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, 2007

 

 

 

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 1-33128

 

ONEBEACON INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Bermuda

 

98-0503315

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

601 Carlson Parkway

 

 

Minnetonka, Minnesota

 

55305

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (952) 852-2431

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   x    No   o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer  o

Accelerated Filer  o

Non-accelerated filer  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes   o    No   x

 

As of November 1, 2007, 27,812,189 Class A common shares, par value of $0.01 per share, and 71,754,738 Class B common shares, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.

 

 



 

ONEBEACON INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

 

September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006

2

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income:

 

 

Three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

3

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Common Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

4

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

5

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

Managements’ Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

24

 

 

 

 

Results of Operations — For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

25

 

 

 

 

Summary of Investment Results

33

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

37

 

 

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

38

 

 

 

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

42

 

 

 

 

Forward Looking Statements

43

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

44

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

Controls and Procedures

44

 

 

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

Legal Proceedings

44

 

 

 

ITEM 1A.

Risk Factors

45

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

45

 

 

 

ITEM 6.

Exhibits

45

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

 



 

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

 

ONEBEACON INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

September 30,
2007

 

December 31,
2006

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

($ in millions, except
share and per share
amounts)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale investments:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments, at fair value (amortized cost $3,393.5 and $3,501.5)

 

$3,433.3

 

$3,539.7

 

Common equity securities, at fair value (cost $638.8 and $568.9)

 

796.2

 

737.1

 

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

 

424.5

 

319.0

 

Held-to-maturity investments (assets held in trust):

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments, at amortized cost (estimated market value $309.5 and $304.0)

 

308.6

 

305.0

 

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

 

0.1

 

33.8

 

Other investments (cost $265.1 and $229.5)

 

322.7

 

278.1

 

Total investments

 

5,285.4

 

5,212.7

 

Cash

 

59.1

 

41.5

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

995.5

 

1,032.6

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses—Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.

 

1,704.1

 

1,810.0

 

Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses

 

20.6

 

32.4

 

Premiums receivable

 

574.3

 

517.1

 

Securities lending collateral

 

534.7

 

528.8

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

207.8

 

183.8

 

Deferred tax asset

 

21.8

 

61.2

 

Investment income accrued

 

33.4

 

34.8

 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

69.1

 

38.2

 

Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales

 

15.7

 

6.7

 

Other assets

 

282.3

 

369.6

 

Total assets

 

$9,803.8

 

$9,869.4

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE reserves

 

$4,594.8

 

$4,837.7

 

Unearned premiums

 

1,046.0

 

985.2

 

Debt

 

757.7

 

759.5

 

Securities lending payable

 

534.7

 

528.8

 

Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption:

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

268.5

 

242.3

 

Held by others (redemption value $— and $20.0)

 

 

20.0

 

Ceded reinsurance payable

 

97.3

 

71.9

 

Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases

 

29.0

 

11.5

 

Other liabilities

 

564.9

 

635.3

 

Total liabilities

 

7,892.9

 

8,092.2

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares and paid-in surplus (par value $0.01; authorized, 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 99,747,931 and 100,013,292 shares)

 

1,111.4

 

1,115.9

 

Retained earnings

 

616.2

 

474.4

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, after-tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains on investments

 

168.3

 

173.1

 

Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains

 

14.3

 

11.8

 

Other comprehensive income items

 

0.7

 

2.0

 

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

1,910.9

 

1,777.2

 

Total liabilities and common shareholders’ equity

 

$9,803.8

 

$9,869.4

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements including Note 12 – “Commitments and Contingencies”

 

2



 

ONEBEACON INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three months ended 
September 30,

 

Nine months ended 
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

 

$

473.6

 

$

551.3

 

$

1,407.5

 

$

1,590.0

 

Net investment income

 

51.5

 

49.2

 

156.7

 

148.4

 

Net realized investment gains

 

30.7

 

35.4

 

142.7

 

105.0

 

Net other revenues

 

10.8

 

36.6

 

16.3

 

48.4

 

Total revenues

 

566.6

 

672.5

 

1,723.2

 

1,891.8

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

255.8

 

318.5

 

827.1

 

994.6

 

Policy acquisition expenses

 

74.9

 

124.5

 

231.5

 

297.4

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

66.4

 

84.0

 

246.9

 

253.9

 

General and administrative expenses

 

2.4

 

5.1

 

7.5

 

11.6

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

4.0

 

5.8

 

12.0

 

17.3

 

Interest expense on debt

 

11.4

 

12.0

 

34.1

 

34.8

 

Interest expense—dividends on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

7.1

 

7.6

 

22.2

 

22.7

 

Interest expense—accretion on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

9.2

 

7.2

 

26.2

 

20.5

 

Total expenses

 

431.2

 

564.7

 

1,407.5

 

1,652.8

 

Pre-tax income

 

135.4

 

107.8

 

315.7

 

239.0

 

Income tax provision

 

(53.1

)

(34.1

)

(110.6

)

(54.5

)

Income from continuing operations before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate

 

82.3

 

73.7

 

205.1

 

184.5

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate

 

 

(1.6

)

 

8.6

 

Net income from continuing operations

 

82.3

 

72.1

 

205.1

 

193.1

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

0.8

 

 

1.2

 

Net income

 

82.3

 

72.9

 

205.1

 

194.3

 

Change in net unrealized gains and losses for investments held

 

19.5

 

38.4

 

85.2

 

43.5

 

Recognition of net unrealized gains and losses for investments sold

 

(19.1

)

(19.5

)

(90.0

)

(56.7

)

Change in foreign currency translation

 

(4.1

)

3.8

 

2.5

 

6.4

 

Change in other comprehensive income items

 

(2.6

)

(1.3

)

(1.3

)

0.6

 

Comprehensive net income

 

$

76.0

 

$

94.3

 

$

201.5

 

$

188.1

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.72

 

$

2.05

 

$

1.93

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.01

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.73

 

$

2.05

 

$

1.94

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.72

 

$

2.05

 

$

1.93

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.01

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.73

 

$

2.05

 

$

1.94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared and paid per common share

 

$

0.21

 

$

 

$

0.63

 

$

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3



 

ONEBEACON INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Common
shareholders’
equity

 

Common
shares and
paid-in
surplus

 

Retained
earnings

 

Accum. other
comprehensive
income,
after-tax

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at January 1, 2007

 

$

1,777.2

 

$

1,115.9

 

$

474.4

 

$

186.9

 

Adjustment to adopt FIN 48

 

(0.3

)

 

(0.3

)

 

Net income

 

205.1

 

 

205.1

 

 

Accrued option expense

 

1.0

 

1.0

 

 

 

Issuance of common shares

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

 

 

Repurchases and retirements of Class A common shares

 

(5.8

)

(5.8

)

 

 

Dividends

 

(63.0

)

 

(63.0

)

 

Other comprehensive loss, after-tax

 

(3.6

)

 

 

(3.6

)

Balances at September 30, 2007

 

$

1,910.9

 

$

1,111.4

 

$

616.2

 

$

183.3

 

 

 

 

Common
shareholders’
equity

 

Common
shares and
paid-in
surplus

 

Retained
earnings

 

Accum. other
comprehensive
income,
after-tax

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at January 1, 2006

 

$

1,560.0

 

$

1,169.8

 

$

232.6

 

$

157.6

 

Adjustment to adopt SFAS No. 155, after-tax

 

 

 

7.1

 

(7.1

)

Net income

 

194.3

 

 

194.3

 

 

Capital contributions received from White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd.

 

6.0

 

6.0

 

 

 

Distribution to White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd.

 

(58.8

)

(58.8

)

 

 

Other comprehensive loss, after-tax

 

(6.2

)

 

 

(6.2

)

Balances at September 30, 2006

 

$

1,695.3

 

$

1,117.0

 

$

434.0

 

$

144.3

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4



 

ONEBEACON INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Cash flows from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

205.1

 

$

194.3

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

(1.2

)

Net realized investment gain

 

(142.7

)

(105.0

)

Net realized gains from sale of common stock of subsidiary

 

(11.3

)

 

Dividends paid on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock of subsidiaries

 

22.2

 

22.7

 

Other operating items:

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in loss and LAE reserves

 

(242.9

)

(412.4

)

Net change in unearned premiums

 

60.8

 

117.2

 

Net change in ceded reinsurance payable

 

25.4

 

10.1

 

Net change in premiums receivable

 

(57.2

)

(72.9

)

Net change in reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

154.8

 

212.1

 

Net change in other assets and liabilities

 

26.3

 

(18.9

)

Net cash provided from (used for) operating activities of continuing operations

 

40.5

 

(54.0

)

Net cash used for operating activities of discontinued operations

 

 

(22.0

)

Net cash provided from (used for) operations

 

40.5

 

(76.0

)

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net maturities, purchases and sales of short-term investments available-for-sale

 

(120.3

)

(290.2

)

Maturities of held-to-maturity investments

 

33.8

 

 

Sales of fixed maturity investments

 

1,139.6

 

1,096.0

 

Maturities of fixed maturity investments

 

543.3

 

398.6

 

Sales of common equity securities

 

221.6

 

316.7

 

Sales of other investments

 

36.4

 

9.4

 

Purchases of fixed maturity investments available-for-sale

 

(1,562.1

)

(1,026.5

)

Purchases of common equity securities

 

(205.3

)

(335.3

)

Purchases of other investments

 

(40.9

)

(58.2

)

Sale of common stock of subsidiary, net of sales costs

 

47.2

 

 

Sales of consolidated affiliates

 

 

11.1

 

Sale of renewal rights

 

 

32.0

 

Net change in unsettled investment purchases and sales

 

8.4

 

8.0

 

Net acquisitions of property and equipment

 

(11.6

)

(7.8

)

Net cash provided from investing activities of continuing operations

 

90.1

 

153.8

 

Net cash provided from investing activities of discontinued operations

 

 

19.8

 

Net cash provided from investing activities

 

90.1

 

173.6

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of debt

 

 

15.0

 

Repayment of debt

 

(2.0

)

 

Repayment of loan by affiliate

 

 

106.6

 

Loans to affiliates

 

 

(102.6

)

Repurchases and retirements of Class A common shares

 

(5.8

)

 

Distribution to White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd.

 

 

(58.8

)

Cash dividends paid to common shareholders

 

(63.0

)

 

Redemption of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary

 

(20.0

)

 

Dividends paid on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock of subsidiaries

 

(22.2

)

(22.7

)

Net cash used for financing activities of continuing operations

 

(113.0

)

(62.5

)

Net increase in cash during period

 

17.6

 

35.1

 

Cash balance at beginning of period

 

41.5

 

44.1

 

Cash balance at end of period

 

$

59.1

 

$

79.2

 

Supplemental cash flows information:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

22.9

 

$

23.2

 

Net Federal income taxes paid (received)

 

76.6

 

(18.1

)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5



 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of presentation

 

These interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. (the “Company” or the “Registrant”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, “OneBeacon”) and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The OneBeacon operating companies 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, commercial and personal products and services sold primarily through select independent agencies and brokers.

 

OneBeacon was acquired by White Mountains Group, Ltd. (“White Mountains”) from Aviva plc (“Aviva”, formerly CGNU) in 2001 (the “OneBeacon Acquisition”). White Mountains is a holding company whose businesses provide property and casualty insurance, reinsurance and certain other products. During the fourth quarter of 2006, White Mountains sold 27.6 million or 27.6% of the Company’s common shares in an initial public offering. Prior to the initial public offering, OneBeacon was a wholly-owned subsidiary of White Mountains. Within this report, the term “OneBeacon” is used to refer to one or more entities within the consolidated organization, as the context requires. The Company is a Bermuda exempted limited company with its headquarters located at the Bank of Butterfield Building, 42 Reid Street, 6th Floor, Hamilton HM 12, Bermuda. The Company’s U.S. headquarters are located at 1 Beacon Lane, Canton, Massachusetts 02021, its principal executive office is located at 601 Carlson Parkway, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305 and its registered office is located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. OneBeacon’s reportable segments are Primary Insurance Operations, Affiliate Quota Shares, and Other Operations, as defined below.

 

OneBeacon’s Primary Insurance Operations segment includes the results of substantially all of its insurance operations, with the exception of certain quota share arrangements with affiliates of White Mountains as described below.

 

During 2004 and 2005, OneBeacon entered into two quota share reinsurance arrangements with other subsidiaries of White Mountains. Under the Sirius Quota Share, OneBeacon ceded between 6% and 12% of business written, effective April 1, 2004, to Sirius International Insurance Corporation. Under the Esurance Quota Share, which was effective on January 1, 2005, OneBeacon assumed approximately 85% of business written by Esurance Insurance Company, which includes business written by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Esurance Property and Casualty Insurance Company. These quota share agreements were commuted during the fourth quarter of 2006 in connection with the Company’s initial public offering.

 

OneBeacon’s Other Operations segment consists of the Company and its intermediate holding companies.

 

All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These interim financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of a normal recurring nature, considered necessary by management to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of OneBeacon.  These interim financial statements may not be indicative of financial results for the full year and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Refer to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion regarding OneBeacon’s significant accounting policies.

 

As part of a reorganization immediately preceding the initial public offering, OneBeacon sold certain consolidated subsidiaries to White Mountains on August 3, 2006 at GAAP book value. These subsidiaries have been classified as discontinued operations. Accordingly, the results of operations for these subsidiaries are presented net of tax, as income from discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Cash flows associated with the operating and investing activities of discontinued operations are aggregated and presented under separate captions in the consolidated statements of cash flows. There were no cash flows associated with financing activities for the discontinued operations.

 

6



 

Recently Adopted Changes in Accounting Principles

 

Federal, State and Foreign Income Taxes

 

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

 

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

 

FIN 48 also addresses how interest and penalties should be accrued for uncertain tax positions, requiring that interest expense should be recognized in the first period interest would be accrued under the tax law. OneBeacon classifies all interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense.  At the Date of Adoption, OneBeacon had accrued interest and penalties of $3.3 million, net of federal benefit.  In connection with the adoption of FIN 48, OneBeacon has recognized a $0.3 million increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, primarily as a result of increases in its estimates of accrued interest. The effect of adoption has been recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings.

