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White Mountains Insurance Group 10-Q 2008
UNITED STATES Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the period ended September 30, 2008
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x
As of October 30, 2008, 10,441,964 common shares with a par value of $1.00 per share were outstanding (which includes 53,200 restricted common shares that were not vested at such date).
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME Unaudited
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Unaudited
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Unaudited
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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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 is 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.”), an exempted Bermuda limited liability company that owns a family of U.S.-based property and casualty insurance companies (collectively “OneBeacon”), most 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”). At September 30, 2008, White Mountains owned 75.5% of OneBeacon Ltd.’s outstanding common shares.
The White Mountains Re segment consists of White Mountains Re Ltd., an exempted Bermuda limited liability company, and its subsidiaries (collectively, “White Mountains Re”). White Mountains Re offers reinsurance capacity for property, casualty, accident & health, agriculture, aviation and space and certain other exposures on a worldwide basis through its subsidiaries, White Mountains Reinsurance Company of America (“WMRe America”), which was formerly known as Folksamerica Reinsurance Company, Sirius International Insurance Corporation (“WMRe Sirius”), and White Mountains Re Bermuda Ltd. (“WMRe Bermuda”), which was formerly known as Fund American Reinsurance Company, Ltd. 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”). White Mountains Re also includes Scandinavian Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“Scan Re”) and Commercial Casualty Insurance Company (“CCIC”), both of which are in run off, and the consolidated results of the Tuckerman Capital II, LP fund (“Tuckerman Fund II”), which was transferred to White Mountains Re from Other Operations, effective June 30, 2008.
The Esurance segment consists of Esurance Holdings, Inc., its subsidiaries and Answer Financial Inc. (“AFI” and, collectively, “Esurance”). Esurance sells personal auto insurance directly to customers online and through select online agents. During the first quarter of 2008, White Mountains acquired 42% of the outstanding debt and equity of AFI, an online personal insurance agency, for $30.2 million. White Mountains also contributed an additional $2.6 million to AFI during the first quarter of 2008 and accounted for its investment in AFI under the equity method. On April 1, 2008, White Mountains increased its ownership share in AFI to 68.9% and began accounting for its investment in AFI as a consolidated subsidiary. On July 30, 2008, White Mountains acquired the remaining equity and debt interests from the minority owner of AFI for $44.4 million. As a result, White Mountains now owns 100% of AFI. (see Note 2).
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 includes American Centennial Insurance Company (“American Centennial”) and British Insurance Company of Cayman (“BICC”), both of which are in run-off. The Other Operations segment also includes White Mountains’ investments in Lightyear Delos Acquisition Corporation (“Delos”), common shares and warrants to purchase common shares of Symetra Financial Corporation (“Symetra”) and the consolidated results of the Tuckerman Capital, LP fund (“Tuckerman Fund I”) and Tuckerman Fund II until its transfer to White Mountains Re, effective June 30, 2008.
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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 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. Refer to the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion regarding White Mountains’ significant accounting policies.
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 comprehensive income attributable to minority interests is presented net of related income taxes in the statement of operations and comprehensive income. The change in unrealized investment gains (losses) prior to the January 1, 2008 adoption of FAS 159, 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 minority interest. The percentage of the noncontrolling shareholders’ ownership interest in OneBeacon Ltd. at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was 24.5% and 27.1%.
On May 24, 2007, White Mountains Re Group, Ltd. (“WMRe Group”), an intermediate holding company of White Mountains Re, issued 250,000 non-cumulative perpetual preference shares with a $1,000 per share liquidation preference (the “WMRe Preference Shares”). Proceeds of $245.7 million, net of $4.3 million of issuance costs and commissions, were received from the issuance. The WMRe Preference Shares and dividends thereon are included in minority interest on the balance sheet and as minority interest expense on the statement of operations and comprehensive income, respectively.
At June 30, 2008, White Mountains owned 68.9% of AFI, while the noncontrolling shareholders of AFI held 31.1% of its common equity shares and a $29.6 million Secured Senior Note from AFI (see Note 6). On July 30, 2008, White Mountains acquired the remaining equity and debt interests in AFI from the minority owner (see Note 2).
