<PAGE>
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the period ended September 30, 1999
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 1-8993
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
BERMUDA 94-2708455
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
80 SOUTH MAIN STREET, HANOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03755-2053
(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)
(603) 643-1567
(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 X No
----- -----
As of November 12, 1999, 6,091,463 shares of Common Stock with a par value of
$1.00 per share were outstanding.
<PAGE>
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
Table of Contents
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE NO.
<S> <C>
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets,
September 30, 1999 (Unaudited), and December 31, 1998 3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited), Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited),
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 5
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Unaudited) 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 12
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 20
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Items 1 through 6 21
SIGNATURES 22
</TABLE>
-2-
<PAGE>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30, December 31,
1999 1998
------------- -------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Fixed maturity investments, at fair value (cost: $799.3 and $916.1) $ 778.3 $ 929.6
Common equity securities, at fair value (cost: $156.2 and $195.4) 173.3 241.7
Short-term investments, at amortized cost (which approximated market value) 212.5 79.0
Other investments (cost: $53.8 and $69.1) 63.1 77.5
------------- -------------
Total investments 1,227.2 1,327.8
Cash 2.0 22.4
Investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates 365.2 354.3
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses 152.4 137.3
Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable 40.6 124.7
Deferred acquisition costs 22.1 35.4
Investment income accrued 14.2 16.2
Other assets 62.3 35.2
Net assets of discontinued mortgage banking operations 19.0 110.4
------------- -------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,905.0 $ 2,163.7
============= =============
LIABILITIES
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 787.2 $ 811.7
Unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums 87.3 153.1
Short-term debt - 51.5
Long-term debt 136.6 186.3
Deferred credit 45.4 37.1
Accounts payable and other liabilities 224.8 221.5
------------- -------------
Total liabilities 1,281.3 1,461.2
------------- -------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock at $1 par value per share - authorized 50,000,000 and
125,000,000 shares; issued 15,000,000 and 30,863,547 shares 15.0 30.9
Common paid-in capital 174.3 354.2
Retained earnings 730.7 1,063.2
Common stock in treasury at cost - 9,017,709 shares and 25,034,939 shares (324.0) (871.0)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, after tax 27.7 125.2
------------- -------------
Total shareholders' equity 623.7 702.5
------------- -------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 1,905.0 $ 2,163.7
============= =============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
-3-
<PAGE>
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
UNAUDITED
(MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
-----------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums $ 60.6 $ 69.4 $ 226.9 $ 148.1
Gain on sale of Valley Group - - 88.1 -
Net realized investment gains 20.3 61.6 47.1 63.7
Net investment income 15.9 11.9 45.1 20.2
Earnings from unconsolidated insurance affiliates 7.3 4.9 16.3 20.1
Amortization of deferred credit 2.1 .9 5.8 .9
Other insurance operations revenue .3 2.6 3.6 6.8
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total revenues 106.5 151.3 432.9 259.8
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
EXPENSES:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses 47.7 48.0 170.7 102.6
Insurance and reinsurance policy acquisition expenses 17.1 14.5 56.6 27.5
Compensation and benefits 12.5 6.0 37.6 32.8
General expenses 3.3 4.5 12.5 11.0
Interest expense 2.8 3.6 11.0 9.4
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total expenses 83.4 76.6 288.4 183.3
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
PRETAX EARNINGS 23.1 74.7 144.5 76.5
Income tax provision 9.0 26.1 55.8 28.1
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 14.1 48.6 88.7 48.4
Gain from sale of discontinued mortgage banking operations, after tax - - 14.9 -
Net income from discontinued mortgage banking operations - 5.6 1.0 21.3
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCOME 14.1 54.2 104.6 69.7
=========== =========== =========== ===========
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ITEMS, AFTER TAX:
Net unrealized (losses) gains for investments held during the period (39.6) (32.9) (67.6) 6.0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation - (.2) .7 (.2)
Recognition of net unrealized gains for investments sold during the period (13.2) (40.0) (30.6) (41.4)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Other comprehensive loss items, after tax (52.8) (73.1) (97.5) (35.6)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
COMPREHENSIVE NET INCOME (LOSS) $ (38.7) $ (18.9) $ 7.1 $ 34.1
=========== =========== =========== ===========
BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Net income $ 2.72 $ 9.28 $ 19.02 $ 11.86
Comprehensive net income (loss) (7.51) (3.22) 1.29 5.81
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Net income $ 2.43 $ 8.31 $ 17.01 $ 10.61
Comprehensive net income (loss) (6.81) (2.90) 1.11 5.18
</TABLE>
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
-4-
<PAGE>
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited
(millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
---------------------------------
1999 P1998
--------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
CONTINUING OPERATIONS - OPERATING CASH FLOWS:
Net income $ 88.7 $ 48.4
Charges (credits) to reconcile net income to cash flows from operations:
Gain from sale of discontinued mortgage banking operations, after tax (14.9) -
Net income from discontinued operations (1.0) 21.3
Gain from sale of Valley Group (88.1) -
Undistributed earnings from unconsolidated insurance affiliates (15.0) (17.1)
Net realized investment gains (47.1) (63.7)
Amortization of deferred credit (5.8) (.9)
Decrease in reinsurance recoverable 6.0 1.5
Decrease (increase) in insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable 24.0 (3.5)
(Decrease) increase in insurance loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (69.8) 7.2
Net change in current and deferred income taxes receivable and payable 57.0 18.9
Net change in other assets 1.0 22.9
Other, net 4.1 (11.5)
--------------- --------------
NET CASH FLOWS (USED FOR) PROVIDED FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (60.9) 23.5
--------------- --------------
CONTINUING OPERATIONS - INVESTING CASH FLOWS:
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments, net of balances acquired and sold (150.2) 8.5
Sales of common equity securities and other investments 140.8 111.9
Sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments 250.3 46.1
Purchases of common equity securities and other investments (33.6) (21.9)
Purchases of fixed maturity investments (41.4) (50.4)
Investments in unconsolidated insurance affiliates (65.7) (70.3)
Purchase of consolidated reinsurance affiliates, net of cash acquired (66.4) (169.0)
Proceeds from sale of Valley Group, net of cash balances sold 121.8 -
Net purchases of fixed assets (1.0) (1.1)
--------------- --------------
NET CASH FLOWS PROVIDED FROM (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES 154.6 (146.2)
--------------- --------------
CONTINUING OPERATIONS - FINANCING CASH FLOWS:
Net repayments of short-term debt (51.5) (.3)
Issuances of long-term debt - 50.0
Repayments of long-term debt (70.6) (1.1)
Purchases of common stock retired or placed in treasury (122.5) (18.9)
Proceeds from warrant exercise 21.7 -
Cash dividends paid to common shareholders (6.4) (4.2)
--------------- --------------
NET CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES (229.3) 25.5
--------------- --------------
NET CASH PROVIDED FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 115.2 117.5
--------------- --------------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH DURING PERIOD (20.4) 20.3
CASH BALANCES AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 22.4 7.0
--------------- --------------
CASH BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD $ 2.0 $ 27.3
=============== ===============
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
Interest paid $ (39.5) $ (62.1)
Net income taxes paid $ (10.1) $ (9.9)
Common stock issued to employees for compensation $ (3.4) $ -
</TABLE>
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
-5-
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unaudited
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (the "Company") and its
subsidiaries (collectively, "White Mountains"). The Company's consolidated and
unconsolidated insurance operations are conducted through its subsidiaries and
affiliates in the businesses of property and casualty insurance, reinsurance and
financial guaranty insurance. The financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and include
all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring 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 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain
amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to
conform with the current presentation, including the segregation of mortgage
banking net assets and mortgage banking net income as discontinued operations
which relates to a decision made by the Company during the 1999 first quarter to
exit from the mortgage banking business. See Note 2.
