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

x

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

For the period ended March 31,September 30, 2007

OR

o    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x     No o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Large accelerated filer x          Accelerated filer o                                                   Non-accelerated filer 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 x

As of May 1,November 2, 2007, 10,833,78810,560,272 common shares with a par value of $1.00 per share were outstanding (which includes 54,000 restricted common shares that were not vested at such date).

 





WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

Table of Contents

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

3

 

 

Page No.

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

3

Consolidated Balance Sheets, March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006

3

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets,
September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006

3

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income,
Three and Nine Months Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006

4

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Common Shareholders’ Equity, Three
Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006

5

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Three
Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006

6

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

2729

Results of Operations - Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006

27

 

 

 

 

Results of Operations - Three and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

3629

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Liquidity and Capital Resources

3742

 

 

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Critical Accounting Estimates

4143

 

 

 

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

Forward-Looking Statements

4248

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

48

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

43

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

43

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

4349

 

 

 

Items 1 through 6.Item 4.

43

Controls and Procedures

49

 

 

 

SIGNATURESPART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

49

 

 

 

44Items 1 through 6.

49

SIGNATURES

51

 

2





PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

Item 1. Financial Statements

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

(Millions, except share and per share amounts)

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

Unaudited

 

 

 

 

Unaudited

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments, at fair value (amortized cost: $7,066.7 and $7,377.0)

 

$

7,179.9

 

$

7,475.3

 

Common equity securities, at fair value (cost: $1,009.4 and $972.0)

 

1,245.2

 

1,212.6

 

Fixed maturity investments, at fair value (amortized cost: $7,291.7 and $7,377.0)

 

$

7,436.7

 

$

7,475.3

 

Common equity securities, at fair value (cost: $1,232.8 and $972.0)

 

1,471.3

 

1,212.6

 

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

 

1,473.6

 

1,344.9

 

 

1,614.8

 

1,344.9

 

Other investments (cost: $465.3 and $467.1)

 

532.2

 

524.8

 

Convertible fixed maturity investments, at fair value (cost: $485.5 and $435.9)

 

485.8

 

436.2

 

Trust account investments, at amortized cost (fair value $334.9 and $337.9)

 

335.4

 

338.9

 

Other investments (cost: $484.5 and $467.1)

 

549.3

 

524.8

 

Convertible fixed maturity investments, at fair value (amortized cost: $529.5 and $435.9)

 

529.5

 

436.2

 

Trust account investments, at amortized cost (fair value $309.5 and $337.9)

 

308.7

 

338.9

 

Total investments

 

11,252.1

 

11,332.7

 

 

11,910.3

 

11,332.7

 

Cash

 

186.3

 

159.0

 

 

185.6

 

159.0

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

2,006.4

 

2,134.5

 

 

1,789.3

 

2,134.5

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses - Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

 

1,867.3

 

1,881.2

 

 

1,792.6

 

1,881.2

 

Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses

 

131.9

 

159.4

 

 

58.1

 

159.4

 

Insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

1,007.4

 

913.6

 

 

971.1

 

913.6

 

Securities lending collateral

 

563.8

 

649.8

 

 

824.6

 

649.8

 

Funds held by ceding companies

 

438.2

 

452.8

 

 

352.3

 

452.8

 

Investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

356.3

 

335.5

 

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

 

404.4

 

335.5

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

338.6

 

320.3

 

 

358.6

 

320.3

 

Deferred tax asset

 

242.6

 

276.0

 

 

238.7

 

276.0

 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

133.6

 

87.9

 

 

129.2

 

87.9

 

Accrued investment income

 

84.7

 

87.4

 

 

89.1

 

87.4

 

Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales

 

40.2

 

8.5

 

 

21.7

 

8.5

 

Other assets

 

628.8

 

645.1

 

 

593.1

 

645.1

 

Total assets

 

$

19,278.2

 

$

19,443.7

 

 

$

19,718.7

 

$

19,443.7

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

$

8,636.0

 

$

8,777.2

 

 

$

8,249.3

 

$

8,777.2

 

Unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

1,746.6

 

1,584.9

 

 

1,743.2

 

1,584.9

 

Debt

 

1,183.6

 

1,106.7

 

 

1,192.8

 

1,106.7

 

Securities lending payable

 

563.8

 

649.8

 

 

824.6

 

649.8

 

Deferred tax liability

 

311.1

 

311.5

 

 

327.2

 

311.5

 

Long-term incentive compensation payable

 

139.3

 

285.2

 

 

202.5

 

285.2

 

Reserves for structured contracts

 

142.6

 

147.1

 

 

78.8

 

147.1

 

Funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

126.4

 

141.6

 

 

99.5

 

141.6

 

Ceded reinsurance payable

 

141.0

 

138.4

 

 

124.0

 

138.4

 

Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases

 

19.7

 

66.8

 

 

85.4

 

66.8

 

Other liabilities

 

825.9

 

913.7

 

 

901.5

 

913.7

 

Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

250.5

 

242.3

 

 

268.5

 

242.3

 

Held by others (redemption value $20.0)

 

20.0

 

20.0

 

 

 

20.0

 

Total liabilities

 

14,106.5

 

14,385.2

 

 

14,097.3

 

14,385.2

 

Minority interest - OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd.

 

515.8

 

490.7

 

Minority interest - OneBeacon, Ltd.

 

536.3

 

490.7

 

Minority interest - WMRe Group Preference Shares

 

250.0

 

 

Minority interest - consolidated limited partnerships

 

113.0

 

112.5

 

 

102.5

 

112.5

 

Total minority interest

 

628.8

 

603.2

 

 

888.8

 

603.2

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares at $1 par value per share - authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 10,833,788 and 10,782,753 shares

 

10.8

 

10.8

 

Common shares at $1 par value per share - authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 10,842,613 and 10,782,753 shares

 

10.8

 

10.8

 

Paid-in surplus

 

1,716.6

 

1,716.7

 

 

1,723.9

 

1,716.7

 

Retained earnings

 

2,566.7

 

2,496.0

 

 

2,737.3

 

2,496.0

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, after-tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains on investments

 

214.7

 

194.0

 

 

184.3

 

194.0

 

Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains

 

35.9

 

37.2

 

 

79.1

 

37.2

 

Other

 

(1.8

)

.6

 

 

(2.8

)

.6

 

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

4,542.9

 

4,455.3

 

 

4,732.6

 

4,455.3

 

Total liabilities, minority interest and common shareholders’ equity

 

$

19,278.2

 

$

19,443.7

 

 

$

19,718.7

 

$

19,443.7

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3



WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Unaudited

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(Millions, except per share amounts)

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

938.0

 

$

901.0

 

 

$

936.3

 

$

918.9

 

$

2,835.0

 

$

2,773.4

 

Net investment income

 

118.0

 

98.5

 

 

128.9

 

108.7

 

373.6

 

311.6

 

Net realized investment gains

 

73.9

 

28.5

 

 

29.9

 

67.8

 

192.9

 

202.8

 

Other revenue

 

36.2

 

29.8

 

 

60.3

 

90.8

 

130.6

 

157.1

 

Total revenues

 

1,166.1

 

1,057.8

 

 

1,155.4

 

1,186.2

 

3,532.1

 

3,444.9

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

613.3

 

564.0

 

 

591.9

 

558.1

 

1,797.3

 

1,885.9

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

192.6

 

185.6

 

 

183.9

 

189.3

 

580.1

 

562.6

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

137.7

 

115.9

 

 

103.6

 

122.8

 

377.5

 

361.5

 

General and administrative expenses

 

52.9

 

44.6

 

 

43.0

 

53.1

 

158.3

 

120.0

 

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

 

5.1

 

5.2

 

 

5.4

 

6.6

 

16.0

 

18.2

 

Interest expense on debt

 

16.8

 

11.7

 

 

19.8

 

12.9

 

54.9

 

36.5

 

Interest expense - dividends on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

7.6

 

7.6

 

 

7.1

 

7.6

 

22.2

 

22.7

 

Interest expense - accretion on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

8.2

 

6.4

 

 

9.2

 

7.3

 

26.2

 

20.6

 

Total expenses

 

1,034.2

 

941.0

 

 

963.9

 

957.7

 

3,032.5

 

3,028.0

 

Pre-tax income

 

131.9

 

116.8

 

 

191.5

 

228.5

 

499.6

 

416.9

 

Income tax provision

 

(31.2

)

(26.9

)

 

(64.3

)

(69.3

)

(151.3

)

(66.9

)

Income before minority interest and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

 

100.7

 

89.9

 

 

127.2

 

159.2

 

348.3

 

350.0

 

Minority interest

 

(19.0

)

(2.9

)

 

(24.0

)

(2.7

)

(69.4

)

(5.5

)

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

10.5

 

9.0

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

 

8.2

 

5.6

 

27.3

 

29.4

 

Net income

 

92.2

 

96.0

 

 

111.4

 

162.1

 

306.2

 

373.9

 

Change in net unrealized gains and losses for investments held

 

71.6

 

(33.2

)

 

43.1

 

151.8

 

83.3

 

55.6

 

Change in foreign currency translation and other

 

(3.8

)

21.0

 

 

24.4

 

1.0

 

38.5

 

33.9

 

Recognition of net unrealized gains and losses for investments sold

 

(50.9

)

(23.9

)

 

(2.8

)

(39.2

)

(93.0

)

(114.6

)

Comprehensive net income

 

$

109.1

 

$

59.9

 

 

$

176.1

 

$

275.7

 

$

335.0

 

$

348.8

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

8.56

 

$

8.92

 

 

$

10.33

 

$

15.05

 

$

28.40

 

$

34.72

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

8.54

 

8.89

 

 

10.32

 

15.01

 

28.35

 

34.61

 

Dividends declared and paid per common share

 

$

2.00

 

$

2.00

 

 

$

2.00

 

$

2.00

 

$

6.00

 

$

6.00

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4



WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Unaudited

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

Accum. other

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

Accum. other

 

 

 

 

Common

 

shares and

 

 

 

comprehensive

 

 

 

 

Common

 

shares and

 

 

 

comprehensive

 

 

 

 

shareholders’

 

paid-in

 

Retained

 

income,

 

Unearned

 

 

shareholders’

 

paid-in

 

Retained

 

income,

 

Unearned

 

(Millions)

 

equity

 

surplus

 

earnings

 

after-tax

 

compensation

 

 

equity

 

surplus

 

earnings

 

after-tax

 

compensation

 

Balances at January 1, 2007

 

$

4,455.3

 

$

1,727.5

 

$

2,496.0

 

$

231.8

 

$

 

 

$

4,455.3

 

$

1,727.5

 

$

2,496.0

 

$

231.8

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative effect adjustment - taxes

 

.2

 

 

.2

 

 

 

Cumulative effect adjustment - taxes (FIN 48)

 

.2

 

 

.2

 

 

 

Net income

 

92.2

 

 

92.2

 

 

 

 

306.2

 

 

306.2

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, after-tax

 

17.0

 

 

 

17.0

 

 

 

28.8

 

 

 

28.8

 

 

Dividends declared on common shares

 

(21.7

)

 

(21.7

)

 

 

 

(65.1

)

 

(65.1

)

 

 

Issuances of common shares

 

.2

 

.2

 

 

 

 

 

1.8

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

Repurchases and retirements of common shares

 

(2.5

)

(2.5

)

 

 

 

 

(2.5

)

(2.5

)

 

 

 

Option and Restricted Share expense

 

2.2

 

2.2

 

 

 

 

Amortization of restricted share and option awards

 

7.9

 

7.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at March 31, 2007

 

$

4,542.9

 

$

1,727.4

 

$

2,566.7

 

$

248.8

 

$

 

Balances at September 30, 2007

 

$

4,732.6

 

$

1,734.7

 

$

2,737.3

 

$

260.6

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

Accum. other

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

shares and

 

 

 

comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

shareholders’

 

paid-in

 

Retained

 

income,

 

Unearned

 

(Millions)

 

equity

 

surplus

 

earnings

 

after-tax

 

compensation

 

Balances at January 1, 2006

 

$

3,833.2

 

$

1,727.2

 

$

1,899.8

 

$

208.1

 

$

(1.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

96.0

 

 

96.0

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, after-tax

 

(36.1

)

 

 

(36.1

)

 

Cumulative effect adjustment - hybrid instruments

 

 

 

9.2

 

(9.2

)

 

Cumulative effect adjustment - share-based compensation

 

 

(1.9

)

 

 

1.9

 

Dividends declared on common shares

 

(21.6

)

 

(21.6

)

 

 

Issuances of common shares

 

.2

 

.2

 

 

 

 

Amortization of restricted common share awards

 

.5

 

.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at March 31, 2006

 

$

3,872.2

 

$

1,726.0

 

$

1,983.4

 

$

162.8

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

Accum. other

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

shares and

 

 

 

comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

shareholders’

 

paid-in

 

Retained

 

income,

 

Unearned

 

(Millions)

 

equity

 

surplus

 

earnings

 

after-tax

 

compensation

 

Balances at January 1, 2006

 

$

3,833.2

 

$

1,727.2

 

$

1,899.8

 

$

208.1

 

$

(1.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

373.9

 

 

373.9

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, after-tax

 

(25.1

)

 

 

(25.1

)

 

Cumulative effect adjustment - hybrid instruments (FAS 155)

 

 

 

9.2

 

(9.2

)

 

Cumulative effect adjustment - share-based compensation (FAS 123R)

 

 

(1.9

)

 

 

1.9

 

Dividends declared on common shares

 

(64.7

)

 

(64.7

)

 

 

Issuances of common shares

 

.1

 

.1

 

 

 

 

Amortization of restricted share and option awards

 

1.3

 

1.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at September 30, 2006

 

$

4,118.7

 

$

1,726.7

 

$

2,218.2

 

$

173.8

 

$

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5



WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(Millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Cash flows from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

92.2

 

$

96.0

 

 

$

306.2

 

$

373.9

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

(73.9

)

(28.5

)

 

(192.9

)

(202.8

)

Minority interest

 

19.0

 

2.9

 

 

69.4

 

5.5

 

Other operating items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

(126.4

)

(264.7

)

 

(572.1

)

(833.7

)

Net change in reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

167.0

 

147.8

 

 

544.5

 

519.5

 

Net change in unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

167.3

 

156.2

 

 

136.6

 

168.2

 

Net change in funds held by ceding companies

 

11.9

 

55.0

 

 

110.1

 

157.5

 

Net change in deferred acquisition costs

 

(19.7

)

(23.2

)

 

(34.0

)

(50.0

)

Net change in ceded unearned premiums

 

(46.2

)

(12.6

)

 

(38.7

)

65.1

 

Net change in funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

(15.2

)

(39.8

)

 

(42.4

)

(49.9

)

Net change in insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

(96.1

)

(82.1

)

 

(45.1

)

16.0

 

Net change in other assets and liabilities, net

 

(221.5

)

(152.6

)

 

(78.9

)

(108.2

)

Net cash used for operations

 

(141.6

)

(145.6

)

Net cash provided from operations

 

162.7

 

61.1

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in short-term investments

 

(101.8

)

(218.1

)

 

(267.7

)

(472.4

)

Sales of fixed maturity investments

 

1,331.7

 

1,077.9

 

 

3,940.6

 

3,398.4

 

Maturities, calls and paydowns of fixed maturity investments

 

333.2

 

223.2

 

 

980.2

 

613.4

 

Maturities of trust account investments

 

33.8

 

 

Sales of common equity securities

 

136.1

 

62.8

 

 

365.9

 

557.7

 

Sales of other investments

 

27.6

 

12.7

 

 

120.6

 

49.9

 

Purchases of other investments

 

(11.3

)

(14.8

)

 

(47.1

)

(80.6

)

Sales of consolidated affiliates, net of cash sold

 

47.2

 

121.1

 

Sale of Agri renewal rights

 

 

32.0

 

Purchases of common equity securities

 

(125.9

)

(132.0

)

 

(622.4

)

(435.8

)

Purchases of fixed maturity investments

 

(1,393.8

)

(935.5

)

 

(4,823.1

)

(3,671.6

)

Purchases of unconsolidated affiliates

 

(51.6

)

 

Sale of shares of OneBeacon Ltd.

 

16.7

 

 

 

16.7

 

 

Maturities of trust account investments

 

6.9

 

 

Net change in unsettled investment purchases and sales

 

(78.7

)

98.4

 

 

5.5

 

(72.2

)

Net acquisitions of property and equipment

 

(3.7

)

(6.3

)

 

(19.9

)

(11.9

)

Net cash provided from investing activities

 

137.0

 

168.3

 

Net cash (used for) provided from investing activities

 

(321.3

)

28.0

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of WMRe Group Preference Shares, net of issuance costs

 

246.6

 

 

Issuance of debt

 

394.4

 

 

 

394.4

 

65.0

 

Repayment of debt

 

(322.0

)

 

 

(322.0

)

(50.0

)

Interest rate swap agreement

 

(2.4

)

 

Redemption of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

 

(20.0

)

 

Interest rate swap agreements

 

(2.4

)

 

Cash dividends paid to the Company’s common shareholders

 

(21.7

)

(21.6

)

 

(65.1

)

(64.7

)

Cash dividends paid to OneBeacon Ltd.’s minority common shareholders

 

(5.9

)

 

 

(17.8

)

 

Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders

 

(7.6

)

(7.6

)

 

(22.2

)

(22.7

)

Cash dividends paid on WMRe Group Preference Shares

 

(1.9

)

 

OneBeacon Ltd. common shares repurchased and retired

 

(5.8

)

 

Common shares repurchased

 

(2.5

)

 

 

(2.5

)

 

Proceeds from issuances of common shares

 

.2

 

.1

 

Proceeds from option exercises

 

1.8

 

.1

 

Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities

 

32.5

 

(29.1

)

 

183.1

 

(72.3

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

(.6

)

1.8

 

 

2.1

 

5.8

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash during the period

 

27.3

 

(4.6

)

Net increase in cash during the period

 

26.6

 

22.6

 

Cash balances at beginning of period

 

159.0

 

187.7

 

 

159.0

 

187.7

 

Cash balances at end of period

 

$

186.3

 

$

183.1

 

 

$

185.6

 

$

210.3

 

Supplemental cash flows information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

(7.2

)

$

(.9

)

 

$

(30.0

)

$

(23.9

)

Net Federal income taxes (paid) received

 

(53.6

)

30.5

 

 

(81.7

)

17.5

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of presentation

These interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (the “Company” or the “Registrant”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Company, “White Mountains”) and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The Company is an exempted Bermuda limited liability company whose principal businesses are conducted through its property and casualty insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries and affiliates. The Company’s headquarters are located at Bank of Butterfield Building, 42 Reid Street, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 12, 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’ reportable segments are OneBeacon, White Mountains Re, Esurance and Other Operations.  Significant transactions among White Mountains’ segments have been eliminated in this report.

The OneBeacon segment consists of OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. (“OneBeacon Ltd.”), a Bermuda-basedan exempted Bermuda limited liability company that owns a family of U.S.-based property and casualty insurance companies (collectively “OneBeacon”), substantially all of which operate in a multi-company pool. OneBeacon offers a wide range of specialty, personal and commercial products and services sold primarily through select independent agents and brokers. OneBeacon was acquired by White Mountains in 2001 (the “OneBeacon Acquisition”).  During the fourth quarter of 2006, White Mountains sold 27.6 million, or 27.6%, of OneBeacon Ltd.’s common shares in an initial public offering (the “OneBeacon Offering”).  In connection with the OneBeacon Offering, White Mountains undertook an internal reorganization (the “Reorganization”) and formed OneBeacon Ltd. for the purpose of holding certain of its property and casualty insurance businesses. As a result of the Reorganization, certain of White Mountains’ businesses that havehad been historically reported as part of its Other Operations segment are now owned by OneBeacon Ltd., and accordingly have been included in the OneBeacon segment for all periods presented in this report.  In addition, certain other businesses of White Mountains that had been historically reported as part of its OneBeacon segment and which were not held by OneBeacon Ltd. following the OneBeacon Offering are included in the Other Operations segment for all periods presented in this report.

The White Mountains Re segment consists of White Mountains Re Group, Ltd., a Bermuda-basedan exempted Bermuda limited liability company, and its subsidiaries (collectively, “White Mountains Re”).  White Mountains Re offers reinsurance capacity for property, liability, accident & health, aviation and certain marineother exposures on a worldwide basis through its subsidiaries, Folksamerica Reinsurance Company (“Folksamerica Re”, together with its immediate parent, Folksamerica Holding Company (“FHC”Folksamerica Holdings”), “Folksamerica”), which has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of White Mountains since 1998, and Sirius International Insurance Corporation (“Sirius International”) and Fund American Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“FARe”).  White Mountains Re also provides reinsurance advisory services, specializing primarily in property and other short-tailed lines of reinsurance, through White Mountains Re Underwriting Services Ltd. (“WMRUS”).  On August 3, 2006, White Mountains Re sold one of its subsidiaries, Sirius America Insurance Company (“Sirius America”), to an investor group.  As part of the transaction, White Mountains acquired an equity interest of approximately 18% in the acquiring entity, Lightyear Delos Acquisition Corp. (“Delos”), and accounts for Delos on the equity method within its Other Operations segment.

The Esurance segment consists of Esurance Holdings, Ltd.Inc., a Bermuda-based company, and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, “Esurance”). Esurance which has been a unit of White Mountains since October 2000, sells personal auto insurance directly to customers online and through select online agents.

White Mountains’ Other Operations segment consists of the Company and its intermediate holding companies, its wholly-owned investment management subsidiary, White Mountains Advisors LLC (“WM Advisors”), its weather risk management business (“Galileo”), its variable annuity reinsurance business, White Mountains Life Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd. (“WM Life Re”), as well as the International American Group, Inc. (the “International American Group”) and various other entities not included in other segments. The International American Group, which was acquired by White Mountains in 1999, consists ofincludes American Centennial Insurance Company (“American Centennial”) and British Insurance Company of Cayman (“British Insurance Company”), both of which are in run-off.  The Other Operations segment also includes White Mountains’ investments in common shares and warrants to purchase common shares of Symetra Financial Corporation (“Symetra”), the consolidated results of the Tuckerman Capital, LP and Tuckerman Capital II, LP funds (“Tuckerman Funds”), common and preferred shares of Delos and warrants to purchase common shares of Montpelier Re Holdings, Ltd. (“Montpelier Re”), warrantswhich White Mountains sold back to purchase common shares of Symetra Financial Corporation (“Symetra”) and common and preferred shares of Delos.Montpelier Re on May 1, 2007.

7



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 and are of a normal recurring nature. 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 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Refer to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion regarding White Mountains’ significant accounting policies.  Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.

Minority Interest

Minority interests consist of the ownership interests of noncontrolling shareholders in consolidated subsidiaries, and are presented separately on the balance sheet. The portion of income attributable to minority interests is presented net of related income taxes in the statement of income and comprehensive income. The change in unrealized investment gains, foreign currency translation and the change in the fair value of the interest rate swap to hedge OneBeacon’s exposure to variability in the interest rate on its mortgage note are presented in accumulated other comprehensive income net of the minority interest portion.  The percentage of the noncontrolling shareholders’ ownership interest in OneBeacon Ltd. at March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 was 28.3%28.1% and 27.6%.

White Mountains began to present minority interest subsequent to the OneBeacon Offering.  The portion of income attributable to minority interest in certain limited partnership investments has been reclassified to conform with the presentation of the minority interest in OneBeacon Ltd.

On May 24, 2007, White Mountains Re Group, Ltd. (“WMRe Group”), an intermediate holding company of White Mountains Re, issued $250 million non-cumulative perpetual preference shares (“the Preference Shares”) (See Note 2).  The Preference Shares and dividends thereon are included in minority interest on the balance sheet and as minority interest expense on the statement of income and comprehensive income, respectively.

Recently Adopted Changes in Accounting Principles

Federal, State and Foreign Income Taxes

While White Mountains is subject to taxation in several jurisdictions, the majority of White Mountains’ subsidiaries file consolidated tax returns in the United States.  Income earned or losses generated by companies outside the United States are generally subject to an overall effective tax rate lower than that imposed by the United States.