Recently Adopted Changes in Accounting Principles
Fair Value Measurements
On January 1, 2008, White Mountains adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 provides a revised definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands financial statement disclosure requirements for fair value information. Under FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (an exit price). The Statement establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between inputs based on market data from independent sources (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (“unobservable inputs”). The fair value hierarchy in FAS 157 prioritizes fair value measurements into three levels based on the nature of the inputs. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities have the highest priority (“Level 1”), followed by prices determined based on observable inputs including prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities (“Level 2”) and followed by prices based on assumptions that include significant unobservable inputs, having the lowest priority (“Level 3”).
White Mountains uses brokers and outside pricing services to assist in determining fair values. For investments in active markets, White Mountains uses the quoted market prices provided by the outside pricing service to determine fair value. The outside pricing services used by White Mountains have indicated that they will only provide prices where observable inputs are available. In circumstances where quoted prices are unavailable, White Mountains utilizes fair value estimates based upon other observable inputs including matrix pricing, benchmark interest rates, market comparables and other relevant inputs.
White Mountains’ process to validate the market prices obtained from outside pricing sources include, but are not limited to, periodic evaluation of model pricing methodologies and monthly analytical reviews of certain prices. White Mountains also periodically performs back-testing of selected sales activity to determine whether there are any significant differences between the market price used to value the security prior to sale and the actual sale price.
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Other investments, which comprises limited partnerships, hedge funds and private equity interests for which the FAS 159 fair value option has been elected are carried at fair value based upon White Mountains’ proportionate interest in the underlying partnership’s or fund’s net asset value, which is deemed to approximate fair value. In circumstances where the partnership net asset value is deemed to differ from fair value due to illiquidity or other factors, net asset value is adjusted accordingly.
Where appropriate, assets and liabilities measured at fair value have been adjusted for the effect of counterparty credit risk.
Fair Value Option
On January 1, 2008, White Mountains adopted SFAS No.159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“FAS 159”). FAS 159 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. White Mountains has made the fair value election for its portfolio of available for sale (“AFS”) securities, its investments in investment partnerships and for its assumed variable annuity Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits (“GMDB”) liabilities.
Upon adoption of FAS 159, White Mountains’ portfolio of AFS securities were reclassified as trading. Realized and unrealized investment gains and losses on trading securities are reported, pre-tax in revenues. Prior to adoption, unrealized investment gains and losses on AFS securities were reported net, after-tax, as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Changes in net unrealized investment gains and losses on AFS securities, net of the effect of adjustment for minority interest and after-tax, were reported as a component of other comprehensive income.
White Mountains’ investments in limited partnerships comprises investments in hedge funds, private equity funds and other investment limited partnerships. Prior to January 1, 2008, changes in White Mountains’ interests in limited partnerships accounted for under the equity method were included in net realized investment gains and changes in interests in limited partnerships not accounted for under the equity method were reported, after-tax, as a component of other comprehensive income. Effective January 1, 2008, White Mountains has made the fair value election for most of its limited partnership investments in hedge funds and private equity funds. For the limited partnership investments for which White Mountains has made the fair value election, changes in fair value are reported in revenues on a pre-tax basis. For those investment limited partnerships for which White Mountains has not made the fair value election, White Mountains continues to account for its interests under the equity method.
Upon adoption, White Mountains recorded an adjustment to increase opening retained earnings and decrease accumulated other comprehensive income by $199.6 million to reclassify net unrealized gains and net unrealized foreign currency translation gains related to AFS securities and investments in limited partnerships.
In addition, White Mountains recorded an adjustment to decrease opening retained earnings and increase other liabilities by $0.3 million for the change in the GMDB liabilities arising from measurement at fair value. White Mountains believes that making the election for its portfolio of investment securities and investments in hedge funds and private equity funds will result in reporting its investment results on a basis consistent with one of its operating principles, namely to manage investments for total return. With respect to the variable annuity GMDB guarantees, making the election will result in recognition of changes in fair value on the same basis used by White Mountains to economically hedge its variable annuity guarantee liabilities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Derivatives Disclosures
In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - an amendment of FAS 133 (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires companies that use derivatives to provide expanded qualitative and quantitative information about their use of derivative instruments, including the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, details of credit-risk related contingent features, the amounts of derivatives used, where they have been reported in the financial statements and the effect of such instruments on a company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. FAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008 with early adoption encouraged. White Mountains plans to adopt FAS 161 January 1, 2009 and is still evaluating the effect of adoption.
