UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
April 3, 2013
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Bermuda |
|
1-8993 |
|
94-2708455 |
(State or other jurisdiction of |
|
(Commission file |
|
(I.R.S. Employer |
80 South Main Street, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
(Address of principal executive offices)
(603) 640-2200
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
ITEM 7.01 Regulation FD.
Sirius International Group, Ltd. (SIG), a wholly-owned subsidiary of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd., is required to provide financial statements annually to the holders of its $400 million face value senior unsecured notes (the SIG Senior Notes) and its 250,000 non-cumulative perpetual preference shares with liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the SIG Preference Shares). The financial statements of SIG as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 are provided to the holders of the SIG Senior Notes and the SIG Preference Shares and concurrently furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1.
ITEM 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits. The following exhibit is furnished herewith:
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit number |
|
Name |
|
|
|
99.1 |
|
The financial statements of SIG as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD. | |
|
| |
DATED: April 3, 2013 |
By: |
/s/ J. BRIAN PALMER |
|
|
J. Brian Palmer |
|
|
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer |
Exhibit 99.1
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended
December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010
|
Page |
|
|
Report of Independent Auditors |
1 |
|
|
Consolidated Financial Statements: |
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 |
2 |
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 |
3 |
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 |
4 |
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 |
5 |
|
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
6 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To Board of Directors and Shareholders of Sirius International Group, Ltd.:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, shareholders equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sirius International Group, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the Company) at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
Boston, Massachusetts |
April 1, 2013 |
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
|
December 31, |
| ||||
Millions, except per share amounts |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
| ||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Fixed maturity investments, at fair value |
|
$ |
2,849.4 |
|
$ |
2,932.6 |
|
Short-term investments, at amortized cost (which approximates fair value) |
|
328.6 |
|
355.2 |
| ||
Common equity securities, at fair value |
|
251.1 |
|
234.3 |
| ||
Convertible fixed maturity investments, at fair value |
|
0.6 |
|
1.5 |
| ||
Other long term investments |
|
104.6 |
|
116.9 |
| ||
Total investments |
|
3,534.3 |
|
3,640.5 |
| ||
Cash |
|
91.0 |
|
66.5 |
| ||
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses |
|
321.8 |
|
339.7 |
| ||
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses |
|
14.6 |
|
13.9 |
| ||
Insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable |
|
330.7 |
|
258.3 |
| ||
Funds held by ceding companies |
|
127.4 |
|
106.5 |
| ||
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates |
|
504.7 |
|
346.9 |
| ||
Deferred acquisition costs |
|
71.4 |
|
63.5 |
| ||
Deferred tax asset |
|
429.7 |
|
336.3 |
| ||
Ceded unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums |
|
80.3 |
|
76.6 |
| ||
Accrued investment income |
|
29.5 |
|
31.6 |
| ||
Accounts receivable on unsettled investment sales |
|
0.4 |
|
0.6 |
| ||
Amount due from White Mountains Life Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd. |
|
437.8 |
|
765.2 |
| ||
Other assets |
|
138.3 |
|
100.1 |
| ||
Total assets |
|
$ |
6,111.9 |
|
$ |
6,146.2 |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves |
|
$ |
2,168.9 |
|
$ |
2,343.9 |
|
Unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums |
|
350.2 |
|
319.0 |
| ||
Variable annuity benefit guarantee |
|
437.8 |
|
765.2 |
| ||
Debt |
|
401.5 |
|
401.4 |
| ||
Deferred tax liability |
|
339.2 |
|
365.5 |
| ||
Funds held under reinsurance treaties |
|
37.8 |
|
29.3 |
| ||
Ceded reinsurance payable |
|
111.7 |
|
111.2 |
| ||
Accounts payable on unsettled investment purchases |
|
4.2 |
|
11.4 |
| ||
Dividend payable |
|
75.0 |
|
|
| ||
Other liabilities |
|
177.6 |
|
147.6 |
| ||
Total liabilities |
|
4,103.9 |
|
4,494.5 |
| ||
Shareholders equity and noncontrolling interests |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Shareholders equity |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common shares at $1.00 par value per share - authorized 12,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 12,000 shares |
|
0.1 |
|
0.1 |
| ||
Preference shares at $0.01 par value per share - 250,000 shares |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Paid-in surplus |
|
1,340.7 |
|
1,267.6 |
| ||
Retained earnings |
|
497.4 |
|
300.7 |
| ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), after-tax: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Equity in unrealized gains from investments in unconsolidated affiliates |
|
57.7 |
|
|
| ||
Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains |
|
86.3 |
|
46.7 |
| ||
Other, net |
|
(3.3 |
) |
(2.3 |
) | ||
Total shareholders equity |
|
1,978.9 |
|
1,612.8 |
| ||
Noncontrolling interests |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Noncontrolling interest - Prospector Offshore Fund, Ltd. |
|
29.1 |
|
38.9 |
| ||
Total noncontrolling interests |
|
29.1 |
|
38.9 |
| ||
Total equity |
|
2,008.0 |
|
1,651.7 |
| ||
Total liabilities and equity |
|
$ |
6,111.9 |
|
$ |
6,146.2 |
|
See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements including Note 16 for Commitments and Contingencies.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Gross written insurance and reinsurance premiums |
|
$ |
1,178.8 |
|
$ |
1,278.9 |
|
$ |
1,514.7 |
|
Net written insurance and reinsurance premiums |
|
$ |
947.7 |
|
$ |
1,066.5 |
|
$ |
1,301.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Earned insurance and reinsurance premiums |
|
$ |
931.6 |
|
$ |
1,180.2 |
|
$ |
1,325.7 |
|
Net investment income |
|
65.0 |
|
97.2 |
|
107.5 |
| |||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) |
|
17.3 |
|
55.8 |
|
(12.3 |
) | |||
Other revenue |
|
70.6 |
|
(20.5 |
) |
25.7 |
| |||
Total revenues |
|
1,084.5 |
|
1,312.7 |
|
1,446.6 |
| |||
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Loss and loss adjustment expenses |
|
543.9 |
|
818.6 |
|
881.8 |
| |||
Insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses |
|
180.8 |
|
247.3 |
|
282.3 |
| |||
Other underwriting expenses |
|
113.4 |
|
106.5 |
|
98.3 |
| |||
General and administrative expenses |
|
21.2 |
|
14.7 |
|
11.4 |
| |||
Accretion of fair value adjustment to loss and loss adjustment expense reserves |
|
10.6 |
|
8.3 |
|
8.5 |
| |||
Interest expense on debt |
|
26.2 |
|
31.6 |
|
26.6 |
| |||
Total expenses |
|
896.1 |
|
1,227.0 |
|
1,308.9 |
| |||
Pre-tax income |
|
188.4 |
|
85.7 |
|
137.7 |
| |||
Income tax benefit (expense) |
|
135.0 |
|
29.8 |
|
(14.4 |
) | |||
Income before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates |
|
323.4 |
|
115.5 |
|
123.3 |
| |||
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates |
|
23.4 |
|
(26.7 |
) |
14.1 |
| |||
Net income |
|
346.8 |
|
88.8 |
|
137.4 |
| |||
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests |
|
(2.3 |
) |
0.2 |
|
(3.2 |
) | |||
Net income before dividends on preference shares |
|
344.5 |
|
89.0 |
|
134.2 |
| |||
Dividends on preference shares |
|
(18.8 |
) |
(18.8 |
) |
(18.8 |
) | |||
Net income attributable to common shareholders |
|
$ |
325.7 |
|
$ |
70.2 |
|
$ |
115.4 |
|
Change in equity in net unrealized gains (losses) from investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax |
|
57.7 |
|
(103.6 |
) |
(4.2 |
) | |||
Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax |
|
39.4 |
|
(15.0 |
) |
49.4 |
| |||
Net change in other, net of tax (See Note 12) |
|
(1.0 |
) |
(0.4 |
) |
0.5 |
| |||
Comprehensive income (loss) |
|
$ |
421.8 |
|
$ |
(48.8 |
) |
$ |
161.1 |
|
See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity
|
|
Sirius Groups Shareholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Millions |
|
Common/ |
|
Retained |
|
AOCI, |
|
Total |
|
Noncontrolling |
|
Total Equity |
| ||||||
Balances at December 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
1,660.7 |
|
$ |
385.5 |
|
$ |
10.3 |
|
$ |
2,056.5 |
|
$ |
62.4 |
|
$ |
2,118.9 |
|
Cumulative effect adjustment - ASU 2009-17 |
|
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
(0.4 |
) | ||||||
Net income before dividends on preference shares |
|
|
|
134.2 |
|
|
|
134.2 |
|
3.2 |
|
137.4 |
| ||||||
Net change in unrealized investment losses from investments in unconsolidated affiliates |
|
|
|
|
|
(4.2 |
) |
(4.2 |
) |
|
|
(4.2 |
) | ||||||
Net change in foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
|
49.4 |
|
49.4 |
|
|
|
49.4 |
| ||||||
Net change in interest rate swap |
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
| ||||||
Dividends declared on preference shares |
|
|
|
(18.8 |
) |
|
|
(18.8 |
) |
|
|
(18.8 |
) | ||||||
Net change in other (See Note 12) |
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
| ||||||
Comprehensive income |
|
|
|
115.4 |
|
45.7 |
|
161.1 |
|
3.2 |
|
163.9 |
| ||||||
Dividends declared on common shares |
|
|
|
(88.0 |
) |
|
|
(88.0 |
) |
|
|
(88.0 |
) | ||||||
Dividends/distributions to noncontrolling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.2 |
) |
(2.2 |
) | ||||||
Return of capital |
|
(150.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(150.0 |
) |
|
|
(150.0 |
) | ||||||
Tax basis change due to purchase of Symetra common shares |
|
(4.4 |
) |
|
|
(6.0 |
) |
(10.4 |
) |
|
|
(10.4 |
) | ||||||
Premium on purchase of Symetra common shares |
|
25.5 |
|
|
|
34.1 |
|
59.6 |
|
|
|
59.6 |
| ||||||
Contributions from noncontrolling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22.8 |
) |
(22.8 |
) | ||||||
Balances at December 31, 2010 |
|
1,531.8 |
|
412.5 |
|
84.1 |
|
2,028.4 |
|
40.6 |
|
2,069.0 |
| ||||||
Net income (loss) before dividends on preference shares |
|
|
|
89.0 |
|
|
|
89.0 |
|
(0.2 |
) |
88.8 |
| ||||||
Net change in unrealized investment losses from investments in unconsolidated affiliates |
|
|
|
|
|
(103.6 |
) |
(103.6 |
) |
|
|
(103.6 |
) | ||||||
Net change in foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
|
(15.0 |
) |
(15.0 |
) |
|
|
(15.0 |
) | ||||||
Net change in interest rate swap |
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
| ||||||
Dividends declared on preference shares |
|
|
|
(18.8 |
) |
|
|
(18.8 |
) |
|
|
(18.8 |
) | ||||||
Net change in other (See Note 12) |
|
|
|
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
(0.7 |
) | ||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
70.2 |
|
(119.0 |
) |
(48.8 |
) |
(0.2 |
) |
(49.0 |
) | ||||||
Dividends declared on common shares |
|
|
|
(182.0 |
) |
|
|
(182.0 |
) |
|
|
(182.0 |
) | ||||||
Dividends/distributions to noncontrolling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.5 |
) |
(1.5 |
) | ||||||
Contribution of Symetra common shares and cash |
|
162.8 |
|
|
|
79.3 |
|
242.1 |
|
|
|
242.1 |
| ||||||
Return of capital |
|
(425.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(425.0 |
) |
|
|
(425.0 |
) | ||||||
Premium on purchase of OneBeacon shares |
|
(1.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.9 |
) |
|
|
(1.9 |
) | ||||||
Balances at December 31, 2011 |
|
1,267.7 |
|
300.7 |
|
44.4 |
|
1,612.8 |
|
38.9 |
|
1,651.7 |
| ||||||
Net income before dividends on preference shares |
|
|
|
344.5 |
|
|
|
344.5 |
|
2.3 |
|
346.8 |
| ||||||
Net change in unrealized investment losses from investments in unconsolidated affiliates |
|
|
|
|
|
57.7 |
|
57.7 |
|
|
|
57.7 |
| ||||||
Net change in foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
|
39.4 |
|
39.4 |
|
|
|
39.4 |
| ||||||
Net change in interest rate swap |
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
| ||||||
Dividends declared on preference shares |
|
|
|
(18.8 |
) |
|
|
(18.8 |
) |
|
|
(18.8 |
) | ||||||
Net change in other (See Note 12) |
|
|
|
|
|
(1.2 |
) |
(1.2 |
) |
|
|
(1.2 |
) | ||||||
Comprehensive income |
|
|
|
325.7 |
|
96.1 |
|
421.8 |
|
2.3 |
|
424.1 |
| ||||||
Dividends declared on common shares |
|
|
|
(129.0 |
) |
|
|
(129.0 |
) |
|
|
(129.0 |
) | ||||||
Dividends/distributions to noncontrolling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12.1 |
) |
(12.1 |
) | ||||||
Contribution of OneBeacon common shares |
|
85.5 |
|
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
84.7 |
|
|
|
84.7 |
| ||||||
Purchase of S.I. Holdings (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. (See Note 2) |
|
(13.4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(13.4 |
) |
|
|
(13.4 |
) | ||||||
Other, net |
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
| ||||||
Balances at December 31, 2012 |
|
$ |
1,340.8 |
|
$ |
497.4 |
|
$ |
140.7 |
|
$ |
1,978.9 |
|
$ |
29.1 |
|
$ |
2,008.0 |
|
See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||
Cash flows from operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net income |
|
$ |
346.8 |
|
$ |
88.8 |
|
$ |
137.4 |
|
(Credits) charges to reconcile net income to net cash (used for) provided from operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net realized and unrealized investment (gains) losses |
|
(17.3 |
) |
(55.8 |
) |
12.3 |
| |||
Excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost (See Note 2) |
|
(14.5 |
) |
(7.2 |
) |
(12.8 |
) | |||
International Medical Group, Inc. transaction (See Note 2) |
|
(15.0 |
) |
|
|
|
| |||
Undistributed equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, after-tax |
|
(7.3 |
) |
37.6 |
|
4.3 |
| |||
Other operating items: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net change in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves |
|
(259.7 |
) |
(379.4 |
) |
(141.1 |
) | |||
Net change in reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses |
|
45.5 |
|
112.3 |
|
36.4 |
| |||
Net change in unearned insurance and reinsurance premiums |
|
14.6 |
|
(100.3 |
) |
(43.3 |
) | |||
Net change in insurance and reinsurance premiums receivable |
|
(64.5 |
) |
7.0 |
|
(6.7 |
) | |||
Net change in deferred acquisition costs |
|
(5.0 |
) |
20.4 |
|
4.6 |
| |||
Net change in funds held by ceding companies |
|
(17.7 |
) |
105.0 |
|
53.6 |
| |||
Net change in funds held under reinsurance treaties |
|
6.6 |
|
(40.1 |
) |
(16.5 |
) | |||
Net change in current and deferred income taxes, net |
|
(120.5 |
) |
(30.5 |
) |
(8.4 |
) | |||
Net change in other assets and liabilities, net |
|
18.4 |
|
57.0 |
|
0.4 |
| |||
Net cash (used in) provided from operations |
|
(89.6 |
) |
(185.2 |
) |
20.2 |
| |||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net change in short-term investments |
|
44.8 |
|
140.6 |
|
714.2 |
| |||
Sales of fixed maturities and convertible fixed maturity investments |
|
2,500.1 |
|
3,101.5 |
|
1,678.7 |
| |||
Maturities, calls and paydowns of fixed maturity and convertible fixed maturity investments |
|
365.9 |
|
619.8 |
|
638.7 |
| |||
Sales of common equity securities |
|
35.3 |
|
127.0 |
|
127.6 |
| |||
Distributions and redemptions of other long-term investments |
|
16.1 |
|
105.9 |
|
99.8 |
| |||
Sales of consolidated subsidiaries and unconsolidated affiliates, net of cash sold |
|
9.8 |
|
|
|
21.8 |
| |||
Contributions to other long-term investments |
|
(11.7 |
) |
(20.0 |
) |
(61.8 |
) | |||
Purchases of common equity securities |
|
(36.1 |
) |
(80.6 |
) |
(146.3 |
) | |||
Purchases of fixed maturities and convertible fixed maturity investments |
|
(2,677.2 |
) |
(3,412.1 |
) |
(2,849.5 |
) | |||
Purchases of consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates, net of cash acquired |
|
(41.7 |
) |
(3.2 |
) |
(61.2 |
) | |||
Purchase of OneBeacon shares |
|
|
|
(23.1 |
) |
|
| |||
Net change in unsettled investment purchases and sales |
|
(7.0 |
) |
35.6 |
|
(22.7 |
) | |||
Other, net |
|
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
2.8 |
| |||
Net cash provided from investing activities |
|
198.3 |
|
590.5 |
|
142.1 |
| |||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Cash dividends paid on common shares |
|
(54.0 |
) |
(182.0 |
) |
(88.0 |
) | |||
Cash dividends paid on preference shares |
|
(18.8 |
) |
(18.8 |
) |
(18.8 |
) | |||
Premium on OneBeacon shares |
|
|
|
(1.9 |
) |
|
| |||
Purchase of S.I. Holdings (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. |
|
(14.5 |
) |
|
|
|
| |||
Return of capital |
|
|
|
(197.8 |
) |
(74.0 |
) | |||
Net cash used for financing activities |
|
(87.3 |
) |
(400.5 |
) |
(180.8 |
) | |||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
|
3.1 |
|
(1.5 |
) |
8.1 |
| |||
Net increase (decrease) in cash during year |
|
24.5 |
|
3.3 |
|
(10.4 |
) | |||
Cash balance at beginning of year |
|
66.5 |
|
63.2 |
|
73.6 |
| |||
Cash balance at end of year |
|
$ |
91.0 |
|
$ |
66.5 |
|
$ |
63.2 |
|
Supplemental cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Non-cash financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Dividend declared and unpaid |
|
$ |
(75.0 |
) |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Purchase of S.I. Holdings (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. |
|
$ |
1.1 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Return of capital of invested assets |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
(227.2 |
) |
$ |
(76.0 |
) |
Contribution of OneBeacon common shares |
|
$ |
84.7 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Contribution of Symetra common shares |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
162.8 |
|
$ |
21.1 |
|
See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) and include the accounts of Sirius International Group, Ltd. (the Company or SIG) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Company, Sirius Group) and other entities required to be consolidated under GAAP. The Company is a subsidiary of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (White Mountains or the Parent). White Mountains shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Bermuda Stock Exchange under the symbol WTM. The Company is an exempted Bermuda limited liability company whose wholly-owned subsidiaries provide insurance and reinsurance on a worldwide basis. Sirius Group provides insurance and reinsurance products for property, accident and health, aviation and space, trade credit, marine, agriculture and certain other exposures on a worldwide basis through its subsidiaries, Sirius International Insurance Corporation (Sirius International), Sirius America Insurance Company (Sirius America), and Lloyds Syndicate 1945 (Syndicate 1945). Sirius Group also specializes in the acquisition and management of runoff insurance and reinsurance companies both in the United States and internationally through White Mountains Solutions, Ltd (White Mountains Solutions). In 2012, White Mountains Solutions acquired four companies as described below. On December 30, 2011, Sirius Group completed a transaction led by White Mountains Solutions to acquire the runoff loss reserve portfolio of Old Lyme Insurance Company Ltd. (Old Lyme). The runoff loss reserve portfolio was contributed to White Shoals Re Ltd. (White Shoals Re). During 2012, Scandinavian Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (Scandinavian Re) was merged into White Shoals Re. Sirius International also owns Star Re Ltd. (Star Re), which is a licensed Bermuda domiciled reinsurer. Sirius Group also includes Central National Insurance Company of Omaha (Central National), which was acquired during the first quarter of 2010 and is in runoff (See Note 2).