During the past several months, White Mountains completed a significant
acquisition of a reinsurance business and a significant disposition of an
insurance business. These transactions have affected the comparability of the
financial statement information presented herein as further described below:
On August 18, 1998, White Mountains acquired all of the remaining outstanding
shares of the common stock of Folksamerica Holding Company, Inc.
("Folksamerica"), parent company of Folksamerica Reinsurance Company, for $169.1
million (the "Folksamerica Purchase") thereby causing Folksamerica to become a
consolidated subsidiary of White Mountains on that date. Prior to the
Folksamerica Purchase, White Mountains owned a 50% non-consolidated interest in
Folksamerica primarily through a preferred stock investment with fixed price
warrants to acquire common stock. As a result of the Folkamerica Purchase, White
Mountains was required to restate its investment in Folksamerica preferred stock
to its original cost. Because the total cost of White Mountains' investments in
Folksamerica was less than the fair value of Folksamerica's net identifiable
assets at August 18, 1998, White Mountains recorded a $39.8 million deferred
credit on August 18, 1998 that will be amortized to income over 5 years. The
remaining unamortized deferred credit balance relating to the Folksamerica
Purchase as of September 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998 was $31.7 million and
$37.1 million, respectively.
On June 17, 1999, White Mountains completed its previously announced sale of
Valley Group, Inc. ("Valley Group") to Unitrin Inc. (the "Valley Group Sale").
Valley Group represented the majority of White Mountains' primary property and
casualty insurance operations. The Valley Group Sale did not represent a
decision by the Company to exit the property and casualty insurance business,
thus, the financial results of these companies are not shown as discontinued
operations herein.
Condensed pro forma financial information for the nine months ended September
30, 1998, which assumes the Valley Group Sale and the Folksamerica Purchase had
occurred as of January 1, 1998, follows:
-6-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 1998
Millions Actual Pro Forma
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Total revenues $ 259.8 $ 401.9
Net income from continuing operations $ 48.4 $ 112.4
Net income from continuing operations per share:
Basic $ 8.24 $ 19.13
Diluted $ 7.35 $ 17.13
==========================================================================
</TABLE>
The pro forma information presented does not purport to represent what White
Mountains' results of operations actually would have been had White Mountains
completed the Valley Group Sale and the Folksamerica Purchase as of January 1,
1998, or to project White Mountains' results of operations for any future date
or period.
On June 29, 1999 Folksamerica completed its acquisition of USF Re Insurance Co.
("USF Re"). The purchase of USF Re did not constitute a "significant business
combination" by White Mountains and therefore prior year pro forma effects
related to the acquisition of USF Re are not presented herein. See "Liquidity
and Capital Resources".
In addition to the transactions above, on May 13, 1999 and September 2, 1999
White Mountains exercised stock options to acquire 666,667 and 1,893,940 shares
of the common stock of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. ("FSA"),
respectively, which also significantly affected the comparability the financial
statement information presented herein. In accordance with GAAP, White Mountains
accounts for its investments in FSA common stock on the equity method of
accounting and accounts for its stock options and convertible securities to
acquire FSA common stock at fair value. Upon the exercises of FSA options during
the 1999 second and third quarters, White Mountains was required to write its
investments in the FSA options exercised to their original cost in order to
transition the investment from fair value accounting to equity accounting. In
connection with this accounting transition, White Mountains reduced its after
tax net unrealized gains at the time of exercise by $39.3 million and recorded a
deferred credit of $14.2 million that will be amortized to income over a
five-year period. The difference between fair value and equity value ($25.1
million at the time of exercise) may not be recognized by White Mountains until
such time as equity accounting is no longer appropriate for its investment in
FSA shares.
Note 2. Discontinued Mortgage Banking Operations
On May 1, 1999, White Mountains concluded its sale (the "Mortgage Banking Sale")
of substantially all the mortgage banking assets of its subsidiary White
Mountains Services Corporation ("WMSC" - formerly Source One Mortgage Services
Corporation) to Citibank Mortgage, Inc. ("Citibank") and has received net
proceeds totalling $180.6 million (which is net of WMSC's public indebtedness
assumed by Citibank and WMSC's credit agreement borrowings which were required
to be repaid at closing). Mortgage banking assets and liabilities that were not
part of the Citibank sale principally include WMSC's investments in financial
instruments (which were liquidated during the 1999 first quarter), pool loan
purchases (which were substantially liquidated during the 1999 first half) and
$44.0 million of preferred stock outstanding (which was redeemed on June 3,
1999). White Mountains recorded an estimated $14.9 million after tax gain on the
sale of its mortgage banking net assets (which is net of anticipated future
liabilities) during the 1999 second quarter. As a result of the Company's
decision to dispose of its net mortgage banking assets, these activities are
shown as discontinued operations herein.