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Participating Securities Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions
In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) EITF 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Transactions are Participating Securities. The FSP addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions should be considered participating securities prior to vesting. The FSP requires that such instruments that hold unforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, regardless of whether paid or unpaid, should be considered participating securities and accordingly should be included in the calculation of earnings per share under the two-class method instead of the treasury stock method. Unvested restricted stock issued under employee incentive compensation plans containing such dividend participation features would be considered participating securities. This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years. Upon adoption, all prior period earnings per share data must be adjusted retrospectively to conform to the provisions of the FSP. Early application is not permitted. White Mountains is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this FSP.
Business Combinations
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations (“FAS 141R”). FAS 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. White Mountains is in the process of evaluating the potential effect of adoption. FAS 141R requires an acquiring company to recognize the fair value of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair values at the acquisition date, with certain exceptions. This represents a basic change in approach from the cost allocation method originally described in SFAS 141, Business Combinations (“FAS 141”). In addition, FAS 141R changes the accounting for step acquisitions since it requires recognition of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed, regardless of the acquirer’s percentage of ownership in the acquired company. This means that the acquirer will measure and recognize all of the assets, liabilities and goodwill, not just the acquirer’s share. Assets and liabilities arising from contractual contingencies are to be recognized at the acquisition date, at fair value. Non-contractual contingencies are to be recognized when it is more likely than not that they meet the FASB Concepts Statement No. 6, Elements of Financial Statements, criteria for an asset or liability. Acquisition related costs, such as legal fees and due diligence costs would be expensed and would not be recognized as part of goodwill. Changes in the amount of deferred taxes arising from a business combination are to be recognized in either income or through a change in contributed capital, depending on the circumstances. Previously under SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“FAS 109”), such changes were recognized through goodwill. The classification of insurance and reinsurance contracts are re-evaluated at the acquisition date only if their terms were changed in connection with the acquisition.
Non-controlling interests
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests-an amendment to ARB 51 (“FAS 160”). FAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. FAS 160 requires all companies to account for minority interests in subsidiaries as equity, clearly identified and presented separately from parent company equity. Once a controlling interest has been acquired, any subsequent acquisitions or dispositions of noncontrolling interest that do not result in a change of control are to be accounted for as equity transactions. Assets and liabilities acquired are measured at fair value only once; at the original acquisition date, i.e., the date at which the acquirer gained control. Upon adoption, White Mountains would be required to reflect the ownership interests in its consolidated subsidiaries within equity.
Note 2. Significant Transactions and Agreements
Berkshire Exchange
During the first quarter of 2008, White Mountains entered into an exchange agreement with Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”) to transfer certain run-off businesses and a substantial amount of cash to Berkshire in exchange for substantially all of the common shares of White Mountains owned by Berkshire (the “Berkshire Exchange”).
Under the terms of the agreement, Berkshire will exchange substantially all of its 16.3% stake in White Mountains (1,633,787 of its 1,724,200 common shares) for 100% of a White Mountains subsidiary, which will hold CCIC, International American Group, and $707.4 million in cash. (See Note 15).
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Helicon
On January 7, 2008, White Mountains Re acquired Helicon Re Holdings, Ltd. for approximately $150.2 million, which resulted in the recognition of an extraordinary gain of $4.2 million. Helicon Re Holdings, Ltd. is the parent of Helicon Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“Helicon”), which in 2006 and 2007 provided quota share retrocessional coverage to White Mountains Re.
Answer Financial
During the first quarter of 2008, White Mountains acquired 42% of the outstanding debt and equity of AFI, an online personal insurance agency, for $30.2 million. White Mountains also contributed an additional $2.6 million to AFI during the first quarter of 2008 and accounted for its investment in AFI under the equity method.