During the fourth quarter of 2011, White Mountains completed a rebranding and reorganization (the Reorganization) of its reinsurance business. Under the Reorganization, White Mountains reinsurance businesses adopted the Sirius name globally and Sirius America became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sirius International.
Sirius International is a reinsurance company domiciled in Sweden with its home office in Stockholm, Sweden; and branch offices or subsidiaries in London, United Kingdom; Zurich, Switzerland; Singapore; Labuan, Malaysia; Sydney, Australia; Liege, Belgium; Copenhagen, Denmark; Hamburg, Germany; and Hamilton, Bermuda.
Sirius America is a reinsurance company domiciled in the state of New York with offices in New York, New York; Danbury, Connecticut; Miami, Florida; and Toronto, Ontario.
In 2011, Sirius Group established Syndicate 1945, which focused on writing accident and health and contingency business. Effective in 2013, Syndicate 1945 licenses have been approved to include property and marine business. Syndicate 1945 began writing business effective July 1, 2011 and had gross written premiums net of commissions of $57.8 million and $4.8 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Syndicate 1945 has Lloyds approved net capacity for 2013 of £92.6 million ($150.5 million based on the December 31, 2012 GBP to USD exchange rate).
White Mountains Solutions, with offices in Glastonbury, Connecticut, was formed in 2000, and is comprised of financial, actuarial and claims professionals experienced in the management and resolution of complex insurance liabilities as well as the structuring of transactions designed to enable owners to exit an insurance business and extract trapped capital.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In November 2012, WM Solutions completed acquisitions of four runoff entities following receipt of regulatory approvals. The transactions included the acquisition of Physicians Insurance Company of Ohio (PICO) and Citation Insurance Company (Citation) from PICO Holdings and also the acquisition of two American International Group, Inc. (AIG) runoff subsidiaries, American General Indemnity Company (American General) and American General Property Insurance Company (American General Property). WM Solutions acquired 100% of the stock of PICO and Citation for the purchase price of $15.1 million and 100% of the stock of American General and American General Property for the purchase price of $35.3 million. In total these transactions resulted in an after-tax gain of $14.5 million recorded in other revenue.
In addition, on December 11, 2012, WM Solutions announced the execution of a definitive agreement to acquire American Fuji Fire and Marine Insurance Company from AIG and on February 15, 2013, executed a definitive agreement to acquire Empire Insurance Company from Leucadia National Corporation. The acquisition of American Fuji Fire closed on March 29, 2013. The acquisition of Empire Insurance Company is expected to close during the first half of 2013 subject to receipt of regulatory approvals.
Scandinavian Re, merged into White Shoals Re in 2012, was a multi-line reinsurance company that was acquired by White Mountains in 2004 along with Sirius International and has been in runoff since 2002.
As of December 31, 2012, Sirius Group had two investments in unconsolidated affiliates. Sirius Group holds an investment in common shares of OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. (OneBeacon), a majority-owned subsidiary of White Mountains, which together with Sirius Group owned 75.2% of OneBeacons outstanding common shares at December 31, 2012. OneBeacon is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol OB. Sirius Group owned 15.1% of OneBeacon outstanding common shares at December 31, 2012. On March 28, 2012, White Mountains contributed an additional 7,100,000 shares of OneBeacon with a carrying value of $84.7 million to Sirius Group. Also, on March 27, 2012, Star Re sold 100,000 common shares of OneBeacon with a carrying value of $1.2 million to White Mountains for $1.5 million. Sirius Group also holds an investment in common shares of Symetra Financial Corporation (Symetra). Symetra is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SYA. Sirius Group owned 14.6% of Symetra outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2012. Both OneBeacon and Symetra are accounted for under the equity method. In 2010, Sirius Group sold its investment in another unconsolidated affiliate, Lightyear Delos Acquisition Corporation (Delos) (See Note 12).
All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 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 and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
Marketing and Distribution
Sirius Group obtains most of its reinsurance submissions from reinsurance intermediaries that represent the ceding company. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, Sirius Group received a majority of its gross reinsurance premiums written from three major, third-party reinsurance intermediaries as detailed in the following table:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
| ||||
Gross written premium by intermediary |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
AON Re/Benfield |
|
32 |
% |
31 |
% |
35 |
% |
Guy Carpenter |
|
19 |
|
19 |
|
19 |
|
Willis Re |
|
8 |
|
10 |
|
10 |
|
Total |
|
59 |
% |
60 |
% |
64 |
% |
During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, Sirius Group received no more than 10% of its gross written premiums from any individual ceding company (excluding the 2011 and 2010 amounts assumed from Esurance Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Esurance Insurance) See Note 15).
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Geographic Concentration
The following table shows Sirius Groups net written premiums by geographic region based on the location of the ceding company for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:
Geographic region |
|
Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||||
United States |
|
$ |
433.2 |
|
$ |
587.3 |
|
$ |
834.5 |
|
Europe |
|
293.4 |
|
271.8 |
|
284.7 |
| |||
Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Latin America |
|
104.7 |
|
100.7 |
|
102.8 |
| |||
Asia and Other |
|
116.4 |
|
106.7 |
|
79.4 |
| |||
Total |
|
$ |
947.7 |
|
$ |
1,066.5 |
|
$ |
1,301.4 |
|
Sirius Group conducts a significant portion of its business outside of the United States. As a result, a significant portion of Sirius Groups assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and are therefore subject to foreign currency risk. Sirius Groups foreign currency risk cannot be eliminated entirely and significant changes in foreign exchange rates may adversely affect Sirius Groups results of operations and financial condition.
Our foreign operations are subject to legal, political and operational risks that may be greater than those present in the United States. As a result, our operations at these foreign locations could be temporarily or permanently disrupted.
Significant Accounting Policies
Investment securities
At December 31, 2012, Sirius Groups invested assets consisted of securities and other investments held for general investment purposes. Sirius Groups portfolio of fixed maturity investments and common equity securities held for general investment purposes are classified as trading and are reported at fair value as of the balance sheet date. Changes in unrealized gains and losses are reported in revenues on a pre-tax basis. Realized investment gains and losses are accounted for using the specific identification method and are reported pre-tax in revenues. Premiums and discounts on all fixed maturity investments are accreted or amortized to income over the anticipated life of the investment.
Sirius Groups invested assets measured at fair value include fixed maturity securities, common and preferred equity securities, convertible fixed maturity securities and other long-term investments, such as interests in hedge funds and private equity funds. In determining its estimates of fair value, Sirius Group uses a variety of valuation approaches and inputs. Whenever possible, Sirius Group estimates fair value using valuation methods that maximize the use of quoted prices and other observable inputs. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets have the highest priority (Level 1), followed by observable inputs other than quoted prices including prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities (Level 2), and unobservable inputs, including the reporting entitys estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use, having the lowest priority (Level 3).
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of both December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately 96% of the investment portfolio recorded at fair value was priced based upon quoted market prices or other observable inputs. Investments valued using Level 1 inputs include fixed maturity investments, primarily investments in U.S. Treasuries, common equities and short-term investments, which include U.S. Treasury Bills. Investments valued using Level 2 inputs comprise fixed maturity investments including corporate debt, state and other governmental debt, convertible fixed maturity securities and mortgage and asset-backed securities. Fair value estimates for investments that trade infrequently and have few or no observable market prices are classified as Level 3 measurements. Level 3 fair value estimates based upon unobservable inputs include Sirius Groups investments in hedge funds and private equity funds, as well as investments in certain debt securities, including asset-backed securities, where quoted market prices are unavailable. Sirius Group uses brokers and outside pricing services to assist in determining fair values. For investments in active markets, Sirius Group uses the quoted market prices provided by outside pricing services to determine fair value. The outside pricing services used by Sirius Group have indicated that if no observable inputs are available for a security, they will not provide a price. In those circumstances, Sirius Group estimates the fair value using industry standard pricing models and observable inputs such as benchmark interest rates, matrix pricing, market comparables, broker quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit rating prepayment speeds and other relevant inputs. Sirius Group performs procedures to validate the market prices obtained from the outside pricing sources. Such procedures, which cover substantially all of its fixed maturity investments include, but are not limited to, evaluation of model pricing methodologies and review of the pricing services quality control processes and procedures on at least an annual basis, comparison of market prices to prices obtained from a different independent pricing vendors on at least a semi-annual basis, monthly analytical reviews of certain prices, and review of assumptions utilized by the pricing service for selected measurements on an ad hoc basis throughout the year. Sirius Group also performs back-testing of selected sales activity to determine whether there are any significant differences between the market price used to value the security prior to sale and the actual sale price on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year. Prices provided by the pricing services that vary by more than 5% and $1 million from the expected price based on these procedures are considered outliers. In circumstances where the results of Sirius Groups review process do not appear to support the market price provided by the pricing services, Sirius Group challenges the price. During the past year, approximately five securities fell outside Sirius Groups expected results, thereby triggering the challenge with the pricing service. If Sirius Group cannot gain satisfactory evidence to support the challenged price, it relies upon its own pricing methodologies to estimate the fair value of the security in question. The fair values of such securities are considered to be Level 3 measurements.
Sirius Groups investments in debt securities, including asset-backed securities, are generally valued using matrix and other pricing models. Key inputs include benchmark yields, benchmark securities, reported trades, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit ratings and prepayment speeds. Income on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities is recognized using an effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When actual prepayments differ significantly from anticipated prepayments, the estimated economic life is recalculated and the remaining unamortized premium or discount is amortized prospectively over the remaining economic life.
Short-term investments consist of money market funds, certificates of deposit and other securities which, at the time of purchase, mature or become available for use within one year. Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximated fair value as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
Other long-term investments
Sirius Groups other long-term investments comprise primarily of hedge funds and private equity funds. Sirius Group made the fair value election for most of its investments in hedge funds and private equity interests. For the hedge fund and private equity investments for which Sirius Group has made the fair value election, changes in fair value are reported in revenues on a pre-tax basis. For those hedge fund and private equity investments for which Sirius Group has not made the fair value election, Sirius Group accounts for its interests under the equity method.
Warrants
On December 30, 2011, Sirius Group agreed to sell its investment in warrants to acquire Symetra common shares (the Symetra warrants) to White Mountains for $12.6 million in cash, which was their estimated fair value at the time. The warrants gave the company the right to acquire 9,487,872 common shares of Symetra. Prior to the exchange, the Symetra warrants were reflected as investments in unconsolidated affiliates (See Note 12).
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
DerivativesVariable annuity reinsurance
Sirius Group has entered into agreements to reinsure death and living benefit guarantees associated with certain variable annuities in Japan. The accounting for benefit guarantees differs depending on whether or not the guarantee is classified as a derivative or an insurance liability.
Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (GMABs) are paid to an annuitant for any shortfall between accumulated account value at the end of the accumulation period and the annuitants total deposit, less any withdrawal payments made to the annuitant during the accumulation period. GMABs meet the definition of a derivative for accounting purposes. Therefore, GMABs are carried at fair value, with changes thereon recognized in income in the period of the change. The liability for the reinsured GMAB contracts has been determined using internal valuation models that use assumptions for interest rates, equity markets, foreign exchange rates and market volatilities at the valuation date, as well as annuitant-related actuarial assumptions, including surrender and mortality rates.
If an annuitant dies during the accumulation period of an annuity contract, guaranteed minimum death benefits (GMDBs) are paid to the annuitants beneficiary for shortfalls between accumulated account value at the time of an annuitants death and the annuitants total deposit, less any living benefit payments or withdrawal payments previously made to the annuitant. Sirius Group has elected to measure its GMDB liabilities at fair value.
The valuation of these liabilities involves significant judgment and is subject to change based upon changes in capital market assumptions and emerging surrender and mortality experience of the underlying contracts in force.
Concurrent with the agreement to reinsure death and living benefit guarantees associated with certain variable annuities in Japan, Sirius International entered into an agreement with White Mountains Life Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd. (WM Life Re), a wholly-owned subsidiary of White Mountains, whereby 100% of the liability of Sirius Group is retroceded to WM Life Re. As of December 31, 2012, annuity contracts mature within 3 years on average (with a maximum of 3½ years and a minimum of 2½ years remaining).
Under the terms of its reinsurance contracts, Sirius International is required to maintain or cause an affiliate to maintain eligible assets (generally cash, short-term investments and hedge assets such as options and futures) equal to the fair value of the liability, as defined in the reinsurance contract, for the benefit of the cedent. WM Life Re funded these eligible assets in 2012, 2011, and 2010. Increases in the fair value of the liability in excess of the increase in value of the hedge assets, caused by events such as a decrease in surrender assumptions or underperformance of the hedging portfolio, must therefore be funded by Sirius International or an affiliate on a current basis. The actual amounts that must be paid to settle the contracts may not be known and generally will not begin to become payable until June of 2015.
Sirius International had amounts due from WM Life Re in the amount of $437.8 million and $765.2 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011. Sirius Group also has amounts due to the Japanese ceding company in regards to the variable annuities of $437.8 million and $765.2 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, Sirius Group recorded fee income in other revenue of $0.5 million for both periods from WM Life Re.
Cash
Cash includes amounts on hand and demand deposits with banks and other financial institutions. Amounts presented in the statement of cash flows are shown net of balances acquired and sold in the purchase or sale of the Companys consolidated subsidiaries and exclude changes in amounts of restricted cash (See Note 11).
Insurance and reinsurance
Sirius Group accounts for insurance policies and reinsurance contracts that it writes in accordance with ASC 944, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises. Premiums written are recognized as revenues and are earned ratably over the term of the related policy or reinsurance treaty. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written that are applicable to future insurance or reinsurance coverage provided by policies or treaties in force.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Deferred acquisition costs represent commissions and brokerage expenses which are directly attributable to and vary with the production of business. These costs are deferred and amortized, to the extent they relate to successful contract acquisitions, over the applicable premium recognition period as insurance and reinsurance acquisition expenses. Deferred acquisition costs are limited to the amount expected to be recovered from future earned premiums and anticipated investment income. This limitation is referred to as a premium deficiency. A premium deficiency is recognized if the sum of expected loss and loss adjustment expenses (LAE), expected dividends to policyholders, unamortized acquisition costs, and maintenance costs exceeds related unearned premiums and anticipated investment income. A premium deficiency is recognized by charging any unamortized acquisition costs to expense to the extent required in order to eliminate the deficiency. If the premium deficiency exceeds unamortized acquisition costs then a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency.
Losses and LAE are charged against income as incurred. Unpaid insurance losses and LAE are based on estimates (generally determined by claims adjusters, legal counsel and actuarial staff) of the ultimate costs of settling claims, including the effects of inflation and other societal and economic factors. Unpaid reinsurance losses and LAE are based primarily on reports received from ceding companies and actuarial projections. Unpaid loss and LAE reserves represent managements best estimate of ultimate losses and LAE, net of estimated salvage and subrogation recoveries, if applicable. Such estimates are regularly reviewed and updated and any adjustments resulting there from are reflected in current operations. The process of estimating loss and LAE involves a considerable degree of judgment by management and the ultimate amount of expense to be incurred could be considerably greater than or less than the amounts currently reflected in the financial statements.
Sirius Group enters into ceded reinsurance contracts from time to time to protect their businesses from losses due to concentration of risk, to manage their operating leverage ratios and to limit losses arising from catastrophic events. Such reinsurance contracts are executed through excess of loss treaties and catastrophe contracts under which the reinsurer indemnifies for a specified part or all of certain types of losses over stipulated amounts arising from any one occurrence or event. Sirius Group has also entered into quota share treaties with reinsurers under which all risks meeting prescribed criteria are covered on a pro-rata basis. The amount of each risk ceded by Sirius Group is subject to maximum limits which vary by line of business and type of coverage.
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policies. The collectability of reinsurance recoverables is subject to the solvency of the reinsurers. Sirius Group is selective in regard to its selection of reinsurers, principally placing reinsurance with those reinsurers with a strong financial condition, industry ratings and underwriting ability. Management monitors the financial condition and ratings of its reinsurers on an ongoing basis.
Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements and reserves related to reinsured business are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums ceded to other companies are reported as a reduction of premiums written. Expense allowances received in connection with reinsurance ceded have been accounted for as a reduction of the related policy acquisition costs and are deferred and amortized accordingly. Funds held by ceding companies represent amounts due to Sirius Group in connection with certain assumed reinsurance agreements in which the ceding company retains a portion of the premium to provide security against future loss payments. The funds held by ceding companies are generally invested by the ceding company and a contractually agreed interest amount is credited to Sirius Group and recognized as investment income. Funds held under reinsurance treaties represent contractual payments due to the reinsurer that Sirius Group has retained to secure obligations of the reinsurer. Such amounts are recorded as liabilities in the consolidated financial statements.
Accruals for contingent commission liabilities are established for reinsurance contracts that provide for the stated commission percentage to increase or decrease based on the loss experience of the contract. Changes in the estimated liability for such arrangements are recorded as contingent commissions. Accruals for contingent commission liabilities are determined through the review of the contracts that have these adjustable features and are estimated based on expected loss and LAE.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Deferred software costs
Sirius Group capitalizes costs related to computer software developed for internal use during the application development stage of software development projects. These costs generally consist of certain external, payroll and payroll-related costs. Amortization is on a straight-line basis and over a useful life of three years. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, Sirius Group had unamortized deferred software costs of $8.7 million and $6.9 million.
Federal and foreign income taxes
The Company is domiciled in Bermuda but has subsidiaries domiciled in several countries, and is therefore subject to tax in various jurisdictions. 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.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded when a difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts for tax purposes exists, and for other temporary differences. The deferred tax asset or liability is recorded based on tax rates expected to be in effect when the difference reverses. The deferred tax asset is recognized when it is more likely than not that it will be realized.
Foreign currency exchange
The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for Sirius Groups businesses except for Sirius International and the Canadian branch of Sirius America. Sirius Group also invests in securities denominated in foreign currencies. Assets and liabilities recorded in these foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are converted using the average exchange rates for the period. Net foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the translation are generally reported in shareholders equity, in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.
Assets and liabilities relating to foreign operations are translated into the functional currency using current exchange rates; revenues and expenses are translated into the functional currency using the weighted average exchange rate for the period. The resulting exchange gains and losses are reported as a component of net income in the period in which they arise. For the years ended 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company recognized foreign currency translation gains (losses) of $39.9 million, $(54.2) million and $22.6 million, respectively in other revenue. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, Sirius Group had unrealized foreign currency translation gains of $86.3 million and $46.7 million recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on its consolidated balance sheet.