On January 1, 2007 White Mountains adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes when the impact of a given tax position should be recognized and how it should be measured.  Under the new guidance, recognition is based upon whether or not a company determines that it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based upon the technical merits of the position. In evaluating the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, White Mountains must presume that the tax position will be subject to examination by a taxing authority with full knowledge of all relevant information. If the recognition threshold is met, then the tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

FIN 48 also addresses how interest and penalties should be accrued for uncertain tax positions, requiring that interest expense should be recognized in the first period interest would be accrued under the tax law. White Mountains classifies all interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense.  At January 1, 2007, White Mountains had accrued interest and penalties of $3.8 million, net of federal benefit. In connection with the adoption of FIN 48, White Mountains has recognized a $0.2$.2 million decrease in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, primarily as a result of reductions in its estimates of accrued interest. The effect of adoption has been recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings.

At January 1, 2007, White Mountains had $70.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits.  If recognized, $60.3 million would increase net income.  Becauseincome and reduce the effective tax rate.  The remaining $10.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits relate to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain but the impacttiming of deferreddeductibility is uncertain.  Recognition of these tax accounting, exposure for certain temporary differencesbenefits, other than any applicable interest and penalties, would not affect the effective tax rate but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period.rate.  There have been no material changes to these balances since adoption.

With few exceptions, White Mountains is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003.  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)(“IRS”) commenced an examination of White Mountains’ U.S. income tax returns for 2003 throughand 2004 in the second quarter of 2006 that is

8



anticipated to be completed by the end of 2008. As of March 31,September 30, 2007, the IRS has not proposed any significant adjustments to taxable income.  White Mountains does not expect the IRS to receivepropose any adjustments that would result in a material change to its financial position.

As of September 30, 2007, White Mountains does not anticipate any significant changes to its total unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Fair Value Measurements

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”). The Statement provides a revised definition of fair value and guidance on the methods used to measure fair value. The Statement also expands financial statement disclosure requirements for fair value information. The Statement establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions 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”). The fair value hierarchy in FAS 157 prioritizes inputs within three levels. Quoted prices in active markets have the highest priority (Level 1) followed by observable inputs other than quoted prices (Level 2) andwith unobservable inputs having the lowest priority (Level 3). The guidance in FAS 157 is applicable to derivatives as well as other financial instruments measured at fair value and nullifies the guidance in EITF 02-3, FAS 133 and FAS 155 that provided for the deferral of gains at the date of initial measurement. The Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with earlier application allowed for entities that have not issued financial statements in the fiscal year of adoption.2007.  White Mountains has not yet determined the effect of adoption on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Fair Value Option

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“FAS 159”). The Statement allows companies to make an election, on an individual instrument basis, to report financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The election must be made at the inception of a transaction and may not be reversed. The election may also be made for existing financial assets and liabilities at the time of adoption. Unrealized gains and losses on assets or liabilities for which the fair value option has been elected are to be reported in earnings. The Statement requires additional disclosures for instruments for which the election has been made, including a description of management’s reasons for making the election. The Statement is effective as of fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and is to be adopted prospectively and concurrentconcurrently with the adoption of FAS 157. White Mountains has not yet determined the effect of adoption on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 2. Significant Transactions

Preference Shares

On May 24, 2007, WMRe Group issued 250,000 non-cumulative perpetual preference shares with a $1,000 per share liquidation preference. Proceeds of $245.7 million, net of $4.3 million of issuance costs and commissions, were received from the issuance. Holders of the Preference Shares receive dividends on a non-cumulative basis when and if declared by WMRe Group. The holders of the Preference Shares have the right to elect two directors to WMRe Group’s board in the event of non-payment of dividends for six quarterly dividend periods. The right ceases upon the payment of dividends for four quarterly periods or the redemption of the Preference Shares. In addition, WMRe Group may not declare or pay dividends on its common shares unless it is current on its most recent dividend period. The dividend rate is fixed at an annual rate of 7.506% until June 30, 2017. After June 30, 2017, the dividend rate will be paid at a floating annual rate, equal to the greater of 3 month LIBOR plus 3.20% or 7.506%. The Preference Shares are redeemable solely at the discretion of WMRe Group on or after June 30, 2017 at their liquidation preference, plus any declared but unpaid dividends. Prior to June 30, 2017, WMRe Group may elect to redeem the Preference Shares at an amount equal to the greater of 1) the aggregate liquidation preference of the shares to be redeemed and 2) the sum of the present values of the aggregate liquidation preference of the shares to be redeemed and the remaining scheduled dividend payments on the shares to be redeemed (excluding June 30, 2017), discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at a rate equal to the rate on a comparable treasury issue, plus 45 basis points.  In the event of liquidation of WMRe Group, the holders of the Preference Shares would have preference over the common shareholders and would receive a distribution equal to the liquidation preference per share, subject to availability of funds.

9



Note 2.3.  Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

The following table summarizes the loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserve activities of White Mountains’ insurance subsidiaries for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

Gross beginning balance

 

$

8,777.2

 

$

10,231.2

 

Less beginning reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

(4,015.7

)

(5,025.7

)

Net loss and LAE reserves

 

4,761.5

 

5,205.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE incurred relating to:

 

 

 

 

 

Current year losses

 

630.1

 

553.8

 

Prior year losses

 

(16.8

)

10.2

 

Total incurred loss and LAE

 

613.3

 

564.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

5.1

 

5.2

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

3.7

 

8.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE paid relating to:

 

 

 

 

 

Current year losses

 

(142.5

)

(157.3

)

Prior year losses

 

(478.8

)

(498.4

)

Total loss and LAE payments

 

(621.3

)

(655.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net ending balance

 

4,762.3

 

5,127.0

 

Plus ending reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

3,873.7

 

4,860.0

 

Gross ending balance

 

$

8,636.0

 

$

9,987.0

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Gross beginning balance

 

$

8,364.7

 

$

9,775.3

 

$

8,777.2

 

$

10,231.2

 

Less beginning reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

(3,693.2

)

(4,664.2

)

(4,015.7

)

(5,025.7

)

Net loss and LAE reserves

 

4,671.5

 

5,111.1

 

4,761.5

 

5,205.5

 

Loss and LAE reserves sold - Sirius America

 

 

(124.1

)

 

(124.1

)

Loss and LAE incurred relating to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year losses

 

592.8

 

529.2

 

1,850.7

 

1,652.1

 

Prior year losses

 

(.9

)

28.9

 

(53.4

)

233.8

 

Total incurred losses and LAE

 

591.9

 

558.1

 

1,797.3

 

1,885.9

 

Net change in loss reserves - Sierra Insurance Group (1)

 

(9.0

)

 

(9.0

)

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

5.4

 

6.6

 

16.0

 

18.2

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

24.1

 

3.1

 

31.3

 

23.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE paid relating to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year losses

 

(304.2

)

(229.2

)

(685.5

)

(600.2

)

Prior year losses

 

(312.3

)

(461.7

)

(1,244.2

)

(1,544.4

)

Total loss and LAE payments

 

(616.5

)

(690.9

)

(1,929.7

)

(2,144.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net ending balance

 

4,667.4

 

4,863.9

 

4,667.4

 

4,863.9

 

Plus ending reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

3,581.9

 

4,250.3

 

3,581.9

 

4,250.3

 

Gross ending balance

 

$

8,249.3

 

$

9,114.2

 

$

8,249.3

 

$

9,114.2

 

 



(1) During the three months ended September 30, 2007, White Mountains Re recorded a $9.0 million decrease on its workers compensation loss reserves relating to its Sierra Insurance Group acquisition, which was offset dollar-for-dollar by an increase in the principal amount of the Sierra Note that White Mountains Re issued as part of that acquisition (See Note 6).

White Mountains experienced $16.8$.9 million and $53.4 million of net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. For the three months ended September 30, 2007, OneBeacon had net favorable development of $16.5 million that was offset primarily by $15.0 million of net unfavorable development at Esurance.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, OneBeacon, White Mountains Re, and Other Operations had net favorable development of $41.2 million, $25.1 million and $10.5 million, respectively, offset by $23.4 million of net unfavorable development at Esurance.  OneBeacon’s net favorable development in 2007 that primarily related to professional liability and tuition reimbursement in specialty lines, property and general liability in commercial lines and automobile liability in traditional personal lines and at AutoOne. Esurance experienced net unfavorable development in 2007 that primarily related to bodily injury claims from prior accident years. Net favorable development at White Mountains Re in 2007 primarily related to property lines. The Other Operations segment experienced $10.5 million of favorable development during 2007 primarily due to the settlement of a large claim at British Insurance Company.

White Mountains experienced $28.9 million of net unfavorable development on prior accident year loss reserves during the three months ended March 31, 2007.September 30, 2006, primarily due to $9.4 million of adverse development at OneBeacon, which mostly related to prior year catastrophe losses, and White Mountains Re had net favorable development of $12.0 million and $7.4 million, respectively, which was offset by $2.6 million of unfavorableadverse development at Esurance.

During the three months ended March 31, 2006,Folksamerica Re on business assumed through a prior acquisition.  White Mountains experienced $10.2$233.8 million of net unfavorable development on prior accident year loss reserves.  White Mountains Re experienced adverse development onreserves during the 2005 storms of $36 million ($8 million, $18 million and $10 million onnine months ended September 30, 2006, which in addition to the items listed above, primarily related to hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, respectively), which was partially offset by $26 million in favorable development, primarily from White Mountains Re’s property lines not impacted by catastrophes.Wilma.

In connection with purchase accounting for the acquisitions of OneBeacon, Sirius International and Stockbridge Insurance Company, White Mountains was required to adjust loss and LAE reserves and the related reinsurance recoverables to fair value on OneBeacon’s, Sirius’ and Stockbridge Insurance Company’stheir 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. Accordingly, White Mountains recognized $5.1$5.4 million and $5.2$16.0 million of such charges for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, respectively, and 2006.$6.6 million and $18.2 million of such charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively.

10



Note 3.4. Third Party Reinsurance

In the normal course of business, White Mountains’ 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 March 31,September 30, 2007, OneBeacon had $20.5$20.6 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid losses and $3,053.6$2,924.7 million (gross of $233.1$225.1 million in purchase accounting adjustments) that will become recoverable if claims are paid in accordance with current reserve estimates. The collectibility of balances due from OneBeacon’s reinsurers is critical to OneBeacon’s financial strength because reinsurance contracts do not relieve OneBeacon of its primary obligation to its policyholders. OneBeacon is selective with its reinsurers, placing reinsurance with only those reinsurers having a strong financial condition. OneBeacon monitors the financial strength of its reinsurers on an ongoing basis. As a result, uncollectible amounts have historically not been significant. The following table provides a listing of OneBeacon’s top reinsurers, excluding industry pools and associations, based upon recoverable amounts, the percentage of total reinsurance recoverables and the reinsurer’s A.M. Best rating.

Top Reinsurers ($ in millions)

 

Balance at
March 31, 2007

 

% of Total

 

A.M. Best
Rating (1)

 

Subsidiaries of Berkshire (NICO and GRC) (2)

 

$

2,185.6

 

71

%

A++

 

Nichido (formerly Tokio Fire and Marine Insurance Company)

 

58.3

 

2

%

A++

 

Munich RE America (formerly America Reinsurance Company)

 

56.2

 

2

%

A

 

Liberty Mutual Insurance Group and subsidiaries (3)

 

37.7

 

1

%

A

 

Swiss Re

 

22.5

 

1

%

A+

 

 

 

Balance at

 

 

 

A.M. Best

 

Top Reinsurers (Millions)

 

September 30, 2007

 

% of Total

 

Rating (1)

 

Subsidiaries of Berkshire (NICO and GRC) (2)

 

$

2,107.3

 

78

%

A++

 

Nichido (formerly Tokio Fire and Marine Insurance Company)

 

59.0

 

2

%

A++

 

Munich Re America (formerly America Reinsurance Company)

 

49.8

 

2

%

A

 

Liberty Mutual Insurance Group and subsidiaries (3)

 

32.0

 

1

%

A

 

Swiss Re

 

21.2

 

1

%

A+

 

 


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

(2)        Includes $404.0 million of Third Party Recoverables, which NICO would pay under the terms of the NICO Cover (as defined below) if they are unable to collect from third party reinsurers. OneBeacon also has an additional $377.0$339.7 million of Third Party Recoverables from various reinsurers, the majority of which are rated “A” or better by A.M. Best.

(3)        At March 31,September 30, 2007, OneBeacon had assumed balances receivablepayable and expenses receivablepayable of approximately $34.0$24.0 million under its renewal rights agreement with Liberty Mutual Insurance Group (“Liberty Mutual”), which expired on October 31, 2003.

In connection with the OneBeacon Acquisition, the seller caused OneBeacon to purchase two reinsurance contracts: a full risk-transfer cover from 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 development cover (the “GRC Cover”) from General Reinsurance Corporation (“GRC”) for up to $570.0 million, comprised of $400.0 million of adverse development on losses occurring in years 2000 and prior in addition to $170.0 million of reserves ceded as of the date of the OneBeacon Acquisition. The NICO Cover and GRC Cover, which were contingent on and occurred contemporaneously with the OneBeacon Acquisition, were put in place in lieu of a seller


guarantee of loss and LAE reserves and are therefore accounted for as a seller guarantee under GAAP in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Technical Matter Document No. D-54 (“EITF Topic D-54”). NICO and GRC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”).

Under the terms of the NICO Cover, NICO receives the economic benefit of reinsurance recoverables (“Third Party Recoverables”) from certain of OneBeacon’s third party reinsurers in existence at the time the NICO Cover was executed. As a result, the Third Party Recoverables serve to protect the $2.5 billion limit of NICO coverage for the benefit of OneBeacon. White Mountains estimates that on an incurred basis, net of Third Party Recoverables, as of March 31,September 30, 2007 it has used approximately $2.1 billion of the coverage provided by NICO.  Approximately $878$952.6 million of these incurred losses have been paid by NICO through March 31,September 30, 2007. Since entering into the NICO Cover, $29.7$39.8 million of the $2.1 billion of utilized coverage from NICO related to uncollectible Third Party Recoverables. To the extent that actual experience differs from White Mountains’ estimate of ultimate A&E losses and Third Party Recoverables, future losses could utilize some or all of the protection remaining under the NICO Cover.

11



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

Effective, July 1, 2007, OneBeacon renewed its property catastrophe reinsurance program through June 30, 2008.  The program provides coverage for all OneBeacon property business including automobile physical damage, as well as terrorism coverage for non-TRIA events (excluding nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological).  Under the program, the first $150 million of losses resulting from a single catastrophe are retained by OneBeacon and $650 million of the next $700 million of losses resulting from the catastrophe are reinsured.  Any loss above $850 million would be retained by OneBeacon. 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.

White Mountains Re

White Mountains Re’s principal reinsurance protection at September 30, 2007 is provided through Folksamerica Re’s quota share retrocessional arrangements with Olympus Reinsurance Company Ltd. (“Olympus”) and Helicon Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“Helicon”) and through excess of loss protection purchased by Sirius International to cover Sirius International’s property catastrophe and aviation exposures. Folksamerica Re has notified Olympus and Helicon that it will not renew the quota share arrangements for 2008.

At March 31,September 30, 2007, White Mountains Re had $111.1$35.8 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid losses and $1,022.1$851.5 million that will become recoverable if claims are paid in accordance with current reserve estimates. Because reinsurance contracts do not relieve White Mountains Re of its obligation to its ceding companies, the collectibility of balances due from its reinsurers is critical to White Mountains Re’s financial strength. White Mountains Re monitors the financial strength of certainits reinsurers on an ongoing basis. The following table provides a listing of White Mountains Re’s top reinsurers based upon recoverable amounts, the percentage of total recoverables and the reinsurers’ A.M. Best ratings.

Top Reinsurers (Millions)

 

Balance at
March 31, 2007

 

% of Total

 

A.M. Best
Rating (2)

 

% Collateralized

 

Olympus (1)(3)

 

$

491.7

 

43

%

NR-4

 

100

%

Imagine Re (1)

 

186.8

 

16

%

A-

 

100

%

London Life (1)

 

93.1

 

8

%

A

 

100

%

General Re

 

88.2

 

8

%

A++

 

3

%

The Travelers Companies

 

60.7

 

5

%

A+

 

%

 

 

Balance at

 

 

 

A.M. Best

 

 

 

Top Reinsurers (Millions)

 

September 30, 2007

 

% of Total

 

Rating (2)

 

% Collateralized

 

Olympus (1)(3)

 

$

267.1

 

30

%

NR

-4

 

100

%

Imagine Re (1)

 

163.6

 

18

%

A

-

 

100

%

London Life (1)

 

93.1

 

10

%

A

 

 

100

%

GRC

 

88.5

 

10

%

A

++

 

2

%

The Travelers Companies

 

62.9

 

7

%

A

+

 

0

%

 


(1)        Represents non-U.S.Non-U.S. insurance entities which balancesentities. Balances are fully collateralized through Funds Held, Lettersfunds held, letters of Creditcredit or Trust Agreements.trust agreements.

(2)        A.M. Best ratings as detailed above are: “NR-4” (Not rated per company request), “A++” (Superior, which is the highest of fifteen ratings), “A+” ( Superior, which is the second highest of fifteen ratings), “A” (Excellent, which is the third highest of fifteen ratings), and “A- (Excellent, which is the fourth highest of fifteen ratings).

(3)        Gross of amounts$137.0 million due to Olympus under an indemnity agreement with FHC.Folksamerica Holdings.

12



Note 4.5.  Investment Securities

White Mountains’ invested assets comprise securities and other investments held for general investment purposes and those held in twoa segregated trust accounts.account established in connection with the OneBeacon Offering to economically defease the Berkshire Preferred Stock and the Zenith Preferred Stock.

White Mountains’ portfolio of fixed maturity investments and common equity securities, excluding convertible bonds, held for general investment purposes areis classified as available for sale and areis reported at fair value as of the balance sheet date as determined by quoted market prices.  Net unrealized investment gains and losses on available for sale securities are reported net, after-tax, as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.  Changes in net unrealized investment gains and losses, net of the effect of adjustments for minority interest and after-tax, are reported as a component of other comprehensive income.

Asset-backed

White Mountains has elected the fair value option for its investment in convertible bonds.  Convertible bonds are carried at fair value with changes in value recorded in income as realized investment gains.

White Mountains has invested in mortgage backed and asset-backed securities, are included in fixed maturity investments and consist primarily of pooled collateralized mortgage obligations,which are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value.value within fixed maturity investments.  Fair values for asset-backed securities are based on quoted market prices from a third party pricing service. 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.

White Mountains’

The portfolio of fixed maturity investments held in the segregated trust accountsaccount are classified as held to maturity as the CompanyWhite Mountains has the ability and intent to hold the investments until maturity. Securities classified as held to maturity are recorded at amortized cost.

Investment securities are regularly reviewed for impairment based on criteria that include the extent to which cost exceeds market value, the duration of the market decline, the financial health of and specific prospects for the issuer and the ability and intent to hold the investment to recovery.  Investment losses that are other than temporary are recognized in earnings.  Realized gains and losses resulting from sales of investment securities are accounted for using the weighted average method.  Premiums and discounts on all fixed maturity investments are 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 mature or become available for use within one year.  Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximated fair value as of March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006. Short-term investments held in the segregated trust account are included in the total of investments held in trust.

Other investments comprise White Mountains’ investments in limited partnerships, warrants, equity method investments and an interest rate swap accounted for as a cash flow hedge.

Net investment income for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 consisted of the following:

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

Investment income:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments

 

$

96.3

 

$

81.5

 

Short-term investments

 

17.9

 

9.3

 

Common equity securities

 

5.0

 

6.8

 

Other

 

1.1

 

2.9

 

Convertible fixed maturity investments

 

1.1

 

.4

 

Total investment income

 

121.4

 

100.9

 

Less investment expenses

 

(3.4

)

(2.4

)

Net investment income, pre-tax

 

$

118.0

 

$

98.5

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Investment income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments

 

$

101.0

 

$

84.4

 

$

301.2

 

$

255.4

 

Short-term investments

 

15.7

 

17.4

 

51.9

 

36.4

 

Common equity securities

 

5.6

 

6.9

 

17.1

 

23.5

 

Other

 

8.4

 

1.7

 

9.6

 

4.7

 

Convertible fixed maturity investments

 

2.1

 

1.5

 

5.7

 

1.6

 

Total investment income

 

132.8

 

111.9

 

385.5

 

321.6

 

Less investment expenses

 

(3.9

)

(3.2

)

(11.9

)

(10.0

)

Net investment income, pre-tax

 

$

128.9

 

$

108.7

 

$

373.6

 

$

311.6

 

13



 

Realized investment gains (losses) consisted of the following:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

Fixed maturity investments

 

$

8.2

 

$

3.8

 

Common equity securities

 

48.1

 

15.2

 

Other investments

 

17.7

 

1.8

 

Convertible fixed maturity investments

 

(.1

)

7.7

 

Net realized investment gains, pre-tax

 

$

73.9

 

$

28.5

 

 


 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Fixed maturity investments

 

$

(8.4

)

$

13.4

 

$

(3.2

)

$

13.5

 

Common equity securities

 

2.2

 

46.9

 

96.4

 

86.4

 

Other investments

 

28.7

 

.2

 

88.5

 

72.9

 

Convertible fixed maturity investments

 

7.4

 

7.3

 

11.2

 

30.0

 

Net realized investment gains, pre-tax

 

$

29.9

 

$

67.8

 

$

192.9

 

$

202.8

 

Net

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, net realized investment gains included $11.3 million of realized losses from other than temporary impairment charges, principally comprised of $5.6 million in equity securities and $4.9 million in fixed maturity investments.  There were no other than temporary impairment charges recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  For the three months ended September 30, 2006, White Mountains recorded net realized gains increased by $45.4of $15.7 million from its investment in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2006, mainly due to the sale of certain convertible fixed maturity and equity securities in industry sectors that experienced significant appreciation during the first quarter, principally energy and natural resources.Montpelier Re.

