reinsurance protection for policies underwritten by BAM of up to 15% of par outstanding, on a per policy basis. HG Re’s obligations to BAM are collateralized in trusts, and there is an aggregate loss limit that is equal to the total assets in the collateral trusts at any point in time.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, HG Global had pre-tax income of $3.8 million and $13.4 million, which included $3.9 million and $11.8 million of interest income on the BAM surplus notes. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, HG Global had pre-tax income of $10.5 million and $28.2 million, which included $10.1 million and $30.2 million of interest income on the BAM surplus notes.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, White Mountains reported pre-tax losses of $13.1 million and $29.7 million on BAM that were recorded in net loss attributable to non-controlling interests, which included $3.9 million and $11.8 million of interest expense on the BAM surplus notes. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, White Mountains reported pre-tax losses of $15.1 million and $60.2 million on BAM that were recorded in net loss attributable to non-controlling interests, which included $10.1 million and $30.2 million of interest expense on the BAM surplus notes.
Effective January 1, 2014, HG Global and BAM agreed to change the interest rate on the BAM surplus notes for the five years ending December 31, 2018 from a fixed rate of 8% to a variable rate equal to the one-year U.S. treasury rate plus 300 basis points, set annually, which is 3.13% for 2014. Prior to the end of 2018, BAM has the option to extend the variable rate period for an additional three years. At the end of the variable rate period, the interest rate will be fixed at the higher of the then current variable rate or 8%. BAM is required to seek regulatory approval to pay interest and principal on its surplus notes only when adequate capital resources have accumulated beyond BAM’s initial capitalization and a level that continues to support its outstanding obligations, business plan and ratings.
All of the contracts issued by BAM are accounted for as insurance contracts under ASC 944-605, Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts. Premiums are received upfront and an unearned premium revenue liability, equal to the amount of the cash received, is established at contract inception. Premium revenues are recognized in revenue over the period of the contracts in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided using a constant rate. The constant rate is calculated based on the relationship between the par outstanding in a given reporting period compared with the sum of each of the par amounts outstanding for all periods.
The following table provides a schedule of BAM’s insured obligations:
September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||
Contracts outstanding | 1,431 | 701 | ||||||
Remaining weighted average contract period outstanding (in years) | 12.9 | 13.8 | ||||||
Contractual debt service outstanding (in millions): | ||||||||
Par | $ | 9,963.6 | $ | 4,703.7 | ||||
Interest | 5,945.5 | 3,264.4 | ||||||
Total debt service outstanding | $ | 15,909.1 | $ | 7,968.1 | ||||
Gross unearned insurance premiums (in millions) | $ | 23.4 | $ | 13.2 | ||||
34
Note 10. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding including unvested restricted shares that are considered participating securities. Diluted earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares including unvested restricted shares and the net effect of potentially dilutive common shares outstanding. The following table outlines the Company’s computation of earnings per share from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (see Note 15 for earnings per share amounts for discontinued operations):
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings per share numerators (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations attributable to White Mountains’s common shareholders | $ | 44.8 | $ | 56.8 | $ | 233.9 | $ | 199.1 | ||||||||
Allocation of income for unvested restricted common shares | (.6 | ) | (.9 | ) | (3.0 | ) | (2.9 | ) | ||||||||
Dividends declared on participating restricted common shares(1) | — | — | (.1 | ) | (.1 | ) | ||||||||||
Total allocation to restricted common shares | (.6 | ) | (.9 | ) | (3.1 | ) | (3.0 | ) | ||||||||
Net income attributable to White Mountains’s common shareholders, net of restricted common share amounts | $ | 44.2 | $ | 55.9 | $ | 230.8 | $ | 196.1 | ||||||||
Undistributed net earnings (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to White Mountains’s common shareholders, net of restricted common share amounts | $ | 44.2 | $ | 55.9 | $ | 230.8 | $ | 196.1 | ||||||||
Dividends declared net of restricted common share amounts(1) | — | — | (6.0 | ) | (6.1 | ) | ||||||||||
Total undistributed net earnings, net of restricted common share amounts | $ | 44.2 | $ | 55.9 | $ | 224.8 | $ | 190.0 | ||||||||
Basic earnings per share denominators (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||
Total average common shares outstanding during the period | 6,091.5 | 6,176.6 | 6,140.9 | 6,208.4 | ||||||||||||
Average unvested restricted shares(2) | (81.3 | ) | (95.5 | ) | (77.7 | ) | (90.0 | ) | ||||||||
Basic earnings per share denominator | 6,010.2 | 6,081.1 | 6,063.2 | 6,118.4 | ||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share denominator (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||
Total average common shares outstanding during the period | 6,091.5 | 6,176.6 | 6,140.9 | 6,208.4 | ||||||||||||
Average unvested restricted common shares(2) | (81.3 | ) | (95.5 | ) | (77.7 | ) | (90.0 | ) | ||||||||
Average outstanding dilutive options to acquire common shares(3) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share denominator | 6,010.2 | 6,081.1 | 6,063.2 | 6,118.4 | ||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share (in dollars): | ||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to White Mountains’s common shareholders | $ | 7.35 | $ | 9.20 | $ | 38.07 | $ | 32.05 | ||||||||
Dividends declared and paid | — | — | (1.00 | ) | (1.00 | ) | ||||||||||
Undistributed earnings | $ | 7.35 | $ | 9.20 | $ | 37.07 | $ | 31.05 | ||||||||
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars): | ||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to White Mountains’s common shareholders | $ | 7.35 | $ | 9.20 | $ | 38.07 | $ | 32.05 | ||||||||
Dividends declared and paid | — | — | (1.00 | ) | (1.00 | ) | ||||||||||
Undistributed earnings | $ | 7.35 | $ | 9.20 | $ | 37.07 | $ | 31.05 | ||||||||
(1) Restricted shares issued by White Mountains receive dividends, and therefore, are considered participating securities.
(2) Restricted shares outstanding vest either in equal annual installments or upon a stated date (see Note 13).
(3) The diluted earnings per share denominator for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 does not include the impact of 125,000 common shares issuable upon exercise of the non-qualified options outstanding as they are anti-dilutive to the calculation.
35
Note 11. Segment Information
White Mountains has determined that its reportable segments are OneBeacon, Sirius Group, HG Global/BAM 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 chief operating decision makers and the Board of Directors.
Significant intercompany transactions among White Mountains’s segments have been eliminated herein. Financial information for White Mountains’s segments follows:
HG Global/BAM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | OneBeacon | Sirius Group | HG | BAM | Other Operations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums | $ | 305.4 | $ | 231.4 | $ | .4 | $ | .1 | $ | 1.3 | $ | 538.6 | ||||||||||||
Net investment income | 10.4 | 9.8 | .4 | 1.4 | 2.7 | 24.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) - surplus note interest | — | — | 3.9 | (3.9 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains | (16.0 | ) | 49.1 | (.5 | ) | (1.4 | ) | (10.4 | ) | 20.8 | ||||||||||||||
Other revenue | 1.3 | (22.8 | ) | — | .2 | 26.6 | 5.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 301.1 | 267.5 | 4.2 | (3.6 | ) | 20.2 | 589.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Losses and LAE | 185.2 | 103.6 | — | — | .3 | 289.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | 54.6 | 50.1 | — | .5 | .1 | 105.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | 51.2 | 29.7 | — | .1 | — | 81.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2.4 | 6.3 | .4 | 8.9 | 51.3 | 69.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 3.2 | 6.6 | — | — | .5 | 10.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total expenses | 296.6 | 196.3 | .4 | 9.5 | 52.2 | 555.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax income (loss) | $ | 4.5 | $ | 71.2 | $ | 3.8 | $ | (13.1 | ) | $ | (32.0 | ) | $ | 34.4 | ||||||||||
HG Global/BAM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | OneBeacon | Sirius Group | HG | BAM | Other Operations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums | $ | 872.8 | $ | 656.5 | $ | .9 | $ | .3 | $ | 5.1 | $ | 1,535.6 | ||||||||||||
Net investment income | 32.1 | 30.3 | 1.0 | 4.2 | 10.5 | 78.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) - surplus note interest | — | — | 11.8 | (11.8 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains | 24.8 | 135.6 | 1.1 | 5.4 | 31.6 | 198.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other revenue | 3.3 | (47.3 | ) | — | .5 | 51.8 | 8.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 933.0 | 775.1 | 14.8 | (1.4 | ) | 99.0 | 1,820.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Losses and LAE | 520.7 | 273.8 | — | — | 6.6 | 801.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | 150.9 | 146.3 | .2 | 1.4 | .5 | 299.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | 152.3 | 91.7 | — | .3 | — | 244.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 9.3 | 21.6 | 1.2 | 26.6 | 131.2 | 189.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 9.7 | 19.8 | — | — | .9 | 30.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total expenses | 842.9 | 553.2 | 1.4 | 28.3 | 139.2 | 1,565.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax income (loss) | $ | 90.1 | $ | 221.9 | $ | 13.4 | $ | (29.7 | ) | $ | (40.2 | ) | $ | 255.5 | ||||||||||
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HG Global/BAM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | OneBeacon | Sirius Group | HG | BAM | Other Operations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums | $ | 278.9 | $ | 221.4 | $ | .1 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 500.4 | ||||||||||||
Net investment income | 10.1 | 13.5 | .2 | 1.1 | 2.4 | 27.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) - surplus note interest | — | — | 10.1 | (10.1 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) | 17.0 | (24.7 | ) | .5 | 2.4 | 33.0 | 28.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Other revenue | 5.5 | 16.8 | — | .2 | (4.3 | ) | 18.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 311.5 | 227.0 | 10.9 | (6.4 | ) | 31.1 | 574.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Losses and LAE | 167.8 | 110.5 | — | — | — | 278.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | 53.6 | 52.5 | .1 | .5 | — | 106.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | 46.8 | 33.5 | — | .1 | — | 80.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 4.1 | 7.5 | .3 | 8.1 | 21.5 | 41.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 3.3 | 6.6 | — | — | 2.0 | 11.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total expenses | 275.6 | 210.6 | .4 | 8.7 | 23.5 | 518.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax income (loss) | $ | 35.9 | $ | 16.4 | $ | 10.5 | $ | (15.1 | ) | $ | 7.6 | $ | 55.3 | |||||||||||
HG Global/BAM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | OneBeacon | Sirius Group | HG | BAM | Other Operations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums | $ | 846.2 | $ | 646.9 | $ | .2 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,493.3 | ||||||||||||
Net investment income | 30.9 | 38.0 | .7 | 3.3 | 11.6 | 84.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) - surplus note interest | — | — | 30.2 | (30.2 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) | 19.9 | (4.9 | ) | (1.7 | ) | (8.1 | ) | 60.9 | 66.1 | |||||||||||||||
Other revenue | 30.1 | 11.3 | — | .3 | 5.2 | 46.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 927.1 | 691.3 | 29.4 | (34.7 | ) | 77.7 | 1,690.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Losses and LAE | 473.7 | 323.5 | — | — | — | 797.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | 160.9 | 119.0 | .1 | 1.0 | — | 281.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | 150.7 | 93.0 | — | .3 | — | 244.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 11.0 | 23.0 | 1.1 | 24.2 | 66.2 | 125.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 9.8 | 19.7 | — | — | 2.9 | 32.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total expenses | 806.1 | 578.2 | 1.2 | 25.5 | 69.1 | 1,480.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax income (loss) | $ | 121.0 | $ | 113.1 | $ | 28.2 | $ | (60.2 | ) | $ | 8.6 | $ | 210.7 | |||||||||||
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Note 12. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
White Mountains’s investments in unconsolidated affiliates represent investments in other companies in which White Mountains has a significant voting and economic interest but does not control the entity.
Millions | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
Symetra common shares | $ | 389.3 | $ | 360.9 | ||||
Unrealized gains (losses) from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio | 20.5 | (43.6 | ) | |||||
Carrying value of Symetra common shares | 409.8 | 317.3 | ||||||
Hamer | 3.7 | 4.1 | ||||||
Total investments in unconsolidated affiliates | $ | 413.5 | $ | 321.4 | ||||
Symetra
At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, White Mountains owned 20.05 million common shares of Symetra Financial Corporation (“Symetra”), a 17.3% and 17.0% common share ownership. White Mountains accounts for its investment in common shares of Symetra using the equity method.
On June 20, 2013, both White Mountains and Berkshire Hathaway Inc., which each owned warrants to purchase 9.49 million common shares of Symetra, exercised their warrants in a cashless transaction and each received 2.65 million common shares of Symetra in exchange for the warrants. During 2013, Symetra also repurchased 6.6 million of its common shares at an average price of $13.44. The net effect of Symetra’s share repurchases and the warrant exercises resulted in a basis difference between the GAAP carrying value of White Mountains’s investment in Symetra common shares and the amount derived by multiplying the percentage of White Mountains common share ownership by Symetra’s total GAAP equity. This basis difference totaled $19.3 million, of which $0.4 million was attributable to equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and $18.9 million is attributable to equity in net unrealized gains of unconsolidated affiliates.
At December 31, 2011, White Mountains wrote down the GAAP book value of the investment to its estimated fair value of $261.0 million. This write down resulted in a basis difference between the GAAP carrying value of White Mountains’s investment in Symetra common shares and the amount derived by multiplying the percentage of White Mountains common share ownership by Symetra’s total GAAP equity.
As a result of the various basis adjustments, White Mountains’s carrying value of its investment in Symetra differs from the carrying value by applying its ownership share against Symetra’s GAAP equity as normally done under the equity method. The pre-tax basis difference is being amortized over a 30-year period with a weighted average of 27-years remaining. The amortization is based on estimated future cash flows associated with Symetra’s underlying assets and liabilities to which the basis differences have been attributed. White Mountains continues to record its equity in Symetra's earnings and net unrealized gains (losses). In addition, White Mountains recognizes the amortization of the basis difference through equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and equity in net unrealized gains (losses) from investments in unconsolidated affiliates consistent with the original attribution of the basis differences between equity in earnings and equity in net unrealized gains (losses). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, White Mountains recognized after-tax amortization of $0.7 million and $2.1 million through equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and $2.9 million and $8.7 million through equity in net unrealized gains from investments in unconsolidated affiliates. At September 30, 2014, the pre-tax unamortized basis difference was $174.0 million, of which $36.9 million is attributable to equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and $137.1 million is attributable to equity in net unrealized gains of unconsolidated affiliates.
Prior to the exercise of the warrants, White Mountains accounted for its Symetra warrants as derivatives with changes in fair value recognized through the income statement as a gain or loss recognized through other revenue in the income statement. White Mountains used a Black Scholes valuation model to determine the fair value of the Symetra warrants. The major assumptions used in valuing the Symetra warrants at June 20, 2013 were a risk free rate of a 0.34%, volatility of 26.5%, an expected life of 1.11 years, a strike price of $11.49 per share and a share price of $15.53 per share.
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The following table summarizes amounts recorded by White Mountains relating to its investment in Symetra for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2014 | September 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Common Shares | Warrants | Total | Common Shares | Warrants | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Carrying value of investment in Symetra at beginning of period | $ | 415.5 | $ | — | $ | 415.5 | $ | 326.0 | $ | — | $ | 326.0 | ||||||||||||
Equity in earnings (1)(2) | 7.0 | — | 7.0 | 8.7 | — | 8.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity in net unrealized losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio(3) | (10.7 | ) | — | (10.7 | ) | (7.7 | ) | — | (7.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Dividends received | (2.0 | ) | — | (2.0 | ) | (1.8 | ) | — | (1.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Increase in value of warrants | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Carrying value of investment in Symetra at end of period(4)(5) | $ | 409.8 | $ | — | $ | 409.8 | $ | 325.2 | $ | — | $ | 325.2 | ||||||||||||
(1) Equity in earnings excludes tax expense of $0.5 and $0.6.
(2) Equity in earnings includes $0.7 and $0.7 increase relating to the pre-tax amortization of the Symetra common share basis difference.
(3) Net unrealized gains includes $3.1 and $3.1 increase relating to the pre-tax amortization of the Symetra common share basis difference.
(4) Includes White Mountains’s equity in net unrealized gains (losses) from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio of $20.5 and $(25.5) as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, which excludes tax (expense) benefit of $(1.4) and $2.0.
(5) The aggregate value of White Mountains’s investment in common shares of Symetra was $455.1 based upon the quoted market price of $22.70 per share at September 30, 2014.
Nine Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2014 | September 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions | Common Shares | Warrants | Total | Common Shares | Warrants | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Carrying value of investment in Symetra at beginning of period | $ | 317.3 | $ | — | $ | 317.3 | $ | 351.2 | $ | 30.3 | $ | 381.5 | ||||||||||||
Equity in earnings (1)(2) | 34.5 | — | 34.5 | 25.7 | — | 25.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity in net unrealized gains (losses) from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio(3) | 64.0 | — | 64.0 | (88.2 | ) | — | (88.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Dividends received | (6.0 | ) | — | (6.0 | ) | (4.6 | ) | — | (4.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Increase in value of warrants | — | — | — | — | 10.8 | 10.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants | — | — | — | 41.1 | (41.1 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||||
Carrying value of investment in Symetra at end of period(4)(5) | $ | 409.8 | $ | — | $ | 409.8 | $ | 325.2 | $ | — | $ | 325.2 | ||||||||||||
(1) Equity in earnings excludes tax expense of $2.4 and $2.0.
(2) Equity in earnings includes $2.2 and $2.2 increase relating to the pre-tax amortization of the Symetra common share basis difference.
(3) Net unrealized gains includes $9.4 and $8.6 increase relating to the pre-tax amortization of the Symetra common share basis difference.
(4) Includes White Mountains’s equity in net unrealized gains (losses) from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio of $20.5 and $(25.5) as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, which excludes tax (expense) benefit of $(1.4) and $2.0.
(5) The aggregate value of White Mountains’s investment in common shares of Symetra was $455.1 based upon the quoted market price of $22.70 per share at September 30, 2014.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, White Mountains received cash dividends from Symetra of $2.0 million and $6.0 million on its common share investment that were recorded as a reduction of White Mountains’s investment in Symetra.
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Note 13. Employee Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans
White Mountains’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “WTM Incentive Plan”) provides for grants of various types of share-based and non share-based incentive awards to key employees and service providers of White Mountains. White Mountains’s share-based compensation incentive awards consist of performance shares, restricted shares and stock options.
Share-Based Compensation Based on White Mountains Common Shares
WTM Performance Shares
Performance shares are conditional grants of a specified maximum number of common shares or an equivalent amount of cash. Awards generally vest at the end of a three-year period, are subject to the attainment of pre-specified performance goals, and are valued based on the market value of common shares at the time awards are paid. The following table summarizes performance share activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 for performance shares granted under the WTM Incentive Plan:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions, except share amounts | Target Performance Shares Outstanding | Accrued Expense | Target Performance Shares Outstanding | Accrued Expense | Target Performance Shares Outstanding | Accrued Expense | Target Performance Shares Outstanding | Accrued Expense | ||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning of period | 127,537 | $ | 50.5 | 118,976 | $ | 34.9 | 119,220 | $ | 60.2 | 119,357 | $ | 29.4 | ||||||||||||||||
Shares paid or expired(1) | — | — | — | — | (37,130 | ) | (26.7 | ) | (47,310 | ) | (11.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
New grants | — | — | 250 | — | 45,660 | — | 47,170 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assumed forfeitures and cancellations(2) | — | (.2 | ) | (6 | ) | (.2 | ) | (213 | ) | — | 3 | (.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Expense recognized | — | 6.8 | — | 7.1 | — | 23.6 | — | 23.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ending of period | 127,537 | $ | 57.1 | 119,220 | $ | 41.8 | 127,537 | $ | 57.1 | 119,220 | $ | 41.8 | ||||||||||||||||
(1) WTM performance share payments in 2014 for the 2011-2013 performance cycle ranged from 88% to 131.5% of target. WTM performance share payments in 2013 for the 2010-2012 performance cycle ranged from 33% to 98% of target.