The following rates of exchange for the U.S. dollar have been used for the most significant operations:
|
|
Opening |
|
Closing |
|
Opening |
|
Closing |
|
Currency |
|
Rate 2012 |
|
Rate 2012 |
|
Rate 2011 |
|
Rate 2011 |
|
Swedish kronor |
|
6.8645 |
|
6.4973 |
|
6.7030 |
|
6.8645 |
|
British pound |
|
0.6434 |
|
0.6154 |
|
0.6420 |
|
0.6434 |
|
Canadian dollar |
|
1.0193 |
|
0.9955 |
|
0.9981 |
|
1.0193 |
|
Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling interests consist of the ownership interests of noncontrolling shareholders in consolidated subsidiaries, and are presented separately on the balance sheet. The portion of comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests is presented net of related income taxes in the statement of operations and comprehensive income.
Sirius Group has determined that the Prospector Offshore Fund, Ltd. (the Prospector Fund) is a variable interest entity for which Sirius Group is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate the Prospector Fund (See Note 13).
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Preference shares
On May 24, 2007, the Company issued 250,000 non-cumulative perpetual preference shares with a $1,000 per share liquidation preference (the SIG Preference Shares). Proceeds of $245.7 million, net of $4.3 million of issuance costs and commissions, were received from the issuance. These shares were issued in an offering that was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. Holders of the SIG Preference Shares receive dividends on a non-cumulative basis when and if declared by the Company. The holders of the SIG Preference Shares have the right to elect two directors to the Companys board in the event of non-payment of dividends for six quarterly dividend periods. The right ceases upon the payment of dividends for four quarterly periods or the redemption of the SIG Preference Shares. In addition, the Company may not declare or pay dividends on its common shares (other than stock dividends and dividends paid for purposes of any employee benefit plans of the Company and its subsidiaries) unless it is current on its most recent dividend period. The dividend rate is fixed at an annual rate of 7.506% until June 30, 2017. After June 30, 2017, the dividend rate will be paid at a floating annual rate, equal to the greater of 3 month LIBOR plus 3.20% or 7.506%. The SIG Preference Shares are redeemable solely at the discretion of the Company on or after June 30, 2017 at their liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, plus any declared but unpaid dividends. Prior to June 30, 2017, the Company may elect to redeem the SIG Preference Shares at an amount equal to the greater of 1) the aggregate liquidation preference of the shares to be redeemed and 2) the sum of the present values of the aggregate liquidation preference of the shares to be redeemed and the remaining scheduled dividend payments on the shares to be redeemed (excluding June 30, 2017), discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at a rate equal to the rate on a comparable treasury issue, plus 45 basis points.
In the event of liquidation of the Company, the holders of the SIG Preference Shares would have preference over the common shareholders and would receive a distribution equal to the liquidation preference per share, subject to availability of funds.
Recently Adopted Changes in Accounting Principles
Transfers of Financial Assets and Amendments to FIN 46R
On June 12, 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-16, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140 (included in ASC 860) and ASU 2009-17, Amendments to FIN46(R) (included in ASC 810). Both ASU 2009-16 and ASU 2009-17 became effective as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period that began after November 15, 2009. Sirius Group adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2010.
Upon adoption, Sirius Group determined that its ownership interest in Tuckerman Fund II did not meet the criteria for consolidation under the revised guidance for variable interest entities and, accordingly, effective January 1, 2010, Sirius Group deconsolidated its investment in Tuckerman Fund II. Upon deconsolidation, Sirius Group made the fair value election for its investment in Tuckerman Fund II and recognized an adjustment to decrease opening retained earnings by $0.4 million.
Policy Acquisition Costs
On January 1, 2012, Sirius Group adopted ASU 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts (ASC 944). The new standard changes the types of policy acquisition costs that are eligible for deferral. Specifically, the new guidance limits deferrable costs to those that are incremental direct costs of contract acquisition and certain costs related to acquisition activities performed by the insurer, such as underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical and inspection costs and sales force contract selling. The ASU defines incremental direct costs as those costs that result directly from and were essential to the contract acquisition and would not have been incurred absent the acquisition. Accordingly, under the new guidance, deferrable acquisition costs are limited to costs related to successful contract acquisitions. Acquisition costs that are not eligible for deferral are to be charged to expense in the period incurred.
Sirius Group adopted ASU 2010-26 prospectively. Upon adoption, there was no material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Fair Value Measurements
On January 1, 2012, Sirius Group adopted ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The ASU clarifies existing guidance with respect to the concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise and measuring instruments classified within a reporting entitys shareholders equity. The ASU also clarifies disclosure requirements, requiring disclosure of quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU also amends existing guidance. In circumstances where a reporting entity manages a portfolio of financial assets and liabilities based on the net market and counterparty credit risk exposures, the ASU permits determination of the fair value of those instruments to be based on the net risk exposure. In addition, the ASU permits the application of premiums or discounts to be applied in a fair value measurement to the extent that market participants would consider them in valuing the financial instruments. The ASU also expands the required disclosures for Level 3 measurements, requiring that reporting entities provide a narrative description of the sensitivity of Level 3 fair value measurements to changes in unobservable inputs and the interrelationships between those inputs, if any. (See Note 5).
Comprehensive Income
For fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2011, ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (ASC220) became effective, which requires all components of comprehensive income to be reported in a continuous financial statement or in two consecutive statements displaying the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income. Since Sirius Group presents comprehensive income in a continuous financial statement, adoption of ASU 2011-05 had no effect on Sirius Groups financial statement presentation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
On December 16, 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (ASC 210). The new standard expands the required disclosures in circumstance where either balances have been offset or the right of offset exists. The required disclosures are intended to provide information to enable financial statement users to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on a reporting entitys financial position. Disclosures required under the new standard include the gross amount of assets and liabilities recognized; the amounts that have been offset to arrive at the amounts presented in the statement of financial position; and any amounts subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement, whether or not such amounts have been offset. In addition, a description of the rights of set off should be disclosed. ASU 2011-11 is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Sirius Group is party to master netting arrangements in connection with the derivative instruments held by WM Life Re and discloses information regarding the amounts covered under such agreements as well as the amounts of collateral held and provided. Accordingly, Sirius Group does not expect any significant changes to its disclosures upon adoption.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 2. Significant Transactions
Sirius Group completed the following transactions:
· On December 3, 2012, WM Solutions acquired four runoff entities including PICO and Citation from PICO Holdings and two AIG runoff subsidiaries, American General and American General Property. These transactions resulted in a gain of $14.5 million recorded in other revenue.
· On August 29, 2012, Sirius Groups investment in International Medical Group, Inc. (IMG) was sold. A $15.0 million gain on sale was recorded in other revenue.
· On March 28, 2012, White Mountains contributed an additional 7,100,000 common shares of OneBeacon with a carrying value of $84.7 million to Sirius Group resulting in an $85.5 million increase in additional paid-in capital and a reduction of $0.8 million in accumulated other comprehensive income.
· On March 27, 2012, Star Re sold 100,000 common shares of OneBeacon with a carrying value of $1.2 million to White Mountains for $1.5 million, resulting in an increase in additional paid-in capital of $0.3 million.
· On January 24, 2012, Sirius Group acquired S.I. Holdings (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. (S.I. Holdings), previously OneBeacon Holdings (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., from OneBeacon for the purchase price of $13.4 million (See Note 7).
· On December 30, 2011, Sirius Group acquired the runoff loss reserve portfolio of Old Lyme, a Bermuda-based reinsurer in runoff, for $6.0 million in cash and a purchase note for $2.1 million. The transaction resulted in a gain of $7.2 million recorded in other revenues.
· On December 30, 2011, Sirius Group agreed to sell its investment of Symetra warrants to White Mountains for $12.6 million in cash.
· On October 7, 2011, White Mountains contributed White Mountains Holdings NLBV to Sirius Group. White Mountains Holdings NLBV held 9,348,470 common shares of Symetra with a carrying value of $241.2 million and $0.9 million of cash. Sirius Group recorded its investment in White Mountains Holdings NLBV at its book value of $242.1 million which included net unrealized gains on investments of $79.3 million (See Note 12).
· On July 1, 2011, White Mountains exchanged to Sirius Group 1,902,587 common shares of OneBeacon for $25.0 million in cash. As of result of this transaction, Sirius Group recorded investments in OneBeacon at its book value of $23.1 million, resulting in a $1.9 million return of capital to White Mountains (See Note 12).
· On July 1, 2010, White Mountains exchanged 8,051,530 common shares of Symetra with a book value of $159.6 million to Sirius Group for cash and investments equal to the fair value of the Symetra common shares of $100.0 million. As a result of this transaction, Sirius Group recognized $21.1 million in additional paid-in capital and $28.1 million in unrealized gains through other comprehensive income (net of deferred taxes of $10.4 million).
· On February 26, 2010, Sirius Group acquired Central National for $5.0 million in cash. Central National ceased writing business in 1989 and has operated under the control of the Nebraska Department of Insurance since 1990. The transaction resulted in a gain of $12.8 million recorded in other revenue.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 3. Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Sirius Group establishes loss and LAE reserves that are estimates of amounts needed to pay claims and related expenses in the future for reinsured events that have already occurred. Sirius Group also obtains reinsurance whereby another reinsurer contractually agrees to indemnify Sirius Group for all or a portion of the reinsurance risks underwritten by Sirius Group. Such arrangements, where one reinsurer provides reinsurance to another reinsurer, are usually referred to as retrocessional reinsurance arrangements. Sirius Group establishes estimates of amounts recoverable from retrocessional reinsurance in a manner consistent with the loss and LAE liability associated with reinsurance contracts offered to its customers (the ceding companies), net of an allowance for uncollectible amounts. Net reinsurance loss reserves represent loss and LAE reserves reduced by retrocessional reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses.
The estimation of net reinsurance loss and LAE reserves is subject to the same risk as the estimation of insurance loss and LAE reserves. In addition to those risk factors which give rise to inherent uncertainties in establishing insurance loss and LAE reserves, the inherent uncertainties of estimating such reserves are even greater for the reinsurer, due primarily to: (1) the claim-tail for reinsurers being further extended because claims are first reported to the original primary insurance company and then through one or more intermediaries or reinsurers, (2) the diversity of loss development patterns among different types of reinsurance treaties or facultative contracts, (3) the necessary reliance on the ceding companies for information regarding reported claims and (4) the differing reserving practices among ceding companies.
As with insurance reserves, the process of estimating reinsurance reserves involves a considerable degree of judgment by management and, as of any given date, is inherently uncertain. Based on the above, such uncertainty may be larger relative to the reserves for a company that principally writes reinsurance compared to an insurance company, and certainty may take a longer time to emerge.
Upon notification of a loss from an insured (typically a ceding company), Sirius Group establishes case reserves, including LAE reserves, based upon Sirius Groups share of the amount of reserves established by the insured and Sirius Groups independent evaluation of the loss. In cases where available information indicates that reserves established by a ceding company are inadequate, Sirius Group establishes case reserves or IBNR in excess of its share of the reserves established by the ceding company. Also, in certain instances, Sirius Group may decide not to establish case reserves or IBNR, when the information available indicates that reserves established by ceding companies are not adequately supported. In addition, specific claim information reported by insureds or obtained through claim audits can alert management to emerging trends such as changing legal interpretations of coverage and liability, claims from unexpected sources or classes of business, and significant changes in the frequency or severity of individual claims where customary. Generally, ceding company audits are not customary outside the United States. This information is often used to supplement estimates of IBNR.
Although loss and LAE reserves are initially determined based on underwriting and pricing analyses, Sirius Group regularly reviews the adequacy of its recorded reserves by using a variety of generally accepted actuarial methods, including historical incurred and paid loss development methods. If actual loss activity differs substantially from expectations, an adjustment to recorded reserves may be warranted. As time passes, loss reserve estimates for a given year will rely more on actual loss activity and historical patterns than on initial assumptions based on pricing indications.
The actuarial methods described above are used to calculate a point estimate of loss and LAE reserves for each company within Sirius Group. These point estimates are then aggregated to produce an actuarial point estimate for the entire segment. Once a point estimate is established, Sirius Groups actuaries estimate loss reserve ranges to measure the sensitivity of the actuarial assumptions used to set the point estimates. These ranges are calculated from historical variations in loss ratios, payment and reporting patterns by class and type of business.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve summary
The following table summarizes the loss and LAE reserve activities of Sirius Group for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||
Gross beginning balance |
|
$ |
2,343.9 |
|
$ |
2,728.1 |
|
$ |
2,777.9 |
|
Less beginning reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses |
|
(339.7 |
) |
(450.7 |
) |
(578.5 |
) | |||
Net loss and LAE reserve balance |
|
2,004.2 |
|
2,277.4 |
|
2,199.4 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Loss and LAE reserves acquired (1) |
|
17.0 |
|
21.0 |
|
17.6 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Losses and LAE incurred relating to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Current year losses |
|
578.4 |
|
879.1 |
|
954.2 |
| |||
Prior years losses |
|
(34.5 |
) |
(60.5 |
) |
(72.4 |
) | |||
Total net incurred losses and LAE |
|
543.9 |
|
818.6 |
|
881.8 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Accretion of fair value adjustment to net loss and LAE reserves |
|
10.6 |
|
8.3 |
|
8.5 |
| |||
Foreign currency translation adjustment to net loss and LAE reserves |
|
12.9 |
|
0.1 |
|
4.7 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Loss and LAE paid relating to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Current year losses |
|
180.2 |
|
372.8 |
|
385.8 |
| |||
Prior years losses |
|
561.3 |
|
748.4 |
|
448.8 |
| |||
Total loss and LAE payments |
|
741.5 |
|
1,121.2 |
|
834.6 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net ending balance |
|
1,847.1 |
|
2,004.2 |
|
2,277.4 |
| |||
Plus ending reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses |
|
321.8 |
|
339.7 |
|
450.7 |
| |||
Gross ending balance |
|
$ |
2,168.9 |
|
$ |
2,343.9 |
|
$ |
2,728.1 |
|
(1) Loss and LAE reserves acquired relate to WM Solutions purchases of PICO, Citation, American General, and American General Property in 2012, Old Lyme in 2011 and Central National in 2010
Loss and LAE development 2012
During the year ended December 31, 2012, Sirius Group experienced $34.5 million of net favorable loss reserve development. The major reductions in loss reserve estimates were recognized in casualty runoff ($31.5 million), property ($28.4 million), marine/energy ($11.6 million), trade credit ($6.8 million), and aviation/space ($5.3 million) lines, partially offset by a $46.4 million increase in asbestos loss reserves and a $4.3 million increase in accident and health.
Loss and LAE development 2011
During the year ended December 31, 2011, Sirius Group experienced $60.5 million of net favorable loss reserve development, primarily attributable to $41.2 million of favorable development on property lines, including $13.1 million of loss reserve reductions for the 2010 Chile earthquake, as well as $13.6 million of net favorable loss reserve development arising from the Esurance Insurance quota share arrangement (See Note 15), partially offset by asbestos and environmental increases of $12.3 million.
Loss and LAE development 2010
During the year ended December 31, 2010, Sirius Group experienced $72.4 million of net favorable loss reserve development, primarily related to short-tailed lines, such as property, accident and health and marine, in recent underwriting years. Included in the $72.4 million favorable loss reserve development was the recognition of $16.3 million in deferred gains from a retrocessional reinsurance contract that incepted in 2000 and was fully collected in 2010. Partially offsetting the favorable loss reserve development were $7.3 million of additional losses related to asbestos and environmental (A&E) exposures. In addition, there was $15.3 million of net favorable loss reserve development arising from the Esurance Insurance quota share arrangement (See Note 15).
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Fair value adjustment to loss and LAE reserves
In connection with purchase accounting for the acquisitions of Old Lyme, American General Property, and Stockbridge Insurance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sirius America until it was sold on November 1, 2007, after substantially all of its assets and liabilities were transferred to Sirius America through a Transfer and Assumption Agreement, Sirius Group was required to adjust loss and LAE reserves and the related reinsurance recoverables to fair value on their respective acquired balance sheets. The net reduction to loss and LAE reserves is being recognized through an income statement charge ratably with and over the period the claims are settled.
Sirius Group recognized $10.6 million, $8.3 million and $8.5 million of such charges, recorded as loss and LAE during 2012, 2011 and 2010. As of December 31, 2012, the pre-tax un-accreted adjustment was $5.4 million.
Asbestos and environmental loss and loss adjustment expense reserve activity
Sirius Groups reserves include provisions made for claims that assert damages from asbestos and environmental related exposures primarily at Sirius America. Asbestos claims relate primarily to injuries asserted by those who came in contact with asbestos or products containing asbestos. Environmental claims relate primarily to pollution and related clean-up cost obligations, particularly as mandated by U.S. federal and state environmental protection agencies. In addition to the factors described above regarding the reserving process, Sirius Group estimates its A&E reserves based upon, among other factors, facts surrounding reported cases and exposures to claims, such as policy limits and deductibles, current law, past and projected claim activity and past settlement values for similar claims, as well as analysis of industry studies and events, such as recent settlements and asbestos-related bankruptcies. The cost of administering A&E claims, which is an important factor in estimating loss reserves, tends to be higher than in the case of non-A&E claims due to the higher legal costs typically associated with A&E claims.
In 2012, Sirius Group increased its net A&E exposure through two incoming runoff portfolios acquired by White Mountains Solutions. These acquisitions added $11.0 million in net asbestos reserves and $0.7 million in net environmental reserves.
The acquisition of companies having modest portfolios of A&E exposure has been typical of several prior White Mountains Solutions transactions and is likely to be an element of at least some future acquisitions. However, the acquisition of new A&E liabilities is undertaken only after careful due diligence and utilizing conservative reserving assumptions in relation to industry benchmarks. In the case of those portfolios acquired during 2012, the exposures arise almost entirely from old assumed reinsurance contracts having small limits of liability.
In addition to the $11.0 million increase in asbestos reserves from the two incoming portfolios acquired by White Mountains Solutions mentioned above, Sirius Group recorded $46.4 million and $10.3 million of asbestos-related incurred losses and LAE on its already existing asbestos reserves in 2012 and 2011, respectively. In the first six months of 2012, Sirius Group increased net asbestos reserves by $12.0 million in response to its quarterly monitoring of newly reported claims. Based on the monitoring trends noted in the first six months 2012, Sirius Group conducted an in-depth analysis of its asbestos exposure, which was completed in third quarter. The main focus of the analysis was on the internal claims analysis of all treaty and facultative contracts likely to have asbestos exposure. An external expert with extensive asbestos claims experience was utilized to enhance the review. This analysis entailed examining total expected asbestos losses and LAE from a variety of information sources, including previous asbestos studies, reported client data and external benchmarking scenarios. The analysis resulted in a net asbestos loss reserve increase of $33.0 million recognized in third quarter. An additional $2.0 million of asbestos losses were recognized in fourth quarter 2012. The 2011 incurred losses were primarily the result of managements monitoring of a variety of metrics including: actual paid and reported claims activity; net survival ratios; peer comparisons; and industry benchmarks.
Offsetting the $0.7 million increase in environmental reserves mentioned above, Sirius Group recorded a decrease of $0.5 million in 2012 of environmental-related losses on its already existing reserves in 2012. In 2011, Sirius Group recorded $2.0 million of environmental losses.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Sirius Groups net reserves for A&E losses were $189.4 million and $162.7 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Sirius Groups A&E three-year net loss paid survival ratio was approximately 9.0 years and 11.1 years at December 31, 2012 and 2011. The decrease in the paid survival ratio in 2012 was driven by an unusually high net paid loss of $8.5 million made in first quarter 2012 to commute one of Sirius Groups top five asbestos exposures.