 

At the Date of Adoption, OneBeacon had $56.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits.  If recognized, $51.8 million would be recorded as a reduction to income tax expense.  The remaining $4.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits relate to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain but the timing of deductibility is uncertain.  Recognition of these tax benefits, other than any applicable interest and penalties, would not affect the effective tax rate.  There have been no material changes to the above balances since the Date of Adoption.

 

With few exceptions, OneBeacon is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003.  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) commenced an examination of OneBeacon’s U.S. income tax returns for 2003 through 2004 in the second quarter of 2006 that is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2008.  As of September 30, 2007 the IRS has not proposed any significant adjustments to taxable income.  OneBeacon does not expect to receive any adjustments that would result in a material change to its financial position.

 

OneBeacon does not anticipate any significant changes to its total unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). The Statement provides a revised definition of fair value and guidance on the methods used to measure fair value. The Statement also expands financial statement disclosure requirements for fair value information. The Statement establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data from independent sources (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (“unobservable inputs”). The fair value hierarchy in SFAS 157 prioritizes inputs within three levels. Quoted prices in active markets have the highest priority (Level 1) followed by observable inputs other than quoted prices (Level 2) and unobservable inputs having the lowest priority (Level 3). The Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. OneBeacon has not yet determined the effect of adoption on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

7



 

Fair Value Option

 

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

 

NOTE 2. Discontinued Operations

 

In 2006 OneBeacon sold certain consolidated subsidiaries at GAAP book value to White Mountains. These subsidiaries are included in discontinued operations and comprise the following entities:

 

       White Mountains Advisors LLC—an investment management subsidiary;

 

       White Mountains Management Company, Inc. and White Mountains Capital, Inc.—both service companies;

 

       White Mountains Services Holdings and White Mountains Services, LLC—these companies contain the remainder of mortgage banking run-off assets from the sale of substantially all the mortgage banking assets of White Mountains Services Corporation (formerly Source One Mortgage Services Corporation) to Citibank Mortgage, Inc. in 1999;

 

       Tuckerman Capital, L.P. and Tuckerman Capital II, L.P.—both private equity fund investments;

 

       International American Group—primarily consists of American Centennial Insurance Company and British Insurance Company of Cayman, two run-off insurance companies.

 

OneBeacon’s income from continuing operations excludes the results of operations for the above entities for all periods presented. Income from discontinued operations has been presented separately and is shown net of related income taxes.

 

NOTE 3. Acquisitions and Dispositions

 

During the third quarter of 2007, we sold one of our inactive licensed subsidiaries, American Employers’ Insurance Company (“AEIC”) to Sparta Insurance Company (“Sparta”) for $47.7 million in cash and recorded a pre-tax gain of $11.3 million through net other revenues, which included a deposit of $0.5 million received in the first quarter of 2007.

 

During the third quarter of 2006, we sold one of our inactive licensed subsidiaries, Homeland Central Insurance Company (“HCIC”), to a subsidiary of White Mountains. In connection with the sale of HCIC, OneBeacon recorded a $6.0 million gain as additional paid in capital.

 

On September 29, 2006, OneBeacon sold certain assets and the right to renew existing policies of Agri, a division of OneBeacon that provided commercial farm and ranch and commercial agricultural insurance products, for $32.0 million in cash to QBE Insurance Group, Ltd. (“QBE”) and recorded a pre-tax gain of $30.4 million through net other revenues. In connection with this sale, OneBeacon entered into agreements under which, at the option of QBE, it will write the policies of Agri on a direct basis and cede 100% of this business to QBE.

 

On October 31, 2006, OneBeacon restructured its investment in Main Street America Holdings, Inc. (“MSA”). OneBeacon received a $70 million cash dividend from MSA following which OneBeacon sold its 50% common stock investment in MSA to Main Street America Group, Inc. (“the MSA Group”) for (i) $70.0 million in 9.0% non-voting cumulative perpetual preferred stock of the MSA Group and (ii) 4.9% of the common stock of the MSA Group. Effective October 31, 2006, OneBeacon accounts for its remaining investment in the MSA Group in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” Refer to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Prior to the sale, OneBeacon owned 50% of the total common shares outstanding of MSA and accounted for this investment using the equity method of accounting. These transactions resulted in a net after-tax realized gain of $8.5 million.

 

8



 

NOTE 4. Reserves for Unpaid Loss and LAE

 

The following table summarizes the loss and LAE reserve activities of OneBeacon’s insurance subsidiaries for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

 

Three months ended 
September30,

 

Nine Months Ended 
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Gross beginning balance

 

$

4,696.6

 

$

5,041.8

 

$

4,837.7

 

$

5,354.3

 

Less beginning reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

(2,765.5

)

(2,967.5

)

(2,842.6

)

(3,120.9

)

Net loss and LAE reserves

 

1,931.1

 

2,074.3

 

1,995.1

 

2,233.4

 

Loss and LAE incurred relating to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year losses

 

272.3

 

316.7

 

868.3

 

980.7

 

Prior year losses

 

(16.5

)

1.8

 

(41.2

)

13.9

 

Total incurred loss and LAE

 

255.8

 

318.5

 

827.1

 

994.6

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to net loss and LAE reserves

 

4.0

 

5.8

 

12.0

 

17.3

 

Loss and LAE paid relating to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year losses

 

(172.6

)

(181.3

)

(373.2

)

(470.2

)

Prior year losses

 

(123.1

)

(202.2

)

(565.8

)

(760.0

)

Total loss and LAE payments

 

(295.7

)

(383.5

)

(939.0

)

(1,230.2

)

Net ending balance

 

1,895.2

 

2,015.1

 

1,895.2

 

2,015.1

 

Plus ending reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

2,699.6

 

2,926.8

 

2,699.6

 

2,926.8

 

Gross ending balance

 

$

4,594.8

 

$

4,941.9

 

$

4,594.8

 

$

4,941.9

 

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2007, OneBeacon experienced $16.5 million of favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves due to lower than expected severity on non-catastrophe losses.  The favorable development was primarily related to automobile liability in traditional personal lines and at AutoOne, general liability in commercial lines and professional liability and tuition reimbursement in specialty lines.  During the three months ended September 30, 2006, OneBeacon experienced $1.8 million of adverse development on prior accident year loss reserves primarily related to 2004 catastrophe losses in commercial lines, partially offset by favorable development in other lines.

 

 During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, OneBeacon experienced $41.2 million of favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves due to lower than expected severity on non-catastrophe losses.  The favorable development was primarily related to professional liability and tuition reimbursement in specialty lines, property and general liability in commercial lines and automobile liability in traditional personal lines and at AutoOne. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, OneBeacon experienced $13.9 million of adverse development on prior accident year loss reserves primarily related to hurricane Katrina in commercial lines, partially offset by favorable development in specialty lines.

 

In connection with purchase accounting for the OneBeacon Acquisition, loss and LAE reserves and the related reinsurance recoverables were adjusted to fair value on the 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, OneBeacon recognized $4.0 million and $12.0 million of such charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, $5.8 million and $17.3 million of such charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively.

 

NOTE 5. Reinsurance

 

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

 

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

 

9



 

contract term by paying a reinstatement premium that is based on the percentage of coverage reinstated and the original property catastrophe coverage premium.

 

At September 30, 2007, OneBeacon had $20.6 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid losses and $2,924.7 million (gross of $225.1 million in purchase accounting adjustments, as described in Note 4) 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.

 

($ in millions)

 

Balance at
September 30, 2007

 

% of total

 

A.M. Best 
Rating(1)

 

National Indemnity Company and General Reinsurance Corporation (2)

 

$

2,107.3

 

78

%

A

++

Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire

 

59.0

 

2

%

A

++

Munich Reinsurance America (formerly America Reinsurance Company)

 

49.8

 

2

%

A

 

Liberty Mutual and subsidiaries (3)

 

32.0

 

1

%

A

 

Swiss Re

 

21.2

 

1

%

A

+

 


(1)    A.M. Best ratings as detailed above are: “A++” (Superior, which is the highest of fifteen ratings), “A+” (Superior, 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 if they are unable to collect from third party reinsurers. OneBeacon also has an additional $339.7 million of Third Party Recoverables from various reinsurers, the majority of which are rated “A” or better by A.M. Best.

 

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

 

In connection with the OneBeacon Acquisition, Aviva caused OneBeacon to purchase two reinsurance contracts: a reinsurance contract with National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), for up to $2.5 billion in old asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) claims and certain other exposures (the “NICO Cover”) and an adverse development cover from General Reinsurance Corporation (“GRC”) for up to $570.0 million, comprised of $400.0 million of adverse development on losses occurring in years 2000 and prior (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.

 

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. OneBeacon estimates that on an incurred basis, net of Third Party Recoverables, as of September 30, 2007 it has used approximately $2.1 billion of the coverage provided by NICO. Approximately $953 million of these incurred losses have been paid by NICO through September 30, 2007. Since entering into the NICO Cover, $39.8 million of the $2.1 billion of utilized coverage from NICO related to uncollectible Third Party Recoverables. To the extent that actual experience differs from OneBeacon’s 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.

 

10



 

NOTE 6. Investment Securities

 

OneBeacon’s invested assets are comprised of securities and other investments held for general investment purposes and assets held in two irrevocable grantor trust accounts. Refer to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion regarding the trust accounts. OneBeacon’s fixed maturity investments and common equity securities, excluding convertible bonds, held for general investment purposes, are classified as available for sale and are reported at fair value as of the balance sheet date as determined by quoted market prices. Net unrealized investment gains and losses on available for sale securities are reported net, after-tax, as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Changes in net unrealized investment gains and losses, after-tax, are reported as a component of other comprehensive income.

 

OneBeacon has elected the fair value option for its investment in convertible bonds. Convertible bonds are carried at fair value as fixed maturity investments with changes therein recorded in income as realized investment gains. 

 

Asset-backed securities are included in fixed maturity investments and consist primarily of pooled collateralized mortgage obligations. Fair values for asset-backed securities are based on quoted market prices from a third party pricing service. Income on asset-backed securities is recognized using an effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When actual prepayments differ significantly from anticipated prepayments, the estimated economic life is recalculated and the remaining unamortized premium or discount is amortized prospectively over the remaining economic life.

 

The fixed maturity investments held in the trust accounts are classified as held to maturity as OneBeacon has the ability and intent to hold the investments until maturity. Securities classified as held to maturity are recorded at amortized cost.

 

Investment securities are regularly reviewed for impairment based on criteria that include the extent to which cost exceeds market value, the duration of the market decline, the financial health of and specific prospects for the issuer and the ability and intent to hold the investment to recovery. Investment losses that are other than temporary are recognized in earnings. Realized gains and losses resulting from sales of investment securities are accounted for using the weighted average method. Premiums and discounts on all fixed maturity investments are accreted to income over the anticipated life of the investment.

 

Short-term investments consist of money market funds, certificates of deposit and other securities which mature or become available for use within one year. Certain of the investments purchased to fund the trusts mature within one year and are therefore reflected as short-term investments. Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximated fair value as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.

 

Other investments include limited partnerships, hedge funds and private equity interests. Changes in OneBeacon’s interest in other investments accounted for using the equity method are included in realized investment gains or losses.  Changes in OneBeacon’s interest in other investments not accounted for under the equity method are reported, net of tax, as a component of common shareholders’ equity with changes therein reported, after-tax, as a component of other comprehensive income.

 

OneBeacon’s net investment income is comprised primarily of interest income associated with OneBeacon’s fixed maturity investments, dividend income from its equity investments and interest income from its short-term investments. Net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended 
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Investment income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity investments

 

$

46.6

 

$

43.0

 

$

144.2

 

$

128.4

 

Short-term investments

 

4.8

 

3.0

 

12.9

 

8.0

 

Common equity securities

 

3.5

 

5.0

 

10.3

 

17.5

 

Other investments

 

0.8

 

3.4

 

2.0

 

6.8

 

Total investment income

 

55.7

 

54.4

 

169.4

 

160.7

 

Less investment expenses

 

(4.2

)

(5.2

)

(12.7

)

(12.3

)

Net investment income, pre-tax

 

$

51.5

 

$

49.2

 

$

156.7

 

$

148.4

 

 

11



 

The composition of net realized investment gains consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Three months ended 
September 30,

 

Nine months ended 
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Fixed maturity investments

 

$

12.0

 

$

23.1

 

$

25.2

 

$

39.9

 

Common equity securities

 

7.5

 

19.7

 

86.4

 

58.4

 

Other investments

 

11.2

 

(7.4

)

31.1

 

6.7

 

Net realized investment gains, pre-tax

 

$

30.7

 

$

35.4

 

$

142.7

 

$

105.0

 

 

The components of OneBeacon’s ending net unrealized investment gains and losses on its investment portfolio were as follows:

 

 

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

Year ended
December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Investment securities:(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Gross unrealized investment gains

 

$

256.2

 

$

255.3

 

Gross unrealized investment losses

 

(23.6

)

(18.8

)

Net unrealized gains from investment securities

 

232.6

 

236.5

 

Income taxes attributable to such gains

 

(81.0

)

(82.1

)

Total net unrealized investment gains, after-tax

 

$

151.6

 

$

154.4

 

 


(1)    Does not include deferred gains and losses on sales of investments between OneBeacon and entities under White Mountains’ common control of $16.7 million and $18.7 million, after-tax, as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

 

In connection with the initial public offering, two irrevocable grantor trusts were established to economically defease the Company’s mandatorily redeemable preferred stock.  The assets of each trust are solely dedicated to payments of dividends and redemption amounts on the mandatorily redeemable preferred stock.  The assets held in the trusts include fixed maturity and short-term investments which are classified and accounted for as held-to-maturity.  During the second quarter of 2007, trust assets were utilized to redeem the $20.0 million Zenith Insurance Company (“Zenith”) Preferred Stock (“Zenith Preferred Stock”). Refer to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion of the economic defeasance of the Company’s mandatorily redeemable preferred stock. The carrying value, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, and estimated market values of OneBeacon’s fixed maturity held-to-maturity investments, carried at amortized cost, as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:

 

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Carrying
value

 

Gross 
unrealized
gains

 

Gross 
unrealized
losses

 

Net foreign
currency
gains

 