On April 1, 2008, AFI emerged from a pre-packaged bankruptcy reorganization. In the reorganization, the debt held by White Mountains was exchanged for additional shares of common equity, thus increasing White Mountains’ ownership share to 68.9%. Effective April 1, 2008, White Mountains accounts for its investment in AFI as a consolidated subsidiary. In connection with the reorganization, which was accounted for as an acquisition under the purchase method of accounting, White Mountains recorded the identifiable assets and liabilities of AFI at their fair values as of April 1, 2008. Significant assets and liabilities acquired included cash of $9.4 million, debt of $29.6 million (see Note 6), accrued liabilities of $7.5 million and a deferred tax asset of $64.2 million, which was offset by a full valuation allowance prior to purchase accounting adjustments. After allocating the purchase price to identifiable tangible assets and liabilities, White Mountains also recorded adjustments to allocate the remaining acquisition cost, consisting of a $53.2 million intangible asset related to the value of business in force at the acquisition date, an adjustment to property and equipment of $4.0 million to reflect the fair value of AFI’s information technology infrastructure, and a related deferred tax liability of $20.0 million. Upon recording the deferred tax liability, the valuation allowance was reduced by $20.0 million resulting in a valuation allowance of $44.2 million and a deferred tax asset of $20.0 million.
On July 30, 2008, White Mountains acquired the remaining equity and debt interests from the minority owner of AFI for $44.4 million. In connection with the acquisition, White Mountains repaid the AFI note of $29.6 million. White Mountains recorded the identifiable assets and liabilities of AFI at their fair values as of July 30, 2008. Significant assets and liabilities acquired included cash of $6.6 million, accrued liabilities of $6.1 million and a deferred tax asset of $25.4 million, which was offset by a full valuation allowance prior to purchase accounting adjustments. After allocating the purchase price to identifiable tangible assets and liabilities, White Mountains also recorded adjustments to allocate the remaining acquisition cost consisting of a $20.8 million intangible asset related to the value of business in force at acquisition date, an adjustment to property and equipment of $1.8 million to reflect the fair value of AFI’s information technology infrastructure and a related deferred tax liability of $25.4 million.
The intangible asset associated with the acquired business in force will be amortized over an 8-year period, consistent with the expected term of the related business in force. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, White Mountains recognized $5.4 million and $9.8 million of amortization expense related to the intangible asset associated with the acquired business in force. The purchase adjustment related to the information technology infrastructure will be amortized over a 3-year period, consistent with White Mountains’ amortization period for similar assets. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, White Mountains recognized $0.5 million and $0.8 million of amortization expense related to AFI’s information technology infrastructure.
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Note 3. Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
The following table summarizes the loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserve activities of White Mountains’ insurance subsidiaries for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:
(1) During the three months ended September 30, 2007, White Mountains Re recorded a $9.0 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.
Loss and LAE incurred relating to prior year losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008
White Mountains experienced $16.6 million of net favorable loss reserve development and $53.1 million of net adverse loss reserve development during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, White Mountains Re had net adverse loss reserve development of $4.0 million and $87.7 million. The net adverse loss reserve development in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily resulted from a comprehensive loss reserve review performed in the second quarter of 2008, as described below, and $40.5 million of construction defect losses from accident years 2001 and prior recorded in the first quarter of 2008, offset by net favorable loss reserve development from recent accident years.
White Mountains Re management commenced a comprehensive loss reserve review (the “Reserve Review”) in the second quarter of 2008, primarily as a result of the $40.5 million adverse loss reserve development recorded in the first quarter of 2008 referred to above. The Reserve Review was conducted by management, including internal underwriting, claims and actuarial personnel, with assistance from external consultants. The Reserve Review included all of WMRe America’s non-asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) casualty loss reserves as well as certain lines of business at WMRe Sirius. The Reserve Review resulted in $140.0 million of additional adverse loss reserve development at WMRe America, partially offset by $85.0 million of favorable loss reserve development at WMRe Sirius during the second quarter of 2008. The adverse loss reserve development at WMRe America was predominantly attributable to its casualty reinsurance book written in the 1996-2002 underwriting years, whereas the favorable loss reserve development at WMRe Sirius was predominantly attributable to its property reinsurance book.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, OneBeacon had net favorable loss reserve development of $20.8 million and $33.0 million that primarily related to professional liability in specialty lines and package business in commercial lines, partially offset by adverse loss reserve development at AutoOne in personal lines and in run-off.