(2) Amounts include changes in assumed forfeitures, as required under GAAP.
For the 2011-2013 performance cycle, the Company issued common shares for 3,570 performance shares earned and all other performance shares earned were settled in cash. For the 2010-2012 performance cycle, the Company settled all performance shares earned in cash.
If the outstanding WTM performance shares had vested on September 30, 2014, the total additional compensation cost to be recognized would have been $38.6 million, based on accrual factors at September 30, 2014 (common share price and payout assumptions).
Performance Shares granted under the WTM Incentive Plan
The following table summarizes performance shares outstanding and accrued expense for performance shares awarded under the WTM Incentive Plan at September 30, 2014 for each performance cycle:
Millions, except share amounts | Target Performance Shares Outstanding | Accrued Expense | |||||
Performance cycle: | |||||||
2014 – 2016 | 45,660 | $ | 7.2 | ||||
2013 – 2015 | 47,170 | 21.6 | |||||
2012 – 2014 | 37,977 | 29.8 | |||||
Sub-total | 130,807 | 58.6 | |||||
Assumed forfeitures | (3,270 | ) | (1.5 | ) | |||
Total at September 30, 2014 | 127,537 | $ | 57.1 | ||||
40
Restricted Shares
The following table summarizes the unrecognized compensation cost associated with the outstanding restricted share awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions, except share amounts | Restricted Shares | Unamortized Issue Date Fair Value | Restricted Shares | Unamortized Issue Date Fair Value | Restricted Shares | Unamortized Issue Date Fair Value | Restricted Shares | Unamortized Issue Date Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
Non-vested, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning of period | 81,325 | $ | 20.9 | 95,380 | $ | 24.5 | 94,130 | $ | 17.0 | 69,910 | $ | 16.8 | ||||||||||||||||
Issued | — | — | 250 | .1 | 20,400 | 11.8 | 25,720 | 14.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Vested | — | — | — | — | (33,205 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Forfeited | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Expense recognized | — | (3.3 | ) | — | (3.8 | ) | — | (11.2 | ) | — | (10.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Non-vested at September 30, | 81,325 | $ | 17.6 | 95,630 | $ | 20.8 | 81,325 | $ | 17.6 | 95,630 | $ | 20.8 | ||||||||||||||||
During the first nine months of 2014, White Mountains issued 20,400 restricted shares that vest on January 1, 2017. During the first nine months of 2013, White Mountains issued 25,720 restricted shares that vest on January 1, 2016. The unrecognized compensation cost at September 30, 2014 is expected to be recognized ratably over the remaining vesting periods.
Share-Based Compensation Based on OneBeacon Ltd. Common Shares
The OneBeacon Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “OneBeacon Incentive Plan”) provides for grants to key employees of OneBeacon various types of share-based and non share-based incentive awards. OneBeacon’s share-based incentive awards include OneBeacon performance shares and restricted shares.
OneBeacon Performance Shares
OneBeacon performance shares are conditional grants of a specified maximum number of common shares or an equivalent amount of cash. OneBeacon performance share awards generally vest at the end of a three-year period, are subject to the attainment of pre-specified performance goals, and are valued based on the market value of OneBeacon Ltd. common shares at the time awards are paid. The following table summarizes performance share activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 for OneBeacon performance shares granted under the OneBeacon Incentive Plan:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions, except share amounts | Target Performance Shares Outstanding | Accrued Expense | Target Performance Shares Outstanding | Accrued Expense | Target Performance Shares Outstanding | Accrued Expense | Target Performance Shares Outstanding | Accrued Expense | ||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning of period | 512,938 | $ | 4.4 | 489,867 | $ | 2.4 | 493,421 | $ | 4.0 | 563,190 | $ | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||
Shares paid or expired(1) | — | — | — | — | (142,138 | ) | (1.0 | ) | (238,658 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||||
New grants | — | — | — | — | 165,800 | — | 179,000 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assumed forfeitures and cancellations(2) | — | — | — | — | (4,145 | ) | — | (13,665 | ) | (.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Expense recognized | — | 1.1 | — | .1 | — | 2.5 | — | 1.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ending of period | 512,938 | $ | 5.5 | 489,867 | $ | 2.5 | 512,938 | $ | 5.5 | 489,867 | $ | 2.5 | ||||||||||||||||
(1) OneBeacon performance share payments in 2014 for the 2011-2013 performance cycle were at 37.1% of target. No payments were made in 2013 for the 2010-2012 OneBeacon performance cycle as the performance factor was zero.
(2) Amounts include changes in assumed forfeitures, as required under GAAP.
If the outstanding OneBeacon performance shares had been vested on September 30, 2014, the total additional compensation cost to be recognized would have been $3.7 million, based on accrual factors at September 30, 2014 (common share price, accumulated dividends and payout assumptions).
41
The following table summarizes OneBeacon performance shares outstanding awarded under the OneBeacon Incentive Plan at September 30, 2014 for each performance cycle:
Millions, except share amounts | Target Performance Shares Outstanding | Accrued Expense | |||||
Performance cycle: | |||||||
2014 – 2016 | 165,800 | $ | .6 | ||||
2013 – 2015 | 179,000 | 2.2 | |||||
2012 – 2014 | 181,290 | 2.8 | |||||
Sub-total | 526,090 | 5.6 | |||||
Assumed forfeitures | (13,152 | ) | (.1 | ) | |||
Total at September 30, 2014 | 512,938 | $ | 5.5 | ||||
OneBeacon Restricted Shares
The following table summarizes the unrecognized compensation cost associated with the outstanding OneBeacon restricted stock awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Millions, except share amounts | Restricted Shares | Unamortized Issue Date Fair Value | Restricted Shares | Unamortized Issue Date Fair Value | Restricted Shares | Unamortized Issue Date Fair Value | Restricted Shares | Unamortized Issue Date Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
Non-vested, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning of period | 612,500 | $ | 4.9 | 918,000 | $ | 8.0 | 915,000 | $ | 6.5 | 927,000 | $ | 9.6 | ||||||||||||||||
Issued | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Vested | — | — | — | — | (300,000 | ) | — | (9,000 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Forfeited | — | — | (3,000 | ) | — | (2,500 | ) | — | (3,000 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||||
Expense recognized | — | (.7 | ) | — | (.7 | ) | — | (2.3 | ) | — | (2.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Non-vested at September 30, | 612,500 | $ | 4.2 | 915,000 | $ | 7.3 | 612,500 | $ | 4.2 | 915,000 | $ | 7.3 | ||||||||||||||||
On March 1, 2012, OneBeacon issued 300,000 restricted shares that vest in two equal annual installments. The first installment vested on February 28, 2014.
On May 25, 2011, OneBeacon issued 630,000 restricted shares to its CEO that vest in four equal annual installments. The first installment vested on February 22, 2014. Concurrently with the grant of the restricted shares, 35,000 OneBeacon performance shares issued to OneBeacon’s CEO for the 2011-2013 performance share cycle were forfeited and performance share awards to OneBeacon’s CEO for the subsequent five years have been or will also be reduced by 35,000 shares.
The unrecognized compensation cost at September 30, 2014 is expected to be recognized ratably over the remaining vesting periods.
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Note 14. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
White Mountains accounts for its financial instruments at fair value with the exception of the OBH Senior Notes and the SIG Senior Notes, which are recorded as debt liabilities at face value less unamortized original issue discount, and the SIG Preference Shares, which are recorded as non-controlling interest at face value.
The following table summarizes the fair value and book value of financial instruments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||
Millions | Fair Value | Carrying Value | Fair Value | Carrying Value | ||||||||||||
2012 OBH Senior Notes | $ | 281.4 | $ | 274.7 | $ | 269.8 | $ | 274.7 | ||||||||
SIG Senior Notes | 441.9 | 399.6 | 438.1 | 399.6 | ||||||||||||
SIG Preference Shares | 264.4 | 250.0 | 260.0 | 250.0 | ||||||||||||
The fair value estimate for the 2012 OBH Senior Notes has been determined using quoted market prices. The 2012 OBH Senior Notes are considered a Level 2 measurement based upon the volume and frequency of observable transactions. The fair value estimates for the SIG Senior Notes and the SIG Preference Shares have been determined based on indicative broker quotes and are considered to be Level 3 measurements.
Note 15. Discontinued Operations
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, White Mountains recorded income from discontinued operations of $6.7 million and $8.8 million. During the third quarter of 2014, White Mountains recorded a gain in discontinued operations of $14.0 million from a payment received from Allianz, the purchaser of White Mountains's former subsidiary Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company (“FFIC”), related to the utilization of alternative minimum tax credits associated with the tax loss on the sale of FFIC in 1991. During the third quarter of 2014, White Mountains also recorded a $6.7 million after-tax loss in discontinued operations from a change in the estimated value of the surplus notes OneBeacon expects to issue with the Runoff Transaction. Income from discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 also included an interim payment from Allstate that primarily relates to the favorable development on loss reserves transferred in the sale of Esurance and Answer Financial.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, White Mountains recorded income from discontinued operations of $0.4 million and $4.8 million. The results of discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 primarily related to the sale of Esurance and Answer Financial.
Runoff Transaction
As described in Note 1 and Note 2, in October 2012, OneBeacon entered into an agreement to sell the Runoff Business to Armour. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the results of operations for the Runoff Business have been classified as discontinued operations and are presented, net of related income taxes, in the statement of comprehensive income. The assets and liabilities associated with the Runoff Business as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 have been presented in the balance sheet as held for sale. The amounts classified as discontinued operations exclude investing and financing activities that are conducted on an overall consolidated level and, accordingly, there were no separately identifiable investments associated with the Runoff Business.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department is currently conducting its regulatory review of the Runoff Transaction, which included a public hearing on July 23, 2014. Subsequent to the public hearing, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department re-opened the public comment period, which then ended on October 17, 2014. The regulatory review process included a third party actuarial review of the Runoff Business loss and LAE reserves, completed in September 2013 and, subsequently, an independent stochastic modeling of the future cash flows of the Runoff Business, which was completed in June 2014. OneBeacon expects the Runoff Transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2014.
During the second quarter of 2014, OneBeacon amended the Runoff SPA, primarily to increase the cap on seller financing by $6.7 million to $80.9 million, as well as to extend the termination date to December 31, 2014. Consistent with the proposed closing balance sheet, pro forma as of June 30, 2014, OneBeacon expects to provide seller financing at closing in the form of surplus notes with an estimated par value of $80.9 million. As a result, OneBeacon recorded an increase of $8.2 million ($5.3 million after-tax) in the estimated loss on sale of the Runoff Business during the second quarter of 2014 to reflect the estimated difference between the fair value and par value of the surplus notes upon issuance.
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Additionally, during the second quarter of 2014, OneBeacon's expectation of the treatment under the Runoff SPA of the $7.4 million reserve charge recorded during the second quarter of 2013 changed. Previously, OneBeacon expected that the Runoff SPA would be amended to provide for the transfer of $7.4 million of additional assets to support the reserve charge. As previously noted, the Runoff SPA was instead revised to increase the cap on seller financing. As a result, the $7.4 million reserve charge ($4.8 million after-tax) was recorded as a reduction to the estimated loss on sale during the second quarter of 2014.
During the third quarter of 2014, OneBeacon updated its estimated loss on sale to reflect the change in the valuation of the surplus notes expected to be issued in conjunction with the closing of the Runoff Transaction. The change in the valuation estimate resulted in a loss of $10.3 million ($6.7 million after-tax), which was a result of widening credit spreads during the quarter, as well as an increase to the estimated discount rate related to the private nature of the notes and the related lack of liquidity.
The estimated loss on sale may change prior to closing as a result of, among other factors, changes in the estimated fair value of the surplus notes. The internal valuation model used to estimate the fair value of the surplus notes is sensitive to changes in treasury rates and credit spreads, and to changes in estimates with respect to other variables including a discount to reflect the private nature of the notes (and the related lack of liquidity), the credit quality of the notes and the timing and likelihood of interest and principal payments on the notes, which are subject to regulatory approval and therefore may vary from the contractual terms. Although these variables involve considerable judgment, OneBeacon does not currently expect any resulting change in the estimated value of the surplus notes to be material to its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Reinsurance
Included in the assets held for sale are reinsurance recoverables from two reinsurance contracts with subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. that OneBeacon was required to purchase in connection with White Mountains’s acquisition of OneBeacon in 2001 (the “OneBeacon Acquisition”): a reinsurance contract with National Indemnity Company (“NICO”) for up to $2.5 billion in old asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) claims and certain other exposures (the “NICO Cover”) and an adverse loss reserve development cover from General Reinsurance Corporation (“GRC”) for up to $570.0 million, comprised of $400.0 million of adverse loss reserve development occurring in years 2000 and prior in addition to $170.0 million of reserves ceded as of the date of the OneBeacon Acquisition (the “GRC Cover”). 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 under GAAP as a seller guarantee. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses of $1,127.4 million and $1,243.7 million related to both the NICO cover and the GRC cover have been included in assets held for sale. Both NICO and GRC have an A.M Best rating of A++, Superior, which is the highest of sixteen ratings.
The total reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses in assets held for sale were $7.4 million and $1,585.4 million as of September 30, 2014. The reinsurance recoverable on unpaid amount is gross of $127.0 million in purchase accounting adjustments that will become recoverable if claims are paid in accordance with current reserve estimates.
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Net Assets Held for Sale
The following summarizes the assets and liabilities associated with the business classified as held for sale:
Millions | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
Assets held for sale | ||||||||
Fixed maturity investments, at fair value | $ | 203.9 | $ | 236.3 | ||||
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses | 1,458.4 | 1,604.7 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses | 7.4 | 10.7 | ||||||
Insurance premiums receivable | 11.6 | 9.1 | ||||||
Deferred tax asset | 2.5 | 3.3 | ||||||
Other assets | 15.4 | 16.0 | ||||||
Total assets held for sale | $ | 1,699.2 | $ | 1,880.1 | ||||
Liabilities held for sale | ||||||||
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves | $ | 1,600.9 | $ | 1,793.1 | ||||
Unearned insurance premiums | — | .2 | ||||||
Ceded reinsurance payable | 12.1 | 12.3 | ||||||
Other liabilities | 86.2 | 74.5 | ||||||
Total liabilities held for sale | 1,699.2 | 1,880.1 | ||||||
Net assets held for sale | $ | — | $ | — | ||||
Net Income from Discontinued Operations
The following summarizes the results of operations, including related income taxes associated with the business classified as discontinued operations:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
Earned insurance premiums | $ | .3 | $ | 1.1 | $ | .1 | $ | .7 | ||||||||
Other revenue | — | .1 | — | 12.3 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | .3 | 1.2 | .1 | 13.0 | ||||||||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Loss and loss adjustment expenses | — | .1 | (.7 | ) | 7.6 | |||||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | .1 | .1 | .1 | .1 | ||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | .8 | .4 | 2.2 | .3 | ||||||||||||
Total expenses | .9 | .6 | 1.6 | 8.0 | ||||||||||||
Pre-tax (loss) income | (.6 | ) | .6 | (1.5 | ) | 5.0 | ||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | .3 | (.2 | ) | .6 | (.2 | ) | ||||||||||
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations | (.3 | ) | .4 | $ | (.9 | ) | $ | 4.8 | ||||||||
Net gain from sales of discontinued operations | 7.0 | — | 9.7 | — | ||||||||||||
Net income from discontinued operations | $ | 6.7 | $ | .4 | $ | 8.8 | $ | 4.8 | ||||||||
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Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding including unvested restricted shares that are considered participating securities. Diluted earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares including unvested restricted shares and the net effect of potentially dilutive common shares outstanding. The following table outlines the computation of earnings per share for discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings per share numerators (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to White Mountains’s common shareholders | $ | 6.7 | $ | .4 | $ | 8.8 | $ | 4.8 | ||||||||
Allocation of income for participating unvested restricted common shares(1) | (.1 | ) | — | (.1 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Net income attributable to White Mountains’s common shareholders, net of restricted common share amounts (2) | $ | 6.6 | $ | .4 | $ | 8.7 | $ | 4.8 | ||||||||
Basic earnings per share denominators (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||
Total average common shares outstanding during the period | 6,091.5 | 6,176.6 | 6,140.9 | 6,208.4 | ||||||||||||
Average unvested restricted common shares(3) | (81.3 | ) | (95.5 | ) | (77.7 | ) | (90.0 | ) | ||||||||
Basic earnings per share denominator | 6,010.2 | 6,081.1 | 6,063.2 | 6,118.4 | ||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share denominator (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||
Total average common shares outstanding during the period | 6,091.5 | 6,176.6 | 6,140.9 | 6,208.4 | ||||||||||||
Average unvested restricted common shares(3) | (81.3 | ) | (95.5 | ) | (77.7 | ) | (90.0 | ) | ||||||||
Average outstanding dilutive options to acquire common shares(4) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share denominator | 6,010.2 | 6,081.1 | 6,063.2 | 6,118.4 | ||||||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings per share (in dollars): | $ | 1.10 | $ | .06 | $ | 1.43 | $ | .78 | ||||||||
(1) Restricted shares issued by White Mountains contain dividend participation features, and therefore, are considered participating securities.
(2) Net earnings attributable to White Mountains’s common shareholders, net of restricted share amounts, is equal to undistributed earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
(3) Restricted common shares outstanding vest either in equal annual installments or upon a stated date (see Note 13).
(4) The diluted earnings per share denominator for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 does not include the impact of 125,000 common shares issuable upon exercise of the non-qualified options outstanding as they are anti-dilutive to the calculation.
Note 16. Contingencies
Legal Contingencies
White Mountains, and the insurance and reinsurance industry in general, are routinely subject to claims related litigation and arbitration in the normal course of business, as well as litigation and arbitration that do not arise from, or are directly related to, claims activity. White Mountains’s estimates of the costs of settling matters routinely encountered in claims activity are reflected in the reserves for unpaid loss and LAE. See Note 3.
White Mountains considers the requirements of ASC 450 when evaluating its exposure to non-claims related litigation and arbitration. ASC 450 requires that accruals be established for litigation and arbitration if it is probable that a loss has been incurred and it can be reasonably estimated. ASC 450 also requires that litigation and arbitration be disclosed if it is probable that a loss has been incurred or if there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred.
Although the ultimate outcome of claims and non-claims related litigation and arbitration, and the amount or range of potential loss at any particular time, is often inherently uncertain, management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of such claims and non-claims related litigation and arbitration will have a material adverse effect on White Mountains’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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The following summarizes significant legal contingencies, ongoing non-claims related litigation or arbitration as of September 30, 2014:
Esurance
On October 7, 2011, the Company completed the sale of its Esurance and Answer Financial subsidiaries (the “Transferred Subsidiaries”) to The Allstate Corporation (“Allstate”) pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of May 17, 2011 (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K on May 18, 2011, the “Agreement”). The Company has certain contingencies under the Agreement as follows: (i) subject to specified thresholds and limits, the Company generally indemnifies Allstate for breaches of its representations and warranties in the Agreement for a period of eighteen months (although longer for specified representations and warranties) from the closing, (ii) the Company indemnifies Allstate for breaches of certain covenants in the Agreement, including certain agreements by the Company not to solicit certain employees of the Transferred Subsidiaries for three years after the closing, and (iii) subject to specified thresholds and limits, the Company indemnifies Allstate for specified matters related to the pre-closing period, including (a) specified litigation matters, (b) losses of the Transferred Subsidiaries arising from extra-contractual claims and claims in excess of policy limits (“ECO/EPL losses”), (c) certain corporate reorganizations effected to remove entities from the Transferred Subsidiaries that were not being sold in the transaction, and (d) certain tax matters, including certain net operating losses being less than stated levels. In addition, the Company retains 90% of positive or negative development in the loss reserves of the Transferred Subsidiaries as of the closing date (net of ECO/EPL losses) through December 31, 2014.