-7-
<PAGE>
Summary condensed financial results of discontinued mortgage banking operations
follow:
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED MORTGAGE BANKING OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
Millions 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets:
Cash and investments $ 19.4 $ 19.4
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights - 169.7
Mortgage loans held for sale - 676.3
Other mortgage origination and servicing assets 31.1 271.9
Other assets 11.8 90.1
---------------------------------
Total assets of discontinued mortgage banking assets $ 62.3 $ 1,227.4
---------------------------------
Liabilities and Minority Interest:
Short-term debt $ - $ 697.0
Long-term debt - 173.4
Accounts payable and other liabilities 43.3 202.6
Minority interest - preferred stock - 44.0
---------------------------------
Total liabilities and minority interest $ 43.3 $ 1,117.0
---------------------------------
Net assets of discontinued mortgage banking operations $ 19.0 $ 110.4
====================================================================================================
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED MORTGAGE BANKING OPERATIONS
<CAPTION>
Three Months Nine Months
ended Sept. 30, ended Sept. 30,
------------------ -------------------
Millions 1999 1998 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Net investment income $ - $ 20.2 $ 27.9 $ 59.0
Net gain on sales of mortgages - 21.7 25.4 63.9
Net mortgage servicing revenue - 12.4 10.9 29.6
Other mortgage operations revenue - 9.6 12.0 34.4
------------------ -------------------
Total revenues - 63.9 76.2 186.9
------------------ -------------------
Expenses:
Compensation and benefits - 20.1 28.5 56.3
Interest expense - 17.8 24.5 51.3
General expenses - 15.5 19.3 41.0
------------------ -------------------
Total expenses - 53.4 72.3 148.6
------------------ -------------------
Pretax earnings - 10.5 3.9 38.3
Income tax provision - 4.0 1.7 14.2
------------------ -------------------
Net income before minority interest - 6.5 2.2 24.1
Minority interest - preferred stock dividends - (.9) (1.2) (2.8)
------------------ -------------------
Net income from discontinued mortgage banking operations $ - $ 5.6 $ 1.0 $ 21.3
==========================================================================================================
</TABLE>
-8-
<PAGE>
Note 3. Reinsurance and Insurance Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
The following table summarizes White Mountains' reinsurance loss and loss
adjustment expense reserve activities for the three months and nine months ended
September 30, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Nine Months
Ended Ended
Millions Sept. 30, 1999 Sept. 30, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Gross beginning balance $ 818.2 $ 723.2
Less beginning reinsurance recoverable (144.2) (129.0)
-------------- --------------
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses 674.0 594.2
Loss and loss adjustment expenses acquired - USF Re - 106.4
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred relating to:
Current period losses 43.9 109.1
Prior period losses 3.3 8.3
Loss and loss adjustment expenses paid relating to:
Current period losses (4.9) (11.7)
Prior period losses (74.2) (164.2)
-------------- --------------
Net ending balance 642.1 642.1
Plus ending reinsurance recoverable 138.8 138.8
-------------- --------------
Gross ending balance $ 780.9 $ 780.9
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>
Incurred losses totalling $3.3 million and $8.3 million for the three months and
nine months ended September 30, 1999, respectively, related to prior accident
years are primarily attributable to reserve additions relating to asbestos,
environmental liability and breast implant exposures.
The following table summarizes White Mountains' insurance loss and loss
adjustment expense reserve activities for the three months and nine months ended
September 30, 1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Nine Months
Ended Sept. 30, Ended Sept. 30,
------------------- --------------------
Millions 1999 1998 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Beginning balance $ 4.8 $ 77.6 $ 88.5 $ 71.9
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred (net of ceded reinsurance) .5 26.2 53.3 80.8
Loss and loss adjustment expenses paid and other (net of reinsurance) 1.0 (24.6) (47.7) (73.5)
Loss and loss adjustment expenses sold - Valley Group - - (87.8) -
------------------- --------------------
Ending balance $ 6.3 $ 79.2 $ 6.3 $ 79.2
================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred during the periods presented did not
include significant reserve strengthening for losses and loss adjustment
expenses relating to prior years. Ending loss and loss adjustment reserves of
$6.3 million at September 30, 1999 relate to Waterford Insurance Company
("Waterford", formerly Valley National Insurance Company), a property and
casualty insurance company retained by White Mountains which is licensed to
write property and casualty insurance in 48 states.
-9-
<PAGE>
Note 4. Earnings Per Share
The following table outlines the Company's computation of earnings per share for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Nine Months
Ended Sept. 30, Ended Sept. 30,
------------------ ------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Basic earnings per common share numerators (in millions):
Net income $ 14.1 $ 54.2 $ 104.6 $ 69.7
================== ==================
Comprehensive net income (loss) $ (38.7) $ (18.9) $ 7.1 $ 34.1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------==================---==================
Diluted earnings per common share numerators (in millions):
Net income $ 14.1 $ 54.2 $ 104.6 $ 69.7
Dilution to earnings from unconsolidated insurance affiliates (.1) (.1) (.3) (.3)
------------------ ------------------
Diluted net income $ 14.0 $ 54.1 $ 104.3 $ 69.4
================== ==================
Diluted comprehensive net income (loss) $ (38.8) $ (19.0) $ 6.8 $ 33.8
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------==================---==================
Earnings per common share denominators (in thousands):
Basic earnings per share numerator (average common shares outstanding) 5,156 5,842 5,496 5,877
Dilutive stock options and warrants to acquire common stock (a) 553 669 630 669
------------------ ------------------
Diluted earnings per share denominator 5,709 6,511 6,126 6,546
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------==================---==================
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars):
Net income $ 2.72 $ 9.28 $ 19.02 $ 11.86
================== ==================
Comprehensive net income (loss) $ (7.51) $ (3.22) $ 1.29 $ 5.81
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------==================---==================
Diluted earnings per common share & assumed conversions (in dollars):
Net income $ 2.43 $ 8.31 $ 17.01 $ 10.61
================== ==================
Comprehensive net income (loss) $ (6.81) $ (2.90) $ 1.11 $ 5.18
===============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(a) Includes the net dilutive effects for each period presented of weighted
average warrants outstanding to acquire 1,000,000 shares of the Company's
common stock at $21.66 per share and weighted average stock options
outstanding to acquire 2,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $24.82
per share.