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For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, Esurance did not record any net loss reserve development.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Other Operations segment had $1.6 million of net favorable loss reserve development.
Loss and LAE incurred relating to prior year losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007
White Mountains experienced $0.9 million and $53.4 million of net favorable loss reserve development during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. For the three months ended September 30, 2007, OneBeacon had net favorable loss reserve development of $16.5 million that was offset primarily by $15.0 million of net adverse loss reserve development at Esurance. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, OneBeacon, White Mountains Re, and Other Operations had net favorable loss reserve development of $41.2 million, $25.1 million and $10.5 million, respectively, offset by $23.4 million of net adverse loss reserve development at Esurance. OneBeacon’s net favorable loss reserve development in 2007 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 adverse loss reserve development in 2007 that primarily related to bodily injury claims from prior accident years. Net favorable loss reserve development at White Mountains Re in 2007 primarily related to property lines. The Other Operations segment experienced $10.5 million of favorable loss reserve development during 2007 primarily due to the settlement of a large claim at British Insurance Company.
Fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves
In connection with purchase accounting for the acquisitions of OneBeacon, WMRe Sirius and Stockbridge Insurance Company, White Mountains was required to adjust loss and LAE reserves and the related reinsurance recoverables to fair value on their respective acquired balance sheets. The net reduction to loss and LAE reserves is being recognized through an income statement charge ratably with and over the period the claims are settled. Accordingly, White Mountains recognized $4.3 million and $12.6 million of such charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, and $5.4 million and $16.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. As of September 30, 2008, the outstanding pre-tax unaccreted adjustment was $46.0 million.
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Note 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 September 30, 2008, OneBeacon had $19.4 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid losses and $2,754.0 million (gross of $209.1 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 paid and unpaid reinsurance recoverables and the reinsurer’s A.M. Best rating.
(1) A.M. Best ratings as detailed above are: “A++” (Superior, which is the highest of fifteen ratings), “A+” (Superior, which is the second highest of fifteen ratings), and “A” (Excellent, which is the third highest of fifteen ratings).
(2) Includes $320.2 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 $277.7 of Third Party Recoverables from various reinsurers, the majority of which are rated “A” or better by A.M. Best.
(3) Excludes $46.7 of reinsurance recoverables from various reinsurers that are guaranteed by Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire under the terms of a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement between Houston General Insurance Company and Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire.
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 A&E claims and certain other exposures (the “NICO Cover”) and an adverse loss reserve development cover (the “GRC Cover”) from General Reinsurance Corporation (“GRC”) for up to $570.0 million, comprised of $400.0 million of adverse loss reserve 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.
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 September 30, 2008 it has used approximately $2.2 billion of the coverage provided by NICO. Through September 30, 2008 $1.1 billion of these incurred losses have been paid by NICO. Since entering into the NICO Cover, $41.6 million of the $2.2 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.
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In September 2008, OneBeacon completed a study of its A&E exposures. Based on the study, OneBeacon increased its best estimate of its incurred losses ceded to NICO under the NICO Cover, net of underlying reinsurance, by $83.4 million to $2.2 billion, which is within the $2.5 billion coverage provided by the NICO Cover. Due to the NICO Cover, there was no impact to income or equity from the change in estimate. (See Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” – specifically A&E Exposures in the OneBeacon segment discussion for a detailed discussion of the results of this study).
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 nominal.
Effective, July 1, 2008, OneBeacon renewed its property catastrophe reinsurance program through June 30, 2009. The program provides coverage for all OneBeacon property business including automobile physical damage, as well as acts of terrorism unless committed on behalf of a foreign interest (or utilizing nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological devices). 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
At September 30, 2008, White Mountains Re had $30.2 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid losses and $691.4 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 its 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 paid and unpaid reinsurance recoverables and the reinsurers’ A.M. Best ratings.