White Mountains’ ending net unrealized investment gains and losses on its investment portfolio and its investments in unconsolidated affiliates at March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

Investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Gross unrealized investment gains

 

$

367.0

 

$

353.6

 

Gross unrealized investment losses

 

(40.3

)

(52.2

)

Net unrealized gains from investment securities

 

326.7

 

301.4

 

Net unrealized gains from investments in unconsolidated affiliates

 

6.8

 

.3

 

Total net unrealized investment gains, before tax

 

333.5

 

301.7

 

Income taxes attributable to such gains

 

(112.2

)

(103.2

)

Minority interest

 

(6.6

)

(4.5

)

Total net unrealized investment gains, after-tax

 

$

214.7

 

$

194.0

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

Investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Gross unrealized investment gains

 

$

375.0

 

$

353.6

 

Gross unrealized investment losses

 

(64.0

)

(52.2

)

Net unrealized gains from investment securities

 

311.0

 

301.4

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) from investments in unconsolidated affiliates

 

(18.8

)

.3

 

Total net unrealized investment gains, before tax

 

292.2

 

301.7

 

Income taxes attributable to such gains

 

(104.7

)

(103.2

)

Minority interest

 

(3.2

)

(4.5

)

Total net unrealized investment gains, after-tax

 

$

184.3

 

$

194.0

 

 

The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, and carrying values of White Mountains’ fixed maturity investments as of March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, were as follows:

 

 

March 31, 2007

 

Millions

 

Cost or
amortized
cost

 

Gross
unrealized
gains

 

Gross
unrealized
losses

 

Net foreign
currency
gains

 

Carrying
value

 

U.S. Government obligations

 

$

1,303.9

 

$

11.1

 

$

(7.3

)

$

 

$

1,307.7

 

Debt securities issued by industrial corporations

 

2,087.9

 

22.2

 

(16.7

)

20.4

 

2,113.8

 

Municipal obligations

 

12.0

 

.5

 

 

 

12.5

 

Asset-backed securities

 

2,890.4

 

15.1

 

(3.8

)

3.1

 

2,904.8

 

Foreign government obligations

 

664.9

 

1.8

 

(6.1

)

52.7

 

713.3

 

Preferred stocks

 

107.6

 

12.7

 

(.4

)

7.9

 

127.8

 

Total fixed maturity investments

 

$

7,066.7

 

$

63.4

 

$

(34.3

)

$

84.1

 

$

7,179.9

 

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

Cost or

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

Net foreign

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

amortized

 

unrealized

 

unrealized

 

currency

 

Carrying

 

Millions

 

Cost or
amortized
cost

 

Gross
unrealized
gains

 

Gross
unrealized
losses

 

Net foreign
currency
gains

 

Carrying
value

 

 

cost

 

gains

 

losses

 

gains

 

value

 

U.S. Government obligations

 

$

1,651.3

 

$

5.0

 

$

(11.9

)

$

 

$

1,644.4

 

 

$

1,145.1

 

$

16.2

 

$

(1.8

)

$

4.3

 

$

1,163.8

 

Debt securities issued by industrial corporations

 

2,048.8

 

21.8

 

(23.6

)

25.4

 

2,072.4

 

 

2,011.9

 

17.1

 

(22.3

)

30.1

 

2,036.8

 

Municipal obligations

 

15.5

 

.5

 

 

 

16.0

 

 

11.9

 

.5

 

 

 

12.4

 

Asset-backed securities

 

2,899.1

 

10.8

 

(7.5

)

2.3

 

2,904.7

 

 

3,278.9

 

20.0

 

(12.0

)

5.5

 

3,292.4

 

Foreign government obligations

 

657.2

 

2.1

 

(6.1

)

55.2

 

708.4

 

 

742.3

 

1.2

 

(5.6

)

74.9

 

812.8

 

Preferred stocks

 

105.1

 

16.8

 

(.4

)

7.9

 

129.4

 

 

101.6

 

8.7

 

(.5

)

8.7

 

118.5

 

Total fixed maturity investments

 

$

7,377.0

 

$

57.0

 

$

(49.5

)

$

90.8

 

$

7,475.3

 

 

$

7,291.7

 

$

63.7

 

$

(42.2

)

$

123.5

 

$

7,436.7

 

 

14



 

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Cost or

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

Net foreign

 

 

 

 

 

amortized

 

unrealized

 

unrealized

 

currency

 

Carrying

 

Millions

 

cost

 

gains

 

losses

 

gains

 

value

 

U.S. Government obligations

 

$

1,080.4

 

$

4.2

 

$

(6.2

)

$

 

$

1,078.4

 

Debt securities issued by industrial corporations

 

1,939.2

 

20.2

 

(23.6

)

25.1

 

1,960.9

 

Municipal obligations

 

15.5

 

.5

 

 

 

16.0

 

Asset-backed securities

 

3,579.6

 

13.2

 

(13.2

)

2.6

 

3,582.2

 

Foreign government obligations

 

657.2

 

2.1

 

(6.1

)

55.2

 

708.4

 

Preferred stocks

 

105.1

 

16.8

 

(.4

)

7.9

 

129.4

 

Total fixed maturity investments

 

$

7,377.0

 

$

57.0

 

$

(49.5

)

$

90.8

 

$

7,475.3

 

The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, and carrying values of White Mountains’ common equity securities, other investments and convertible fixed maturity investments as of March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, were as follows:

 

 

March 31, 2007

 

Millions

 

Cost or
amortized
cost

 

Gross
unrealized
gains

 

Gross
unrealized
losses

 

Net foreign
currency
gains

 

Carrying
value

 

Common equity securities

 

$

1,009.4

 

$

235.8

 

$

(5.4

)

$

5.4

 

$

1,245.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other investments

 

$

465.3

 

$

67.5

 

$

(.6

)

$

 

$

532.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible fixed maturity investments

 

$

485.5

 

$

.3

 

$

 

$

 

$

485.8

 

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

Cost or

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

Net foreign

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

amortized

 

unrealized

 

unrealized

 

currency

 

Carrying

 

Millions

 

Cost or
amortized
cost

 

Gross
unrealized
gains

 

Gross
unrealized
losses

 

Net foreign
currency
gains

 

Carrying
value

 

 

cost

 

gains

 

losses

 

gains

 

value

 

Common equity securities

 

$

972.0

 

$

237.2

 

$

(1.3

)

$

4.7

 

$

1,212.6

 

 

$

1,232.8

 

$

243.7

 

$

(20.2

)

$

15.0

 

$

1,471.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other investments

 

$

467.1

 

$

59.1

 

$

(1.4

)

$

 

$

524.8

 

 

$

484.5

 

$

67.8

 

$

(1.6

)

$

(1.4

)

$

549.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible fixed maturity investments

 

$

435.9

 

$

.3

 

$

 

$

 

$

436.2

 

 

$

529.5

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

529.5

 

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Cost or

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

Net foreign

 

 

 

 

 

amortized

 

unrealized

 

unrealized

 

currency

 

Carrying

 

Millions

 

cost

 

gains

 

losses

 

gains

 

value

 

Common equity securities

 

$

972.0

 

$

237.2

 

$

(1.3

)

$

4.7

 

$

1,212.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other investments

 

$

467.1

 

$

59.1

 

$

(1.4

)

$

 

$

524.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible fixed maturity investments

 

$

435.9

 

$

.3

 

$

 

$

 

$

436.2

 

 

Impairment

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

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

15



The following table presents an analysis of the continuous periods during which White Mountains has held investment positions which were carried at an unrealized loss as of March 31,September 30, 2007 (excluding short-term investments):

 

 

March 31, 2007

 

($ in millions)

 

0-6
Months

 

6-12
Months

 

> 12
Months

 

Total

 

Fixed maturity investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

197

 

41

 

331

 

569

 

Market value

 

$

1,226.9

 

$

337.5

 

$

1,843.3

 

$

3,407.7

 

Amortized cost

 

$

1,230.8

 

$

339.5

 

$

1,871.7

 

$

3,442.0

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(3.9

)

$

(2.0

)

$

(28.4

)

$

(34.3

)

Common equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

106

 

7

 

4

 

117

 

Market value

 

$

117.9

 

$

17.1

 

$

1.1

 

$

136.1

 

Cost

 

$

122.2

 

$

18.2

 

$

1.1

 

$

141.5

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(4.3

)

$

(1.1

)

$

 

$

(5.4

)

Other investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

3

 

1

 

2

 

6

 

Market value

 

$

7.3

 

$

3.5

 

$

3.9

 

$

14.7

 

Cost

 

$

7.5

 

$

3.5

 

$

4.3

 

$

15.3

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(.2

)

$

 

$

(.4

)

$

(.6

)

Total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

306

 

49

 

337

 

692

 

Market value

 

$

1,352.1

 

$

358.1

 

$

1,848.3

 

$

3,558.5

 

Amortized cost

 

$

1,360.5

 

$

361.2

 

$

1,877.1

 

$

3,598.8

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(8.4

)

$

(3.1

)

$

(28.8

)

$

(40.3

)

% of total gross unrealized losses

 

20.8

%

7.7

%

71.5

%

100.0

%

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

 

0-6

 

6-12

 

> 12

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Months

 

Months

 

Months

 

Total

 

Fixed maturity investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

247

 

36

 

273

 

556

 

Market value

 

$

1,526.9

 

$

299.7

 

$

1,560.6

 

$

3,387.2

 

Amortized cost

 

$

1,544.8

 

$

303.4

 

$

1,581.2

 

$

3,429.4

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(17.9

)

$

(3.7

)

$

(20.6

)

$

(42.2

)

Common equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

270

 

14

 

9

 

293

 

Market value

 

$

223.4

 

$

15.0

 

$

1.5

 

$

239.9

 

Cost

 

$

241.9

 

$

16.5

 

$

1.7

 

$

260.1

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(18.5

)

$

(1.5

)

$

(.2

)

$

(20.2

)

Other investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

5

 

1

 

2

 

8

 

Market value

 

$

17.9

 

$

2.0

 

$

14.5

 

$

34.4

 

Cost

 

$

19.3

 

$

2.1

 

$

14.6

 

$

36.0

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(1.4

)

$

(.1

)

$

(.1

)

$

(1.6

)

Total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

522

 

51

 

284

 

857

 

Market value

 

$

1,768.2

 

$

316.7

 

$

1,576.6

 

$

3,661.5

 

Amortized cost

 

$

1,806.0

 

$

322.0

 

$

1,597.5

 

$

3,725.5

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(37.8

)

$

(5.3

)

$

(20.9

)

$

(64.0

)

% of total gross unrealized losses

 

59.0

%

8.3

%

32.7

%

100

%

 

For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, White Mountains did not experience any materialexperienced $11.3 million in other-than-temporary impairment charges. charges, principally comprised of $5.6 million from an investment in the common stock of Centennial Bank Holdings, Inc. and $4.9 million from a fixed maturity investment in CIT Group Inc.

White Mountains believes that the gross unrealized losses relating to its fixed maturity investments at March 31,September 30, 2007 resulted primarily from increases in market interest rates from the dates that certain investments within that portfolio were acquired as opposed to fundamental changes in the credit quality of the issuers of such securities. White Mountains views these decreases in value as being temporary because it has the intent and ability to retain such investments until recovery. However, should White Mountains determine that it no longer has the intent and ability to hold a fixed maturity investment that has an existing unrealized loss resulting from an increase in market interest rates until it recovers, this loss would be realized through the income statement at the time such determination is made. White Mountains also believes that the gross unrealized losses recorded on its common equity securities and its other investments at March 31,September 30, 2007 resulted primarily from decreases in quoted market values from the dates that certain investments securities within that portfolio were acquired as opposed to fundamental changes in the issuer’s financial performance and near-term financial prospects. Therefore, these decreases are also viewed as being temporary. However, due to the inherent risk involved in investing in the equity markets, it is possible that the decrease in market value of these investments may ultimately prove to be other than temporary. As of March 31,September 30, 2007, White Mountains’ investment portfolio did not include any individual investment securitiessecurity with an after-tax unrealized loss of more than $3.0 million for more than a six-month period.

16



Note 5.6.  Debt

White Mountains’ debt outstanding as of March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 consisted of the following:

Millions

 

March 31,
2007

 

December 31,
2006

 

FAC Senior Notes, at face value

 

$

700.0

 

$

700.0

 

Unamortized original issue discount

 

(1.3

)

(1.3

)

FAC Senior Notes, carrying value

 

698.7

 

698.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WMRe Senior Notes, at face value

 

400.0

 

 

Unamortized original issue discount

 

(1.1

)

 

WMRe Senior Notes, carrying value

 

398.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WTM Bank Facility

 

 

320.0

 

FAC Bank Facility

 

 

 

Mortgage Note

 

40.8

 

40.8

 

Sierra Note

 

27.2

 

27.2

 

Atlantic Specialty Note

 

18.0

 

20.0

 

Total debt

 

$

1,183.6

 

$

1,106.7

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAC Senior Notes, at face value

 

$

700.0

 

$

700.0

 

Unamortized original issue discount

 

(1.1

)

(1.3

)

FAC Senior Notes, carrying value

 

698.9

 

698.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WMRe Senior Notes, at face value

 

400.0

 

 

Unamortized original issue discount

 

(1.1

)

 

WMRe Senior Notes, carrying value

 

398.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WTM Bank Facility (1)

 

 

320.0

 

FAC Bank Facility

 

 

 

Mortgage Note

 

40.8

 

40.8

 

Sierra Note (2)

 

36.2

 

27.2

 

Atlantic Specialty Note

 

18.0

 

20.0

 

Total debt

 

$

1,192.8

 

$

1,106.7

 


(1) The $320.0 million outstanding on December 31, 2006 was under White Mountains’ previous credit facility, which was refinanced in June 2007 (See below).

(2) The increase of $9.0 million in the adjustable Sierra Note is the result of a dollar-for-dollar decrease in prior year loss reserves (See Note 3).

 

WMRe Senior Notes

On March 19, 2007, White Mountains ReWMRe Group issued $400.0 million face value of senior unsecured notes at an issue price of 99.715% (the “WMRe Senior Notes”) for net proceeds of $392.0 million after taking into effect both deferrable and non-deferrable issuance costs, including the interest rate lock agreement described below. The WMRe Senior Notes were issued in an offering that iswas exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933.  The WMRe Senior Notes bear an annual interest rate of 6.375%, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 20 and September 20, until maturity in March 2017. The net proceeds from the WMRe Senior Notes were distributed to White Mountains and were used in part to repay the $320 million in outstanding borrowings on White Mountains’ revolving credit facility (the “WTM Bank Facility”). In accordance with the mandatory commitment reduction provision in the WTM Bank Facility, following the issuance of the WMRe Senior Notes the revolving credit facility commitment was reduced from $500 million to $304 million.

White Mountains Re deferred $3.6 million in expenses related to the issuance of the WMRe Senior Notes (including $2.6 million in underwriting fees), which are being recognized into interest expense over the life of the WMRe Senior Notes.

In anticipation of the issuance of the WMRe Senior Notes, White Mountains Re entered into an interest rate lock agreement to hedge its interest rate exposure from the date of the agreement until the pricing of the WMRe Senior Notes. The agreement was terminated on March 15, 2007 with a loss of $2.4 million, which was recorded in other comprehensive income. The loss is being reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income over the life of the WMRe Senior Notes using the interest method and is included in interest expense. At March 31,September 30, 2007, the unamortized balance of the loss remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income was $2.4$2.3 million.

Taking into effect the amortization of the original issue discount and all underwriting and issuance expenses, including the interest rate lock agreement, the WMRe Senior Notes yield an effective rate of 6.49% per annum.  White Mountains recorded $.7$6.5 million and $13.7 million of interest expense, on the WMRe Senior Notes in the first quarter of 2007, inclusive of amortization of issuance costs and the interest rate lock agreement.agreement, on the WMRe Senior Notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.

16

Bank Facilities

The net proceeds from the WMRe Senior Notes were distributed to White Mountains and were used in part to repay the $320 million in outstanding borrowings on White Mountains’ revolving credit facility. In accordance with the mandatory commitment reduction provision in the credit facility at the time, following the issuance of the WMRe Senior Notes the revolving credit facility commitment was reduced from $500 million to $304 million.

During the second quarter of 2007, White Mountains replaced its existing credit facility with a new $475 million revolving credit facility that matures in June 2012 (the “WTM Bank Facility”). This new facility removed WMRe Group as co-borrower and co-guarantor, added certain intermediate holding companies of White Mountains as co-guarantors and amended and/or removed certain financial and other covenants. As of September 30, 2007, the WTM Bank Facility was undrawn.

In November 2006, Fund American established a $75 million revolving credit facility that matures in November 2011 (the “ FAC Bank Facility”), which, as of September 30, 2007, was undrawn.

17





Note 7.  Income Taxes

White Mountains’ income tax provision for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 represented an effective tax rate of 33.6% and 30.3%, while the effective rates in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 were 30.3% and 16.0%, respectively.  White Mountains’ effective tax rates were lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to income generated in jurisdictions other than the United States, partially offset by withholding taxes and non-deductible dividends and accretion on the Berkshire Preferred Stock. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2006 included a $33.1 million benefit from settlements of U.S. Federal and state income taxes.  Although the majority of the Company’s worldwide operations are taxed in the United States, the Company is domiciled in Bermuda and has subsidiaries domiciled in several countries other than the United States.  Earnings or losses incurred by non-U.S. companies are generally subject to a lower effective tax rate than that imposed by the United States.

Note 6.8.  Weather Contracts

During 2006, White Mountains entered into the weather risk management business through its newly formed subsidiary, Galileo. Galileo offers weather risk management products, which, at March 31,September 30, 2007, were all in the form of derivative financial instruments.  All weather derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet. The fair value for exchange traded contracts are based upon quoted market prices where available. Where quoted market prices are not available, management uses available market data and internal pricing models based upon consistent statistical methodologies to estimate the fair value. The gain or loss at the inception date for contracts valued based upon internal pricing models are deferred and amortized into income over the period at risk for each underlying contract. At March 31,September 30, 2007, Galileo has unamortized deferred gains of $0.3$2.8 million.

Galileo enters into weather derivative contracts with the objective of generating profits in normal climatic conditions.  Accordingly, Galileo’s weather derivatives are not designed to meet the GAAP criteria for hedge accounting.  Galileo initially recognizes the premium paid or received as an asset or liability, respectively, and recognizes any subsequent changes in fair value as they occur in other revenues within the income statement.  For the periodthree and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, Galileo recognized $1.0$.3 million and $.4 million of net gains on its weather derivatives portfolio.  The fair values of Galileo’s risk management products are subject to change in the near-term and reflect management’s best estimate based on various factors including, but not limited to, realized 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.

At March 31, 2007, Galileo had recorded a net liability of $1.0 million for exchange traded weather derivative contracts and a net liability of $3.1 million for weather derivative contracts valued based on internal pricing models. Galileo requires certain counterparties to provide cash collateral that it invests until the underlying contract has settled. At March 31, 2007, Galileo had recorded a $25.3 million liability for collateral received.

Galileo’s weather risk management contracts all of which mature within one year, are summarized in the following table:

(Millions)

 

Carrying Value

 

Net liability for weather derivative contracts at January 1, 2007 (1)

 

$

12.1

 

Net consideration received for new contracts

 

0.9

 

Net payments made on contracts settled

 

(7.9

)

Net decrease in fair value on settled and unsettled contracts

 

(1.0

)

Net liability for weather derivative contracts at March 31, 2007 (2)

 

$

4.1

 

Millions

 

Carrying Value

 

Net liability for weather derivative contracts at January 1, 2007 (1)

 

$

12.1

 

Net consideration received for new contracts

 

10.8

 

Net payments made on contracts settled

 

(10.6

)

Net decrease in fair value on settled and unsettled contracts

 

(.4

)

Net liability for weather derivative contracts at September 30, 2007 (2)

 

$

11.9

 

 


(1) Amount includes $4.7 million of deferred gains

(2) Amount includes $.3$2.8 million of deferred gains

The following table summarizes the maturity of contracts outstanding as of September 30, 2007:

Millions

 

< 1 Year

 

1-3 Years

 

3-5 Years

 

> 5 Years

 

Total

 

Carrying value of exchange traded contracts

 

$

.8

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

.8

 

Carrying value of contracts using internal pricing models

 

(5.2

)

(7.5

)

 

 

(12.7

)

Net liability for weather contracts outstanding

 

$

(4.4

)

$

(7.5

)

$

 

$

 

$

(11.9

18



Note 7.9.  Variable Annuity Reinsurance

White Mountains has entered into agreements to reinsure death and living benefit guarantees associated with certain variable annuities in Japan through its wholly owned subsidiary, WM Life Re. The accounting for benefit guarantees differs depending on whether or not the guarantee is classified as a derivative or an insurance liability.

Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”) are paid to an annuitant for any shortfall between accumulated account value at the end of the accumulation period and the annuitant’s total deposit less any withdrawal payments made to the annuitant during the accumulation period. GMABs meet the definition of a derivative for accounting purposes and are accounted for under FAS 133. Therefore, GMABs are carried at fair value, with changes thereon recognized in income in the period of the change. The liability for the reinsured GMAB contracts has been determined using internal valuation models that use assumptions for interest rates, equity markets, foreign exchange rates and market volatilities at the valuation date, as well as annuitant-related actuarial assumptions, including surrender and mortality rates.

If an annuitant dies during the accumulation period of an annuity contract, guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDBs”) are paid to the annuitant’s beneficiary for shortfalls between accumulated account value at the time of an annuitant’s death and the annuitant’s total deposit less any living benefit payments or withdrawal payments previously made to the annuitant. GMDBs are accounted for as life insurance liabilities in accordance with Statement of Position 03-1, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts” (the “SOP”). The life insurance liability for the reinsured GMDB contracts has been calculated based on investment returns, mortality, surrender rates and other assumptions.assumptions and is recognized over the contract period. The life insurance liability as of March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 was $.2$.3 million and $.1 million.

The valuation of these liabilities involveinvolves significant judgment and is subject to change based upon changes in capital market assumptions and emerging surrender and mortality experience of the underlying contracts in force. At MarchSeptember 30, 2007 and December 31, 2007,2006, the liability recorded for the variable annuity benefit guarantees was $(13.9) million, which is included in other liabilities.liabilities, was $(7.4) million and $(13.8) million, respectively.

WM Life Re has entered into derivative contracts that are designed to economically hedge against changes in the fair value of living and death benefit liabilities associated with its variable annuity reinsurance arrangements.  The derivatives include futures and over-the-counter option contracts on interest rates, major equity indices, and foreign currencies. All WM Life Re’s derivative instruments are recorded as assets or liabilities at fair value on the balance sheet.sheet within other assets.  These derivative financial instruments do not meet the hedging criteria under FAS 133 and, accordingly, changes in fair value are recognized in the current period as gains or losses in the income statement.statement within other revenues.  At March 31,September 30, 2007, the fair value of theseWM Life Re’s derivative contracts which is recorded in other assets, was $22.7 million and had losses$22.8 million.  At December 31, 2006, the fair value of $3.2 million forWM Life Re’s derivative contracts was $21.2 million.  For the three month periodand nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, which are included in other revenues. In connection with these derivative contracts, WM Life Re has deposited collateral comprising $7.7had gains (losses) from derivatives of $6.3 million and $(9.7) million.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, WM Life Re had losses from derivatives of $3.9 million.

At September 30, 2007, WM Life Re had $13.9 million of cash and $4.9 million of securities deposited as collateral with counterparties. At December 31, 2006, WM Life Re had $7.7 million of cash and $2.2 million of securities deposited as collateral with counterparties.

19



Note 8.10.  Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding excluding certain unearnedunvested restricted common shares (“Restricted Shares”), which are being expensed over the vesting period and were anti-dilutive for all periods presented..  Diluted earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares and the net effect of potentially dilutive common shares outstanding, based on the treasury stock method.  The following table outlines the Company’s computation of earnings per share for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Basic earnings per share numerator (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

92.2

 

$

96.0

 

Diluted earnings per share numerator (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

92.2

 

$

96.0

 

Basic earnings per share denominator (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding during the period

 

10,824

 

10,780

 

Average unearned Restricted Shares

 

(48

)

(13

)

Basic earnings per share denominator

 

10,776

 

10,767

 

Diluted earnings per share denominator (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding during the period

 

10,824

 

10,780

 

Average unearned Restricted Shares (1)

 

(48

)

(3

)

Average outstanding dilutive options to acquire common shares (2)

 

20

 

25

 

Diluted earnings per share denominator

 

10,796

 

10,802

 

Basic earnings per share (in dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

8.56

 

$

8.92

 

Diluted earnings per share (in dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

8.54

 

$

8.89

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Basic earnings per share numerators (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

111.4

 

$

162.1

 

$

306.2

 

$

373.9

 

Diluted earnings per share numerators (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

111.4

 

$

162.1

 

$

306.2

 

$

373.9

 

Basic earnings per share denominators (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding during the period

 

10,842

 

10,780

 

10,834

 

10,780

 

Average unvested Restricted Shares

 

(54

)

(10

)

(52

)

(11

)

Basic earnings per share denominator

 

10,788

 

10,770

 

10,782

 

10,769

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share denominator (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding during the period

 

10,842

 

10,780

 

10,834

 

10,780

 

Average unvested Restricted Shares (1)

 

(49

)

(1

)

(49

)

(1

)

Average outstanding dilutive options to acquire common shares (2)

 

10

 

22

 

15

 

23

 

Diluted earnings per share denominator

 

10,803

 

10,801

 

10,800

 

10,802

 

Basic earnings per share (in dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

10.33

 

$

15.05

 

$

28.40

 

$

34.72

 

Diluted earnings per share (in dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

10.32

 

$

15.01

 

$

28.35

 

$

34.61

 

 


(1)                                  Restricted Shares outstanding vest either upon a stated anniversary date or upon the occurrence of a specified event.  See Note 12.15.  In accordance with the adoption of FAS No. 123(R), the diluted earnings per share denominator is reduced by the number of Restricted Shares representative ofthat represent the unamortized compensation cost at March 31,September 30, 2007.  Such amounts are computed underusing the treasury stock method.