Note 5. Accounting Standards Recently Adopted and Issued
In March 1998 the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (the
"AICPA") issued Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-1 entitled "Accounting For the
Cost of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use" which requires
the capitalization of certain prospective costs in connection with developing or
obtaining software for current use. The adoption of SOP 98-1, which occurred as
of January 1, 1999, did not have a material impact on White Mountains' financial
position or results of operations.
In June 1998 the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities" which requires companies to record all
derivatives on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities and measure
those instruments at fair value. The manner in which companies are to record
gains and losses resulting from changes in the values of those derivatives
depends on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge
accounting. SFAS No. 133 is effective beginning in 2001 with earlier adoption
permitted. The adoption of SFAS No. 133 is not expected to have a material
effect on White Mountains' financial position or results of operations.
-10-
<PAGE>
In October 1998 the AICPA issued SOP 98-7 entitled "Deposit Accounting:
Accounting for Insurance and Reinsurance Contracts That Do Not Transfer Risk".
SOP 98-7 provides guidance on how to account for all insurance and reinsurance
contracts that do not transfer insurance risk, except for long-duration life and
health insurance contracts. SOP 98-7 is effective for periods beginning January
1, 2000, with early adoption permitted. White Mountains is currently evaluating
the impact of the adoption of SOP 98-7 and the potential effects on its
financial position and results of operations.
Note 6. Segment Information
White Mountains has determined that its reportable segments include Reinsurance,
Property and Casualty Insurance, Investments in Unconsolidated Insurance
Affiliates (which includes White Mountains' investment in MediaOne preferred
stock) and Holding Company (primarily the operations of the Company and certain
of its intermediate subsidiary holding companies). Investment results are
included within the segment to which the investments relate. The Company has
made this determination based on consideration of the following criteria: (i)
the nature of the business activities of each of the Company's subsidiaries and
affiliates; (ii) the manner in which the Company's subsidiaries and affiliates
are organized; (iii) the existence of primary managers responsible for specific
subsidiaries and affiliates; and (iv) the organization of information provided
to the Board. There are no significant intercompany transactions among White
Mountains' segments other than occasional intercompany sales and transfers of
investment securities (gains and losses resulting from such transfers have been
eliminated herein) . Certain amounts in the prior periods have been reclassified
to conform with the current presentation which involved the segregation of the
mortgage banking net assets, revenues and pretax earnings as discontinued
operations. See Note 1. Financial information presented by segment is shown
below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Property and Investments in
Casualty Unconsolidated Holding
Millions Reinsurance Insurance Affiliates Company Total
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues from external customers $159.5 $ 70.6 $ - $ - $230.1
Gain from sale of Valley Group - - - 88.1 88.1
Net realized investment gains 11.0 10.0 - 26.1 47.1
Net investment income 35.3 3.3 2.6 3.9 45.1
Earnings from unconsolidated insurance affiliates - - 16.3 - 16.3
Amortization of deferred credit 5.3 - .5 - 5.8
Other revenue - - - .4 .4
-------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues $211.1 $ 83.9 $19.4 $118.5 $432.9
=============================================================
Pretax earnings $ 29.3 $ 5.7 $19.4 $ 90.1 $144.5
=============================================================
Net income from continuing operations $ 21.8 $ 3.7 $13.1 $ 50.1 $ 88.7
===================================================================================================================
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues from external customers $ 28.9 $125.8 $ - $ - $154.7
Net realized investment gains - 3.3 - 60.4 63.7
Net investment income 6.3 6.1 2.9 4.9 20.2
Earnings from unconsolidated insurance affiliates - - 20.1 - 20.1
Amortization of deferred credit .9 - - - .9
Other revenue - - - .2 .2
-------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues $ 36.1 $135.2 $23.0 $ 65.5 $259.8
=============================================================
Pretax earnings $ 3.4 $ 8.2 $23.0 $ 41.9 $ 76.5
=============================================================
Net income from continuing operations $ 2.9 $ 5.4 $16.7 $ 23.4 $ 48.4
===================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
-11-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Property and Investments in
Casualty Unconsolidated Holding
Millions Reinsurance Insurance Affiliates Company Total
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended September 30, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues from external customers $60.2 $ .6 $ - $ - $ 60.8
Net realized investment gains 6.7 .3 - 13.3 20.3
Net investment income 12.5 .1 .7 2.6 15.9
Earnings from unconsolidated insurance affiliates - - 7.3 - 7.3
Amortization of deferred credit 1.7 - .4 - 2.1
Other revenue - - - .1 .1
-------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues $81.1 $ 1.0 $8.4 $16.0 $106.5
=============================================================
Pretax earnings $11.5 $ .5 $8.4 $ 2.7 $ 23.1
=============================================================
Net income from continuing operations $ 8.0 $ .2 $5.2 $ .7 $ 14.1
===================================================================================================================
Three Months Ended September 30, 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues from external customers $28.9 $42.9 $ - $ - $ 71.8
Net realized investment gains - .9 - 60.7 61.6
Net investment income 6.3 2.0 1.0 2.6 11.9
Earnings from unconsolidated insurance affiliates - - 4.9 - 4.9
Amortization of deferred credit .9 - - - .9
Other revenue - - - .2 .2
-------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues $36.1 $45.8 $5.9 $63.5 $151.3
=============================================================
Pretax earnings $ 3.4 $ 3.8 $5.9 $61.6 $ 74.7
=============================================================
Net income from continuing operations $ 2.9 $ 2.7 $8.4 $34.6 $ 48.6
===================================================================================================================
Millions Property anInvestments in Net Assets of
CasualtyUnconsolidated Discontinued Holding
Ending assets Reinsurance Insurance Affiliates Operation Company Total
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30, 1999 $1,301.4 $27.6 $365.2 $19.0 $191.8 $1,905.0
December 31, 1998 1,220.5 311.5 404.1 110.4 117.2 2,163.7
===================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 1998
White Mountains reported net income of $104.6 million or $17.01 per diluted
common share for the nine months ended September 30, 1999, compared to net
income of $69.7 million or $10.61 per diluted common share for the comparable
1998 period. Comprehensive net income, which includes other comprehensive income
items (primarily changes in net unrealized investment gains and losses), was
$7.1 million or $1.11 per diluted common share for the nine months ended
September 30, 1999, compared to $34.1 million or $5.18 per dilutive common share
for the comparable 1998 period.
