UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

ý   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the period ended March 31, 2006

 

OR

 

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

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from     to    

 

Commission file number 1-8993

 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Bermuda

 

94-2708455

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

Harborside Financial Center, Plaza 5, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311-1114

(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

 

(201) 631-3300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Yes ý    No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is 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 ý                                                 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  ý

 

As of April 26, 2006, 10,780,053 common shares with a par value of $1.00 per share were outstanding (which includes 10,000 restricted common shares that were not vested at such date).

 

 



 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Page No.

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

3

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets,

 

 

March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005

3

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income,

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

4

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Common Shareholders’ Equity,

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

5

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows,

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

6

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial

 

 

Condition and Results of Operations

26

 

 

 

 

Results of Operations - Three Months Ended

27

 

March 31, 2006 and 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

35

 

 

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

35

 

 

 

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

39

 

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

40

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

41

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

41

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

41

 

 

 

Items 1 through 6.

41

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

42

 

2



 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

(dollars in millions, except share amounts)

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

Unaudited

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments, at fair value (amortized cost: $7,285.2 and $7,548.4)

 

$

7,265.5

 

$

7,582.7

 

Common equity securities, at fair value (cost: $898.8 and $796.5)

 

1,107.0

 

967.8

 

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

 

949.7

 

727.8

 

Other investments (cost: $430.5 and $510.8)

 

506.8

 

588.1

 

Total investments

 

9,829.0

 

9,866.4

 

Cash

 

183.1

 

187.7

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

2,892.0

 

3,003.6

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses - Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

 

1,968.0

 

2,022.1

 

Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses

 

96.1

 

77.0

 

Insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

1,099.2

 

1,014.3

 

Securities lending collateral

 

496.2

 

674.9

 

Funds held by ceding companies

 

566.1

 

620.4

 

Investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

437.5

 

479.7

 

Deferred tax asset

 

317.7

 

341.2

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

312.2

 

288.4

 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

214.2

 

200.7

 

Investment income accrued

 

84.3

 

93.5

 

Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales

 

45.7

 

21.7

 

Other assets

 

540.1

 

526.5

 

Total assets

 

$

19,081.4

 

$

19,418.1

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

$

9,987.0

 

$

10,231.2

 

Reserves for structured contracts

 

222.8

 

224.6

 

Unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

1,742.4

 

1,582.0

 

Debt

 

779.1

 

779.1

 

Securities lending payable

 

496.2

 

674.9

 

Deferred tax liability

 

277.5

 

274.3

 

Ceded reinsurance payable

 

173.7

 

204.5

 

Funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

131.5

 

171.4

 

Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases

 

165.7

 

43.4

 

Other liabilities

 

992.9

 

1,165.5

 

Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption:

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

220.4

 

214.0

 

Held by others (redemption value $20.0)

 

20.0

 

20.0

 

Total liabilities

 

15,209.2

 

15,584.9

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares at $1 par value per share - authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 10,780,053 and 10,779,223 shares

 

10.8

 

10.8

 

Paid-in surplus

 

1,715.2

 

1,716.4

 

Retained earnings

 

1,983.4

 

1,899.8

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, after-tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains on investments

 

167.6

 

233.9

 

Net unrealized foreign currency translation losses

 

(1.9

)

(21.8

)

Minimum pension liability and other

 

(2.9

)

(4.0

)

Unearned compensation - restricted common share awards

 

 

(1.9

)

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

3,872.2

 

3,833.2

 

Total liabilities and common shareholders’ equity

 

$

19,081.4

 

$

19,418.1

 

 

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,

 

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

901.0

 

$

955.0

 

Net investment income

 

98.5

 

173.9

 

Net realized investment gains

 

28.5

 

37.1

 

Other revenue

 

29.8

 

59.3

 

Total revenues

 

1,057.8

 

1,225.3

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

564.0

 

619.3

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

185.6

 

189.1

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

115.9

 

122.2

 

General and administrative expenses

 

47.5

 

37.7

 

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

 

5.2

 

9.9

 

Interest expense on debt

 

11.7

 

11.6

 

Interest expense - dividends on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

7.6

 

7.6

 

Interest expense - accretion on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

6.4

 

5.0

 

Total expenses

 

943.9

 

1,002.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax income

 

113.9

 

222.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision

 

(26.9

)

(56.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

 

87.0

 

166.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

9.0

 

9.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

96.0

 

176.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized gains and losses for investments held

 

(33.2

)

(61.4

)

Change in foreign currency translation and other

 

21.0

 

(24.6

)

Recognition of net unrealized gains and losses for investments sold

 

(23.9

)

(40.0

)

Comprehensive net income

 

$

59.9

 

$

50.3

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

8.92

 

$

16.38

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

 

8.89

 

 

16.24

 

Dividends declared and paid per common share

 

$

2.00

 

$

2.00

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4



 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Unaudited

 

 

 

 

 

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, 2005

 

$

3,883.9

 

$

1,730.0

 

$

1,695.9

 

$

462.2

 

$

(4.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

176.3

 

 

176.3

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, after-tax

 

(126.0

)

 

 

(126.0

)

 

Dividends declared on common shares

 

(21.5

)

 

(21.5

)

 

 

Changes to accrued option expense

 

(1.0

)

(1.0

)

 

 

 

Issuances of common shares

 

.3

 

.3

 

 

 

 

Amortization of restricted common share awards

 

.5

 

 

 

 

.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at March 31, 2005

 

$

3,912.5

 

$

1,729.3

 

$

1,850.7

 

$

336.2

 

$

(3.7

)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5



 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

(millions)

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

96.0

 

$

176.3

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

(28.5

)

(37.1

)

Other operating items:

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

(264.7

)

(192.6

)

Net change in reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

147.8

 

99.3

 

Net change in unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

156.2

 

90.1

 

Net change in funds held by ceding companies

 

55.0

 

13.4

 

Net change in deferred acquisition costs

 

(23.2

)

(.3

)

Net change in funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

(39.8

)

4.9

 

Net change in insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

(82.1

)

(87.0

)

Net change in other assets and liabilities, net

 

(162.3

)

(307.4

)

Net cash used for operations

 

(145.6

)

(240.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in short-term investments

 

(218.1

)

6.8

 

Sales of fixed maturity investments

 

1,077.9

 

1,177.7

 

Maturities, calls and paydowns of fixed maturity investments

 

223.2

 

382.8

 

Sales of common equity securities

 

62.8

 

170.5

 

Sales of other investments

 

12.7

 

18.4

 

Purchases of other investments

 

(14.8

)

(24.2

)

Purchases of common equity securities

 

(132.0

)

(150.4

)

Purchases of fixed maturity investments

 

(935.5

)

(1,220.4

)

Net change in unsettled investment purchases and sales

 

98.4

 

(64.1

)

Net acquisitions of property and equipment

 

(6.3

)

(.8

)

Net cash provided from investing activities

 

168.3

 

296.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends paid to common shareholders

 

(21.6

)

(21.5

)

Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders

 

(7.6

)

(7.6

)

Proceeds from issuances of common shares

 

.1

 

.3

 

Net cash used for financing activities

 

(29.1

)

(28.8

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

1.8

 

(8.9

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash during the period

 

(4.6

)

18.2

 

Cash balances at beginning of period

 

187.7

 

243.1

 

Cash balances at end of period

 

$

183.1

 

$

261.3

 

Supplemental cash flows information:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

(.9

)

$

(.9

)

Net Federal income taxes received (paid)

 

17.5

 

(4.7

)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6



 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

 

These interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (the “Company” or the “Registrant”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, “White Mountains”) and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company is an exempted Bermuda limited liability company with its headquarters located at the Bank of Butterfield Building, 42 Reid Street, 6th Floor, Hamilton HM 12, Bermuda. The Company’s principal executive office is located at Harborside Financial Center, Plaza 5, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311-1114 and its registered office is located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. White Mountains’ reportable segments are OneBeacon, White Mountains Re, Esurance and Other Operations, as defined below.

 

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

 

The White Mountains Re segment consists of White Mountains Re Group, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively “White Mountains Re”). White Mountains Re offers lead reinsurance capacity for property, casualty, accident & health, aviation and marine exposures on a worldwide basis through its reinsurance subsidiaries, Folksamerica Reinsurance Company (“Folksamerica Re”, together with its parent, Folksamerica Holding Company, “Folksamerica”), which has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of White Mountains since 1998, and Sirius International Insurance Corporation (“Sirius International”), which has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of White Mountains since 2004. White Mountains’ reinsurance operations also include its wholly-owned subsidiaries Sirius America Insurance Company (“Sirius America”), which provides primary insurance programs in the United States, Scandinavian Reinsurance Company Ltd. (“Scandinavian Re”), a reinsurance company that has been in run-off since 2002, as well as White Mountains Underwriting Limited (domiciled in Ireland) and White Mountains Underwriting (Bermuda) Limited (collectively, “WMU”). WMU is an underwriting advisory company specializing in international property and marine excess reinsurance.

 

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

 

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

 

All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These interim financial statements include all adjustments considered necessary by management to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of White Mountains. These interim financial statements may not be indicative of financial results for the full year and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2005 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 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion regarding White Mountains’ significant accounting policies.

 

7



 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“FAS”) No. 123 (Revised), “Share-Based Payment” (“FAS 123R”), which is a revision to FAS 123 and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”), and related interpretations, including FASB Interpretation No. 28, “Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Options or Award Plans” (“FIN 28”). Effective January 1, 2006, White Mountains has 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 (“Options”), restricted common share awards (“Restricted Shares”) and performance share awards, as well as new awards will be subject to the fair value measurement and recognition requirements of FAS 123R.

 

White Mountains’ share-based compensation plans consist primarily of performance shares with limited use of Restricted Shares and a one-time grant of Options in 2000.  Prior to adoption of FAS 123R,  White Mountains accounted for these plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB 25 and FIN 28, and adopted the disclosure provisions of FAS 123.

 

Under APB 25 and FIN 28, the liability for the compensation cost for performance share awards was measured each period based upon the current market price of the underlying common shares. The compensation cost recognized for White Mountains’ Restricted Shares under APB 25 was based upon fair value of the award at the date of issuance and was charged to compensation expense ratably over the service period. Forfeitures were recognized as they occurred. 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’ Options have an escalating exercise price and vest on a pro rata basis over the service period. As a result, the Company’s outstanding Options were accounted for as variable awards under FIN 28, with compensation expense charged to earnings over the service period based on the intrinsic value of the underlying common shares and forfeitures recognized as they occurred.  Upon 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 Options.

 

The following table illustrates the pro forma effect on net income and earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2005 as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123 to its Options at that time. The fair value of each option award at the grant date (February 28, 2000) 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.