Estimated
market
value

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

U.S. Government obligations

 

$

308.6

 

$

0.9

 

$

 

$

 

$

309.5

 

Total fixed maturity investments

 

$

308.6

 

$

0.9

 

$

 

$

 

$

309.5

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Carrying
value

 

Gross 
unrealized
gains

 

Gross
unrealized
losses

 

Net foreign
currency
gains

 

Estimated
market
value

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

U.S. Government obligations

 

$

305.0

 

$

 

$

(1.0

)

$

 

$

304.0

 

Total fixed maturity investments

 

$

305.0

 

$

 

$

(1.0

)

$

 

$

304.0

 

 

The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, and carrying values of OneBeacon’s fixed maturity available-for-sale investments as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, were as follows:

 

12



 

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Cost or
amortized
cost

 

Gross
unrealized
gains

 

Gross
unrealized
losses

 

Net foreign
currency
gains

 

Carrying
value

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

U.S. Government obligations

 

$

462.9

 

$

5.7

 

$

(0.8

)

$

 

$

467.8

 

Debt securities issued by industrial corporations

 

1,480.4

 

5.1

 

(8.7

)

11.0

 

1,487.8

 

Municipal obligations

 

8.1

 

0.4

 

 

 

8.5

 

Asset-backed securities

 

1,199.8

 

12.1

 

(2.3

)

 

1,209.6

 

Foreign government obligations

 

143.2

 

0.6

 

(0.2

)

 

143.6

 

Preferred stocks

 

99.1

 

8.7

 

(0.5

)

8.7

 

116.0

 

Total fixed maturity investments

 

$

3,393.5

 

$

32.6

 

$

(12.5

)

$

19.7

 

$

3,433.3

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Cost or
amortized
cost

 

Gross
unrealized
gains

 

Gross
unrealized
losses

 

Net foreign
currency
gains

 

Carrying
value

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

U.S. Government obligations

 

$

806.7

 

$

1.8

 

$

(4.2

)

$

 

$

804.3

 

Debt securities issued by industrial corporations

 

1,429.6

 

8.2

 

(8.4

)

10.7

 

1,440.1

 

Municipal obligations

 

8.2

 

0.4

 

 

 

8.6

 

Asset-backed securities

 

1,091.4

 

9.4

 

(3.7

)

 

1,097.1

 

Foreign government obligations

 

54.7

 

 

(0.6

)

 

54.1

 

Preferred stocks

 

110.9

 

17.1

 

(0.4

)

7.9

 

135.5

 

Total fixed maturity investments

 

$

3,501.5

 

$

36.9

 

$

(17.3

)

$

18.6

 

$

3,539.7

 

 

The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, and carrying values of OneBeacon’s common equity securities and other investments as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, were as follows:

 

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Cost or
amortized
cost

 

Gross
unrealized
gains

 

Gross
unrealized
losses

 

Net foreign
currency
gains

 

Carrying
value

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Common equity securities

 

$

638.8

 

$

165.1

 

$

(10.2

)

$

2.5

 

$

796.2

 

Other investments

 

$

265.1

 

$

58.5

 

$

(0.9

)

$

 

$

322.7

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Cost or
amortized
cost

 

Gross
unrealized
gains

 

Gross
unrealized
losses

 

Net foreign
currency
losses

 

Carrying
value

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Common equity securities

 

$

568.9

 

$

169.2

 

$

(0.9

)

$

(0.1

)

$

737.1

 

Other investments

 

$

229.5

 

$

49.2

 

$

(0.6

)

$

 

$

278.1

 

 

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 and common shareholders’ equity. 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 and common shareholders’ equity and book value but serve to reduce net income and earnings per share.

 

OneBeacon’s 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 and common shareholders’ equity or book value.

 

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

 

13



 

 

 

0-6
Months

 

6-12
Months

 

> 12
Months

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Fixed maturity investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

55

 

11

 

89

 

155

 

Market value

 

$

491.8

 

$

104.8

 

$

443.1

 

$

1,039.7

 

Amortized cost

 

$

497.5

 

$

106.2

 

$

448.5

 

$

1,052.2

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(5.7

)

$

(1.4

)

$

(5.4

)

$

(12.5

)

Common equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

17

 

3

 

 

20

 

Market value

 

$

113.1

 

$

9.3

 

$

 

$

122.4

 

Amortized cost

 

$

122.7

 

$

9.9

 

$

 

$

132.6

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(9.6

)

$

(0.6

)

$

 

$

(10.2

)

Other investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

2

 

1

 

2

 

5

 

Market value

 

$

8.6

 

$

2.0

 

$

14.5

 

$

25.1

 

Amortized cost

 

$

9.3

 

$

2.1

 

$

14.6

 

$

26.0

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(0.7

)

$

(0.1

)

$

(0.1

)

$

(0.9

)

Total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of positions

 

74

 

15

 

91

 

180

 

Market value

 

$

613.5

 

$

116.1

 

$

457.6

 

$

1,187.2

 

Amortized cost

 

$

629.5

 

$

118.2

 

$

463.1

 

$

1,210.8

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(16.0

)

$

(2.1

)

$

(5.5

)

$

(23.6

)

% of total gross unrealized losses

 

68

%

9

%

23

%

100

%

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, OneBeacon recognized $3.4 million and $5.5 million, respectively, of pre-tax other-than-temporary impairment charges. OneBeacon believes that the gross unrealized losses relating to its fixed maturity investments at September 30, 2007 resulted primarily from increases in market interest rates from the dates that certain investments within that portfolio were acquired as opposed to fundamental changes in the credit quality of the issuers of such securities. OneBeacon views these decreases in value as being temporary because it has the intent and ability to retain such investments until recovery. However, should OneBeacon 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. OneBeacon also believes that the gross unrealized losses recorded on its common equity securities and its other investments at September 30, 2007 resulted primarily from decreases in quoted market values from the dates that certain investments securities within that portfolio were acquired as opposed to fundamental changes in the issuer’s financial performance and near term financial prospects. Therefore, these decreases are also viewed as being temporary. However, due to the inherent risk involved in investing in the equity markets, it is possible that the decrease in market value of these investments may ultimately prove to be other than temporary. At September 30, 2007, OneBeacon’s investment portfolio did not include any individual investment securities with an after-tax unrealized loss of more than $3.0 million for more than a six-month period.

 

NOTE 7. Segment Information

 

OneBeacon’s segments consist of the following: (1) Primary Insurance Operations, (2) Affiliate Quota Shares and (3) Other Operations. OneBeacon has made its segment determination based on consideration of the following criteria: (i) the nature of the business activities of each of the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates; (ii) the manner in which the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates are organized and (iii) the existence of primary managers responsible for specific subsidiaries and affiliates. Significant intercompany transactions among OneBeacon’s segments have been eliminated herein. Financial information for OneBeacon’s segments follows:

 

14



 

 

 

Primary
Insurance
Operations

 

Affiliate
Quota
Shares
(1)

 

Other
Operations

 

Total

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Three months ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

 

$

473.6

 

$

 

$

 

$

473.6

 

Net investment income

 

45.2

 

 

6.3

 

51.5

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

31.2

 

 

(0.5

)

30.7

 

Net other revenues

 

11.2

 

 

(0.4

)

10.8

 

Total revenues

 

561.2

 

 

5.4

 

566.6

 

Loss and LAE

 

255.8

 

 

 

255.8

 

Policy acquisition expenses

 

74.9

 

 

 

74.9

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

66.4

 

 

 

66.4

 

General and administrative expenses

 

1.1

 

 

1.3

 

2.4

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

 

4.0

 

4.0

 

Interest expense on debt

 

0.8

 

 

10.6

 

11.4

 

Interest expense-on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

 

16.3

 

16.3

 

Total expenses

 

399.0

 

 

32.2

 

431.2

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

162.2

 

$

 

$

(26.8

)

$

135.4

 

Three months ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

 

$

492.7

 

$

58.6

 

$

 

$

551.3

 

Net investment income

 

48.3

 

 

0.9

 

49.2

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

35.6

 

 

(0.2

)

35.4

 

Net other revenues

 

30.6

 

 

6.0

 

36.6

 

Total revenues

 

607.2

 

58.6

 

6.7

 

672.5

 

Loss and LAE

 

291.9

 

26.6

 

 

318.5

 

Policy acquisition expenses

 

89.0

 

35.5

 

 

124.5

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

84.0

 

 

 

84.0

 

General and administrative expenses

 

0.6

 

 

4.5

 

5.1

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

 

5.8

 

5.8

 

Interest expense on debt

 

1.4

 

 

10.6

 

12.0

 

Interest expense-on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

 

14.8

 

14.8

 

Total expenses

 

466.9

 

62.1

 

35.7

 

564.7

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

140.3

 

$

(3.5

)

$

(29.0

)

$

107.8

 

 


(1)             The affiliate quota share agreements were commuted during the fourth quarter of 2006.

 

15



 

 

 

Primary
Insurance
Operations

 

Affiliate
Quota
Shares
(1)

 

Other
Operations

 

Total

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

 

$

1,407.5

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,407.5

 

Net investment income

 

139.6

 

 

17.1

 

156.7

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

143.0

 

 

(0.3

142.7

 

Net other revenues

 

17.8

 

 

(1.5

)

16.3

 

Total revenues

 

1,707.9

 

 

15.3

 

1,723.2

 

Loss and LAE

 

827.1

 

 

 

827.1

 

Policy acquisition expenses

 

231.5

 

 

 

231.5

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

246.9

 

 

 

246.9

 

General and administrative expenses

 

2.3

 

 

5.2

 

7.5

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

 

12.0

 

12.0

 

Interest expense on debt

 

2.5

 

 

31.6

 

34.1

 

Interest expense-on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

 

48.4

 

48.4

 

Total expenses

 

1,310.3

 

 

97.2

 

1,407.5

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

397.6

 

 

$

(81.9

)

$

315.7

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

 

$

1,458.1

 

$

131.9

 

$

 

$

1,590.0

 

Net investment income

 

142.2

 

 

6.2

 

148.4

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

105.5

 

 

(0.5

)

105.0

 

Net other revenues

 

35.2

 

 

13.2

 

48.4

 

Total revenues

 

1,741.0

 

131.9

 

18.9

 

1,891.8

 

Loss and LAE

 

891.3

 

103.3

 

 

994.6

 

Policy acquisition expenses

 

249.8

 

47.6

 

 

297.4

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

253.9

 

 

 

253.9

 

General and administrative expenses

 

2.2

 

 

9.4

 

11.6

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

 

 

17.3

 

17.3

 

Interest expense on debt

 

2.8

 

 

32.0

 

34.8

 

Interest expense-on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

 

 

43.2

 

43.2

 

Total expenses

 

1,400.0

 

150.9

 

101.9

 

1,652.8

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

341.0

 

$

(19.0

)

$

(83.0

)

$

239.0

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

$

4,805.6

 

$

 

$

479.8

 

$

5,285.4

 

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

2,945.3

 

 

(225.1

)

2,720.2

 

Total assets

 

9,575.2

 

 

228.6

 

9,803.8

 

Loss and LAE reserves

 

4,841.3

 

 

(246.5

)

4,594.8

 

Total liabilities

 

7,115.2

 

 

777.7

 

7,892.9

 

Total equity

 

2,460.0

 

 

(549.1

)

1,910.9

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

$

4,806.9

 

$

 

$

405.8

 

$

5,212.7

 

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

 

3,112.1

 

 

(237.1

)

2,875.0

 

Total assets

 

9,729.2

 

 

140.2

 

9,869.4

 

Loss and LAE reserves

 

5,108.2

 

 

(270.5

)

4,837.7

 

Total liabilities

 

7,382.3

 

 

709.9

 

8,092.2

 

Total equity

 

2,346.9

 

 

(569.7

)

1,777.2

 

 


(1)             The affiliate quota share agreements were commuted during the fourth quarter of 2006.

 

16



 

The following tables provide net written premiums and earned insurance premiums for OneBeacon’s Primary Insurance Operations by major underwriting unit and in total for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

 

Specialty

 

Commercial

 

Personal

 

Total(1)

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Three months ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net written premiums

 

$

136.6

 

$

192.8

 

$

182.5

 

$

511.9

 

Earned premiums

 

109.1

 

182.6

 

181.8

 

473.6

 

Three months ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net written premiums

 

$

142.5

 

$

186.3

 

$

206.5

 

$

536.2

 

Earned premiums

 

111.0

 

175.3

 

205.5

 

492.7

 

 

 

 

Specialty

 

Commercial

 

Personal

 

Total(1)

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net written premiums

 

$

344.2

 

$

557.0

 

$

535.7

 

$

1,437.0

 

Earned premiums

 

324.3

 

531.0

 

552.1

 

1,407.5

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net written premiums

 

$

350.1

 

$

548.8

 

$

626.3

 

$

1,526.0

 

Earned premiums

 

321.0

 

511.6

 

624.7

 

1,458.1

 

 


(1)             Includes results from run-off.

 

NOTE 8. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate

 

OneBeacon’s investment in unconsolidated affiliate represents an operating investment in MSA in which OneBeacon has a significant voting and economic interest but does not control the entity.

 

On October 31, 2006, OneBeacon’s investment in MSA was restructured. OneBeacon received a $70 million cash dividend from MSA following which OneBeacon sold its 50% common stock investment in MSA to Main Street America Group, Inc. (“the MSA Group”) for (i) $70.0 million in 9.0% non-voting cumulative perpetual preferred stock of the MSA Group and (ii) 4.9% of the common stock of the MSA Group. (See “Note 3—Acquisitions and Dispositions”). Effective October 31, 2006, OneBeacon accounts for its remaining investment in the MSA Group in accordance with SFAS 115. Prior to the sale, OneBeacon owned 50% of the total common shares outstanding of MSA and accounted for this investment using the equity method of accounting. These transactions resulted in a net after-tax realized gain of $8.5 million.