Sirius Groups reserves for A&E losses at December 31, 2012 represent managements best estimate of its ultimate liability based on information currently available. However, as case law expands, and medical and clean-up costs increase and industry settlement practices change, Sirius Group may be subject to A&E losses beyond currently estimated amounts. Sirius Group cannot reasonably estimate at the present time loss reserve additions arising from any such future adverse developments and cannot be sure that allocated loss reserves will be sufficient to cover additional liability arising from any such adverse developments.
The following table summarizes reported A&E loss and LAE reserve activities (gross and net of reinsurance) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||||
Net A&E Loss Reserve Activity |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| ||||||||||||
Millions |
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
Gross |
|
Net |
| ||||||
Asbestos: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
185.1 |
|
$ |
146.2 |
|
$ |
191.9 |
|
$ |
151.5 |
|
$ |
187.0 |
|
$ |
146.6 |
|
Losses and LAE acquired |
|
11.0 |
|
11.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.4 |
|
9.7 |
| ||||||
Incurred losses and LAE |
|
46.8 |
|
46.4 |
|
13.6 |
|
10.3 |
|
9.0 |
|
7.3 |
| ||||||
Paid losses and LAE |
|
(34.7 |
) |
(29.4 |
) |
(20.4 |
) |
(15.6 |
) |
(14.5 |
) |
(12.1 |
) | ||||||
Ending balance |
|
208.2 |
|
174.2 |
|
185.1 |
|
146.2 |
|
191.9 |
|
151.5 |
| ||||||
Environmental: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Beginning balance |
|
22.1 |
|
16.5 |
|
22.4 |
|
18.1 |
|
22.2 |
|
17.9 |
| ||||||
Losses and LAE acquired |
|
0.7 |
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
2.4 |
| ||||||
Incurred losses and LAE |
|
(0.1 |
) |
(0.5 |
) |
2.9 |
|
2.0 |
|
(2.5 |
) |
(1.3 |
) | ||||||
Paid losses and LAE |
|
(2.3 |
) |
(1.5 |
) |
(3.2 |
) |
(3.6 |
) |
(0.8 |
) |
(0.9 |
) | ||||||
Ending balance |
|
20.4 |
|
15.2 |
|
22.1 |
|
16.5 |
|
22.4 |
|
18.1 |
| ||||||
Total asbestos and environmental: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Beginning balance |
|
207.2 |
|
162.7 |
|
214.3 |
|
169.6 |
|
209.2 |
|
164.5 |
| ||||||
Losses and LAE acquired |
|
11.7 |
|
11.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
13.9 |
|
12.1 |
| ||||||
Incurred losses and LAE |
|
46.7 |
|
45.9 |
|
16.5 |
|
12.3 |
|
6.5 |
|
6.0 |
| ||||||
Paid losses and LAE |
|
(37.0 |
) |
(30.9 |
) |
(23.6 |
) |
(19.2 |
) |
(15.3 |
) |
(13.0 |
) | ||||||
Ending balance |
|
$ |
228.6 |
|
$ |
189.4 |
|
$ |
207.2 |
|
$ |
162.7 |
|
$ |
214.3 |
|
$ |
169.6 |
|
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 4. Third Party Reinsurance
In the normal course of business, Sirius Groups subsidiaries may seek to limit losses that may arise from catastrophes or other events by reinsuring with third-party reinsurers. Sirius Group remains liable for risks reinsured in the event that the reinsurer does not honor its obligations under reinsurance contracts. The effects of reinsurance on Sirius Groups subsidiaries written and earned premiums and on losses and LAE were as follows:
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||
Written premiums: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Direct |
|
$ |
186.1 |
|
$ |
139.5 |
|
$ |
121.6 |
|
Assumed |
|
992.7 |
|
1,139.4 |
|
1,393.1 |
| |||
Gross written premiums |
|
1,178.8 |
|
1,278.9 |
|
1,514.7 |
| |||
Ceded |
|
(231.1 |
) |
(212.4 |
) |
(213.3 |
) | |||
Net written premiums |
|
$ |
947.7 |
|
$ |
1,066.5 |
|
$ |
1,301.4 |
|
Earned premiums: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Direct |
|
$ |
169.9 |
|
$ |
128.5 |
|
$ |
117.9 |
|
Assumed |
|
988.3 |
|
1,290.1 |
|
1,407.5 |
| |||
Gross earned premiums |
|
1,158.2 |
|
1,418.6 |
|
1,525.4 |
| |||
Ceded |
|
(226.6 |
) |
(238.4 |
) |
(199.7 |
) | |||
Net earned premiums |
|
$ |
931.6 |
|
$ |
1,180.2 |
|
$ |
1,325.7 |
|
Losses and LAE: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Direct |
|
$ |
96.9 |
|
$ |
80.0 |
|
$ |
59.4 |
|
Assumed |
|
523.9 |
|
820.5 |
|
1,035.2 |
| |||
Gross losses and LAE |
|
620.8 |
|
900.5 |
|
1,094.6 |
| |||
Ceded |
|
(76.9 |
) |
(81.9 |
) |
(212.8 |
) | |||
Net losses and LAE |
|
$ |
543.9 |
|
$ |
818.6 |
|
$ |
881.8 |
|
Sirius Groups reinsurance protection primarily consists of pro-rata and excess of loss protections to cover aviation, trade credit, and certain property exposures. Sirius Groups proportional reinsurance programs provide protection for part of the nonproportional treaty accounts written in Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. These reinsurance protections are designed to increase underwriting capacity where appropriate, and to reduce exposure both to large catastrophe losses and to a frequency of smaller loss events. Attachment points and coverage limits vary by region around the world. In addition to its proportional reinsurance, Sirius Group also purchases excess of loss reinsurance protection for $15.0 million in excess of a retention of $5.0 million for the facultative and direct property portfolios written by the Stockholm, Hamburg and London branches (excluding business written in the United States). For the facultative and direct property portfolios written by the Hamburg and Stockholm branches, an additional $15.0 million of reinsurance protection in excess of the $20.0 million coverage has been purchased for 2013. Sirius Group also has $5.0 million of protection in excess of a retention of $5.0 million for the London branch for facultative and direct U.S.-catastrophe exposed business (excluding Florida risks), which was renewed through June 30, 2013. As a result of hurricane Sandy in October 2012, Sirius Group recognized a full $5.0 million recovery on this account.
In 2012, 2011, and 2010, Sirius Group has had in place excess of loss retrocessional coverage for its non-U.S. and non-Japan earthquake-related exposures. This cover was renewed for one year at April 1, 2012, providing $17.0 million of reinsurance protection through partially placed coverage of a $40.0 million layer in excess of Sirius Groups retention of $35.0 million. In addition, Sirius Group purchased two industry loss warranty (ILW) contracts that provide $10.0 million of coverage for a first event non-U.S. and non-Japan earthquake loss at a market loss event of $7.5 billion or more, with $5.0 million of additional coverage for a second market loss event at this level. Sirius Group also has $37.5 million of New Madrid earthquake ILW coverage through March 2013 that provides reinsurance protection both on a first and second market event of $20.0 billion.
In addition, Sirius Group has an ILW providing $5.0 million of coverage for a first loss European windstorm and flood at a market loss event of $5.0 billion, which expired in March, 2013. During the fourth quarter 2012, additional ILW protections providing $40.0 million of reinsurance coverage were purchased at different market loss levels for wind, flood, and all natural perils in Europe or Scandinavia, with the majority of these covers having expired in March, 2013.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2012, losses incurred for the February 2011 New Zealand earthquake totaled $47.0 million, $2.0 million of which was covered by Sirius Groups non-U.S. and non-Japan earthquake coverage. During 2010, as a result of the Chile Earthquake in February 2010, Sirius Group recovered $65.0 million under its non-U.S. and non-Japan earthquake coverage, which was a full limit loss.
Sirius Groups aviation reinsurance program is intended to reduce exposure to a frequency of small losses, a single large loss, or a combination of both. In 2013, for the proportional and facultative aviation portfolios, reinsurance protection purchases were generally for coverage on losses from events that cause a market loss in excess of $150.0 million up to a full airline policy limit of $2.25 billion, including clash coverage. This program is in effect through November 2013. For the non-proportional aviation portfolio, reinsurance protection includes a 15% quota share treaty. In addition, the non-proportional portfolio is protected by $33.0 million in the form of first event ILWs, and $5.0 million of available limit in the form of second event ILWs. The first event ILWs attach at industry loss levels between $400.0 million and $1.0 billion. The majority of the reinsurance protections, excluding ILWs, include a reinstatement of the cover in case of loss.
For the marine yacht portfolio written by the London branch, reinsurance coverage is in place for $9.8 million in excess of a retention of $0.3 million.
For accident and health, Sirius Group has excess of loss protection covering personal accident and life of 10.0 million ($13.0 million based on the December 31, 2012 EUR to USD exchange rate) of protection in excess of a 5.0 million ($7.0 million based on the December 31, 2012 EUR to USD exchange rate) retention for the Stockholm, Hamburg, Liege and Singapore branches.
For 2012, Sirius Group ceded 20% and 50% of its trade credit and bond business, respectively, under a quota share retrocession, which supported growth in this line. The treaty was renewed for 2013.
Almost all of Sirius Groups excess of loss reinsurance protections, excluding ILWs, include provisions that reinstate coverage at a cost of 100% or more of the original reinsurance premium.
At December 31, 2012, Sirius Group had $14.6 million of reinsurance recoverables on paid losses and $321.8 million of reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses that will become recoverable if claims are paid in accordance with current reserve estimates. Because retrocessional reinsurance contracts do not relieve Sirius Group of its obligation to its insureds, the collectability of balances due from Sirius Groups reinsurers is critical to its financial strength. Sirius Group monitors the financial strength and ratings of retrocessionaires on an ongoing basis.
The following table provides a listing of Sirius Groups five reinsurers based upon recoverable amounts, the percentage of total recoverables and the reinsurers A.M. Best Rating.
Top Reinsurers ($ in millions) |
|
Balance at |
|
% of Total |
|
A.M. Best |
|
% Collateralized |
| |
General Reinsurance Corporation |
|
$ |
56.2 |
|
17 |
% |
A++ |
|
|
|
Swiss Re Group |
|
36.4 |
|
11 |
% |
A+ |
|
2 |
% | |
Olympus Reisurance Company (2) |
|
29.6 |
|
9 |
% |
NR-5 |
|
100 |
% | |
Lloyds of London (3) |
|
19.4 |
|
6 |
% |
A |
|
8 |
% | |
Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (4) |
|
14.7 |
|
4 |
% |
N/A |
|
|
| |
(1) A.M. Best ratings as detailed above are: A++ (Superior, which is the highest of 16 financial strength ratings), A+ (Superior, which is the second highest of 16 financial strength ratings), and A (Excellent, which is the third highest of 16 financial strength ratings).
(2) Non-U.S. insurance entity. The balance is fully collateralized through funds held, letters of credit or trust agreements.
(3) Represents the total of reinsurance recoverables due to Sirius Group from all Lloyds Syndicates.
(4) Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) is a non-profit unincorporated association, established by the State of Michigan with the power to issue and collect assessments, to which every insurance company that sells automobile coverage in Michigan is required to be a member. AM Best does not rate MCCA. Sirius Group acquired its recoverable from MCCA in the acquisition of Stockbridge Insurance Company. As part of the acquisition, Sirius Group obtained $25.0 million of reinsurance protection from the seller (currently rated A+ by A.M. Best) for unfavorable loss reserve development, including uncollectible reinsurance.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 5. Investment Securities
Net Investment Income
Sirius Groups net investment income is comprised primarily of interest income associated with Sirius Groups fixed maturity investments, dividend income from its equity investments and interest income from its short-term investments.
Pre-tax net investment income for 2012, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||
Investment income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Fixed maturity investments |
|
$ |
68.6 |
|
$ |
96.0 |
|
$ |
109.0 |
|
Short-term investments |
|
2.9 |
|
6.7 |
|
1.7 |
| |||
Common equity securities |
|
4.5 |
|
4.4 |
|
5.6 |
| |||
Convertible fixed maturity investments |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
0.1 |
| |||
Other long-term investments |
|
0.8 |
|
4.6 |
|
5.7 |
| |||
Interest on funds held under reinsurance treaties |
|
0.6 |
|
(0.5 |
) |
(1.7 |
) | |||
Total investment income |
|
77.4 |
|
112.0 |
|
120.4 |
| |||
Investment expenses |
|
(12.4 |
) |
(14.8 |
) |
(12.9 |
) | |||
Net investment income, pre-tax |
|
$ |
65.0 |
|
$ |
97.2 |
|
$ |
107.5 |
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
The following table summarizes net realized investment gains (losses) and changes in the carrying value of investments measured at fair value:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2012 |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
Net realized |
|
Net foreign |
|
Total net |
| |||
Fixed maturity investments |
|
$ |
54.7 |
|
$ |
(48.5 |
) |
$ |
6.2 |
|
Short-term investments |
|
|
|
(4.2 |
) |
(4.2 |
) | |||
Common equity securities |
|
25.9 |
|
(0.1 |
) |
25.8 |
| |||
Convertible fixed maturity investments |
|
(17.8 |
) |
(1.8 |
) |
(19.6 |
) | |||
Other long-term investments |
|
12.1 |
|
(2.7 |
) |
9.4 |
| |||
Forward contracts |
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) | |||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses), pre-tax |
|
74.6 |
|
(57.3 |
) |
17.3 |
| |||
Income taxes attributable to realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) |
|
3.3 |
|
(10.4 |
) |
(7.1 |
) | |||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses), after-tax |
|
$ |
77.9 |
|
$ |
(67.7 |
) |
$ |
10.2 |
|
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2011 |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
Net realized |
|
Net foreign |
|
Total net |
| |||
Fixed maturity investments |
|
$ |
38.8 |
|
$ |
30.5 |
|
$ |
69.3 |
|
Short-term investments |
|
|
|
(10.9 |
) |
(10.9 |
) | |||
Common equity securities |
|
(4.0 |
) |
(1.7 |
) |
(5.7 |
) | |||
Convertible fixed maturity investments |
|
(3.0 |
) |
|
|
(3.0 |
) | |||
Other long-term investments |
|
3.2 |
|
2.9 |
|
6.1 |
| |||
Forward Contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses), pre-tax |
|
35.0 |
|
20.8 |
|
55.8 |
| |||
Income taxes attributable to realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) |
|
(10.7 |
) |
(5.1 |
) |
(15.8 |
) | |||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses), after-tax |
|
$ |
24.3 |
|
$ |
15.7 |
|
$ |
40.0 |
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2010 |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
Net realized |
|
Net foreign |
|
Total net |
| |||
Fixed maturity investments |
|
$ |
17.3 |
|
$ |
(60.6 |
) |
$ |
(43.3 |
) |
Short-term investments |
|
|
|
(8.3 |
) |
(8.3 |
) | |||
Common equity securities |
|
22.3 |
|
(8.0 |
) |
14.3 |
| |||
Convertible fixed maturity investments |
|
(1.9 |
) |
|
|
(1.9 |
) | |||
Other long-term investments |
|
24.2 |
|
2.7 |
|
26.9 |
| |||
Forward Contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses), pre-tax |
|
61.9 |
|
(74.2 |
) |
(12.3 |
) | |||
Income taxes attributable to realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) |
|
(16.2 |
) |
(16.8 |
) |
(33.0 |
) | |||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses), after-tax |
|
$ |
45.7 |
|
$ |
(91.0 |
) |
$ |
(45.3 |
) |
Sirius Group recognized gross realized investment gains of $63.8 million, $102.9 million and $104.7 million and gross realized investment losses of $45.2 million, $92.2 million and $53.1 million on sales of investment securities during 2012, 2011, and 2010.
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011 Sirius Group reported $0.4 million, and $0.6 million in accounts receivable, and $4.2 million, and $11.4 million in accounts payable on unsettled trades, respectively, reported within other assets and other liabilities.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table summarizes the amount of total gains (losses) included in earnings attributable to unrealized investment gains (losses) for Level 3 investments for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||
Fixed maturity investments |
|
$ |
0.8 |
|
$ |
(4.3 |
) |
$ |
6.9 |
|
Common equity securities |
|
3.0 |
|
(1.6 |
) |
(25.5 |
) | |||
Convertible fixed maturity investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Other long-term investments |
|
5.9 |
|
(19.8 |
) |
34.3 |
| |||
Total unrealized investment gains (losses), pre-tax - Level 3 investments |
|
$ |
9.7 |
|
$ |
(25.7 |
) |
$ |
15.7 |
|
The components of Sirius Groups change in unrealized investment gains (losses), after-tax, as recorded on the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||
Change in equity in net unrealized gains (losses) from investments in unconsolidated affiliates, pre-tax |
|
$ |
62.8 |
|
$ |
(108.8 |
) |
$ |
(5.0 |
) |
Income tax benefit (expense) |
|
(5.1 |
) |
5.2 |
|
0.8 |
| |||
Change in equity in net unrealized gains (losses) from investments in unconsolidated affiliates, after-tax |
|
57.7 |
|
(103.6 |
) |
(4.2 |
) | |||
Change in net unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) on investments through accumulated other comprehensive income, after-tax |
|
95.5 |
|
(41.4 |
) |
84.5 |
| |||
Total investments gains (losses) through accumulated other comprehensive income, after-tax |
|
153.2 |
|
(145.0 |
) |
80.3 |
| |||
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses), after-tax |
|
10.2 |
|
40.0 |
|
(45.3 |
) | |||
Total investment gains (losses) recorded during the period, after-tax |
|
$ |
163.4 |
|
$ |
(105.0 |
) |
$ |
35.0 |
|
Investment Holdings
The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, net foreign currency gains and losses, and carrying values of Sirius Groups fixed maturity investments as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, were as follows:
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
| |||||||||||||
|
|
Cost or |
|
Gross |
|
Gross |
|
Net foreign |
|
|
| |||||
|
|
amortized |
|
unrealized |
|
unrealized |
|
currency |
|
Carrying |
| |||||
Millions |
|
cost |
|
gains |
|
losses |
|
gains (losses) |
|
value |
| |||||
Fixed maturity investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
US Government and agency obligations |
|
$ |
131.4 |
|
$ |
0.3 |
|
$ |
(0.1 |
) |
$ |
(1.2 |
) |
$ |
130.4 |
|
Debt securities issued by industrial corporations |
|
1,306.0 |
|
53.7 |
|
(0.5 |
) |
(23.0 |
) |
1,336.2 |
| |||||
Municipal obligations |
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.0 |
| |||||
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities |
|
893.1 |
|
8.4 |
|
(0.4 |
) |
(9.4 |
) |
891.7 |
| |||||
Foreign government, agency and provincial obligations |
|
490.1 |
|
6.4 |
|
(0.6 |
) |
(8.6 |
) |
487.3 |
| |||||
Preferred stocks |
|
1.6 |
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
1.8 |
| |||||
Total fixed maturity investments |
|
$ |
2,824.2 |
|
$ |
69.1 |
|
$ |
(1.6 |
) |
$ |
(42.3 |
) |
$ |
2,849.4 |
|
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
December 31, 2011 |
| |||||||||||||
|
|
Cost or |
|
Gross |
|
Gross |
|
Net foreign |
|
|
| |||||
|
|
amortized |
|
unrealized |
|
unrealized |
|
currency |
|
Carrying |
| |||||
Millions |
|
cost |
|
gains |
|
losses |
|
gains (losses) |
|
value |
| |||||
Fixed maturity investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
US Government and agency obligations |
|
$ |
85.8 |
|
$ |
3.5 |
|
$ |
(0.1 |
) |
$ |
0.4 |
|
$ |
89.6 |
|
Debt securities issued by industrial corporations |
|
1,080.9 |
|
35.3 |
|
(5.5 |
) |
(3.0 |
) |
1,107.7 |
| |||||
Municipal obligations |
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5 |
| |||||
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities |
|
1,162.6 |
|
11.0 |
|
(2.7 |
) |
10.5 |
|
1,181.4 |
| |||||
Foreign government, agency and provincial obligations |
|
543.0 |
|
10.4 |
|
|
|
(3.5 |
) |
549.9 |
| |||||
Preferred stocks |
|
4.0 |
|
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
3.5 |
| |||||
Total fixed maturity investments |
|
$ |
2,876.8 |
|
$ |
60.2 |
|
$ |
(8.8 |
) |
$ |
4.4 |
|
$ |
2,932.6 |
|
The weighted average duration of Sirius Groups fixed maturity portfolio at December 31, 2012 was approximately 2.5 years, including short-term investments, and approximately 2.8 years excluding short-term investments.