(2)                                  The diluted earnings per share denominator for the quarterthree and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 includes the effects14,400 and 20,925 common shares issuable upon exercise of incentive options to acquire 27,450 common shares at an average strike price of $159.33$164.08 and $161.70 per common share. The diluted earnings per share denominator for the quarterthree and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006 includes the effects32,850 and 33,358 common shares issuable upon exercise of incentive options to acquire 33,865 common shares at an average strike price of $150.67.$155.18 and $151.78 per common share.  The non-qualified options were not included in the diluted earnings per share denominator as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive for the periods presented. (See Note 15)

20



Note 9.11.  Segment Information

White Mountains has determined that its reportable segments are OneBeacon, White Mountains Re, Esurance and Other Operations.  White Mountains has made its segment determination based on consideration of the following criteria: (i)(1) the nature of the business activities of each of the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates; (ii)(2) the manner in which the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates are organized; (iii)(3) the existence of primary managers responsible for specific subsidiaries and affiliates; and (iv)(4) the organization of information provided to the Board of Directors.  Significant intercompany transactions among White Mountains’ segments have been eliminated herein.  Segment information for all prior periods has been restated for the effect of the Reorganization (See Note 1).  Financial information for White Mountains’ segments follows:

Millions

 

OneBeacon

 

White
Mountains Re

 

Esurance

 

Other
Operations

 

Total

 

Three months ended March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

468.9

 

$

298.3

 

$

170.8

 

 

$

938.0

 

Net investment income

 

50.6

 

48.1

 

6.2

 

13.1

 

118.0

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

54.9

 

19.9

 

1.0

 

(1.9

)

73.9

 

Other revenue

 

3.1

 

(3.6

)

3.0

 

33.7

 

36.2

 

Total revenues

 

577.5

 

362.7

 

181.0

 

44.9

 

1,166.1

 

Loss and LAE

 

288.2

 

194.6

 

130.3

 

0.2

 

613.3

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

78.3

 

69.6

 

44.7

 

 

192.6

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

90.9

 

31.3

 

14.7

 

0.8

 

137.7

 

General and administrative expenses

 

2.4

 

6.6

 

0.1

 

43.8

 

52.9

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

4.0

 

1.1

 

 

 

5.1

 

Interest expense on debt

 

11.4

 

1.2

 

 

4.2

 

16.8

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

15.8

 

 

 

 

15.8

 

Total expenses

 

491.0

 

304.4

 

189.8

 

49.0

 

1,034.2

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

86.5

 

$

58.3

 

$

(8.8

)

$

(4.1

)

$

131.9

 

 

 

 

 

White

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Millions

 

OneBeacon

 

White
Mountains Re

 

Esurance

 

Other
Operations

 

Total

 

 

OneBeacon

 

Mountains Re

 

Esurance

 

Operations

 

Total

 

Three months ended March 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

480.2

 

$

315.6

 

$

105.2

 

$

 

$

901.0

 

 

$

473.6

 

$

265.8

 

$

196.9

 

$

 

$

936.3

 

Net investment income

 

45.1

 

41.1

 

3.6

 

8.7

 

98.5

 

 

51.5

 

54.6

 

7.9

 

14.9

 

128.9

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

27.1

 

2.5

 

.9

 

(2.0

)

28.5

 

 

30.7

 

2.8

 

.3

 

(3.9

)

29.9

 

Other revenue

 

5.5

 

4.4

 

2.1

 

17.8

 

29.8

 

 

10.8

 

15.0

 

3.0

 

31.5

 

60.3

 

Total revenues

 

557.9

 

363.6

 

111.8

 

24.5

 

1,057.8

 

 

566.6

 

338.2

 

208.1

 

42.5

 

1,155.4

 

Loss and LAE

 

303.7

 

186.6

 

75.2

 

(1.5

)

564.0

 

Losses and LAE

 

255.8

 

170.3

 

165.8

 

 

591.9

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

86.3

 

70.3

 

29.0

 

 

185.6

 

 

74.9

 

53.3

 

55.7

 

 

183.9

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

83.9

 

20.4

 

11.1

 

.5

 

115.9

 

 

66.4

 

25.2

 

11.3

 

.7

 

103.6

 

General and administrative expenses

 

4.4

 

2.2

 

 

38.0

 

44.6

 

 

2.4

 

5.5

 

 

35.1

 

43.0

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

5.8

 

(.6

)

 

 

5.2

 

 

4.0

 

1.4

 

 

 

5.4

 

Interest expense on debt

 

11.4

 

.4

 

 

(.1

)

11.7

 

 

11.4

 

8.2

 

 

.2

 

19.8

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

14.0

 

 

 

 

14.0

 

 

16.3

 

 

 

 

16.3

 

Total expenses

 

509.5

 

279.3

 

115.3

 

36.9

 

941.0

 

 

431.2

 

263.9

 

232.8

 

36.0

 

963.9

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

48.4

 

$

84.3

 

$

(3.5

)

$

(12.4

)

116.8

 

 

$

135.4

 

$

74.3

 

$

(24.7

)

$

6.5

 

$

191.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

White

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Millions

 

OneBeacon

 

Mountains Re

 

Esurance

 

Operations

 

Total

 

Three months ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

492.6

 

$

285.8

 

$

140.5

 

$

 

$

918.9

 

Net investment income

 

48.2

 

46.1

 

5.2

 

9.2

 

108.7

 

Net realized investment gains

 

31.8

 

6.8

 

3.5

 

25.7

 

67.8

 

Other revenue

 

36.6

 

31.3

 

1.8

 

21.1

 

90.8

 

Total revenues

 

609.2

 

370.0

 

151.0

 

56.0

 

1,186.2

 

Losses and LAE

 

292.0

 

163.1

 

100.5

 

2.5

 

558.1

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

89.0

 

65.8

 

34.5

 

 

189.3

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

84.0

 

24.8

 

13.5

 

.5

 

122.8

 

General and administrative expenses

 

4.9

 

5.6

 

.1

 

42.5

 

53.1

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

5.8

 

.8

 

 

 

6.6

 

Interest expense on debt

 

12.0

 

.4

 

 

.5

 

12.9

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

14.9

 

 

 

 

14.9

 

Total expenses

 

502.6

 

260.5

 

148.6

 

46.0

 

957.7

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

106.6

 

$

109.5

 

$

2.4

 

$

10.0

 

$

228.5

 

21



 

 

 

 

White

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Millions

 

OneBeacon

 

Mountains Re

 

Esurance

 

Operations

 

Total

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

1,407.5

 

$

870.9

 

$

556.6

 

$

 

$

2,835.0

 

Net investment income

 

156.7

 

155.7

 

21.5

 

39.7

 

373.6

 

Net realized investment gains

 

142.7

 

44.9

 

2.8

 

2.5

 

192.9

 

Other revenue

 

16.3

 

9.5

 

9.1

 

95.7

 

130.6

 

Total revenues

 

1,723.2

 

1,081.0

 

590.0

 

137.9

 

3,532.1

 

Losses and LAE

 

827.1

 

537.7

 

443.2

 

(10.7

)

1,797.3

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

231.5

 

197.9

 

150.7

 

 

580.1

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

246.9

 

86.4

 

41.9

 

2.3

 

377.5

 

General and administrative expenses

 

7.5

 

21.7

 

0.2

 

128.9

 

158.3

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

12.0

 

4.0

 

 

 

16.0

 

Interest expense on debt

 

34.1

 

16.2

 

 

4.6

 

54.9

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

48.4

 

 

 

 

48.4

 

Total expenses

 

1,407.5

 

863.9

 

636.0

 

125.1

 

3,032.5

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

315.7

 

$

217.1

 

$

(46.0

)

$

12.8

 

$

499.6

 

 

 

 

 

White

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Millions

 

OneBeacon

 

Mountains Re

 

Esurance

 

Operations

 

Total

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

1,458.1

 

$

943.8

 

$

371.5

 

$

 

$

2,773.4

 

Net investment income

 

144.2

 

130.6

 

13.6

 

23.2

 

311.6

 

Net realized investment gains

 

97.8

 

48.0

 

7.0

 

50.0

 

202.8

 

Other revenue

 

48.4

 

38.2

 

5.7

 

64.8

 

157.1

 

Total revenues

 

1,748.5

 

1,160.6

 

397.8

 

138.0

 

3,444.9

 

Losses and LAE

 

891.3

 

727.3

 

265.6

 

1.7

 

1,885.9

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

249.8

 

217.0

 

95.8

 

 

562.6

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

253.9

 

70.3

 

35.9

 

1.4

 

361.5

 

General and administrative expenses

 

11.6

 

12.7

 

.1

 

95.6

 

120.0

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

17.3

 

.9

 

 

 

18.2

 

Interest expense on debt

 

34.8

 

1.2

 

 

.5

 

36.5

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

43.3

 

 

 

 

43.3

 

Total expenses

 

1,502.0

 

1,029.4

 

397.4

 

99.2

 

3,028.0

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

246.5

 

$

131.2

 

$

.4

 

$

38.8

 

$

416.9

 

Note 10.12.  Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

White Mountains’ investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates represent investments in other insurerscompanies in which White Mountains has a significant voting and economic interest but does not control the entity.

Symetra

At September 30, 2007, White Mountains owns 24% of the common shares of Symetra on a fully converted basis, consisting of 2.0 million common shares and warrants to acquire an additional 1.1 million common shares. White Mountains accounts for its investment in Symetra’s common shares using the equity method of accounting and accounts for its Symetra warrants under FAS 133, recording the warrants at fair value with changes in fair value recognized through the income statement as a realized investment gain or loss.

22



The following table provides summary financial amounts recorded by White Mountains during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 relating to its investment in Symetra:

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Millions

 

Common
Shares

 

Warrants

 

Total

 

Common
Shares

 

Warrants

 

Total

 

Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of January 1

 

$

249.3

 

$

54.0

 

$

303.3

 

$

263.9

 

$

47.8

 

$

311.7

 

Equity in earnings of Symetra (1)

 

10.3

 

 

10.3

 

6.8

 

 

6.8

 

Net unrealized gains from Symetra’s equity portfolio and other

 

.5

 

 

.5

 

1.8

 

 

1.8

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) from Symetra’s fixed maturities

 

5.9

 

 

5.9

 

(56.8

)

 

(56.8

)

Increase in value of warrants

 

 

3.7

 

3.7

 

 

4.6

 

4.6

 

Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of March 31 (2)

 

$

266.0

 

$

57.7

 

$

323.7

 

$

215.7

 

$

52.4

 

$

268.1

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

 

 

Millions

 

Shares 

 

Warrants

 

Total

 

Shares

 

Warrants

 

Total

 

Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of January 1

 

$

249.3

 

$

54.0

 

$

303.3

 

$

263.9

 

$

47.8

 

$

311.7

 

Equity in earnings of Symetra (1)

 

10.3

 

 

10.3

 

6.8

 

 

6.8

 

Net unrealized gains from Symetra’s equity portfolio and other

 

.5

 

 

.5

 

1.8

 

 

1.8

 

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

 

5.9

 

 

5.9

 

(56.8

)

 

(56.8

)

Increase in value of warrants

 

 

3.7

 

3.7

 

 

4.6

 

4.6

 

Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of March 31 (2)

 

266.0

 

57.7

 

323.7

 

215.7

 

52.4

 

268.1

 

Equity in earnings of Symetra (1)

 

8.3

 

 

8.3

 

6.8

 

 

6.8

 

Net unrealized gains from Symetra’s equity portfolio and other

 

.1

 

 

.1

 

.2

 

 

.2

 

Net unrealized losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

(40.2

)

 

(40.2

)

(36.4

)

 

(36.4

)

Increase in value of warrants

 

 

4.6

 

4.6

 

 

3.5

 

3.5

 

Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of June 30 (3)

 

234.2

 

62.3

 

296.5

 

186.3

 

55.9

 

242.2

 

Equity in earnings of Symetra (1)

 

7.9

 

 

7.9

 

7.2

 

 

7.2

 

Net unrealized (losses) from Symetra’s equity portfolio and other

 

(1.2

)

 

(1.2

)

(.2

)

 

(.2

)

Net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

15.6

 

 

15.6

 

64.9

 

 

64.9

 

Increase in value of warrants

 

 

.4

 

.4

 

 

1.2

 

1.2

 

Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of September 30 (4)

 

$

256.5

 

$

62.7

 

$

319.2

 

$

258.2

 

$

57.1

 

$

315.3

 

 


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

(2) Includes White Mountains’ equity in net unrealized gains and (losses) from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio of $1.8 million and $(32.6) million as of March 31, 2007 and 2006.

(3) Includes White Mountains’ equity in net unrealized gains and (losses) from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio of $(38.5) million and $(69.0) million as of June 30, 2007 and 2006.

(4) Includes White Mountains’ equity in net unrealized gains and(losses) from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio of $(22.9) million and $(4.1) million as of September 30, 2007 and 2006.

During the second quarter of 2007, Symetra filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed initial public offering. The shares will be offered by existing stockholders.

Delos

White Mountains owns approximately 18% of Delos and accounts for its investment in Delos under the equity method. For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, White Mountains recorded $.3$.4 million and $.8 million of after-tax equity in earnings and $.1$(.1) million and $.2 million of after-tax equity in unrealized investment gains from its investment in Delos. White Mountains’ investment in Delos at March 31,September 30, 2007 totaled $32.6 million.$33.2 million.

MSA

On October 31, 2006, White Mountains’ investment in Main Street America Holdings, Inc. (“MSA”) was restructured. White Mountains received a $70 million cash dividend from MSA,Main Street America Holdings, Inc. (“MSA”), following which White Mountains sold its 50% common stock investment in MSA to Main Street America Group, Inc. (“the MSA Group”) for (i) $70.0 million in 9.0% non-voting cumulative perpetual preferred stock of the MSA Group, and (ii) $24.5 million, or 4.9%, of the common stock of the MSA Group. Effective October 31, 2006, White Mountains accounts for its remaining investment in the MSA Group in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”.

Prior to the sale, White Mountains owned 50% of the total common shares outstanding of MSA and accounted for this investment using the equity method of accounting. For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006, White Mountains recorded $(1.6) million and $8.6 million, respectively, of after-tax net income of $2.2 millionequity in earnings (loss) from its investment in MSA and $1.2$9.3 million and $.4 million of after-tax equity in MSA’s unrealized investment losses.gains, respectively. As of March 31,September 30, 2006, White Mountains’ investment in MSA totaled $169.5$181.8 million.

23



Note 13. Variable Interest Entity

As of March 31,September 30, 2007, White Mountains’Mountains has a $50.4 million investment in MSA totaled $95.1 million, whichPentelia Investment Ltd. (“PIL”), a corporation that invests in insurance-related investment assets. White Mountains has determined that its investment in PIL is compriseda variable interest entity. However, White Mountains is not the primary beneficiary. White Mountains accounts for its interests in PIL as an equity method investment. White Mountains’ exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of $25.1 million of common stock and $70.0 million of preferred stock.its investment in PIL.


Note 11.14. Retirement and Postretirement Plans

OneBeacon sponsors qualified and non-qualified, non-contributory, defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all employees who were employed as of December 31, 2001, and remain actively employed. Current plans include a OneBeacon qualified pension plan (the “Qualified Plan”) and a OneBeacon non-qualified pension plan (the “Non-qualified Plan”). OneBeacon’s pension plans were frozen and curtailed in the fourth quarter of 2002.

The components of net periodic benefit costs for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

Service cost

 

$

.5

 

$

.3

 

Interest cost

 

6.6

 

6.9

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(6.8

)

(7.6

)

Amortization of unrecognized loss

 

.1

 

 

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

 

.4

 

(.4

)

Special termination benefits expense (1)

 

 

1.2

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

.4

 

$

.8

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Service cost

 

$

.5

 

$

1.0

 

$

1.6

 

$

1.6

 

Interest cost

 

1.9

 

6.9

 

15.2

 

20.7

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(1.9

)

(7.6

)

(15.5

)

(22.9

)

Amortization of unrecognized loss

 

.1

 

.1

 

.3

 

.2

 

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

 

.6

 

.4

 

1.6

 

(.4

)

Settlement gain

 

(25.6

)

 

(25.6

)

 

Special termination benefits expense (1)

 

.8

 

 

.8

 

1.6

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

(24.2

)

$

.4

 

$

(23.2

)

$

1.2

 

 


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

OneBeacon anticipates contributing $2.9 million to the pension plans for 2007. As of March 31,September 30, 2007, $1.0$2.5 million in contributions have been made. All of OneBeacon’s year to dateyear-to-date and expected pension contributions in 2007 relate to non-qualified pension plansthe Non-qualified Plan, for which OneBeacon has establishedholds assets held in rabbi trusts.

On July 11, 2007, the Company settled approximately 80% of the Qualified Plan liabilities through the purchase of two group annuity contracts for $398.5 million from Transamerica Life Insurance Company and Hartford Life Insurance Company. In accordance with SFAS No. 88 “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits”, the Qualified Plan’s obligations were re-measured in connection with this settlement. In accordance with SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions”, and consistent with the methodology applied at December 31, 2006, OneBeacon’s discount rate assumption reflects the rate at which benefit obligations could effectively be settled. Based on consideration of published yields for high quality long-term corporate bonds and U.S. Treasuries as of the re-measurement date, as well as consideration of settlement rates from insurance company annuity contracts, the discount rate utilized for the revaluation of the Qualified Plan obligations was 5.45% as compared to 5.0% at December 31, 2006. In addition, other assumptions (e.g., mortality, retirement age and form of payment) were updated to reflect more recent experience and revised expectations of behavior for the remaining population, as well as to consider information learned through the settlement process. As a result of the partial settlement and re-measurement, the Company recognized a gain of $25.6 million through pre-tax income ($19.3 million as a reduction to other underwriting expenses and $6.3 million as a reduction to loss and LAE) and a pre-tax loss of $2.5 million through other comprehensive income. The remaining Qualified Plan liabilities, which are primarily attributable to Qualified Plan participants who remain actively employed by OneBeacon, are approximately $97.6 million.

24



Note 12.15. Employee Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans

Effective January 1, 2006, White Mountains adopted FAS 123R to account for its share-based compensation under the modified prospective method of adoption. Under this method of adoption, FAS 123R applies to new grants of share-based awards, awards modified after the effective date and the remaining portion of the fair value of the unvested awards at the adoption date. The unvested portion of White Mountains’ incentive stock options (“Incentive Options”), non-qualified stock options (“Non-Qualified Options”), restricted common share awards (“Restricted Shares”) and performance share awards outstanding as of January 1, 2006, as well as subsequent awards, are subject to the fair value measurement and recognition requirements of FAS 123R. Upon adoption of
FAS 123R, an estimate of future forfeitures was incorporated into the determination of the compensation cost for performance shares and Restricted Shares. The effect of this change was immaterial.

White Mountains’ share-based compensation expense consists primarily of performance share expense. Prior to February 2007, the value of OneBeacon’s performance shares was based upon the market price of an underlying White Mountains common share (“WTM Performance Shares”). In February 2007, all of OneBeacon’s WTM Performance Shares outstanding were replaced with an equivalent value of performance shares from the OneBeacon Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “OB Incentive Plan”) whose value is based upon the market price of an underlying OneBeacon Ltd. common share (“OB Performance Shares”).


Share-Based Compensation Based on White Mountains Common Shares

WTM Performance Shares

The following summarizes performance share activity for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 for WTM performance shares granted under the White Mountains Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “WTM Incentive Plan”) and WTM phantom performance shares granted under subsidiary plans (“WTM Phantom Share Plans”):

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Millions, except share amounts

 

Target WTM
Performance
Shares
Outstanding

 

Accrued
Expense

 

Target WTM
Performance
Shares
Outstanding

 

Accrued
Expense

 

Beginning of period

 

185,363

 

$

102.4

 

183,317

 

$

100.5

 

Payments and deferrals (1) (2)

 

(63,300

)

(56.0

)

(64,100

)

(57.0

)

New awards

 

51,978

 

 

71,185

 

 

Forfeitures and cancellations

 

(16,459

)

(4.2

)

(5,039

)

(1.4

)

Transfers to the OB Incentive Plan

 

(12,810

)

(4.4

)

 

 

Expense recognized

 

 

5.9

 

 

16.8

 

Ending March 31,

 

144,772

 

$

43.7

 

185,363

 

$

58.9

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

Target

 

 

 

Target

 

 

 

Target

 

 

 

Target

 

 

 

 

 

Performance

 

 

 

Performance

 

 

 

Performance

 

 

 

Performance

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Accrued

 

Shares

 

Accrued

 

Shares

 

Accrued

 

Shares

 

Accrued

 

Millions, except share amounts

 

Outstanding

 

Expense

 

Outstanding

 

Expense

 

Outstanding

 

Expense

 

Outstanding

 

Expense

 

Beginning of period

 

146,263

 

$

57.1

 

185,363

 

$

57.6

 

185,363

 

$

102.4

 

183,031

 

$

100.5

 

Payments and deferrals (1)

 

 

 

 

 

(63,300

)

(56.0

)

(64,100

)

(57.0

)

New awards

 

1,012

 

 

 

 

54,943

 

 

71,185

 

 

Forfeitures and cancellations

 

(416

)

(.1

)

 

 

(17,337

)

(4.4

)

(4,753

)

(1.8

)

Transfers out (2)

 

 

 

 

 

(12,810

)

(4.4

)

 

 

Expense (benefit) recognized

 

 

(4.8

)

 

10.0

 

 

14.6

 

 

25.9

 

Ending September 30,

 

146,859

 

$

52.2

 

185,363

 

$

67.6

 

146,859

 

$

52.2

 

185,363

 

$

67.6

 

 


(1) WTM Performance share payments in 2007 for the 2004-2006 performance cycle ranged from 145% to 186% of target

(2)target. WTM Performance share payments in 2006 for the 2003-2005 performance cycle ranged from 142% to 181% of target. Amounts include deposits into White Mountains’ deferred compensation plan.

(2) In February 2007, the WTM Performance shares of OneBeacon employees were replaced with an equivalent value of OneBeacon Performance Shares issued under the OneBeacon Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “OB Incentive Plan”).

If 100% of the outstanding WTM performance shares had been vested on March 31,September 30, 2007, the total additional compensation cost to be recognized would have been $62.1$41.6 million, based on March 31,September 30, 2007 accrual factors (common share price and payout assumptions).

All WTM performance shares earned for the 2004-2006 and 2003-2005 performance cycles were settled in cash or by deferral into certain non-qualified deferred compensation plans of the Company or its subsidiaries.