Net income for the 1999 third quarter was $14.1 million or $2.43 per diluted
common share, compared to net income of $54.2 million or $8.31 per diluted
common share for the 1998 comparable period. Comprehensive net loss for the 1999
third quarter was $38.7 million or $6.81 per diluted common share, compared to a
comprehensive net loss of $18.9 million or $2.90 per dilutive common share for
the 1998 third quarter.
-12-
<PAGE>
White Mountains ended the 1999 third quarter with a book value per share of
$104.25 ($111.83 including $7.58 per share of after tax unamortized deferred
credit) versus a 1998 ending book value per share of $109.68 ($115.11 including
$5.43 per share of after tax unamortized deferred credit).
SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING COMPARABILITY OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
During the past several months, White Mountains has completed several
significant transactions that affect the comparability of the financial
information contained herein. These transactions include: (i) the consolidation
of Folksamerica Purchase on August 18, 1998; (ii) the Mortgage Banking Sale on
May 1, 1999; (iii) the Valley Group Sale on June 17, 1999; (iv) the acquisition
of USF Re by Folksamerica on June 29, 1999; (v) two stock option exercises
resulting in the acquisition of an additional 2,560,607 shares of the common
stock of FSA; (vi) significant repurchases of shares of the Company's common
stock; and (vii) the September 15, 1999 exercise of warrants resulting in the
issuance of 1,000,000 common shares to the Company's Chairman. Each of these
transactions are further described herein.
INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE OPERATIONS
White Mountains' consolidated reinsurance operations consist of Folksamerica,
which owns Folksamerica Reinsurance Company - a broker market reinsurer.
Unconsolidated insurance operations include a 25% economic interest in FSA,
which writes municipal and commercial bond credit enhancement insurance and a
50% interest in Main Street America Holdings, Inc. ("MSA"), a stock subsidiary
of National Grange Mutual ("NGM") which shares 60% of NGM's pool of east coast
"main street" commercial and personal lines business.
Consolidated Reinsurance Operations. Folksamerica's reinsurance operations
provided $21.8 million to net income for the 1999 year-to-date period versus net
income of $7.4 million for the 1998 comparable period, which includes $4.5
million in net income though August 18, 1999 during which Folksamerica was an
unconsolidated affiliate and $2.9 million of net income as a wholly-owned
subsidiary. A summary of White Mountains' consolidated reinsurance operating
results follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Nine Months
Ended Sept. 30, Ended Sept. 30,
-------------------------------------------
Dollars in millions 1999 1998 1999 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Folksamerica:
Net written premiums $ 56.0 $ 49.6 $ 152.4 $ 163.7
Earned premiums $ 60.2 $ 58.1 $ 159.5 $ 181.9
Loss and loss adjustment expense 78.1% 74.5% 73.6% 71.4%
Underwriting expense 35.9% 36.5% 35.3% 35.5%
-------------------------------------------
Combined ratio 114.0% 111.0% 108.9% 106.9%
==========================================================================================
</TABLE>
For the first nine months of 1999 Folksamerica's combined ratio was 108.9%
versus a combined ratio of 106.9% for the comparable 1998 period. During the
1999 third quarter, Folksamerica's combined ratio climbed to 114.0% which
included approximately $3.0 million of pretax property catastrophe losses
(relating primarily to the earthquake in Turkey and Hurricane Floyd). In
addition to such losses, Folksamerica's 1999 combined ratio is slightly higher
than anticipated due to lower premium volumes resulting from lower than expected
production on a number of domestic treaties, the effects of non-renewals in its
property portfolio, slower than anticipated growth in its Latin America business
and a less favorable pricing environment.
-13-
<PAGE>
Folksamerica's 1999 year-to-date net written premiums totalled $152.4 million
versus $163.7 million during 1998. Folksamerica's premiums have decreased
primarily due to the fiercely competitive market conditions that exist in
today's reinsurance market as Folksamerica's strategy in such an environment is
to grow its business through well executed acquisitions rather than chasing
market share at unattractive prices. Consistent with this strategy, Folksamerica
acquired USF Re on June 29, 1999. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources".
SALE OF CONSOLIDATED INSURANCE OPERATIONS. On June 17, 1999, the Company
completed the Valley Group Sale (consisting primarily of Valley Insurance
Company, Charter Indemnity Company and White Mountains Insurance Company) and
received net proceeds of $139.0 million in cash after receiving a special
dividend prior to the closing of $76.6 million (net of related tax liabilities)
consisting of cash, investment securities and the common stock of Waterford. In
connection with the Valley Group Sale, the Company recorded a pretax gain of
$88.1 million, $52.8 million after tax. As part of the Valley Group Sale, White
Mountains has provided Unitrin, Inc. with certain adverse loss development
protections for approximately four years, however, White Mountains believes that
its loss and loss adjustment reserves sold pursuant to the Valley Group Sale
were adequately stated and are not expected to result in a material subsequent
purchase price adjustment. The Valley Group Sale did not represent a decision by
the Company to exit the property and casualty insurance business, thus, the
financial results of these companies are not shown as discontinued operations
herein.
The Company recorded net income from Valley Group for the 1999 period through
the date of sale of $3.6 million which primarily represented realized investment
gains (see "Investment Operations"). For the nine months ended September 30,
1998, Valley Group contributed $5.4 million to net income.
UNCONSOLIDATED INSURANCE OPERATIONS. FSA and the Company's related investment in
MediaOne preferred stock (which was redeemed on September 2, 1999) contributed
$9.9 million to net income during the first nine months of 1999 versus $9.4
million for the comparable 1998 period. FSA produced $389.9 million of present
value premiums during the 1999 year-to-date period, compared with $247.9 million
in the comparable 1998 period, an increase of 57.3%. During the 1999
year-to-date period, FSA's adjusted book value per share (FSA's book value plus
the after tax present value of all deferred premium income, less deferred
expenses) increased from $47.62 at year-end 1998 to $51.69 per share at
September 30, 1999.