The cost or amortized cost and carrying value of Sirius Groups fixed maturity investments and convertible fixed maturity investments, at December 31, 2012 is presented below by contractual maturity. Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
| ||||
Millions |
|
Cost or |
|
Carrying |
| ||
Due in one year or less |
|
$ |
198.5 |
|
$ |
196.4 |
|
Due after one year through five years |
|
1,365.7 |
|
1,380.9 |
| ||
Due after five years through ten years |
|
350.7 |
|
363.7 |
| ||
Due after ten years |
|
15.2 |
|
15.5 |
| ||
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities |
|
893.1 |
|
891.7 |
| ||
Preferred stocks |
|
1.6 |
|
1.8 |
| ||
Total |
|
$ |
2,824.8 |
|
$ |
2,850.0 |
|
The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, net foreign currency gains and losses, and carrying values of Sirius Groups common equity securities, convertible fixed maturity investments and other long-term investments as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, were as follows:
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
| |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net foreign |
|
|
| |||||
|
|
Cost or |
|
Gross unrealized |
|
Gross unrealized |
|
Currency |
|
Carrying |
| |||||
Millions |
|
amortized cost |
|
gains |
|
losses |
|
gains (losses) |
|
Value |
| |||||
Common equity securities |
|
$ |
211.5 |
|
$ |
40.5 |
|
$ |
(0.8 |
) |
$ |
(0.1 |
) |
$ |
251.1 |
|
Convertible fixed maturity investments |
|
$ |
0.6 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
0.6 |
|
Other long-term investments |
|
$ |
99.3 |
|
$ |
16.4 |
|
$ |
(5.0 |
) |
$ |
(6.1 |
) |
$ |
104.6 |
|
|
|
December 31, 2011 |
| |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net foreign |
|
|
| |||||
|
|
Cost or |
|
Gross unrealized |
|
Gross unrealized |
|
Currency |
|
Carrying |
| |||||
Millions |
|
amortized cost |
|
gains |
|
losses |
|
gains (losses) |
|
Value |
| |||||
Common equity securities |
|
$ |
216.2 |
|
$ |
20.9 |
|
$ |
(2.8 |
) |
$ |
|
|
$ |
234.3 |
|
Convertible fixed maturity investments |
|
$ |
1.5 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
1.5 |
|
Other long-term investments |
|
$ |
120.7 |
|
$ |
17.3 |
|
$ |
(17.7 |
) |
$ |
(3.4 |
) |
$ |
116.9 |
|
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Sales and maturities of investments, excluding short-term investments, totaled $2,901.3 million, $3,848.3 million, and $2,445.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. There were no non-cash exchanges or involuntary sales of investment securities during 2012, 2011 or 2010.
Investments held on deposit or as collateral
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, investments of $35.0 million and $38.2 million, respectively, were held in trusts required to be maintained in relation to various reinsurance agreements. Sirius Groups consolidated reinsurance operations are required to maintain deposits with certain insurance regulatory agencies in order to maintain their insurance licenses. The fair value of such deposits which are included within total investments totaled $145.0 million and $130.7 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Fair value measurements at December 31, 2012
As of both December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately 96% of Sirius Groups investment portfolio recorded at fair value was priced based upon quoted market prices or other observable inputs. Investments valued using Level 1 inputs include fixed maturity investments, primarily investments in U.S. Treasuries, common equities and short-term investments, which include U.S. Treasury Bills. Investments valued using Level 2 inputs consist of fixed maturity investments including corporate debt, state and other governmental debt, convertible fixed maturity securities and mortgage and asset-backed securities. Fair value estimates for investments that trade infrequently and have few or no observable market prices are classified as Level 3 measurements. Level 3 fair value estimates based upon unobservable inputs include Sirius Groups investments in hedge funds and private equity funds, as well as investments in certain debt securities where quoted market prices are unavailable. Sirius Group uses brokers and outside pricing services to assist in determining fair values. For investments in active markets, Sirius Group uses the quoted market prices provided by outside pricing services to determine fair value. The outside pricing services used by Sirius Group have indicated that if no observable inputs are available for a security, they will not provide a price. In those circumstances, Sirius Group estimates the fair value using industry standard pricing models and observable inputs such as benchmark interest rates, matrix pricing, market comparables, broker quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit rating, prepayment speeds and other relevant inputs. Sirius Group performs procedures to validate the market prices obtained from the outside pricing sources. Such procedures, which cover substantially all of its fixed maturity investments include, but are not limited to, evaluation of model pricing methodologies and review of the pricing services quality control processes and procedures on at least an annual basis, comparison of market prices to prices obtained from different independent pricing vendors on at least a semi-annual basis, monthly analytical reviews of certain prices, and review of assumptions utilized by the pricing service for selected measurements on an ad hoc basis throughout the year. Sirius Group also performs back-testing of selected sales activity to determine whether there are any significant differences between the market price used to value the security prior to sale and the actual sale price on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year. Prices provided by the pricing services that vary by more than 5.0% and $1.0 million from the expected price based on these procedures are considered outliers. In circumstances where the results of Sirius Groups review process do not appear to support the market price provided by the pricing services, Sirius Group challenges the price. If Sirius Group cannot gain satisfactory evidence to support the challenged price, it relies upon its own pricing methodologies to estimate the fair value of the security in question. The fair values of such securities are considered to be Level 3 measurements.
Sirius Groups investments in debt securities are generally valued using matrix and other pricing models. Key inputs include benchmark yields, benchmark securities, reported trades, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit ratings and prepayment speeds. Income on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities is recognized using an effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When actual prepayments differ significantly from anticipated prepayments, the estimated economic life is recalculated and the remaining unamortized premium or discount is amortized or accreted prospectively over the remaining economic life.
Sirius Group employs a number of procedures to assess the reasonableness of the fair value measurements for its other long-term investments, including obtaining and reviewing the audited annual financial statements of each hedge fund and private equity fund and periodically discussing each funds pricing with the fund manager. However, since the fund managers do not provide sufficient information to evaluate the pricing inputs and methods for each underlying investment, the inputs are considered to be unobservable. Accordingly, the fair value of Sirius Groups investments in hedge funds and private equity funds has been classified as Level 3 measurements. The fair value of Sirius Groups investments in hedge funds and private equity funds has been determined using net asset value.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In addition to the investments described above, Sirius Group has $37.9 million and $31.2 million of investment-related liabilities recorded at fair value and included in other liabilities as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. These liabilities relate to securities that have been sold short by limited partnerships in which Sirius Group has investments and is required to consolidate under GAAP. All of the liabilities included have a Level 1 designation.
Fair Value Measurements by Level
The following tables summarize Sirius Groups fair value measurements for investments at December 31, 2012 and 2011, by level:
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
| ||||||||||
Millions |
|
Fair value |
|
Level 1 Inputs |
|
Level 2 Inputs |
|
Level 3 Inputs |
| ||||
Fixed maturities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
U.S. Government and agency obligations |
|
$ |
130.4 |
|
$ |
130.3 |
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Debt securities issued by corporations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Consumer |
|
386.0 |
|
|
|
386.0 |
|
|
| ||||
Industrial |
|
227.2 |
|
|
|
227.2 |
|
|
| ||||
Financials |
|
197.1 |
|
1.0 |
|
196.1 |
|
|
| ||||
Communications |
|
188.4 |
|
|
|
188.4 |
|
|
| ||||
Utilities |
|
118.6 |
|
|
|
118.6 |
|
|
| ||||
Energy |
|
114.6 |
|
|
|
114.6 |
|
|
| ||||
Basic materials |
|
98.2 |
|
|
|
98.2 |
|
|
| ||||
Technology |
|
6.1 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
|
|
| ||||
Diversified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Total debt securities issued by corporations: |
|
1,336.2 |
|
1.0 |
|
1,335.2 |
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Municipal obligations |
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
| ||||
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities |
|
891.7 |
|
|
|
874.9 |
|
16.8 |
| ||||
Foreign government, agency and provincial obligations |
|
487.3 |
|
46.3 |
|
441.0 |
|
|
| ||||
Preferred stocks |
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
| ||||
Total fixed maturity investments |
|
2,849.4 |
|
177.6 |
|
2,655.0 |
|
16.8 |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Short-term investments |
|
328.6 |
|
328.6 |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Common equity securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Financials |
|
129.2 |
|
93.8 |
|
0.9 |
|
34.5 |
| ||||
Consumer |
|
54.3 |
|
54.3 |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Technology |
|
21.9 |
|
21.9 |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Energy |
|
14.0 |
|
14.0 |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Basic materials |
|
12.0 |
|
12.0 |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Utilities |
|
6.7 |
|
6.5 |
|
0.2 |
|
|
| ||||
Other |
|
13.0 |
|
12.2 |
|
0.8 |
|
|
| ||||
Total common equity securities |
|
251.1 |
|
214.7 |
|
1.9 |
|
34.5 |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments |
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
| ||||
Other long-term investments(1) |
|
90.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
90.8 |
| ||||
Total investments |
|
$ |
3,520.5 |
|
$ |
720.9 |
|
$ |
2,657.5 |
|
$ |
142.1 |
|
(1) Excludes carrying value of $13.9 associated with other long-term investment limited partnerships accounted for using the equity method and $(0.1) associated with currency forward contracts.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
December 31, 2011 |
| ||||||||||
Millions |
|
Fair value |
|
Level 1 Inputs |
|
Level 2 Inputs |
|
Level 3 Inputs |
| ||||
Fixed maturities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
U.S. Government and agency obligations |
|
$ |
89.6 |
|
$ |
80.8 |
|
$ |
8.8 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Debt securities issued by corporations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Consumer |
|
418.0 |
|
|
|
418.0 |
|
|
| ||||
Industrial |
|
174.8 |
|
|
|
174.8 |
|
|
| ||||
Financials |
|
161.4 |
|
3.8 |
|
157.6 |
|
|
| ||||
Communications |
|
121.7 |
|
|
|
121.7 |
|
|
| ||||
Utilities |
|
74.5 |
|
|
|
74.5 |
|
|
| ||||
Energy |
|
79.5 |
|
|
|
79.5 |
|
|
| ||||
Basic materials |
|
68.9 |
|
|
|
68.9 |
|
|
| ||||
Technology |
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
| ||||
Diversified |
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
| ||||
Total debt securities issued by corporations: |
|
1,107.7 |
|
3.8 |
|
1,103.9 |
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Municipal obligations |
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
| ||||
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities |
|
1,181.4 |
|
|
|
1,168.6 |
|
12.8 |
| ||||
Foreign government, agency and provincial obligations |
|
549.9 |
|
58.3 |
|
491.6 |
|
|
| ||||
Preferred stocks |
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
| ||||
Total fixed maturity investments |
|
2,932.6 |
|
142.9 |
|
2,776.9 |
|
12.8 |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Short-term investments |
|
355.2 |
|
355.2 |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Common equity securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Financials |
|
111.7 |
|
79.1 |
|
1.4 |
|
31.2 |
| ||||
Consumer |
|
54.3 |
|
54.1 |
|
0.2 |
|
|
| ||||
Technology |
|
15.3 |
|
15.3 |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Energy |
|
12.2 |
|
12.2 |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Basic materials |
|
15.3 |
|
14.1 |
|
1.2 |
|
|
| ||||
Utilities |
|
9.8 |
|
9.6 |
|
0.2 |
|
|
| ||||
Other |
|
15.7 |
|
12.9 |
|
2.4 |
|
0.4 |
| ||||
Total common equity securities |
|
234.3 |
|
197.3 |
|
5.4 |
|
31.6 |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Convertible fixed maturity investments |
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
| ||||
Other long-term investments(1) |
|
105.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
105.8 |
| ||||
Total investments |
|
$ |
3,629.4 |
|
$ |
695.4 |
|
$ |
2,783.8 |
|
$ |
150.2 |
|
(1) Excludes carrying value of $11.1 associated with other long-term investment limited partnerships accounted for using the equity method.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Debt securities issued by corporations
The following table summarizes the ratings of the corporate debt securities held in Sirius Groups investment portfolio as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:
|
|
Fair Value at |
| ||||
|
|
December 31, |
| ||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
| ||
AA |
|
$ |
97.6 |
|
$ |
129.3 |
|
A |
|
486.6 |
|
398.1 |
| ||
BBB |
|
752.0 |
|
580.3 |
| ||
Debt securities issued by corporations (1) |
|
$ |
1,336.2 |
|
$ |
1,107.7 |
|
(1) Credit ratings are assigned based on the following hierarchy: 1) Standard & Poors and 2) Moodys Investor Service (Moodys).
Mortgage-backed, Asset-backed Securities
Sirius Group purchases commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities with the goal of maximizing risk adjusted returns in the context of a diversified portfolio. Sirius Groups non-agency commercial mortgage-backed portfolio (CMBS) is generally short-term and structurally senior, with more than 25 points of subordination on average for fixed rate CMBS and more than 50 points of subordination on average for floating rate CMBS as of December 31, 2012. In general, subordination represents the percentage principal loss on the underlying collateral that would be absorbed by other securities lower in the capital structure before the more senior security incurs a loss. Sirius Group believes these levels of protection will mitigate the risk of loss tied to the refinancing challenges facing the commercial real estate market. As of December 31, 2012, on average less than 1.0% of the underlying loans were reported as non-performing for all non-agency CMBS held by Sirius Group. Sirius Group is not an originator of residential mortgage loans and did not hold any residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) categorized as sub-prime as of December 31, 2012. Sirius Groups investments in hedge funds and private equity funds contain negligible amounts of sub-prime mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2012. Sirius Group considers sub-prime mortgage-backed securities as those that have underlying loan pools that exhibit weak credit characteristics, or those that are issued from dedicated sub-prime shelves or dedicated second-lien shelf registrations (i.e., Sirius Group considers investments backed primarily by second-liens to be sub-prime risks regardless of credit scores or other metrics).
Sirius Group categorizes mortgage-backed securities as non-prime (also called Alt A or A-) that are backed by collateral that has overall credit quality between prime and sub-prime based on Sirius Groups review of the characteristics of their underlying mortgage loan pools, such as credit scores and financial ratios. Sirius Groups non-agency residential mortgage-backed portfolio is generally moderate-term and structurally senior. Sirius Group does not own any collateralized debt obligations, including residential mortgage-backed collateralized debt obligations.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
|
December 31, 2011 |
| ||||||||||||||
Millions |
|
Fair Value |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
Fair Value |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
| ||||||
Mortgage-backed securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Agency: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
GNMA |
|
$ |
408.3 |
|
$ |
408.3 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
665.1 |
|
$ |
665.1 |
|
$ |
|
|
FNMA |
|
11.1 |
|
11.1 |
|
|
|
171.1 |
|
171.1 |
|
|
| ||||||
FHLMC |
|
23.9 |
|
23.9 |
|
|
|
31.0 |
|
31.0 |
|
|
| ||||||
Total Agency(1) |
|
443.3 |
|
443.3 |
|
|
|
867.2 |
|
867.2 |
|
|
| ||||||
Non-agency: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Residential |
|
53.5 |
|
53.5 |
|
|
|
65.6 |
|
52.8 |
|
12.8 |
| ||||||
Commercial |
|
145.4 |
|
145.4 |
|
|
|
111.8 |
|
111.8 |
|
|
| ||||||
Total Non-agency |
|
198.9 |
|
198.9 |
|
|
|
177.4 |
|
164.6 |
|
12.8 |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Total mortgage-backed securities |
|
642.2 |
|
642.2 |
|
|
|
1,044.6 |
|
1,031.8 |
|
12.8 |
| ||||||
Other asset-backed securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Credit card receivables |
|
104.2 |
|
87.4 |
|
16.8 |
|
55.8 |
|
55.8 |
|
|
| ||||||
Vehicle receivables |
|
137.8 |
|
137.8 |
|
|
|
58.2 |
|
58.2 |
|
|
| ||||||
Other |
|
7.5 |
|
7.5 |
|
|
|
22.8 |
|
22.8 |
|
|
| ||||||
Total other asset-backed securities |
|
249.5 |
|
232.7 |
|
16.8 |
|
136.8 |
|
136.8 |
|
|
| ||||||
Total mortgage and asset-backed securities |
|
$ |
891.7 |
|
$ |
874.9 |
|
$ |
16.8 |
|
$ |
1,181.4 |
|
$ |
1,168.6 |
|
$ |
12.8 |
|
(1) Represents publicly traded mortgage-backed securities which carry the full faith and credit guaranty of the U.S. government (i.e., GNMA) or are guaranteed by a government sponsored entity (i.e., FNMA, FHLMC).
Non-agency Mortgage-backed Securities
The security issuance years of Sirius Groups investments in non-agency CMBS and non-agency RMBS securities as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:
|
|
Security Issuance Year |
| |||||||||||||||||||
Millions |
|
Fair Value |
|
2003 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2010 |
|
2011 |
|
2012 |
| |||||||
Non-agency CMBS |
|
$ |
53.5 |
|
$ |
2.0 |
|
$ |
15.9 |
|
$ |
5.9 |
|
$ |
3.4 |
|
$ |
26.3 |
|
$ |
|
|
Non-agency RMBS |
|
145.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
11.6 |
|
6.7 |
|
61.1 |
|
66.0 |
| |||||||
Total |
|
$ |
198.9 |
|
$ |
2.0 |
|
$ |
15.9 |
|
$ |
17.5 |
|
$ |
10.1 |
|
$ |
87.4 |
|
$ |
66.0 |
|
Non-agency Residential Mortgage-backed Securities
The classification of the underlying collateral quality and the tranche levels of Sirius Group non-agency RMBS securities are as follows as of December 31, 2012:
Millions |
|
Fair Value |
|
Super Senior (1) |
|
Senior (2) |
|
Subordinate(3) |
| ||||
Prime |
|
$ |
53.0 |
|
$ |
9.7 |
|
$ |
43.3 |
|
$ |
|
|
Non-prime |
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
| ||||
Sub-prime |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Total |
|
$ |
53.5 |
|
$ |
9.7 |
|
$ |
43.8 |
|
$ |
|
|
(1) At issuance, Super Senior were rated AAA by Standard & Poors, Aaa by Moodys, or AAA by Fitch Ratings (Fitch) and were senior to other AAA or Aaa bonds.