Tribune Company
In June 2011, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Law Debenture Company of New York and Wilmington Trust Company (collectively referred to as “Plaintiffs”), in their capacity as trustees for certain senior notes issued by the Tribune Company (“Tribune”), filed lawsuits in various jurisdictions (the “Noteholder Actions”) against numerous defendants including OneBeacon, OneBeacon-sponsored benefit plans and other affiliates of White Mountains in their capacity as former shareholders of Tribune seeking recovery of the proceeds from the sale of common stock of Tribune in connection with Tribune's leveraged buyout in 2007 (the “LBO”). Tribune filed for bankruptcy in 2008 in the Delaware bankruptcy court (the “Bankruptcy Court”). The Bankruptcy Court granted Plaintiffs permission to commence these LBO-related actions, and in 2011, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation granted a motion to consolidate the actions for pretrial matters and transferred all such proceedings to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Plaintiffs seek recovery of the proceeds received by the former Tribune shareholders on a theory of constructive fraudulent transfer asserting that Tribune purchased or repurchased its common shares without receiving fair consideration at a time when it was, or as a result of the purchases of shares, was rendered, insolvent. OneBeacon has entered into a joint defense agreement with other affiliates of White Mountains that are defendants in the action. Certain subsidiaries of White Mountains received approximately $39.0 million for Tribune common stock tendered in connection with the LBO.
The Court granted an omnibus motion to dismiss the Noteholder Actions in September 2013 and Plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal. Oral argument is scheduled for November 5, 2014.
In addition, OneBeacon, OneBeacon-sponsored benefit plans and other affiliates of White Mountains in their capacity as former shareholders of Tribune, along with thousands of former Tribune shareholders, have been named as defendants in an adversary proceeding brought by the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of the Tribune Company (the “Committee”), on behalf of the Tribune Company, which seeks to avoid the repurchase of shares by Tribune in the LBO on a theory of intentional fraudulent transfer (the “Committee Action”). Tribune emerged from bankruptcy in 2012, and a litigation trustee replaced the Committee as plaintiff in the Committee Action. This matter was consolidated for pretrial matters with the Noteholder Actions in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and was stayed pending the motion to dismiss in the Noteholder Action. An omnibus motion to dismiss the shareholder defendants in the Committee Action was filed in May 2014.
Note 17. Subsequent Events
Tranzact
On October 10, 2014, White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (“White Mountains”) made a majority investment in Tranzact Holdings, LLC (“Tranzact”), a leading provider of end-to-end, performance-driven customer acquisition solutions to the insurance sector. White Mountains acquired 63.2% of Tranzact for a purchase price of $177.7 million, representing an enterprise value of $281.2 million. Immediately following the closing, Tranzact completed a recapitalization that allowed for the return of $44.2 million in capital to White Mountains.
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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’s actual results could be materially different from and worse than its expectations. See “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS” for 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 income (loss), adjusted book value per share and total adjusted capital - that have been reconciled to their most comparable GAAP financial measures (see page 79). White Mountains believes these measures to be more relevant than comparable GAAP measures in evaluating White Mountains’s financial performance and condition.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 AND 2013
Overview
White Mountains ended the third quarter of 2014 with an adjusted book value per share of $666, a decrease of 0.2% for the quarter and an increase of 3.8% for the first nine months of 2014, including dividends. White Mountains reported adjusted comprehensive loss of $13 million for the third quarter and adjusted comprehensive income of $143 million for the first nine months of 2014, compared to adjusted comprehensive income of $104 million and $212 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013. For the third quarter of 2014, good underwriting results principally were offset by $7 per share of foreign currency losses from the strengthening U.S. dollar. Excluding the effects of foreign currency translation, investment returns for the quarter were essentially flat. For the first nine months of 2014, underwriting results and investment results both contributed to the growth in adjusted book value per share, partially offset by $10 per share in foreign currency losses.
OneBeacon’s book value per share was flat for the third quarter and increased 6.7% for the first nine months of 2014, including dividends. OneBeacon’s GAAP combined ratio was 95% for the third quarter of 2014, compared to 96% for the third quarter of 2013, while the GAAP combined ratio was 94% for the first nine months of 2014, compared to 93% for the first nine months of 2013. There were 2 points of unfavorable loss reserve development in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2014 compared to one point of unfavorable loss reserve development in the third quarter and no loss reserve development in the first nine months of 2013.
Sirius Group’s GAAP combined ratio was 79% for the third quarter of 2014 compared to 89% for the third quarter of 2013, while the GAAP combined ratio was 78% for the first nine months of 2014 compared to 83% for the first nine months of 2013. The combined ratios for the 2014 periods benefited from lower catastrophe losses compared to the 2013 periods. The third quarter of 2014 included 6 points ($15 million) of catastrophe losses, including $4 million from hurricane Odile and $4 million from hailstorms in Bulgaria, compared to 14 points ($31 million) of catastrophe losses in the third quarter of last year, primarily from hailstorm losses in Germany. The first nine months of 2014 included 4 points ($29 million) of catastrophe losses compared to 11 points ($68 million) in the first nine months of last year. Favorable loss reserve development was 8 points ($19 million) and 5 points ($35 million) in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014 and was primarily due to reductions in property loss reserves, including reductions for prior period catastrophe losses, compared to 7 points ($15 million) and 4 points ($26 million) in the third quarter and first nine months of 2013.
White Mountains’s total net written premiums increased 11% and 9% to $570 million and $1,708 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, driven by growth at both OneBeacon and Sirius Group. OneBeacon’s net written premiums increased 10% and 15% to $346 million and $953 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, primarily from increases in OneBeacon’s newer businesses, particularly OneBeacon Crop Insurance, OneBeacon Program Group and OneBeacon Surety Group. Excluding the $6 million and $71 million increase in net premiums written for these new businesses, OneBeacon’s premiums increased 9% and 7% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014. Sirius Group’s net written premiums increased 11% to $218 million in the third quarter of 2014, primarily reflecting increases in the accident and health, other property and aviation lines, somewhat offset by a decrease in property catastrophe excess business. Sirius Group’s net written premiums of $738 million increased slightly in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013, as increases in the accident and health, other property and aviation lines were offset by decreases in property catastrophe excess and trade credit business.
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White Mountains’s GAAP pre-tax total return on invested assets was -1.0% and 1.6% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, which included 1.1% and 1.2% of foreign currency losses, compared to 1.9% and 2.5% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, which included 0.6% and 0.0% of foreign currency gains. White Mountains’s short-duration fixed income portfolio returned -0.9% in U.S. dollars (0.3% in local currencies) in the third quarter of 2014 and 0.7% in U.S. dollars (2.2% in local currencies) for the first nine months of 2014, lagging the longer duration Barclay's Intermediate Aggregate Bond Index of 0.0% and 2.9% for the comparable periods. White Mountains’s value-oriented equity portfolio returned -1.4% and 4.9% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, lagging the S&P 500 Index return of 1.1% and 8.3% for the comparable periods.
During the first nine months of 2014, White Mountains completed the acquisitions of four insurance marketing/technology service businesses: (i) QuoteLab, an advertising technology company focused on the insurance industry, (ii) Wobi, an Israeli online personal lines price comparison business, (iii) SSRM, the attorney-in-fact for Star & Shield Insurance Exchange, a Florida-domiciled reciprocal insurance exchange providing private passenger auto insurance to members of the public safety community and their families, and (iv) durchblicker.at, Austria’s first independent price comparison portal for insurance, gas/electricity and financial services.
In October 2014, White Mountains purchased 63% of Tranzact Holdings LLC (“Tranzact”), a leading provider of end-to-end customer acquisition solutions to the insurance sector, for a purchase price of $178 million. Immediately after the closing, Tranzact completed a recapitalization that allowed for the return of $44 million to White Mountains. Additionally, in June 2014, White Mountains committed $21 million to fund a 50/50 joint venture with DavidShield for the development, marketing and distribution of PassportCard travel insurance. The transaction with DavidShield is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014, subject to regulatory approvals. See “Other Operations” on page 60.
Adjusted Book Value Per Share
The following table presents White Mountains’s adjusted book value per share and reconciles this non-GAAP measure to the most comparable GAAP measure. (See NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES on page 79).
September 30, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | September 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Book value per share numerators (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
White Mountains’s common shareholders’ equity | $ | 4,010.1 | $ | 4,105.5 | $ | 3,905.5 | $ | 3,790.0 | ||||||||
Equity in net unrealized losses (gains) from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio, net of applicable taxes | (19.1 | ) | (29.0 | ) | 40.4 | 23.5 | ||||||||||
Adjusted book value per share numerator (1) | $ | 3,991.0 | $ | 4,076.5 | $ | 3,945.9 | $ | 3,813.5 | ||||||||
Book value per share denominators (in thousands of shares): | ||||||||||||||||
Common shares outstanding | 6,028.3 | 6,150.5 | 6,176.7 | 6,176.7 | ||||||||||||
Unearned restricted shares | (31.7 | ) | (38.1 | ) | (33.0 | ) | (41.2 | ) | ||||||||
Adjusted book value per share denominator (1) | 5,996.6 | 6,112.4 | 6,143.7 | 6,135.5 | ||||||||||||
Book value per share (2) | $ | 665.22 | $ | 667.51 | $ | 632.30 | $ | 613.60 | ||||||||
Adjusted book value per share (2) | $ | 665.55 | $ | 666.92 | $ | 642.27 | $ | 621.56 | ||||||||
(1) Excludes out of-the-money stock options.
(2) During the first quarter and first nine months of both 2014 and 2013, White Mountains declared and paid a dividend of $1.00 per common share.
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Review of Consolidated Results
White Mountains’s consolidated financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 follow:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Gross written premiums | $ | 636.2 | $ | 570.7 | $ | 2,009.4 | $ | 1,831.7 | ||||||||
Net written premiums | $ | 569.8 | $ | 513.3 | $ | 1,707.8 | $ | 1,569.9 | ||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums | $ | 538.6 | $ | 500.4 | $ | 1,535.6 | $ | 1,493.3 | ||||||||
Net investment income | 24.7 | 27.3 | 78.1 | 84.5 | ||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains | 20.8 | 28.2 | 198.5 | 66.1 | ||||||||||||
Other revenue — foreign currency translation (losses) gains | (22.7 | ) | 16.8 | (42.9 | ) | 3.4 | ||||||||||
Other revenue — Symetra warrants | — | — | — | 10.8 | ||||||||||||
Other revenue — other | 28.0 | 1.4 | 51.2 | 32.7 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 589.4 | 574.1 | 1,820.5 | 1,690.8 | ||||||||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Losses and LAE | 289.1 | 278.3 | 801.1 | 797.2 | ||||||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | 105.3 | 106.7 | 299.3 | 281.0 | ||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | 81.0 | 80.4 | 244.3 | 244.0 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 69.2 | 41.3 | 189.4 | 124.0 | ||||||||||||
Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves | .1 | .2 | .5 | 1.5 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 10.3 | 11.9 | 30.4 | 32.4 | ||||||||||||
Total expenses | 555.0 | 518.8 | 1,565.0 | 1,480.1 | ||||||||||||
Pre-tax income from continuing operations | 34.4 | 55.3 | 255.5 | 210.7 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense | (7.8 | ) | (8.2 | ) | (62.0 | ) | (49.2 | ) | ||||||||
Net income from continuing operations | 26.6 | 47.1 | 193.5 | 161.5 | ||||||||||||
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax | 6.7 | .4 | 8.8 | 4.8 | ||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax | 7.0 | 8.6 | 33.3 | 24.9 | ||||||||||||
Net income | 40.3 | 56.1 | 235.6 | 191.2 | ||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | 11.2 | 1.1 | 7.1 | 12.7 | ||||||||||||
Net income attributable to White Mountains’s common shareholders | 51.5 | 57.2 | 242.7 | 203.9 | ||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax | (74.2 | ) | 39.4 | (40.5 | ) | (72.8 | ) | |||||||||
Comprehensive (loss) income | (22.7 | ) | 96.6 | 202.2 | 131.1 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests | .1 | (.1 | ) | .1 | (.1 | ) | ||||||||||
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to White Mountains’s common shareholders | (22.6 | ) | 96.5 | 202.3 | 131.0 | |||||||||||
Change in net unrealized gains and losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio, net of tax | 9.9 | 7.2 | (59.5 | ) | 81.2 | |||||||||||
Adjusted comprehensive (loss) income | $ | (12.7 | ) | $ | 103.7 | $ | 142.8 | $ | 212.2 | |||||||
Consolidated Results - Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 versus Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
White Mountains’s total revenues increased 3% to $589 million in the third quarter of 2014, as increases from earned insurance and reinsurance premiums and an increase in other revenues from QuoteLab, which was acquired in the first quarter of 2014, were partially offset by an increase in foreign currency translation losses reported in other revenues. Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums increased 8%, with both OneBeacon and Sirius Group up over the third quarter of 2013. Net investment income decreased 10% in the third quarter, due to a lower fixed maturity asset base invested at lower average coupon rates. Net realized and unrealized investment gains were $21 million in the third quarter of 2014, which included $46 million of net realized and unrealized foreign currency gains on investments, compared to $28 million of net realized and unrealized investment gains in the third quarter of 2013, which included $35 million of net realized and unrealized foreign currency losses. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) on investments are primarily related to GAAP foreign currency translation and are mostly offset in comprehensive net income and adjusted book value per share by (losses) gains recognized in other comprehensive income (see “Foreign Currency Translation” on page 65). Other revenue decreased to $5 million in the third quarter of 2014 from $18 million in the third quarter of 2013. The third quarter of 2014 included $23 million in foreign currency translation losses compared to $17 million of foreign currency translation gains in the third quarter of 2013. Other revenue in the third quarter of 2014 also included $24 million from QuoteLab, which was acquired by White Mountains during the first quarter of 2014, while other revenue in the third quarter of 2013 included $4 million from the extension of the transition service agreement for services provided by OneBeacon on business sold to the Tower Group, Inc. (“Tower”) in the personal lines transaction in 2010.
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White Mountains’s total expenses increased 7% to $555 million in the third quarter of 2014. Losses and LAE increased 4% in the third quarter of 2014, which was lower than the 8% increase in earned insurance and reinsurance premiums in the quarter primarily due to lower catastrophe losses at Sirius Group, while insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses and other underwriting expenses were relatively flat for the third quarter of 2014, reflecting improved expense ratios at both OneBeacon and Sirius Group (see “Summary of Operations by Segment” below). General and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2014 included $22 million from QuoteLab, which was acquired by White Mountains during the first quarter of 2014.
White Mountains’s income tax expense for the third quarter of 2014 and 2013 represented effective tax rates of 22.7% and 14.8%. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2014 and 2013 was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% due primarily to income generated in jurisdictions with lower tax rates than the United States. In addition, the effective rate for the third quarter of 2013 reflects the $7 million release of a deferred tax valuation allowance at OneBeacon related to the restructuring of a surplus note issued to a consolidated insurance reciprocal exchange.
Consolidated Results - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
White Mountains’s total revenues increased 8% to $1,821 million in the first nine months of 2014, which was driven by an increase in net unrealized gains from the investment portfolio. Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums increased 3%, with both OneBeacon and Sirius Group up over the first nine months of 2013. Net investment income was down 8% to $78 million, due to a lower fixed maturity asset base invested at lower average coupon rates. White Mountains reported net realized and unrealized investment gains of $199 million in the first nine months of 2014, which included $90 million of net realized and unrealized foreign currency gains on investments, compared to $66 million of net realized and unrealized investment gains in the first nine months of 2013, which included $9 million of net realized and unrealized foreign currency losses. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) on investments are primarily related to GAAP foreign currency translation and are mostly offset in comprehensive net income and adjusted book value per share by (losses) gains recognized in other comprehensive income (see “Foreign Currency Translation” on page 65). Other revenue decreased to $8 million in the first nine months of 2014 from $47 million in the first nine months of 2013. The first nine months of 2014 included $43 million in foreign currency translation losses compared to $3 million of foreign currency translation gains in the first nine months of 2013. Other revenue in the first nine months of 2014 included $44 million from QuoteLab. Other revenue in the first nine months of 2013 included $4 million from the extension of the transition service agreement for services provided by OneBeacon on business sold to Tower in the personal lines transaction in 2010, a $23 million gain on OneBeacon's sale of Essentia and a $7 million gain on WM Solutions's acquisition of Ashmere. In addition, the first nine months of 2013 included $11 million of mark-to-market gains on the Symetra warrants, which were exercised in the June 2013.
White Mountains’s total expenses increased 6% to $1,565 million in the first nine months of 2014. Losses and LAE, insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses and other underwriting expenses were all essentially flat in the first nine months of 2013 as an increase in the loss ratio at OneBeacon was substantially offset by a decrease in the loss ratio at Sirius Group, while a decrease in the expense ratio at OneBeacon was essentially offset by an increase in the expense ratio at Sirius Group (see “Summary of Operations by Segment” below). General and administrative expenses in the first nine months of 2014 included $40 million from QuoteLab.
White Mountains’s income tax expense for the first nine months of 2014 and 2013 represented effective tax rates of 24.3% and 23.4%. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2014 and 2013 was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% due primarily to income generated in jurisdictions with lower tax rates than the United States.
I. Summary of Operations By Segment
White Mountains conducts its operations through four segments: (1) OneBeacon, (2) Sirius Group, (3) HG Global/BAM and (4) Other Operations. While investment results are included in these segments, because White Mountains manages the majority of its investments through its wholly-owned subsidiary, WM Advisors, a discussion of White Mountains’s consolidated investment operations is included after the discussion of operations by segment. White Mountains’s segment information is presented in Note 11 — “Segment Information” to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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OneBeacon
Financial results and GAAP ratios for OneBeacon for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 follow:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Gross written premiums | $ | 365.3 | $ | 331.4 | $ | 1,028.7 | $ | 876.5 | ||||||||
Net written premiums | $ | 345.6 | $ | 314.1 | $ | 952.6 | $ | 826.1 | ||||||||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums | $ | 305.4 | $ | 278.9 | $ | 872.8 | $ | 846.2 | ||||||||
Net investment income | 10.4 | 10.1 | 32.1 | 30.9 | ||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains | (16.0 | ) | 17.0 | 24.8 | 19.9 | |||||||||||
Other revenue | 1.3 | 5.5 | 3.3 | 30.1 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 301.1 | 311.5 | 933.0 | 927.1 | ||||||||||||
Losses and LAE | 185.2 | 167.8 | 520.7 | 473.7 | ||||||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | 54.6 | 53.6 | 150.9 | 160.9 | ||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | 51.2 | 46.8 | 152.3 | 150.7 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2.4 | 4.1 | 9.3 | 11.0 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 3.2 | 3.3 | 9.7 | 9.8 | ||||||||||||
Total expenses | 296.6 | 275.6 | 842.9 | 806.1 | ||||||||||||
Pre-tax income | $ | 4.5 | $ | 35.9 | $ | 90.1 | $ | 121.0 | ||||||||
GAAP ratios: | ||||||||||||||||
Losses and LAE | 61 | % | 60 | % | 60 | % | 56 | % | ||||||||
Expense | 34 | % | 36 | % | 34 | % | 37 | % | ||||||||
Combined | 95 | % | 96 | % | 94 | % | 93 | % | ||||||||
The following table presents OneBeacon’s book value per share:
(Millions, except per share amounts) | September 30, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | September 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||
OneBeacon book value per share: | ||||||||||||||||
OneBeacon's common shareholders’ equity | $ | 1,115.6 | $ | 1,136.0 | $ | 1,104.3 | $ | 1,062.1 | ||||||||
OneBeacon common shares outstanding | 95.3 | 95.3 | 95.4 | 95.4 | ||||||||||||
OneBeacon book value per common share (1) | $ | 11.71 | $ | 11.92 | $ | 11.58 | $ | 11.13 | ||||||||
(1) OneBeacon declared and paid a regular quarterly dividend of $0.21 per common share in each of the first three quarters of 2014 and in each quarter during 2013.