MSA contributed $3.3 million to net income during the 1999 year-to-date period
versus $2.8 million for the comparable 1998 period. MSA's 1999 year-to-date
combined ratio of 103.8% (versus 102.7% for the comparable 1998 period) falls
short of management's long-term objective. After a respectable 2Q99 combined
ratio of 99.9%, Hurricane Floyd brought approximately $3.0 million in losses to
MSA in 3Q99 resulting in a combined ratio of 105.0%.
In addition to recording equity in earnings from its investments in the common
stock of unconsolidated insurance affiliates, White Mountains also records net
unrealized investment gains and losses as a result of changes in the value of
its options and convertible securities to acquire the common stock of FSA and
changes in its equity in the net unrealized investment gains and losses of FSA
and MSA. See "Investment Operations".
MORTGAGE BANKING (DISCONTINUED) OPERATIONS
As previously mentioned, on May 1, 1999, the Company concluded the Mortgage
Banking Sale. White Mountains recorded an estimated $14.9 million after tax gain
on the sale of such mortgage banking net assets (which is net of anticipated
future liabilities) during the 1999 second quarter.
-14-
<PAGE>
Net mortgage banking assets of $19.0 million at September 30, 1999 consisted
primarily of $19.4 million of cash and investments, $42.9 million of remaining
mortgage banking and other assets partially offset by estimated future
liabilities associated with the run-off of existing mortgage banking assets and
other long-term liabilities.
The Citibank transaction represented a decision by the Company to exit from the
mortgage banking business. As a result, all current and prior mortgage banking
activities are presented as discontinued mortgage banking operations herein.
Through May 1, 1999, WMSC's mortgage banking activities contributed $1.0 million
to net income. During the 1998 year-to-date period WMSC's mortgage banking
activities contributed $21.3 million to net income.
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income totalled $45.1 million for the nine months ended September
30, 1999 compared to $20.2 million for the comparable 1998 period. White
Mountains' investment income is comprised primarily of interest income
associated with the fixed maturity investments and dividend income from its
equity investments. The significant increase in net investment income during the
1999 year-to-date period is primarily the result of the inclusion of
Folksamerica's sizable fixed income portfolio to the Company's consolidated
results during the 1999 period.
White Mountains records net unrealized investment gains and losses as a result
of changes in the value of its available for sale investment portfolio holdings,
changes in the value of its options and convertible securities to acquire the
common stock of FSA and changes in its equity in the net unrealized investment
gains and losses of its unconsolidated insurance affiliates. Additional
information concerning White Mountains' net investment gains and losses arising
during the periods, before tax, were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Nine Months
Ended Sept. 30, Ended Sept. 30,
Millions 1999 1998 1999 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net realized investment gains $ 20.3 $ 61.6 $ 47.1 $ 63.7
Net unrealized losses from investment securities (28.6) (66.7) (59.6) (57.2)
Net unrealized (losses) gains from investments in unconsolidated affiliates (8.1) (45.7) (31.0) 2.5
Transition adjustment for FSA stock options exercised (44.5) - (60.5) -
--------------------------------------------
Total net investment (losses) gains on investments during the period $ (60.9) $ (50.8) $ (104.0) $ 9.0
===================================================================================================================
The components of White Mountains' change in net unrealized investment gains,
after tax, as recorded on the income statement are as follows:
<CAPTION>
Three Months Nine Months
Ended Sept. 30, Ended Sept. 30,
Millions 1999 1998 1999 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net realized investment gains $ 20.3 $ 61.6 $ 47.1 $ 63.7
Income tax expense applicable to such gains (7.1) (21.6) (16.5) (22.3)
--------------------------------------------
Net realized investment gains for investments sold, after tax $ 13.2 $ 40.0 $ 30.6 $ 41.4
============================================
Net unrealized investment (losses) gains for investments held $ (60.9) $ (50.8) $ (104.0) $ 9.0
Income tax benefit (expense) applicable to such gains and losses 21.3 17.9 36.4 (3.0)
--------------------------------------------
Net unrealized investment (losses) gains for investments held, after tax (39.6) (32.9) (67.6) 6.0
Recognition of net unrealized gains for investments sold, after tax (13.2) (40.0) (30.6) (41.4)
--------------------------------------------
Change in net unrealized investment gains, after tax $ (52.8) $ (72.9) $ (98.2) $ (35.4)
===================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
-15-
<PAGE>
Net realized investment gains of $47.1 million for the first nine months of 1999
resulted principally from pretax gains from the sales of all or a portion of the
Company's investments in San Juan Basin Royalty Trust ($19.3 million), Travelers
Property Casualty Corp. ($4.8 million) and various common equities and other
investments in Folksamerica's operating portfolio ($11.9 million). In addition,
pretax realized gains on sales of equity securities and fixed maturity
investments of $9.4 million were recorded in anticipation of or in connection
with the sale of Valley Group. Realized investment gains of $63.7 million for
the first nine months of 1998 resulted principally from the sale of all its
holdings (1,014,250 common shares) of White River Corporation which occurred in
3Q98.
The $67.6 million decrease in after tax net unrealized investment gains for
investments held during the first nine months of 1999 reflects: (i) after tax
unrealized losses of $21.5 million in the value of Folksamerica's sizeable fixed
maturity portfolio due to an increase in market interest rates during the
period; (ii) a $39.3 million after tax reduction in unrealized gains associated
with the Company's May 13, 1999 and September 2, 1999 exercises of options to
acquire 666,667 and 1,893,940 shares of the common stock of FSA, respectively
(as further described below). The $6.0 million increase in after tax net
unrealized investment gains for investments held during the comparable 1998
period primarily reflects an increase in the market value of its FSA options and
convertible securities during that period.
EXPENSES
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses totalled $170.7 million for the
1999 year-to-date period versus $102.6 million for the comparable 1998 period.
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses totalled $56.6 million for the
1999 nine month period versus $27.5 million for the comparable 1998 period. The
increases in these insurance expenses during the 1999 period are primarily
attributable to the inclusion of Folksamerica in the Company's consolidated
results for that period.