 

Prior to the exchange of OneBeacon’s common stock investment in MSA, the Company accounted for this investment using the equity method of accounting. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, the after-tax equity in earnings from MSA common stock was $(1.6) million and $8.6 million, respectively, and the after-tax equity in unrealized investment gains were $9.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

 

NOTE 9. Retirement Plans

 

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

 

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

 

17



 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

($ in millions)

 

Service cost

 

$

0.5

 

$

1.0

 

$

1.6

 

$

1.6

 

Interest cost

 

1.9

 

6.9

 

15.2

 

20.7

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(1.9

)

(7.6

)

(15.5

)

(22.9

)

Amortization of unrecognized loss

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.3

 

0.2

 

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

 

0.6

 

0.4

 

1.6

 

(0.4

)

Settlement gain

 

(25.6

)

 

(25.6

)

 

Special termination benefits expense(1)

 

0.8

 

 

0.8

 

1.6

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

(24.2

)

$

0.4

 

$

(23.2

)

$

1.2

 

 


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

 

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

 

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

 

NOTE 10. Employee Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans

 

OneBeacon’s share-based compensation plans consist of performance shares and stock options granted in connection with the initial public offering. OneBeacon’s share-based compensation plans are designed to maximize shareholder value over long periods of time by aligning the financial interests of its management with those of its owners. Performance shares are payable only upon achievement of pre-defined business goals and are valued based on the market value of OneBeacon’s common shares at the time awards are earned. See “Performance Shares” below. Performance shares are typically paid in cash, though, in some instances, they may be paid in common shares or may be deferred in accordance with the terms of the Company’s deferred compensation plans. OneBeacon expenses the full cost of all its share-based compensation.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”), which is a revision to SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”) and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”). Effective January 1, 2006, OneBeacon adopted SFAS 123R to account for its share-based compensation under the modified prospective method of adoption. Under this method of adoption, SFAS 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 OneBeacon performance share awards, as well as new awards, such as the stock options granted in connection with the initial public offering, are subject to the fair value measurement and recognition requirements of SFAS 123R.

 

Prior to adoption of SFAS 123R, OneBeacon accounted for its share-based compensation plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB 25, and related interpretations, and the disclosure provisions of SFAS 123. The accounting

 

18



 

treatment for OneBeacon’s performance share awards under APB 25 was identical to the method prescribed by SFAS 123, whereby the liability for performance share awards was measured each period based upon the current market price of the underlying common shares. Under APB 25, 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. Forfeitures were recognized as they occurred. Upon adoption of SFAS 123R an estimate of future forfeitures was incorporated into the determination of the compensation cost for performance shares. The effect of this change was immaterial.

 

Performance Shares

 

Prior to February 2007, the value of OneBeacon’s performance shares was based upon the market price of an underlying White Mountains common share (“WTM Performance Shares”). In February 2007, all of OneBeacon’s WTM Performance Shares outstanding were replaced with performance shares whose value is based upon the market price of an underlying OneBeacon common share (“OB Performance Shares”).

 

The following summarizes performance share activity for OB Performance Shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

Target
OB
Performance
Shares
outstanding

 

Accrued
expense

 

Target
OB
Performance
Shares
outstanding

 

Accrued
expense

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Beginning of period

 

1,122,341

 

$

10.1

 

$

 

$

 

Payments and deferrals

 

 

 

 

 

New awards

 

25,671

 

0.1

 

 

 

Forfeitures and net change in assumed forfeitures

 

(18,222

)

(0.2

)

 

 

Expense recognized

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

End of period

 

1,129,790

 

$

11.6

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

Target
OB
Performance
Shares
outstanding

 

Accrued
expense

 

Target
OB
Performance
Shares
outstanding

 

Accrued
expense

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Beginning of period

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Payments and deferrals

 

 

 

 

 

New awards

 

934,131

 

 

 

 

Forfeitures and net change in assumed forfeitures

 

(87,042

)

(0.4

)

 

 

Transfers in (1)

 

282,701

 

4.1

 

 

 

Expense recognized

 

 

7.9

 

 

 

End of period

 

1,129,790

 

$

11.6

 

$

 

$

 

 


(1)             In February 2007, OneBeacon’s WTM Performance Shares were replaced with OB Performance Shares of an equivalent value.

 

19



 

The following summarizes performance share activity for WTM Performance Shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

Target
WTM
Performance
Shares
outstanding

 

Accrued
expense

 

Target
WTM
Performance
Shares
outstanding

 

Accrued
expense

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Beginning of period

 

 

$

 

51,027

 

$

14.4

 

Payments and deferrals

 

 

 

 

 

New awards

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeitures and net change in assumed forfeitures

 

 

 

896

 

0.2

 

Transfers out

 

 

 

(35,865

)

(10.3

)

Expense recognized

 

 

 

 

0.7

 

End of period

 

 

$

 

16,058

 

$

5.0

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

Target
WTM
Performance
Shares
outstanding

 

Accrued
expense

 

Target
WTM
Performance
Shares
outstanding

 

Accrued
expense

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Beginning of period

 

16,470

 

$

7.8

 

44,700

 

$

24.8

 

Payments and deferrals (1) (2)

 

(4,400

)

(3.7

)

(12,600

)

(13.4

)

New awards

 

 

 

20,235

 

 

Forfeitures and net change in assumed forfeitures

 

 

 

(412

)

(0.1

)

Transfers out (3)

 

(12,070

)

(4.1

)

(35,865

)

(10.3

)

Expense recognized

 

 

 

 

4.0

 

End of period

 

 

$

 

16,058

 

$

5.0

 

 


(1)             Performance share payments in 2006 for the 2003-2005 performance cycle were made at 142% of target.

 

(2)             Performance share payments in 2007 for the 2004-2006 performance cycle were made at 145% of target.

 

(3)             In February 2007, OneBeacon’s WTM Performance Shares were replaced with OB Performance Shares of an equivalent value.

 

The following summarizes performance shares outstanding and accrued performance share expense at September 30, 2007 for each performance cycle:

 

 

 

Target
OB
Performance
Shares
outstanding

 

Accrued
expense

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Performance cycle:

 

 

 

 

 

2005—2007

 

117,363

 

$

3.5

 

2006—2008

 

161,216

 

3.8

 

2007—2009

 

880,130

 

4.4

 

Sub-total

 

1,158,709

 

11.7

 

Assumed forfeitures

 

(28,919

)

(0.1

)

Total at September 30, 2007

 

1,129,790

 

$

11.6

 

 

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

 

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

 

20



 

Stock Options

 

As described above, in connection with the initial public offering, OneBeacon issued options to acquire 1,420,000 common shares of the Company to certain members of management. The following summarizes option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2007:

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

Options
outstanding

 

Accrued
expense

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Opening balance — outstanding options

 

1,420,000

 

$

0.2

 

New awards

 

 

 

Assumed forfeitures

 

(71,000

)

 

Exercised

 

 

 

Expense recognized

 

 

1.0

 

Balance at September 30, 2007

 

1,349,000

 

$

1.2

 

 

The options have a $30.00 per share exercise price and vest in equal installments on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of their issuance. These options expire five and a half years from the anniversary of issuance. The compensation expense associated with the options is being recognized ratably over five years.

 

NOTE 11. Income Taxes

 

OneBeacon’s income tax provision related to pre-tax income from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 represented effective tax rates of 35.0% and 22.8%, respectively. The components of the effective tax rate for the period ended September 30, 2007 consist of a reduction in the tax rate for income generated in jurisdictions other than the United States at lower tax rates, offset by withholding taxes payable on dividends paid from income generated in the United States, and non-deductible dividends and accretion on the Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (“Berkshire”) Preferred Stock (“Berkshire Preferred Stock”) and Zenith Preferred Stock. The effective tax rate is lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 due to income generated in jurisdictions other than the United States, partially offset by non-deductible dividends and accretion on the Berkshire Preferred Stock and Zenith Preferred Stock.  The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2006 also reflects tax benefits related to settlements of U.S. federal and state income tax audits for years prior to 2003.

 

NOTE 12. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Legal Contingencies

 

OneBeacon, and the insurance industry in general, is subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of business. Other than those items listed below, we are not a party to any material litigation or arbitration other than as routinely encountered in claims activity, none of which is expected by management to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and/or cash flows.

 

In August 2004, OneBeacon asserted claims against Liberty Mutual in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (the “Court”) for breach of contract and negligence with respect to agreements with Liberty Mutual (the “Liberty Agreements”). The portion of the contract claim relating to OneBeacon Insurance Company (“OBIC”) was submitted to arbitration and the Court stayed the remaining claims, including OneBeacon’s claims on behalf of its other insurance subsidiaries that were signatories to the Liberty Agreements, pending resolution of the arbitration. In August 2007, the arbitration panel issued an award in favor of OneBeacon on the portion of the breach of contract claim submitted to it finding that Liberty Mutual breached the Liberty Agreements. The panel awarded OneBeacon $4.5 million plus interest.

 

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

 

21



 

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

 

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

 

Refer to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in particular Item 3 — “Legal Proceedings” for a brief description of all other non-routine legal proceedings. Damages sought by the claimants do not exceed 10% of the Company’s current assets.

 

Guarantees

 

Beginning in February 2006, OBIC agreed to provide guarantees of the obligations of Galileo Weather Risk Management Ltd. (“Galileo”) to Galileo’s counterparty in certain weather-related product transactions. Galileo is a subsidiary of White Mountains. The guarantees require OBIC to pay the full amount of Galileo’s obligations to the counterparty in the event of Galileo’s failure to pay these obligations. In the event of a payment, OBIC would be eligible to exercise all of the rights of the counterparty against Galileo. As of September 30, 2007 there were nine outstanding guarantees with a principal value of $59.4 million. In the event that the total guaranteed principal amount exceeds the lesser of 5% of OBIC’s admitted assets of $3.8 billion at December 31, 2006 or 25% of OBIC’s statutory surplus of $1.7 billion at December 31, 2006, OBIC would require the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance in order to make any further guarantees. OBIC has agreed, at White Mountains’ option, to continue to make these guarantees available until October 2008 and will receive from Galileo an annual fee of 25 basis points of the value at risk for providing the guarantees. Pursuant to a separation agreement entered into by OneBeacon and White Mountains in connection with the initial public offering, White Mountains has agreed that it will take appropriate steps to ensure that OBIC will not be called on to make payment on these guarantees.

 

NOTE 13. Earnings per Share

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share amounts have been determined in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share.” On October 18, 2006, OneBeacon executed a stock split and recapitalization that increased the common shares outstanding from 12,000 to 100,000,000 and reduced the par value from $1.00 to $0.01. The stock split and recapitalization have been reflected retroactively in these financial statements for all periods presented. The 2006 earnings per share amounts have been determined assuming that the common shares were outstanding for all periods presented. In connection with the initial public offering, 13,292 of the Company’s Class A common shares were deposited in ESOP participant accounts, representing four shares to each employee. During the second quarter of 2007, 8,883 shares of the Company’s Class A common shares were awarded to certain non-employee members of the Company’s board of directors, in lieu of their 2007 annual cash retainer. During the third quarter of 2007, the Company began a share repurchase program. Through this program, the Company repurchased and retired 274,244 of its Class A common shares as of September 30, 2007.

 

22



 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Basic earnings per share numerators (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

82.3

 

$

72.1

 

$

205.1

 

$

193.1

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

0.8

 

 

1.2

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 

$

82.3

 

$

72.9

 

$

205.1

 

$

194.3

 

Diluted earnings per share numerators (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

82.3

 

$

72.1

 

$

205.1

 

$

193.1

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

0.8

 

 

1.2

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 

$

82.3

 

$

72.9

 

$

205.1

 

$

194.3

 

Basic earnings per share (in dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.72

 

$

2.05

 

$

1.93

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.01

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.73

 

$

2.05

 

$

1.94

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

Diluted earnings per share (in dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.72

 

$

2.05

 

$

1.93

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.01

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.73

 

$

2.05

 

$

1.94

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

 

Note 14.  Share Repurchase Program

 

On August 22, 2007, the Company’s board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $200.0 million of its Class A common shares from time to time, subject to market conditions. Shares may be repurchased on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. This program does not have a stated expiration date. As of September 30, 2007, 274,244 Class A common shares were repurchased and retired for $5.8 million.

 

23



 

ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion contains “forward-looking statements.” Statements that are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements. OneBeacon cannot promise that our expectations in such forward-looking statements will turn out to be correct. OneBeacon’s actual results could be materially different from and worse than our expectations. See “Forward-Looking Statements” on page 43 for specific important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements.

 

The following discussion also includes four non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted book value per common share, adjusted book value per common share, including dividends, adjusted common shareholders’ equity and adjusted common shareholders’ equity, including dividends, that have been reconciled to their most comparable GAAP financial measures (see below and page 37). OneBeacon believes these measures to be useful supplements to the comparable GAAP measures in evaluating OneBeacon’s financial performance.

 

Adjusted Book Value Per Common Share for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

We ended the third quarter of 2007 with an adjusted book value per share of $18.85 reflecting a 4.6% increase for the third quarter 2007 and 13.3% growth through September 30, 2007, including dividends. The following table presents our adjusted book value per common share and adjusted book value per common share, including dividends, and reconciles these non-GAAP financial measures to their most comparable GAAP measure.

 

 

 

September 30,

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2007

 

2006

 

Numerator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,910.9

 

$

1,861.3

 

$

1,777.2

 

Remaining adjustment of subsidiary preferred stock to face value

 

(31.5

)

(40.8

)

(57.7

)

Adjusted common shareholders’ equity (1)

 

$

1,879.4

 

$

1,820.5

 

$

1,719.5

 

Dividends (2)

 

63.0

 

42.0

 

0.0

 

Adjusted common shareholders’ equity, including dividends (1) (2)

 

$

1,942.4

 

$

1,862.5

 

$

1,719.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares outstanding (3)

 

99.7

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book value per common share

 

$

19.17

 

$

18.61

 

$

17.77

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted book value per common share (1)

 

$

18.85

 

$

18.21

 

$

17.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted book value per common share, including dividends (1) (2)

 

$

19.48

 

$

18.63

 

$

17.20

 

 


(1) Represents a non-GAAP financial measure.

 

(2) Includes dividends of $0.21 per common share paid quarterly beginning in March 2007.

 

(3) Includes the impact of repurchases of Class A common shares made through the Company’s share repurchase program which commenced in the third quarter of 2007.