25



The following summarizes WTM performance shares outstanding and accrued WTM performance share expense for performance shares awarded under the WTM Incentive Plan at March 31,September 30, 2007 for each performance cycle:

Millions, except share amounts

 

Target WTM
Performance
Shares
Outstanding

 

Accrued
Expense

 

Performance cycle:

 

 

 

 

 

2005 - 2007

 

40,530

 

$

20.3

 

2006 - 2008

 

50,115

 

19.8

 

2007 - 2009

 

44,819

 

2.2

 

Sub-total

 

135,464

 

42.3

 

Assumed forfeitures

 

(3,387

)

(1.0

)

Total at March 31, 2007

 

132,077

 

$

41.3

 


 

 

Target WTM

 

 

 

 

 

Performance

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Accrued

 

Millions, except share amounts

 

Outstanding

 

Expense

 

Performance cycle:

 

 

 

 

 

2005 - 2007

 

40,530

 

$

18.8

 

2006 - 2008

 

50,098

 

24.6

 

2007 - 2009

 

46,751

 

6.9

 

Sub-total

 

137,379

 

50.3

 

Assumed forfeitures

 

(3,435

)

(1.3

)

Total at September 30, 2007

 

133,944

 

$

49.0

 

The following summarizes WTM phantom performance shares outstanding and accrued WTM phantom performance share expense for awards made under the WTM Phantom Share Plans at March 31,September 30, 2007 for each performance cycle:

Millions, except share amounts

 

Target WTM
Phantom
Performance
Shares
Outstanding

 

Accrued
Expense

 

Performance cycle:

 

 

 

 

 

2005 - 2007

 

3,511

 

$

1.4

 

2006 - 2008

 

2,350

 

.8

 

2007 - 2009

 

7,159

 

.3

 

Sub-total

 

13,020

 

2.5

 

Assumed forfeitures

 

(325

)

(.1

)

Total at March 31, 2007

 

12,695

 

$

2.4

 

 

 

Target WTM

 

 

 

 

 

Phantom

 

 

 

 

 

Performance

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Accrued

 

Millions, except share amounts

 

Outstanding

 

Expense

 

Performance cycle:

 

 

 

 

 

2005 - 2007

 

3,567

 

$

1.3

 

2006 - 2008

 

2,139

 

1.0

 

2007 - 2009

 

7,540

 

1.0

 

Sub-total

 

13,246

 

3.3

 

Assumed forfeitures

 

(331

)

(.1

)

Total at September 30, 2007

 

12,915

 

$

3.2

 

 

Restricted Shares

At March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company had 54,000 and 13,00010,000 unvested Restricted Shares outstanding under the WTM Incentive Plan. The following outlines the unrecognized compensation cost associated with the outstanding Restricted Share awards made under the WTM Incentive Plan for the quarterthree and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

Unamortized

 

 

 

Unamortized

 

 

 

Unamortized

 

 

 

Unamortized

 

 

 

Restricted

 

Grant Date

 

Restricted

 

Grant Date

 

Restricted

 

Grant Date

 

Restricted

 

Grant Date

 

Millions, except share amounts

 

Shares

 

Fair Value

 

Shares

 

Fair Value

 

Shares

 

Fair Value

 

Shares

 

Fair Value

 

Non-vested, beginning of period,

 

54,000

 

$

29.1

 

10,000

 

$

1.0

 

10,000

 

$

.3

 

13,000

 

$

1.9

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

54,000

 

31.0

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

(10,000

)

 

(3,000

)

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense (benefit) recognized

 

 

(1.2

)

 

(.4

)

 

(3.4

)

 

(1.3

)

Non-vested at September 30,

 

54,000

 

$

27.9

 

10,000

 

$

.6

 

54,000

 

$

27.9

 

10,000

 

$

.6

 

26

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Millions, except share amounts

 

Restricted
Shares

 

Unamortized
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

Restricted
Shares

 

Unamortized
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

Non-vested, beginning of period,

 

10,000

 

$

.3

 

13,000

 

$

1.9

 

Granted

 

54,000

 

31.0

 

 

 

Vested

 

(10,000

)

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

Expense recognized

 

 

(1.0

)

 

(.5

)

Non-vested at March 31,

 

54,000

 

$

30.3

 

13,000

 

$

1.4

 



 

During the first quarter of 2007, White Mountains made the following grants of Restricted Shares to the Company’s Chairman and CEO: (i)(1) 35,000 Restricted Shares that vest in equal annual installments over five years based on continuous service by the employee throughout the award period; (ii)years; (2) 15,000 Restricted Shares that vest in the event of a change in control of the Company or termination of the employee before January 20, 2012. During the first quarter of 2007, White Mountains also awarded 4,000 Restricted Shares to other employees that cliff vest in February 2010 based on continuous service by the employee throughout the award period. Of the unrecognized compensation cost at March 31,September 30, 2007, $21.7$19.3 million is expected to be recognized ratably over the remaining vesting periods and $8.6 million is expected to be recognized only in the event of a change in control or termination of the Chairman and CEO before January 20, 2012. Upon vesting, all restrictions initially placed upon the common shares lapse.

On January 1, 2006, White Mountains recorded an adjustment of $1.9 million to reclassify unearned compensation in common shareholders’ equity relating to its outstanding Restricted Shares to opening paid-in surplus to reflect the cumulative effect of adoption for FAS 123R.

Non-Qualified Options

In January 2007, the Company issued 200,000 seven-year Non-Qualified Options to the Company’s Chairman and CEO that vest in equal annual installments over five years and that have an initial exercise price of $650 per common share that escalates each year by 5% less the annual regular dividend rate (the “Escalator”). The fair value of the Non-Qualified


Options at the grant date was estimated using a closed-form option model using an expected volatility assumption of 29.7%, a risk-free interest rate assumption of 1.4%1.1% (or 4.7% lessplus the expected annual regular dividend rate at the date of grant)grant less the Escalator), a forfeiture assumption of 0%, an expected dividend rate assumption of 1.4% and a term assumption of seven years. The fair value of the Non-Qualified Options was $27.2 million at the grant date and will be recognized ratably over the five year vesting period. The Company recognized $1.1$3.8 million of expense duringfor the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2007 associated with its Non-Qualified Options.

Incentive Options

At March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company had 25,35014,400 and 33,45032,250 Incentive Options outstanding which were granted to certain key employees on February 28, 2000 (the grant date) under the WTM Incentive Plan. The 81,000 Incentive Options originally granted were issued at an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s underlying common shares on February 27, 2000. The exercise price escalates by 6% per annum over the life of the Incentive Options. The Incentive Options vest ratably over a ten-year service period. Upon the adoption of FAS 123R, the grant date fair value of the awards as originally disclosed for FAS 123, adjusted for estimated future forfeitures, became the basis for recognition of compensation expense for the Incentive Options. The fair value of each Incentive Option award at the grant date was estimated using a closed-form option model using an expected volatility assumption of 18.5%, a risk-free interest rate assumption of 6.4% and an expected term of ten years.

The following summarizes the Company’s Incentive Option activity for the quartersthree and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

Millions, except share and per share amounts

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Opening balance - outstanding Options

 

14,400

 

33,450

 

29,550

 

34,280

 

Forfeited

 

 

(1,200

)

(5,400

)

(1,200

)

Exercised

 

 

 

(9,750

)

(830

)

Ending balance - outstanding Options

 

14,400

 

32,250

 

14,400

 

32,250

 

Outstanding Options - exercisable

 

1,800

 

8,250

 

1,800

 

8,250

 

Exercise price - outstanding Options at beginning of period

 

$

162.87

 

$

153.65

 

$

158.21

 

$

149.25

 

Value of Options exercised (1)

 

$

 

$

 

$

4.1

 

$

.3

 

Exercise price - outstanding Options at September 30,

 

$

165.28

 

$

155.93

 

$

165.28

 

$

155.93

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Millions, except share and per share amounts

 

2007

 

2006

 

Opening balance - outstanding Options

 

29,550

 

34,280

 

Forfeited

 

(2,700

)

 

Exercised

 

(1,500

)

(830

)

Ending balance - outstanding Options

 

25,350

 

33,450

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Options - exercisable

 

10,050

 

8,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise price - outstanding Options at beginning of period

 

$

158.21

 

$

149.25

 

Intrinsic value of Options exercised

 

$

.6

 

$

.3

 

Exercise price - outstanding Options at end of period

 

$

160.48

 

$

151.40

 


(1) Amount is equal to the number of options exercised multiplied by amount the ending market value exceeds the strike price on the date of exercise.

 

The total in-the-money value of all outstanding Incentive Options and those Incentive Options currently exercisable at March 31,September 30, 2007 was $10.3$5.1 million and $4.1$.6 million. The Incentive Options expire in February 2010. White Mountains expects approximately 5,1004,200 Incentive Options to become exercisable in 2007 and will issue common shares when the Incentive Options are exercised.

27



Share-Based Compensation Based on OneBeacon Ltd. Common Shares

OB Performance Shares

The following summarizes performance share activity for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 for OB performance shares granted under the OB Incentive Plan:

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Millions, except share amounts

 

Target OB
Performance
Shares
Outstanding

 

Accrued
Expense

 

Target OB
Performance
Shares
Outstanding

 

Accrued
Expense

 

Beginning of period

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Payments and deferrals

 

 

 

 

 

New awards

 

884,786

 

 

 

 

Forfeitures and cancellations

 

(29,325

)

(.1

)

 

 

Transfers from the WTM Incentive Plan

 

288,197

 

4.4

 

 

 

Expense recognized

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

Ending March 31,

 

1,143,658

 

$

6.3

 

 

$

 

 


 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

Target

 

 

 

Target

 

 

 

Target

 

 

 

Target

 

 

 

 

 

Performance

 

 

 

Performance

 

 

 

Performance

 

 

 

Performance

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Accrued

 

Shares

 

Accrued

 

Shares

 

Accrued

 

Shares

 

Accrued

 

Millions, except share amounts

 

Outstanding

 

Expense

 

Outstanding

 

Expense

 

Outstanding

 

Expense

 

Outstanding

 

Expense

 

Beginning of period

 

1,127,837

 

$

10.4

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Payments and deferrals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New awards

 

25,671

 

 

 

 

934,131

 

 

 

 

Forfeitures and cancellations

 

(18,222

)

(.4

)

 

 

(87,042

)

(.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers from the WTM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incentive plan

 

 

 

 

 

288,197

 

4.4

 

 

 

Expense recognized

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

 

8.0

 

 

 

Ending September 30,

 

1,135,286

 

$

11.7

 

 

$

 

1,135,286

 

$

11.7

 

 

$

 

If 100% of the outstanding OB performance shares had been vested on March 31,September 30, 2007, the total additional compensation cost to be recognized would have been $23.9$27.6 million, based on March 31,September 30, 2007 accrual factors (common share price and payout assumptions).

The following summarizes OB performance shares outstanding awarded under the OB Incentive Plan at March 31,September 30, 2007 for each performance cycle:

Millions, except share amounts

 

Target OB
Performance
Shares
Outstanding

 

Accrued
Expense

 

Performance cycle:

 

 

 

 

 

2005 - 2007

 

128,355

 

$

2.1

 

2006 - 2008

 

159,842

 

2.5

 

2007 - 2009

 

884,786

 

1.8

 

Sub-total

 

1,172,983

 

6.4

 

Assumed forfeitures

 

(29,325

)

(0.1

)

Total at March 31, 2007

 

1,143,658

 

$

6.3

 

 

 

Target OB

 

 

 

 

 

Performance

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Accrued

 

Millions, except share amounts

 

Outstanding

 

Expense

 

Performance cycle:

 

 

 

 

 

2005 - 2007

 

122,859

 

$

3.6

 

2006 - 2008

 

161,216

 

3.8

 

2007 - 2009

 

880,130

 

4.4

 

Sub-total

 

1,164,205

 

11.8

 

Assumed forfeitures

 

(28,919

)

(.1

)

Total at September 30, 2007

 

1,135,286

 

$

11.7

 

 

Non-Qualified Options

In November 2006, in connection with its initial public offering, OneBeacon Ltd. issued to its key employees 1,420,000 fixed-price Non-Qualified Options to acquire OneBeacon Ltd. common shares. The Non-Qualified Options have a $30.00 strike price and vest in equal installments on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of issuance and have a 51¤ 1/2 year term. For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, OneBeacon Ltd. recognized $.3$.6 million and $1.2 million of expense associated with its Non-Qualified Options.

28



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

The following discussion contains “forward-looking statements”. White Mountains intends statements that are not historical in nature, which are hereby identified as forward-looking statements, to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. White Mountains cannot promise that its expectations in such forward-looking statements will turn out to be correct. White Mountains’ actual results could be materially different from and worse than its expectations. 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 threefour non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted comprehensive net income, fully diluted tangible book value per share, and tangible capital and OneBeacon’s adjusted book value per share, that have been reconciled to their most comparable GAAP financial measures (see page 36)42). White Mountains believes these measures to be more relevant than comparable GAAP measures in evaluating White Mountains’ financial performance and condition.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

Overview

White Mountains ended the firstthird quarter of 2007 with a fully diluted tangible book value per share of $415,$435, an increase of 3%3.7% for the quarter, and 20%8.7% for the pastfirst nine months of 2007 and 18.8% for the twelve months,month period ended September 30, 2007, including dividends. White Mountains’ adjusted comprehensive net income was $161 million for the first quarter of 2007 was $103 million compared to $117 million in the first quarter of 2006.

OneBeacon reported a 98% combined ratio in the firstthird quarter of 2007 compared to a 99%$211 million in the third quarter of 2006, and $354 million for the first nine months of 2007 compared to $377 million for the first nine months of 2006.

OneBeacon reported combined ratios of 84% in the third quarter and 93% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to 94% and 96% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006. White Mountains Re reported a 99% combined ratio of 94% for both the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2007 which included 16 points from European windstorms Kyrill and Hanno compared to an 88% combined ratio during89% and 108% in the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2006. Esurance reported a 111% combined ratioratios of 118% and 114% in the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2007 compared to a 110%106% and 107% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, while increasing its written premiums 27% and 38% over the third quarter and first nine months of 2006. Esurance’s net written premiums were up 47% from the first quarter of 2006. Investment results were strong and were the key driver in the growth in book value for the quarter, as theWhite Mountains’ GAAP pre-tax total return on invested assets was 2.0% and 5.4% for the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2007 was 1.9% compared to 1.1%2.7% and 5.5% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006. White Mountains’ bond portfolio exceeded benchmarks with much less volatility and its equity portfolio performed in line with the first quarter of 2006.market. Both benefitted from the weakening U.S. dollar.

Fully Diluted Tangible Book Value Per Share

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

 

 

March 31,
2007

 

December 31,
2006

 

March 31,
2006

 

Book value per share numerators (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

$

4,542.9

 

$

4,455.3

 

$

3.872.2

 

Benefits to be received from share obligations under employee benefit plans

 

4.1

 

4.7

 

5.1

 

Remaining accretion of subsidiary preferred stock to face value

 

(35.5

)(1)

(41.8

)(1)

(79.6

)

Book value per share numerator

 

4,511.5

 

4,418.2

 

3,797.7

 

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

 

(1.8

)

4.1

 

32.6

 

Goodwill

 

(29.2

)

(32.5

)

(23.8

)

Fully diluted tangible book value per share numerator

 

$

4,480.5

 

$

4,389.8

 

$

3,806.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares outstanding

 

10,833.8

 

10,782.8

 

10,780.1

 

Unearned restricted shares

 

(52.7

)

 

 

Share obligations under employee benefit plans

 

25.3

 

29.5

 

33.4

 

Fully diluted tangible book value per share denominator

 

10,806.4

 

10,812.3

 

10,813.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book value per share

 

$

417.47

 

$

408.62

 

$

351.19

 

Fully diluted tangible book value per share

 

$

414.61

 

$

406.00

 

$

352.01

 

 

 

Sept. 30,

 

June 30,

 

Dec. 31,

 

Sept. 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2007

 

2006

 

2006

 

Book value per share numerators (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

$

4,732.6

 

$

4,575.3

 

$

4,455.3

 

$

4,118.7

 

Benefits to be received from share obligations under employee benefit plans

 

2.4

 

2.3

 

4.7

 

5.0

 

Remaining accretion of subsidiary preferred stock to face value

 

(22.7

)(1)

(29.3

)(1)

(41.8

)(1)

(65.5

)

Book value per share numerator

 

4,712.3

 

4,548.3

 

4,418.2

 

4,058.2

 

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

 

22.9

 

38.5

 

4.1

 

4.1

 

Goodwill

 

(28.7

)

(28.4

)

(32.5

)

(25.8

)

Fully diluted tangible book value per share numerator

 

$

4,706.5

 

$

4,558.4

 

$

4,389.8

 

$

4,036.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares outstanding

 

10,842.6

 

10,842.5

 

10,782.8

 

10,780.1

 

Unearned restricted shares

 

(48.5

)

(50.6

)

 

 

Share obligations under employee benefit plans

 

14.4

 

14.4

 

29.5

 

32.2

 

Fully diluted tangible book value per share denominator

 

10,808.5

 

10,806.3

 

10,812.3

 

10,812.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book value per share

 

$

435.99

 

$

420.90

 

$

408.62

 

$

375.34

 

Fully diluted tangible book value per share

 

$

435.45

 

$

421.83

 

$

406.00

 

$

373.33

 

 


(1) Remaining adjustment of subsidiary preferred stock to face value, which is representative ofbased on White Mountains’ ownership interest in OneBeacon Ltd. of 71.8%71.9%, 71.7% and 72.4% as of March 31,September 30, 2007, June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

29



Review of Consolidated Results

White Mountains’ consolidated financial results for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 follow:

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

1,202.1

 

$

1,228.9

 

Net written premiums

 

$

1,051.6

 

$

1,044.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

938.0

 

$

901.0

 

Net investment income

 

118.0

 

98.5

 

Net realized investment gains

 

73.9

 

28.5

 

Other revenue

 

36.2

 

29.8

 

Total revenues

 

1,166.1

 

1,057.8

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

613.3

 

564.0

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

192.6

 

185.6

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

137.7

 

115.9

 

General and administrative expenses

 

52.9

 

44.6

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

5.1

 

5.2

 

Interest expense - debt

 

16.8

 

11.7

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

15.8

 

14.0

 

Total expenses

 

1,034.2

 

941.0

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

131.9

 

$

116.8

 

Income tax provision

 

(31.2

)

(26.9

)

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

 

10.5

 

9.0

 

Minority interest

 

(19.0

)

(2.9

)

Net income

 

$

92.2

 

$

96.0

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

16.9

 

(36.1

)

Comprehensive net income

 

$

109.1

 

$

59.9

 

Change in net unrealized (gains) losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

(5.9

)

56.8

 

Adjusted comprehensive net income

 

$

103.2

 

$

116.7

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

1,037.4

 

$

1,077.4

 

$

3,285.0

 

$

3,400.0

 

Net written premiums

 

$

942.2

 

$

987.1

 

$

2,943.7

 

$

3,015.7

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

936.3

 

$

918.9

 

$

2,835.0

 

$

2,773.4

 

Net investment income

 

128.9

 

108.7

 

373.6

 

311.6

 

Net realized investment gains

 

29.9

 

67.8

 

192.9

 

202.8

 

Other revenue

 

60.3

 

90.8

 

130.6

 

157.1

 

Total revenues

 

1,155.4

 

1,186.2

 

3,532.1

 

3,444.9

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and LAE

 

591.9

 

558.1

 

1,797.3

 

1,885.9

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

183.9

 

189.3

 

580.1

 

562.6

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

103.6

 

122.8

 

377.5

 

361.5

 

General and administrative expenses

 

43.0

 

53.1

 

158.3

 

120.0

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

5.4

 

6.6

 

16.0

 

18.2

 

Interest expense - debt

 

19.8

 

12.9

 

54.9

 

36.5

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

16.3

 

14.9

 

48.4

 

43.3

 

Total expenses

 

963.9

 

957.7

 

3,032.5

 

3,028.0

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

191.5

 

$

228.5

 

$

499.6

 

$

416.9

 

Income tax benefit (provision)

 

(64.3

)

(69.3

)

(151.3

)

(66.9

)

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

 

8.2

 

5.6

 

27.3

 

29.4

 

Minority interest

 

(24.0

)

(2.7

)

(69.4

)

(5.5

)

Net income

 

$

111.4

 

$

162.1

 

$

306.2

 

$

373.9

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

64.7

 

113.6

 

28.8

 

(25.1

)

Comprehensive net income

 

$

176.1

 

$

275.7

 

$

335.0

 

$

348.8

 

Change in net unrealized (gains) losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

(15.6

)

(64.9

)

18.8

 

28.3

 

Adjusted comprehensive net income

 

$

160.5

 

$

210.8

 

$

353.8

 

$

377.1

 

 

Consolidated Results – Three–Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2007 versus Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2006

White Mountains’ total revenues decreased by 3% to $1,155 million and increased by $1083% to $3,532 million or 10%,in the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 from the comparable 2006 periods. Earned premiums increased by 2% in both 2007 periods as compared to $1,1662006, as increases at Esurance were mostly offset by decreases at OneBeacon, resulting primarily from sale of the renewal rights to its Agri business to QBE (the “Agri Sale”) during the third quarter of 2006, and at White Mountains Re, reflecting deteriorating pricing across all lines and disciplined underwriting in a softening market. Net investment income increased 19% and 20% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 over the comparable 2006 periods. Net realized gains decreased by 56% to $30 million in the third quarter and by 5% to $193 million in the first quarternine months of 2007 compared to $1,058the third quarter and first nine months of 2006. See “Summary of Investment Results” below for a discussion of net investment income and net realized gains. Other revenues decreased by 34% to $60 million and 17% to $131 million in the firstthird quarter of 2006.  Earned premiums increased by 4% inand the first quarternine months of 2007, primarily due to a 62% increase at Esurance, partially offset by smaller decreases at OneBeacon andthe recognition of $44 million in transaction gains from White Mountains Re.  Net realized gainsRe’s sale of Sirius America and OneBeacon’s Agri Sale during the third quarter of 2006. Other revenues also included $30 million and $77 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 related to the consolidation of the Tuckerman Funds compared to $20 million and $52 million in the 2006 periods.

30



White Mountains’ total expenses increased by $451% to $964 million in the third quarter and were relatively flat at $3,033 million for the first nine months of 2007 compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2006. Loss and LAE increased by 6% to $592 million in the third quarter of 2007 as compared to the third quarter of 2006, primarily due to increased loss ratios at White Mountains Re, reflecting deteriorating pricing across all lines, and Esurance, resulting primarily from a $15 million increase in loss reserves following a full review of all open liability claim files for 2006 and prior accident years. Loss and LAE decreased by 5% to $1,797 million in the first quarternine months of 2007 compared to the first quarternine months of 2006 mainly due to the saleas White Mountains experienced $223 million of convertible fixed maturity and equity securities in industry sectors that experienced significant appreciationnet unfavorable development on prior accident year loss reserves during the first nine months of 2006 related to adverse development on hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma and the Olympus reimbursement described below. Other underwriting expenses decreased by 16% in the first nine months of 2007, to $104 million, primarily due to a benefit at OneBeacon from the partial settlement of its qualified pension liabilities for nearly all of its non-active employees (See Note 14. Retirement and Postretirement Plans). General and administrative expenses decreased by 19% in the third quarter principally energyof 2007 to $43 million, due primarily to lower compensation expenses, and natural resources. Net investment income increased by $2032% in the first nine months of 2007 to $158 million, due primarily to higher expenses related to the Tuckerman Funds, which were $28 million and $72 million in the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2006, primarily as a result of a larger invested asset base.

White Mountains’ total expenses increased by $93$17 million or 10%, to $1,034and $45 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $941 million in the first quarter of 2006. Loss and LAE included $50 million of losses (gross of $5 million of reinstatement premium) recorded at White Mountains Re in the first quarter of 2007 related to European windstorms Kyrill and Hanno. Other underwriting expenses increased by 19% to $138 million in the first quarter of 2007, primarily due to a $11 million increase reported by White Mountains Re. Interest expense on debt increased to $17 million in the first quarter of 2007, from $12 million in the prior year, due to $4 million of interest expense during the first quarter of 2007 on $320 million outstanding under the WTM Bankcomparable 2006 periods.


Facility. On March 21, 2007, the WMRe Senior Notes were issued and a portion of the net proceeds were used to repay the WTM Bank Facility balance.

The income tax provision related to pre-tax income for the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2007 and 2006 represented an effective tax rate of 24%34% and 23%30%, respectively, which waswhile the effective rates in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 were 30% and 16%, respectively. White Mountains’ effective tax rates were lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to income generated in jurisdictions other than the United States.States, partially offset by withholding taxes and non-deductible dividends and accretion on the Berkshire Preferred Stock. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2006 included a $33 million benefit from settlements of U.S. Federal and state income taxes. Although the majority of the Company’s worldwide operations are taxed in the United States, the Company is domiciled in Bermuda and has subsidiaries domiciled in several countries.countries other than the United States. Earnings or losses incurred by non-U.S. companies are generally subject to a lower effective tax rate than that imposed by the United States.

I. Summary of Operations By Segment

White Mountains conducts its operations through four segments: (1) OneBeacon, (2) White Mountains Re, (3) Esurance and
(4) Other Operations.

In connection with OneBeacon’s initial public offering (the “OneBeacon Offering”), White Mountains undertook an internal reorganization. Certain businesses that are unrelated to the ongoing operations of OneBeacon Ltd. and were previously presented in the OneBeacon segment have been reclassified to the Other Operations segment. In addition, certain businesses previously presented in the Other Operations segment that are now part of OneBeacon Ltd.’s ongoing operations, including Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc. (“FAEH”) and Fund American Companies, Inc. (“Fund American”), the legal entities that issued  the mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and, in the case of Fund American, issued the $700 million senior unsecured notes (the “FAC Senior Notes”), were reclassified to the OneBeacon segment. Segment information for all prior periods has been restated for the effect of the reorganization.