(2) At issuance, Senior were rated AAA by Standard & Poors or Aaa by Moodys and were senior to non-AAA or non-Aaa bonds.
(3) At issuance, Subordinate were not rated AAA by Standard & Poors or Aaa by Moodys and were junior to AAA or Aaa bonds.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Non-agency Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities
The amount of fixed and floating rate securities and their tranche levels of Sirius Groups non-agency CMBS securities are as follows as of December 31, 2012:
Millions |
|
Fair Value |
|
Super Senior (1) |
|
Senior (2) |
|
Subordinate(3) |
| ||||
Fixed rate CMBS |
|
$ |
129.4 |
|
$ |
77.0 |
|
$ |
52.4 |
|
$ |
|
|
Floating rate CMBS |
|
16.0 |
|
11.6 |
|
0.2 |
|
4.2 |
| ||||
Total |
|
$ |
145.4 |
|
$ |
88.6 |
|
$ |
52.6 |
|
$ |
4.2 |
|
(1) At issuance, Super Senior were rated AAA by Standard & Poors, Aaa by Moodys, or AAA by Fitch and were senior to other AAA or Aaa bonds.
(2) At issuance, Senior were rated AAA by Standard & Poors, Aaa by Moodys, or AAA by Fitch and were senior to non-AAA or non-Aaa bonds.
(3) At issuance, Subordinate were not rated AAA by Standard & Poors, Aaa by Moodys, or AAA by Fitch and were junior to AAA or Aaa bonds.
Other long-term investments
Sirius Group holds investments in hedge funds and private equity funds, which are included in other long-term investments. The fair value of these investments has been estimated using the net asset value of the funds. At December 31, 2012, Sirius Group held investments in 12 hedge funds and 24 private equity funds. The largest investment in a single fund was $10.4 million at December 31, 2012 and $16.9 million at December 31, 2011.
The following table summarizes investments in hedge funds and private equity interests by investment objective and sector at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
|
December 31, 2011 |
| ||||||||
Millions |
|
Fair |
|
Unfunded |
|
Fair |
|
Unfunded |
| ||||
Hedge funds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Long/short equity |
|
$ |
12.2 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
11.7 |
|
$ |
|
|
Long/short credit & distressed |
|
14.3 |
|
|
|
17.3 |
|
|
| ||||
Long diversified strategies |
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
16.9 |
|
|
| ||||
Long/short equity activist |
|
11.6 |
|
|
|
10.1 |
|
|
| ||||
Long bank loan |
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
| ||||
Total hedge funds |
|
40.0 |
|
|
|
56.3 |
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Private equity funds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Multi-sector |
|
8.3 |
|
1.7 |
|
7.5 |
|
4.5 |
| ||||
Energy infrastructure & services |
|
15.6 |
|
8.1 |
|
11.8 |
|
8.3 |
| ||||
Manufacturing/Industrial |
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
| ||||
International multi-sector, Europe |
|
5.1 |
|
5.0 |
|
7.8 |
|
0.2 |
| ||||
Private equity secondaries |
|
3.5 |
|
1.0 |
|
3.8 |
|
4.0 |
| ||||
Real estate |
|
6.0 |
|
3.3 |
|
5.1 |
|
3.3 |
| ||||
International multi-sector, Asia |
|
0.4 |
|
2.7 |
|
3.6 |
|
2.7 |
| ||||
Insurance |
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
| ||||
Venture capital |
|
2.3 |
|
0.3 |
|
2.4 |
|
0.5 |
| ||||
Healthcare |
|
2.1 |
|
2.7 |
|
1.1 |
|
7.0 |
| ||||
Total private equity funds |
|
47.4 |
|
24.8 |
|
49.5 |
|
30.5 |
| ||||
Total hedge and private equity funds included in other long-term investments |
|
$ |
87.4 |
|
$ |
24.8 |
|
$ |
105.8 |
|
$ |
30.5 |
|
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Redemption of investments in certain hedge funds is subject to restrictions including lock-up periods where no redemptions or withdrawals are allowed, restrictions on redemption frequency and advance notice periods for redemptions. Amounts requested for redemptions remain subject to market fluctuations until the redemption effective date, which generally falls at the end of the defined redemption period.
The following summarizes the December 31, 2012 fair value of hedge funds subject to restrictions on redemption frequency and advance notice period requirements for investments in active hedge funds:
|
|
Notice Period |
| |||||||||||||
Millions |
|
30-59 days |
|
60-89 days |
|
90-119 days |
|
120+ days |
|
Total |
| |||||
Monthly |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Quarterly |
|
1.5 |
|
21.0 |
|
4.0 |
|
|
|
26.5 |
| |||||
Semi-annual |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
5.7 |
| |||||
Annual |
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
|
0.2 |
|
7.8 |
| |||||
Total |
|
$ |
3.2 |
|
$ |
26.7 |
|
$ |
9.9 |
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
$ |
40.0 |
|
Certain of the hedge fund investments in which Sirius Group is invested are no longer active and are in process of disposing of their underlying investments. Distributions from such funds are remitted to investors as the funds underlying investments are liquidated. At December 31, 2012, distributions of $1.7 million were outstanding from these investments. The actual amount of the final distribution remittances remain subject to market fluctuations. The date at which such remittances will be received is not determinable at December 31, 2012.
Sirius Group has not submitted any redemption requests for its investment in active hedge funds.
Investments in private equity funds are generally subject to a lock-up period during which investors may not request a redemption. Distributions prior to the expected termination date of the fund may be limited to dividends or proceeds arising from the liquidation of the funds underlying investments. In addition, certain private equity funds provide an option to extend the lock-up period at either the sole discretion of the fund manager or upon agreement between the fund and the investors. At December 31, 2012, investments in private equity funds were subject to lock-up periods as follows:
|
1-3 years |
|
3 5 years |
|
5 10 years |
|
>10 years |
|
Total |
| ||||||
Private Equity Funds - expected lock up period remaining |
|
$ |
5.8 |
|
$ |
3.4 |
|
$ |
34.1 |
|
$ |
4.1 |
|
$ |
47.4 |
|
Rollforward of Fair Value Measurements by Level
Sirius Group uses quoted market prices where available as the inputs to estimate fair value for its investments in active markets. Such measurements are considered to be either Level 1 or Level 2 measurements, depending on whether the quoted market price inputs are for identical securities (Level 1) or similar securities (Level 2). Level 3 measurements for fixed maturity investments, common equity securities, convertible fixed maturity investments and other long-term investments at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consist of securities for which the estimated fair value has not been determined based upon quoted market price inputs for identical or similar securities.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following tables summarize the changes in Sirius Groups fair value measurements by level for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 3 Investments |
|
|
| |||||||||||||
Millions |
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Fixed |
|
Common |
|
Convertible |
|
Other long- |
|
Total |
| |||||||
Balance at January 1, 2012 |
|
$ |
695.4 |
|
$ |
2,783.8 |
|
$ |
12.8 |
|
$ |
31.6 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
105.8 |
|
$ |
3,629.4 |
(1) |
Total realized and unrealized (losses) gains |
|
13.0 |
|
4.0 |
|
1.7 |
|
12.6 |
|
|
|
(14.0 |
) |
17.3 |
| |||||||
Foreign currency gains (losses) through OCI |
|
9.0 |
|
81.9 |
|
0.8 |
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
95.5 |
| |||||||
Amortization/Accretion |
|
(0.8 |
) |
(30.1 |
) |
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(31.9 |
) | |||||||
Purchases |
|
2,499.1 |
|
2,191.6 |
|
59.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.5 |
|
4,761.0 |
| |||||||
Sales |
|
(2,494.8 |
) |
(2,405.0 |
) |
(26.0 |
) |
(9.8 |
) |
|
|
(15.2 |
) |
(4,950.8 |
) | |||||||
Transfers in |
|
|
|
47.9 |
|
16.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64.5 |
| |||||||
Transfers out |
|
|
|
(16.6 |
) |
(47.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(64.5 |
) | |||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
|
$ |
720.9 |
|
$ |
2,657.5 |
|
$ |
16.8 |
|
$ |
34.5 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
90.8 |
|
$ |
3,520.5 |
(2) |
(1) Excludes carrying value of $11.1 associated with other long-term investment limited partnerships accounted for using the equity method.
(2) Excludes carrying value of $13.9 associated with other long-term investment limited partnerships accounted for using the equity method
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 3 Investments |
|
|
| |||||||||||||
Millions |
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Fixed |
|
Common |
|
Convertible |
|
Other long- |
|
Total |
| |||||||
Balance at January 1, 2011 |
|
$ |
804.4 |
|
$ |
3,372.8 |
|
$ |
32.1 |
|
$ |
31.5 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
179.9 |
|
$ |
4,420.7 |
(1) |
Total realized and unrealized (losses) gains |
|
(7.5 |
) |
103.5 |
|
0.1 |
|
(1.2 |
) |
|
|
7.9 |
|
102.8 |
| |||||||
Foreign currency gains (losses) through OCI other revenue |
|
4.3 |
|
(76.2 |
) |
(4.4 |
) |
1.6 |
|
|
|
(5.0 |
) |
(79.7 |
) | |||||||
Amortization/Accretion |
|
0.9 |
|
(36.8 |
) |
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(35.6 |
) | |||||||
Purchases |
|
3,832.2 |
|
3,509.8 |
|
134.4 |
|
15.9 |
|
|
|
19.4 |
|
7,511.7 |
| |||||||
Sales |
|
(3,938.9 |
) |
(4,238.3 |
) |
(0.7 |
) |
(16.2 |
) |
|
|
(96.4 |
) |
(8,290.5 |
) | |||||||
Transfers in |
|
|
|
164.9 |
|
15.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180.8 |
| |||||||
Transfers out |
|
|
|
(15.9 |
) |
(164.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(180.8 |
) | |||||||
Balance at December 31, 2011 |
|
$ |
695.4 |
|
$ |
2,783.8 |
|
$ |
12.8 |
|
$ |
31.6 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
105.8 |
|
$ |
3,629.4 |
(2) |
(1) Excludes carrying value of $20.7 associated with other long-term investment limited partnerships accounted for using the equity method.
(2) Excludes carrying value of $11.1 associated with other long-term investment limited partnerships accounted for using the equity method
Fair Value Measurements transfers between levels
During 2012, two securities which had been classified as Level 3 measurements in the prior period were re-categorized as Level 2 measurements because quoted market prices for similar securities that were considered reliable and could be validated against an alternative source were available at December 31, 2012. These measurements comprise Transfers out of Level 3 and Transfers in to Level 2 of $47.9 million in fixed maturity investments for the period ended December 31, 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2012, Transfers out of Level 2 and Transfers in to Level 3 fixed maturity investments of $16.6 consists of one asset-backed security.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
During 2011, ten securities which had been classified as Level 3 measurements at January 1, 2011 were recategorized as Level 2 measurements because quoted market prices for similar securities that were considered reliable and could be validated against an alternative source were available at December 31, 2011. These measurements comprise Transfers out of Level 3 and Transfers in to Level 2 of $164.9 million in fixed maturity investments for the period ended December 31, 2011. Two securities that were classified as Level 2 investments at January 1, 2011 were priced with unobservable inputs during the current period and represent the Transfers in of $15.9 million in Level 3 investments. The fair value of these securities were estimated using industry standard pricing models, in which management selected inputs using its best judgment. These securities are considered to be Level 3 because the measurements are not directly observable. At December 31, 2011, the estimated fair value for these securities determined using the industry standard pricing models was $1.5 million less than the estimated fair value based upon quoted prices provided by a third party.
Significant Unobservable Inputs
The following summarizes significant unobservable inputs used in estimating the fair value of investment securities classified within Level 3 at December 31, 2012:
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
| |||||||||
($ in Millions) |
|
|
|
S&P |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Description |
|
Fair Value |
|
Rating |
|
Valuation Technique(s) |
|
Unobservable Input |
|
|
| |
Asset-backed securities (1) |
|
$ |
16.6 |
|
AA+ |
|
Broker pricing |
|
Broker quote |
|
|
|
Private equity securities |
|
$ |
34.1 |
|
NR |
|
Multiple of GAAP book value |
|
Book value multiple |
|
1.0 |
|
(1) As of December 31, 2012 each asset type consists of one security.
NOTE 6. Debt
Sirius Groups debt outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:
|
|
December 31, |
| ||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
| ||
SIG Senior Notes, at face value |
|
$ |
400.0 |
|
$ |
400.0 |
|
Unamortized original issue discount |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
(0.7 |
) |
SIG Senior Notes, carrying value |
|
|
399.4 |
|
|
399.3 |
|
Old Lyme Note |
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
2.1 |
|
Total debt |
|
$ |
401.5 |
|
$ |
401.4 |
|
A schedule of contractual repayments of Sirius Groups debt as of December 31, 2012 follows:
Millions |
|
December 31, |
| |
Due in one year or less |
|
$ |
|
|
Due in two to three years |
|
|
|
|
Due in four to five years |
|
|
402.1 |
|
Due after five years |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
402.1 |
|
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
SIG Senior Notes
In March 2007, the Company issued $400.0 million face value of senior unsecured notes (SIG Senior Notes) at an issue price of 99.715% for net proceeds of $392.0 million after taking into effect both deferrable and non-deferrable issuance costs, including the interest rate lock agreement described below. The SIG Senior Notes were issued in an offering that was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The SIG Senior Notes bear an annual interest rate of 6.375%, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 20 and September 20, until maturity in March 2017.
SIG incurred $3.6 million in expenses related to the issuance of the SIG Senior Notes (including $2.6 million in underwriting fees), which have been deferred and are being recognized into interest expense over the life of the SIG Senior Notes.
In anticipation of the issuance of the SIG Senior Notes, SIG entered into an interest rate lock agreement to hedge its interest rate exposure from the date of the agreement until the pricing of the SIG Senior Notes. The agreement was terminated on March 15, 2007 with a loss of $2.4 million, which was recorded in other comprehensive income. The loss is being reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income over the life of the SIG Senior Notes using the interest method and is included in interest expense. At December 31, 2012, the unamortized balance of the loss remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income was $1.2 million.
Taking into effect the amortization of the original issue discount and all underwriting and issuance expenses, including the interest rate lock agreement, the SIG Senior Notes yield an effective rate of 6.5% per annum. Sirius Group recorded $26.2 million of interest expense, inclusive of amortization of issuance costs and the interest rate lock agreement, on the SIG Senior Notes for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.
At December 31, 2012, Sirius Group was in compliance with all of the covenants under the SIG Senior Notes.
Old Lyme Note
On December 30, 2011 Sirius Group acquired the runoff loss reserve portfolio of Old Lyme (see Note 2). As part of the acquisition Sirius Group entered into a five-year $2.1 million purchase note. The principal amount of the purchase note is subject to upward adjustments for favorable loss reserve development (up to 50% of $6.0 million) and downward adjustments for any adverse loss reserve development.
Sierra Note
In connection with its acquisition of the Sierra Insurance Group Companies (Sierra Group) on March 31, 2004, Sirius Group entered into a $62.0 million purchase note (the Sierra Note), $58.0 million of which may be adjusted over its six-year term to reflect favorable or adverse loss reserve development on the acquired reserve portfolio and runoff of remaining policies in force (mainly workers compensation business), as well as certain other balance sheet protections. Since inception the principal of the Sierra Note had been reduced by $29.0 million as a result of adverse development on the acquired reserves and runoff of unearned premium, which includes $5.2 million and $22.8 million of adverse development which occurred during 2008 and 2005 and $1.9 million and $9.1 million of favorable development in 2010 and 2007. Interest accrued on the unpaid balance of the Sierra Note at a rate of 4.0% per annum, compounded quarterly, and was payable at its maturity.
On October 31, 2008, Sirius Group disposed of its remaining interest in the Sierra Group as part of the Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) Exchange transaction, which was a transaction between White Mountains and Berkshire where Berkshire exchanged substantially all if its ownership stake in White Mountains. Sirius Group was still obligated to repay the Sierra Note, but Berkshire provided Sirius Group an indemnity, whereby Berkshire reimbursed Sirius Group all amounts due under the Sierra Note at its maturity, as adjusted for future reserve development, except for the portion of interest on the Sierra Note that accrued from its issue date through December 31, 2007, plus interest on this accrued amount through the date of repayment.
The Sierra Note matured on March 31, 2010. However, the final amount due was in dispute with respect to the amount of loss reserve development. On September 15, 2010, Sirius Group paid Sierra the undisputed amounts owed of $42.8 million on the Sierra Note which consisted of $33.0 million for the principal repayment and $9.8 million for accrued interest. Berkshire reimbursed Sirius Group $36.7 million, which was consisted of the $33.0 million principal balance and $3.7 million for accrued interest.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
During the fourth quarter of 2011, the dispute was settled through arbitration. Sirius Group paid the interest accrued on the Sierra Note and recognized $5.5 million of interest expense.