 

24



 

Results of Operations

 

Review of Consolidated Results

 

A summary of our consolidated financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Net written premiums

 

$

511.9

 

$

614.8

 

$

1,437.0

 

$

1,711.8

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

 

$

473.6

 

$

551.3

 

$

1,407.5

 

$

1,590.0

 

Net investment income

 

51.5

 

49.2

 

156.7

 

148.4

 

Net realized investment gains

 

30.7

 

35.4

 

142.7

 

105.0

 

Net other revenues

 

10.8

 

36.6

 

16.3

 

48.4

 

Total revenues

 

566.6

 

672.5

 

1,723.2

 

1,891.8

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

255.8

 

318.5

 

827.1

 

994.6

 

Policy acquisition expenses

 

74.9

 

124.5

 

231.5

 

297.4

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

66.4

 

84.0

 

246.9

 

253.9

 

General and administrative expenses

 

2.4

 

5.1

 

7.5

 

11.6

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

4.0

 

5.8

 

12.0

 

17.3

 

Interest expense on debt

 

11.4

 

12.0

 

34.1

 

34.8

 

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

 

16.3

 

14.8

 

48.4

 

43.2

 

Total expenses

 

431.2

 

564.7

 

1,407.5

 

1,652.8

 

Pre-tax earnings from continuing operations

 

135.4

 

107.8

 

315.7

 

239.0

 

Income tax provision

 

(53.1

)

(34.1

)

(110.6

)

(54.5

)

Income from continuing operations before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate

 

82.3

 

73.7

 

205.1

 

184.5

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate

 

 

(1.6

)

 

8.6

 

Income from continuing operations

 

82.3

 

72.1

 

205.1

 

193.1

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

0.8

 

 

1.2

 

Net income

 

82.3

 

72.9

 

205.1

 

194.3

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(6.3

)

21.4

 

(3.6

)

(6.2

)

Comprehensive net income

 

$

76.0

 

$

94.3

 

$

201.5

 

$

188.1

 

 

Consolidated Results—Three months ended September 30, 2007 versus three months ended September 30, 2006

 

Our pre-tax income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2007 was $135.4 million, compared to pre-tax income from continuing operations of $107.8 million for the third quarter of 2006 and our GAAP combined ratio was 83.8% for the third quarter 2007, compared to 95.6% for the third quarter of 2006.

 

The decrease to our GAAP combined ratio was due to decreases in both our loss and LAE ratio and expense ratio. Our loss and LAE results for the third quarter of 2007 included favorable development on prior accident year losses of $16.5 million due to lower than expected severity on non-catastrophe losses, which included favorable development in automobile liability in traditional personal lines and at AutoOne, general liability in commercial lines and professional liability and tuition reimbursement in specialty lines, compared with adverse development on prior accident year losses of $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2006, which included adverse development of $9.2 million on catastrophe losses, primarily related to hurricane Wilma and two 2004 catastrophes, partially offset by favorable development on prior accident year non-catastrophe losses in specialty lines and personal lines. The loss and LAE ratio for the third quarter of 2007 also included a 1.3 point benefit related to the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities. Our expense ratio for the third quarter of 2007 decreased due to the benefit of one-time non-recurring items including the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities and the benefit of a state premium tax refund which reduced our expense ratio by 4.1 points and 1.6 points, respectively. Partially offsetting the favorable impact of these items was 1.1 points of expense related to actions taken in September 2007 to better align resources with our business needs. The September actions principally impacted our Personal Lines underwriting unit, as described below. The prior year period included 0.5 points of office consolidation costs.

 

25



 

Our total revenues decreased 15.7% in the third quarter of 2007 to $566.6 million, compared to $672.5 million in the third quarter of 2006, due principally to a 14.1% decrease in earned premiums in the third quarter of 2007. The third quarter of 2006 included $117.1 million of business assumed from the affiliate quota share agreement with Esurance, which was commuted in the fourth quarter of 2006, in connection with our initial public offering. Net other revenues decreased 70.5% in the third quarter of 2007 to $10.8 million, compared to $36.6 million in the third quarter of 2006. The 2006 period included a $30.4 million gain on the sale of the renewal rights of Agri to QBE. The third quarter of 2007 included a $10.8 million gain from the sale of one of our inactive licensed insurance subsidiaries, AEIC, to Sparta.

 

The income tax provision related to pre-tax income from continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 represented effective tax rates of 39.2% and 31.6%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2007 is higher than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% due to withholding taxes payable on dividends paid from income generated in the United States, and non-deductible dividends and accretion on the Berkshire Preferred Stock and Zenith Preferred Stock partially offset by income generated in jurisdictions other than the United States. The effective tax rate is lower than the U.S. Statutory rate of 35% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 due to income generated in jurisdictions other than the United States, partially offset by non-deductible dividends and accretion on the Berkshire Preferred Stock and Zenith Preferred Stock.

 

Consolidated Results—Nine months ended September 30, 2007 versus nine months ended September 30, 2006

 

Our pre-tax income from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2007 was $315.7 million, compared to pre-tax income from continuing operations of $239.0 million for the first nine months of 2006 and our GAAP combined ratio was 92.7% for the first nine months 2007, compared to 97.2% for the first nine months of 2006.

 

The decrease to our GAAP combined ratio was due to decreases in our loss and LAE ratio and expense ratio. The first nine months of 2007 included $41.2 million of favorable development on prior accident year losses due to lower than expected severity on non-catastrophe losses, which included favorable development in professional liability and tuition reimbursement in specialty lines, property and general liability in commercial lines and automobile liability in traditional personal lines and at AutoOne. The prior year period included $13.9 million of adverse development on prior accident year losses mainly due to $25.0 million of adverse development on catastrophe losses, primarily related to hurricanes Katrina and Wilma and two 2004 catastrophes, partially offset by favorable development on prior accident year non-catastrophe losses in specialty lines. The loss and LAE ratio for the first nine months of 2007 also included a 0.4 point benefit related to the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities. Our expense ratio for the first nine months of 2007 decreased due to the benefit of one-time non-recurring items including the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities and the benefit of a state premium tax refund which reduced our expense ratio by 1.4 points and 0.5 points, respectively, partially offset by 0.7 points of office consolidation costs. Also reducing the net favorable impact of the non-recurring items was 0.4 points of expense related to actions taken in September 2007 to align resources with our business needs. The September actions principally impacted our personal lines underwriting unit, as described below. The first nine months of 2006 included the benefit of 0.4 points from the favorable settlement of a state franchise tax audit and a 0.3 point reduction in contingent commission accruals, partially offset by 0.4 points of office consolidation costs.

 

Our total revenues decreased 8.9% in the first nine months of 2007 to $1,723.2 million, compared to $1,891.8 million in the first nine months of 2006, due principally to a 11.5% decrease in earned premiums in the first nine months of 2007. The first nine months of 2006 included $309.9 million of business assumed from the affiliate quota share agreement with Esurance, which was commuted in the fourth quarter of 2006, in connection with our initial public offering. Net realized investment gains increased 35.9% to $142.7 million in the first nine months of 2007, compared with $105.0 million in the first nine months of 2006, mainly due to the sale of certain convertible fixed maturity and equity securities during the first half of 2006, in industry sectors that experienced significant appreciation during our period of ownership, principally energy and natural resources.

 

Net other revenues decreased 66.3% in the first nine months of 2007 to $16.3 million, compared to $48.4 million in the first nine months of 2006. The 2006 period included a $30.4 million gain on the sale of the renewal rights of Agri to QBE. The first nine months of 2007 included an $11.3 million gain from the sale of one of our inactive licensed insurance subsidiaries, AEIC, to Sparta, which included a deposit of $0.5 million received in the first quarter of 2007.

 

The income tax provision related to pre-tax income from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 represented effective tax rates of 35.0% and 22.8%, respectively. The components of the effective tax rate for the period ended September 30, 2007 consist of a reduction in the tax rate for income generated in jurisdictions other than the United States at lower tax rates, offset by withholding taxes payable on dividends paid from income generated in the United States, and non-deductible dividends and accretion on the Berkshire Preferred Stock and Zenith

 

26



 

Preferred Stock. The effective tax rate is lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 due to income generated in jurisdictions other than the United States, partially offset by non-deductible dividends and accretion on the Berkshire Preferred Stock and Zenith Preferred Stock.  The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2006 also reflects tax benefits related to settlements of U.S. federal and state income tax audits for years prior to 2003.

 

27



 

Summary of Operations By Segment

 

Our segments consist of the following: (1) Primary Insurance Operations, (2) Affiliate Quota Shares and (3) Other Operations. In the fourth quarter of 2006, within our Primary Insurance Operations segment, we began to include OneBeacon Specialty Property (OBSP) within commercial lines and AutoOne Insurance (AutoOne) within personal lines. Both OBSP and AutoOne were formerly reported in specialty lines. The reporting change was undertaken to better align the reported results of our underwriting units with their product and management structure. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The affiliate quota share agreements were commuted in the fourth quarter of 2006 in connection with our initial public offering.

 

 Our investments are managed by our affiliate, White Mountains Advisors, LLC (WM Advisors), and by Prospector Partners, LLC (Prospector). A discussion of our consolidated investment operations is included after the discussion of operations by segment. Our segment information is presented in Note 7 — “Segment Information” to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Primary Insurance Operations

 

Financial results for our Primary Insurance Operations segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, were as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Net written premiums

 

$

511.9

 

$

536.2

 

$

1,437.0

 

$

1,526.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

 

$

473.6

 

$

492.7

 

$

1,407.5

 

$

1,458.1

 

Net investment income

 

45.2

 

48.3

 

139.6

 

142.2

 

Net realized investment gains

 

31.2

 

35.6

 

143.0

 

105.5

 

Net other revenues

 

11.2

 

30.6

 

17.8

 

35.2

 

Total revenues

 

561.2

 

607.2

 

1,707.9

 

1,741.0

 

Loss and LAE

 

255.8

 

291.9

 

827.1

 

891.3

 

Policy acquisition expenses

 

74.9

 

89.0

 

231.5

 

249.8

 

Other underwriting expenses

 

66.4

 

84.0

 

246.9

 

253.9

 

General and administrative expenses

 

1.1

 

0.6

 

2.3

 

2.2

 

Interest expense on debt

 

0.8

 

1.4

 

2.5

 

2.8

 

Total expenses

 

399.0

 

466.9

 

1,310.3

 

1,400.0

 

Pre-tax income

 

$

162.2

 

$

140.3

 

$

397.6

 

$

341.0

 

 

The following tables provide GAAP ratios, net written premiums and earned premiums by underwriting units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Specialty

 

Commercial

 

Personal

 

Total(2)

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

GAAP Ratios: (1)(3)(4)(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

56.2

%

49.1

%

53.1

%

54.0

%

Expense

 

28.4

 

34.1

 

27.3

 

29.8

 

Total Combined

 

84.6

%

83.2

%

80.4

%

83.8

%

Net written premiums

 

$

136.6

 

$

192.8

 

$

182.5

 

$

511.9

 

Earned premiums

 

109.1

 

182.6

 

181.8

 

473.6

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

Specialty

 

Commercial

 

Personal

 

Total(2)

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

GAAP Ratios: (1)(3)(4)(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

54.2

%

56.4

%

59.8

%

59.2

%

Expense

 

34.6

 

36.2

 

33.1

 

35.2

 

Total Combined

 

88.8

%

92.6

%

92.9

%

94.4

%

Net written premiums

 

$

142.5

 

$

186.3

 

$

206.5

 

$

536.2

 

Earned premiums

 

111.0

 

175.3

 

205.5

 

492.7

 

 

28



 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Specialty

 

Commercial

 

Personal

 

Total(2)

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

GAAP Ratios: (1)(3)(4)(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

56.9

%

53.6

%

60.6

%

58.8

%

Expense

 

30.5

 

36.2

 

33.4

 

33.9

 

Total Combined

 

87.4

%

89.8

%

94.0

%

92.7

%

Net written premiums

 

$

344.2

 

$

557.0

 

$

535.7

 

$

1,437.0

 

Earned premiums

 

324.3

 

531.0

 

552.1

 

1,407.5

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

Specialty

 

Commercial

 

Personal

 

Total(2)

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

GAAP Ratios: (1)(3)(4)(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

55.4

%

57.9

%

62.9

%

61.1

%

Expense

 

32.5

 

37.7

 

31.6

 

34.5

 

Total Combined

 

87.9

%

95.6

%

94.5

%

95.6

%

Net written premiums

 

$

350.1

 

$

548.8

 

$

626.3

 

$

1,526.0

 

Earned premiums

 

321.0

 

511.6

 

624.7

 

1,458.1

 

 


(1)            In the fourth quarter of 2006, we began to include OBSP within commercial lines and AutoOne within personal lines. Both OBSP and AutoOne were formerly reported in specialty lines. The reporting change was undertaken to better align the reported results of our underwriting units with their product and management structure. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

(2)            Includes results from run-off. For the three months ended September 30, 2007, includes no net written premium from run-off and in the three months ended 2006, includes net written premium of $0.9 million from run-off. For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, includes earned premium of $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, from run-off. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, includes net written premium of $0.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, from run-off and earned premiums of $0.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, from run-off.

 

(3)            Includes our long-term incentive compensation expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, long-term incentive compensation expense increased our total GAAP combined ratio by 1.5 points and 2.3 points, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, long-term incentive compensation expense increased our total GAAP combined ratio by 1.6 points and 1.8 points, respectively.

 

(4)            Includes loss and LAE relating to catastrophes. For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, total calendar year incurred loss and LAE relating to catastrophes increased our loss and LAE and total combined ratios by 0.1 points and 2.6 points, respectively, including development on prior accident year catastrophes which (decreased) increased our loss and LAE and total combined ratios by (0.2) points and 1.8 points, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, total calendar year incurred loss and LAE relating to catastrophes increased our loss and LAE and total combined ratios by 1.0 points and 2.8 points, respectively, including development on prior accident year catastrophes which (decreased) increased our loss and LAE and total combined ratios by (0.1) points and 1.7 points, respectively.

 

(5)            Prior accident year development, including development on catastrophes, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (decreased) increased our loss and LAE and total combined ratios by (3.5) points and 0.3 points, respectively. Prior accident year development, including development on catastrophes, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (decreased) increased our loss and LAE and total combined ratios by (2.9) points and 1.7 points, respectively.