 

Millions, except per share amounts

 

Three Months Ended 
March 31, 2005

 

Net income, as reported

 

$

176.3

 

Less: Option income included in reported net income under APB 25 and FIN 28

 

1.0

 

Option expense determined under FAS 123

 

 

Net income, pro forma

 

$

175.3

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

Basic - as reported

 

$

16.38

 

Basic - pro forma

 

16.29

 

Diluted - as reported

 

$

16.24

 

Diluted - pro forma

 

 

16.14

 

 

Performance Shares

 

For purposes of this presentation, performance shares include both performance shares granted under White Mountains’ Long-Term Incentive Plan and performance shares and phantom performance shares granted under subsidiary performance plans.

 

8



 

                The following summarizes performance share activity for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Millions, except share amounts

 

Target 
Performance
Shares Outstanding

 

Accrued Expense

 

Target
Performance Shares
Outstanding

 

Accrued Expense

 

Beginning January 1,

 

183,317

 

$

100.5

 

368,646

 

$

340.0

 

Payments and deferrals

 

(64,100

)

(57.0

)(1)

(212,611

)

(234.5

)(2)

Forfeitures and cancellations

 

(5,039

)

(1.4

)

(1,185

)

(1.4

)

New awards

 

71,185

 

 

67,090

 

 

Expense recognized

 

 

16.8

 

 

9.7

 

Ending March 31,

 

185,363

 

$

58.9

 

221,940

 

$

113.8

 

 


(1)  Performance share payments in 2006 for the 2003-2005 performance cycle ranged from 142% to 181% of target.

(2)  Performance share payments in 2005 for the 2002-2004 performance cycle ranged from 160% to 180% of target.

 

                The following summarizes performance shares outstanding and accrued performance share expense at March 31, 2006 for each performance cycle:

 

Millions, except share amounts

 

Target 
Performance 
Shares
Outstanding

 

Accrued
Expense

 

Performance cycle:

 

 

 

 

 

 2004 - 2006

 

63,300

 

$

40.4

 

 2005 - 2007

 

55,631

 

15.5

 

 2006 - 2008

 

71,185

 

4.3

 

Subtotal

 

190,116

 

$

60.2

 

Assumed forfeitures

 

(4,753

)

(1.3

)

Total at March 31, 2006

 

185,363

 

$

58.9

 

 

If 100% of the outstanding performance shares had been vested on March 31, 2006, the total additional compensation cost to be recognized would have been $80.1 million, based on current accrual factors (common share price and payout assumptions).

 

All performance shares earned for the 2003-2005 and the 2002-2004 performance cycles were settled in cash or by deferral into certain non-qualified deferred compensation plans of the Company or its subsidiaries.

 

Restricted Shares

 

The following outlines the unrecognized compensation cost associated with the outstanding Restricted Share awards for the three month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

Unamortized

 

 

 

Unamortized

 

 

 

Restricted

 

Grant Date

 

Restricted

 

Grant Date

 

Millions, except share amounts

 

Shares

 

Fair Value

 

Shares

 

Fair Value

 

Non-vested at January 1,

 

13,000

 

$

1.9

 

15,000

 

$

4.2

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

Expense recognized

 

 

(.5

)

 

(.5

)

Non-vested at March 31,

 

13,000

 

$

1.4

 

15,000

 

$

3.7

 

 

9



 

Of the 13,000 Restricted Shares outstanding at March 31, 2006, 3,000 cliff vested on April 1, 2006 and 10,000 are scheduled to cliff vest on February 23, 2007.  The unrecognized compensation cost of $1.4 million at March 31, 2006 related to outstanding Restricted Shares is expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting period.  Vesting is dependent on continuous service by the employee throughout the award period.  Upon vesting, all restrictions initially placed upon the common shares lapse.

 

Upon adopting FAS 123R, 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.

 

Options

 

The Company issued 81,000 Options to certain key employees on February 28, 2000 (the grant date).  There have been no further Option issuances. The Options were issued at an exercise price equal to the market price of the underlying common shares on February 27, 2000.  The exercise price escalates by 6% per annum, compounded daily over the life of the Options. The Options vest ratably over a ten-year service period.

 

The following summarizes the Company’s Option activity for the three month periods ended March 31, 2006 and  2005:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Millions, except share and per share amounts

 

2006

 

2005

 

Opening balance - outstanding Options

 

34,280

 

46,530

 

Vested during period

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(830

)

(1,800

)

Ending balance - outstanding Options

 

33,450

 

44,730

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Options - exercisable

 

8,250

 

8,730

 

Exercise price - outstanding Options, beginning of year

 

$

149.25

 

$

140.80

 

Intrinsic value of Options exercised

 

.3

 

.9

 

Exercise price - outstanding Options, end of period

 

151.40

 

142.83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation expense

 

$

 

$

(1.0

)

 

The total in-the-money value of all outstanding Options and those Options currently exercisable at March  31, 2006 was $14.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The remaining term of all outstanding Options is 4.0 years.  White Mountains expects approximately 6,300 Options to become exercisable in 2006 and will issue common shares when the Options are exercised.

 

Hybrid Financial Instruments

 

On February 16, 2006, the FASB issued FAS No. 155,” Accounting for Certain Hybrid Instruments, an amendment to Statement Nos. 133 and 140” (“FAS 155”). The Statement eliminates the requirement to bifurcate financial instruments with embedded derivatives if the holder of the instrument elects to account for the entire instrument on a fair value basis. Changes in fair value are recorded as realized gains. The fair value election may be applied upon adoption of the statement for hybrid instruments that had been bifurcated under FAS 133 prior to adoption. The Statement is effective for fiscal years commencing after September 15, 2006 with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year.

 

White Mountains has adopted FAS 155 effective January 1, 2006.  Prior to adopting this statement, White Mountains had bifurcated the equity conversion option in its investment in convertible bonds. Changes in the fair value of the host instrument, the convertible bonds, were recorded as unrealized gains (losses) on investments while changes in the fair value of the equity conversion option were recorded as realized investment gains (losses).  At December 31, 2005, White Mountains had recorded $283.5 million related to the host instrument in fixed maturity investments and $99.8 million for the equity conversion option in other investments.  Upon adopting FAS 155, White Mountains recorded an adjustment of $9.2 million to reclassify net unrealized gains on investments (gross gains of $9.8 million and gross losses of $.6 million)  to opening retained earnings to reflect the cumulative effect of adoption.  At March 31, 2006, White Mountains had $300.4 million of convertible bonds recorded in fixed maturity investments.

 

10



 

Accounting Changes

 

On June 1, 2005, the FASB issued Statement No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - A Replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3” (“FAS 154”). The Statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principles and requires that such changes be applied retrospectively to prior periods unless doing so is impracticable. The Statement does not change the transition method for new accounting standards where the new pronouncements address transition provisions. FAS 154 did not have an impact on White Mountains’ financial position or its results of operations.

 

Note 2.  Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

 

The following table summarizes the loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserve activities of White Mountains’ insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Millions

 

2006

 

2005

 

Gross beginning balance

 

$

10,231.2

 

$

9,398.5

 

Less beginning reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

(5,025.7

)

(3,797.4

)

Net loss and LAE reserves

 

5,205.5

 

5,601.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE incurred relating to:

 

 

 

 

 

Current year losses

 

553.8

 

620.3

 

Prior year losses (1)

 

10.2

 

(1.0

)

Total incurred losses and LAE

 

564.0

 

619.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

5.2

 

9.9

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

8.0

 

5.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE paid relating to:

 

 

 

 

 

Current year losses

 

(157.3

)

(108.5

)

Prior year losses

 

(498.4

)

(600.3

)

Total loss and LAE payments

 

(655.7

)

(708.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net ending balance

 

5,127.0

 

5,527.0

 

Plus ending reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

4,860.0

 

3,672.8

 

Gross ending balance

 

$

9,987.0

 

$

9,199.8

 

 


(1)                                  During the three months ended March 31, 2005, White Mountains Re recorded $6 million of unfavorable development on its workers compensation reserves relating to its Sierra Insurance Group acquisition, which was offset dollar-for-dollar by a reduction in the principal amount of the adjustable note that White Mountains Re issued as part of the financing of that acquisition.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2006, White Mountains experienced $10.2 million of net unfavorable development on prior accident year loss reserves.  White Mountains Re experienced adverse development on the 2005 storms of $36 million ($8 million, $18 million and $10 million on 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.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, White Mountains did not experience any material net favorable or unfavorable development on prior accident year loss reserves.

 

In connection with purchase accounting for the acquisitions of OneBeacon and Sirius, White Mountains was required to adjust loss and LAE reserves and the related reinsurance recoverables to fair value on OneBeacon’s and Sirius’ acquired balance sheets. The net reduction to loss and LAE reserves is being recognized through an income statement charge ratably with and over the period the claims are settled. Accordingly, White Mountains recognized $5.2 million and $9.9 million of such charges for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

11



 

As a result of a re-evaluation during the first quarter of 2006 of the remaining run-off contracts at Scandinavian Re, White Mountains Re reduced its unallocated loss adjustment expense reserve by approximately $6.5 million and has modified the accretion of its net fair value adjustment established in purchase accounting. The change in accretion, which will be made prospectively over the remaining amortization period, resulted in approximately $0.6 million of income for the first quarter 2006 compared to an expense of $3.4 million for the comparable period in the prior year.

 

Note 3. Third Party Reinsurance

 

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

 

OneBeacon

 

At March 31, 2006, OneBeacon had $23.2 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid losses and $3,288.9 million (gross of $255.1 million in purchase accounting adjustments, as described in Note 2) that will become recoverable if claims are paid in accordance with current reserve estimates. The collectibility of balances due from OneBeacon’s reinsurers is critical to OneBeacon’s financial strength because reinsurance contracts do not relieve OneBeacon of its primary obligation to its policyholders. OneBeacon is selective with its reinsurers, placing reinsurance with only those reinsurers having a strong financial condition. OneBeacon monitors the financial strength of its reinsurers on an ongoing basis. As a result, uncollectible amounts have historically not been significant. The following table provides a listing of OneBeacon’s top reinsurers based upon recoverable amounts, the percentage of total reinsurance recoverables and the reinsurers’ A.M. Best ratings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at

 

 

 

A.M. Best

 

Top Reinsurers (dollars in millions)

 

March 31, 2006

 

% of Total

 

Rating (1)

 

Subsidiaries of Berkshire (NICO and GRC) (2)

 

$

2,299.7

 

69

%

 

A++

 

Liberty Mutual Insurance Group and subsidiaries (3)

 

87.3

 

3

 

 

A

 

American Re-Insurance Company

 

52.6

 

2

 

 

A

 

Nichido (formerly Tokio Fire and Marine Insurance Company)

 

52.8

 

2

 

 

A++

 

Swiss Re

 

24.2

 

1

 

 

A+

 

 


(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 $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 $417 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, 2006, OneBeacon had assumed balances payable and expenses payable of approximately $3.8 million under its renewal rights agreement with Liberty Mutual Insurance Group (“Liberty Mutual”), which expired on October 31, 2003. In the event of a Liberty Mutual insolvency, OneBeacon has the right to offset these balances against its reinsurance recoverable due from Liberty Mutual.