Compensation and benefits expenses totalled $37.6 million for the 1999
year-to-date period versus $32.8 million for the comparable 1998 period. General
expenses totalled $12.5 million for the 1999 year-to-date period versus $11.0
million for the comparable 1998 period. The increases in these operating
expenses during the 1999 period are primarily attributable to a $6.0 million
payment to the Chairman's in connection with his October 15, 1999 warrant
exercise (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources") and the inclusion of
Folksamerica in the Company's consolidated results for that period.
Interest expense totalled $11.0 million for the first nine months of 1999 versus
$9.4 million for the comparable 1998 period The increase in interest expense is
primarily attributable to higher average indebtedness levels during the 1999
period due to indebtedness outstanding at Folksamerica.
WARRANT EXERCISE
At the Company's request, on September 15, 1999, the Company's Chairman
exercised all his remaining warrants and purchased 1,000,000 shares of the
Company's common stock at a strike price of $21.66 per share. In connection with
the warrant exercise, the Company paid $6.0 million to the Chairman to
compensate him for the estimated interest cost of borrowing the strike price and
the amounts to pay his income taxes on the exercise during the period from the
date of exercise to the date the warrants were scheduled to expire (January 2,
2002).
The amount of taxable income realized by the Chairman in connection with the
warrant exercise, including the $6.0 million payment, was $102.5 million. This
amount is fully taxable to the Chairman and is fully tax deductible by the
Company in 1999.
-16-
<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
On June 29, 1999 Folksamerica acquired USF Re from The Centris Group Inc. for
total consideration of $92.5 million. The purchase consideration included the
issuance of a $20.8 million, five-year note by Folksamerica (which may be
reduced by adverse loss development at USF Re post acquisition) with the balance
paid in cash. Folksamerica did not record a significant amount of goodwill in
connection with its acquisition of USF Re.
In connection with the sale of Valley Group, White Mountains repaid $15.0
million of Valley's long-term indebtedness on June 17, 1999.
During the 1999 second quarter, White Mountains repaid $85.0 million of its
subsidiary indebtedness with proceeds received from the sale of mortgage banking
assets and Valley Group. As of September 30, 1999, White Mountains retained the
ability to borrow up to $100.0 million under this revolving facility.
During the 1999 year-to-date period the Company repurchased 871,845 shares of
its common stock from third parties in a series of public and private
transactions for a total of $122.1 million in cash. Also during the 1999
year-to-date period the Company issued from its treasury a total of 1,025,528
common shares to its Chairman and its key employees in satisfaction of the
Chairman's warrant exercise and certain stock-based employee benefit plan
obligations.
On September 2, 1999, White Mountains redeemed its investment in MediaOne
preferred stock for $50.3 million including accrued and unpaid dividends. The
redemption also required the Company to exercise its stock options with MediaOne
to acquire 1,893,940 FSA common shares at $26.40 per share on that date.
On October 15, 1999, the Company concluded its previously announced acquisition
of Consolidated International Group, Inc. ("CIG"), a Delaware based insurance
holding company for $86.7 million in cash. CIG's principal operating
subsidiaries are Peninsula Insurance Company ("PIC"), American Centennial
Insurance Company ("ACIC"), and British Insurance Company of Cayman ("BICC").
PIC, located in Salisbury, Maryland, writes small commercial and personal lines
through independent agents in the mid-Atlantic. ACIC and BICC are in runoff.
In connection with the proposal approved by shareholders at the Company's
Special Meeting of Shareholders held on October 22, 1999, the Company completed
its redomestication to Bermuda on October 25, 1999. In changing its domicile
from Delaware to Bermuda, White Mountains Insurance Group, Inc. changed its name
to White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. In preparation for the redomestication,
the Company paid-out $100.4 million in certain compensation benefits to its
current and former employees and directors on October 22, 1999 at an incremental
after tax cost of $12.5 million. In connection with the compensation payments,
the Company paid cash of $86.1 million (primarily to its former employees) and
issued 109,967 shares (primarily to its current employees, directors and
advisors). A significant portion of the compensation paid on October 22, 1999
represented the acceleration of expenses that would have ordinarily been
incurred in future periods which resulted in increased tax deductible expenses
in 1999.
As of the redomestication date of October 25, 1999, the Company will be treated
(for income tax purposes only) as if it sold all of its directly owned assets in
a fully taxable transaction in which gains, but not losses, will be recognized.
The Company estimates that it has incurred a tax liability upon redomestication
of approximately $2.0 million, however, the final amount of such tax will not be
available until 4Q99.
-17-
<PAGE>
On November 2, 1999, the Company and FSA entered into an agreement whereby the
Company will purchase an additional 922,509 shares of the common stock of FSA at
a price of $54.20 per share, subject to Federal regulatory approval. The
transaction is part of a private offering by FSA pursuant to which it will sell
a total of $140.0 million of its common stock to the Company, XL Capital, Ltd,
The Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co., Ltd and an FSA management group.
OTHER MATTERS
YEAR 2000
Status. Since 1996 White Mountains has been identifying, modifying and testing
its internal systems and controls to ensure that these systems can accurately
process transactions involving the Year 2000 and beyond with no material adverse
effects to its customers or disruption to its business operations. As of
December 31, 1998, White Mountains had substantially completed its testing phase
(the final phase of its Year 2000 remediation plan). White Mountains estimates
that its total pretax cost of Year 2000 remediation, excluding its
unconsolidated insurance affiliates, is approximately $3.0 million (including
Valley Group and WMSC) of which the majority of this amount has been expensed as
of September 30, 1999. This estimate does not include the cost of hardware and
software replacements and upgrades made in the normal course of business and
represents less than 20% of White Mountains' total Information Technology
budget.
White Mountains has also been closely monitoring the year 2000 issues of its
third party constituents that it voluntarily interacts with (e.g. customers,
suppliers, reinsurers, creditors, borrowers...). White Mountains' third party
constituents have been requested to provide White Mountains with information
concerning their Year 2000 remediation plans and the status of such plans. For
those constituents who either fail to respond to this inquiry or are deemed to
be unlikely to remedy their own Year 2000 issues in a timely manner, White
Mountains is in the process of either replacing that constituent or establishing
similar relationships with new parties that appear to be Year 2000 compliant.