 

Primary Insurance Operations— Three months ended September 30, 2007 versus three months ended September 30, 2006

 

Specialty lines.   Net written premiums for specialty lines decreased by 4.1% to $136.6 million in the third quarter of 2007 as compared to $142.5 million in the third quarter of 2006. Excluding the Agri business, to which the renewal rights were sold in the third quarter of 2006, net written premiums increased by 12.5%, compared to the third quarter of 2006, driven by a $7.6 million increase in net written premium at OneBeacon Professional Partners (OBPP).

 

The specialty lines combined ratio for the third quarter of 2007 decreased 4.2 points to 84.6%, compared to 88.8% for the third quarter of 2006 primarily due to a decreased expense ratio. The expense ratio decreased 6.2 points in the third quarter of 2007 to 28.4%, compared with 34.6% in the prior year period. The decrease in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the

 

29



 

third quarter of 2006 was mainly due to a 3.3 point benefit of fees received from QBE for fronting services performed in connection with the sale of the renewal rights to the Agri business on September 29, 2006, which served to reduce our commission expense, as well as a 2.6 point favorable impact from the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities. Partially offsetting the decrease in the expense ratio was a 2.0 point increase to the loss and LAE ratio in the third quarter of 2007 to 56.2%, compared to 54.2% in the third quarter of 2006. The prior year period included 8.0 points of favorable development on prior accident years, primarily at OBPP, compared to 2.6 points of favorable development on prior accident years in the current year period primarily in professional liability and tuition reimbursement. Partially offsetting the increase in the prior accident year loss and LAE ratio was a 3.4 point decrease in the current accident year loss and LAE ratio in the third quarter of 2007, compared to the prior year, primarily due to strong current accident year non-catastrophe loss and LAE results at International Marine Underwriters (IMU), as well as a 0.8 point benefit related to the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities.

 

Commercial lines. Net written premiums for commercial lines increased by 3.5% to $192.8 million in the third quarter of 2007, compared to $186.3 million in the third quarter of 2006. This increase was due to an $8.4 million increase in net written premiums in the small business division compared to the prior year period, principally driven by our small business package products. Partially offsetting this increase was a $1.9 million decrease in the middle market division due to lower premiums at OBSP as a result of our strategy to manage our exposure to potential catastrophe losses.

 

The commercial lines combined ratio for the third quarter of 2007 decreased 9.4 points to 83.2%, compared to 92.6% in the third quarter of 2006 due primarily to a decreased loss and LAE ratio, as well as a decrease in the expense ratio. The loss and LAE ratio decreased to 49.1% compared to 56.4% in the third quarter of 2006, primarily due to the impact of adverse development on prior accident year catastrophe losses in the third quarter of 2006. The third quarter of 2006 included 5.4 points of prior accident year development on catastrophe losses primarily at OBSP, related to hurricane Wilma and two 2004 catastrophes. The third quarter of 2007 included 2.6 points of favorable development on prior accident year non-catastrophe losses. The expense ratio decreased to 34.1% from 36.2% in the third quarter of 2006 driven by a 3.2 point favorable impact from the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities. The loss and LAE ratio for the third quarter of 2007 also included a 1.0 point benefit related to the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities.

 

Personal lines.   Net written premiums for personal lines decreased by 11.6% to $182.5 million in the third quarter of 2007, compared to $206.5 million in the third quarter of 2006. The decrease was principally attributable to the continued impact of reduced writings at AutoOne due to significant declines in New York’s assigned risk pool and increased market competition in the voluntary market. With respect to the New York assigned risk pool, market trends indicate that assigned risk volumes are expected to decline to approximately $155 million in 2007, down from $240 million in 2006, $383 million in 2005 and $629 million in 2004. The Company expects a reduction in AutoOne’s premium volume reflective of these trends. In traditional personal lines, net written premiums decreased 3.5% due to an increasingly competitive auto market and also state-mandated rate decreases in Massachusetts auto along with higher reinsurance costs. In September 2007, we notified agents that we plan to seek regulatory approval of a withdrawal plan to cease writing business in all states where Houston General Insurance Exchange, a reciprocal insurance exchange, wrote business and also took actions to better align personal lines staffing with our business needs. Houston General Insurance Exchange had commenced writing business in Arizona, South Carolina and Texas in November 2005, June 2006 and October 2006, respectively. Net written premiums for Houston General Insurance Exchange were $6.1 million in the third quarter of 2007, compared to $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2006.

 

The personal lines combined ratio for the third quarter of 2007 was 80.4%, compared to 92.9% for the third quarter of 2006. The decrease in the combined ratio was due to decreases in the both the loss and LAE and expense ratios. The loss and LAE ratio decreased 6.7 points to 53.1% in the third quarter of 2007, compared to 59.8% in the third quarter of 2006. Included in the third quarter of 2007 was 6.4 points of favorable development on prior accident years in automobile liability in traditional personal lines and at AutoOne, compared to 2.5 points of favorable development on prior accident years in the prior year period. The third quarter 2007 loss and LAE ratio also includes a 0.6 point improvement in current accident year catastrophes due to a quiet catastrophe quarter and a 1.2 point benefit from the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities. The expense ratio decreased 5.8 points to 27.3% in the third quarter of 2007, compared to 33.1% in the prior year period primarily due to 4.2 points related to a state premium tax refund, as well as a 3.7 point favorable impact from the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities. Partially offsetting the favorable impact of these items was 2.0 points of expense incurred in connection with the decision to cease writing business in Houston General Insurance Exchange and actions taken to better align personal lines staffing with our business needs.

 

Run-off.   For the third quarter of 2007, run-off generated an underwriting loss of $6.7 million, compared to an underwriting loss of $12.3 million in the third quarter of 2006. The third quarter of 2007 includes a $5.1 million benefit from the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities.

 

30



 

Primary Insurance Operations— Nine months ended September 30, 2007 versus nine months ended September 30, 2006

 

Specialty lines.   Net written premiums for specialty lines decreased 1.7% to $344.2 million in the first nine months of 2007, compared to $350.1 million in the prior year period. Excluding the Agri business, to which the renewal rights were sold in the third quarter of 2006, net written premiums increased by 20.8%, compared to the first nine months of 2006 due to a $24.2 million increase in net written premiums in specialty liability products at OBPP, a $14.9 million increase in net written premiums at IMU and $14.8 million in net written premiums in the Accident and Health business which commenced operations in 2007.

 

The specialty lines combined ratio for the first nine months of 2007 decreased 0.5 points to 87.4%, compared to 87.9% for the first nine months of 2006 due to a decrease in the expense ratio. The expense ratio for the first nine months of 2007 decreased 2.0 points to 30.5%, compared to 32.5% in the prior year period, primarily due to a 3.3 point benefit of fees received from QBE for fronting services performed in connection with sale of the renewal rights to the Agri business on September 29, 2006, which served to reduce our commission expense, as well as, a 0.9 point favorable impact from the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities. Partially offsetting these decreases was a 1.5 point increase in the loss and LAE ratio in the first nine months of 2007 to 56.9%, compared with 55.4% in the prior year period mainly due to unfavorable large non-catastrophe current accident year losses in the Agri run-off business, partially offset by strong current accident year non-catastrophe loss and LAE results at IMU, as well as a 0.3 point benefit related to the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities.

 

Commercial lines.   Net written premiums for commercial lines increased by 1.5% to $557.0 million in the first nine months of 2007, compared to $548.8 million in the first nine months of 2006. This increase was due to a $27.1 million increase in net written premiums to $102.9 million in the small business division principally driven by our small business package products. Partially offsetting this increase was an $18.9 million decrease in net written premiums in the middle market division to $454.0 million compared to the prior year period, due primarily to lower premiums at OBSP as a result of our strategy to manage our exposure to potential catastrophe losses.

 

The commercial lines combined ratio for the first nine months of 2007 was 89.8%, compared to 95.6% in the first nine months of 2006 due to decreases in both the loss and LAE ratio and the expense ratio. The loss and LAE ratio decreased to 53.6% compared to 57.9% in the first nine months of 2006, primarily due to 3.1 points of favorable development on prior accident year losses in the first nine months of 2007 related to property and general liability, compared to 4.1 points of adverse development on prior accident years in the prior year period, as well as a 0.4 point benefit related to the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities. The first nine months of 2006 included 4.9 points of net unfavorable development on prior accident year catastrophe losses primarily at OBSP, related to hurricanes Katrina Wilma and two 2004 catastrophes. The decrease in the loss and LAE ratio was partially offset by a 2.9 point increase in the current accident year loss ratio in the first nine months of 2007, compared to the first nine months of 2006 driven in part by the pricing environment and in part by the low impact of larges losses in the prior year. The expense ratio decreased to 36.2% from 37.7% in the first nine months of 2006 primarily due to lower policy acquisition expenses as a result of an internal study on the deferral rate of policy acquisition costs related to the expansion into new states, as well as, a 1.1 point favorable impact from the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities. Partially offsetting the impact of these favorable items was 0.9 points in office consolidation costs in the first nine months of 2007, compared to 0.6 points in the prior year period.

 

Personal lines.   Net written premiums for personal lines decreased by 14.5% to $535.7 million in the first nine months of 2007, compared to $626.3 million in the first nine months of 2006. The decrease was principally attributable to reduced writings at AutoOne due to significant declines in New York’s assigned risk pool and increased competition in the voluntary market, as described above. In traditional personal lines net written premium decreased 3.8% due to an increasingly competitive auto market and also state-mandated rate decreases in Massachusetts along with higher reinsurance costs. As described above, in September 2007 we notified agents that we plan to seek regulatory approval of a withdrawal plan to cease writing business in Houston General Insurance Exchange and also took actions to better align personal lines staffing with our business needs. Net written premiums for Houston General Insurance Exchange were $13.6 million in the first nine months of 2007, compared to $2.2 million in the first nine months of 2006.

 

The personal lines combined ratio for the first nine months of 2007 was 94.0%, compared to 94.5% for the first nine months of 2006. The decrease in the combined ratio was due to a decreased loss and LAE ratio. The loss and LAE ratio decreased to 60.6% for the first nine months of 2007, compared to 62.9% for the first nine months of 2006. The first nine months of 2007 included 2.8 points of favorable development on prior accident years in automobile liability in traditional personal lines and at AutoOne, compared to the first nine months of 2006 which included 0.5 points of adverse development on prior accident years. The loss and LAE ratio for the first nine months of 2007 also included a 0.4 point benefit related to the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities. Partially offsetting this decrease was higher than average large

 

31



 

loss activity experienced in the first half of 2007, as well as 0.3 points of higher current accident year catastrophe losses as compared to the first nine months of 2006. The expense ratio increased to 33.4%, compared to 31.6% in the first nine months of 2006. Despite the impact of non-recurring favorable items in the first nine months of 2007, including 1.4 points from a state premium tax refund and 1.2 points related to the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liabilities, partially offset by 0.8 points of office consolidation costs, the expense ratio increased due to the adverse effect of a lower earned premium base compared to the prior year period. In addition, the expense ratio for the first nine months of 2007 included 0.7 points of expense incurred in connection with the decision to cease writing business in Houston General Insurance Exchange and actions taken to better align personal lines staffing with our business needs. The 2006 period also included the benefit of non-recurring favorable items including 0.8 points from a reduction of contingent commission accruals and 0.6 point related to the favorable settlement of a state franchise tax audit, partially offset by 0.5 points of office consolidation costs.

 

Run-off.   For the first nine months of 2007, run-off generated an underwriting loss of $26.7 million, compared to an underwriting loss of $32.6 million in the first nine months of 2006. The first nine months of 2007 includes a $5.1 million benefit from the partial settlement of our qualified pension plan liability.

 

Affiliate Quota Shares

 

During 2004 and 2005, we entered into two quota share reinsurance arrangements with other subsidiaries of White Mountains. Under the Esurance Quota Share, which was effective on January 1, 2005, we assumed approximately 85% of business written by Esurance Insurance Company, which includes business written by its wholly owned subsidiary. Under the Sirius Quota Share, we ceded between 6% and 12% of business written, effective April 1, 2004, to Sirius International Insurance Corporation.

 

The affiliate quota shares were entered into primarily for White Mountains’ capital management purposes and were therefore excluded from the information used by White Mountains’ Board of Directors to measure our financial performance. The affiliate quota share agreements were commuted in the fourth quarter of 2006 in connection with our initial public offering.

 

A summary of results from our Affiliate Quota Shares segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 is as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30, 2006

 

Nine months ended
September 30, 2006

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

Esurance
Quota
Share

 

Sirius
Quota
Share

 

Esurance
Quota
Share

 

Sirius
Quota
Share

 

Net written premiums

 

$

137.0

 

$

(58.5

)

$

363.7

 

$

(178.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

 

117.1

 

(58.5

)

309.9

 

(178.0

)

Total revenues

 

117.1

 

(58.5

)

309.9

 

(178.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

58.2

 

(31.6

)

195.5

 

(92.1

)

Policy acquisition expenses

 

57.5

 

(22.0

)

114.4

 

(66.8

)

Total expenses

 

115.7

 

(53.6

)

309.9

 

(158.9

)

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

$

1.4

 

$

(4.9

)

$

 

$

(19.1

)

 

Other Operations

 

Our Other Operations segment consists of OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. and our intermediate subsidiary holding companies. Our Other Operations segment primarily consists of financing activities, purchase accounting adjustments relating to our acquisition by White Mountains in 2001 and other assets and general and administrative expenses incurred at the holding company level. This segment also includes entities that prior to the initial public offering employed persons associated with White Mountains’ holding company operations.

 

The purchase accounting adjustments relating to the OneBeacon Acquisition were made to reflect the estimated fair value of our assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the date of the acquisition. The purchase accounting adjustments are primarily comprised of an adjustment to our loss and LAE reserves and related reinsurance recoverables to record them at fair value, an adjustment to record the cost of our investments at fair value and an allocation of the excess of acquired net assets over the purchase price to our non-current, non-financial assets, primarily our property, plant and equipment.