 

In connection with the OneBeacon Acquisition, the seller caused OneBeacon to purchase two reinsurance contracts: a full risk-transfer cover from NICO for up to $2.5 billion in old A&E claims and certain other exposures (the “NICO Cover”) and an adverse development cover from General Reinsurance Corporation (“GRC”) for up to $400.0 million of adverse development on losses occurring in years 2000 and prior (the “GRC Cover”) in addition to $170.0 million of reserves ceded as of the date of the OneBeacon Acquisition. The NICO Cover and GRC Cover, which were contingent on and occurred contemporaneously with the OneBeacon Acquisition, were put in place in lieu of a seller guarantee of loss and LAE reserves and are therefore accounted for as 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”).

 

12



 

Under the terms of the NICO Cover, NICO receives the economic benefit of reinsurance recoverables from certain of OneBeacon’s third party reinsurers (“Third Party Reinsurers”) in existence at the time the NICO Cover was executed (“Third Party Recoverables”). As a result, the Third Party Recoverables serve to protect the $2.5 billion limit of NICO coverage for the benefit of OneBeacon. White Mountains estimates that on an incurred basis, net of Third Party Recoverables, as of March 31, 2006 it has used approximately $2.1 billion of the coverage provided by NICO. Approximately $784 million of these incurred losses have been paid by NICO through March 31, 2006. At March 31, 2006, $26.2 million of the $2.1 billion of utilized coverage from NICO related to uncollectible Third Party Recoverables. To the extent that actual experience differs from White Mountains’ estimate of ultimate A&E losses and Third Party Recoverables, future losses could utilize some or all of the protection remaining under the NICO Cover.

 

Pursuant to the GRC Cover, OneBeacon is not entitled to recover losses to the full contract limit if such losses are reimbursed by GRC more quickly than anticipated at the time the contract was signed. OneBeacon 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.

 

White Mountains Re

 

At March 31, 2006, White Mountains Re had $72.5 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid losses and $1,800.1 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. Amounts due from certain of its reinsurers, including Olympus Reinsurance Company (“Olympus”), London Life & General Reinsurance Company Ltd. and London Life & Casualty Reinsurance Corp. (“London Life”) and Imagine Insurance Company, Limited (“Imagine Re”), are fully collateralized through funds held, letters of credit or trust agreements. The following table provides a listing of White Mountains Re’s top reinsurers based upon recoverable amounts, the percentage of total recoverables and the reinsurers’ A.M. Best ratings.

 

 

 

Balance at

 

 

 

A.M. Best

 

%

 

Top Reinsurers (dollars in millions)

 

March 31, 2006

 

% of Total

 

Rating (1)

 

Collateralized

 

Olympus

 

$

864.4

 

46

%

 

N/A

 

100

%

Imagine Re

 

191.2

 

10

 

 

A

100

%

London Life

 

118.9

 

6

 

 

A

 

100

%

Subsidiaries of Berkshire (GRC & affiliates)

 

72.3

 

4

 

 

A

++ 

 

ACE INA Group

 

67.3

 

4

 

 

A

 

2

%

 


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

 

At March 31, 2006, White Mountains Re had $864.4 million of reinsurance recoverables from Olympus.  White Mountains Re’s reinsurance recoverables from Olympus are fully collateralized in the form of assets in a trust, funds held and offsetting balances payable.

 

Effective January 1, 2006, Sirius International no longer cedes any of its business to Olympus and Folksamerica renewed its quota-share reinsurance arrangements with Olympus on modified terms.  Under its revised arrangements, for an override commission on premiums ceded, Folksamerica will cede up to 35% of its 2006 underwriting year short-tailed excess of loss business, mainly property and marine, to Olympus and a newly-formed reinsurer, Helicon Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“Helicon”).  Olympus and Helicon share approximately 56% and 44%, respectively, in this up to 35% cession.  The 2005 and prior underwriting year business of Sirius International and Folksamerica will continue to run-off with Olympus and it is expected that the majority of the risk exposures will expire by the end of the second quarter of 2006. White Mountains Re cannot guarantee that Olympus and/or Helicon will have sufficient capital to pay amounts owed resulting from one or more future catastrophes.

 

13



 

Note 4.  Investment Securities

 

White Mountains’ net investment income is comprised primarily of interest income associated with White Mountains’ fixed maturity investments, dividend income from its equity investments and interest income from its short-term investments. Net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Millions

 

2006

 

2005

 

Investment income:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments

 

$

81.9

 

$

81.4

 

Short-term investments

 

9.3

 

8.3

 

Common equity securities

 

6.8

 

41.5

 

Other

 

2.9

 

46.3

 

Total investment income

 

100.9

 

177.5

 

Less investment expenses

 

(2.4

)

(3.6

)

Net investment income, pre-tax

 

$

98.5

 

$

173.9

 

 

During the first quarter of 2005, Montpelier declared a special dividend of $5.50 per share, payable to holders of both its common shares and warrants to acquire its common shares. White Mountains recorded pre-tax investment income of $74.1 million in the first quarter for this special dividend, of which $34.7 million (relating to its common share investment) was included in net investment income from common equity securities and $39.4 million (relating to its warrant investment) was included in net investment income from other investments. For the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, White Mountains also recorded $1.0 million and $4.9 million, respectively, in pre-tax investment income from Montpelier’s regular quarterly dividend.

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Millions

 

2006

 

2005

 

Fixed maturity investments

 

$

6.8

 

$

18.0

 

Common equity securities

 

15.2

 

34.0

 

Other investments

 

6.5

 

(14.9

)

Net realized investment gains, pre-tax

 

$

28.5

 

$

37.1

 

 

In accordance with FAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 133”), White Mountains accounts for its Montpelier warrants at fair value as a component of other investments, and records changes in fair value through the income statement as realized investment gains or losses. White Mountains recorded investment losses of $12.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and investment losses of $20.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005 related to its Montpelier warrants.

 

White Mountains owns 7,172,358 warrants. The Montpelier warrants have an exercise price of $16.67 per share (as adjusted for stock splits) and are exercisable until December 2011.

 

The following table summarizes the carrying value of White Mountains’ investment in Montpelier as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005:

 

 

 

March 31, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

 

 

Fair

 

Millions

 

Shares

 

Value

 

Shares

 

Value

 

Montpelier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares

 

6.3

 

$

100.0

 

6.3

 

$

115.9

 

Warrants to acquire common shares

 

7.2

 

37.9

 

7.2

 

50.6

 

Total investment in Montpelier

 

13.5

 

$

137.9

 

13.5

 

$

166.5

 

 

14



 

The components of White Mountains’ ending net unrealized investment gains and losses on its investment portfolio and its investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

Millions

 

2006

 

2005

 

Investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Gross unrealized investment gains

 

$

402.7

 

$

368.4

 

Gross unrealized investment losses

 

(122.8

)

(68.8

)

Net unrealized gains from investment securities

 

279.9

 

299.6

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) from investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

(24.5

)

32.5

 

Total net unrealized investment gains, before tax

 

255.4

 

332.1

 

Income taxes attributable to such gains

 

(87.8

)

(98.2

)

Total net unrealized investment gains, after-tax

 

$

167.6

 

$

233.9

 

 

The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, and carrying values of White Mountains’ fixed maturity investments as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, were as follows:

 

 

 

March 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net foreign

 

 

 

 

 

Cost or

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

currency

 

 

 

 

 

amortized

 

unrealized

 

unrealized

 

gains

 

Carrying

 

Millions

 

cost

 

gains

 

losses

 

(losses)

 

value

 

U.S. Government obligations

 

$

1,544.1

 

$

2.8

 

$

(21.6

)

$

 

$

1,525.3

 

Debt securities issued by industrial corporations

 

2,862.8

 

60.8

 

(58.4

)

(20.7

)

2,844.5

 

Municipal obligations

 

63.1

 

.7

 

(.7

)

 

63.1

 

Asset-backed securities

 

2,097.3

 

6.5

 

(13.3

)

7.0

 

2,097.5

 

Foreign government obligations

 

676.1

 

4.8

 

(5.4

)

(4.1

)

671.4

 

Preferred stocks

 

41.8

 

17.8

 

(.3

)

4.4

 

63.7

 

Total fixed maturity investments

 

$

7,285.2

 

$

93.4

 

$

(99.7

)

$

(13.4

)

$

7,265.5

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net foreign

 

 

 

 

 

Cost or

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

currency

 

 

 

 

 

amortized

 

unrealized

 

unrealized

 

gains

 

Carrying

 

Millions

 

cost

 

gains

 

losses

 

(losses)

 

value

 

U.S. Government obligations

 

$

1,785.9

 

$

6.6

 

$

(16.5

)

$

 

$

1,776.0

 

Debt securities issued by industrial corporations

 

2,843.4

 

78.2

 

(28.5

)

(25.1

)

2,868.0

 

Municipal obligations

 

66.6

 

.9

 

(.6

)

 

66.9

 

Asset-backed securities

 

2,124.5

 

3.4

 

(16.1

)

5.1

 

2,116.9

 

Foreign government obligations

 

683.0

 

8.0

 

(3.1

)

.2

 

688.1

 

Preferred stocks

 

45.0

 

17.8

 

(.2

)

4.2

 

66.8

 

Total fixed maturity investments

 

$

7,548.4

 

$

114.9

 

$

(65.0

)

$

(15.6

)

$

7,582.7

 

 

The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, and carrying values of White Mountains’ common equity securities and other investments as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, were as follows:

 

15



 

 

 

March 31, 2006

 

 

 

Cost or

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

Net foreign

 

 

 

 

 

amortized

 

unrealized

 

unrealized

 

currency

 

Carrying

 

Millions

 

cost

 

gains

 

losses

 

gains

 

value

 

Common equity securities

 

$

898.8

 

$

227.5

 

$

(19.4

)

$

.1

 

$

1,107.0

 

Other investments

 

$

430.5

 

$

80.0

 

$

(3.7

)

$

 

$

506.8

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

Cost or

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

Net foreign

 

 

 

 

 

amortized

 

unrealized

 

unrealized

 

currency

 

Carrying

 

Millions

 

cost

 

gains

 

losses

 

gains

 

value

 

Common equity securities

 

$

796.5

 

$

175.3

 

$

(2.9

)

$

(1.1

)

$

967.8

 

Other investments

 

$

510.8

 

$

78.2

 

$

(.9

)

$

 

$

588.1

 

 

Impairment

 

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

 

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

 