Interest
Total interest expense incurred by Sirius Group for its indebtedness was $26.2 million, $31.6 million, and $26.6 million in 2012, 2011, and 2010. Total interest paid by Sirius Group for its indebtedness was $25.5 million, $31.0 million, and $31.6 million in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
NOTE 7. Income Taxes
The Company and its Bermuda domiciled subsidiaries are not subject to Bermuda income tax under current Bermuda law. In the event there is a change in the current law such that taxes are imposed, the Company and its Bermuda domiciled subsidiaries would be exempt from such tax until March 31, 2035, pursuant to the Bermuda Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act of 1966. The Company has subsidiaries and branches that operate in various other jurisdictions around the world that are subject to tax in the jurisdictions in which they operate. The jurisdictions in which the Companys subsidiaries and branches are subject to tax are Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Gibraltar, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Effective January 1, 2013, Sweden reduced its corporate tax rate from 26.3% to 22.0%, and Luxembourg increased its corporate tax rate from 28.8% to 29.2%. This resulted in a reduction in Sirius Groups net deferred tax liabilities in Sweden and an increase in Sirius Groups net deferred tax assets in Luxembourg at December 31, 2012. As a result Sirius Group recognized $72.6 million in tax benefits from these changes. The Swedish tax legislation that reduced the tax rate also included a provision to limit the deductibility of interest paid on certain intra-group debt instruments. Uncertainty exists with respect to the interpretation of the legislation. Adverse interpretation of the legislation by Swedish Tax Authorities could cause us to write down some or all of the $55.1 million in deferred tax assets related to intra-group debt instruments in our internal capital structure, which would have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
The total income tax (expense) benefit for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||
Current tax benefit (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
U.S. Federal |
|
$ |
(1.6 |
) |
$ |
8.2 |
|
$ |
(0.8 |
) |
State |
|
(1.3 |
) |
(0.5 |
) |
(0.9 |
) | |||
Non-U.S. |
|
(3.2 |
) |
(1.0 |
) |
(9.2 |
) | |||
Total current tax (expense) benefit |
|
(6.1 |
) |
6.7 |
|
(10.9 |
) | |||
Deferred tax (expense) benefit: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
U.S. Federal |
|
(9.5 |
) |
(13.0 |
) |
(7.0 |
) | |||
State |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Non-U.S. |
|
150.6 |
|
36.1 |
|
3.5 |
| |||
Total deferred tax benefit (expense) |
|
141.1 |
|
23.1 |
|
(3.5 |
) | |||
Total income tax benefit (expense) |
|
$ |
135.0 |
|
$ |
29.8 |
|
$ |
(14.4 |
) |
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Effective Rate Reconciliation
A reconciliation of taxes calculated using the 35% U.S. statutory rate to the income tax (expense) benefit on pre-tax income follows:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||
Tax (expense) at the statutory rate |
|
$ |
(65.9 |
) |
$ |
(30.0 |
) |
$ |
(48.2 |
) |
Differences in taxes resulting from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Change in valuation allowance |
|
115.8 |
|
52.1 |
|
(0.4 |
) | |||
Tax rate change enacted in Sweden |
|
65.4 |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Non-U.S. earnings, net of foreign taxes |
|
7.3 |
|
3.9 |
|
28.9 |
| |||
Tax rate change enacted in Luxembourg |
|
7.2 |
|
1.2 |
|
|
| |||
Purchase Adjustments |
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
| |||
Tax exempt interest and dividends |
|
0.8 |
|
0.7 |
|
0.4 |
| |||
Tax reserve adjustments |
|
(0.1 |
) |
0.6 |
|
|
| |||
Tax return adjustments |
|
1.0 |
|
(0.2 |
) |
(0.3 |
) | |||
Withholding taxes |
|
(0.6 |
) |
(0.6 |
) |
(0.3 |
) | |||
Other, net |
|
(1.0 |
) |
2.1 |
|
1.0 |
| |||
Total income tax benefit (expense) on pre- tax earnings |
|
$ |
135.0 |
|
$ |
29.8 |
|
$ |
(14.4 |
) |
The non-U.S. component of Pre-Tax income was $154.8 million, $62.0 million and $ 96.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
Tax Payments and Receipts
Net income tax payments to national, state and local governments totaled $17.8 million, $16.3 million and $8.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Deferred Tax Inventory
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts for tax purposes. An outline of the significant components of Sirius Groups deferred tax assets and liabilities follows:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
| ||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
| ||
Deferred income tax assets related to: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Non-U.S. net operating loss carry-forward |
|
$ |
511.2 |
|
$ |
206.5 |
|
U.S. federal net operating loss and capital carryforwards |
|
97.1 |
|
91.6 |
| ||
Loss reserve discount |
|
41.8 |
|
48.0 |
| ||
Tax credit carryforwards |
|
10.7 |
|
10.1 |
| ||
Incentive compensation and benefit accruals |
|
6.0 |
|
6.4 |
| ||
Unearned Premiums |
|
4.7 |
|
4.0 |
| ||
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
0.9 |
|
0.7 |
| ||
Deferred interest |
|
0.5 |
|
0.5 |
| ||
Investment basis differences |
|
|
|
0.1 |
| ||
Other items |
|
1.8 |
|
2.1 |
| ||
Total gross deferred income tax assets |
|
674.7 |
|
370.0 |
| ||
Valuation allowance |
|
(195.5 |
) |
(5.4 |
) | ||
Total net deferred tax asset |
|
479.2 |
|
364.6 |
| ||
Deferred income tax liabilities related to: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Safety reserve (See Note 11) |
|
326.7 |
|
370.0 |
| ||
Investment basis differences |
|
22.3 |
|
|
| ||
Net unrealized investment gains |
|
20.5 |
|
12.4 |
| ||
Purchase accounting |
|
6.6 |
|
|
| ||
Deferred acquisition costs |
|
6.5 |
|
5.5 |
| ||
Foreign currency translations on investments and other assets |
|
3.0 |
|
3.9 |
| ||
Other items |
|
3.1 |
|
2.0 |
| ||
Total deferred income tax liabilities |
|
388.7 |
|
393.8 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net deferred tax liability |
|
$ |
90.5 |
|
$ |
29.2 |
|
Sirius Groups deferred tax assets are net of U.S. federal and non-U.S. valuation allowances and, to the extent they relate to non-U.S. jurisdictions, they are shown at year-end exchange rates.
Valuation Allowance
Sirius Group records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets if it becomes more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in income tax expense in the period of change. In determining whether or not a valuation allowance, or change therein, is warranted, Sirius Group considers factors such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods and strategies that if executed would result in the realization of a deferred tax asset. It is possible that certain planning strategies or projected earnings in certain subsidiaries may not be feasible to utilize the entire deferred tax asset, which could result in material changes to Sirius Groups deferred tax assets and tax expense.
The $195.5 million and $5.4 million valuation allowance at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, relates primarily to deferred tax assets in Luxembourg subsidiaries (discussed below under Net Operating Loss and Capital Loss Carryforwards) that are not expected to have significant income in the future.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Luxembourg
During the fourth quarters of 2012 and 2011, Sirius Group recorded net tax benefits of $115.8 million and $52.3 million from the net release of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets in Luxembourg-domiciled subsidiaries. These companies had built up substantial deferred tax assets due to net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs). The loss carryforwards primarily relate to tax deductible write downs in 2007 and 2008 of investments in U.S. subsidiaries. There were partial valuation allowances on these deferred tax assets in periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2012 and 2011 because the companies did not expect sufficient future taxable income to utilize them.
During the fourth quarters of 2012 and 2011, Sirius Group undertook a series of reorganizations to optimize operational and capital efficiency. As part of the reorganizations, investments and outstanding internal debt instruments were contributed to Luxembourg-domiciled subsidiaries with NOLs. One of the companies, S.I. Holdings (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., (SI Holdings) (formerly OneBeacon Holdings (Luxembourg) S.à r.l.), was acquired from OneBeacon on January 24, 2012. An investment portfolio was contributed to SI Holdings in January 2013, pursuant to a plan in place on December 31, 2012, that will generate income utilizing the deferred tax asset over an extended period of time. As the plan was in place at December 31, 2012 and Sirius Group had the intent and ability to contribute the investment portfolio, Sirius Group accounted for the tax effects as if it had occurred in 2012. The deferred tax assets for the remaining NOLs at the companies are offset by a valuation allowance as no additional taxable income was expected at December 31, 2012.
United States
During the fourth quarter of 2012, Sirius Group recorded tax expense of $3.9 million to establish a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets related to foreign tax credit carryforwards at Sirius Re Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (SRHI) that expire in 2016 and 2017. SRHI is no longer expected to generate sufficient taxable income to utilize these credits. SRHI has an additional $4.6 million of foreign tax credits that expire in 2018-2022 that are still expected to be utilized.
Net Operating Loss and Capital Loss Carryforwards
NOLs and capital loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2012, the expiration dates and the deferred tax assets thereon are as follows:
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
| ||||||||||
Millions |
|
United States |
|
Luxembourg |
|
Sweden |
|
Total |
| ||||
2017-2021 |
|
$ |
11.1 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
11.1 |
|
2022-2031 |
|
266.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
266.2 |
| ||||
No expiration date |
|
|
|
1,741.6 |
|
0.1 |
|
1,741.7 |
| ||||
Total |
|
277.3 |
|
1,741.6 |
|
0.1 |
|
2,019.0 |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Gross Deferred Tax Asset |
|
97.1 |
|
508.9 |
|
|
|
606.0 |
| ||||
Valuation Allowance |
|
|
|
(191.4 |
) |
|
|
(191.4 |
) | ||||
Net Deferred Tax Asset |
|
$ |
97.1 |
|
$ |
317.5 |
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
$ |
414.6 |
|
Sirius Group expects to utilize net operating loss carryforwards in Luxembourg of $1,308.5 billion but does not expect to utilize the remainder as they belong to companies that are not expected to have significant income in the future. These losses primarily relate to tax deductible write-downs in 2007 and 2008 of investments in U.S. subsidiaries held by Luxembourg subsidiaries. Included in the U.S. NOLs are losses of $28.4 million subject to an annual limitation on utilization under Internal Revenue Code Section 382. At December 31, 2012, there were foreign tax credit carryforwards available of $10.6 million, which begin to expire in 2016. As discussed above, a deferred tax valuation allowance of $3.9 million has been established against a portion of these credits. Also, at December 31, 2012, there were alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $0.1 million which do not expire.
During 2010, White Mountains International S.à r.l. (WMI) received a tax ruling in Luxembourg which allowed it to change its tax functional currency in Luxembourg to the Swedish kronor from the euro. Pursuant to the ruling, WMI revalued its NOL carryforwards in Luxembourg using the December 31, 2008 euro/kronor exchange rate. This resulted in the company recording an $11.9 million deferred tax benefit in 2010 for the increase in its NOLs in Luxembourg.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Uncertain Tax Positions
Under ASC 740-10, recognition of the benefit of a given tax position 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, Sirius Group 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.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
Millions |
|
Permanent |
|
Temporary |
|
Interest and |
|
Total |
| ||||
Balance at January 1, 2010 |
|
$ |
1.7 |
|
$ |
11.7 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
13.4 |
|
Changes in prior year tax positions |
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
0.2 |
| ||||
Tax positions taken during the current year |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
| ||||
Lapse in statute of limitations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Settlements with tax authorities |
|
|
|
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
(0.1 |
) | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2010 |
|
1.7 |
|
16.6 |
|
0.1 |
|
18.4 |
| ||||
Changes in prior year tax positions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Tax positions taken during the current year |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
| ||||
Lapse in statute of limitations |
|
|
|
(5.7 |
) |
|
|
(5.7 |
) | ||||
Settlements with tax authorities |
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
(0.7 |
) | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2011 |
|
1.1 |
|
11.7 |
|
|
|
12.8 |
| ||||
Changes in prior year tax positions |
|
0.5 |
|
(6.4 |
) |
0.2 |
|
(5.7 |
) | ||||
Tax positions taken during the current year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Lapse in statute of limitations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Settlements with tax authorities |
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
(0.6 |
) | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
|
$ |
1.2 |
|
$ |
5.3 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
6.5 |
|
(1) Represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate.
(2) Represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized would create a temporary difference between the reported amount of an item in the Companys Balance Sheet and its tax basis.
(3) Net of tax benefit.
If Sirius Group determines in the future that its reserves for unrecognized tax benefits on permanent differences and interest and penalties are not needed, the reversal of $1.2 million of such reserves at December 31, 2012 would be recorded as an income tax benefit and would impact the effective tax rate. If Sirius Group determines in the future that its reserves for unrecognized tax benefits on temporary differences are not needed, the reversal of $5.3 million of such reserves at December 31, 2012 would not impact the effective tax rate due to deferred tax accounting but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority. The vast majority of Sirius Groups reserves for unrecognized tax benefits on temporary differences relate to deductions for loss reserves where the timing of the deductions is uncertain.
Sirius Group classifies all interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 Sirius Group recognized $0.2 million, $(0.1) million, $0.1 million in interest (benefit) expense, respectively, net of any tax benefit. The balance of accrued interest at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is $0 million, net of any tax benefit.
Tax Examinations
With few exceptions, Sirius Group is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2008.
The IRS conducted an examination of income tax returns for 2006 and 2007 for certain U.S. subsidiaries of Sirius Group. On October 26, 2011, Sirius Group received and signed the IRS Revenue Agents Report, which contained no proposed adjustments.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 8. Derivatives
Forward Contracts
Sirius Group is exposed to foreign currency risk related to Sirius International as its functional currency is the Swedish krona (SEK). In addition, Sirius International holds net assets denominated in Euros (EUR), British pound sterling (GBP), and U.S. Dollars (USD). Beginning in September 2012, Sirius Group entered into forward contracts through a twelve month trial program with a third-party currency specialist manager to determine whether purchasing external forward currency contracts would improve the management of foreign currency exposure at Sirius International. Sirius Group monitors its exposure to foreign currency and adjusts its forward positions within the risk guidelines and ranges established by senior management for each currency, as necessary. While Sirius Group actively manages its forward positions, mismatches between movements in foreign currency rates and its forward contracts may result in currency positions being outside the predefined ranges and/or foreign currency losses. At December 31, 2012, Sirius Group held approximately $31.2 million (SEK 202.8 million) total gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts.
All of Sirius Groups forward contracts are traded over-the-counter. The fair value of the contracts has been estimated using OTC quotes for similar instruments and accordingly, the measurements have been classified as Level 2 measurements at December 31, 2012.
The following tables summarize the changes in Sirius Groups forward contracts for the year ended December 31, 2012:
Millions |
|
Year Ended |
| |
Beginning of Period |
|
$ |
|
|
Purchases |
|
|
| |
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) |
|
(0.3 |
) | |
Sales/settlements |
|
0.2 |
| |
Total |
|
$ |
(0.1 |
) |
The following summarizes realized and unrealized derivative gains (losses) recognized in net realized and unrealized investment gains and the carrying values, included in other long-term investments, at December 31, 2012 by type of currency:
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
| ||||
Millions |
|
Gains (Losses) |
|
Carrying Value |
| ||
USD |
|
$ |
(0.2 |
) |
$ |
|
|
SEK |
|
|
|
|
| ||
EUR |
|
(0.1 |
) |
(0.1 |
) | ||
GBP |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Currency Translation |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total |
|
$ |
(0.3 |
) |
$ |
(0.1 |
) |
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Sirius Group does not hold or provide any collateral for the forward contracts. The following table summarizes the notional amounts and the uncollateralized balances associated with forward currency contracts by counterparty:
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
| ||||||
Millions |
|
Notional amount |
|
Uncollateralized |
|
S& P Rating (1) |
| ||
Deutsche Bank |
|
$ |
11.1 |
|
$ |
|
|
A+ |
|
Barclays Bank London |
|
7.7 |
|
(0.1 |
) |
A+ |
| ||
HSBC Bank plc |
|
10.1 |
|
|
|
AA- |
| ||
JP Morgan |
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
A+ |
| ||
Goldman Sachs |
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
A- |
| ||
Total |
|
$ |
31.2 |
|
$ |
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
(1) Standard & Poors (S&P) ratings as detailed above are: AA- (Very Strong, which is the sixth highest of twenty-one creditworthiness ratings), A+ (Strong, which is the seventh highest of twenty-one creditworthiness ratings) and A (Strong, which is the eighth highest of twenty-one creditworthiness ratings).
NOTE 9. Employee Benefit Plans and Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plans
Employee Benefit Plans
Sirius Group operates several retirement plans in accordance with the local regulations and practices. These plans cover substantially all Sirius Group employees and provide benefits to employees in event of death, disability or retirement.
Non-U.S.:
Employees of Sirius International can participate in retirement plans through their branch office. The plans vary due to different government regulations as well as different standards and practices in each country. In Sweden and Belgium, where defined benefit pension plans are government mandated, Sirius Internationals employees participate in collective agreements funded by Sirius International. These collective agreements are managed by third party trustees who calculate the pension obligation, invoice Sirius International for additional funding, and invest the funds. Employees in Germany are covered by defined benefit pension plans sponsored by Sirius International called Sirius Ruck Service GmbH Pension Plan. Employees in the United Kingdom are eligible to participate in defined contribution plan, where Sirius International contributes 12% of the employees salary. Contributed funds are invested into an annuity of the employees choosing. Employees in Switzerland are eligible to participate in the industry-sponsored Swisscanto pension plan. The plan is a combination of a defined contribution and a defined benefit plan. For the plan, Sirius International incurs 60% of the total premium charges and the employees incur the remaining 40%. Sirius International recognized expenses related to these various plans of $7.1 million, $10.1 million, and $7.6 million in 2012, 2011, and 2010.
Sirius International sponsors defined contribution plans for Bermuda Branch employees which cover substantially all of those employees. Under these plans, Sirius International is required to contribute 10% of each participants salary into an individual account maintained by an independent pension administrator. Employees become vested in the Sirius International contributions after two years of service. Sirius International recognized expenses on Bermuda Branch employees of $0.4 million in 2012, $0.5 million in 2011, and $0.4 million in 2010.
U.S.:
Sirius International Holding Company, Inc. (SIHC) sponsors a defined contribution plan (the 401(k) Plan) which offers participants the ability to invest their balances in several different investment options, including the common shares of White Mountains. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the 401(k) Plan owned less than 1% of White Mountains common shares.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Through December 31, 2010, the 401(k) plan provided qualifying employees with matching contributions of up to 6% of qualifying employees salary. Matching contributions vest based on continuous service over the two year period. Effective January 1, 2011, SIHC amended its 401(k) plan fixed employer match to 4%, which vests immediately, and introduced a Profit Share component. Every eligible employee is automatically enrolled in this Profit Sharing; contributions are discretionary and can be between 0% and 7% of the eligible compensation in a given year. SIHC recognized expenses of $1.0 million, $1.1 million, and $1.0 million in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively related to the 401(k) plan.
Certain members of senior management participate in the SIHC Deferred Compensation Plan. At the direction of the participants, the trust proceeds are invested in various investment options. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, there was $5.9 million and $5.4 million in a Rabbi Trust for the benefit of the participants in this plan. The Rabbi Trust assets are invested in various investment options at the direction of the participants. The deferred compensation liability is recorded at fair value under FAS 159 (included in ASC 825-10) within other liabilities and the corresponding investments held in the Rabbi Trust are recorded at fair value under FAS 159 within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. In the event of insolvency, the assets of the Rabbi Trust may be liquidated to satisfy the obligations of SIHC.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plans
Sirius Group maintains certain incentive compensation plans that provide for granting of phantom performance shares and performance units to certain key employees of Sirius Group and its subsidiaries. Performance shares are granted from the White Mountains Long Term Incentive Plan. Awards are earned subject to the attainment of pre-specified performance goals at the end of a three-year period or as otherwise determined. Results that significantly exceed pre-specified targets result in a performance share or unit payouts of up to 200% of value whereas results significantly below target result in no payout. Performance shares and units earned are typically paid in cash or by deferral into certain non-qualified compensation plans of Sirius Group. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, Sirius Group expensed $6.9 million, $11.0 million, and $15.9 million, respectively. Accrued incentive compensation for open performance cycles for these plans were $17.3 million and $24.0 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011.
NOTE 10. Common Shareholders Equity
Common Shareholder
Sirius Group is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sirius International Insurance Group Ltd., an exempted Bermuda limited liability company. Sirius International Insurance Group Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lone Tree Holdings Ltd., which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of White Mountains.
Paid-in Capital
On January 24, 2012, Sirius Group acquired S.I. Holdings from OneBeacon for the purchase price of $13.4 million which was reflected as a reduction in paid in capital.
On March 28, 2012, White Mountains contributed an additional 7,100,000 common shares of OneBeacon with a carrying value of $84.7 million to Sirius Group, resulting in an $85.5 million increase in paid-in capital and a reduction of $0.8 million in accumulated other comprehensive income. Also, on March 27, 2012, Star Re sold 100,000 common shares of OneBeacon with a carrying value of $1.2 million to White Mountains for $1.5 million, with $0.3 million reflected as an increase in paid-in capital.
During the fourth quarter of 2011, White Mountains completed a rebranding and reorganization of its reinsurance business. Under the Reorganization, White Mountains reinsurance businesses adopted the Sirius name globally and Sirius America became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sirius International.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In conjunction with the Reorganization, the following capital transactions occurred in October 2011:
· Sirius America paid $250.0 million to its immediate parent, which included $67.2 million of dividends and a $182.8 million return of capital;
· Sirius International paid $169.0 million to an intermediate holding company of Sirius Group for a portion if Sirius America;
· An intermediate holding company of Sirius Group contributed the remaining shares of Sirius America with a GAAP book value of $436.3 million to Sirius International, which subsequently owned 100% of the shares of Sirius America;
· Sirius Group distributed $425.0 million to White Mountains, which included approximately $300.0 million that was freed up at Sirius International and Sirius America as a result of the Reorganization and the commutation of quota-share agreements between Sirius Group and Esurance Insurance as a result of the Esurance Insurance Sale (See Note 15);
· White Mountains contributed a portion of its common share investment in Symetra to an intermediate holding company of Sirius Group. At December 31, 2011, Sirius Groups investment in Symetra had a carrying value of $261.0 million.