OneBeacon ended the third quarter of 2014 with a book value per share of $11.71, which was flat for the quarter and an increase of 6.7% for the first nine months of 2014, including dividends.
OneBeacon Results—Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 versus Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
OneBeacon's GAAP combined ratio was 95% for the third quarter of 2014 compared to 96% for the third quarter of 2013. The decrease in the combined ratio was primarily driven by a 2 point reduction in the expense ratio, partially offset by a one point increase in the loss ratio, which included the adverse impact of declining corn prices on the Crop business. The third quarter of 2014 included 2 points ($7 million) of net unfavorable loss reserve development, driven by unfavorable development in professional liability, management liability and financial services businesses included within OneBeacon Professional Insurance (“OBPI”), in OneBeacon Accident and in the inland marine business within International Marine Underwriters (“IMU”), partially offset by favorable development in the healthcare business within OBPI and in OneBeacon Technology. This compared to net unfavorable loss reserve development of 1 point ($4 million) for the third quarter of 2013. The third quarter of 2014 included 2 points ($5 million) of catastrophe losses, primarily related to wind and thunderstorms in the central and eastern United States, compared to 1 point ($4 million) of catastrophe losses for the third quarter of 2013.
OneBeacon’s net written premiums increased 10% in the third quarter of 2014 to $346 million. Excluding the $6 million increase in net premiums written by newer businesses, particularly OneBeacon Crop Insurance, OneBeacon Program Group and OneBeacon Surety Group, premiums increased 9% for the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013.
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Reinsurance protection. OneBeacon purchases reinsurance in order to minimize loss from large risks or catastrophic events. OneBeacon also purchases individual property reinsurance coverage for certain risks to reduce large loss volatility through property-per-risk excess of loss reinsurance programs and individual risk facultative reinsurance. OneBeacon also maintains excess of loss casualty reinsurance programs that provide protection for individual risk or catastrophe losses involving workers compensation, general liability, automobile liability, professional liability or umbrella liability. The availability and cost of reinsurance protection is subject to market conditions, which are outside of management’s control. Limiting risk of loss through reinsurance arrangements serves to mitigate the impact of large losses; however, the cost of this protection in an individual period may exceed the benefit.
OneBeacon’s net combined ratio was higher than the gross combined ratio by less than one point for the third quarter of 2014 and and 3 points for the third quarter of 2013. In both periods, the net combined ratio was higher than the gross combined ratio as a result of the cost of the reinsurance programs more than offsetting the benefits from ceded losses.
OneBeacon Results—Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
OneBeacon's GAAP combined ratio was 94% for the first nine months of 2014 compared to 93% for the first nine months of 2013. The increase was primarily driven by a 4 point increase in the loss ratio, due primarily to a large loss (2 points) in the Specialty Property line and a 2 point increase in unfavorable loss reserve development, partially offset by a 3 point improvement in the expense ratio, driven by lower litigation expense. The loss ratio for the first nine months of 2014 included 2 points ($14 million) of net unfavorable loss reserve development, driven by unfavorable development in professional liability and management liability businesses included within OBPI, in OneBeacon Accident and in the inland marine business within IMU, partially offset by favorable development in the healthcare business within OBPI, in OneBeacon Specialty Property and in the ocean marine business within IMU. This compared to no net loss reserve development for the first nine months of 2013. Catastrophe losses contributed 1 point to OneBeacon's GAAP combined ratio in the first nine months of both 2014 and 2013.
OneBeacon’s net written premiums increased 15% in the first nine months of 2014 to $953 million, primarily from increases from its newer businesses, particularly OneBeacon Crop Insurance, OneBeacon Program Group and OneBeacon Surety Group. Excluding the $71 million increase in net premiums written by these new businesses, net written premiums increased 7% for the first nine months of 2014.
Reinsurance protection. OneBeacon’s net combined ratio was higher than the gross combined ratio by 3 points for both the first nine months of 2014 and the first nine months of 2013. In both periods, the net combined ratio was higher than the gross combined ratio as a result of the cost of the reinsurance programs more than offsetting the benefits from ceded losses.
Runoff Transaction
In October 2012, OneBeacon entered into a definitive agreement with Trebuchet US Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Armour Group Holdings Limited (together with Trebuchet, “Armour”), to sell its Runoff Business. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department is currently conducting its regulatory review of the Runoff Transaction, which included a public hearing on July 23, 2014. Subsequent to the public hearing, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department re-opened the public comment period, which expired October 17, 2014. During the second quarter of 2014, OneBeacon amended the Runoff SPA, primarily to increase the cap on seller financing by $7 million to $81 million, as well as to extend the termination date to December 31, 2014. Consistent with the proposed closing balance sheet, pro forma as of June 30, 2014, OneBeacon expects to provide seller financing at closing in the form of surplus notes with an estimated par value of $81 million. OneBeacon expects the Runoff Transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2014. See Note 15 — “Discontinued Operations” for more details regarding the Runoff Transaction.
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Sirius Group
Financial results and GAAP combined ratios for Sirius Group for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 follow:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
($ in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Gross written premiums | $ | 260.6 | $ | 236.4 | $ | 951.9 | $ | 947.0 | ||||||||
Net written premiums | $ | 217.9 | $ | 196.3 | $ | 738.4 | $ | 735.6 | ||||||||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums | $ | 231.4 | $ | 221.4 | $ | 656.5 | $ | 646.9 | ||||||||
Net investment income | 9.8 | 13.5 | 30.3 | 38.0 | ||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) | 49.1 | (24.7 | ) | 135.6 | (4.9 | ) | ||||||||||
Other revenue—foreign currency translation (losses) gains | (22.7 | ) | 16.8 | (42.9 | ) | 3.4 | ||||||||||
Other revenue | (.1 | ) | — | (4.4 | ) | 7.9 | ||||||||||
Total revenues | 267.5 | 227.0 | 775.1 | 691.3 | ||||||||||||
Losses and LAE | 103.6 | 110.5 | 273.8 | 323.5 | ||||||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | 50.1 | 52.5 | 146.3 | 119.0 | ||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | 29.7 | 33.5 | 91.7 | 93.0 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 6.2 | 7.3 | 21.1 | 21.5 | ||||||||||||
Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves | .1 | .2 | .5 | 1.5 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 6.6 | 6.6 | 19.8 | 19.7 | ||||||||||||
Total expenses | 196.3 | 210.6 | 553.2 | 578.2 | ||||||||||||
Pre-tax income | $ | 71.2 | $ | 16.4 | $ | 221.9 | $ | 113.1 | ||||||||
GAAP ratios: | ||||||||||||||||
Losses and LAE | 45 | % | 50 | % | 42 | % | 50 | % | ||||||||
Expense | 34 | % | 39 | % | 36 | % | 33 | % | ||||||||
Combined | 79 | % | 89 | % | 78 | % | 83 | % | ||||||||
Sirius Group Results—Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 versus Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Sirius Group’s GAAP combined ratio was 79% for the third quarter of 2014 compared to 89% for third quarter of 2013. The third quarter of 2014 benefited from lower catastrophe losses compared to the prior year period. The third quarter of 2014 included 6 points ($15 million) of catastrophe losses, including $4 million from hurricane Odile and $4 million from hailstorms in Bulgaria, compared to 14 points ($31 million) of catastrophe losses in the third quarter of 2013, primarily due to $18 million of hail storm losses in Germany and $6 million of flood losses in India. Favorable loss reserve development was 8 points ($19 million) in the third quarter of 2014, primarily due to decreases in property loss reserves, including reductions for prior period catastrophe losses, in addition to decreases in aviation and accident and health loss reserves. Favorable loss reserve development was 7 points ($15 million) in the third quarter of 2013, primarily due to reductions in property loss reserves from recent underwriting years.
Sirius Group’s gross written premiums increased 10% to $261 million, while net written premiums increased 11% to $218 million for the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013. Increases in the accident and health, other property and aviation lines were somewhat offset by a decrease in the property catastrophe excess and trade credit lines. Net earned premiums increased 5% for the third quarter of 2014 to $231 million due to increases in other property and accident and health premiums.
Sirius Group recorded $23 million of foreign currency translation losses in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $17 million of foreign currency translation gains in the third quarter of 2013 (See “Foreign Currency Translation” on page 65).
Reinsurance protection. Sirius Group’s reinsurance protection primarily consists of pro-rata and excess of loss protections to cover aviation, trade credit, and certain accident and health and property exposures. Sirius Group’s proportional reinsurance programs provide protection for part of the non-proportional treaty accounts written in Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. This reinsurance is designed to increase underwriting capacity where appropriate, and to reduce exposure both to large catastrophe losses and to a frequency of smaller loss events. Attachment points and coverage limits vary by region around the world.
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Sirius Group’s net combined ratio was 1 point lower than the gross combined ratio for the third quarter of 2014 and was 4 points lower than the gross combined ratio for the third quarter of 2013. For the third quarter of 2014, the net combined ratio was lower than the gross combined ratio because ceded loss recoveries in the aviation and accident and health lines more than offset the cost of Sirius Group’s reinsurance protection programs. For the third quarter of 2013, the lower net combined ratio was primarily due to the ceded loss recoveries on hail storm losses in Germany.
Sirius Group Results—Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Sirius Group’s GAAP combined ratio was 78% for the first nine months of 2014 compared to 83% for first nine months of 2013. The first nine months of 2014 benefited from lower catastrophe losses and higher favorable loss reserve development compared to the first nine months of 2013, while the first nine months of 2013 benefited from 2 points of higher profit commissions due to Sirius Group on European property retrocessional treaties. The combined ratio for the first nine months of 2014 included 4 points ($29 million) of catastrophe losses, primarily due to $7 million of storm and flood losses in Europe, $7 million from hailstorms in Europe and $4 million of losses from hurricane Odile, compared to 11 points ($68 million) of catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2013, mainly due to $31 million of flood losses in Central Europe, $18 million of hail storm losses in Germany, $6 million of flood losses in India and $5 million of tornado losses in the Midwestern United States. Favorable loss reserve development was 5 points ($35 million) in the first nine months of 2014 primarily due to decreases in property loss reserves, including reductions for prior period catastrophe losses, in addition to decreases in aviation, accident and health and trade credit loss reserves. Favorable loss reserve development was 4 points ($26 million) in the first nine months of 2013 primarily due to reductions in property loss reserves, including reductions in loss reserves for the Japan earthquake.
Sirius Group’s gross written premiums increased 1% to $952 million, while net written premiums increased less than 1% to $738 million for the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013. Increases in the accident and health, other property and aviation lines were mostly offset by a decrease in the property catastrophe excess line. Net earned premiums increased 2% as compared to the prior period.
In the first nine months of 2014, Sirius Group’s other revenue was a loss of $4 million, which was primarily due to a $6 million mark-to-market loss on the interest rate cap associated with the SIG Preference Shares, somewhat offset by a $1 million gain on the sale of Citation as a “shell company.” In the first nine months of 2013, Sirius Group’s other revenue included a gain of $7 million from WM Solutions's acquisition of Ashmere. Additionally, Sirius Group recorded $43 million of foreign currency translation losses in the first nine months of 2014 compared to $3 million of foreign currency translation gains in the first nine months of 2013 (See “Foreign Currency Translation” on page 65).
Sirius Group’s insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses increased $27 million in the first nine months of 2014, as the first nine months of 2013 included the benefit from $19 million of profit commissions accrued by Sirius Group on ceded European property treaties, compared to $5 million in the first nine months of 2014. In addition, in the first nine months of 2014, additional profit commissions of $5 million were due from Sirius Group for prior accident year treaties as a result of favorable loss reserve development. Sirius Group is also experiencing higher acquisition expenses on certain treaty renewals due to overall market conditions. Sirius Group’s other underwriting expenses were down slightly in the first nine months of 2014, primarily due to lower professional fees related to Lloyds 1945.
Reinsurance protection. Sirius Group’s net combined ratio was 1 point lower than the gross combined ratio for the first nine months of 2014 and equaled the gross combined ratio for the first nine months of 2013. For the first nine months of 2014, the net combined ratio was lower than the gross combined ratio because ceded loss recoveries in the accident and health line more than offset the cost of Sirius Group’s reinsurance protection programs. For the first nine months of 2013, the net and gross combined ratios were the same as the cost of property retrocessions was offset by loss recoveries on hail storms in Germany and ceded profit commissions.
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HG Global/BAM
The following table presents the components of pre-tax income included in White Mountains’s HG Global/BAM segment related to the consolidation of HG Global, which includes HG Re and its other wholly-owned subsidiaries, and BAM for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Millions | HG Global | BAM | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||
Gross written premiums | $ | — | $ | 4.2 | $ | — | $ | 4.2 | ||||||||
Assumed (ceded) written premiums | 3.1 | (3.1 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||
Net written premiums | $ | 3.1 | $ | 1.1 | $ | — | $ | 4.2 | ||||||||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums | $ | .4 | $ | .1 | $ | — | $ | .5 | ||||||||
Net investment income | .4 | 1.4 | — | 1.8 | ||||||||||||
Net investment income - BAM Surplus Notes | 3.9 | — | (3.9 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment losses | (.5 | ) | (1.4 | ) | — | (1.9 | ) | |||||||||
Other revenue | — | .2 | — | .2 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 4.2 | .3 | (3.9 | ) | .6 | |||||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | — | .5 | — | .5 | ||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | — | .1 | — | .1 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | .4 | 8.9 | — | 9.3 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense—BAM surplus notes | — | 3.9 | (3.9 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Total expenses | .4 | 13.4 | (3.9 | ) | 9.9 | |||||||||||
Pre-tax income (loss) | $ | 3.8 | $ | (13.1 | ) | $ | — | $ | (9.3 | ) | ||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Millions | HG Global | BAM | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||
Gross written premiums | $ | — | $ | 2.9 | $ | — | $ | 2.9 | ||||||||
Assumed (ceded) written premiums | 2.3 | (2.3 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||
Net written premiums | $ | 2.3 | $ | .6 | $ | — | $ | 2.9 | ||||||||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums | $ | .1 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | .1 | ||||||||
Net investment income | .2 | 1.1 | — | 1.3 | ||||||||||||
Net investment income—BAM Surplus Notes | 10.1 | — | (10.1 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains | .5 | 2.4 | — | 2.9 | ||||||||||||
Other revenue | — | .2 | — | .2 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 10.9 | 3.7 | (10.1 | ) | 4.5 | |||||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | .1 | .5 | — | .6 | ||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | — | .1 | — | .1 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | .3 | 8.1 | — | 8.4 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense—BAM surplus notes | — | 10.1 | (10.1 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Total expenses | .4 | 18.8 | (10.1 | ) | 9.1 | |||||||||||
Pre-tax income (loss) | $ | 10.5 | $ | (15.1 | ) | $ | — | $ | (4.6 | ) | ||||||
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Millions | HG Global | BAM | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||
Gross written premiums | $ | — | $ | 11.4 | $ | — | $ | 11.4 | ||||||||
Assumed (ceded) written premiums | 8.7 | (8.7 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||
Net written premiums | $ | 8.7 | $ | 2.7 | $ | — | $ | 11.4 | ||||||||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums | $ | .9 | $ | .3 | $ | — | $ | 1.2 | ||||||||
Net investment income | 1.0 | 4.2 | — | 5.2 | ||||||||||||
Net investment income - BAM Surplus Notes | 11.8 | — | (11.8 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains | 1.1 | 5.4 | — | 6.5 | ||||||||||||
Other revenue | — | .5 | — | .5 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 14.8 | 10.4 | (11.8 | ) | 13.4 | |||||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | .2 | 1.4 | — | 1.6 | ||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | — | .3 | — | .3 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 1.2 | 26.6 | — | 27.8 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense—BAM surplus notes | — | 11.8 | (11.8 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Total expenses | 1.4 | 40.1 | (11.8 | ) | 29.7 | |||||||||||
Pre-tax income (loss) | $ | 13.4 | $ | (29.7 | ) | $ | — | $ | (16.3 | ) | ||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Millions | HG Global | BAM | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||
Gross written premiums | $ | — | $ | 8.2 | $ | — | $ | 8.2 | ||||||||
Assumed (ceded) written premiums | 6.4 | (6.4 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||
Net written premiums | $ | 6.4 | $ | 1.8 | $ | — | $ | 8.2 | ||||||||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums | $ | .2 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | .2 | ||||||||
Net investment income | .7 | 3.3 | — | 4.0 | ||||||||||||
Net investment income—BAM Surplus Notes | 30.2 | — | (30.2 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment losses | (1.7 | ) | (8.1 | ) | — | (9.8 | ) | |||||||||
Other revenue | — | .3 | — | .3 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 29.4 | (4.5 | ) | (30.2 | ) | (5.3 | ) | |||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | .1 | 1.0 | — | 1.1 | ||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | — | .3 | — | .3 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 1.1 | 24.2 | — | 25.3 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense—BAM surplus notes | — | 30.2 | (30.2 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Total expenses | 1.2 | 55.7 | (30.2 | ) | 26.7 | |||||||||||
Pre-tax income (loss) | $ | 28.2 | $ | (60.2 | ) | $ | — | $ | (32.0 | ) | ||||||
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HG Global/BAM Results—Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 versus Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
In the third quarter of 2014, BAM insured $1.9 billion of municipal bonds, $1.8 billion of which were in the primary market, up more than 60% from the third quarter of 2013. As of September 30, 2014, BAM’s total claims paying resources were approximately $581 million on total insured par (including policies priced but not yet closed) of $10.3 billion.
HG Global reported pre-tax income of $4 million in the third quarter of 2014, which was driven by $4 million of interest income on the BAM Surplus Notes, compared to $11 million in the third quarter of 2013, which was driven by $10 million of interest income on the BAM Surplus Notes. The decrease in interest income on the BAM Surplus Notes was due to a change in interest rate. (See LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES, HG Global/BAM, on page 71.)
White Mountains reported $13 million of pre-tax losses on BAM in the third quarter of 2014, driven by $4 million of interest expense on the BAM Surplus Notes and $9 million of operating expenses, compared to $15 million in pre-tax losses in the third quarter of 2013, driven by $10 million of interest expense on the BAM Surplus Notes and $8 million of operating expenses, partially offset by $2 million of net realized and unrealized investment gains. BAM’s affairs are managed on a statutory accounting basis, and it does not report stand-alone GAAP financial results. BAM’s statutory net loss was $8 million in both the third quarter of 2014 and 2013. As a mutual insurance company that is owned by its members, BAM’s results do not affect White Mountains’s adjusted book value per share. However, White Mountains is required to consolidate BAM’s results in its GAAP financial statements and its results are attributed to non-controlling interests.
HG Global/BAM Results—Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
In the first nine months of 2014, BAM insured $5.6 billion of municipal bonds, $5.2 billion of which were in the primary market, up more than 65% from the first nine months of 2013.
HG Global reported pre-tax income of $13 million in the first nine months of 2014, which was driven by $12 million of interest income on the BAM Surplus Notes, compared to $28 million in the first nine months 2013, which was driven by $30 million of interest income on the BAM Surplus Notes. The decrease in interest income on the BAM Surplus Notes was due to a change in interest rate. (See LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES, HG Global/BAM, on page 71.)
White Mountains reported $30 million of pre-tax losses on BAM in the first nine months of 2014, driven by $12 million of interest expense on the BAM Surplus Notes and $27 million of operating expenses, partially offset by $5 million of net realized and unrealized investment gains, compared to $60 million in pre-tax losses in the first nine months of 2013, driven by $30 million of interest expense on the BAM Surplus Notes, $24 million of operating expenses and $8 million of net realized and unrealized investment losses. BAM’s affairs are managed on a statutory accounting basis, and it does not report stand-alone GAAP financial results. BAM’s statutory net loss was $24 million in the first nine months of 2014 and $23 million in the first nine months of 2013.