 

32



 

The Other Operations segment results are affected by purchase accounting over time as the fair value adjustments made at our acquisition unwind. Accordingly, net investment income and/or net realized investment gains and losses are affected as the difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of our investment portfolio is amortized into investment income, or recorded as net realized investment gains and losses as the investments are sold; the fair value adjustment to net loss and LAE reserves is expensed through income as our net loss and LAE reserves at the time of the OneBeacon Acquisition are settled; and the portion of the carrying value of property, plant and equipment that was written off in purchase accounting is recorded as net other revenues when it is sold to third parties.

 

A summary of results from our Other Operations segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Net investment income

 

$

6.3

 

$

0.9

 

$

17.1

 

$

6.2

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

(0.5

)

(0.2

)

(0.3

)

(0.5

)

Net other revenues

 

(0.4

)

6.0

 

(1.5

)

13.2

 

Total revenues

 

5.4

 

6.7

 

15.3

 

18.9

 

General and administrative expenses

 

1.3

 

4.5

 

5.2

 

9.4

 

Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves

 

4.0

 

5.8

 

12.0

 

17.3

 

Interest expense on debt

 

10.6

 

10.6

 

31.6

 

32.0

 

Interest expense—dividends and accretion on preferred stock

 

16.3

 

14.8

 

48.4

 

43.2

 

Total expenses

 

32.2

 

35.7

 

97.2

 

101.9

 

Pre-tax loss

 

$

(26.8

)

$

(29.0

)

$

(81.9

)

$

(83.0

)

 

Other Operations Results—Three months ended September 30, 2007 versus three months ended September 30, 2006

 

Our Other Operations segment reported a pre-tax loss of $26.8 million for the third quarter 2007, compared to a pre-tax loss of $29.0 million for the third quarter of 2006. The decrease in loss was primarily due to decreased general and administrative expenses. This decrease was partially offset by a decrease in net other revenues to $(0.4) million for the third quarter of 2006, compared to $6.0 million in the prior year, primarily due to the inclusion of interest income from loans receivable from affiliates of $4.6 million in the third quarter of 2006. These loans were settled in the third quarter of 2006.

 

Other Operations Results—Nine months ended September 30, 2007 versus nine months ended September 30, 2006

 

Our Other Operations segment reported a pre-tax loss of $81.9 million for the first nine months 2007, compared to a pre-tax loss of $83.0 million for the first nine months of 2006. The decrease in loss was primarily due to decreased general and administrative expenses. This decrease was partially offset by a decrease in net other revenues to $(1.5) million for the third quarter of 2006, compared to $13.2 million in the prior year, primarily due to the inclusion of interest income from loans receivable from affiliates of $10.3 million in the third quarter of 2006. These loans were settled in the third quarter of 2006.

 

Summary of Investment Results

 

Investment Philosophy

 

Our investment philosophy is to maximize our 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. Our investment portfolio mix as of September 30, 2007 consisted in large part of high-quality, fixed maturity investments and short-term investments, as well as equity investments and other investments, such as hedge funds, limited partnerships and private equity interests. We believe that prudent levels of investments in common equity securities and other investments within our investment portfolio are likely to enhance long-term after-tax total returns without significantly increasing the risk profile of the portfolio.

 

Our overall fixed maturity investment strategy is to purchase securities that are attractively priced in relation to credit risks. We also actively manage the average duration of the portfolio, approximately 2.2 years at September 30, 2007 including short-term investments, to achieve an adequate after-tax total return.

 

33



 

Our equity investment strategy is to maximize absolute risk-adjusted total return through investments in a variety of equity and equity-related instruments, using bottom-up, value discipline.

 

Investment Returns

 

A summary of our consolidated pre-tax investment results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Gross investment income (1)

 

$

55.7

 

$

54.4

 

$

169.4

 

$

160.7

 

Net realized investment gains

 

30.7

 

35.4

 

142.7

 

105.0

 

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments (2) (3)

 

(6.8

)

33.6

 

(3.6

)

(4.8

)

Total GAAP pre-tax investment results

 

$

79.6

 

$

123.4

 

$

308.5

 

$

260.9

 

 


(1)    The three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 includes $3.8 million and $12.1 million, respectively, of net investment income for assets held in trust.

 

(2)    Does not include results of our investment in MSA during the period it was recorded under the equity method.

 

(3)    The nine months ended September 30, 2006 includes the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 155.

 

Gross investment returns versus typical benchmarks for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

 

 

Three months
ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2007(1)

 

2006

 

2007(1)

 

2006

 

Fixed maturity investments

 

2.0

%

3.1

%

4.4

%

4.5

%

Short-term investments

 

1.5

 

0.8

 

3.8

 

2.4

 

Total fixed income

 

2.0

 

2.8

 

4.4

 

4.3

 

Lehman U.S. Aggregate Index

 

2.8

 

3.8

 

4.0

 

3.1

 

Common stock

 

0.1

 

3.8

 

11.3

 

14.2

 

Other investments

 

(0.5

)

(1.7

)

13.8

 

3.2

 

Total equities

 

(0.1

)

2.3

 

12.0

 

11.2

 

S&P 500 Index (total return)

 

2.0

 

5.7

 

9.1

 

8.5

 

Total consolidated portfolio

 

1.5

%

2.7

%

5.9

%

5.7

%

 


(1)             Includes $3.8 million and $12.1 million of net investment income for assets held in trust, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively.

 

Investment ReturnsThree months ended September 30, 2007 versus three months ended September 30, 2006

 

Overview

 

Our total pre-tax investment results were $79.6 million, a return of 1.5% for the third quarter of 2007 versus $123.4 million, a return of 2.7%, for the third quarter of 2006. Gross investment income for the third quarter of 2007 was $55.7 million, an increase of 2.4%, compared to $54.4 million during the third quarter of 2006. Net realized investment gains were $30.7 million in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of 1.3%, compared to $35.4 million in the third quarter of 2006. The change in net unrealized investment gains was a decrease of $6.8 million for the third quarter of 2007, compared to an increase of $33.6 million in the third quarter of 2006 mainly attributed to decreases in the equity portfolio, decreases in other investments and changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

Fixed income

 

Our fixed income portfolio returned 2.0% in the third quarter of 2007, compared to 2.8% in the third quarter of 2006. During the 2007 period, we maintained a high quality fixed maturity portfolio with a relatively short duration of approximately

 

34



 

2.2 years which performed consistent with its characteristics and slighter below the longer-duration Lehman U.S. Aggregate Index benchmark.

 

Equities

 

Our equity portfolio returned (0.1)% in the third quarter of 2007, compared to 2.3% in the third quarter of 2006. Our common stock portfolio returned 0.1% and 3.8%, for the third quarter of 2007 and 2006, respectively. The common stock portfolio performed 1.9 percentage points worse than the S&P 500 benchmark for both the third quarter of 2007 and the third quarter of 2006.

 

Investment ReturnsNine months ended September 30, 2007 versus nine months ended September 30, 2006

 

Overview

 

Our total pre-tax investment results were $308.5 million, a return of 5.9% for the first nine months of 2007, compared to $260.9 million, a return of 5.7%, for the first nine months of 2006. Gross investment income for the first nine months of 2007 was $169.4 million, an increase of 5.4%, compared to $160.7 million for the first nine months of 2006. Net realized investment gains were $142.7 million for the first nine months of 2007, an increase of 35.9% from the first nine months of 2006, mainly due to the sale of certain convertible fixed maturity and equity securities during the first half months of 2007, in industry sectors that experienced significant appreciation during the period of our ownership, principally energy and natural resources. The change in net unrealized investment gains was a decrease of $3.6 million in the first nine months of 2007, compared to a decrease of $4.8 million in the first nine months of 2006.

 

Fixed income

 

Our fixed income portfolio returned 4.4% for the first nine months of 2007, compared to 4.3% for the first nine months of 2006. During the 2007 period, we maintained a high quality fixed maturity portfolio with a relatively short duration of approximately 2.2 years which performed consistent with its characteristics and better than the longer-duration Lehman U.S. Aggregate Index benchmark.

 

Equities

 

Our equity portfolio returned 12.0% for the first nine months of 2007 versus 11.2% for the first nine months of 2006. Our common stock portfolio returned 11.3% and 14.2% for the first nine months of 2007 and 2006, respectively, or 2.2 and 5.7 percentage points better than the S&P 500 benchmark, respectively.

 

Asset-backed Securities

 

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

 

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

 

There are also mortgage-backed securities that we categorize as “non-prime” (also called “Alt A” or “A-”) that are backed by collateral that has overall credit quality between prime and sub-prime, as determined based on a review of the characteristics of their underlying mortgage loan pools, such as credit scores and financial ratios. As of September 30, 2007, $71.9 million of our mortgage-backed securities were classified as non-prime. All of these non-prime securities have the highest rating ascribed by Moody’s (“Aaa”) or Standard & Poors (“AAA”). We did not own any collateralized debt obligations, including residential mortgage-backed collateralized debt obligations.

 

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The following table summarizes the carrying value of our mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities holdings as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Agency (1)

 

$

570.4

 

$

151.6

 

Non-agency

 

534.9

 

680.3

 

Total mortgage-backed securities

 

1,105.3

 

831.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Credit card

 

94.8

 

236.7

 

Auto

 

9.5

 

28.5

 

Total other asset-backed securities

 

104.3

 

265.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total asset-backed securities

 

$

1,209.6

 

$

1,097.1

 

 


(1)          Represents publicly traded residential mortgage-backed securities which carry the full faith and credit guaranty of the U.S. government (e.g., GNMA) and publicly traded residential mortgage-backed securities which are guaranteed by a government sponsored entity (e.g., FNMA, FHLMC).

 

Impairment

 

See Note 6 — “Investment Securities” of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for our analysis of impairment losses on investment securities.

 

36



 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

This report includes four non-GAAP financial measures that have been reconciled to their most comparable GAAP financial measures.  OneBeacon believes these measures to be useful supplements to the comparable GAAP measures in evaluating OneBeacon’s financial performance.  In addition, certain of these non-GAAP financial measures have been adjusted to exclude the impacts of economically defeasing the Company’s mandatorily redeemable preferred stock.  As described in more detail in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, in connection with its initial public offering, the Company created two irrevocable grantor trusts and funded them with assets sufficient to make the remaining dividend and redemption payments for $20.0 million of preferred stock that was redeemed in June 2007 and $300.0 million of preferred stock that will be redeemed in May of 2008.  The Company created and funded these trusts to appropriately capitalize and leverage the Company in preparation for and in connection with its initial public offering.  Having completed these actions, OneBeacon believes that presentation of certain of the non-GAAP financial measures as described below, adjusted to exclude the impact of the economic defeasance of the preferred stock as of and for the respective periods, is a useful supplement to understanding the Company’s earnings and profitability.

 

Adjusted book value per common share is a non-GAAP financial measure which is derived by excluding the impact of economically defeasing the Company’s mandatorily redeemable preferred stock from book value per common share, the most closely comparable GAAP measure. For the reason stated above, OneBeacon believes that adjusted book value per common share is a useful supplement to understanding the Company’s earnings and profitability. The reconciliation of book value per common share to adjusted book value per common share is included on page 24.

 

Adjusted book value per common share, including dividends is a non-GAAP financial measure which is derived by adding back the impact of dividends paid to adjusted book value per common share (a non-GAAP financial measure described above). OneBeacon believes that adjusted book value per common share, including dividends is a useful supplement to understanding the Company’s earnings and profitability. The reconciliation of book value per common share to adjusted book value per common share, including dividends is included on page 24.

 

Adjusted common shareholders’ equity, which is used in calculating adjusted book value per common share (a non-GAAP financial measure described above), is derived by excluding the impact of economically defeasing the Company’s mandatorily redeemable preferred stock from common shareholders’ equity, the most closely comparable GAAP measure. The reconciliation of common shareholders’ equity to adjusted common shareholders’ equity is included on page 24.

 

Adjusted common shareholders’ equity, including dividends, which is used in calculating adjusted book value per common share, including dividends (a non-GAAP financial measure described above), is derived by adding back the impact of dividends paid to adjusted common shareholders’ equity (a non-GAAP financial measure described above). The reconciliation of common shareholders’ equity to adjusted common shareholders’ equity is included on page 24.

 

37



 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Operating cash and short-term investments

 

Our sources and uses of cash are as follows:

 

Holding company level.   The primary sources of cash for OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. and certain of our intermediate holding companies are expected to be dividends and tax sharing payments received from our insurance operating subsidiaries, financing activities and net investment income and proceeds from sales and maturities of holding company investments. The primary uses of cash are expected to be interest payments on our debt obligations, dividend payments on our preferred shares and our common shares, purchases of investments, payments made to tax authorities and holding company operating expenses.

 

Operating subsidiary level.   The primary sources of cash for our operating subsidiaries are expected to be premium collections, financing activities, net investment income and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments. The primary uses of cash are expected to be claim payments, policy acquisition costs, debt obligations, operating expenses, the purchase of investments and dividends and tax sharing payments made to parent holding companies.

 

Insurance companies typically collect premiums on policies that they write prior to paying claims made under those policies. During periods of premium growth, insurance companies typically experience positive cash flow from operations, as premium receipts typically exceed claim payments. When this happens, positive cash flow from operations is usually offset by negative cash flow from investing activities, as the positive operating cash flow is used to purchase investments. Conversely, during periods of premium decline, insurance companies typically experience negative cash flow from operations, even during periods in which they report GAAP net income, as the claims that they pay exceed the premiums that they collect. When this happens, negative cash flow from operations is typically offset by positive cash flow from investing activities, as invested assets are sold to fund current claim payments.

 

Both internal and external forces influence our 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 us and the settlement of the liability for that loss. The exact timing of the payment of claims and benefits cannot be predicted with certainty. Our operating subsidiaries maintain portfolios of invested assets with varying maturities and a substantial amount of short-term investments to provide adequate liquidity for the payment of claims.

 

Management believes that our cash balances, cash flows from operations and cash flows from investments are adequate to meet expected cash requirements for the foreseeable future on both a holding company and operating subsidiary level.

 

Dividend Capacity

 

Under the insurance laws of the states and jurisdictions under which our 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.

 

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

 

During the first nine months of 2007, OneBeacon Insurance Group LLC (OneBeacon LLC), the direct parent of our operating insurance subsidiaries, paid $140 million of dividends to Fund American Companies, Inc. (Fund American), its parent.