The following table presents an analysis of the continuous periods during which White Mountains has held investment positions which were carried at an unrealized loss as of March 31, 2006 (excluding short-term investments):

 

16



 

 

 

March 31, 2006

 

 

 

0-6

 

6-12

 

> 12

 

 

 

Dollars in millions

 

Months

 

Months

 

Months

 

Total

 

Fixed maturity investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

294

 

222

 

274

 

790

 

Market value

 

$1,923.0

 

$1,510.4

 

$1,258.3

 

$4,691.7

 

Amortized cost

 

$1,940.1

 

$1,551.7

 

$1,299.6

 

$4,791.4

 

Unrealized loss

 

$(17.1

)

$(41.3

)

$(41.3

)

$(99.7

)

Common equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

38

 

2

 

 

40

 

Market value

 

$140.4

 

$2.0

 

$—

 

$142.4

 

Cost

 

$159.3

 

$2.5

 

$—

 

$161.8

 

Unrealized loss

 

$(18.9

)

$(.5

)

$—

 

$(19.4

)

Other investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

5

 

7

 

2

 

14

 

Market value

 

$10.6

 

$5.0

 

$25.2

 

$40.8

 

Cost

 

$11.5

 

$6.3

 

$26.7

 

$44.5

 

Unrealized loss

 

$(.9

)

$(1.3

)

$(1.5

)

$(3.7

)

Total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

337

 

231

 

276

 

844

 

Market value

 

$2,074.0

 

$1,517.4

 

$1,283.5

 

$4,874.9

 

Amortized cost

 

$2,110.9

 

$1,560.5

 

$1,326.3

 

$4,997.7

 

Unrealized loss

 

$(36.9

)

$(43.1

)

$(42.8

)

$(122.8

)

% of total gross unrealized losses

 

30.0

%

35.1

%

34.9

%

100.0

%

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2006, White Mountains did not experience any material other-than-temporary impairment charges. White Mountains believes that the gross unrealized losses relating to its fixed maturity investments at March 31, 2006 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, 2006 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, 2006, White Mountains’ investment portfolio did not include any investment securities with an after-tax unrealized loss of more than $3.0 million for more than a six-month period.

 

17



 

Note 5.  Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding excluding unearned restricted common shares (“Restricted Shares”).  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 months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Basic earnings per share numerators (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

96.0

 

$

176.3

 

Diluted earnings per share numerators (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

96.0

 

$

176.3

 

Other effects on diluted earnings (1)

 

 

(1.0

)

Adjusted net income

 

$

96.0

 

$

175.3

 

Earnings per share denominators (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share denominator (average common shares outstanding)

 

10,767

 

10,760

 

Average outstanding dilutive options

 

35

 

35

 

Diluted earnings per share denominator (2)

 

10,802

 

10,795

 

Basic earnings per share (in dollars)

 

$

8.92

 

$

16.38

 

Diluted earnings per share (in dollars)

 

$

8.89

 

$

16.24

 

 


(1)          The diluted earnings per share numerator for the three months ended March 31, 2005 has been adjusted to exclude $1.0 million of negative expense associated with outstanding options to acquire Common Shares (see note below).

(2)          The diluted earnings per share denominator for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 includes the effects of options to acquire an average of 33,865 and 45,630 common shares, respectively, at an average strike price of $150.67 and $142.14, respectively, per Common Share.

 

18



 

Note 6.  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: (1) the nature of the business activities of each of the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates; (2) the manner in which the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates are organized; (3) the existence of primary managers responsible for specific subsidiaries and affiliates; and (4) the organization of information provided to the Board of Directors. Significant intercompany transactions among White Mountains’ segments have been eliminated herein. Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. Financial information for White Mountains’ segments follows:

 

Millions

 

OneBeacon

 

White 
Mountains Re

 

Esurance

 

Other 
Operations

 

Total

 

Three months ended March 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

480.2

 

$

315.6

 

$

105.2

 

$

 

$

901.0

 

Net investment income

 

42.2

 

41.1

 

3.6

 

11.6

 

98.5

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

27.3

 

2.5

 

.9

 

(2.2

)

28.5

 

Other revenue

 

17.2

 

4.4

 

2.1

 

6.1

 

29.8

 

Total revenues

 

566.9

 

363.6

 

111.8

 

15.5

 

1,057.8

 

Losses and LAE

 

303.7

 

186.6

 

75.2

 

(1.5

)

564.0

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

86.3

 

70.3

 

29.0

 

 

185.6

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

83.9

 

20.4

 

11.1

 

.5

 

115.9

 

General and administrative expenses

 

16.3

 

2.2

 

 

29.0

 

47.5

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

(.6

)

 

5.8

 

5.2

 

Interest expense on debt

 

.7

 

.4

 

 

10.6

 

11.7

 

Interest expense on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

 

 

14.0

 

14.0

 

Total expenses

 

490.9

 

279.3

 

115.3

 

58.4

 

943.9

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

76.0

 

$

84.3

 

$

(3.5

)

$

(42.9

)

$

113.9

 

 

Millions

 

OneBeacon

 

White 
Mountains Re

 

Esurance

 

Other 
Operations

 

Total

 

Three months ended March 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

545.4

 

$

349.7

 

$

59.9

 

$

 

$

955.0

 

Net investment income

 

87.8

 

31.9

 

2.1

 

52.1

 

173.9

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

45.8

 

7.9

 

1.0

 

(17.6

)

37.1

 

Other revenue

 

16.6

 

19.8

 

.9

 

22.0

 

59.3

 

Total revenues

 

695.6

 

409.3

 

63.9

 

56.5

 

1,225.3

 

Losses and LAE

 

338.6

 

239.1

 

40.9

 

.7

 

619.3

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

100.1

 

75.4

 

13.6

 

 

189.1

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

80.8

 

33.6

 

7.5

 

.3

 

122.2

 

General and administrative expenses

 

16.3

 

2.3

 

 

19.1

 

37.7

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

3.4

 

 

6.5

 

9.9

 

Interest expense on debt

 

.3

 

.6

 

 

10.7

 

11.6

 

Interest expense on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

 

 

12.6

 

12.6

 

Total expenses

 

536.1

 

354.4

 

62.0

 

49.9

 

1,002.4

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

159.5

 

$

54.9

 

$

1.9

 

$

6.6

 

$

222.9

 

 

19



 

NOTE 7.  Investments in Unconsolidated Insurance Affiliates

 

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

 

Symetra

 

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

 

The following table provides summary financial amounts recorded by White Mountains during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 relating to its investment in Symetra:

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Millions

 

Common 
Shares

 

Warrants

 

Total

 

Common 
Shares

 

Warrants

 

Total

 

Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of January 1

 

$

 263.9

 

$

 47.8

 

$

 311.7

 

$

 267.7

 

$

 37.3

 

$

 305.0

 

Equity in earnings of Symetra (1)

 

6.8

 

 

6.8

 

6.8

 

 

6.8

 

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

 

1.8

 

 

1.8

 

(.1

)

 

(.1

)

Net unrealized losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

(56.8

)

 

(56.8

)

(24.5

)

 

(24.5

)

Increase in value of warrants

 

 

4.6

 

4.6

 

 

2.1

 

2.1

 

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

 

$

215.7

 

$

52.4

 

$

268.1

 

$

249.9

 

$

39.4

 

$

289.3

 

 


(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 ($32.6) million   and $32.1 million as of March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

MSA

 

White Mountains owns 50% of the total common shares outstanding of Main Street America Holdings, Inc. (“MSA”), a subsidiary of Main Street America Group Mutual Holdings, Inc., and accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, White Mountains recorded after-tax net income of $2.2 million from its investment in MSA and $1.2 million of after-tax equity in MSA’s unrealized investment losses. For the three months ended March 31, 2005, White Mountains recorded $3.1 million of after-tax equity in earnings and $3.4 million of after-tax equity in MSA’s unrealized investment losses. As of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, White Mountains’ investment in MSA totaled $169.5 million and $168.0 million, respectively.

 

20



 

Note 8. Consolidating Financial Information

 

The Company has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Senior Notes issued in 2003 by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fund American Companies, Inc. (“Fund American”). The following tables present White Mountains’ consolidating balance sheets as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. These financial statements reflect the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows on a stand-alone basis, that of Fund American and of the Company’s other entities, as well as the necessary adjustments to eliminate intercompany balances and transactions.

 

Consolidating Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2006

 

(Dollars in Millions)

 

The Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund American

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments, at fair value

 

$

15.7

 

$

3,929.8

 

$

3,320.0

 

$

 

$

7,265.5

 

Common equity securities, at fair value

 

 

412.0

 

695.0

 

 

1,107.0

 

Short-term investments, at amortized cost

 

17.2

 

578.4

 

354.1

 

 

949.7

 

Other investments

 

 

279.3

 

227.5

 

 

506.8

 

Total investments

 

32.9

 

5,199.5

 

4,596.6

 

 

9,829.0

 

Cash

 

.4

 

143.0

 

39.7

 

 

183.1

 

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

 

1,872.9

 

3,083.2

 

 

4,956.1

 

Insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

 

498.3

 

600.9

 

 

1,099.2

 

Securities lending collateral

 

 

182.9

 

313.3

 

 

496.2

 

Funds held by ceding companies

 

 

566.1

 

 

 

566.1

 

Investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

52.4

 

215.7

 

169.4

 

 

437.5

 

Deferred tax asset

 

 

102.8

 

212.9

 

2.0

 

317.7

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

 

102.0

 

210.2

 

 

312.2

 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

 

190.8

 

23.4

 

 

214.2

 

Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales

 

 

14.4

 

31.3

 

 

45.7

 

Investment income accrued

 

.1

 

47.6

 

36.6

 

 

84.3

 

Investment in consolidated subsidiaries

 

3,686.1

 

 

 

(3,686.1

)

 

Other assets

 

103.3

 

134.1

 

402.8

 

(100.1

)

540.1

 

Total assets

 

$

3,875.2

 

$

9,270.1

 

$

9,720.3

 

$

(3,784.2

)

$

19,081.4

 

LIABILITIES AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE reserves

 

$

 

$

4,741.8

 

$

5,245.2

 

$

 

$

9,987.0

 

Reserves for structured contracts

 

 

222.8

 

 

 

222.8

 

Unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

 

679.9

 

1,062.5

 

 

1,742.4

 

Securities lending payable

 

 

182.9

 

313.3

 

 

496.2

 

Debt

 

 

34.2

 

744.9

 

 

779.1

 

Deferred tax liability

 

 

275.5

 

 

2.0

 

277.5

 

Ceded reinsurance payable

 

 

104.0

 

69.7

 

 

173.7

 

Funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

 

126.5

 

5.0

 

 

131.5

 

Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases

 

3.0

 

70.3

 

92.4

 

 