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The following table presents amounts from HG Global, which includes HG Re and its other wholly-owned subsidiaries, and BAM that are contained within White Mountains’s consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014:
As of September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Millions | HG Global | BAM | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity investments | $ | 114.0 | $ | 445.2 | $ | — | $ | 559.2 | ||||||||
Short-term investments | 3.6 | 37.8 | — | 41.4 | ||||||||||||
Total investments | 117.6 | 483.0 | — | 600.6 | ||||||||||||
Cash | .3 | 4.0 | — | 4.3 | ||||||||||||
BAM Surplus Notes | 503.0 | — | (503.0 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Accrued interest receivable on BAM Surplus Notes | 70.4 | — | (70.4 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Other assets | 5.0 | 16.5 | (.5 | ) | 21.0 | |||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 696.3 | $ | 503.5 | $ | (573.9 | ) | $ | 625.9 | |||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
BAM Surplus Notes(1) | $ | — | $ | 503.0 | $ | (503.0 | ) | $ | — | |||||||
Accrued interest payable on BAM Surplus Notes(2) | — | 70.4 | (70.4 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Preferred dividends payable to White Mountains’s subsidiaries(3) | 83.2 | — | — | 83.2 | ||||||||||||
Preferred dividends payable to non-controlling interests | 2.5 | — | — | 2.5 | ||||||||||||
Other liabilities | 21.6 | 44.4 | (.5 | ) | 65.5 | |||||||||||
Total liabilities | 107.3 | 617.8 | (573.9 | ) | 151.2 | |||||||||||
Equity | ||||||||||||||||
White Mountains’s common shareholders’ equity | 571.0 | — | — | 571.0 | ||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests | 18.0 | (114.3 | ) | — | (96.3 | ) | ||||||||||
Total equity | 589.0 | (114.3 | ) | — | 474.7 | |||||||||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 696.3 | $ | 503.5 | $ | (573.9 | ) | $ | 625.9 | |||||||
(1) | Under GAAP, the BAM Surplus Notes are classified as debt by the issuer. Under U.S. Statutory accounting, they are classified as Surplus. |
(2) | Under GAAP, interest accrues daily on the BAM Surplus Notes. Under U.S. Statutory accounting, interest is not accrued on the BAM Surplus Notes until it has been approved for payment by insurance regulators. |
(3) | Dividends on HG Global preferred shares payable to White Mountains's subsidiaries are eliminated in White Mountains's consolidated financial statements. |
The following table presents the gross par value of policies priced and closed by BAM for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Gross par value of primary market policies priced | $ | 1,761.3 | $ | 1,086.2 | $ | 5,209.8 | $ | 3,215.1 | ||||||||
Gross par value of secondary market policies priced | 125.7 | 80.9 | 381.0 | 174.0 | ||||||||||||
Total gross par value of market policies priced | 1,887.0 | 1,167.1 | 5,590.8 | 3,389.1 | ||||||||||||
Less: Gross par value of policies priced yet to close | (335.1 | ) | (276.3 | ) | (335.1 | ) | (276.3 | ) | ||||||||
Gross par value of policies closed that were previously priced | 691.3 | 124.8 | 97.5 | 3.3 | ||||||||||||
Total gross par value of market policies closed | $ | 2,243.2 | $ | 1,015.6 | $ | 5,353.2 | $ | 3,116.1 | ||||||||
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The following table presents BAM’s total claims paying resources as of September 30, 2014:
Millions | As of September 30, 2014 | As of December 31, 2013 | ||||||
Policyholders’ surplus | $ | 454.2 | $ | 469.0 | ||||
Contingency reserve | 3.5 | 1.1 | ||||||
Qualified statutory capital | 457.7 | 470.1 | ||||||
Net unearned premiums | 5.3 | 3.0 | ||||||
Present value of future installment premiums | 1.4 | — | ||||||
Collateral trusts | 116.9 | 105.4 | ||||||
Claims paying resources | $ | 581.3 | $ | 578.5 | ||||
Other Operations
A summary of White Mountains’s financial results from its Other Operations segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 follows:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums | $ | 1.3 | $ | — | $ | 5.1 | $ | — | ||||||||
Net investment income | 2.7 | 2.4 | 10.5 | 11.6 | ||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains | (10.4 | ) | 33.0 | 31.6 | 60.9 | |||||||||||
Other revenue—Symetra warrants | — | — | — | 10.8 | ||||||||||||
Other revenue—QuoteLab | 23.6 | — | 43.9 | — | ||||||||||||
Other revenue | 3.0 | (4.3 | ) | 7.9 | (5.6 | ) | ||||||||||
Total revenues | 20.2 | 31.1 | 99.0 | 77.7 | ||||||||||||
Loss and loss adjustment expenses | .3 | — | 6.6 | — | ||||||||||||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses | .1 | — | .5 | — | ||||||||||||
Other underwriting expenses | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 29.4 | 21.5 | 90.9 | 66.2 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses—QuoteLab | 21.9 | — | 40.3 | — | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | .5 | 2.0 | .9 | 2.9 | ||||||||||||
Total expenses | 52.2 | 23.5 | 139.2 | 69.1 | ||||||||||||
Pre-tax (loss) income | $ | (32.0 | ) | $ | 7.6 | $ | (40.2 | ) | $ | 8.6 | ||||||
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Recent Acquisitions
White Mountains recently made investments in several insurance service businesses that are summarized below.
durchblicker.at
In July 2014, White Mountains acquired approximately 45% of the outstanding common shares of durchblicker.at, Austria's first independent price comparison portal for insurance, gas/electricity and financial services, for EUR 9 million (approximately $12 million based upon the foreign exchange spot rate at the date of acquisition).
QuoteLab
On March 14, 2014, White Mountains acquired 60% of the outstanding Class A common units of QuoteLab. As of September 30, 2014, White Mountains owned 58.4% of the equity of QuoteLab. QuoteLab is an advertising technology company that operates a transparent online advertising exchange that facilitates transactions between buyers and sellers of insurance media, including advertising inventory on QuoteLab's owned and operated websites. White Mountains paid an initial purchase price of $28 million and will pay additional consideration to the sellers equal to 62.5% of the 2015 gross profit in excess of the 2013 gross profit.
Wobi
On February 19, 2014, White Mountains acquired 54% of the outstanding common shares of Wobi for NIS 14 million (approximately $4 million based upon the foreign exchange spot rate at the date of acquisition). In addition to the common shares, White Mountains also purchased NIS 13 million (approximately $4 million based upon the foreign exchange spot rate at the date of acquisition) of newly-issued convertible preferred shares of Wobi. Wobi is the only price comparison/aggregation business in Israel, with an insurance carrier panel that represents 85% of the premiums written in the Israeli insurance market. Wobi sells four lines of business, primarily personal auto, and operates as an agency, charging upfront commissions on all policy sales. On a fully converted basis, White Mountains owns 60.7% of Wobi.
Star & Shield
On January 31, 2014, White Mountains acquired certain assets and liabilities of Star & Shield Holdings LLC, including SSRM, the attorney-in-fact for SSIE, for a purchase price of $2 million. SSIE is a Florida-domiciled reciprocal insurance exchange providing private passenger auto insurance to the public safety community and their families. White Mountains has also purchased $17 million of surplus notes issued by SSIE but does not have an ownership interest in SSIE, which is owned by its policyholders. GAAP requires White Mountains to consolidate SSIE’s results in its financial statements. However, since SSIE is a reciprocal insurance exchange owned by its policyholders, its results do not affect White Mountains’s adjusted book value per share as they are attributed to non-controlling interests.
Tranzact
In October 2014, White Mountains purchased 63% of Tranzact, a leading provider of end-to-end customer acquisition solutions to the insurance sector, for a purchase price of $178 million. Immediately after the closing, Tranzact completed a recapitalization that allowed for the return of $44 million to White Mountains.
PassportCard
In June 2014, White Mountains committed $21 million to fund a 50/50 joint venture with DavidShield for the development, marketing and distribution of PassportCard travel insurance. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014, subject to regulatory approvals.
Other Operations Results—Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 versus Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
White Mountains’s Other Operations segment reported pre-tax losses of $32 million and $40 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, compared to pre-tax income of $8 million and $9 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2013. The results for White Mountains’s Other Operations segment for both periods were primarily driven by the results of investment assets contained within the segment. White Mountains’s Other Operations segment reported net realized and unrealized investment losses of $10 million and gains of $32 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014 compared to net realized and unrealized investment gains of $33 million and $61 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2013. (See Summary of Investment Results on page 62.) Other revenue in the first nine months of 2013 included $11 million of mark-to-market gains on the Symetra warrants prior to their exercise in the second quarter of 2013. (See Investment in Symetra Common Shares on page 65.)
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General and administrative expenses increased 37% in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, primarily due to expenses related to White Mountains’s newly acquired insurance service businesses, which are substantially offset in pre-tax income by other revenues. In addition, the first nine months of 2013 included a $9 million reduction in general and administrative expenses related to an adjustment to the fair value of variable annuity death benefit expenses at WM Life Re, which was mostly offset in other revenues by a component of the change in the fair value of WM Life Re's derivative assets and liabilities. WM Life Re reported losses of $3 million and $5 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014 compared to $7 million and $16 million of losses in the third quarter and first nine months of last year. (See Note 8 — “Derivatives” for a summary of WM Life Re's results.)
White Mountains’s Other Operations segment reported $1 million and $11 million of GAAP pre-tax losses relating to SSIE in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, which included $2 million of unfavorable loss reserve development reported in the second quarter, as well as a $3 million goodwill impairment charge reported in the first nine months of 2014. As a reciprocal insurance exchange that is owned by its policyholders, SSIE's results are attributed to non-controlling interests and do not affect White Mountains’s adjusted book value per share.
Discontinued Operations
In the third quarter of 2014, White Mountains’s Other Operations segment reported a $14.0 million gain through discontinued operations for a payment from Allianz, the purchaser of Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company (“FFIC”), White Mountains’s former subsidiary, related to the utilization of alternative minimum tax credits associated with the tax loss on the sale of FFIC in 1991. See Note 15 — “Discontinued Operations”.
II. Summary of Investment Results
For purposes of discussing rates of return, all percentages are presented gross of management fees and trading expenses in order to produce a better comparison to benchmark returns, while all dollar amounts are presented net of any management fees and trading expenses. A summary of White Mountains’s consolidated pre-tax investment results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 follows:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Pre-tax investment results | September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 24.7 | $ | 27.3 | $ | 78.1 | $ | 84.5 | ||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (1) | 20.8 | 28.2 | 198.5 | 66.1 | ||||||||||||
Change in foreign currency translation on investments recognized through other comprehensive income (2) | (123.9 | ) | 75.6 | (175.1 | ) | 19.0 | ||||||||||
Total GAAP pre-tax investment (loss) gains | $ | (78.4 | ) | $ | 131.1 | $ | 101.5 | $ | 169.6 | |||||||
(1) Includes foreign currency gains (losses) of $45.5, $(34.8), $89.6 and $(9.0).
(2) Excludes non-investment related foreign currency gains (losses) that are also recognized through other comprehensive income of $59.8, $(29.3), $75.0 and $(11.1).
Gross investment returns and benchmark returns
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Fixed maturity investments | -0.9 | % | 1.2 | % | 1.0 | % | 0.0 | % | ||||
Short-term investments | -1.2 | % | 1.1 | % | -0.9 | % | 0.1 | % | ||||
Total fixed income investments | -0.9 | % | 1.1 | % | 0.7 | % | 0.0 | % | ||||
Barclay’s U.S. Intermediate Aggregate Index | 0.0 | % | 0.8 | % | 2.9 | % | -0.9 | % | ||||
Common equity securities | -1.5 | % | 6.0 | % | 5.1 | % | 15.6 | % | ||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments | -1.3 | % | 3.9 | % | 3.8 | % | 1.2 | % | ||||
Other long-term investments | -1.2 | % | 1.1 | % | 4.2 | % | 5.0 | % | ||||
Total equities, convertibles and other long-term investments | -1.4 | % | 4.8 | % | 4.9 | % | 12.5 | % | ||||
S&P 500 Index (total return) | 1.1 | % | 5.2 | % | 8.3 | % | 19.8 | % | ||||
Total consolidated portfolio | -1.0 | % | 1.9 | % | 1.6 | % | 2.5 | % | ||||
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Investment Returns—Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 versus Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
White Mountains’s GAAP pre-tax total return on invested assets was -1.0% and 1.6% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, which included 1.1% and 1.2% of foreign currency losses, compared to 1.9% and 2.5% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, which included 0.6% and 0.0% of foreign currency gains.
Fixed income results
White Mountains maintains a high-quality, short-duration fixed income portfolio. At September 30, 2014, the fixed income portfolio duration was approximately 2.3 years, including short-term investments, compared to 2.2 years at September 30, 2013. White Mountains's fixed income portfolio returned -0.9% in U.S. dollars (0.3% in local currencies) in the third quarter of 2014 and 0.7% in U.S. dollars (2.2% in local currencies) for the first nine months of 2014. In local currencies, White Mountains's fixed income portfolio outperformed the longer duration Barclay's Intermediate Aggregate Bond Index of 0.0% for the quarter and lagged the Index return of 2.9% for the first nine months of 2014. White Mountains’s fixed income portfolio returned 1.1% (0.4% in local currencies) in the third quarter of 2013 and 0.0% (0.0% in local currencies) for the first nine months of 2013, outperforming the Barclay's U.S. Intermediate Aggregate returns of 0.8% and -0.9%.
Common equity securities, convertibles and other long-term investments results
White Mountains maintains a value-oriented equity portfolio that consists of common equity securities, convertible fixed maturity investments and other long-term investments, such as hedge funds and private equity funds. White Mountains’s management believes that prudent levels of investments in common equity securities, convertible fixed maturity investments and other long-term investments are likely to enhance long-term after-tax total returns.
White Mountains’s portfolio of common equity securities, convertible fixed maturity investments and other long-term investments, which represented 19% and 21% of GAAP invested assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, returned -1.4% and 4.9% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, lagging the S&P 500 Index return of 1.1% and 8.3%. White Mountains’s portfolio of common equity securities, convertible fixed maturity investments and other long-term investments returned 4.8% and 12.5% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, lagging the S&P 500 Index returns of 5.2% and 19.8%.
White Mountains’s equity investment style is generally value-oriented. The portfolio is constructed to provide an element of downside protection; management expects the portfolio to underperform indices in strong up markets but outperform those indices in down markets.
White Mountains has established separate accounts with third party registered investment advisers to manage its publicly-traded common equity securities and convertible fixed maturity securities. The largest of these separate account relationships are with Prospector Partners LLC (“Prospector”), Lateef Investment Management (“Lateef”) and Silchester International Investors (“Silchester”).
Using a value orientation, Prospector invests in positions in the United States and other developed markets. Prospector’s investment strategy consists of a bottom-up fundamental value analysis with an emphasis on balance sheet strength. Prospector puts particular emphasis on (i) private market value, (ii) free cash flow yield and (iii) absolute and relative valuation. Prospector invests across the capital structure and often invests in convertible fixed maturity securities that it believes provide better risk/return tradeoffs given their income and redemption features.
The Prospector separate accounts, which account for approximately 45% of White Mountains’s common equity securities, convertible fixed maturity investments and other long-term investments, returned -1.3% and 5.3% in local currencies for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, lagging the S&P 500 Index returns of 1.1% and 8.3% over the same periods. Prospector’s underperformance in these periods was primarily driven by an underweight position in the technology sector and relative underperformance in financials and materials. Like many managers, Prospector's underweight position in large cap stocks was also a driver of underperformance relative to the S&P 500 Index. For reference, the Russell 2000 Index returned -7.4% for the third quarter and -4.4% for the first nine months of 2014. For the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, the Prospector portfolios returned 5.5% and 14.0%, compared to the S&P 500 Index return of 5.2% and 19.8% over the same periods. Prospector’s performance in these periods versus the S&P 500 Index reflect underweight exposure in the consumer discretionary, industrial and technology sectors and an overweight position in the materials sector, in particular gold mining stocks.
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Total annualized returns for White Mountains’s separate accounts managed by Prospector compared to the annualized total returns of the S&P 500 Index are as follows:
Periods ending September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Annualized returns | 1-year | 3-years | 5-years | Since Inception(1) | ||||||||
Prospector separate accounts | 13.7 | % | 14.5 | % | 11.2 | % | 8.0 | % | ||||
S&P 500 Index | 19.8 | % | 23.0 | % | 15.7 | % | 7.3 | % | ||||
(1) Annualized total returns since the inception of the Prospector separate account in the beginning of 2005, which was established in connection with an investment management agreement between Prospector and White Mountains whereby Prospector serves as a discretionary adviser with respect to specified assets, primarily equity securities.
The Lateef separate account is a highly concentrated portfolio of high quality mid- and large-cap growth companies. Lateef is a growth at a reasonable price manager focused on investing in high return on invested capital businesses at reasonable valuations. Lateef uses a bottom up, fundamental research-driven investment process that is focused on absolute returns, low turnover and a long-term investment horizon. With a highly concentrated portfolio of 15 to 20 positions, relative performance to the S&P 500 Index is often driven, positively or negatively, by individual positions, especially in the short term. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, the Lateef separate account returned -3.1% and 0.6%, lagging the S&P 500 Index return of 1.1% and 8.3%. The Lateef portfolio returned 10.3% and 19.3% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, compared to the S&P 500 Index return of 5.2% and 19.8%.
White Mountains has an investment in the Calleva Trust, an open-ended unit trust managed by Silchester. Silchester invests primarily in value-oriented non-U.S. equity securities. Silchester’s investment strategy focuses on companies with low market multiples of earnings, cash flow, asset value or dividends. The Silchester portfolio returned 2.2% and 7.2% in local currencies in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014. In local currencies, the Silchester portfolio returned 7.7% for the third quarter and 25.4% for the first nine months of 2013.
White Mountains also maintains a portfolio of other long-term investments. Approximately two-thirds of these long-term investments are in hedge funds, with a general emphasis on long-short equity funds. Roughly one-third of these long-term investments are in private equity funds, with a general emphasis on narrow, sector-focused funds. White Mountains’s long-term investments returned -1.2% and 4.2% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, compared to the HFRX Equal Weighted Strategies Index return of -0.6% and 1.3% over the same periods. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, the long-term investment portfolio returned 1.1% and 5.0%, outperforming the HFRX Equal Weighted Strategies Index of 1.0% for the quarter and 4.4% for the first nine months of 2013.
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Investment in Symetra Common Shares
During the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, White Mountains recorded $6 million and $32 million in equity in earnings from its investment in Symetra's common shares. The table below illustrates (1) the per-Symetra common share value used in the calculation of White Mountains’s adjusted book value per share, (2) Symetra's quoted stock price and (3) Symetra's book value per common share excluding unrealized gains and losses from its fixed maturity portfolio:
September 30, | June 30, | December 31, | ||||
Value per Symetra Common Share | 2014 | 2014 | 2013 | |||
Value of the investment in Symetra’s common shares used in the calculation of White Mountains’s adjusted book value per share | $19.42 | $19.17 | $18.00 | |||
Symetra’s quoted stock price | $23.33 | $22.74 | $18.96 | |||
Symetra’s book value per common share excluding unrealized gains and losses from its fixed maturity portfolio | $21.26 | $21.04 | $19.95 | |||
Foreign Currency Translation
A summary of the impact of foreign currency translation on White Mountains’s consolidated financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 follows:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
Millions | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Net realized investment gains (losses) — foreign currency(1) | $ | 8.2 | $ | (.9 | ) | $ | 8.0 | $ | (17.4 | ) | ||||||
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) — foreign currency(1) | 37.3 | (33.9 | ) | 81.6 | 8.4 | |||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) — foreign currency(1) | 45.5 | (34.8 | ) | 89.6 | (9.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Other revenue — foreign currency translation (losses) gains | (22.7 | ) | 16.8 | (42.9 | ) | 3.4 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense | (1.7 | ) | (1.6 | ) | (4.4 | ) | (.9 | ) | ||||||||
Total foreign currency translation gains (losses) recognized through net income, after tax | 21.1 | (19.6 | ) | 42.3 | (6.5 | ) | ||||||||||
Change in foreign currency translation on investments recognized through other comprehensive income, after tax | (123.9 | ) | 75.6 | (175.1 | ) | 19.0 | ||||||||||
Change in foreign currency translation on non-investment net liabilities recognized through other comprehensive income, after tax | 59.8 | (29.3 | ) | 75.0 | (11.1 | ) | ||||||||||
Total foreign currency translation (losses) gains recognized through other comprehensive income, after tax | (64.1 | ) | 46.3 | (100.1 | ) | 7.9 | ||||||||||
Total foreign currency (losses) gains recognized through comprehensive income, after tax | $ | (43.0 | ) | $ | 26.7 | $ | (57.8 | ) | $ | 1.4 | ||||||
(1) Component of net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) on the income statement.