1) Non-U.S. insurance entities. Balances are fully collateralized through funds held, letters of credit or trust agreements.
2) A.M. Best ratings as detailed above are: “NR-5” (Not formally followed), “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 $79.4 due to Olympus Reinsurance Company Ltd. (“Olympus”) under an indemnity agreement with WMRe America.
During the third quarter 2008, White Mountains Re purchased two Industry Loss Warranty Covers (“ILW”) for a total cost of $2.1 million. This reinsurance protection has a total limit of $40.0 million from two retrocessionaires. The ILW was purchased to protect White Mountains Re’s balance sheet from the adverse impact of the occurrence of wind and flood catastrophic events in the Northeastern United States, defined as Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont (“Loss Event” ), primarily through December 31, 2008. The ILW covers all the White Mountains Re operating subsidiaries, who can only recover losses incurred as a result of a Loss Event.
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Note 5. Investment Securities
White Mountains’ invested assets comprise securities and other investments held for general investment purposes. Until May 31, 2008, OneBeacon also held securities in a segregated trust account established in connection with the OneBeacon Offering to economically defease the $300.0 million mandatorily redeemable preferred stock held by Berkshire (the “Berkshire Preferred Stock”). The Berkshire Preferred Stock was redeemed in May 2008 using the proceeds from the segregated trust account.
White Mountains’ portfolio of fixed maturity investments and common equity securities held for general investment purposes were classified as AFS for the year ended December 31, 2007. Effective January 1, 2008, the portfolio of fixed maturity investments and common equity securities held for general investment purposes were reclassified as trading. AFS and trading securities are reported at fair value as of the balance sheet date as determined by quoted market prices when available. Prior to January 1, 2008, changes in net unrealized investment gains and losses on AFS securities, net of the effect of adjustment for minority interest and after-tax, were reported as a component of other comprehensive income. Realized and unrealized investment gains and losses on trading securities are reported pre-tax in revenues. See Recently Adopted Changes in Accounting Principles section of Note 1 for further discussion.
Prior to January 1, 2008, White Mountains accounted for its convertible bonds in accordance with FAS 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Instruments, an amendment to Statements No. 133 and 140” (“FAS 155”). Convertible bonds were recorded at fair value which changes therein recorded as realized investment gains or losses. On January 1, 2008, White Mountains has elected the fair value option under FAS 159 for its investment in convertible bonds, which continue to be recorded at fair value. Upon adoption of FAS 159, changes in fair value are recorded in revenues through unrealized investment gains (losses).
White Mountains has invested in mortgage backed and asset-backed securities which are carried at fair value within fixed maturity investments. White Mountains’ investments in asset-backed securities are generally valued using matrix and other pricing models. Key inputs in a typical valuation are benchmark yields, benchmark securities, reported trades, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit ratings and prepayment speeds. Income on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities is recognized using an effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When actual prepayments differ significantly from anticipated prepayments, the estimated economic life is recalculated and the remaining unamortized premium or discount is amortized prospectively over the remaining economic life. At September 30, 2008, the market for White Mountains’ investments in asset-backed securities remained active and accordingly, White Mountains did not adjust the fair value estimates for the effect of illiquidity.
The portfolio of fixed maturity investments that were held in the segregated trust account were classified as held to maturity as White Mountains had the ability and intent to hold the investments until maturity. Securities classified as held to maturity are recorded at amortized cost.
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 September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007. Short-term investments held in the segregated trust account were included in the total of investments held in trust.
Other investments comprise White Mountains’ investments in limited partnerships, hedge fund and private equity interests.
White Mountains participates in a securities lending program as a mechanism for generating additional investment income. Under the security lending arrangements, certain securities that White Mountains owns are loaned to other institutions for short periods of time through a lending agent. White Mountains maintains control over the securities it lends, retains the earnings and cash flows associated with the loaned securities and receives a fee from the borrower for the temporary use of the asset. The security lending counterparty is required to provide collateral for the loaned securities, which is then invested by the lending agent. The collateral is required at a rate of 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities, is controlled by the lending agent and may not be sold or re-pledged. The fair value of the securities lending collateral is recorded as both an asset and liability on the balance sheet, however, other than in the event of default by the borrower, this collateral is not available to White Mountains and will be remitted to the borrower by the lending agent upon the return of the loaned securities. Because of these restrictions, White Mountains considers its securities lending activities to be non-cash transactions. An indemnification agreement with the lending agent protects White Mountains in the event a borrower becomes insolvent or fails to return any of the securities on loan.