165.7

 

Other liabilities

 

 

611.8

 

481.2

 

(100.1

)

992.9

 

Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

20.0

 

220.4

 

 

240.4

 

Total liabilities

 

3.0

 

7,069.7

 

8,234.6

 

(98.1

)

15,209.2

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

3,872.2

 

2,200.4

 

1,485.7

 

(3,686.1

)

3,872.2

 

Total liabilities and common shareholders’ equity

 

$

3,875.2

 

$

9,270.1

 

$

9,720.3

 

$

(3,784.2

)

$

19,081.4

 

 

21



 

Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2005

 

Millions

 

The Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund American

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments, at fair value

 

$

193.5

 

$

3,772.4

 

$

3,616.8

 

$

 

$

7,582.7

 

Common equity securities, at fair value

 

 

376.5

 

591.3

 

 

967.8

 

Short-term investments, at amortized cost

 

.4

 

482.1

 

245.3

 

 

727.8

 

Other investments

 

 

308.7

 

279.4

 

 

588.1

 

Total investments

 

193.9

 

4,939.7

 

4,732.8

 

 

9,866.4

 

Cash

 

 

143.5

 

44.2

 

 

187.7

 

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

 

1,931.2

 

3,171.5

 

 

5,102.7

 

Insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

 

406.4

 

607.9

 

 

1,014.3

 

Securities lending collateral

 

 

227.8

 

447.1

 

 

674.9

 

Funds held by ceding companies

 

 

620.4

 

 

 

620.4

 

Investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

47.8

 

263.9

 

168.0

 

 

479.7

 

Deferred tax asset

 

 

98.1

 

241.8

 

1.3

 

341.2

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

 

84.0

 

204.4

 

 

288.4

 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

 

172.7

 

28.0

 

 

200.7

 

Investment income accrued

 

1.1

 

46.1

 

46.3

 

 

93.5

 

Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales

 

 

18.7

 

3.0

 

 

21.7

 

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries

 

3,621.9

 

 

 

(3,621.9

)

 

Other assets

 

3.5

 

123.0

 

400.0

 

 

526.5

 

Total assets

 

$

3,868.2

 

$

9,075.5

 

$

10,095.0

 

$

(3,620.6

)

$

19,418.1

 

LIABILITIES AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE reserves

 

$

 

$

4,815.8

 

$

5,415.4

 

$

 

$

10,231.2

 

Reserves for structured contracts

 

 

224.6

 

 

 

224.6

 

Unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

 

539.2

 

1,042.8

 

 

1,582.0

 

Debt

 

 

34.2

 

744.9

 

 

779.1

 

Securities lending payable

 

 

227.8

 

447.1

 

 

674.9

 

Deferred tax liability

 

 

273.0

 

 

1.3

 

274.3

 

Ceded reinsurance payable

 

 

123.3

 

81.2

 

 

204.5

 

Funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

 

167.0

 

4.4

 

 

171.4

 

Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases

 

 

41.5

 

1.9

 

 

43.4

 

Other liabilities

 

35.0

 

471.0

 

659.5

 

 

1,165.5

 

Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

20.0

 

214.0

 

 

234.0

 

Total liabilities

 

35.0

 

6,937.4

 

8,611.2

 

1.3

 

15,584.9

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

3,833.2

 

2,138.1

 

1,483.8

 

(3,621.9

)

3,833.2

 

Total liabilities and common shareholders’ equity

 

$

3,868.2

 

$

9,075.5

 

$

10,095.0

 

$

(3,620.6

)

$

19,418.1

 

 

22



 

Consolidating Statement of Income

Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

 

(Dollars in Millions)

 

The Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund American

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

 

$

394.2

 

$

506.8

 

$

 

$

901.0

 

Net investment income

 

1.7

 

46.8

 

50.0

 

 

98.5

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

3.0

 

(2.4

)

27.9

 

 

28.5

 

Other revenue

 

.1

 

6.3

 

23.5

 

(.1

)

29.8

 

Total revenues

 

4.8

 

444.9

 

608.2

 

(.1

)

1,057.8

 

Losses and LAE

 

 

227.8

 

336.2

 

 

564.0

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

 

98.1

 

87.5

 

 

185.6

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

 

31.4

 

84.5

 

 

115.9

 

General and administrative expenses

 

7.3

 

6.4

 

33.9

 

(.1

)

47.5

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

(.5

)

5.7

 

 

5.2

 

Interest expense on debt

 

 

.4

 

11.3

 

 

11.7

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

 

.5

 

13.5

 

 

14.0

 

Total expenses

 

7.3

 

364.1

 

572.6

 

(.1

)

943.9

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

(2.5

)

80.8

 

35.6

 

 

113.9

 

Income tax provision

 

(3.6

)

(5.8

)

(17.5

)

 

(26.9

)

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

 

102.1

 

 

 

(102.1

)

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

 

6.8

 

2.2

 

 

9.0

 

Net income

 

$

96.0

 

$

81.8

 

$

20.3

 

$

(102.1

)

$

96.0

 

 

Consolidating Statement of Income

Three Months Ended March 31, 2005

 

(Dollars in Millions)

 

The Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund American

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

 

$

419.5

 

$

535.5

 

$

 

$

955.0

 

Net investment income

 

1.8

 

77.7

 

94.4

 

 

173.9

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

2.1

 

(11.5

)

46.5

 

 

37.1

 

Other revenue

 

13.6

 

20.6

 

25.1

 

 

59.3

 

Total revenues

 

17.5

 

506.3

 

701.5

 

 

1,225.3

 

Loss and LAE

 

 

276.5

 

342.8

 

 

619.3

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

 

96.6

 

92.5

 

 

189.1

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

 

41.0

 

81.2

 

 

122.2

 

General and administrative expenses

 

4.4

 

8.4

 

24.9

 

 

37.7

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

3.4

 

6.5

 

 

9.9

 

Interest expense on debt

 

 

.6

 

11.0

 

 

11.6

 

Interest expense - dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

 

.5

 

12.1

 

 

12.6

 

Total expenses

 

4.4

 

427.0

 

571.0

 

 

1,002.4

 

Pre-tax income

 

13.1

 

79.3

 

130.5

 

 

222.9

 

Income tax provision

 

 

(5.8

)

(50.5

)

 

(56.3

)

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

 

163.2

 

 

 

(163.2

)

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

 

6.9

 

2.8

 

 

9.7

 

Net income

 

$

176.3

 

$

80.4

 

$

82.8

 

$

(163.2

)

$

176.3

 

 

23



 

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

 

(Dollars in Millions)

 

The
Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund
American

 

Total

 

Cash flows from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss), excluding undistributed equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

$

(6.1

)

$

81.8

 

$

20.3

 

$

96.0

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment (gains) losses

 

(3.0

)

2.4

 

(27.9

)

(28.5

)

Other operating items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

 

(94.5

)

(170.2

)

(264.7

)

Net change in reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

 

59.4

 

88.4

 

147.8

 

Net change in unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

 

136.5

 

19.7

 

156.2

 

Net change in funds held by ceding companies

 

 

55.0

 

 

55.0

 

Net change in deferred acquisition costs

 

 

(17.4

)

(5.8

)

(23.2

)

Net change in funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

 

(40.4

)

.6

 

(39.8

)

Net change in insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

 

(89.1

)

7.0

 

(82.1

)

Net change in other assets and liabilities, net

 

7.4

 

(53.5

)

(116.2

)

(162.3

)

Net cash flows (used for) provided from operations

 

(1.7

)

40.2

 

(184.1

)

(145.6

)

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in short-term investments

 

(16.7

)

(92.6

)

(108.8

)

(218.1

)

Sales of fixed maturity investments

 

153.7

 

481.1

 

443.1

 

1,077.9

 

Maturities, calls and paydowns of fixed maturity investments

 

 

74.9

 

148.3

 

223.2

 

Sales of common equity securities

 

 

15.6

 

47.2

 

62.8

 

Sales of other investments

 

 

11.8

 

.9

 

12.7

 

Purchases of other investments

 

 

(5.1

)

(9.7

)

(14.8

)

Purchases of common equity securities

 

 

(18.5

)

(113.5

)

(132.0

)

Purchases of fixed maturity investments

 

(110.9

)

(561.9

)

(262.7

)

(935.5

)

Net change in unsettled investment purchases and sales

 

3.0

 

33.3

 

62.1

 

98.4

 

Net acquisitions of property and equipment

 

 

(.1

)

(6.2

)

(6.3

)

Net cash flows provided from (used for) investing activities

 

29.1

 

(61.5

)

200.7

 

168.3

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid on common shareholders

 

(21.6

)

 

 

(21.6

)

Dividends paid to preferred shareholders

 

 

(.5

)

(7.1

)

(7.6

)

Proceeds from issuance of common shares

 

.1

 

 

 

.1

 

Intercompany dividends and distributions

 

(5.5

)

19.5

 

(14.0

)

 

Net cash (used for) provided from financing activities

 

(27.0

)

19.0

 

(21.1

)

(29.1

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

1.8

 

 

1.8

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash during period

 

.4

 

(.5

)

(4.5

)

(4.6

)

Cash balances at beginning of period

 

 

143.5

 

44.2

 

187.7

 

Cash balances at end of period

 

$

.4

 

$

143.0

 

$

39.7

 

$

183.1

 

 

24



 

Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Three Months Ended March 31, 2005

 

(Dollars in Millions)

 

The
Company

 

Other Entities

 

Fund
American

 

Total

 

Cash flows from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income, excluding undistributed equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

$

13.1

 

$

80.4

 

$

82.8

 

$

176.3

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment (gains) losses

 

(2.1

)

11.5

 

(46.5

)

(37.1

)

Other operating items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

 

 

9.2

 

(201.8

)

(192.6

)

Net change in reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

 

8.2

 

91.1

 

99.3

 

Net change in unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

 

70.6

 

19.5

 

90.1

 

Net change in funds held by ceding companies

 

 

13.4

 

 

13.4

 

Net change in deferred acquisition costs

 

 

9.7

 

(10.0

)

(.3

)

Net change in funds held under reinsurance treaties

 

 

5.9

 

(1.0

)

4.9

 

Net change in insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable

 

 

(.6

)

(86.4

)

(87.0

)

Net change in other assets and liabilities, net

 

(34.0

)

(118.2

)

(155.2

)

(307.4

)

Net cash flows (used for) provided from operations

 

(23.0

)

90.1

 

(307.5

)

(240.4

)

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in short-term investments

 

9.2

 

(45.4

)

43.0

 

6.8

 

Sales of fixed maturity investments

 

 

261.2

 

916.5

 

1,177.7

 

Maturities, calls and paydowns of fixed maturity investments

 

 

339.1

 

43.7

 

382.8

 

Sales of common equity securities

 

 

18.7

 

151.8

 