 

In addition, Fund American’s ability to declare or pay dividends is limited by the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock issued to Berkshire. Fund American may not, in certain circumstances, declare or pay any dividend or distribution to any

 

38



 

other class or series of stock without the consent of the holders of a majority of outstanding shares of the Berkshire Preferred Stock. Under the terms of a Keep-Well Agreement dated November 30, 2004 between White Mountains and Fund American (the Keep-Well), White Mountains has agreed to return to Fund American up to approximately $1.1 billion if some or all of that amount is required by Fund American to meet its obligations under the terms of the Berkshire Preferred Stock. Under the Keep-Well, White Mountains must make any required contributions to Fund American prior to making any distributions to its shareholders. The aggregate amount of distributions that White Mountains may make to its shareholders is limited; the limit increases or decreases by an amount equal to White Mountains’ consolidated net income or loss over the remaining life of the Keep-Well. The Keep-Well will expire when all obligations of the Berkshire Preferred Stock, which is redeemable in May 2008, have been satisfied. See “Management’s Discussion of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Economic Defeasance” for a discussion of the creation and funding of an irrevocable grantor trust to economically defease the Berkshire Preferred Stock.

 

Economic Defeasance

 

In connection with our initial public offering, two of our subsidiaries, Fund American and Fund American Enterprises Holding, Inc. (Fund American Enterprises), each established an irrevocable grantor trust. The assets of each trust are solely dedicated to the satisfaction of the payment of dividends and redemption amounts on, respectively, $300 million liquidation preference of Fund American’s Berkshire Preferred Stock, and $20 million liquidation preference of Fund American Enterprises’ Zenith Preferred Stock. Fund American and Fund American Enterprises funded their respective trust with cash and purchased a portfolio of fixed maturity securities issued by the U.S. government and government-sponsored enterprises, the scheduled interest and principal payments are sufficient to pay when due all amounts required under the terms of the Berkshire Preferred Stock and the Zenith Preferred Stock, respectively (including the mandatory redemption of the Berkshire Preferred Stock in May 2008 and the redemption of the Zenith Preferred Stock, which was exercised in June 2007). The creation and funding of the trusts does not legally defease the preferred stock nor create any additional rights for the holders of the Berkshire Preferred Stock and the Zenith Preferred Stock either in the trusts or otherwise, although the assets in the trusts remain segregated from Fund American’s and Fund American Enterprises’ other general assets and are not available to Fund American or Fund American Enterprises for any use other than the payment of the Berkshire Preferred Stock and the Zenith Preferred Stock, respectively. The assets of each trust remain subject to the claims of Fund American’s and Fund American Enterprises’ creditors, respectively, in the event that either Fund American or Fund American Enterprises becomes insolvent. White Mountains Capital, Inc., a subsidiary of White Mountains, serves as the trustee for both irrevocable grantor trusts. In the second quarter of 2007, the Zenith Preferred Stock was redeemed for $20.0 million. The assets held in the trusts as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, include $308.6 million and $305.0 million, respectively, of fixed maturity investment and $0.1 million and $33.8 million, respectively, of short-term investments. Pre-tax net investment income earned on these investments totaled $3.8 million and $12.1 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

Financing

 

The following table summarizes our capital structure as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:

 

 

 

As of
September 30,

 

As of
December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Senior Notes, carrying value

 

$

698.9

 

$

698.7

 

Other debt

 

58.8

 

60.8

 

Total debt

 

757.7

 

759.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption

 

268.5

 

262.3

 

Total common shareholders’ equity

 

1,910.9

 

1,777.2

 

Total capital

 

$

2,937.1

 

$

2,799.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of debt and preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption to total capital

 

34.9

%

36.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of debt to total capital excluding preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption (1)

 

28.4

%

29.9

%

 


(1)          The calculation of total capital excludes the preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption because it was economically defeased in connection with our initial public offering.

 

39



 

We believe that our strong financial position provides us 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.

 

The 5.875% Senior Notes due 2013 of our subsidiary Fund American, which we refer to as the Senior Notes, are currently rated “Baa2” (“Medium Grade”, the ninth highest of twenty-one ratings) with a stable outlook by Moody’s, “BBB” (“Adequate”, the ninth highest of twenty-two ratings) with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor’s, “bbb” (“Very Good”, the ninth highest of twenty-two ratings) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best and “BBB” (“Good”, the ninth highest of twenty-three ratings) with a stable outlook by Fitch.

 

In connection with our purchase of land and an office building in Canton, Massachusetts, which is now our U.S. headquarters, we entered into a $40.8 million mortgage note to fund renovations. As of December 31, 2006, we had fully drawn on the facility.

 

White Mountains currently provides an irrevocable and unconditional guarantee as to the payment of principal and interest (the Guarantee) on the Senior Notes. In consideration of this Guarantee, we have agreed to pay a specified fee to White Mountains in the amount of 25 basis points per annum on the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Notes. We have further agreed that if White Mountains’ voting interest in us ceases to represent more than 50% of all our voting securities, we will redeem, exchange or otherwise modify the Senior Notes in order to fully and permanently eliminate White Mountains’ obligations under the Guarantee (the Guarantee Elimination). White Mountains has agreed to provide written notice to us when its voting interest in us has been reduced below 50%. We will have 180 days from the receipt of such notification to complete the Guarantee Elimination. If the Guarantee Elimination is not completed within the initial 180-day period, the Guarantee fee shall increase by 200 basis points. The Guarantee fee shall further increase by 100 basis points for each subsequent 90-day period thereafter, up to a maximum Guarantee fee of 425 basis points, until the Guarantee Elimination has been completed.

 

The Senior Notes were issued under an indenture which contains restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of White Mountains, Fund American and their respective subsidiaries, which includes us, as a subsidiary of White Mountains, to create liens and enter into sale and leaseback transactions and substantially limits the ability of Fund American and its respective subsidiaries to consolidate, merge or transfer their properties and assets. The indenture does not contain any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity to which White Mountains or Fund American must adhere. At September 30, 2007, Fund American was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Senior Notes.

 

In connection with the initial public offering, White Mountains and Fund American terminated their existing $400 million credit facility, under which they were both permitted borrowers. In November 2006, Fund American established a $75 million revolving credit facility that matures in November 2011. As of September 30, 2007, the Bank Facility was undrawn. The Bank Facility contains various affirmative, negative and financial covenants which we consider to be customary for such borrowings and include maintaining certain minimum net worth and maximum debt to capitalization standards. Failure to meet one or more of these covenants could result in an event of default, which ultimately could eliminate availability under these facilities and result in acceleration of principal repayment on any amounts outstanding. At September 30, 2007, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under the Bank Facility, and anticipate we will continue to remain in compliance with these covenants for the foreseeable future.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement

 

Beginning in February 2006, OBIC, agreed to provide guarantees of the obligations of Galileo, to Galileo’s counterparty in certain weather-related product transactions. Galileo is a subsidiary of White Mountains. The guarantees require OBIC to pay the full amount of Galileo’s obligations to the counterparty in the event of Galileo’s failure to pay these obligations. In the event of a payment, OBIC would be eligible to exercise all of the rights of the counterparty against Galileo. As of September 30, 2007 there were nine outstanding guarantee with a principal value of $59.4 million. In the event that the total guaranteed principal amount exceeds the lesser of 5% of OBIC’s admitted assets of $3.8 billion at December 31, 2006 or 25% of OBIC’s statutory surplus of $1.7 billion at December 31, 2006, OBIC would require the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance in order to make any further guarantees. OBIC has agreed, at White Mountains’ option, to continue to make these guarantees available until October 2008 and will receive from Galileo an annual fee of 25 basis points of the value at risk for providing the guarantees. Pursuant to a separation agreement entered into by OneBeacon and White Mountains in connection with the initial public offering, White Mountains has agreed that it will take appropriate steps to ensure that OBIC will not be called on to make payment on these guarantees.

 

40



 

Share Repurchase Program

 

On August 22, 2007, our board of directors authorized us to repurchase up to $200.0 million of our Class A common shares from time to time, subject to market conditions. Shares may be repurchased on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. This program does not have a stated expiration date. As of September 30, 2007, 274,244 Class A common shares were repurchased and retired for $5.8 million.

 

Cash Flows

 

Detailed information concerning our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 follows:

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007

 

Financing and Other Capital Activities

 

During the first nine months of 2007, we declared and paid $63.0 million in cash dividends to holders of our common shares.

 

During the first nine months of 2007, we declared and paid cash dividends of $21.2 million and $1.0 million to holders of the Berkshire Preferred Stock and the Zenith Preferred Stock, respectively.

 

During the third quarter of 2007, we repurchased and retired 274,244 of our Class A common shares for $5.8 million through our share repurchase program.

 

During the second quarter of 2007, we redeemed the Zenith Preferred Stock for $20.0 million, its redemption value.

 

Acquisitions and Dispositions

 

During the third quarter of 2007, we sold one of our inactive licensed subsidiaries, AEIC, for $47.7 million in cash to a third party.

 

Other Liquidity and Capital Resource Activities

 

During the first nine months of 2007, we reported net decreases in our loss and LAE reserves and reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses, primarily due to the decline of our business exposures related to run-off.

 

During the first quarter of 2007, we made payments in respect of the 2004-2006 performance cycle totaling $39.8 million, in cash or by deferral into certain of our non-qualified compensation plans, to participants in our long-term incentive compensation plans. These payments were made with respect to 4,400 performance shares and 160,470 performance units.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006

 

Financing and Other Capital Activities

 

During the first nine months of 2006, we declared and paid cash dividends of $21.2 million and $1.5 million to holders of the Berkshire Preferred Stock and the Zenith Preferred Stock, respectively.

 

During the first nine months of 2006, we drew down $33.4 million on an 18-year mortgage note that we entered into in connection with our purchase of land and an office building in Canton, Massachusetts, which is now our U.S. headquarters.

 

41



 

Acquisitions and Dispositions

 

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

 

Other Liquidity and Capital Resource Activities

 

During the first nine months of 2006, we reported net decreases in our loss and LAE reserves and reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses, primarily due to claim payments (and related collections of reinsurance recoverables) related to run-off reserves.

 

During the first quarter of 2006, we made payments in respect of the 2003-2005 performance cycle totaling $52.6 million, in cash or by deferral into certain of our non-qualified compensation plans, to participants in our long-term incentive compensation plans. These payments were made with respect to 12,600 performance shares and 148,541 performance units.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

Refer to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion regarding our critical accounting estimates. As of September 30, 2007, there were no material changes to our critical accounting estimates.

 

42



 

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 that address activities, events or developments which we expect or anticipate 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 our:

 

       growth in book value per share or return on equity;

 

       business strategy;

 

       financial and operating targets or plans;

 

       incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses and the adequacy of its loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and related reinsurance;

 

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

 

       expansion and growth of its business and operations; and

 

       future capital expenditures.

 

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

 

                     the risks associated with Item 1A. of the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Item 1A of this Form 10-Q;

 

                     recorded loss and loss adjustment expense reserves subsequently proving to have been inadequate;

 

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

 

                     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 us, our competitors or our clients;

 

                     the continued availability of capital and financing;

 

                     general economic, market or business conditions;

 

                     an economic downturn or other economic conditions adversely affecting our financial position;

 

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

 

                     other factors, most of which are beyond our 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 us will be realized or, even if

 

43



 

substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us or our business or operations. We assume no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

ITEM 3.          QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Refer to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in particular item 7A. — “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”. As of September 30, 2007, there were no material changes to the market risks described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 4.          CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Management’s Quarterly Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure.

 

The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company (the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively) have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of September 30, 2007, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in rules and forms.

 

PART II.        OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.          LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

OneBeacon, and the insurance industry in general, is subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of business. Other than those items listed below, we are not a party to any material litigation or arbitration other than as routinely encountered in claims activity, none of which is expected by management to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and/or cash flows.

 

In August 2004, OneBeacon asserted claims against Liberty Mutual in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (the “Court”) for breach of contract and negligence with respect to agreements with Liberty Mutual (the “Liberty Agreements”). The portion of the contract claim relating to OBIC was submitted to arbitration and the Court stayed the remaining claims, including OneBeacon’s claims on behalf of its other insurance subsidiaries that were signatories to the Liberty Agreements, pending resolution of the arbitration. In August 2007, the arbitration panel issued an award in favor of OneBeacon on the portion of the breach of contract claim submitted to it finding that Liberty Mutual breached the Liberty Agreements. The panel awarded OneBeacon $4.5 million plus interest.

 

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

 

44



 

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

 

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

 

Refer to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in particular Item 3 — “Legal Proceedings” for a brief description of all other non-routine legal proceedings. Damages sought by the claimants do not exceed 10% of the Company’s current assets.

 

ITEM 1A.       RISK FACTORS

 

Our business is subject to a number of risks, including those identified in Item 1A. — “Risk Factors” of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, that could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity and that could cause our operating results to vary significantly from period to period. As of September 30, 2007, there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, although we may disclose changes to such factors or disclose additional factors from time to time in our future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

ITEM 2.          UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

On August 22, 2007, the Company’s board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $200.0 million of its Class A common shares from time to time, subject to market conditions. Shares may be repurchased on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. This program does not have a stated expiration date.

 

The following table includes information regarding repurchases by the Company of its Class A common shares during the periods indicated. All repurchased shares were retired.

 

 

 

Total Number of
Shares Repurchased

 

Average Price Paid
per Share

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plan

 

Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares That
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 1 – July 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

August 1 – August 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

September 1 – September 30, 2007

 

274,244

 

$

20.76

 

274,244

 

$

194.0 million

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

274,244

 

$

20.76

 

274,244

 

$

194.0 million

 

 

ITEM 6.          EXHIBITS

 

 

(a) Exhibits

 

 

 

31.1*

 

Certification of T. Michael Miller pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*

 

Certification of Paul H. McDonough pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1**

 

Certification of T. Michael Miller pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2**

 

Certification of Paul H. McDonough pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 


*      Filed Herewith

**    Furnished Herewith

 

45



 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ ANN MARIE ANDREWS

 

 

 

 

Ann Marie Andrews

Date: November 5, 2007

 

 

Chief Accounting Officer

 

46