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At September 30, 2014, White Mountains’s investment portfolio included $1.0 billion in non-U.S. dollar-denominated investments, most of which are held at Sirius International and are denominated in Swedish krona, British pound sterling or euros. The value of the investments in this portfolio is impacted by changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the krona and between the U.S. dollar and the euro. During the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, the U.S. dollar strengthened 8% and 12% against the krona, strengthened 5% and 2% against the pound sterling and strengthened 8% and 9% against the euro. These currency movements resulted in approximately $78 million and $86 million of foreign currency investment losses for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, which are recorded as components of net realized and unrealized investment gains (recognized in pre-tax income) and change in foreign currency translation on investments (recognized in other comprehensive income). During the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, the U.S. dollar weakened 5% and 1% against the krona, weakened 6% and was flat against the pound sterling and weakened 3% and 2% against the euro. These currency movements resulted in approximately $41 million and $10 million of foreign currency investment gains for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013.
Sirius International holds a large portfolio of investments that are denominated in U.S. dollars, but its functional currency is the Swedish krona. When Sirius International prepares its stand-alone GAAP financial statements, it translates its U.S. dollar-denominated investments to Swedish krona and recognizes the related foreign currency translation gains or losses through pre-tax income. When White Mountains consolidates Sirius International, it translates Sirius International’s stand-alone GAAP financial statements to U.S. dollars and recognizes the foreign currency gains or losses arising from this translation, including those associated with Sirius International’s U.S. dollar-denominated investments, through other comprehensive income. Since White Mountains reports its financial statements in U.S. dollars, there is no net effect to adjusted book value per share or to investment returns from foreign currency translation on its U.S. dollar-denominated investments at Sirius International. However, net realized and unrealized investment gains, other revenues and other comprehensive income can be significantly affected during periods of high volatility in the foreign exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, especially the Swedish krona.
The amount of foreign currency translation on Sirius International’s U.S. dollar-denominated investments recognized as a decrease of other comprehensive income and an increase of net income was $49 million and $76 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014. The amount of foreign currency translation on Sirius International’s U.S. dollar-denominated investments recognized as an increase of other comprehensive income and a decrease of net income was $34 million and $11 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013.
Investments by Country of Issue
White Mountains’s investment portfolio consists of debt and equity securities issued in over 30 countries worldwide. The United States represents the country of issue for 80% of White Mountains’s fixed maturity, common equity security and convertible fixed maturity portfolio. White Mountains has minimal sovereign risk exposure to European peripheral countries Ireland, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy (“peripheral countries”). White Mountains’s portfolio includes 0.6% of total fixed maturity, convertible fixed maturity and common equity security investments issued from these peripheral countries at September 30, 2014. However, White Mountains may have indirect exposure to peripheral countries through securities issued from non-peripheral countries as the issuers of those securities could have exposure to peripheral countries.
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The following tables list White Mountains’s investments in fixed maturity investments, common equity securities and convertible fixed maturity investments at September 30, 2014 categorized as financial or non-financial investments and by country of issue:
Fair value as of | ||||
Millions | September 30, 2014 | |||
Debt securities issued by corporations: | ||||
Non-financial | ||||
Australia | $ | — | ||
Bermuda | — | |||
Canada | 159.5 | |||
France | 58.4 | |||
Germany | 17.5 | |||
Greece | — | |||
Ireland | 9.3 | |||
Italy | 4.6 | |||
Luxembourg | 15.9 | |||
Mexico | 77.3 | |||
Netherlands | 57.6 | |||
Portugal | — | |||
Spain | 6.9 | |||
Sweden | 19.8 | |||
United Kingdom | 86.0 | |||
United States | 1,381.5 | |||
Other | 16.6 | |||
Total non-financial debt | 1,910.9 | |||
Financial | ||||
Australia | 15.6 | |||
Canada | 19.8 | |||
France | 7.1 | |||
Greece | — | |||
Ireland | — | |||
Italy | — | |||
Netherlands | 3.6 | |||
Portugal | — | |||
Spain | — | |||
United Kingdom | 17.3 | |||
United States | 398.0 | |||
Other | 15.0 | |||
Total financial debt | 476.4 | |||
Total debt securities issued by corporations | 2,387.3 | |||
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities: | ||||
Luxembourg | 8.8 | |||
Sweden | 67.4 | |||
United States | 1,788.7 | |||
Total mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities | 1,864.9 | |||
Foreign government, agency and provincial obligations: | ||||
Canada | 22.1 | |||
France | 46.4 | |||
Germany | 10.3 | |||
Greece | — | |||
Ireland | — | |||
Italy | — | |||
Japan | 10.4 | |||
Portugal | — | |||
Spain | — | |||
Sweden | 209.1 | |||
United Kingdom | 5.9 | |||
Other | 7.0 | |||
Total foreign government, agency and provincial obligations | 311.2 | |||
US Government and agency obligations(1) | 259.7 | |||
Municipal obligations(1) | 79.9 | |||
Preferred stocks(1) | 86.4 | |||
Total fixed maturity investments(2) | $ | 4,989.4 | ||
(1) All securities were issued in the United States.
(2) Carrying value includes $203.9 that is classified as assets held for sale relating to discontinued operations.
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Fair value as of | ||||
Millions | September 30, 2014 | |||
Common equity securities: | ||||
Non-financial | ||||
Canada | $ | 17.2 | ||
France | 16.3 | |||
Greece | .9 | |||
Ireland | 10.1 | |||
Italy | .8 | |||
Japan | 21.8 | |||
Netherlands | 3.5 | |||
Portugal | — | |||
Spain | .3 | |||
Sweden | .5 | |||
Switzerland | 24.0 | |||
United Kingdom | 16.2 | |||
United States | 551.6 | |||
Other | 26.5 | |||
Total non-financial common equity securities | 689.7 | |||
Financial | ||||
Bermuda | 38.5 | |||
Cayman Islands | 4.4 | |||
Greece | — | |||
Ireland | 5.2 | |||
Italy | — | |||
Portugal | — | |||
Spain | — | |||
United Kingdom | 10.3 | |||
United States | 236.8 | |||
Other | 1.2 | |||
Total financial common equity securities | 296.4 | |||
Total common equity securities | $ | 986.1 | ||
Convertible fixed maturity investments: | ||||
Canada | $ | .2 | ||
Cayman Islands | 6.4 | |||
Netherlands | 4.5 | |||
United States | 37.8 | |||
Total convertible fixed maturity investments | $ | 48.9 | ||
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and Short-term Investments
Holding company level. The primary sources of cash for the Company and certain of its intermediate holding companies are expected to be distributions and tax sharing payments received from its insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries, capital raising activities, net investment income, proceeds from sales and maturities of investments and, from time to time, proceeds from sales of operating subsidiaries. The primary uses of cash are expected to be repurchases of the Company’s common shares, payments on and repurchases/retirements of its debt obligations, dividend payments to holders of the Company’s common shares, to non-controlling interest holders of OneBeacon Ltd.’s common shares and to holders of the SIG Preference Shares, purchases of investments, payments to tax authorities, contributions to operating subsidiaries, operating expenses and, from time to time, purchases of operating subsidiaries.
Operating subsidiary level. The primary sources of cash for White Mountains’s insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries are expected to be premium collections, net investment income, proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, contributions from holding companies, capital raising activities and, from time to time, proceeds from the sales of operating subsidiaries. The primary uses of cash are expected to be claim payments, policy acquisition costs, purchases of investments, payments on and repurchases/retirements of its debt obligations, distributions and tax sharing payments made to holding companies, operating expenses and, from time to time, purchases of operating subsidiaries.
Both internal and external forces influence White Mountains’s 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, sometimes 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’s insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries maintain portfolios of invested assets with varying maturities and a substantial amount of cash and short-term investments to provide adequate liquidity for the payment of claims.
Management believes that White Mountains’s cash balances, cash flows from operations, routine sales and maturities of investments and the liquidity provided by the WTM Bank Facility are adequate to meet expected cash requirements for the foreseeable future on both a holding company and insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiary level.
Dividend Capacity
Under the insurance laws of the states and jurisdictions that White Mountains’s insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries are domiciled, an insurer is restricted with respect to the timing and 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 dividend capacity of White Mountains’s principal insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries:
OneBeacon:
Generally, OneBeacon Insurance Company (“OBIC”), OneBeacon's primary top tier regulated U.S. insurance operating subsidiary, has the ability to pay dividends during any 12-month period without the prior approval of regulatory authorities in an amount set by formula based on the greater of prior year statutory net income or 10% of prior year end statutory surplus, subject to the availability of unassigned funds. Based on prior year end statutory surplus, OBIC has the ability to pay $87 million of dividends during 2014 without prior approval of regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of unassigned funds. The amount of dividends available to be paid by OBIC in any given year is also subject to cash flow and earnings generated by OBIC’s business, which is comprised of the Runoff Business, as well as to dividends received from its subsidiaries, including Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company (“ASIC”), the lead U.S. insurance operating subsidiary for the ongoing specialty business. At December 31, 2013, OBIC had $0.6 billion of unassigned funds and $0.9 billion of statutory surplus. During the first nine months of 2014, OBIC paid no dividends to its immediate parent.
During the fourth quarter of 2012, OneBeacon executed various intercompany reinsurance agreements which, along with other internal capital transactions among its regulated U.S. insurance operating subsidiaries, resulted in ASIC becoming the lead insurance company for the ongoing specialty business and OBIC becoming the lead insurance company for the Runoff Business. Notwithstanding these restructuring transactions, OneBeacon continues to manage its statutory capital on a combined basis. Although OBIC remains the primary top tier regulated U.S. insurance operating subsidiary and maintains sufficient statutory capital to support the Runoff Business, the majority of the group's statutory capital is now included in ASIC, which is currently a subsidiary of OBIC, to support the ongoing specialty business. Prior to the closing of the Runoff Transaction and subject to regulatory approval, OBIC will distribute ASIC to its immediate parent, OneBeacon Insurance Group, LLC.
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ASIC has the ability to pay dividends during any 12-month period without the prior approval of regulatory authorities in an amount set by formula based on the lesser of net investment income, as defined by statute, or 10% of statutory surplus, in both cases as most recently reported to regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of earned surplus and subject to dividends paid in prior periods. Based on net investment income, as defined by statute, ASIC has the ability to pay $34 million of dividends during the twelve months following June 30, 2014 without prior approval of regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of earned surplus. Given the changes in structure noted above, and in order for ASIC to pay dividends consistent with being the lead insurance company for the ongoing specialty business, ASIC may require prior approval by regulatory authorities in order to make additional distributions until it builds up a historical net investment income stream and earned surplus balance under its new structure. At June 30, 2014, ASIC had $115 million of earned surplus and $0.7 billion of statutory surplus. During the first nine months of 2014, ASIC paid no dividends to its immediate parent.
Split Rock has the ability to declare or pay dividends or make capital distributions during any 12-month period without the prior approval of Bermuda regulatory authorities on the condition that any such declaration or payment of dividends or capital distributions does not cause a breach of any of its regulatory solvency and liquidity requirements. During 2014, Split Rock has the ability to make dividend or capital distributions without the prior approval of regulatory authorities, subject to meeting all appropriate liquidity and solvency requirements, of $20 million, which is equal to 15% of its December 31, 2013 statutory capital, excluding earned surplus. During the first nine months of 2014, Split Rock paid $10 million of capital distributions to its immediate parent.
During the first nine months of 2014, OneBeacon’s unregulated insurance operating subsidiaries paid $5 million of dividends to their immediate parent. At September 30, 2014, OneBeacon's unregulated insurance operating subsidiaries had $101 million of net unrestricted cash, short-term investments and fixed maturity investments.
During the first nine months of 2014, OneBeacon Ltd. paid $60 million of regular quarterly dividends to its common shareholders. White Mountains received $45 million of these dividends.
At September 30, 2014, OneBeacon Ltd. and its intermediate holding companies had $180 million of net unrestricted cash, short-term investments and fixed maturity investments and $89 million of common equity securities, convertible fixed maturity investments and other long-term investments outside of its regulated and unregulated insurance operating subsidiaries.
Sirius Group:
Subject to certain limitations under Swedish law, Sirius International is permitted to transfer a portion of its pre-tax income to its Swedish parent companies to minimize taxes (referred to as a group contribution).
Sirius International has the ability to pay dividends subject to the availability of unrestricted statutory retained earnings. Historically, Sirius International has allocated the majority of its pre-tax income, after group contributions to its Swedish parent companies, to the Safety Reserve (see “Safety Reserve” on next page). At December 31, 2013, Sirius International had $587 million (based on the December 31, 2013 SEK to USD exchange rate) of unrestricted statutory retained earnings, which is available for distribution in 2014. The amount of dividends available to be paid by Sirius International in any given year is also subject to cash flow and earnings generated by Sirius International’s business, as well as to dividends received from its subsidiaries, including Sirius America Insurance Company (“Sirius America”). During the first nine months of 2014, Sirius International paid $97 million of dividends to its immediate parent.
Sirius America has the ability to pay dividends during any 12-month period without the prior approval of regulatory authorities in an amount set by formula based on the lesser of net investment income, as defined by statute, or 10% of statutory surplus, in both cases as most recently reported to regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of earned surplus and subject to dividends paid in prior periods. Based upon 2013 statutory net investment income and dividends paid in 2013, Sirius America has no ability to pay dividends during 2014 without prior approval of regulatory authorities. At June 30, 2014, Sirius America had $58 million of earned surplus and $597 million of statutory surplus. During the first nine months of 2014, Sirius America paid no dividends to its immediate parent.
At September 30, 2014, Sirius Group and its intermediate holding companies had $86 million of net unrestricted cash, short-term investments and fixed maturity investments and $16 million of other long-term investments outside of its regulated and unregulated insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries. During the first nine months of 2014, Sirius Group paid $50 million of dividends to its immediate parent.
Capital Maintenance
There is a capital maintenance agreement between Sirius International and Sirius America, which obligates Sirius International to make contributions to Sirius America’s surplus in order for Sirius America to maintain surplus equal to at least 125% of the company action level risk based capital as defined in the NAIC Property/Casualty Risk-Based Capital Report. The agreement provides for a maximum contribution to Sirius America of $200 million. Sirius International also provides Sirius America with accident year stop loss reinsurance, which protects Sirius America's accident year loss and allocated loss adjustment expense ratio in excess of 70%, with a limit of $90 million.
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Safety Reserve
Subject to certain limitations under Swedish law, Sirius International is permitted to transfer pre-tax income amounts into an untaxed reserve referred to as a safety reserve. At September 30, 2014, Sirius International's safety reserve amounted to SEK 10.4 billion, or $1.4 billion (based on the September 30, 2014 SEK to USD exchange rate). Under GAAP, an amount equal to the safety reserve, net of a related deferred tax liability established at the Swedish tax rate of 22.0%, is classified as shareholder’s equity. Generally, this deferred tax liability is only required to be paid by Sirius International if it fails to maintain prescribed levels of premium writings and loss reserves in future years. As a result of the indefinite deferral of these taxes, Swedish regulatory authorities apply no taxes to the safety reserve when calculating solvency capital under Swedish insurance regulations. Accordingly, under local statutory requirements, an amount equal to the deferred tax liability on Sirius International’s safety reserve ($318 million at September 30, 2014) is included in solvency capital. Access to the safety reserve is restricted to coverage of reinsurance losses. Access for any other purpose requires the approval of Swedish regulatory authorities. Similar to the approach taken by Swedish regulatory authorities, most major rating agencies generally include the $1.4 billion balance of the safety reserve, without any provision for deferred taxes, in Sirius International’s regulatory capital when assessing Sirius International’s financial strength.
HG Global/BAM:
At September 30, 2014, HG Global had $613 million face value of preferred shares outstanding, of which White Mountains owned 96.9%. Holders of the HG Global preferred shares receive cumulative dividends at a fixed annual rate of 6.0% on a quarterly basis, when and if declared by HG Global. HG Global did not declare or pay any preferred dividends in 2013 or the first nine months of 2014. As of September 30, 2014, HG Global has accrued $86 million of dividends payable to holders of its preferred shares, $83 million of which is payable to White Mountains and eliminated in consolidation.
HG Re is a Special Purpose Insurer subject to regulation and supervision by the BMA, but does not require regulatory approval to pay dividends. However, HG Re’s dividend capacity is limited by amounts held in the collateral trusts pursuant to the first loss reinsurance treaty (“FLRT”) with BAM. As of December 31, 2013, HG Re had statutory capital of $437 million, of which $35 million primarily relates to accrued interest on the BAM Surplus Notes held by HG Re, and $400 million was held as collateral in the Supplemental Trust pursuant to the FLRT with BAM.
Effective January 1, 2014, HG Global and BAM agreed to change the interest rate on the BAM surplus notes for the five years ending December 31, 2018 from a fixed rate of 8% to a variable rate equal to the one-year U.S. treasury rate plus 300 basis points, set annually, which is 3.13% for 2014. Prior to the end of 2018, BAM has the option to extend the variable rate period for an additional three years. At the end of the variable rate period, the interest rate will be fixed at the higher of the then current variable rate or 8%. BAM is required to seek regulatory approval to pay interest and principal on its surplus notes only when adequate capital resources have accumulated beyond BAM’s initial capitalization and a level that continues to support its outstanding obligations, business plan and ratings.
Other Operations:
During the first nine months of 2014, White Mountains contributed $15 million to WM Advisors. During the first nine months of 2014, WM Advisors paid no dividends to its immediate parent. At September 30, 2014, WM Advisors had $23 million of net unrestricted cash, short-term investments and fixed maturity investments.
During the first nine months of 2014, White Mountains paid a $6 million common share dividend. At September 30, 2014, the Company and its intermediate holding companies held $258 million of net unrestricted cash, short-term investments and fixed maturity investments, $337 million of common equity securities and $174 million of other long-term investments included in its Other Operations segment.
WM Life Re Keep-Well Agreement
Sirius Group initially fronted the reinsurance contracts covering guaranteed living and death benefits of Japanese variable annuity contracts for, and was 100% reinsured by, WM Life Re. In October 2013, White Mountains and Tokio Marine completed a novation whereby Sirius Group’s obligations on the reinsurance contracts were transferred to WM Life Re. As a result, Sirius Group no longer has any obligation or liability relating to these agreements. In connection with this novation agreement, White Mountains and Life Re Bermuda entered into a keep-well agreement, which obligates White Mountains to make capital contributions to Life Re Bermuda in the event that Life Re Bermuda’s shareholder’s equity falls below $75 million, provided however that in no event shall the amount of all capital contributions made by White Mountains under this agreement exceed $127 million. At September 30, 2014, Life Re Bermuda had $80 million of shareholder’s equity and White Mountains’s maximum capital commitment under the keep-well agreement was $118 million. WM Life Re is in runoff and all of its contracts will mature by June 30, 2016.