170.5

 

Sales of other investments

 

 

17.7

 

.7

 

18.4

 

Purchases of other investments

 

 

(12.0

)

(12.2

)

(24.2

)

Purchases of common equity securities

 

 

(30.3

)

(120.1

)

(150.4

)

Purchases of fixed maturity investments

 

 

(669.4

)

(551.0

)

(1,220.4

)

Net change in unsettled investment purchases and sales

 

 

(35.9

)

(28.2

)

(64.1

)

Net acquisitions of property and equipment

 

 

(2.2

)

1.4

 

(.8

)

Net cash flows provided from (used for) investing activities

 

9.2

 

(158.5

)

445.6

 

296.3

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid on common shareholders

 

(21.5

)

 

 

(21.5

)

Dividends paid to preferred shareholders

 

 

(.5

)

(7.1

)

(7.6

)

Proceeds from issuance of common shares

 

.3

 

 

 

.3

 

Intercompany dividends and distributions

 

35.0

 

98.2

 

(133.2

)

 

Net cash (used for) provided from financing activities

 

13.8

 

97.7

 

(140.3

)

(28.8

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

(8.9

)

 

(8.9

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash during period

 

 

20.4

 

(2.2

)

18.2

 

Cash balances at beginning of period

 

 

195.8

 

47.3

 

243.1

 

Cash balances at end of period

 

$

 

$

216.2

 

$

45.1

 

$

261.3

 

 

25



 

Note 9. Retirement and Postretirement Plans

 

The components of net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Postretirement Benefits

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Millions

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006(2)

 

2005

 

Service cost

 

$

.3

 

$

.3

 

$

 

$

 

Interest cost

 

6.9

 

7.1

 

 

.7

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(7.6

)

(7.6

)

 

 

Amortization of prior service benefit

 

 

 

 

(1.0

)

Amortization of unrecognized loss

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

(.4

)

(.2

)

 

(.3

)

Special termination benefits expense (1)

 

1.2

 

1.1

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost (income)

 

$

.8

 

$

.9

 

$

 

$

(.3

)

 


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

(2)           OneBeacon settled its Retiree Medical Plan in 2005.

 

OneBeacon expects to contribute $3.0 million to its pension plans in 2006. As of March 31, 2006, no contributions had been made.  The majority of OneBeacon’s expected pension contributions in 2006 relate to non-qualified pension plans, for which OneBeacon has established assets held in rabbi trusts.

 

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 three non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted comprehensive net income, fully converted tangible book value per share and tangible capital, that have been reconciled to their most comparable GAAP financial measures (see page 35). White Mountains believes these measures to be more relevant than comparable GAAP measures in evaluating White Mountains’ financial performance and condition.

 

26



 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2006 AND 2005

 

Overview

 

White Mountains ended the first quarter of 2006 with a fully converted tangible book value per share of $352, up 3% for the quarter and the past twelve months, including dividends. White Mountains’ adjusted comprehensive net income was $117 million for the first quarter of 2006, compared to $75 million for the first quarter of 2005.  OneBeacon and White Mountains Re reported combined ratios of 99% and 88% in the first quarter of 2006, compared to 95% and 99% in the first quarter of 2005.  Esurance reported a combined ratio of 110% in the first quarter of 2006, compared to 104% in the first quarter of 2005, while increasing its written premiums 82% from the first quarter of 2005.

 

White Mountains’ GAAP pre-tax total return on invested assets was 1.4% for the first quarter of 2006, compared to 0.4% for the first quarter of 2005. Strong equity returns, which again outpaced the S&P 500 Index, combined with the high-quality, short-duration fixed income portfolio led to the positive returns, even in the face of rising interest rates in both periods.  Additionally, the first quarter of 2006 included a $21 million unrealized foreign currency translation gain, principally due to the strengthening of the Swedish krona against the U.S. dollar, compared to a $25 million unrealized foreign currency translation loss in the first quarter of 2005.

 

Fully Converted Tangible Book Value Per Share

 

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

 

 

 

March 31,
2006

 

Dec. 31,
2005

 

March 31,
2005

 

Book value per share numerators (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

$

3,872.2

 

$

3,833.2

 

$

3,912.5

 

Benefits to be received from share obligations under employee benefit plans

 

5.1

 

5.1

 

6.5

 

Remaining accretion of subsidiary preferred stock to face value

 

(79.6

)

(86.0

)

(103.1

)

Book value per share numerator

 

3,797.7

 

3,752.3

 

3,815.9

 

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

 

32.6

 

(24.2

)

(32.1

)

Goodwill

 

(23.8

)

(24.4

)

(19.8

)

Fully converted tangible book value per share numerator

 

$

3,806.5

 

$

3,703.7

 

$

3,764.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares outstanding

 

10,780.1

 

10,779.2

 

10,774.6

 

Share obligations under employee benefit plans

 

33.4

 

34.3

 

44.7

 

Fully converted tangible book value per share

 

10,813.5

 

10,813.5

 

10,819.3

 

Book value per share

 

$

351.19

 

$

347.00

 

$

352.69

 

Fully converted tangible book value per share

 

$

352.01

 

$

342.51

 

$

347.89

 

 

27



 

Review of Consolidated Results

 

White Mountains’ consolidated financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 follow:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

Millions

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

1,228.9

 

$

1,254.2

 

Net written premiums

 

$

1,043.9

 

$

1,016.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

901.0

 

$

955.0

 

Net investment income

 

98.5

 

173.9

 

Net realized investment gains

 

28.5

 

37.1

 

Other revenue

 

29.8

 

59.3

 

Total revenues

 

1,057.8

 

1,225.3

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and LAE

 

564.0

 

619.3

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

185.6

 

189.1

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

115.9

 

122.2

 

General and administrative expenses

 

47.5

 

37.7

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

5.2

 

9.9

 

Interest expense - debt

 

11.7

 

11.6

 

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

 

14.0

 

12.6

 

Total expenses

 

943.9

 

1,002.4

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

113.9

 

$

222.9

 

Income tax provision

 

(26.9

)

(56.3

)

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

 

9.0

 

9.7

 

Net income

 

$

96.0

 

$

176.3

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

(36.1

)

(126.0

)

Comprehensive net income

 

$

59.9

 

$

50.3

 

Add back: Net unrealized losses from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio

 

56.8

 

24.5

 

Adjusted comprehensive net income

 

$

116.7

 

$

74.8

 

 

White Mountains’ total revenues decreased by 14% in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the first quarter of 2005.   Earned premiums decreased by 6% in the first quarter of 2006, primarily due to decreases at OneBeacon and White Mountains Re, which were partially offset by an increase at Esurance. Additionally, net investment income decreased by $75 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the 2005 first quarter, primarily due to a $74 million special dividend from Montpelier in the first quarter of 2005.

 

White Mountains’ total expenses decreased by 6% in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the first quarter of 2005, due primarily to decreased loss and LAE at OneBeacon and White Mountains Re. The income tax provision related to pre-tax earnings for the first quarter of 2006 and 2005 represented an effective tax rate of 24% and 25%, respectively, which was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to income generated in jurisdictions other than the United States.

 

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.  Earnings or losses incurred by non-U.S. companies are generally subject to an overall effective tax rate lower than that imposed by the United States.

 

28



 

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. 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 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

OneBeacon

 

Financial results for OneBeacon for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 follow:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

Millions

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

500.6

 

$

561.4

 

Net written premiums

 

$

474.3

 

$

519.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

480.2

 

$

545.4

 

Net investment income

 

42.2

 

87.8

 

Net realized investment gains

 

27.3

 

45.8

 

Other revenue

 

17.2

 

16.6

 

Total revenues

 

566.9

 

695.6

 

Losses and LAE

 

303.7

 

338.6

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

86.3

 

100.1

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

83.9

 

80.8

 

General and administrative expenses

 

16.3

 

16.3

 

Interest expense on debt

 

.7

 

.3

 

Total expenses

 

490.9

 

536.1

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

76.0

 

$

159.5

 

 

The following tables provide GAAP ratios, net written premiums and earned insurance premiums for OneBeacon’s ongoing operations and in total for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

 

 

 

GAAP Ratios

 

Net Premiums

 

 

 

Loss

 

Expense

 

Combined

 

Written

 

Earned

 

Specialty

 

62

%

31

%

93

%

$

185.4

 

$

173.4

 

Personal

 

66

 

34

 

100

 

126.8

 

143.4

 

Commercial

 

57

 

40

 

97

 

152.2

 

153.4

 

Total (1)

 

63

%

36

%

99

%

$

474.3

 

$

480.2

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2005

 

 

 

GAAP Ratios

 

Net Premiums

 

 

 

Loss

 

Expense

 

Combined

 

Written

 

Earned

 

Specialty

 

54

%

29

%

83

%

$

216.7

 

$

203.5

 

Personal

 

63

 

32

 

95

 

155.2

 

170.5

 

Commercial

 

57

 

43

 

100

 

136.2

 

158.8

 

Total (1)

 

62

%

33

%

95

%

$

519.8

 

$

545.4

 

 


(1)           Includes results from consolidated reciprocals and run-off operations.  Results from reciprocals are net of business assumed by OneBeacon, which is reported in Personal Lines.

 

29



 

OneBeacon’s pre-tax income for the first quarter of 2006 was $76 million and its combined ratio was 99%, compared to pre-tax income of $160 million and a combined ratio of 95% in the first quarter of 2005. OneBeacon’s first quarter of 2005 included the results of National Farmers Union (“NFU”), which it sold to a third party in the third quarter of 2005.  The inclusion of NFU in the results for the first quarter of 2005 reduced the combined ratio by 2 points.

 

Net written premiums for the first quarter of 2006 were $474 million, a decrease of 9% from $520 million in the first quarter of 2005.  The decrease in net written premiums was primarily due to the aforementioned sale of NFU, which had $49 million of net written premium in the first quarter of 2005, and a planned decrease in personal lines’ written premiums in the Massachusetts and New York regions. The decrease was partially offset by growth in net written premiums in commercial lines and in specialty lines other than NFU.

 

OneBeacon’s total revenues for the first quarter of 2006 decreased 19% from the first quarter of 2005.  Earned premiums decreased 12% from the first quarter of 2005 due to the same factors previously mentioned for net written premiums.  Net investment income decreased 52% in the first quarter of 2006 from the first quarter of 2005, principally due to the receipt in the first quarter of 2005 of a $35 million special dividend from Montpelier.

 

OneBeacon’s total expenses for the first quarter of 2006 decreased 8% from the first quarter of 2005.  Exclusive of NFU’s results for the first quarter of 2005, the decrease in OneBeacon’s losses and LAE, insurance acquisition expenses and other underwriting expenses of 3% was roughly in-line with the decrease in premium volume, exclusive of NFU, of 4%.