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Pre-tax net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:
Pre-tax realized investment (losses) gains consisted of the following:
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, White Mountains recognized $92.1 million and $101.1 million of after-tax realized losses. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, White Mountains recognized after-tax realized gains of $18.2 million and $129.7 million.
White Mountains recognizes declines in fair value deemed to be other-than-temporary impairments as realized losses. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 White Mountains recognized realized losses of $91.9 million and $160.6 million for declines in fair value deemed to be other than temporary. The $91.9 million of realized losses from other-than-temporary impairments recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 included following investments: $10.2 million on preferred stocks held with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, $18.4 million on USB Capital IX, $16.6 million on Post Properties Inc, $10.3 million on Wachovia, $10.5 million relating to AIG and its subsidiaries, $9.4 million relating to Gold Fields Limited, and $6.9 million relating to CIT Group Inc. The $160.6 million of realized loss from other-than-temporary impairments recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 also includes $10.6 million on Meredith Corporation, $12.4 million on BAC Capital Trust XIV, $5.0 million on Pfizer Inc, an additional $9.8 million relating to Wachovia and an additional $8.9 million relating to CIT Group Inc. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 White Mountains recognized $11.3 million of realized losses from other than temporary impairment charges. Effective January 1, 2008, upon adoption of FAS 159, for all investment securities for which the fair value election has been made, all changes in fair value are included in revenues.
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White Mountains’ ending net unrealized investment gains and losses on its investment portfolio and its investments in unconsolidated affiliates at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were as follows:
The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, and carrying values of White Mountains’ fixed maturity investments as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, were as follows:
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The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, and carrying values of White Mountains’ common equity securities, convertible fixed maturities, and other investments as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, were as follows:
(1) Prior to the adoption of FAS 159, equity changes in White Mountains’ interest in limited partnerships accounted for using the equity method were reported as realized gains (losses) through earnings and a corresponding increase (decrease) in the cost of the investment. Effective with the adoption of FAS 159 on January 1, 2008, White Mountains now reports equity changes in limited partnership interests through net unrealized investment gains (losses) in earnings. Consequently, on January 1, 2008, White Mountains reduced the cost and increased the gross unrealized gains of its investments in limited partnerships by $48.8.
(2) Prior to the adoption of FAS 159, changes in the fair value of convertible fixed maturities were included in realized gains and losses.
Fair value measurements at September 30, 2008
White Mountains adopted FAS 157 on January 1, 2008. FAS 157 established a hierarchy of fair value measurements based upon the nature of the inputs as follows:
Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;
Level 2 – Valuations based on observable inputs that do not meet the criteria for Level 1, including quoted prices in inactive markets and quoted prices in active markets for similar, but not identical instruments;
Level 3 – Valuations based on unobservable inputs.
White Mountains uses observable inputs for the vast majority of its investment portfolio. Fair value measurements for securities for which quoted prices are unavailable are estimated based upon reference to observable inputs such as benchmark interest rates, matrix pricing, market comparables, broker quotes and other relevant inputs. In circumstances where quoted prices or observable inputs are adjusted to reflect management’s best estimate of fair value, such fair value measurements are considered a lower level measurement in the FAS 157 fair value hierarchy. Other investments, which comprises limited partnerships, hedge fund and private equity interests for which the SFAS 159 fair value option has been elected are carried at fair value based upon White Mountains’ proportionate interest in the underlying partnership’s or fund’s net asset value, which is deemed to approximate fair value. In circumstances where the partnership net asset value is deemed to differ from fair value due to illiquidity or other factors, net asset value is adjusted accordingly. At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, White Mountains did not adjust the net asset values used to determine fair value because an active secondary market for such investments exists.
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The following table summarizes White Mountains’ fair value measurements for investments at September 30, 2008, by level:
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