As of December 31, 1998, FSA and MSA had also substantially completed the
testing phase of their Year 2000 remediation plans and are in the process of
determining their third party exposures in a similar manner to that of White
Mountains. White Mountains' nominees to the Boards of Directors of FSA and MSA
have received detailed briefings concerning their respective Year 2000 plans and
have determined that these plans appear to be on schedule for a timely
completion and should reduce the risk of Year 2000 issues. White Mountains'
portion of the total estimated costs of the Year 2000 issue for its
unconsolidated insurance affiliates are not material and the majority of such
expenses have already been incurred.
Risks. The failure to identify or correct significant Year 2000 issues could
result in an interruption in, or a failure of, certain normal business
activities or operations concerning the Company and its consolidated
subsidiaries and its unconsolidated insurance affiliates. Such failures could
adversely affect White Mountains' results of operations, liquidity and financial
condition. Due to the general uncertainty inherent in the Year 2000 problem,
resulting in part from the uncertainty of potential business interruptions
caused by third party constituents in which White Mountains must interact
(including but not limited to suppliers of electrical power, various private and
public markets for equity and debt securities, certain agencies of the Federal
government and the states in which White Mountains conducts business), White
Mountains is unable to determine at this time whether the consequences of any
Year 2000 failures will have a material impact on its results of operation,
liquidity or financial condition. However, White Mountains currently believes
that, with the implementation of its Year 2000 plan (which is in the final
stages of completion), the possibility of significant interruptions of normal
business activities due to the Year 2000 issue should be reduced.
-18-
<PAGE>
Folksamerica's approach towards underwriting against potential Year 2000
exposures is to seek coverages which contain Year 2000 event exclusions. In
instances where exclusions are not provided, Folksamerica attempts to determine
whether the risk is acceptable based on a variety of factors (a description of
such factors is not provided herein as each situation is unique). Folksamerica
has estimated that less than 9% of its property reinsurance coverage in force
could be subject to Year 2000 exposures. However, these risks generally lie with
large corporations who have been aware of the issue for some time and have
invested significant time and resources towards Year 2000 remediation.
Additionally, Folksamerica does not anticipate significant Year 2000 exposures
from its casualty reinsurance coverage in force due to the nature of such
exposures. Further, Folksamerica generally writes such exposures on an excess of
loss basis which provides Folksamerica with additional protections against
potential losses of this nature.
In connection with the Valley Group Sale and the Mortgage Banking Sale, the
Company has made certain representations as to the Year 2000 "readiness" of such
operations and assets sold. The Company believes that its exposure to Year 2000
issues resulting from such representations is no greater than if such operations
and assets had been retained.
The Company is currently in the process of compiling a Year 2000 contingency
plan which is designed to mitigate, to the extent possible, any adverse affects
White Mountains may suffer due to any potential business interruptions caused by
third party constituents with which White Mountains must interact (as further
explained above).
ANNUAL MEETING PROPOSALS ENACTED
In connection with a proposal approved by shareholders at the Company's 1999
Annual Meeting held on May 27, 1999, the name of the Company was changed on June
1, 1999 from "Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc." to "White Mountains
Insurance Group, Inc.".
Also in connection with a proposal approved by shareholders at the 1999 Annual
Meeting, the Company retired 15,657,452 shares of its treasury stock in 2Q99
prior to the filing of a charter amendment to reduce its number of common shares
authorized from 125.0 million shares to 15.0 million. The retirement of treasury
shares resulted in a significant reclassification of several of the Company's
various shareholders' equity accounts but did not affect total shareholders'
equity.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
From time to time, the Company may publish forward-looking statements relating
to such matters as anticipated financial performance, business prospects, new
products and similar matters. This information is often subject to various risks
and uncertainties. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides
a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms
of the safe harbor, the Company notes that numerous factors could cause actual
results and experience to differ materially from anticipated results or other
expectations expressed in its forward-looking statements. The risks and
uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development and
results of the Company's business are further described in the Company's 1998
Annual Report on Form 10-K (such as those involving competition, regulation and
certain business conditions).
-19-
<PAGE>
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
White Mountains' consolidated balance sheet includes a substantial amount of
assets and liabilities whose fair values are subject to market risk. The term
market risk refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in: interest
rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and other relevant
market rates and prices such as prices for common equity securities. Due to
White Mountains' sizable investments in fixed maturity investments and common
equity securities at its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries and its use of
medium and long-term debt financing at the Company and certain of its operating
companies, market risk can have a significant affect on White Mountains
consolidated financial position.
Prior to May 1, 1999, White Mountains also had additional exposure to market
risk associated with derivative securities and mortgage-related assets and
liabilities at WMSC. As a result of the Mortgage Banking Sale, White Mountains
is no longer subject to market risk associated with derivative securities (which
were liquidated during the 1999 first quarter) and has significantly reduced its
exposure to market risk associated with its mortgage-related assets and
liabilities (which were substantially liquidated during the 1999 first half).
-20-
<PAGE>
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
Item 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES
None.
Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE BY SECURITY HOLDERS
Pursuant to a Proxy Statement filed with the Commission on September
23, 1999 calling for a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Special
Meeting") on October 22, 1999, shareholders approved a proposal
calling for a change in its domicile from Delaware to Bermuda (as
fully described in the Proxy Statement, the "Proposal"). As of
September 24, 1999, the "Record Date" for the Special Meeting, a
total of 5,982,291 shares were eligible to vote. At the Special
Meeting, 3,839,754 votes were cast in favor of the Proposal, 692,714
votes were cast against and 16,743 votes abstained.
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) Exhibits
11 - Statement Re Computation of Per Share Earnings*
27 - Financial Data Schedule for the nine-month period ended
September 30, 1999**
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
During the 1999 third quarter the Company filed the following
Current Reports on Form 8-K:
- Form 8-K dated July 7, 1999 which reported the
acquisition of USF Re by Folksamerica on June 29,
1999.
- Form 8-K dated September 22, 1999 which incorporated
by reference (into the Company's Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1998) the amended and
restated consolidated financial statements of FSA for
the year ended December 31, 1998 and the related
report of independent accountants.
* Not included herein as the information is contained elsewhere
within report. See Note 5 of the Notes to Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements.
** Filed herewith.
-21-
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
(Registrant)
Date: November 12, 1999 By: /s/
---------------------------------------
Michael S. Paquette
Senior Vice President and Controller
-22-
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