 

Specialty Lines.  The specialty lines combined ratio for the first quarter of 2006 was 93%, compared to 83% in the first quarter of 2005.  The inclusion of NFU in specialty lines’ first quarter 2005 results reduced the combined ratio by 3 points.  In addition, storm losses in the first quarter of 2006 were 2 points higher than those of the first quarter of 2005. Higher acquisition costs at AutoOne Insurance, due primarily to changes in its mix of business, also contributed to the increase in the combined ratio.  Net written premiums for specialty lines decreased 15% in the first quarter of 2006 to $185 million, compared to $217 million in 2005.  The decrease in written premiums was mainly due to the aforementioned sale of NFU.  Excluding NFU, specialty lines’ net written premiums increased by $18 million from the first quarter of 2005, principally from AutoOne Insurance, OneBeacon Professional Partners and OneBeacon Specialty Property.

 

Personal Lines.  The personal lines combined ratio for the first quarter of 2006 was 100% compared to 95% in the first quarter of 2005.  The first quarter 2006 combined ratio reflected higher losses experienced in personal auto.  Additionally, personal lines’ first quarter 2006 expense ratio was higher due to a lower premium base as compared to the first quarter of 2005.

 

Commercial Lines.  The commercial lines combined ratio for the first quarter of 2006 was 97% compared to 100% for the first quarter of 2005. The improvement was due to a lower expense ratio, which decreased 3 points from the comparable prior year period primarily due to lower expenses in the middle-market division, mainly insurance acquisition expenses. The first quarter of 2005 included a higher level of insurance acquisition expenses related to business acquired through the Atlantic Specialty transaction than the first quarter of 2006. Commercial lines’ written premiums increased 12% to $152 million in the first quarter of 2006, compared to $136 million in the first quarter of 2005, principally from its middle-market and small business divisions.

 

30



 

White Mountains Re

 

Financial results and GAAP combined ratios for White Mountains Re for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 follow:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Millions

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

586.4

 

$

614.7

 

Net written premiums

 

$

428.7

 

$

419.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

315.6

 

$

349.7

 

Net investment income

 

41.1

 

31.9

 

Net realized investment gains

 

2.5

 

7.9

 

Other revenue

 

4.4

 

19.8

 

Total revenues

 

363.6

 

409.3

 

Losses and LAE

 

186.6

 

239.1

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

70.3

 

75.4

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

20.4

 

33.6

 

General and administrative expenses

 

2.2

 

2.3

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to losses and LAE reserves

 

(.6

)

3.4

 

Interest expense on debt

 

.4

 

.6

 

Total expenses

 

279.3

 

354.4

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

84.3

 

$

54.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and LAE

 

59

%

68

%

Expense

 

29

%

31

%

Total Combined

 

88

%

99

%

 

White Mountains Re recorded pre-tax income of $84 million and a GAAP combined ratio of 88% for the first quarter of 2006, compared to pre-tax income of $55 million and a combined ratio of 99% for the first quarter of 2005. White Mountains Re’s combined ratio improved over the first quarter of 2005 despite adverse development from the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes, reflecting both improved underwriting conditions and generally benign weather patterns during the quarter. During the first quarter of 2006, White Mountains Re experienced adverse development of $36 million ($8 million, $18 million and $10 million on hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, respectively).  Earnings from business segments not impacted by the 2005 hurricanes, as well as favorable development of $26 million from prior underwriting years, more than offset the impact of the first quarter adverse development from the hurricanes. The favorable development was mainly from the 2005 underwriting year on property lines that were not impacted by catastrophes. In addition, as a result of a re-evaluation during the first quarter of 2006 of the remaining run-off contracts at Scandinavian Re, White Mountains Re reduced its unallocated loss adjustment expense reserve by approximately $6.5 million, resulting in a 2 point reduction to the combined ratio. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

White Mountains Re’s results from the first quarter of 2005 included approximately $33 million in pre-tax losses, net of reinsurance (contributing approximately 9 points to the combined ratio), attributable to European storm Erwin, which affected northern Europe, particularly Scandinavia where Sirius International is a major reinsurer. Earnings from business segments not impacted by European storm Erwin partially offset the impact of this catastrophe.

 

White Mountains Re’s gross written premiums decreased by $28 million, or 5% from the first quarter of 2005 to 2006 and net written premiums increased $9 million or 2% over the comparable prior period. The decrease in gross written premiums resulted mainly from a decrease in gross volume at Sirius America resulting from the cancellation of two programs.  The increase in net written premiums resulted from an overall reduction in the business ceded principally to Olympus, discussed further below.

 

White Mountains Re receives fee income on reinsurance placements referred to Olympus and Helicon and is entitled

 

31



 

to a profit commission on net underwriting profits on referred business.  White Mountains Re recognized net fee income of $10 million from Olympus and Helicon in the first quarter of 2006 as compared to $19 million from Olympus for the comparable period in the prior year. The decrease in fee income is primarily the result of no profit commission being earned during the first quarter of 2006 compared to $9 million of profit commission earned during the comparable period in the prior year.  The profit commission arrangements with Olympus and Helicon are subject to a deficit carryforward whereby net underwriting losses from one underwriting year carryover to future underwriting years.  As a result of the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes, Olympus recorded substantial net underwriting losses, and as such White Mountains Re does not expect to record profit commissions for the foreseeable future.

 

During the first quarter 2006, Folksamerica purchased a series of Second Event Industry Loss Warranty Covers (“ILW”) for a total annual cost of $19 million.  This reinsurance protection has a total limit of $150 million from multiple retrocessionaires. The ILW was purchased to protect Folksamerica’s balance sheet from the adverse impact of the occurrence of two significant natural peril catastrophic events in the United States during 2006 (“Loss Events”).  Coverage is not dependent on the order in which the Loss Events occur, and Folksamerica can only recover losses that it incurs as a result of the Loss Events.

 

On April 12, 2006, White Mountains Re announced that it had agreed to sell its Sirius America subsidiary to an investor group led by Lightyear Capital for approximately $139 million.  As part of the transaction, White Mountains will acquire an equity interest of approximately 18% in the acquiring entity.  As of March 31, 2006, Sirius America’s GAAP book value was approximately $118 million.  The transaction, which is subject to regulatory and other conditions, is expected to close during the summer of 2006.

 

Esurance

 

Financial results and GAAP ratios for Esurance for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 follow:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

Millions

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

141.9

 

$

78.1

 

Net written premiums

 

$

140.9

 

$

77.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

105.2

 

$

59.9

 

Net investment income

 

3.6

 

2.1

 

Net realized gains on investments

 

.9

 

1.0

 

Other revenue

 

2.1

 

.9

 

Total revenues

 

111.8

 

63.9

 

Losses and LAE

 

75.2

 

40.9

 

Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses

 

29.0

 

13.6

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

11.1

 

7.5

 

Total expenses

 

115.3

 

62.0

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

(3.5

)

$

1.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and LAE

 

72

%

68

%

Expense

 

38

%

36

%

Total Combined

 

110

%

104

%

 

32



 

Esurance recorded a pre-tax loss of $4 million in the first quarter of 2006, compared to pre-tax income of $2 million in the first quarter of the prior year. Net written premiums for the first quarter of 2006 were $141 million, an increase of 82% from $78 million in the first quarter of 2005. As of March 31, 2006, Esurance’s in-force policy count was 261,715 policies, an 82% increase over March 31, 2005. Significant growth in premium volume and policies resulted from Esurance’s expansion into national cable and syndicated television advertising, together with Esurance’s ongoing marketing through other offline, online, direct mail, and online agency channels.

 

Esurance’s combined ratio of 110% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was 6 points higher than the comparable prior year quarter. Esurance’s loss ratio rose from 68% to 72%.  Favorable loss reserve development reduced the current quarter loss ratio by one point, compared to three points of favorable loss reserve development in the prior year quarter.  In addition, Midwest hail storm and tornado activity added 1 point to the loss ratio in the first quarter of 2006.  Esurance’s expense ratio increased from 36% to 38%, primarily due to increased advertising expenses.

 

Other Operations

 

Other Operations consists of the operations of the Company, the Company’s intermediate subsidiary holding companies, the International American Group and White Mountains’ investments in warrants of Montpelier and Symetra. A summary of White Mountains’ financial results from its Other Operations segment for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

Millions

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

 

$

 

Net written premiums

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums

 

$

 

$

 

Net investment income

 

11.6

 

52.1

 

Net realized investment losses

 

(2.2

)

(17.6

)

Other revenue

 

6.1

 

22.0

 

Total revenues

 

15.5

 

56.5

 

Losses and LAE

 

(1.5

)

.7

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

.5

 

.3

 

General and administrative expenses

 

29.0

 

19.1

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to losses and LAE reserves

 

5.8

 

6.5

 

Interest expense - debt

 

10.6

 

10.7

 

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

 

14.0

 

12.6

 

Total expenses

 

58.4

 

49.9

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

(42.9

)

$

6.6

 

 

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

 

White Mountains’ Other Operations segment reported a pre-tax loss of $43 million in the first quarter of 2006, compared to pre-tax income of $7 million for the first quarter of 2005.  The decrease was principally due to the aforementioned special dividend from Montpelier in the 2005 quarter, $39 million of which was reported in this segment, and a $14 million gain recorded in other revenues in the 2005 quarter from the settlement of a lawsuit in which White Mountains was a plaintiff. General and administrative expenses increased by $10 million, due principally to an increase in incentive compensation expense. Realized losses decreased by $15 million, principally due to a smaller loss recorded on the Montpelier warrants in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the first quarter of 2005.

 

33



 

II. Summary of Investment Results

 

Investment Philosophy

 

White Mountains manages substantially all of its consolidated investments through its wholly-owned subsidiary, WM Advisors. White Mountains’ investment philosophy is to maximize its after-tax total risk-adjusted return over the long term. Under this approach, each dollar of after-tax investment income and realized and unrealized gains and losses is valued equally. White Mountains’ overall fixed maturity investment strategy is to purchase securities that are attractively priced in relation to credit risks. White Mountains generally manages the interest rate risk associated with holding fixed maturity investments by actively maintaining the average duration of the portfolio (about 2 years at March 31, 2006, including short-term investments) to achieve an adequate after-tax total return without subjecting the portfolio to an unreasonable level of interest rate risk. White Mountains’ investment portfolio mix as of March 31, 2006 consisted in large part of high-quality, fixed maturity investments and short-term investments, as well as equity investments and limited partnerships. White Mountains’ management believes that prudent levels of investments in common equity securities and other investments within its investment portfolio are likely to enhance long-term after-tax total returns without significantly increasing the risk profile of the portfolio.

 

Investment Returns

 

White Mountains’ GAAP pre-tax total return on invested assets was 1.4% for the first quarter of 2006, compared to 0.4% for the first quarter of 2005. Strong equity returns, which outpaced the S&P 500 Index, combined with the high-quality, short-duration, fixed income portfolio led to the positive returns, even in the face of rising interest rates in both periods.