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The summary balance sheet below presents Life Re Bermuda’s net assets at September 30, 2014 reported to Tokio Marine as required under the terms of the novation agreement:
September 30, | ||||
Millions | 2014 | |||
Cash and short-term investments | $ | 48.5 | ||
Direct obligations of the government of Japan | 10.4 | |||
Reinsurance premium receivable | 1.4 | |||
Settlements due from brokers and dealers | (.2 | ) | ||
Derivative instruments | 65.3 | |||
Total assets | 125.4 | |||
Variable annuity liabilities | 11.7 | |||
Counterparty collateral held | 3.0 | |||
Intercompany line of credit outstanding | 30.2 | |||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | .4 | |||
Total liabilities | 45.3 | |||
Total shareholder’s equity | $ | 80.1 | ||
Insurance Float
Insurance float is an important aspect of White Mountains’s insurance operations. Insurance float represents funds that an insurance or reinsurance company holds for a limited time. In an insurance or reinsurance operation, float arises because premiums are collected before losses are paid. This interval can extend over many years. During that time, the insurer or reinsurer invests the funds. When the premiums that an insurer or reinsurer 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 insurance float. One manner in which White Mountains calculates its insurance float is by taking its net investment assets and subtracting its total adjusted capital. 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.
Insurance float can increase in a number of ways, including through acquisitions of insurance and reinsurance operations, organic growth in existing insurance and reinsurance operations and recognition of losses that do not cause a corresponding reduction in investment assets. Conversely, insurance float can decrease in a number of other ways, including sales of insurance and reinsurance operations, shrinking or runoff of existing insurance and reinsurance operations, the acquisition of operations that do not have substantial investment assets (e.g., an agency) and the recognition of gains that do not cause a corresponding increase in investment assets. White Mountains has historically obtained its insurance float primarily through acquisitions, as opposed to organic growth. It is White Mountains’s intention to generate low-cost float over time through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth in its existing insurance and reinsurance operations. However, White Mountains will seek to increase its insurance float organically only when market conditions allow for an expectation of generating underwriting profits.
Certain operational leverage metrics can be measured with ratios that are calculated using insurance float. There are many activities that do not change the amount of insurance float at an insurance company but can have a significant impact on the company’s operational leverage metrics. For example, investment gains and losses, foreign currency gains and losses, debt issuances and repurchases/repayments, common and preferred share issuances and repurchases and dividends paid to shareholders are all activities that do not change insurance float but that can meaningfully impact operational leverage metrics.
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The following table illustrates White Mountains’s consolidated insurance float position as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
($ in millions) | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
Total investments | $ | 6,976.3 | $ | 7,192.6 | ||||
BAM total cash and investments | (487.0 | ) | (475.3 | ) | ||||
BAM Surplus Notes held by HG Global | 503.0 | 503.0 | ||||||
SSIE total cash and investments | (17.3 | ) | — | |||||
SSIE Surplus Notes held by White Mountains | 17.0 | — | ||||||
Consolidated limited partnership investments | (127.9 | ) | (73.1 | ) | ||||
Cash | 543.5 | 382.8 | ||||||
Net investment assets classified within assets held for sale | 203.9 | 236.3 | ||||||
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates | 413.5 | 321.4 | ||||||
Equity in net unrealized losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio | (20.5 | ) | 43.6 | |||||
Cash and investments posted as collateral by WM Life Re(2) | (34.2 | ) | (81.3 | ) | ||||
Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales | 39.0 | 12.1 | ||||||
Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases | (76.0 | ) | (20.5 | ) | ||||
Interest-bearing funds held by ceding entities(3) | 67.1 | 78.1 | ||||||
Interest-bearing funds held under insurance and reinsurance contracts(4) | (26.4 | ) | (31.1 | ) | ||||
Net investment assets | $ | 7,974.0 | $ | 8,088.6 | ||||
Total White Mountains’s common shareholders’ equity | $ | 4,010.1 | $ | 3,905.5 | ||||
Non-controlling interest—OneBeacon Ltd. | 275.6 | 273.7 | ||||||
Non-controlling interest—SIG Preference Shares | 250.0 | 250.0 | ||||||
Non-controlling interest—HG Global | 18.0 | 16.6 | ||||||
Debt | 678.1 | 676.4 | ||||||
Total capital(1) | 5,231.8 | 5,122.2 | ||||||
Equity in net unrealized (gains) losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio, net of applicable taxes | (19.1 | ) | 40.4 | |||||
Total adjusted capital | $ | 5,212.7 | $ | 5,162.6 | ||||
Insurance float | $ | 2,761.3 | $ | 2,926.0 | ||||
Insurance float as a multiple of total adjusted capital | 0.5x | 0.6x | ||||||
Net investment assets as a multiple of total adjusted capital | 1.5x | 1.6x | ||||||
Insurance float as a multiple of White Mountains’s common shareholders’ equity | 0.7x | 0.7x | ||||||
Net investment assets as a multiple of White Mountains’s common shareholders’ equity | 2.0x | 2.1x | ||||||
(1) | Total capital only includes non-controlling interests that White Mountains (i) benefits from the return on or (ii) has the ability to utilize the net assets supporting the non-controlling interest. |
(2) | Consists of cash, fixed maturity and short-term investments held by WM Life Re and posted as collateral to its variable annuity reinsurance counterparties. |
(3) | Excludes funds held by ceding entities from which White Mountains does not receive interest credits. |
(4) | Excludes funds held by White Mountains under reinsurance treaties for which White Mountains does not provide interest credits. |
During the first nine months of 2014, insurance float decreased by $165 million, primarily due to White Mountains’s acquisition of four insurance services businesses during the first nine months of 2014 and the runoff of Sirius Group's casualty business and payments of losses incurred in 2010, 2011 and 2012 related to major catastrophes, primarily from hurricane Sandy and earthquakes in Chile, Japan and New Zealand. These catastrophe losses increased White Mountains’s insurance float when they were first recorded, which is now reversing and decreasing insurance float as the catastrophe losses are paid. Based on September 30, 2014 balances, the closing of the Runoff Transaction and White Mountains’s investment in Tranzact are expected to decrease insurance float by a total of approximately $340 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.
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Financing
The following table summarizes White Mountains’s capital structure as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
($ in millions) | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
2012 OBH Senior Notes, carrying value | $ | 274.7 | $ | 274.7 | ||||
SIG Senior Notes, carrying value | 399.6 | 399.6 | ||||||
WTM Bank Facility | — | — | ||||||
Old Lyme Note | 2.8 | 2.1 | ||||||
QuoteLab | 1.0 | — | ||||||
Total debt | 678.1 | 676.4 | ||||||
Non-controlling interest—OneBeacon Ltd. | 275.6 | 273.7 | ||||||
Non-controlling interest—SIG Preference Shares | 250.0 | 250.0 | ||||||
Non-controlling interest—HG Global | 18.0 | 16.6 | ||||||
Total White Mountains’s common shareholders’ equity | 4,010.1 | 3,905.5 | ||||||
Total capital (1) | 5,231.8 | 5,122.2 | ||||||
Equity in net unrealized (gains) losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio, net of applicable taxes | (19.1 | ) | 40.4 | |||||
Total adjusted capital | $ | 5,212.7 | $ | 5,162.6 | ||||
Total debt to total adjusted capital | 13 | % | 13 | % | ||||
Total debt and SIG Preference Shares to total adjusted capital | 18 | % | 18 | % | ||||
(1) Total capital only includes non-controlling interests that White Mountains (i) benefits from the return on or (ii) has the ability to utilize the net assets supporting the non-controlling interest.
Management believes that White Mountains has the flexibility and capacity to obtain funds externally as needed through debt or equity financing on both a short-term and long-term basis. However, White Mountains can provide no assurance that, if needed, it would be able to obtain additional debt or equity financing on satisfactory terms, if at all.
On August 14, 2013, White Mountains entered into a revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders administered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. which has a total commitment of $425 million and a maturity date of August 14, 2018 (the “WTM Bank Facility”). As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the WTM Bank Facility was undrawn.
The WTM Bank Facility contains various affirmative, negative and financial covenants that White Mountains considers to be customary for such borrowings, including certain minimum net worth and maximum debt to capitalization standards. Failure to meet one or more of these covenants could result in an event of default, which ultimately could eliminate availability under this facility and result in acceleration of principal repayment on any amounts outstanding. At September 30, 2014, White Mountains was in compliance with all of the covenants under the WTM Bank Facility and anticipates it will continue to remain in compliance with these covenants for the foreseeable future.
In addition, a failure by certain of White Mountains’s subsidiaries to pay principal and interest on a credit facility, mortgage or similar debt agreement (“covered debt”), where such a default results in the acceleration of at least $75 million of the principal amount of covered debt, could trigger a cross acceleration provision contained in the WTM Bank Facility.
It is possible that, in the future, one or more of the rating agencies may lower White Mountains’s existing ratings. If one or more of its ratings were lowered, White Mountains could incur higher borrowing costs on future borrowings and its ability to access the capital markets could be impacted. In addition, White Mountains’s insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries could be adversely impacted by a lowering of their financial strength ratings, including a possible reduction in demand for their products in certain markets.
In November 2012, OneBeacon U.S. Holdings, Inc. (“OBH”) issued $275 million face value of senior unsecured debt (the “2012 OBH Senior Notes”) through a public offering, at an issue price of 99.9%. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2012 OBH Senior Notes were used to repurchase OBH's previously issued Senior Notes. The 2012 OBH Senior Notes, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest by OneBeacon Ltd., bear an annual interest rate of 4.60%, payable semi-annually in arrears on May 9 and November 9, until maturity on November 9, 2022.
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The 2012 OBH Senior Notes and the SIG Senior Notes were issued under indentures that contain restrictive covenants which, among other things, limit the ability of OneBeacon Ltd., OBH, SIG and their respective subsidiaries to create liens and enter into sale and leaseback transactions and limits the ability of OneBeacon Ltd., OBH, SIG and their respective subsidiaries to consolidate, merge or transfer their properties and assets. The indentures do not contain any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity to which OneBeacon Ltd., OBH or SIG must adhere. At September 30, 2014, OneBeacon Ltd., OBH and SIG were in compliance with all of the covenants under the 2012 OBH Senior Notes and the SIG Senior Notes, and anticipate they will continue to remain in compliance with these covenants for the foreseeable future.
In addition, a failure by OneBeacon Ltd. subsidiaries to pay principal and interest on covered debt, where such failure results in the acceleration of at least $75 million of the principal amount of covered debt, could trigger the acceleration of the 2012 OBH Senior Notes. A failure by SIG subsidiaries to pay principal and interest on covered debt, where such failure results in the acceleration of at least $25 million of the principal amount of covered debt, could trigger the acceleration of the SIG Senior Notes.
Interest Rate Cap
In May 2007, SIG issued the SIG Preference Shares, with an initial fixed annual dividend rate of 7.506%. In June 2017, the fixed rate will move to a floating rate equal to the greater of (i) 7.506% and (ii) 3-month LIBOR plus 320 basis points. In July 2013, SIG executed a 5-year forward LIBOR cap (the “Interest Rate Cap”) for the period from June 2017 to June 2022 to protect against a significant increase in interest rates during that 5-year period. The Interest Rate Cap economically fixes the annual dividend rate on the SIG Preference Shares from June 2017 to June 2022 at 8.30%. The cost of the Interest Rate Cap was an upfront premium of 395 basis points of the $250 million notional value, or $10 million for the full notional amount.
Capital Lease
In December 2011, OneBeacon sold the majority of its fixed assets and capitalized software. OneBeacon entered into lease financing arrangements with US Bancorp Equipment Finance, Inc. (“US Bancorp”) and Fifth Third Equipment Finance Company (“Fifth Third”) whereby OneBeacon sold furniture and equipment and capitalized software, respectively, at a cost equal to net book value. OneBeacon then leased the fixed assets back from US Bancorp for a lease term of five years and leased the capitalized software back from Fifth Third for a lease term of four years. OneBeacon received cash proceeds of $23 million as a result of entering into the sale-leaseback transactions. At the end of the lease terms, OneBeacon will have the obligation to purchase the leased assets for a nominal fee, after which all rights, title and interest would transfer back. As of September 30, 2014, OneBeacon had a capital lease obligation of $9 million included within other liabilities and a capital lease asset of $8 million included within other assets.
Share Repurchases
During the past several years, White Mountains’s board of directors has authorized the Company to repurchase its common shares, from time to time, subject to market conditions. The repurchase authorizations do not have a stated expiration date. As of September 30, 2014, White Mountains may repurchase an additional 382,118 shares under these board authorizations. In addition, from time to time White Mountains has also repurchased its common shares through tender offers that were separately approved by its board of directors.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 122,264 common shares for $77 million at an average share price of $626.13. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 173,853 common shares for $107 million at an average share price of $614.78. The average price of the shares repurchased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2014 represented 94% and 92% of White Mountains’s adjusted book value per share of $666 at September 30, 2014. These repurchases were comprised of 163,378 common shares repurchased under the board authorization for $101 million at an average share price of $615.63 and 10,475 common shares repurchased pursuant to employee benefit plans. Shares repurchased pursuant to employee benefit plans do not reduce the board authorizations referred to above.
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Cash Flows
Detailed information concerning White Mountains’s cash flows during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 follows:
Cash flows from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
Net cash flows provided by continuing operations were $151 million and $23 million in the first nine months of 2014 and 2013. Cash flows from continuing operations increased in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013 primarily due to lower amounts of cash used for the settlement and purchase of derivative instruments at WM Life Re in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013. Net cash flows used for discontinued operations was $28 million and $94 million in the first nine months of 2014 and 2013. The cash outflows from discontinued operations in 2014 and 2013 were primarily due to the runoff of reserves related to businesses that OneBeacon has agreed to sell to Armour.
White Mountains does not believe that these trends will have a meaningful impact on its future liquidity or its ability to meet its future cash requirements.
Cash flows from investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014
Financing and Other Capital Activities
During the first quarter of 2014, the Company declared and paid a $6 million cash dividend to its common shareholders.
During the first nine months of 2014, the Company repurchased and retired 173,853 of its common shares for $107 million, which included 10,475 common shares repurchased under employee benefit plans.
During the first quarter of 2014, White Mountains made payments totaling $27 million on WTM Performance Shares.
During the first nine months of 2014, White Mountains borrowed and repaid a total of $40 million under the WTM Bank Facility.
During the first nine months of 2014, OneBeacon Ltd. declared and paid $60 million of cash dividends to its common shareholders. White Mountains received a total of $45 million of these dividends.
During the first nine months of 2014, OneBeacon paid a total of $6 million of interest on the 2012 OBH Senior Notes.
During the first nine months of 2014, Sirius Group paid $50 million of dividends to its immediate parent.
During the first nine months of 2014, Sirius Group paid $9 million of dividends on the SIG Preference Shares and $26 million of interest on the SIG Senior Notes.
During the first nine months of 2014, White Mountains contributed $15 million to WM Advisors.
Acquisitions and Dispositions
In July 2014, White Mountains acquired approximately 45% of the outstanding common shares of durchblicker.at, for EUR 9 million (approximately $12 million based upon the foreign exchange spot rate at the date of acquisition).
During the first quarter of 2014, WM Solutions completed the shell sale of Citation and received $13 million as consideration.
During the first quarter of 2014, White Mountains acquired 60% of the outstanding Class A common units of QuoteLab for an initial purchase price of $28 million.
During the first quarter of 2014, White Mountains acquired 54% of the outstanding common shares of Wobi for NIS 14 million (approximately $4 million based upon the foreign exchange spot rate at the date of acquisition). In addition to the common shares, White Mountains also purchased NIS 13 million (approximately $4 million based upon the foreign exchange spot rate at the date of acquisition) of newly-issued convertible preferred shares of Wobi.
During the first quarter of 2014, White Mountains acquired certain assets and liabilities of Star & Shield Holdings LLC, including SSRM, the attorney-in-fact for SSIE, for a purchase price of $2 million. During the first nine months of 2014, White Mountains also purchased $17 million of surplus notes issued by SSIE.
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Cash flows from investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013
Financing and Other Capital Activities
During the first quarter of 2013, the Company declared and paid a $6 million cash dividend to its common shareholders.
During the first nine months of 2013, the Company repurchased and retired 141,535 of its common shares for $80 million, which included 1,535 common shares repurchased under employee benefit plans.
During the first quarter of 2013, White Mountains made payments totaling $11 million on WTM Performance Shares.
During the first quarter of 2013, White Mountains repaid $75 million that was outstanding under its previous credit facility at December 31, 2012. White Mountains borrowed and repaid a total of $150 million under its previous credit facility during the first nine months of 2013.
During the first nine months of 2013, OneBeacon Ltd. declared and paid $60 million of cash dividends to its common shareholders. White Mountains received a total of $45 million of these dividends.
During the first nine months of 2013, OneBeacon paid $6 million of interest on the 2012 OBH Senior Notes.
During the third quarter of 2013, OneBeacon contributed $55 million to Split Rock Insurance, Ltd.
During the first nine months of 2013, Sirius Group paid $150 million of dividends to its immediate parent, $75 million of which had been declared and accrued in December 2012.
During the first nine months of 2013, Sirius Group paid $9 million of dividends on the SIG Preference Shares and $26 million of interest on the SIG Senior Notes.
During the third quarter of 2013, Sirius Group executed the Interest Rate Cap for $10 million.
During the first nine months of 2013, White Mountains contributed $20 million to WM Life Re.
Acquisitions and Dispositions
During the first quarter of 2013, WM Solutions closed on the acquisition of Ashmere, a small runoff subsidiary of American International Group, for a purchase price of $10 million.
During the first quarter of 2013, OneBeacon completed the sale of Essentia and received $31 million as consideration.
FAIR VALUE CONSIDERATIONS
General
White Mountains records certain assets and liabilities at fair value in its consolidated financial statements, with changes therein recognized in current period earnings. In addition, White Mountains discloses estimated fair value for certain liabilities measured at historical or amortized cost. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (an exit price) at a particular measurement date. Fair value measurements are categorized into a hierarchy that distinguishes between inputs based on market data from independent sources (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (“unobservable inputs”). Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets have the highest priority (“Level 1”), followed by observable inputs other than quoted prices including prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities (“Level 2”), and unobservable inputs, including the reporting entity’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use, having the lowest priority (“Level 3”).
Assets and liabilities carried at fair value include substantially all of the investment portfolio; derivative instruments, both exchange traded and over the counter instruments; and reinsurance assumed liabilities associated with variable annuity benefit guarantees. Valuation of assets and liabilities measured at fair value require management to make estimates and apply judgment to matters that may carry a significant degree of uncertainty. In determining its estimates of fair value, White Mountains uses a variety of valuation approaches and inputs. Whenever possible, White Mountains estimates fair value using valuation methods that maximize the use of observable prices and other inputs. Where appropriate, assets and liabilities measured at fair value have been adjusted for the effect of counterparty credit risk.
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Invested Assets
White Mountains’s invested assets that are measured at fair value include fixed maturity securities, common and preferred equity securities, convertible fixed maturity securities and interests in hedge funds and private equity funds.
Where available, the estimated fair value of investments is based upon quoted prices in active markets. In circumstances where quoted prices are unavailable, White Mountains uses fair value estimates based upon other observable inputs including matrix pricing, benchmark interest rates, market comparables, and other relevant inputs. Where observable inputs are not available, the estimated fair value is based upon internal pricing models using assumptions that include inputs that may not be observable in the marketplace but which reflect management’s best judgment given the circumstances and consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments.
As of September 30, 2014, approximately 94% of the investment portfolio recorded at fair value was priced based upon quoted market prices or other observable inputs. Investments valued using Level 1 inputs include fixed maturity securities, primarily investments in U.S. Treasuries, common equity securities and short-term investments, which include U.S. Treasury Bills. Investments valued using Level 2 inputs comprise fixed maturity securities including corporate debt, state and other governmental debt, convertible fixed maturity securities and mortgage and asset-backed securities. Fair value estimates for investments that trade infrequently and have few or no observable market prices are classified as Level 3 measurements. Level 3 fair value estimates based upon unobservable inputs include White Mountains’s investments in hedge funds and private equity funds, as well as investments in certain debt securities, including asset-backed securities, where quoted market prices are unavailable. White Mountains determines when transfers between levels have occurred as of the beginning of the period. White Mountains uses brokers and outside pricing services to assist in determining fair values. For investments in active markets, White Mountains uses the quoted market prices provided by outside pricing services to determine fair value. The outside pricing services used by White Mountains have indicated that if no observable inputs are available for a security, they will not provide a price.