White Mountains manages all of its investments through its wholly-owned subsidiary, WM Advisors, therefore, a discussion of White Mountains’ consolidated investment operations is included after the discussion of operations by segment. White Mountains’ segment information is presented in Note 911 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

OneBeacon

Financial results for OneBeacon for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 follow:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

566.9

 

$

565.1

 

$

1,607.1

 

$

1,608.6

 

Net written premiums

 

$

511.9

 

$

536.3

 

$

1,437.0

 

$

1,526.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

473.6

 

$

492.6

 

$

1,407.5

 

$

1,458.1

 

Net investment income

 

51.5

 

48.2

 

156.7

 

144.2

 

Net realized investment gains

 

30.7

 

31.8

 

142.7

 

97.8

 

Other revenue

 

10.8

 

36.6

 

16.3

 

48.4

 

Total revenues

 

566.6

 

609.2

 

1,723.2

 

1,748.5

 

Losses and LAE

 

255.8

 

292.0

 

827.1

 

891.3

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

74.9

 

89.0

 

231.5

 

249.8

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

66.4

 

84.0

 

246.9

 

253.9

 

General and administrative expenses

 

2.4

 

4.9

 

7.5

 

11.6

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

4.0

 

5.8

 

12.0

 

17.3

 

Interest expense on debt

 

11.4

 

12.0

 

34.1

 

34.8

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion of preferred stock

 

16.3

 

14.9

��

48.4

 

43.3

 

Total expenses

 

431.2

 

502.6

 

1,407.5

 

1,502.0

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

135.4

 

$

106.6

 

$

315.7

 

$

246.5

 

31

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

494.3

 

$

500.6

 

Net written premiums

 

$

440.3

 

$

474.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

468.9

 

$

480.2

 

Net investment income

 

50.6

 

45.1

 

Net realized investment gains

 

54.9

 

27.1

 

Other revenue

 

3.1

 

5.5

 

Total revenues

 

577.5

 

557.9

 

Loss and LAE

 

288.2

 

303.7

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

78.3

 

86.3

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

90.9

 

83.9

 

General and administrative expenses

 

2.4

 

4.4

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

4.0

 

5.8

 

Interest expense - debt

 

11.4

 

11.4

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

15.8

 

14.0

 

Total expenses

 

491.0

 

509.5

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

86.5

 

$

48.4

 



The following table presents OneBeacon’s adjusted book value per common share and reconciles this non-GAAP measure to book value per common share, the most comparable GAAP measure.

 

 

Sept. 30,

 

June 30,

 

Dec. 31,

 

(Millions, except per share amounts)

 

2007

 

2007

 

2006

 

OneBeacon book value per share numerators:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OneBeacon common shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,910.9

 

$

1,861.3

 

$

1,777.2

 

Remaining accretion of subsidiary preferred stock to face value

 

(31.5

)

(40.8

)

(57.7

)

Adjusted OneBeacon common shareholders’ equity

 

1,879.4

 

1,820.5

 

1,719.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OneBeacon Ltd. common shares outstanding (2)

 

99.7

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OneBeacon book value per common share

 

$

19.17

 

$

18.61

 

$

17.77

 

OneBeacon adjusted book value per common share

 

$

18.85

 

$

18.21

 

$

17.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth in adjusted book value per common share, including dividends, in the quarter (1)

 

4.6

%

3.7

%

 

 

Growth in adjusted book value per common share, including dividends, year to date (1)

 

13.3

%

8.3

%

 

 

 



(1) OneBeacon Ltd. has paid quarterly dividends of $.21 per common share beginning in March 2007.

(2) Includes the impact of repurchases of common shares made through OneBeacon’s share repurchase program which commenced in the third quarter of 2007.

The following tables provide OneBeacon’s GAAP ratios, net written premiums and earned insurance premiums for OneBeacon’s ongoing businesses and in total for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006:

($ in millions)

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

 

GAAP Ratios:

 

Specialty

 

Commercial

 

Personal (1)

 

Total (2)

 

Loss and LAE

 

58

%

55

%

66

%

62

%

Expense

 

31

%

37

%

37

%

36

%

Total Combined

 

89

%

92

%

103

%

98

%

Net written premiums

 

$

96.8

 

$

170.6

 

$

172.8

 

$

440.3

 

Earned insurance premiums

 

$

107.0

 

$

172.0

 

$

189.8

 

$

468.9

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

 

GAAP Ratios:

 

Specialty

 

Commercial

 

Personal (1)

 

Total (2)

 

Loss and LAE

 

53

%

59

%

68

%

63

%

Expense

 

32

%

40

%

32

%

36

%

Total Combined

 

85

%

99

%

100

%

99

%

Net written premiums

 

$

102.0

 

$

166.8

 

$

202.4

 

$

474.4

 

Earned insurance premiums

 

$

102.0

 

$

165.3

 

$

209.5

 

$

480.2

 

($ in millions)

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Specialty

 

Commercial

 

Personal(1)

 

Total(2)

 

Specialty

 

Commercial

 

Personal(1)

 

Total(2)

 

GAAP Ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

56

%

49

%

53

%

54

%

57

%

54

%

61

%

59

%

Expense

 

29

 

34

 

27

 

30

 

30

 

36

 

33

 

34

 

Total Combined

 

85

%

83

%

80

%

84

%

87

%

90

%

94

%

93

%

Net written premiums

 

$

136.6

 

$

192.8

 

$

182.5

 

$

511.9

 

$

344.2

 

$

557.0

 

$

535.7

 

$

1,437.0

 

Earned premiums

 

$

109.1

 

$

182.6

 

$

181.8

 

$

473.6

 

$

324.3

 

$

531.0

 

$

552.1

 

$

1,407.5

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

Specialty

 

Commercial

 

Personal(1)

 

Total(2)

 

Specialty

 

Commercial

 

Personal(1)

 

Total(2)

 

GAAP Ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

54

%

56

%

60

%

59

%

55

%

58

%

63

%

61

%

Expense

 

35

 

37

 

33

 

35

 

33

 

38

 

32

 

35

 

Total Combined

 

89

%

93

%

93

%

94

%

88

%

96

%

95

%

96

%

Net written premiums

 

$

142.5

 

$

186.3

 

$

206.5

 

$

536.2

 

$

350.1

 

$

548.8

 

$

626.3

 

$

1,526.0

 

Earned premiums

 

$

111.0

 

$

175.3

 

$

205.5

 

$

492.7

 

$

321.0

 

$

511.6

 

$

624.7

 

$

1,458.1

 

 


(1)  Includes results of consolidated reciprocals.

(2)  Includes results from runoff operations and eliminations between underwriting units.operations.

OneBeacon Results - Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2007 versus Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2006

OneBeacon ended the third quarter of 2007 with an adjusted book value per share of $18.85 reflecting a 4.6% increase for the third quarter 2007, including dividends. OneBeacon’s pre-tax income infor the firstthird quarter of 2007 was $87$135 million compared to $48$107 million infor the firstthird quarter of 2006 and its GAAP combined ratio was 98%84% for the firstthird quarter of 2007 compared to 99%94% for the firstthird quarter of 2006. The increase in pre-tax income in 2007 was primarily attributable to a $28 million increase in realized investment gains, mainly due to the sale of convertible fixed maturity and equity securities in industry sectors that experienced significant appreciation during the first quarter, principally energy and natural resources. The improvement in the combined ratio was primarily driven by lower catastrophe losses as a result of the mild Northeast winter, offset somewhat by higher than normal large losses in specialty and personal lines. OneBeacon’s expense ratio for the quarter included approximately 2 points related to OneBeacon’s relocation to its new U.S. headquarters in Canton, Massachusetts, compared to less than half a point in the first quarter of last year.

Specialty lines. Net written premiums for specialty lines decreased by 5%4% to $97$137 million in the firstthird quarter of 2007, compared to $102$143 million in the firstthird quarter of 2006. Excluding the business transferred in the Agri Sale, net written premiums increased by 13% compared to the third quarter of 2006, driven by an $8 million increase in net written premium at OneBeacon Professional Partners (OBPP).

The specialty lines combined ratio for the third quarter of 2007 was 85%, compared to 89% for the third quarter of 2006. The lower combined ratio was primarily due to a 6 point decrease in the expense ratio to 29%. This decrease was mainly due to a 3 point reduction of commission expenses from fronting fees received in the salethird quarter of renewal rights2007 from QBE on renewals of Agri business. The expense ratio also benefitted 3 points from OneBeacon’s partial pension settlement (See Note 14). Partially offsetting the decrease in the expense ratio was a 2 point increase to the Agri businessloss and LAE ratio in the third quarter of 2007 to 56%, compared to 54% in the third quarter of 2006. The Agri business contributed $21 million to net written premiums in the firstthird quarter of 2006.  This decrease was mostly offset by growth in OneBeacon’s other specialty lines.  OneBeacon Professional Partners net written premiums increased by $10 million to $62 million in2006 included 8 points of

32



favorable development on prior accident years, primarily at OBPP, while the firstthird quarter of 2007 principally driven by providers excess, long-term care and lawyersincluded 3 points of favorable development on prior accident years, primarily in professional liability products.  International Marine Underwriters net written premiums increased by $5 million to $32 millionand tuition reimbursement. Partially offsetting the increase in the first quarter of 2007, driven by increasesprior accident year losses was a 3 point decrease in hull and yacht business.

The specialty lines combined ratio for the first quarter of 2007 increased 4 points to 89% from 85% for the first quarter of 2006.  The loss and LAE ratio increased 5 points in 2007 to 58% compared to 53% in the first quarter of the prior year, mainly due to a large loss experienced in the Agri run-off business, partially offset by a decrease infrom current accident year catastrophe losses.  The first quarter of 2007 included 1 point of current accident year catastrophe losses, comparedprimarily due to 3 points in the first quarter of 2006.strong results at International Marine Underwriters (IMU).

Commercial lines.Net written premiums for commercial lines increased by 2%4% to $171$193 million in the firstthird quarter of 2007, compared to $167$186 million in the firstthird quarter of 2006. NetThe increase was primarily due to an $8 million increase in net written premiums in the small business division, increased by $10 million to $34 million in the first quarter of 2007, principally driven byfrom increased sales of small business package products. Partially offsetting this increase was a decrease$2 million less in net written premiums in the middle market division reflecting modest price decreases anddue to lower premiums at OneBeacon Specialty Property.Property (“OBSP”) as a result of our strategy to manage our exposure to catastrophe losses.

The commercial lines combined ratio for the firstthird quarter of 2007 was 92%83%, compared to 99% in93% for the firstthird quarter of 2006. The lower combined ratio was primarily due to an 7 point decrease in the loss and LAE ratio decreased to 55%49% in the firstthird quarter of 2007 from 59%56% in the firstthird quarter of 2006. The decrease was primarily due to 5 points of adverse development on prior accident year catastrophes in the third quarter of 2006 primarily duerelated to 4hurricane Wilma and two 2004 catastrophes, compared to about 3 points of favorable development on prior accident year non-catastrophe losses in the firstthird quarter of 2007.  Additionally, current accident year catastrophe losses were 2 points lower in the first quarter of 2007 when compared with the first quarter of last year. The expense ratio decreased 3 points to 37% from 40%34% in the first quarter of 2006, primarily due to lower policy acquisition expenses as a result of an internal study completed in the firstthird quarter of 2007, on the deferral rate of commercial lines’ policy acquisition costs.  The increased deferral rate is primarily the result of commercial lines’ expansion into new states.driven by OneBeacon’s partial pension settlement.


Personal lines.Net written premiums for personal lines decreased by 15%12% to $173$183 million in the firstthird quarter of 2007, compared to $202$207 million in the firstthird quarter of 2006. The decrease was principally fromdue to the continued impact of reduced writings at AutoOne due to a significant reductiondeclines in the size of New York’s assigned risk pool.pool and increased competition in the voluntary market. With respect to the New York assigned risk pool, market trends indicate that assigned risk volumes are expected to decline to approximately $165$155 million in 2007, down from $240 million in 2006, $383 million in 2005 and $629 million in 2004. OneBeacon expects a continuing reduction in AutoOne’s premium volume reflective of these trends. In traditional personal lines, net written premiumpremiums decreased 3%4% due to an increasingly competitive auto market and also state-mandated rate decreases in Massachusetts auto, along with higher reinsurance costs. In September 2007, OneBeacon decided to seek regulatory approval for Houston General Insurance Exchange, a reciprocal insurance exchange, to cease writing business in all states. Houston General Insurance Exchange had commenced writing business in November 2005. OneBeacon also took actions to reduce its personal lines workforce to make its expense ratio more competitive. Net written premiums for Houston General Insurance Exchange were $6 million in the third quarter of 2007, compared to $1 million in the third quarter of 2006.

The personal lines combined ratio for the third quarter of 2007 was 80%, compared to 93% for the third quarter of 2006. The loss and LAE ratio decreased 7 points to 53% in the third quarter of 2007, compared to 60% in the third quarter of 2006. The third quarter of 2007 included 6 points of favorable development on prior accident years in automobile liability in traditional personal lines and at AutoOne compared to 3 points of favorable development on prior accident years in the third quarter of 2006. The third quarter 2007 loss and LAE ratio also included a 1 point improvement in current accident year catastrophes due to a quiet catastrophe quarter and a
1 point benefit from the partial pension settlement. The expense ratio decreased 6 points to 27% in the third quarter of 2007, primarily due to 4 points from a state premium tax refund, as well as a 4 point benefit from the partial pension settlement. Partially offsetting the favorable impact of these items was 2 points of expense incurred in connection with the decision to cease writing business in Houston General Insurance Exchange and actions taken to reduce the personal lines workforce.

OneBeacon Results - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

At September 30, 2007, OneBeacon’s adjusted book value per share was $18.85 reflecting growth of 13.3% for the first nine months of 2007, including dividends. OneBeacon’s pre-tax income for the first nine months of 2007 was $316 million compared to $247 million for the first nine months of 2006 and its GAAP combined ratio was 93% for the first nine months of 2007 compared to 96% for the first nine months of 2006.

Specialty lines. Net written premiums for specialty lines decreased 2% to $344 million in the first nine months of 2007, compared to $350 million in the first nine months of 2006. Excluding the business transferred in the Agri Sale, net written premiums increased by 21% compared to the first nine months of 2006 due to a $24 million increase in net written premiums in specialty liability products at OBPP, a $15 million increase in net written premiums at IMU and $15 million of net written premiums for Accident and Health business, which commenced operations in 2007.

33



The specialty lines combined ratio for the first nine months of 2007 was 87%, compared to 88% for the first nine months of 2006. The expense ratio for the first nine months of 2007 decreased 3 points to 30%, primarily due to a 3 point reduction of commission expenses from fronting fees received in the first nine months of 2007 from QBE on renewals of Agri business. The expense ratio also benefitted 1 point from the partial pension settlement. Partially offsetting these decreases was a 2 point increase in the loss and LAE ratio in the first nine months of 2007 to 57%, mainly due to unfavorable large non-catastrophe current accident year losses in the Agri run-off business, partially offset by strong current accident year results at IMU.

Commercial lines. Net written premiums for commercial lines increased by 1% to $557 million in the first nine months of 2007, compared to $549 million in the first nine months of 2006. The increase was primarily due to a $27 million increase in net written premiums in the small business division, principally driven by small business package products. Partially offsetting this increase was $19 million less in net written premiums in the middle market division, due primarily to lower premiums at OBSP as a result of our strategy to manage our exposure to catastrophe losses.

The commercial lines combined ratio for the first nine months of 2007 was 90%, compared to 96% in the first nine months of 2006. The loss and LAE ratio decreased 4 points to 54% in the first nine months of 2007, primarily due to 3 points of favorable development on prior accident years in the first nine months of 2007, compared to 5 points of adverse development on prior accident years in the first nine months of 2006, which were primarily related to hurricanes Katrina and Wilma and two 2004 catastrophes. The decrease in the loss and LAE ratio was partially offset by a 3 point increase in current accident year losses in the first nine months of 2007 partly driven by the pricing environment and partly driven by the unusually low impact of large losses last year. The expense ratio decreased 2 points to 36% in the first nine months of 2007, primarily due to lower policy acquisition expenses as a result of an increased deferral rate of commercial lines policy acquisition costs from the expansion into new states and a 1 point benefit from the partial pension settlement.

Personal lines. Net written premiums for personal lines decreased 14% to $536 million in the first nine months of 2007, compared to $626 million in the first nine months of 2006. The decrease was primarily due to reduced writings at AutoOne due to significant declines in New York’s assigned risk pool and increased competition in the voluntary market, as described above. In traditional personal lines, net written premiums decreased 4% due to an increasingly competitive auto market and state-mandated rate decreases in Massachusetts auto, along with higher reinsurance costs. As described above, in September 2007 OneBeacon decided to seek regulatory approval to cease writing business in Houston General Insurance Exchange and also took actions to reduce its personal lines workforce to make its expense ratio more competitive. Net written premiums for Houston General Insurance Exchange were $13.6 million in the first nine months of 2007, compared to $2.2 million in the first nine months of 2006.

The personal lines combined ratio for the first quarternine months of 2007 was 103%94%, compared to 100%95% for the first quarternine months of 2006. The increaseloss and LAE ratio decreased to 61% for the first nine months of 2007, compared to 63% for the first nine months of 2006. The first nine months of 2007 included 3 points of favorable development on prior accident years in traditional personal lines and at AutoOne, compared to 1 point of adverse development on prior accident years in the combined ratiofirst nine months of 2006. Partially offsetting this decrease was due to a higher than average large loss activity experienced in the first half of 2007, as well as slightly higher current accident year catastrophe losses. The expense ratio which increased to 37%33%, compared to 32% in the first quarternine months of 2006. The higher expense ratioincrease was primarily due to increased corporate overhead expenses, including office consolidation expenses, as well as the spreadingadverse effect of fixed costs over a smallerlower earned premium base.  Partially offsettingbase compared to the increasedfirst nine months of 2006. The expense ratio was a decrease in the loss and LAE ratio to 66%, compared to 68% for the first quarternine months of 2007 included a 2 point benefit from non-recurring items, comprised of 1 point from a state premium tax refund and 1 point from the partial pension settlement. The 2006 mainly dueperiod also included the benefit of non-recurring favorable items, including 1 point from a reduction of contingent commission accruals and 1 point related to the favorable settlement of a state franchise tax audit. Both periods included 1 point of lower current accident year catastrophes inoffice consolidation costs. In addition, the expense ratio for the first quarternine months of 2007.2007 included 1 point of expense incurred in connection with the decision to cease writing business in Houston General Insurance Exchange and actions taken to reduce the personal lines workforce.

34



White Mountains Re

Financial results and GAAP combined ratios for White Mountains Re for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 follow:

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

($ in millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

499.0

 

$

586.4

 

Net written premiums

 

$

403.6

 

$

428.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

298.3

 

$

315.6

 

Net investment income

 

48.1

 

41.1

 

Net realized investment gains

 

19.9

 

2.5

 

Other revenue

 

(3.6

)

4.4

 

Total revenues

 

362.7

 

363.6

 

Loss and LAE

 

194.6

 

186.6

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

69.6

 

70.3

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

31.3

 

20.4

 

General and administrative expenses

 

6.6

 

2.2

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

1.1

 

(.6

)

Interest expense - debt

 

1.2

 

.4

 

Total expenses

 

304.4

 

279.3

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

58.3

 

$

84.3

 

GAAP ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

65

%

59

%

Expense

 

34

%

29

%

Total Combined

 

99

%

88

%


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

($ in millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

261.5

 

$

347.0

 

$

1,073.3

 

$

1,352.6

 

Net written premiums

 

$

222.3

 

$

286.4

 

$

905.3

 

$

1,053.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

265.8

 

$

285.8

 

$

870.9

 

$

943.8

 

Net investment income

 

54.6

 

46.1

 

155.7

 

130.6

 

Net realized investment gains

 

2.8

 

6.8

 

44.9

 

48.0

 

Other revenue

 

15.0

 

31.3

 

9.5

 

38.2

 

Total revenues

 

338.2

 

370.0

 

1,081.0

 

1,160.6

 

Losses and LAE

 

170.3

 

163.1

 

537.7

 

727.3

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

53.3

 

65.8

 

197.9

 

217.0

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

25.2

 

24.8

 

86.4

 

70.3

 

General and administrative expenses

 

5.5

 

5.6

 

21.7

 

12.7

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to losses and LAE reserves

 

1.4

 

.8

 

4.0

 

.9

 

Interest expense on debt

 

8.2

 

.4

 

16.2

 

1.2

 

Total expenses

 

263.9

 

260.5

 

863.9

 

1,029.4

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

74.3

 

$

109.5

 

$

217.1

 

$

131.2

 

GAAP ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and LAE

 

64

%

57

%

62

%

77

%

Expense

 

30

 

32

 

32

 

31

 

Total Combined

 

94

%

89

%

94

%

108

%

White Mountains Re Results - Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2007 vs.versus Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2006

White Mountains Re’s pre-tax income in the third quarter of 2007 was $74 million and its combined ratio was 94%, compared to pre-tax income of $110 million and a combined ratio of 89% for the third quarter of 2006. The results for the third quarter of 2007 included $22 million, or 8 points, of pre-tax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums, primarily from the July floods that occurred in the United Kingdom, the Peru earthquake and hurricanes Dean and Felix. There were no significant catastrophe losses in the comparable prior period. There was no net prior year loss reserve development for the third quarter of 2007, while the third quarter of 2006 included $11 million, or 4 points, of net adverse loss reserve development, primarily from $12 million of adverse development in casualty losses associated with the Risk Capital acquisition in 2000. Additionally, the expense ratio was 2 points lower in the third quarter of 2007, due primarily to changes in business mix to lines of business that have lower ceding commissions. White Mountains Re’s increased combined ratio in the third quarter of 2007 also reflects some pricing deterioration across all lines.

During the third quarter of 2007, gross written premiums decreased by $86 million, or 25%, to $262 million and net written premiums decreased by $64 million, or 22%, to $222 million from the comparable prior year period. The decrease in written premiums in the third quarter of 2007 was across most lines and was due mainly to higher ceding company retentions and pricing, terms and conditions that did not meet White Mountains Re’s underwriting guidelines. In particular, several casualty contracts were either non-renewed, restructured or reduced.

Net investment income in the third quarter of 2007 increased by 18% to $55 million over the prior period mainly due to an increase in invested assets from the transfer of White Mountains Re’s investment in Symetra to White Mountains for cash in December 2006 and from the issuance of the Preference Shares in May 2007.

35



During the third quarter of 2006, White Mountains Re sold its wholly owned subsidiary, Sirius America, to an investor group led by Lightyear Capital for $139 million in cash and recognized a $14 million pre-tax gain on the sale through other revenues. Sirius America was renamed to the “Delos Insurance Company” (“Delos”) subsequent to the sale. As part of the transaction, White Mountains acquired an equity interest of approximately 18% in the acquiring entity and accounts for such interest using the equity method. As a result, amounts recorded for White Mountains’ interest in Delos no longer appear in pre-tax segment income. For the third quarter of 2006, Delos contributed $11 million of gross and $6 million of net written premiums.

Other revenue decreased by $16 million to $15 million for the third quarter of 2007, as the third quarter of 2006 included the aforementioned $14 million pre-tax gain from the sale of Sirius America. White Mountains Re’s  interest expense increased by $8 million in the third quarter of 2007, mainly due to interest on the WMRe Senior Notes which were issued during the first quarter 2007.

White Mountains Re Results - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

White Mountains Re’s pre-tax income in the first quarternine months of 2007 was $58$217 million compared to $84 million in the first quarter of 2006 and its GAAP combined ratio was 99%94%, compared to pre-tax income of $131 million and a combined ratio of 108% for the first quarter of 2007 compared to 88% for the first quarternine months of 2006. The combinedloss ratio for the first quarternine months of 2007 includes $45included $82 million, or 169 points, inof pre-tax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums, primarily from European windstorms Kyrill and Hanno in the first quarter of 2007, floods that impacted the United Kingdom during the second and reflects slightly more conservatism in establishingthird quarters, the Peru earthquake and hurricanes Dean and Felix. These catastrophes were partially offset by $25 million, or 3 points, of net favorable development from prior underwriting years on property lines. The loss reserves. The combined ratio for the first quarternine months of 2006 includesincluded net adverse development of $10$203 million, or 321 points, which consistedincluded a charge of $36$137 million arising from the Olympus reimbursement described below, $86 million in adverse development on hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, $15 million of adverse development from casualty losses associated with the Risk Capital acquisition in 2000, partially offset by favorable development of $26on various lines, including $19 million from prior underwriting years. Theof favorable development recorded inon the agriculture line of business. White Mountains Re also reduced its unallocated loss adjustment expense reserve by approximately $7 million, or less than one point, during the first quarter of 2006 was mainly from the 2005 underwriting year on property lines that were not impacted by catastrophes.  In addition, as a result of a re-evaluationan evaluation of the remaining runoffrun-off contracts at Scandinavian Re, White Mountains Rewhich reduced the unallocated loss adjustment expense by approximately $7 million, resulting in a 2 point reduction to the 2006 combined ratio.