 

Montpelier investment

 

The following table details the book value effect of White Mountains’ total investment in Montpelier for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Millions

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net investment income, pre-tax

 

$

1.0

 

$

79.0

 

Net realized investment losses, pre-tax

 

(12.7

)

(20.4

)

Total revenues, pre-tax

 

(11.7

)

58.6

 

Taxes on net investment income and net realized investment losses

 

1.7

 

(16.1

)

Total revenues, after-tax

 

(10.0

)

42.5

 

Change in net unrealized investment gains, after-tax

 

(10.4

)

(13.1

)

Net after-tax change in book value from Montpelier investment

 

$

(20.4

)

$

29.4

 

 

During the first quarter of 2005, Montpelier declared a special dividend of $5.50 per share, payable to holders of both its common shares and warrants to acquire its common shares. White Mountains recorded pre-tax dividend income of $74 million in the quarter for this special dividend, in addition to $5 million in dividend income from Montpelier’s normal quarterly dividend. The special dividend resulted in a decrease in Montpelier’s stock price, which reduced the value of White Mountains’ investment in Montpelier’s common shares and warrants. As a result, White Mountains recorded investment losses of $20 million related to its Montpelier warrants and a $13 million decrease in after-tax unrealized gains related to its common share investment during the first quarter of 2005.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2005, Montpelier reduced its normal quarterly dividend from 36 cents per share to 7.5 cents per share. As a result, White Mountains recorded $1 million in dividends on its Montpelier investment in the first quarter of 2006, compared to $5 million in the first quarter of 2005 (excluding the $74 million special dividend). The $13 million pre-tax realized investment loss on White Mountains’ Montpelier warrant investment and the $10 million after-tax unrealized loss on White Mountains’ Montpelier common share investment both resulted from a 14% decrease in Montpelier’s common share price during the first quarter of 2006.

 

34



 

Impairment

 

See Note 4 - Investments of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for White Mountains’ analysis of impairment losses on investment securities.

 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

 

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

 

Adjusted comprehensive net income is a non-GAAP measure that excludes the change in net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio from comprehensive net income. GAAP requires these assets to be marked-to-market, which results in gains during periods when interest rates fall and losses in periods when interest rates rise. Because the liabilities related to the life insurance and structured settlement products that these assets support are not marked-to-market, it is likely that the economic impact on Symetra would be the opposite of that shown under GAAP (i.e., in general, Symetra’s intrinsic value increases when interest rates rise and decreases when interest rates fall). The reconciliation of adjusted comprehensive net income to comprehensive net income is included on page 28.

 

Book value per share is derived by dividing the Company’s total GAAP shareholders’ equity as of a given date by the number of common shares outstanding as of that date, including the dilutive effects of outstanding Options and warrants to acquire common shares, as well as the unamortized accretion of preferred stock. Fully converted tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP measure which is derived by expanding the GAAP book value per share calculation to include the effects of assumed conversion of all convertible securities and to exclude any unamortized goodwill and net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio. The reconciliation of fully converted tangible book value per share to book value per share is included on page 27.

 

Total capital at White Mountains is comprised of common shareholders’ equity, debt and preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption. Tangible capital excludes from total capital the unamortized goodwill of consolidated limited partnerships and the equity in net unrealized gains from Symetra’s fixed maturity portfolio. The reconciliation of total capital to total tangible capital is included on page 37.

 

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 interest payments on its debt obligations, dividend payments on the Company’s common shares and mandatorily redeemable preferred stock of its intermediate holding company subsidiaries, purchases of investments and holding company operating expenses.

 

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

 

Both internal and external forces influence White Mountains’ financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  Claim settlements, premium levels and investment returns may be impacted by changing rates of inflation and other economic conditions. In many cases, significant periods of time, 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.

 

35



 

Management believes that White Mountains’ cash balances, cash flows from operations, routine sales of investments and the liquidity provided by its undrawn 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 ability of White Mountains’ insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Company and certain of its intermediate holding companies:

 

OneBeacon:

 

Based on 2005 statutory net income, OneBeacon’s top tier regulated insurance operating subsidiaries have the ability to pay $197 million of dividends during 2006 without prior approval of regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of unassigned funds. As of December 31, 2005, OneBeacon’s top tier regulated insurance operating subsidiaries had $1.3 billion of unassigned funds available for dividend distribution.

 

During the first three months of 2006, OneBeacon paid $1 million of cash dividends to Fund American.

 

White Mountains Re:

 

Based on December 31, 2005 statutory surplus of $1.1 billion, Folksamerica Re would have had the ability to pay approximately $107 million of dividends during 2006 without prior approval of regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of earned surplus.  As of March 31, 2006, Folksamerica Re had $26 million of negative earned surplus.  Folksamerica Re cannot pay any dividends until it has positive earned surplus.

 

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

 

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 parent company to minimize taxes.  During the first quarter of 2006, Sirius International contributed approximately $49 million of its 2005 pre-tax income to its parent company.

 

WMU has the ability to distribute its 2006 earnings without restriction. During the first quarter of 2006, WMU paid $7 million of cash dividends to its immediate parent.

 

In addition, during the first quarter of 2006, White Mountains Re paid $5 million of cash dividends to its immediate parent.

 

Esurance:

 

Based on 2005 year-end statutory surplus, Esurance's top tier regulated insurance operating subsidiary has the ability to pay $5 million of dividends during 2006 without prior approval of regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of unassigned funds.  Esurance did not pay any cash dividends during the first quarter of 2006.

 

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.  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 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 ($264 million at March 31, 2006) is included in solvency capital.

 

36



 

Insurance Float

 

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

 

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

 

The following table illustrates White Mountains’ consolidated insurance float position as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

($ in millions)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Total investments

 

$

9,829.0

 

$

9,866.4

 

Cash

 

183.1

 

187.7

 

Investment in unconsolidated insurance affiliates

 

437.5

 

479.7

 

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

 

32.6

 

(24.2

)

Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales

 

45.7

 

21.7

 

Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases

 

(165.7

)

(43.4

)

Interest-bearing funds held by ceding companies (1)

 

268.7

 

293.9

 

Interest-bearing funds held under reinsurance treaties (2)

 

(89.9

)

(100.6

)

Net investment assets

 

$

10,541.0

 

$

10,681.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

$

3,872.2

 

$

3,833.2

 

Debt

 

779.1

 

779.1

 

Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

240.4

 

234.0

 

Total capital

 

$

4,891.7

 

$

4,846.3

 

Unamortized goodwill of consolidated limited partnerships

 

(23.8

)

(24.4

)

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

 

32.6

 

(24.2

)

Total tangible capital

 

$

4,900.5

 

$

4,797.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance float

 

$

5,640.5

 

$

5,883.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance float as a multiple of total tangible capital

 

1.2x

 

1.2x

 

Net investment assets as a multiple of total tangible capital

 

2.2x

 

2.2x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance float as a multiple of common shareholders’ equity

 

1.5x

 

1.5x

 

Net investment assets as a multiple of common shareholders’ equity

 

2.7x

 

2.8x

 

 


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

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

 

37



 

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

 

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

 

Financing

 

The following table summarizes White Mountains’ capital structure as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

$ in millions

 

2006

 

2005

 

Senior Notes, carrying value

 

$

698.5

 

$

698.5

 

Bank Facility

 

 

 

Other debt of operating subsidiaries

 

80.6

 

80.6

 

Total debt

 

779.1

 

779.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

240.4

 

234.0

 

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

3,872.2

 

3,833.2

 

Total capital

 

4,891.7

 

4,846.3

 

Unamortized goodwill

 

(23.8

)

(24.4

)

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

 

32.6

 

(24.2

)

Total tangible capital

 

$

4,900.5

 

$

4,797.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Notes to total tangible capital

 

14

%

15

%

Total debt to total tangible capital

 

16

%

16

%

Total debt and preferred stock to total tangible capital

 

21

%

21

%

 

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

 

In May 2003, Fund American issued $700 million face value of senior unsecured debt through a public offering, at an issue price of 99.7% (the “Senior Notes”).  The Senior Notes bear an annual interest rate of 5.9% until maturity on May 15, 2013, and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest by the Company.

 

Fund American and the Company are both permitted borrowers under a $400 million revolving credit facility (the “Bank Facility”). As of March 31, 2006, the Bank Facility, which matures in August 2009, was undrawn. As of March 31, 2006, White Mountains was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Bank Facility, and anticipates it will continue to remain in compliance with these covenants for the foreseeable future.

 

Detailed information concerning White Mountains’ liquidity and capital resource activities during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 follows:

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2006

 

Financing and Other Capital Activities

 

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

 

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

 

38



 

Acquisitions and Dispositions

 

White Mountains did not execute any significant acquisitions or dispositions during the first quarter of 2006.

 

Other Liquidity and Capital Resource Activities

 

During the three months ended March 31, 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.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2005

 

Financing and Other Capital Activities

 

During the first quarter of 2005, White Mountains declared and paid dividends of $22 million and $8 million to holders of common shares and mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, respectively.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, OneBeacon declared and paid a dividend of $230 million to Fund American.  Also during the three months ended March 31, 2005, White Mountains Re paid $83 million of dividends to its immediate parent.

 

Acquisitions and Dispositions

 

White Mountains did not execute any significant acquisitions on dispositions during the first quarter of 2005.

 

Other Liquidity and Capital Resource Activities

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, the Company issued a total of 1,800 common shares to its employees through the exercise of Options during the period and received cash proceeds of $.3 million in connection with these Option exercises.

 

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

 

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

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

Refer to the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion regarding White Mountains’ critical accounting estimates.

 

39



 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

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

 

      growth in book value per share or return on equity;

      business strategy;

      financial and operating targets or plans;

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

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

      expansion and growth of its business and operations; and

      future capital expenditures.

 

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

 

      the risks associated with Item 1A of the Company’s 2005 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.

 

40



 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Refer to the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in particular Item 7A. - “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

There were no significant changes with respect to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2006.

 

Part II.   OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

 

Refer to the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in particular Item 3 - “Legal Proceedings” for a brief description of non-routine legal proceedings. Damages sought by the claimants do not exceed 10% of the Company’s current assets.

 

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

 

None.

 

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.

 

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

 

None.

 

Item 5.    Other Information.

 

None.

 

Item 6.    Exhibits.

 

(a)           Exhibits

 

11 -          Statement Re Computation of Per Share Earnings*

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

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

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

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

 


    Not included as an exhibit as the information is contained elsewhere within this report. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

41



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

 

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: April 26, 2006

 

By:

/s/ J. Brian Palmer

 

 

 

J. Brian Palmer

 

 

Chief Accounting Officer

 

42