In those circumstances, White Mountains estimates the fair value using industry standard pricing models and observable inputs such as benchmark interest rates, market comparables, broker quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit rating prepayment speeds and other relevant inputs. White Mountains performs procedures to validate the market prices obtained from the outside pricing sources. Such procedures, which cover substantially all of its fixed maturity investments include, but are not limited to, evaluation of model pricing methodologies and review of the pricing services’ quality control processes and procedures on at least an annual basis, comparison of market prices to prices obtained from different independent pricing vendors on at least a semi-annual basis, monthly analytical reviews of certain prices, and review of assumptions utilized by the pricing service for selected measurements on an ad hoc basis throughout the year. White Mountains also performs back-testing of selected sales activity to determine whether there are any significant differences between the market price used to value the security prior to sale and the actual sale price on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year. Prices provided by the pricing services that vary by more than 5% and $1 million from the expected price based on these procedures are considered outliers. Also considered outliers are prices that have not changed from period to period and prices that have trended unusually compared to market conditions. In circumstances where the results of White Mountains’s review process do not appear to support the market price provided by the pricing services, White Mountains challenges the price. The fair values of such securities are considered to be Level 3 measurements.
Variable Annuity Reinsurance Liabilities
White Mountains has entered into agreements to reinsure death and living benefit guarantees associated with certain variable annuities in Japan. White Mountains carries the benefit guarantees at fair value. The fair value of the guarantees is estimated using actuarial and capital market assumptions related to the projected discounted cash flows over the term of the reinsurance agreement. The valuation uses assumptions about surrenders rates, market volatilities and other factors, and includes a risk margin which represents the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the business. The selection of surrender rates, market volatility assumptions, risk margins and other factors require the use of significant management judgment. Assumptions regarding future policyholder behavior, including surrender and lapse rates, are generally unobservable inputs and significantly impact the fair value estimate. Market conditions including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, market volatility and foreign currency exchange rates as well as variations in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior may result in significant fluctuations in the fair value of the liabilities associated with these guarantees that could materially affect results of operations. All of White Mountains’s variable annuity reinsurance liabilities ($12 million) were classified as Level 3 measurements at September 30, 2014.
WM Life Re projects future surrender rates by year for policies based on a combination of actual experience and expected policyholder behavior. Actual policyholder behavior, either individually or collectively, may differ from projected behavior as a result of a number of factors such as the level of the account value versus guarantee value and applicable surrender charge, views of the primary insurance company’s financial strength and ability to pay the guarantee at maturity, annuitants’ need for money in a prolonged recession and time remaining to receive the guarantee at maturity. Policyholder behavior is especially difficult to predict given that WM Life Re's reinsurance contracts are relatively new and the market turmoil seen over the last several years is unprecedented for this type of product in the Japanese market. Actual policyholder behavior may differ materially from WM Life Re’s projections.
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At the account value levels as of September 30, 2014, the average assumed surrender rate was approximately 18% per annum. The potential change in the fair value of the liability due to a change in current surrender assumptions is as follows:
Change in fair value of liability | ||||||||
Millions | September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
Decrease 100% (to zero surrenders) | $ | 2 | $ | 8 | ||||
Increase 100% | $ | (1 | ) | $ | (7 | ) | ||
The amounts in the table above could increase in the future if the fair value of the variable annuity guarantee liability changes due to factors other than the surrender assumptions (e.g., a decline in the ratio of the annuitants’ aggregate account values to their aggregate guarantee values).
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’s results of operations and financial condition.
Adjusted comprehensive income is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes the change in equity in net unrealized gains and losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio, net of applicable taxes, from comprehensive income. In the calculation of comprehensive income under GAAP, fixed maturity investments are marked-to-market while the liabilities to which those assets are matched are not. Symetra attempts to earn a “spread” between what it earns on its investments and what it pays out on its products. In order to try to fix this spread, Symetra invests in a manner that tries to match the duration and cash flows of its investments with the required cash outflows associated with its life insurance and structured settlements products. As a result, Symetra typically earns the same spread on in-force business whether interest rates fall or rise. Further, at any given time, some of Symetra’s structured settlement obligations may extend 40 or 50 years into the future, which is further out than the longest maturing fixed maturity investments regularly available for purchase in the market (typically 30 years). For these long-dated products, Symetra is unable to fully match the obligation with assets until the remaining expected payout schedule comes within the duration of securities available in the market. If at that time, these fixed maturity investments have yields that are lower than the yields expected when the structured settlement product was originally priced, the spread for the product will shrink and Symetra will ultimately harvest lower returns for its shareholders. GAAP comprehensive income increases when rates decline, which would suggest an increase in the value of Symetra - the opposite of what is happening to the intrinsic value of the business. Therefore, White Mountains’s management and Board of Directors use adjusted comprehensive income when assessing Symetra’s quarterly financial performance. In addition, this measure is typically the predominant component of change in adjusted book value per share, which is used in calculation of White Mountains’s performance for both short-term (annual bonus) and long-term incentive plans. The reconciliation of adjusted comprehensive income to comprehensive income is included on page 50.
Adjusted book value per share is a non-GAAP measure which is derived by expanding the GAAP calculation of book value per White Mountains common share to exclude equity in net unrealized gains and losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio, net of applicable taxes. In addition, the number of common shares outstanding used in the calculation of adjusted book value per share is adjusted to exclude unearned restricted common shares, the compensation cost of which, at the date of calculation, has yet to be amortized. The reconciliation of adjusted book value per share to GAAP book value per share is included on page 49.
Total capital at White Mountains is comprised of White Mountains’s common shareholders’ equity, debt and non-controlling interest in OneBeacon Ltd., HG Global and the SIG Preference Shares. Total adjusted capital excludes the equity in net unrealized gains and losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio, net of applicable taxes from total capital. The reconciliation of total capital to total adjusted capital is included on page 73.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Refer to the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion regarding White Mountains’s critical accounting estimates.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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’s:
• | changes in adjusted book value per share or return on equity; |
• | business strategy; |
• | financial and operating targets or plans; |
• | incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses and the adequacy of its loss and loss adjustment expense 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:
• | the risks associated with Item 1A of White Mountains’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K; |
• | claims arising from catastrophic events, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, fires, terrorist attacks or severe winter weather; |
• | 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 customers; |
• | an economic downturn or other economic conditions adversely affecting its financial position; |
• | recorded loss reserves subsequently proving to have been inadequate; |
• | actions taken by ratings agencies from time to time, such as financial strength or credit ratings downgrades or placing ratings on negative watch; and |
• | other factors, most of which are beyond White Mountains’s 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 publicly update any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. |
Refer to White Mountains’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in particular Item 7A. - “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”. As of September 30, 2014, there were no material changes in the market risks as described in White Mountains’s most recent Annual Report.
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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’s 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, 2014.
Part II. | OTHER INFORMATION |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings. |
Refer to White Mountains’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in particular Item 3. - “Legal Proceedings”. As of September 30, 2014, there were no material changes in the legal proceedings as described in White Mountains’s most recent Annual Report.
Item 1A. | Risk Factors. |
There have been no material changes to any of the risk factors previously disclosed the Registrant’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 2. | Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. |
Months | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan (1) | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan (1) | |||||||||
July 1-July 31, 2014 | 14,068 | $ | 611.56 | 14,068 | 490,314 | ||||||||
August 1-August 31, 2014 | 82,408 | $ | 627.13 | 82,408 | 407,906 | ||||||||
September 1-September 30, 2014 | 25,788 | $ | 630.44 | 25,788 | 382,118 | ||||||||
Total | 122,264 | $ | 626.13 | 122,264 | 382,118 | ||||||||
(1) On May 25, 2012, White Mountains’s board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 1 million of its common shares, from time to time, subject to market conditions. Shares may be repurchased on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase authorization does not have a stated expiration.
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities. |
None.
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures. |
None.
Item 5. | Other Information. |
None.
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Item 6. | Exhibits. |
(a) | Exhibits | ||||||
10.1 | — | Amendment No. 1 to the $425,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated August 14, 2013 among the Company, as the Borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and an Issuing Lender, and the other lenders party hereto.* | |||||
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. * | |||||
101.1 | — | The following financial information from White Mountains’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. * | |||||
* | Included herein |
** | Not included as an exhibit as the information is contained elsewhere within this report. See Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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: | October 29, 2014 | By: /s/ J. Brian Palmer | ||
J. Brian Palmer | ||||
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer | ||||
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Exhibit 10.1
EXECUTION VERSION
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
This Amendment (this “Amendment”) is entered into as of September 24, 2014 by and among White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd., a company existing under the laws of Bermuda (the “Borrower”), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, individually and as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”), and the other financial institutions signatory hereto.
RECITALS
A.The Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders are party to that certain credit agreement dated as of August 14, 2013 (the “Credit Agreement”). Unless otherwise specified herein, capitalized terms used in this Amendment shall have the meanings ascribed to them by the Credit Agreement.
B. The Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the undersigned Lenders wish to amend the Credit Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth below.
Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual execution hereof and other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Amendment to Credit Agreement. Upon the “Effective Date” (as defined below), the Credit Agreement shall be amended as follows:
(a) Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is amended by adding the following definitions in appropriate alphabetical order:
“Amendment No. 1 Effective Date” means the date of the effectiveness of Amendment No. 1 to this Agreement, being September 24, 2014.
“Designated Subsidiary” means, at any time, subject to Section 10.21(b), a Subsidiary (whether existing on or acquired or formed after the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date) meeting each of the following criteria: (a) such Subsidiary is not a wholly-owned Subsidiary or a Guarantor, (b) such Subsidiary has been designated by the Borrower in writing to the Administrative Agent as a “Designated Subsidiary” and such designation has not been withdrawn by the Borrower, (c) at the most recent Relevant Time the Shareholders Equity of such Subsidiary (determined as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter or fiscal year for which the applicable Subsidiary has prepared financial statements) does not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Worth (determined as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter or fiscal year for which the Borrower has delivered financial statements pursuant to Section 6.1(a) and giving pro forma effect to the acquisition of all Designated Subsidiaries acquired after the date of such financial statements), (d) at the most recent Relevant Time the Total Assets (determined as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter or fiscal year for which the applicable Subsidiary has prepared financial statements) of such Subsidiary do not exceed 7.5% of the Total Assets of the Borrower (determined as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter or fiscal year for which the Borrower has
delivered financial statements pursuant to Section 6.1(a) and giving pro forma effect to the acquisition of all Designated Subsidiaries acquired after the date of such financial statements) and (e) no Indebtedness of such Subsidiary (the “DS Subsidiary”) or any Subsidiary thereof is directly or contingently a liability of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary that is not the DS Subsidiary or a Subsidiary thereof.
“Relevant Time” means, with respect to any Subsidiary, both (a) the date upon which it is designated by the Borrower in writing to the Administrative Agent as a “Designated Subsidiary” and (b) the last day of each fiscal quarter or fiscal year of the Borrower ending subsequent to the fiscal quarter or fiscal year end of the Borrower used to determine compliance with the Designated Subsidiary definition for such Subsidiary on the date of its designation. For the avoidance of doubt, references in the “Designated Subsidiary” definition to the “most recent” Relevant Time, shall, on any date of determination, include a Relevant Time occurring on the date of such determination.
“Shareholders Equity” means, with respect to any Person, the shareholders equity of such Person and its consolidated Subsidiaries as determined in accordance with GAAP.
“Total Assets” means, with respect to any Person, the total assets of such Person and its consolidated Subsidiaries determined in accordance with GAAP.
(b) The definition of “Loan Documents” in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
“Loan Documents” means this Agreement, any amendment hereto, the Guaranty (if any), the Notes, any agreement creating or perfecting rights in Cash Collateral pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.23 of this Agreement, any Instrument of Accession executed hereunder pursuant to Section 2.22 and any other document designated by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent as a “Loan Document”.
(c) Section 6.2(b) of the Credit Agreement is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
Within 5 Business Days after the deadline for the delivery of any financial statements pursuant to Section 6.1(a), (i) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower stating that such Responsible Officer has obtained no knowledge of any continuing Default or Event of Default except as specified in such certificate and (ii) a Compliance Certificate containing (A) all information and calculations necessary for determining compliance by the Borrower with Section 7.1 as of the last day of the fiscal quarter or fiscal year of the Borrower and (B) a listing of all Designated Subsidiaries as of the last day of the applicable fiscal quarter or fiscal year of the Borrower together with such information reasonably requested by the
2 | ||
Administrative Agent to confirm that each such identified Designated Subsidiary meets the criteria set forth in the definition of a Designated Subsidiary (which delivery may, unless the Administrative Agent, or a Lender requests executed originals, be by electronic communication including fax or email and shall be deemed to be an original authentic counterpart thereof for all purposes);
(d) Section 6.2(d) of the Credit Agreement is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
Promptly, such additional financial and other information (including financial and other information relating to Designated Subsidiaries) as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request.
(e) Section 8.1(h) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Designated Subsidiary or any Subsidiary of a Designated Subsidiary) shall (i) default in making any payment of any principal of any Indebtedness (including, without limitation, any Guarantee Obligation, but excluding the Loans and Reimbursement Obligations) on the scheduled or original due date with respect thereto (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods); or (ii) default in making any payment of any interest on any such Indebtedness beyond the period of grace, if any, provided in the instrument or agreement under which such Indebtedness was created; or (iii) default in the observance or performance of any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, the effect of which default is to cause, or to permit the holder or beneficiary of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or beneficiary) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity or to become subject to a mandatory offer to purchase by the obligor thereunder as a result of the occurrence of such default thereunder or (in the case of any such Indebtedness constituting a Guarantee Obligation) to become payable; provided, that a default described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph (h) shall not at any time constitute an Event of Default unless, at such time, one or more defaults of the type described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph (h) shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to Indebtedness the outstanding principal amount of which exceeds in the aggregate $75,000,000; or
(f) Section 8.1(j) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
One or more judgments or decrees shall be entered against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Designated Subsidiary or any Subsidiary of a Designated Subsidiary) involving for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (other than any Designated Subsidiary or any Subsidiary of a Designated Subsidiary) taken as a whole a liability (to the
3 | ||
extent not paid or fully covered by insurance above applicable deductions) of $75,000,000 or more, and shall not have been vacated, discharged, stayed or bonded pending appeal within 45 days from the entry thereof; or
(g) A new Section 10.21 is added to the Credit Agreement reading as follows:
Designated Subsidiaries. It is acknowledged and agreed that there may exist more than one Designated Subsidiary at any time, provided, however, that (a) no additional Designated Subsidiary may be designated if, after giving effect to such designation, either (i) the Shareholders Equity of all Designated Subsidiaries (determined as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter or fiscal year for which the applicable Subsidiary has prepared financial statements) exceeds 20% of Consolidated Net Worth (determined as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter or fiscal year for which the Borrower has delivered financial statements pursuant to Section 6.1(a) and giving pro forma effect to the acquisition of all Designated Subsidiaries acquired after the date of such financial statements) or (ii) the Total Assets of all Designated Subsidiaries (determined as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter or fiscal year for which the applicable Subsidiary has prepared financial statements) exceeds 15% of the Total Assets of the Borrower (determined as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter or fiscal year for which the Borrower has delivered financial statements pursuant to Section 6.1(a) and giving pro forma effect to the acquisition of all Designated Subsidiaries acquired after the date of such financial statements) and (b) notwithstanding the definition of Designated Subsidiary, if as of the last day of any fiscal quarter or fiscal year of the Borrower the condition described in clause (a)(i) or (ii) above shall exist, then unless the Borrower shall withdraw the “Designated Subsidiary” designation, or reduce the Shareholders Equity or Total Assets, of one or more Designated Subsidiaries within five Business Days after delivery of financial statements of the Borrower for such fiscal quarter or fiscal year pursuant to Section 6.1(a) so that, giving effect to such withdrawal, or reduction of Shareholders Equity or Total Assets, neither of such conditions exists, all previously Designated Subsidiaries shall cease to be Designated Subsidiaries on such fifth Business Day until re-designated in compliance with the terms hereof. All Subsidiary financial statements utilized as the basis for determining compliance with, or meeting the criteria of, matters pertaining to Designated Subsidiaries shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP.
2. Representations and Warranties of the Borrower. The Borrower represents and warrants that as of the date hereof:
(a) The Borrower has the corporate or other power and authority, and the legal right, to make, deliver and perform this Amendment. The Borrower has taken all necessary corporate or other action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment on the terms and conditions herein. This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrower and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower,
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enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar Laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles (whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law);
(b) Each of the representations and warranties contained in the Credit Agreement (treating this Amendment as a Loan Document for purposes thereof) is true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof as if made on such date, except to the extent that they expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date; and
(c) No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
3. Effective Date. This Amendment shall become effective on the date (the “Effective Date”) upon which all of the following conditions have been satisfied:
(a) the execution and delivery hereof by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders (without respect to whether it has been executed and delivered by all the Lenders); and
(b) The Borrower shall have paid (i) to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of each Lender executing this Amendment an amendment fee equal to $5,000 and (ii) to Wells Fargo Securities, LLC for its own account any other separately agreed fees relating hereto, which fees shall be deemed fully earned and non-refundable on the Effective Date.
In the event the Effective Date has not occurred on or before October 15, 2014, this Amendment shall not become operative and shall be of no force or effect.
4. Reference to and Effect Upon the Credit Agreement.
(a) Except as specifically amended above, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed. Each party to the Loan Documents shall hereafter have and perform the obligations, and be entitled to the rights and remedies, applicable to it pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents as amended hereby.
(b) The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of the Administrative Agent or any Lender under the Credit Agreement or any Loan Document, nor constitute a waiver of any provision of the Credit Agreement or any Loan Document, except as specifically set forth herein. Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, each reference in the Credit Agreement to “this Agreement”, “hereunder”, “hereof”, “herein” or words of similar import shall mean and be a reference to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.
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5. Costs and Expenses.
(a) The Borrower hereby affirms its obligation under Section 10.5(a) of the Credit Agreement to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Amendment (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated), and the consummation and administration of the transactions contemplated hereby.
6. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.
7. Headings. Section headings in this Amendment are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Amendment for any other purposes.
8. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed an original but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument.
9. Facsimile or Electronic Imaging Documents and Signatures. This Amendment may be transmitted and/or signed by facsimile or other electronic imaging means (e.g., “pdf” or “tif”). The effectiveness of this Amendment and such signatures shall, subject to applicable Law, have the same force and effect as manually-signed originals and shall be binding on the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.
10. Loan Document. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document.
[signature pages follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the date and year first above written.
BORROWER:
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
By: ________________________________
Its: ________________________________
[Signature Page to Amendment No. 1]
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, individually and as Administrative Agent
By: ________________________________
Its: ________________________________
[Signature Page to Amendment No. 1]
[LENDER], as a Lender
By: ________________________________
Its: ________________________________
CHI:2861987.12
[Signature Page to Amendment No. 1]
Exhibit 31.1
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
I, Raymond Barrette, 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 officer 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 we 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 quarterly 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 fiscal 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 the 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 29, 2014
By:
/s/ Raymond Barrette
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
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Exhibit 31.2
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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 officer 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 we 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 quarterly 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 fiscal 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 the 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 29, 2014
By:
/s/ David T. Foy
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
C-2
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 on Form 10-Q of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (the "Company"), for the period ending September 30, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Raymond Barrette, Chairman 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/ Raymond Barrette | |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | |
October 29, 2014 | |
C-3
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 on Form 10-Q of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (the "Company"), for the period ending September 30, 2014 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) | |
October 29, 2014 | |
C-4