Inratio for the first quarternine months of 2006 by one point.

For the first nine months of 2007, White Mountains Re’s gross written premiums decreased by $87$279 million, or 15%21%, to $499$1,073 million and net written premiums decreased by $25$148 million, or 6%14%, to $404 million.$905 million from the comparable prior year period. Excluding written premiums from Sirius America, which White Mountains Re sold during the third quarter of 2006, gross written premiums decreased by $47$208 million, or 9%16%, and net written premiums decreased by $9$122 million, or 2%.  These12%, reflecting reductions in most of our lines of business. The decreases are attributable to a reduction in both property and casualtymost lines of business were primarily due to more capacity in the reinsurance market and clients retaining more net exposure, which drovechanging pricing, terms, and conditions to a level that did notno longer meet White Mountains Re’s underwriting guidelines and $8 million less in reinstatement premiums recorded in first quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2006.increased ceding company retentions. These decreases in net written premiums were partially offset by the non-renewal in 2007 of a series of ceded property Second Event Industry Loss Warranty Covers that White Mountains Re had purchased during the first quarter of 2006. White Mountains Re ceded approximately $19$20 million in premiums related to the Second Event Industry Loss Warranty Covers in the first quarter of 2006. These decreases in volume were also partially offset by more favorable foreign currency exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar, particularly the Swedish Krona.

Other revenues decreased by $8 million from the first quarter of 2006 to 2007.  The decrease was due to lower fee income on reinsurance placements referred to Olympus and Helicon and $6 million in realized foreign exchange losses in the first quarter of 2007. White Mountains Re receives fee income on reinsurance placements referred to Olympus and Helicon and is entitled to a profit commission on net underwriting profits on referred business. 

White Mountains Re recognized fee income of $4$8 million from Olympus and Helicon infor the first quarternine months of 2007, $5 million of which $3 million was recorded as other revenues, compared to $10$11 million of fee income from Olympus and Helicon for the comparable period in the prior year, $4first nine months of 2006, $8 million of which was recorded inas other revenues. The decreaseWhite Mountains Re has notified Olympus and Helicon that it will not renew the quota share arrangements for 2008. Other revenues for the first nine months of 2007 also included $4 million of realized foreign exchange gains compared to $12 million for the comparable prior period. Additionally, the first nine months of 2006 included a $14 million gain from the sale of Sirius America.

Net investment income in fee income was primarily the resultfirst nine months of 2007 increased by 19% to $156 million compared to the prior period mainly due to the same factors that contributed to the third quarter increase described above as well as capital contributions of $100 million from White Mountains in June 2006.

For the first nine months of 2007, general and administrative expenses increased by $9 million to $22 million compared to the first nine months of 2006. This increase is mainly due to costs expensed in connection with the issuance of $250 million of non-cumulative perpetual preference shares during the second quarter of 2007 and $400 million face value of senior unsecured notes during the first quarter of 2007, as further discussed below.

36



In May 2007, WMRe Group issued $250 million non-cumulative perpetual preference shares and received $246 million of proceeds, net of $4 million of issuance costs and commissions. Holders of the run-offPreference Shares receive dividends on a non-cumulative basis only when, as and if declared by White Mountains Re at a fixed dividend rate of amounts ceded to Olympus7.506% for 2005the period from issuance until June 30, 2017 and prior.a variable dividend rate thereafter. The Preference Shares are redeemable only at the option of White Mountains Re.

In March 2007, White Mountains Re issued $400 million face value of senior unsecured notes that have an annual effective yield of 6.5% for net proceeds of $392 million. In anticipation of the issuance of the WMRe Senior Notes, White Mountains Re entered into an interest rate lock agreement to hedge its interest rate exposure and recorded a $2 million loss in accumulated other comprehensive income related to this agreement, which is being amortized into interest expense over the life of the WMRe Senior Notes. White Mountains Re deferred $4 million in expenses related to the issuance of the WMRe Senior Notes (including a $3 million underwriting discount), which are also being recognized into interest expense over the life of the WMRe Senior Notes.

32

For the first nine months of 2007, White Mountains Re’s interest expense increased by $15 million, primarily due to the interest on the aforementioned WMRe Senior Notes.

Olympus reimbursement. In June 2006, following the receipt of new claims information reported from several ceding companies and subsequent reassessment of the ultimate loss exposures, White Mountains Re increased its gross loss estimates for hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma by $201 million. This was mostly on Folksamerica Re’s off-shore energy and marine exposures attributable to retrocessional arrangements and business interruption coverage. As a result, Folksamerica Re set its gross loss and LAE reserves as of June 30, 2006 on offshore energy and marine exposures for hurricanes Katrina and Rita at full contract limits. Under the terms of Folksamerica Re’s 2005 quota share reinsurance treaty with Olympus, $139 million of the loss, net of reinstatement premiums, from hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma recorded in the second quarter of 2006 was ceded to Olympus. However, Folksamerica Holdings entered into an indemnity agreement with Olympus, under which it agreed to reimburse Olympus for up to $137 million of these losses, which were recorded as loss and LAE during the second quarter of 2006. Folksamerica Holdings also waived override commissions on premiums earned by Olympus after March 31, 2006 for reinsurance contracts recommended by White Mountains Re with an effective date of December 31, 2005 and prior.

37





Esurance

Financial results and GAAP ratios for Esurance for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 follow:

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

($ in millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

208.8

 

$

141.9

 

Net written premiums

 

$

207.7

 

$

140.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

170.8

 

$

105.2

 

Net investment income

 

6.2

 

3.6

 

Net realized gains on investments

 

1.0

 

.9

 

Other revenue

 

3.0

 

2.1

 

Total revenues

 

181.0

 

111.8

 

Loss and LAE

 

130.3

 

75.2

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

44.7

 

29.0

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

14.7

 

11.1

 

General and administrative expenses

 

.1

 

 

Total expenses

 

189.8

 

115.3

 

Pre-tax loss

 

$

(8.8

)

$

(3.5

)

GAAP ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

76

%

72

%

Expense

 

35

%

38

%

Total Combined

 

111

%

110

%

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

($ in millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

209.0

 

$

165.3

 

$

604.6

 

$

438.8

 

Net written premiums

 

$

208.0

 

$

164.4

 

$

601.4

 

$

436.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

196.9

 

$

140.5

 

$

556.6

 

$

371.5

 

Net investment income

 

7.9

 

5.2

 

21.5

 

13.6

 

Net realized gains on investments

 

.3

 

3.5

 

2.8

 

7.0

 

Other revenue

 

3.0

 

1.8

 

9.1

 

5.7

 

Total revenues

 

208.1

 

151.0

 

590.0

 

397.8

 

Losses and LAE

 

165.8

 

100.5

 

443.2

 

265.6

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

55.7

 

34.5

 

150.7

 

95.8

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

11.3

 

13.5

 

41.9

 

35.9

 

General and administrative expenses

 

 

.1

 

.2

 

.1

 

Total expenses

 

232.8

 

148.6

 

636.0

 

397.4

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

(24.7

)

$

2.4

 

$

(46.0

)

$

.4

 

GAAP ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and LAE

 

84

%

72

%

80

%

72

%

Expense

 

34

 

34

%

34

 

35

 

Total Combined

 

118

%

106

%

114

%

107

%

 

Esurance’s pre-tax loss infor the firstthird quarter of 2007 was $9$25 million, compared with a $4to pre-tax income of $2 million for the third quarter of 2006. For the first nine months of 2007, Esurance’s pre-tax loss was $46 million, compared to pre-tax income of $.4 million in the first nine months of 2006. Esurance’s GAAP combined ratios of 118% and 114% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 were 12 and 7 points higher, respectively, than the comparable periods in 2006. The higher combined ratios and pre-tax losses for both periods were due to higher marketing costs, increased claim severity and increases in loss reserves for prior years.

Esurance’s loss and LAE ratio increased to 84% and 80% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007, up from 72% for each of the comparable periods in 2006. In the third quarter of 2007, Esurance completed a full review of all outstanding liability claims for 2006 and prior accident years. Based on that review, loss and LAE reserves were increased by $15 million due to higher anticipated severity for bodily injury claims, which added 8 points and 3 points to the loss ratios for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2007, respectively.

The expense ratio of 34% for both the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 was consistent with the comparable prior year periods, as lower other underwriting expense ratios, which White Mountains refers to as operating expense ratios, were offset by higher acquisition cost ratios. The operating expense ratio for the first nine months was down to 7.5% compared to 9.6% in the first nine months of 2006.

Esurance’s net written premiums increased by 27% to $208 million for the third quarter of 2006, and its GAAP combined ratio was 111%by 38% to $601 million for the first quarternine months of 2007, compared to 110% for the first quarterprior year periods. On a trailing twelve-month basis, Esurance’s net written premiums were $761 million, 43% higher than the same period in 2006. As of September 30, 2007, Esurance’s in-force policy count was 472,000, a 40% increase over September 30, 2006. The 1 point increaseEsurance now operates in the combined ratio was due primarily to higher winter weather-related claims, principally in the Midwest and Northwest United States, and planned rate reductions in some markets.  The higher loss ratio was partially offset by a 3 point improvement in the expense ratio, which has declined as fixed costs are spread over a larger premium base.

Net written28 states that represent 85% of total available premiums for the first quarter were $208 million, up 47% from $141 millionpersonal automobile insurance industry in the first quarter of last year. During the first quarter, Esurance added 56,000 policies-in-force, ending the quarter with 429,000 policyholders.United States. Esurance continues to expand through nationalachieve strong growth in its market, although the growth rate in premium and local television advertising, online marketing, direct mail, and online agency channels.policies has slowed due to the more competitive environment.

Esurance now writes business in 25 states, which represent approximately 80% of the personal auto insurance premiums written in the United States during 2006.  For the quarter ended March 31, 2007, Esurance’s largest states were California (with 20% of direct written premium), Florida (16%), New York (8%), Texas (6%) and Michigan (6%).

38



Other Operations

Other Operations consists of the operations of the Company, the Company’s intermediate holding companies, White Mountains’ weather risk management and variable annuity reinsurance businesses, the consolidated results of the Tuckerman Capital, LP and Tuckerman Capital II, LP funds,Funds, the International American Group and White Mountains’ investments in Symetra, Delos and Montpelier Re.Re (until its disposition in May 2007).


A summary of White Mountains’ financial results from its Other Operations segment for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 follows:

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

 

$

 

Net written premiums

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

 

$

 

Net investment income

 

13.1

 

8.7

 

Net realized investment losses

 

(1.9

)

(2.0

)

Other revenue

 

33.7

 

17.8

 

Total revenues

 

44.9

 

24.5

 

Loss and LAE

 

.2

 

(1.5

)

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

 

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

.8

 

.5

 

General and administrative expenses

 

43.8

 

38.0

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

 

Interest expense - debt

 

4.2

 

(.1

)

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

 

 

Total expenses

 

49.0

 

36.9

 

Pre-tax loss

 

$

(4.1

)

$

(12.4

)

 

Other Operations Results - Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 versus Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Net written premiums

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Net investment income

 

14.9

 

9.2

 

39.7

 

23.2

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

(3.9

)

25.7

 

2.5

 

50.0

 

Other revenue

 

31.5

 

21.1

 

95.7

 

64.8

 

Total revenues

 

42.5

 

56.0

 

137.9

 

138.0

 

Losses and LAE

 

 

2.5

 

(10.7

)

1.7

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

.7

 

.5

 

2.3

 

1.4

 

General and administrative expenses

 

35.1

 

42.5

 

128.9

 

95.6

 

Interest expense - debt

 

.2

 

.5

 

4.6

 

.5

 

Total expenses

 

36.0

 

46.0

 

125.1

 

99.2

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

6.5

 

$

10.0

 

$

12.8

 

$

38.8

 

White Mountains’ Other Operations segment reported a $4pre-tax income was $7 million pre-tax lossand $13 million for the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2007 compared to a $12$10 million pre-tax lossand $39 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006. Net investment income increased by 62% and 71% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007, due primarily to a higher invested asset base in 2007. Net realized gains for the third quarter of 2006. The decrease2006 included $10 million from an increase in value of Montpelier warrants and $11 million from the pre-tax loss is mainly due to lower incentive compensation expensesale of Montpelier common shares. White Mountains sold its remaining position in Montpelier warrants and higher net investment incomecommon shares during the first quarter of 2007. Net realized gains for the first nine months of 2006 also included a $21 million gain from the redemption of a private equity investment. Other revenues included $30 million and $77 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 related to the consolidation of the Tuckerman Funds, compared to $20 million and $52 million in the 2006 periods.

The Other Operations segment experienced $11 million of favorable development during the second quarter of 2007, primarily due to the settlement of a large claim at British Insurance Company. General and administrative expenses decreased by 17% in the third quarter of 2007 as a resultcompared to the third quarter of 2006, due primarily to lower compensation expenses, and increased by 35% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006, due primarily to higher average invested assets withinexpenses related to the segment.  Additionally, White Mountains recorded a $5Tuckerman Funds, which were $28 million gain onand $72 million in the salethird quarter and first nine months of 645,262 shares of OneBeacon Ltd. during2007 compared to $17 million and $45 million in the quarter. The sale of these shares were to OneBeacon Ltd.’s employee stock ownership plan and reduced White Mountains’ ownership percentage in OneBeacon Ltd. to 71.8% at March 31, 2007, from 72.4% at December 31, 2006. These items were partially offset by $4 million of interest expense incurred on $320 million outstanding under the WTM Bank Facility, which was repaid in March 2007 with a portion of the proceeds received from the WMRe Senior Notes offering.comparable 2006 periods.

39



II. Summary of Investment Results

Investment Philosophy

White Mountains’ investment philosophy is to maximize its after-tax total risk-adjusted return over the long term. Under this approach, each dollar of after-tax investment income and realized and unrealized gains and losses is valued equally. White Mountains’ investment portfolio mix as of March 31,September 30, 2007 consisted in large part of high-quality, fixed maturity investments and short-term investments, as well as equity investments and other investments, such as hedge funds, limited partnerships and private equities. White Mountains’ management believes that prudent levels of investments in common equity securities and other investments within its investment portfolio are likely to enhance long-term after-tax total returns without significantly increasing the risk profile of the portfolio.

White Mountains’ overall fixed maturity investment strategy is to purchase securities that are attractively priced in relation to credit risks. White Mountains also actively manages the average duration of the portfolio, about 2 years at March 31,September 30, 2007 including short-term investments, to achieve an adequate after-tax total return.

White Mountains’ equity investment strategy is to maximize absolute risk-adjusted total return through investments in a variety of equity and equity-related instruments, using bottom-up, value discipline. Preservation of capital is of the utmost importance.


Investment Returns

For purposes of discussing rates of return, all percentages are presented gross of management fees and trading expenses in order to produce a more relevant comparison to benchmark returns, while all dollar amounts are presented net of any management fees and trading expenses. A summary of White Mountains’ consolidated pre-tax investment results and gross investment returns versus typical benchmarks for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 follows:

Pre-tax investment results

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net investment income

 

$

118.0

 

$

98.5

 

Net realized investment gains

 

73.9

 

28.5

 

Net unrealized investment gains (losses)

 

19.3

 

(16.3

)

Total GAAP pre-tax investment gains

 

$

211.2

 

$

110.7

 

Pre-tax investment results

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net investment income

 

$

128.9

 

$

108.7

 

$

373.6

 

$

311.6

 

Net realized investment gains

 

29.9

 

67.8

 

192.9

 

202.8

 

Net unrealized investment gains

 

68.1

 

85.7

 

50.6

 

13.0

 

Total GAAP pre-tax investment gains

 

$

226.9

 

$

262.2

 

$

617.1

 

$

527.4

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

Gross investment returns versus benchmarks

 

2007

 

2006

 

Fixed maturity investments

 

1.5

%

0.5

%

Short-term investments

 

1.2

 

1.1

 

Total fixed maturities

 

1.5

 

0.6

 

Lehman U.S. Aggregate Index

 

1.5

 

(0.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

3.9

 

5.7

 

Other investments

 

5.3

 

0.7

 

Total equities

 

4.3

 

3.9

 

S&P 500 Index (total return)

 

0.6

 

4.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total consolidated portfolio

 

1.9

%

1.1

%

Gross investment returns versus benchmarks

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Fixed maturity investments

 

2.3

%

2.6

%

4.4

%

4.5

%

Short-term investments

 

1.1

 

1.7

 

3.5

 

3.7

 

Total fixed maturities

 

2.1

 

2.5

 

4.2

 

4.4

 

Lehman U.S. Aggregate Index

 

2.8

 

3.8

 

3.8

 

3.1

 

Common stock

 

.3

 

5.1

 

8.3

 

13.6

 

Other investments

 

3.9

 

.7

 

19.6

 

6.6

 

Total equities

 

1.3

 

3.8

 

11.5

 

11.1

 

S&P 500 Index (total return)

 

2.0

 

5.7

 

9.1

 

8.5

 

Total consolidated portfolio

 

2.0

%

2.7

%

5.4

%

5.5

%

 

Investment Returns—Three months ended March 31, 2007 versus three months ended March 31, 2006

White Mountains’ total pre-tax investment gains were $211 million, a return of 1.9%,on invested assets for the third quarter and the first quarternine months of 2007 versus $111 million, a return of 1.1%, forwas 2.0% and 5.4% compared to 2.7% and 5.5% in the first quarter of 2006.prior year periods. White Mountains’ fixed maturity portfolio returned 1.5% duringoutperformed benchmarks with less volatility, as it avoided the first quarter of 2007 versus 0.6% duringsub-prime mortgage difficulties that have tainted many other investment portfolios, and its equity portfolio performed in line with the first quarter of 2006. The higher return in the first quarter of 2007 was primarily due to a decline in interest rates during the first quarter of 2007 compared to an increase in the first quarter of 2006.  In addition, the equity return in the first quarter of 2007 was up slightlymarket. Both benefitted from the first quarter of 2006 and significantly better than the S&P 500 index.weakening U.S. dollar.

40



Net investment income of $118$129 million and $374 million in the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2007 increased 19% from $99$109 million and $312 million in the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2006, principally due to a higher average invested asset base.base in 2007, resulting from the sale of OneBeacon shares late in 2006 and the issuance of the WMRe Senior Notes and Preference Shares early in 2007. Net realized investment gains of $74$30 million during the firstthird quarter of 2007 increaseddecreased by 159%56% from $29$68 million in the third quarter of 2006, which included $15 million in realized gains on Montpelier Re warrants and common shares. In addition, during the third quarter of 2007, White Mountains experienced $11 million of other than temporary impairment losses. Net realized investment gains in the first nine months of 2007 decreased to $193 million from $203 million in the first nine months of 2006, which included a $21 million gain from the redemption of a private equity investment. Pre-tax net unrealized gains decreased to $68 million in the third quarter of 2007, from $86 million in the third quarter of 2006, principallymainly due to lower returns in the sale of convertible fixed maturity and equity securities in industry sectors that experienced significant appreciation duringportfolio. Pre-tax net unrealized gains increased to $51 million the first quarternine months of 2007, principally energy and natural resources.  Net unrealized gains on investments of $19from $13 million in the first quarternine months of 2007 improved from net unrealized losses of $16 million2006, mainly due to higher returns in the first quarterfixed maturity portfolio.

On May 1, 2007, White Mountains sold all of 2006,its remaining interest in Montpelier Re, which consisted of 939,039 common shares and warrants to purchase 7,172,376 common shares, for total proceeds of $65 million.

Mortgage-backed, Asset-backed Securities

In the past several years, many originators of residential mortgage and home equity loans relaxed their underwriting standards and issued loans to customers with weak credit profiles. This practice is often referred to as sub-prime mortgage lending. Recently, the slowing U.S. housing market has caused many sub-prime mortgage customers to be unable to refinance their mortgage loans, particularly those customers who had adjustable rate mortgages that reset at a higher rate than the rate at the origination of their mortgage. As a result, there have been significantly higher delinquency and foreclosure rates in the United States.

White Mountains purchases commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities to maximize its fixed income portfolio’s risk adjusted returns and diversify the portfolio risk from primarily duecorporate credit risk to the effecta mix of credit and cash flow risk. White Mountains is not an originator of residential mortgage loans and does not hold any residential mortgage-backed securities categorized as sub-prime as of September 30, 2007. In addition, White Mountains’ investments in hedge funds, limited partnerships and private equities contain negligible amounts of sub-prime mortgage-backed securities at September 30, 2007. White Mountains considers sub-prime mortgage-backed securities to be those that are issued from dedicated sub-prime shelves, dedicated second-lien shelves (i.e., White Mountains considers investments backed primarily by second-liens to be a sub-prime risk regardless of credit score or other metrics) or otherwise have underlying loan pools that exhibit weak credit characteristics.

There are also mortgage-backed securities that White Mountains categorizes as “non-prime” (also called “Alt A” or “A-”) that are backed by collateral that has overall credit quality between prime and sub-prime, based on a review of the interest rate movements described above.characteristics of their underlying mortgage loan pools, such as credit scores and financial ratios. As of September 30, 2007, $177.7 million of White Mountains’ mortgage-backed securities holdings were classified as non-prime. All of these non-prime securities continue to have the highest rating ascribed by Moody’s (“Aaa”) or Standard & Poors (“AAA”). White Mountains does not own any collateralized debt obligations, including residential mortgage-backed collateralized debt obligations.

The following table summarizes White Mountains’ available for sale mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities holdings as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

Millions

 

2007

 

2006

 

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Agency (1)

 

$

1,463.8

 

$

1,029.7

 

Non-agency

 

1,447.0

 

1,877.6

 

Total mortgage-backed securities

 

2,910.8

 

2,907.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Credit card

 

343.4

 

604.2

 

Auto

 

30.0

 

59.0

 

Other

 

8.2

 

11.7

 

Total asset-backed securities

 

381.6

 

674.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

$

3,292.4

 

$

3,582.2

 


(1)  Represents publicly traded residential 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 (e.g., FNMA, FHLMC)

41



Impairment

See Note 45 - Investments of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for White Mountains’ analysis of other than temporary impairment losses on investment securities.


NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This report includes threefour 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’ results of operations and financial condition.

Adjusted comprehensive net income is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes the change in net unrealized gains and losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio from comprehensive net income. In the calculation of comprehensive net 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 net 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’ management and Board of Directors use adjusted comprehensive net income when assessing Symetra’s quarterly financial performance. In addition, this measure is typically the predominant component of growth in fully diluted tangible book value per share, which is used in calculation of White Mountains’ performance for both short-term (annual bonus) and long-term incentive plans. The reconciliation of adjusted comprehensive net income to comprehensive net income is included on page 28.30.

Book value per share is derived by dividing the Company’s total GAAP shareholders’ equity as of a given date by the number of common shares outstanding as of that date, including the dilutive effects of outstanding options and warrants to acquire common shares, as well as the unamortized accretion of preferred stock. Fully diluted tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP measure which is derived by expanding the GAAP book value per share calculation to include the effects of assumed conversion of all in-the-money convertible securities and to exclude any unamortized goodwill and net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio. In addition, for periods subsequent to December 31, 2006, the number of common shares outstanding used in the calculation of fully diluted tangible book value per share are adjusted to exclude unearned shares of restricted stock representative of the proportion of unamortized compensation cost at the date of the calculation to the value of the restricted stock on the date of issuance. This adjustment was not made to fully diluted tangible book value per share for periods prior to December 31, 2006 as the impact was not significant. The reconciliation of fully diluted tangible book value per share to book value per share is included on page 27.29.

Total capital at White Mountains is comprised of common shareholders’ equity, debt and minority interest in OneBeacon Ltd. Tangible capital excludes from total capital the unamortized goodwill of consolidated limited partnerships and the equity in net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio. The reconciliation of total capital to total tangible capital is included on page 40.45.

Adjusted book value per common share at OneBeacon is a non-GAAP financial measure which is derived by excluding the impact of economically defeasing OneBeacon’s mandatorily redeemable preferred stock from book value per common share, the most closely comparable GAAP measure. Management believes that adjusted book value per common share is a useful supplement to understanding the OneBeacon’s earnings and profitability. A reconciliation of OneBeacon’s book value per common share to OneBeacon’s adjusted book value per common share is included on page 32.

42



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Operating cash and short-term investments

Holding company level.The primary sources of cash for the Company and certain of its intermediate holding companies are dividends and tax sharing payments received from its insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries, financing activities and net investment income and proceeds from sales and maturities of holding company investments. The primary uses of cash are payments on its debt obligations, dividend payments on the Company’s common shares, and on minority interest holders of OneBeacon Ltd.’s common shares and to holders of the Preference Shares, purchases of investments, payments made to tax authorities and holding company operating expenses.

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

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

Management believes that White Mountains’ cash balances, cash flows from operations, routine sales of investments and the liquidity provided by the WTM Bank Facility and the FAC 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 under which White Mountains’ insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries are domiciled, an insurer is restricted with respect to the timing or the amount of dividends it may pay without prior approval by regulatory authorities. Accordingly, there can be no assurance regarding the amount of such dividends that may be paid by such subsidiaries in the future. Following is a description of the dividend activities of White Mountains’ insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries and certain of its intermediate holding companies:

OneBeacon:

Generally, OneBeacon’s regulated insurance operating subsidiaries have the ability to pay dividends during any 12-month period without the prior approval of regulatory authorities in an amount equal to the greater of prior year statutory net income or 10% of prior year end statutory surplus, subject to the availability of unassigned funds. As a result, based on 2006 statutory net income, OneBeacon’s top tier regulated insurance operating subsidiaries have the ability to pay approximately $234 million of dividends during 2007 without prior approval of regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of unassigned funds.

As of December 31, 2006,September 30, 2007, OneBeacon’s top tier regulated insurance operating subsidiaries had $1.6 billion of unassigned funds. During the first quarternine months of 2007, OneBeacon paid $50$140 million of dividends to Fund American.

During the first quarternine months of 2007 OneBeacon Ltd. paid a $21$63 million dividendof dividends to its common shareholders, $15$45 million of which was paid to an intermediate holding company of White Mountains.

White Mountains Re:

Folksamerica Re has the ability to pay dividends during any 12-month period without the prior approval of regulatory authorities in an amount equal to 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. Based upon December 31, 2006 statutory surplus of $1,153 million, Folksamerica Re would have the ability to pay approximately $115 million of dividends during 2007 without prior approval of regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of earned surplus. As of March 31,September 30, 2007, Folksamerica Re had negative$48 million of earned surplus and therefore did not have the ability andsurplus. Folksamerica Re did not pay any dividends during the first quarternine months of 2007.

43



Sirius International has the ability to pay dividends subject to the availability of unrestricted statutory surplus. Historically, Sirius International had allocated the majority of its earnings to the Safety Reserve (see Safety Reservebelow).

In accordance with the provisions of Swedish law, Sirius International can voluntarily transfer its pre-tax income, or a portion thereof, subject to certain limitations, to its Swedish parent company to minimize taxes. During the first quarter of 2007, Sirius International transferred approximately $35 million of its 2006 pre-tax income to its Swedish parent company as a group contribution.

FARe has the ability to declare and pay dividends of up to $76 million in 2007 without regulatory approval, subject to meeting all appropriate liquidity and solvency requirements.

WMRUS has the ability to distribute its 2007 earnings without restriction. WMRUS did not pay anypaid $3 million of cash dividends to its parent during the first quarternine months of 2007.

White Mountains Re paid $392 million of cash dividends from the net proceeds of the WMRe Senior Notes and distributed its $54 million investment in Symetra warrants to its immediate parent during the first quarter 2007. White Mountains Re paid an additional $10 million of dividends to its immediate parent during the third quarter of 2007.

Esurance:

Generally, Esurance’s regulated insurance operating subsidiaries have the ability to pay dividends during any 12-month period without the prior approval of regulatory authorities in an amount equal to the lesser of prior year statutory net income or 10% of prior year end statutory surplus, subject to the availability of unassigned funds. As a result, based on December 31, 2006 statutory net income, Esurance’s top tier regulated insurance operating subsidiary has the ability to pay $4 million of dividends during 2007 without prior approval of regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of unassigned funds. As of December 31, 2006,September 30, 2007, Esurance’s top tier regulated insurance operating subsidiary had $21$27 million of unassigned funds. Esurance did not pay any dividends during the first nine months of 2007.

Capitalization of FARe

During the third quarter of 2007, White Mountains Re increased the capital of its class III Bermuda domiciled reinsurance company, Fund American Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“FARe”) to $504 million. As part of a larger restructuring, Sirius International first contributed $136 million to FARe, and then White Mountains Re extracted FARe from Sirius International and contributed the net proceeds of its May 2007 Preference Share issuance, or approximately $247 million, to FARe. Additionally, Folksamerica Re received approval from the Insurance Department of the State of New York on October 19, 2007 to redeem $285 million of its common shares. This redemption represents approximately 24% of Folksamerica Re’s statutory surplus as of September 30, 2007. It is anticipated that $250 million of these proceeds will be used to further capitalize FARe during the fourth quarter of 2007.

Safety Reserve

In accordance with provisions of Swedish law, Sirius International is permitted to transfer up to the full amount of its pre-tax income, subject to certain limitations, into an untaxed reserve referred to as a safety reserve, which amounted to $1.2$1.3 billion at March 31,September 30, 2007. Under GAAP, an amount equal to the safety reserve, net of the related deferred tax liability established at the Swedish tax rate of 28%, is classified as shareholders’ equity. Generally, this deferred tax liability is only required to be paid by Sirius International if it fails to maintain predetermined levels of premium writings and loss reserves in future years. As a result of the indefinite deferral of these taxes, Swedish regulatory authorities do not apply any taxes to the safety reserve when calculating solvency capital under Swedish insurance regulations. Accordingly, under local statutory requirements, an amount equal to the deferred tax liability on Sirius International’s safety reserve ($345370 million at March 31,September 30, 2007) is included in solvency capital.

Insurance Float

Insurance float is an important dynamicaspect of White Mountains’ operations that must be managed effectively.insurance operations. Insurance float is money that an insurance company holds for a limited time. In an insurance operation, float arises because premiums are collected before losses are paid. This interval can extend over many years. During that time, the insurer invests the funds. When the premiums that an insurer collects do not cover the losses and expenses it eventually must pay, the result is an underwriting loss, which is considered to be the cost of insurance float. The amount and cost of insurance float for White Mountains is affected by underlying market conditions, as well as acquisitions or dispositions of insurance and reinsurance businesses.

Although insurance float can be calculated using numbers determined under GAAP, insurance float is not a GAAP concept and, therefore, there is no comparable GAAP measure.

44



One of the means by which White Mountains calculates its insurance float is by taking its net investment assets and subtracting its total tangible capital. The following table illustrates White Mountains’ consolidated insurance float position as of March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

($ in millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Total investments

 

$

11,252.1

 

$

11,332.7

 

Investments held in trust

 

(335.4

)

(338.9

)

Cash

 

186.3

 

159.0

 

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates

 

356.3

 

335.5

 

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

 

(1.8

)

4.1

 

Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales

 

40.2

 

8.5

 

Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases

 

(19.7

)

(66.8

)

Interest-bearing funds held by ceding companies (2)

 

278.7

 

268.5

 

Interest-bearing funds held under reinsurance treaties (3)

 

(70.1

)

(94.5

)

Net investment assets

 

$

11,686.6

 

$

11,608.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

$

4,542.9

 

$

4,455.3

 

Minority Interest - One Beacon Ltd.

 

515.8

 

490.7

 

Debt

 

1,183.6

 

1,106.7

 

Total capital (1)

 

$

6,242.3

 

$

6,052.7

 

Unamortized goodwill

 

(29.2

)

(32.5

)

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

 

(1.8

)

4.1

 

Total tangible capital

 

$

6,211.3

 

$

6,024.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance float

 

$

5,475.3

 

$

5,583.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance float as a multiple of total tangible capital

 

0.9

x

0.9

x

Net investment assets as a multiple of total tangible capital

 

1.9

x

1.9

x

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance float as a multiple of common shareholders’ equity

 

1.2

x

1.3

x

Net investment assets as a multiple of common shareholders’ equity

 

2.6

x

2.6

x

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

($ in millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Total investments

 

$

11,910.3

 

$

11,332.7

 

Investments held in trust

 

(308.7

)

(338.9

)

Cash

 

172.9

 

159.0

 

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates

 

404.4

 

335.5

 

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

 

22.9

 

4.1

 

Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales

 

21.7

 

8.5

 

Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases

 

(85.4

)

(66.8

)

Interest-bearing funds held by ceding companies (2)

 

231.3

 

226.7

 

Interest-bearing funds held under reinsurance treaties (3)

 

(72.3

)

(94.5

)

Net investment assets

 

$

12,297.1

 

$

11,566.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

$

4,732.6

 

$

4,455.3

 

Minority interest - OneBeacon Ltd.

 

536.3

 

490.7

 

Minority interest - WMRe Group Preference Shares

 

250.0

 

 

Debt

 

1,192.8

 

1,106.7

 

Total capital (1)

 

6,711.7

 

6,052.7

 

Unamortized goodwill

 

(28.7

)

(32.5

)

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

 

22.9

 

4.1

 

Total tangible capital

 

$

6,705.9

 

$

6,024.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance float

 

$

5,591.2

 

$

5,542.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance float as a multiple of total tangible capital

 

0.8

0.9

Net investment assets as a multiple of total tangible capital

 

1.8

1.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance float as a multiple of common shareholders’ equity

 

1.2

1.2

Net investment assets as a multiple of common shareholders’ equity

 

2.6

2.6

 


(1)  Excludes preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption, having an aggregate accreted liquidation preference at March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 of $271$269 million and $262 million, respectively, and $335$309 million and $339 million, respectively, of investments held in two irrevocable grantor trusts for the purpose of economically defeasing the preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption. The creation and funding of these trusts did not legally defease the preferred stock and therefore the preferred stock will continue to appear on White Mountains’ balance sheet until it is redeemed.

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

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

White Mountains has historically obtained its insurance float primarily through acquisitions, as opposed to organic growth. Recently,In previous years, White Mountains has had negative cash flows from operations but has generated significant insurance float from its insurance and reinsurance operations. This is due to the fact that White Mountains’ cash flow from operations does not reflect cash and investments generated by the acquisition of insurance and reinsurance businesses. Post-acquisition, such companies are often placed into partial or complete run-off, thereby resulting in negative cash flows from operations and positive cash flows from investing activities as the investments acquired are liquidated over time to pay claims.

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

45



Financing

The following table summarizes White Mountains’ capital structure as of March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:

($ in millions)

 

March 31,
2007

 

December 31,
2006

 

FAC Senior Notes, carrying value

 

$

698.7

 

$

698.7

 

WMRe Senior Notes, carrying value

 

398.9

 

 

WTM Bank Facility

 

 

320.0

 

FAC Bank Facility

 

 

 

Other debt of operating subsidiaries

 

86.0

 

88.0

 

Total debt

 

1,183.6

 

1,106.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest - OneBeacon Ltd. (1)

 

515.8

 

490.7

 

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

4,542.9

 

4,455.3

 

Total capital

 

6,242.3

 

6,052.7

 

Unamortized goodwill

 

(29.2

)

(32.5

)

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

 

(1.8

)

4.1

 

Total tangible capital

 

$

6,211.3

 

$

6,024.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt to total tangible capital

 

19

%

18

%

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

($ in millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

FAC Senior Notes, carrying value

 

$

698.9

 

$

698.7

 

WMRe Senior Notes, carrying value

 

398.9

 

 

WTM Bank Facility(3)

 

 

320.0

 

FAC Bank Facility

 

 

 

Other debt of operating subsidiaries

 

95.0

 

88.0

 

Total debt

 

1,192.8

 

1,106.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest - OneBeacon Ltd. (1)

 

536.3

 

490.7

 

Minority interest - WMRe Group Preference Shares

 

250.0

 

 

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

4,732.6

 

4,455.3

 

Total capital (2)

 

6,711.7

 

6,052.7

 

Unamortized goodwill

 

(28.7

)

(32.5

)

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

 

22.9

 

4.1

 

Total tangible capital

 

$

6,705.9

 

$

6,024.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt to total tangible capital

 

18

%

18

%

Total debt and Preference Shares to total tangible capital

 

22

%

18

%

 


(1)  The minority interest arising from White Mountains’ ownership in OneBeacon Ltd. has been included in White Mountains’ capitalization table because itthis capital supports debt service on the FAC Senior Notes.Notes and the other indebtedness of OneBeacon.

(2)  The preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption, having an aggregate accreted liquidation preference of $269 million and $262 million at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, was not included in total capital because it was economically defeased in connection with the OneBeacon Offering.

(3)  The $320.0 million outstanding on December 31, 2006 was under White Mountains’ previous credit facility, which was refinanced in June 2007 (See below).

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

Detailed information concerning significant changes in White Mountains’ financing structure during 2007 follows. Refer to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a fuller discussion regarding White Mountains’ debt obligations as of December 31, 2006.

In May 2007, WMRe Group issued $250 million non-cumulative perpetual preference shares and received $246 million of proceeds, net of $4 million of issuance costs and commissions. Holders of the Preference Shares receive dividends on a non-cumulative basis only when, as and if declared by WMRe Group at a fixed dividend rate of 7.506% for the period from issuance until June 30, 2017 and a variable dividend rate thereafter. The Preference Shares are redeemable only at the option of WMRe Group.

In March 2007, White Mountains ReWMRe Group issued $400.0 million face value of senior unsecured debt at an issue price of 99.715%, which resulted in net proceeds of $392 million. The WMRe Senior Notes bear an annual interest rate of 6.375%, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 20 and September 20, until maturity in March 2017. Taking into effect the amortization of the original issue discount and all underwriting and issuance expenses, including thean interest rate lock agreement, the WMRe Senior Notes yield an effective rate of 6.5%6.49% per annum.

During the first quarter of 2007, White Mountains repaid the $320 million that had been outstanding under the WTM Bankits revolving credit facility using a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the WMRe Senior Notes. In accordance with the mandatory commitment reduction provision in the WTM Bank Facility,credit facility at that time, following the issuance of the WMRe Senior Notes the revolving credit facility commitment was reduced from $500 million to $304 million.

During the second quarter of 2007, White Mountains replaced its existing credit facility with a new $475 million revolving credit facility that matures in June 2012 (the “WTM Bank Facility”). This new facility removed WMRe Group as co-borrower and co-guarantor, added certain intermediate holding companies of White Mountains as co-guarantors and amended and/or removed certain financial and other covenants. As of September 30, 2007, the WTM Bank Facility was undrawn.

In November 2006, Fund American established a $75 million revolving credit facility that matures in November 2011 (the “ FAC Bank Facility”), which, as of September 30, 2007, was undrawn.

46



Repurchase of White Mountains common shares

On October 26, 2007, White Mountains repurchased 282,341 of its common shares for $500 per share, or $141 million, in a transaction with an institutional investor. This transaction is the first repurchase under the previously announced share repurchase plan authorized by White Mountains’ Board of Directors on November 17, 2006. There are 717,659 shares remaining for future share repurchases under the plan.

Detailed information concerning White Mountains’ liquidity and capital resource activities during the threenine months ended MarchSeptember 30, 2007 and 2006 follows:

For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007

Financing and Other Capital Activities

In May 2007, White Mountains Re received net proceeds of $246 million through the issuance of the Preference Shares. White Mountains Re declared and paid a $2 million cash dividend on these shares in June 2007.

In March 2007, White Mountains Re received net proceeds of $392 million through the issuance of the WMRe Senior Notes and subsequently paid a cash dividend of $392 million to its immediate parent. In addition, White Mountains used a portion of these proceeds to repay its $320 million outstanding balance on the WTM Bank Facility.its existing bank facility.

During the first quarternine months of 2007, White Mountainsthe Company declared and paid a cash dividenddividends of $22$65 million to its common shareholders.

During the first quarternine months of 2007, OneBeacon Ltd. declared and paid a cash dividenddividends of $21$63 million to its common shareholders, $15$45 million of which was received by an intermediate holding company of White Mountains. In addition,On June 30, 2007, OneBeacon Ltd paid $8repaid $20 million in dividends onof its mandatorily redeemable preferred stock using funds that were held in trust for the purpose of economically defeasing the preferred stock. OneBeacon also paid $22 million in dividends on its mandatorily redeemable preferred stock during the first nine months of 2007 using funds that were held in trust for the purpose of economically defeasing the preferred stock.


During the first nine months of 2007, OneBeacon declared and paid dividends of $140 million to Fund American. Also during the first nine months of 2007, White Mountains Re paid $10 million of dividends to its immediate parent in addition to the $392 million described above.

Acquisitions and Dispositions

During the third quarter of 2007, OneBeacon sold one of its inactive licensed subsidiaries, American Employers’ Insurance Company, to a third party for $48 million in cash.

During the third quarter of 2007, OneBeacon Ltd. repurchased and retired 274,244 of its common shares for $6 million as part of its previously announced share repurchase plan.

During the first quarter of 2007, White Mountains sold 645,262 shares of OneBeacon Ltd. to OneBeacon’s employee stock ownership plan for proceeds of $17 million, reducingmillion.

On May 1, 2007, White Mountains sold all of its ownershipremaining interest in OneBeacon Ltd. from 72.4%Montpelier Re, which consisted of 939,039 common shares and warrants to 71.8%.purchase 7,172,376 common shares, for total proceeds of $65 million.

Other Liquidity and Capital Resource Activities

During the threefirst nine months ended March 31,of 2007, the Company issued a total of 1,5009,750 common shares to its employees through the exercise of Options during the period and received cash proceeds of $.2$2 million in connection with these Option exercises. The Company also accepted 4,465 common shares from an employee in satisfaction of a $3 million employee withholding tax liability associated with the vesting of Restricted Shares.

During the first quarternine months of 2007, White Mountains made payments totaling $56 million, in cash or by deferral into certain non-qualified compensation plans of the Company or its subsidiaries, to participants in its long-term incentive compensation plans. These payments were made with respect to 63,300 target performance shares at payout levels ranging from 145% to 186% of target.

47



For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006

Financing and Other Capital Activities

During the first threenine months of 2006, White Mountains declared and paid cash dividends of $22$65 million and $8$23 million to holders of common shares and mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, respectively.

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006, OneBeacon declared and paid cash dividends of $1$90 million to Fund American. Also during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006, White Mountains Re paid $5$35 million of dividends to its immediate parent.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, White Mountains borrowed and repaid $50 million under its existing Bank Facility and OneBeacon drew an additional $15 million under its existing real estate construction loan.

Acquisitions and Dispositions

On August 3, 2006, White Mountains did not execute any significant acquisitions or dispositions duringRe sold one of its subsidiaries, Sirius America, to an investor group for $139 million in cash. As part of the first quartertransaction, White Mountains acquired an equity interest of 2006.approximately 18% in the acquiring entity by investing $32 million into the investor group.

On September 29, 2006, OneBeacon sold certain assets and the right to renew existing policies of its Agri division to a third party for $32.0 million in cash.

Other Liquidity and Capital Resource Activities

During the threethird quarter of 2006, White Mountains sold 5.4 million shares of its common stock investment in Montpelier Re for proceeds of $104 million in cash.

During the first nine months ended March 31,of 2006, the Company issued a total of 830 common shares to its employees through the exercise of Options during the period and received cash proceeds of $.1 million in connection with these Option exercises.

During the first quarter of 2006, White Mountains made payments totaling $57 million, in cash or by deferral into certain non-qualified compensation plans of the Company or its subsidiaries, to participants in its long-term incentive compensation plans. These payments were made with respect to 64,100 target performance shares at payout levels ranging from 142% to 181% of target.

Recent Investment Activity

On April 27, 2007, Montpelier Re agreed to repurchase all of White Mountains’ remaining interest in Montpelier Re, which consists of 939,039 common shares and 7,172,375.5 warrants, for a total purchase price of $65 million. The transaction closed on May 1, 2007.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Refer to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion regarding White Mountains’ critical accounting estimates.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

·   growth in book value per share or return on equity;

·   business strategy;

·   financial and operating targets or plans;

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

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

·   expansion and growth of its business and operations; and

·   future capital expenditures.

48



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 the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K;

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

·   the continued availability of capital and financing;

·   general economic, market or business conditions;

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

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

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

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

·   recorded loss reserves subsequently proving to have been inadequate; and

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

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


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Refer to White Mountains’ 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in particular Item 7A. - “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”. As of March 31,September 30, 2007, there were no material changes in the market risks as described in White Mountains’ most recent Annual Report.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

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

There were no significant changes with respect to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2007.

Part II.OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

Refer

In August 2004, OneBeacon asserted claims against Liberty Mutual in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (the “Court”) for breach of contract and negligence with respect to agreements with Liberty Mutual (the “Liberty Agreements”). The portion of the contract claim relating to OneBeacon Insurance Company was submitted to arbitration and the Court stayed the remaining claims, including OneBeacon’s claims on behalf of its other insurance subsidiaries that were signatories to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in particular Item 3 - “Legal Proceedings” for a brief description of non-routine legal proceedings. Damages sought by the claimants do not exceed 10%Liberty Agreements, pending resolution of the Company’s current assets.arbitration. In August 2007, the arbitration panel issued an award in favor of OneBeacon on the portion of the breach of contract claim submitted to it finding that Liberty Mutual breached the Liberty Agreements. The panel awarded OneBeacon $4.5 million plus interest.

Item 1A.                 Risk Factors

Subsequent to the award, in September 2007, Liberty Mutual filed petitions in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (“USDC”) and the Court to vacate the arbitral award and dismiss or arbitrate the remaining Court claims. OneBeacon filed motions to confirm the award and deny the petition to vacate. Resolution of these issues is expected in the near future. In October 2007, OneBeacon (on behalf of its other insurance subsidiaries that were signatories to the Liberty Agreements) filed suit against Liberty Mutual in Suffolk County Superior Court in Massachusetts to recover damages caused by Liberty Mutual’s claims conduct. Concurrently, a demand for arbitration was served on Liberty Mutual to preserve the rights and interests of OneBeacon (on behalf of the same subsidiaries).

49



In January 2006, Liberty Mutual initiated an arbitration proceeding (the “ULAE Arbitration”) against OneBeacon asserting it is owed approximately $68 million  in connection with unallocated loss adjustment expenses (“ULAE”), under the Liberty Agreements. OneBeacon believes that Liberty’s calculation of ULAE is inconsistent with the terms of the Liberty Agreements. As of June 30, 2007, OneBeacon has recorded in its loss and LAE reserves an estimate of ULAE expenses due Liberty Mutual on a basis that it believes is consistent with the terms of the Liberty Agreements. Hearings are expected to commence on the contract interpretation issues in 2008.

In September 2006, OneBeacon initiated an arbitration against Liberty Mutual (the “Reinsurance Arbitration”) seeking payment of approximately $57 million relating to reinsurance arrangements under the Liberty Agreements. In January 2007, the Reinsurance Arbitration was consolidated into the ULAE Arbitration. In July 2007, the reinsurance payment issues in the Reinsurance Arbitration were resolved in OneBeacon’s favor.

As of September 30, 2007, OneBeacon believes its loss and LAE reserves are sufficient to cover reasonably anticipated outcomes of all disputes with Liberty Mutual.

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the Registrant’s risk factors since the Registrant’s most recently filed Form 10-K.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

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

On November 17, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase up to 1,000,000 of the Company’s common shares, from time to time, subject to market conditions. Common shares may be purchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase authorization does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares. As of March 31,September 30, 2007, there were no repurchases of common shares made under this authorization.

As permitted by the Restricted Share Award Agreement between the Company and Steven E. Fass, the Company accepted 4,465 common shares in satisfaction of Mr. Fass’ withholding tax obligations arising from the vesting of 10,000 Restricted Shares on February 26, 2007.  The common shares received by the Company were valued at the applicable New York Stock Exchange closing price on February 23, 2007 ($574.90 per common share).

Item 3.

Item 3.      Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4.

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

None.

Item 5.

Item 5.      Other Information.

None.

Item 6.

Item 6.      Exhibits.

(a) Exhibits

11 -    Statement Re Computation of Per Share Earnings*

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

-

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. *


*                             Included herein

**                      Not included as an exhibit as the information is contained elsewhere within this report. See Note 810 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

50



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)

 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

(Registrant)

Date: May 2,November 5, 2007

By:

 /s//s/ J. Brian Palmer

 

 

 

J. Brian Palmer


Chief Accounting Officer

 

4451