In connection with the Reorganization, A.M. Best upgraded the financial strength rating of Sirius America from A- (Excellent, the fourth highest of fifteen ratings) to a group A (Excellent, the third highest of fifteen ratings), consistent with Sirius Internationals rating, and all financial strength ratings from the four major ratings agencies were affirmed with stable outlook. Additionally, A.M. Best upgraded the creditworthiness ratings from bbb- (Adequate, the tenth highest of twenty-two ratings) to bbb (Adequate, the ninth highest of twenty-two ratings) on the SIG Senior Notes and from bb (Speculative, the twelfth highest of twenty-two ratings) to bb+ (Speculative, the eleventh highest of twenty-two ratings) on the SIG Preference Shares. S&P upgraded the creditworthiness ratings from BBB- (Adequate, the tenth highest of twenty-two ratings) to BBB (Adequate, the ninth highest of twenty-two ratings) on the SIG Senior Notes and from BB (Speculative, the twelfth highest of twenty-two ratings) to BB+ (Speculative, the eleventh highest of twenty-two ratings) on the SIG Preference Shares.
In 2010, Sirius America distributed $150.0 million to its immediate parent through a share redemption. This share redemption was approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities. As a result of this share redemption, the Company returned paid-in capital of $150.0 million to White Mountains. In addition there was a capital contribution from White Mountains of $21.1 million related to the investment in Symetra Common Shares (See Note 12).
Dividends
During 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company paid common dividends of approximately $54.0 million, $182.0 million, and $88.0 million, in cash, investments, and other assets, respectively, to White Mountains. In addition, Sirius Group declared an additional $75.0 million dividend at December 31, 2012 which was paid on January 15, 2013.
NOTE 11. Statutory Capital and Surplus
Sirius Groups operations are subject to regulation and supervision in each of the jurisdictions where they are domiciled and licensed to conduct business. Generally, regulatory authorities have broad supervisory and administrative powers over such matters as licenses, standards of solvency, premium rates, policy forms, investments, security deposits, methods of accounting, form and content of financial statements, reserves for unpaid loss and LAE, reinsurance, minimum capital and surplus requirements, dividends and other distributions to shareholders, periodic examinations and annual and other report filings. In general, such regulation is for the protection of policyholders rather than shareholders. In addition, the NAIC uses risk-based-capital (RBC) standards for property and casualty insurers as a means of monitoring certain aspects affecting the overall financial condition of insurance companies.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Non-U.S.:
Sirius International is subject to regulation and supervision by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authorities (the FSA). Sirius Internationals total regulatory capital at December 31, 2012 was $2.5 billion. In accordance with FSA regulations, Sirius International holds restricted equity of $1.6 billion as a component of Swedish regulatory capital. This restricted equity cannot be paid as dividends. The minimum regulatory capital held by Sirius International necessary to satisfy the requirements established by the FSA was $109.2 million at December 31, 2012.
White Shoals Re and Star Re are subject to regulation and supervision by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). Generally, the BMA has broad supervisory and administrative powers over such matters as licenses, standards of solvency, investments, methods of accounting, form and content of financial statements, minimum capital and surplus requirements, and annual and other report filings. In general, such regulation is for the protection of policyholders rather than shareholders.
As of December 31, 2012, White Shoals Re had statutory capital and surplus of $15.5 million. The minimum regulatory capital held by White Shoals Re necessary to satisfy the requirements established by the BMA was $7.0 million at December 31, 2012.
As of December 31, 2012, Star Re had statutory capital and surplus of $8.1 million. The minimum regulatory capital held by Star Re necessary to satisfy the requirements established by the BMA was $7.2 million at December 31, 2012.
The financial services industry in the United Kingdom is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (UK FSA). The UK FSA regulates insurers, insurance intermediaries and Lloyds. The UK FSA and Lloyds have common objectives in ensuring that the Lloyds market is appropriately regulated. Lloyds is required to implement certain rules prescribed by the UK FSA by the powers it has under the Lloyds Act of 1982 (Lloyds Act) relating to the operation of the Lloyds market. In addition, each year the UK FSA requires Lloyds to satisfy an annual solvency test that measures whether Lloyds has sufficient assets in the aggregate to meet all the outstanding liabilities of its members.
Lloyds permits its corporate and individual members (Members) to underwrite insurance risks through Lloyds syndicates. Members of Lloyds may participate in a syndicate for one or more underwriting years by providing capital to support the syndicates underwriting. All syndicates are managed by Lloyds approved managing agents. Managing agents receive fees and profit commissions in respect of the underwriting and administrative services they provide to the syndicates. Lloyds prescribes, in respect of its managing agents and Members, certain minimum standards relating to their management and control, solvency and various other requirements.
Sirius Group participates in the Lloyds market through the 100% ownership of White Mountains Sirius Capital Ltd., a Lloyds corporate Member, which in turn provides underwriting capacity to Syndicate 1945. Syndicate 1945 commenced underwriting on July 1, 2011 and Asta Managing Agency Ltd. is its managing agent. The Syndicate 1945 stamp capacity for 2013 is £92.6 million ($150.5 million based on the December 31, 2012 GBP to USD exchange rate). Stamp capacity is a measure of the amount of net premium (premiums written less acquisition costs) that a syndicate is authorized by Lloyds to write.
U.S.:
Sirius Americas policyholders surplus, as reported to regulatory authorities as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, was $528.3 million and $533.7 million. Sirius Americas statutory net income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $26.2 million, $101.4 million and $70.2 million. The principal differences between Sirius Americas statutory amounts and the amounts reported in accordance with GAAP include deferred acquisition costs, deferred taxes, gains recognized under retroactive reinsurance contracts and market value adjustments for debt securities. The minimum policyholders surplus necessary to satisfy Sirius Americas regulatory requirements was $127.8 million at December 31, 2012, which equals the authorized control level of the NAIC risk-based capital based on Sirius Americas policyholders surplus.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Central Nationals policyholders surplus, as reported to regulatory authorities as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, was $11.2 million and $13.4 million. Central Nationals statutory net income for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $1.7 million and $0.1 million. The minimum policyholders surplus necessary to satisfy Central Nationals regulatory requirements was $1.7 million at December 31, 2012, which equals the authorized control level of the NAIC risk-based capital based on Central Nationals policyholders surplus.
American Generals policyholders surplus, as reported to regulatory authorities as of December 31, 2012 was $8.6 million. The minimum policyholders surplus necessary to satisfy American Generals regulatory requirements was $0.1 million at December 31, 2012, which equals the authorized control level of the NAIC risk-based capital based on American Generals policyholders surplus.
American General Propertys policyholders surplus, as reported to regulatory authorities as of December 31, 2012 was $24.5 million. The minimum policyholders surplus necessary to satisfy American General Propertys regulatory requirements was $2.5 million at December 31, 2012, which equals the authorized control level of the NAIC risk-based capital based on American General Propertys policyholders surplus.
PICOs policyholders surplus, as reported to regulatory authorities as of December 31, 2012 was $6.3 million. The minimum policyholders surplus necessary to satisfy PICOs regulatory requirements was $0.2 million at December 31, 2012, which equals the authorized control level of the NAIC risk-based capital based on PICOs policyholders surplus.
Citations policyholders surplus, as reported to regulatory authorities as of December 31, 2012 was $13.1 million. The minimum policyholders surplus necessary to satisfy Citations regulatory requirements was $0.9 million at December 31, 2012, which equals the authorized control level of the NAIC risk-based capital based on Citations policyholders surplus.
Dividend Capacity
There are no restrictions under Bermuda law or the law of any other jurisdiction on the payment of dividends from retained earnings by Sirius Group. However, under the insurance laws of the states and jurisdictions under which Sirius Groups insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries are domiciled, an insurer is restricted with respect to the timing and the amount of dividends it may pay without prior approval by regulatory authorities. At December 31, 2012, Sirius Group insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries have approximately $2,136.7 million of GAAP shareholders equity, $852.3 million of which can be distributed to Sirius Group without prior regulatory approval. As a result, at December 31, 2012, $1,284.4 million of Sirius Groups GAAP shareholders equity held in its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries was not available for the payment of dividends without prior regulatory approval, and all of Sirius Groups retained earnings is unrestricted with respect to the payment of dividends to Sirius Groups common shareholder. When determining whether to make distributions from its insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries, Sirius Group also considers factors such as internal capital targets and rating agency capital requirements. Accordingly, there can be no assurance regarding the amount of such dividends that may be paid by such subsidiaries in the future.
Following is a description of the dividend capacity of Sirius Groups insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries:
Subject to certain limitations under Swedish law, Sirius International is permitted to transfer a portion of its pre-tax income to its Swedish parent companies to minimize taxes (referred to as a group contribution). In 2012, Sirius International transferred $82.0 million of its 2011 pre-tax income to its Swedish parent companies as a group contribution. In 2013, Sirius International currently intends to transfer approximately $110.0 million (based on the December 31, 2012 SEK to USD exchange rate) of its 2012 pre-tax income to its Swedish parent companies as a group contribution.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Sirius International has the ability to pay dividends subject to the availability of unrestricted statutory surplus. Historically, Sirius International has allocated the majority of its pre-tax income, after group contributions to its Swedish parent companies, to the Safety Reserve (see Safety Reserve). At December 31, 2012, Sirius International had $852.3 million (based on the December 31, 2012 SEK to USD exchange rate) of unrestricted statutory surplus, which is available for distribution in 2013. The amount of dividends available to be paid by Sirius International in any given year is also subject to cash flow and earnings generated by Sirius Internationals business, as well as to dividends received from its subsidiaries, including Sirius America. During 2012, Sirius International distributed $24.0 million of dividends to its immediate parent and declared an additional $75.0 million of dividends at December 31, 2012 (for a total of $99.0 million). The $75.0 million was paid in January 2013. In connection with the Reorganization in 2011, Sirius Internationals unrestricted statutory surplus increased by $436.3 million due to the contribution of the remaining shares of Sirius America. In 2013, Sirius International currently intends to distribute $50.0 million of dividends to its immediate parent.
Sirius America has the ability to pay dividends during any twelve-month period without the prior approval of regulatory authorities in an amount set by formula based on the lesser of net investment income, as defined by statute, or 10% of statutory surplus, in both cases as most recently reported to regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of earned surplus. Based upon 2012 statutory net investment income, Sirius America has the ability to pay $15.0 million of dividends during 2013 without prior approval of regulatory authorities, subject to the availability of earned surplus. At December 31, 2012, Sirius America had $528.3 million of statutory surplus and $56.1 million of earned surplus. In 2012, Sirius America paid $55.0 million of dividends to its immediate parent.
During 2012, Sirius Group distributed $54.0 million to its immediate parent and declared an additional $75.0 million at December 31, 2012 (for a total of $129.0 million). The $75.0 million was paid in January 2013.
At December 31, 2012, Sirius Group and its intermediate holding companies had $72.0 million of net unrestricted cash, short-term investments and fixed maturity investments and $18.0 million of other long-term investments outside of its regulated and unregulated insurance and reinsurance operating subsidiaries.
Capital Maintenance
In connection with Sirius Groups reorganization in October 2011, Sirius International and Sirius America entered into a capital maintenance agreement, which obligates Sirius International to make contributions to Sirius Americas surplus in order for Sirius America to maintain surplus equal to at least 125% of the company action level risk based capital as defined in the NAIC Property/Casualty Risk-Based Capital Report. The agreement provides for a maximum contribution to Sirius America of $200.0 million. Sirius International also provides Sirius America with accident year stop loss reinsurance, which protects Sirius Americas accident year loss and allocated loss adjustment expense ratio in excess of 70%, with a limit of $110.0 million.
Safety Reserve
Subject to certain limitations under Swedish law, Sirius International is permitted to transfer pre-tax amounts into an untaxed reserve referred to as a safety reserve. At December 31, 2012, Sirius Internationals safety reserve amounted to SEK 9.6 billion or $1.5 billion at the December 31, 2012 exchange rate of 6.50 USD to SEK. Under GAAP, an amount equal to the safety reserve, net of a related deferred tax liability established at the Swedish tax rate, is classified as shareholders equity. The tax rate in effect on December 31, 2011 was 26.3%. The tax rate utilized on December 31, 2012 was the new Swedish tax rate of 22.0%. Generally, this deferred tax liability is only required to be paid by Sirius International if it fails to maintain predetermined levels of premium writings and loss reserves in future years. As a result of the indefinite deferral of these taxes, Swedish regulatory authorities do not apply any taxes to the safety reserve when calculating solvency capital under Swedish insurance regulations. Accordingly, under local statutory requirements, an amount equal to the deferred tax liability on Sirius Internationals safety reserve ($326.7 million at December 31, 2012) is included in solvency capital. Access to the safety reserve is restricted to coverage of insurance and reinsurance losses. Access for any other purpose requires the approval of Swedish regulatory authorities. Similar to the approach taken by Swedish regulatory authorities, most major rating agencies generally include the $1.5 billion balance of the safety reserve, without any provision for deferred taxes, in Sirius Internationals capital when assessing Sirius Internationals financial strength.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 12. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Sirius Groups investments in unconsolidated affiliates represent investments in other companies in which Sirius Group has a significant voting and economic interest but does not control the entity.
|
|
December 31, |
| ||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
| ||
Symetra Common Shares |
|
$ |
288.4 |
|
$ |
261.0 |
|
Unrealized gains from Symetras fixed maturity portfolio |
|
62.8 |
|
|
| ||
Total investment in Symetra |
|
351.2 |
|
261.0 |
| ||
Investment in OneBeacon |
|
153.5 |
|
85.9 |
| ||
Total investments in unconsolidated affiliates |
|
$ |
504.7 |
|
$ |
346.9 |
|
Symetra
At December 31, 2012, Sirius Group owned 17.4 million common shares of Symetra. Sirius Group accounts for its investment in common shares of Symetra using the equity method. Under the equity method, the GAAP carrying value of Sirius Groups investment in Symetra common shares is normally equal to the percentage of Symetras GAAP book value represented by Sirius Groups common share ownership, which was 14.6% at December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2011, due to the prolonged low interest rate environment in which life insurance companies currently operate, Sirius Group concluded that its investment in Symetra common shares was other-than temporarily impaired and wrote down the GAAP book value of the investment to its estimated fair value of $261.0 million, or $15 per share at December 31, 2011. Sirius Group recorded $45.9 million of after-tax equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates and $136.6 million of after-tax equity in net unrealized losses of unconsolidated affiliates.
Under GAAP, a decline in the fair value of an investment is considered to be other-than-temporary when the fair value of the investment is not expected to recover to its GAAP carrying value in the near term. Declines in the fair value of an investment that are considered to be other-than-temporary are recognized as a write-down to the GAAP carrying value of the investment. The GAAP fair value of an investment is the price that would be paid by a market participant to acquire it in the investments principal (or most advantageous) market. For investments that are publicly traded, quoted market prices generally provide the best measurement of GAAP fair value. However, a decline in the quoted market price of an investment below its GAAP carrying value is not necessarily indicative of a loss in value that is other-than-temporary, and in circumstances where the characteristics of the investment being measured are not the same as those for which quoted market prices are available, unadjusted quoted market prices do not represent GAAP fair value. Sirius Groups investment in Symetra common shares is different than the shares that are traded on the public stock exchange, principally due to the size of its position and its representation on Symetras Board of Directors. In circumstances like this, GAAP requires that fair value be determined giving consideration to multiple valuation techniques. Management considered three different valuation techniques to determine the GAAP fair value of Sirius Groups investment in Symetra common shares at December 31, 2011.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Valuation techniques based on actuarial appraisal
When determining the value of life insurance holding companies that are acquisition targets, market participants commonly utilize an approach that values the company as the sum of (A) adjusted statutory net worth of any regulated life insurance companies (i.e. statutory surplus plus asset valuation reserve) plus the GAAP net assets of any non-life businesses, less holding company debt and (B) the present value of future earnings related to business in force as of the valuation date plus the present value of future earnings related to business written after the valuation date. Part A of the calculation can be performed using observable inputs from the statutory and GAAP financial statements. Part B of the calculation requires a large number of actuarial calculations including assumptions such as discount rates, mortality, persistency and future investment results that, while based on historical data and are supportable, are nonetheless judgmental and largely unobservable. For Symetra, part A is approximately $15 per share as of December 31, 2011. Symetra management provided Sirius Group with an actuarial appraisal that demonstrates that part B would be a meaningful positive value in most reasonable scenarios. When determining the GAAP fair value of Sirius Groups investment in Symetra common shares at December 31, 2011, management ascribed the greatest weight to part A, as it is observable and less subjective.
Valuation techniques based on multiples from recent transactions
Sirius Group uses growth in adjusted book value to assess Symetras financial performance. Adjusted book value excludes unrealized gains and losses from Symetras fixed maturity investment portfolio. Life insurance industry analysts and market participants commonly use multiples of adjusted book value per share to determine relative values of companies in the life insurance industry. Applying this approach to Symetra at December 31, 2011, utilizing multiples which were observed in a recently announced transaction within the life insurance industry provides an estimated fair value range from $16 to $30 per share. However, the range of fair value estimates generated by applying the adjusted book value per share multiple and market premium observed in the recently announced transaction is wide, and there have been no other significant acquisitions of life insurance companies in 2011. Therefore, management did not ascribe significant weight to valuations determined using the adjusted book value per share multiple or market price premium observed in recent acquisition activity when determining the GAAP fair value of Sirius Groups investment in Symetra common shares at December 31, 2011.
Valuation techniques based on quoted market prices
White Mountains representation on Symetras Board of Directors gives Sirius Groups ultimate parent the ability to exercise significant influence over Symetras operations and policies. Generally, market participants are willing to pay a premium to obtain the ability to exert influence over the operations and policies of an investee, which is not reflected in the quoted market price of Symetras common shares. There is no reliable means to calculate the value of this premium for an investment in a life insurance company. The actuarial appraisals used by market participants described above implicitly consider the ability to influence an investees operations and policies in the actuarial assumptions underlying projected future earnings, but the value associated with the ability to exert influence is not explicitly calculated separately from other components of value. As a result, management did not ascribe significant weight to valuations based on quoted market prices when determining the GAAP fair value of Sirius Groups investment in Symetra common shares at December 31, 2011, as the premium associated with the ability to exert influence over the operations and policies of Symetra is unobservable and highly subjective.
After considering these valuation techniques, management determined that the best estimate of the GAAP fair value of Sirius Groups investment in Symetras common shares at December 31, 2011 was $15 per share. Given the scarcity of relevant observable inputs and the wide range of estimates developed under the approaches used, the estimated GAAP fair value of Sirius Groups investment in Symetras common shares involved a significant degree of judgment, is very subjective in nature and, accordingly, is considered a Level 3 fair value measurement.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As a result of recording the write-down, Sirius Groups carrying value of its investment in Symetra differs from the carrying value by applying its ownership share against Symetras GAAP equity as normally done under the equity method. The pre-tax basis difference of $195.8 million as of December 31, 2011 is being amortized over a 30 year period pro rata based on estimated future cash flows associated with Symetras underlying assets and liabilities to which the basis difference has been attributed. Sirius Group continues to record its equity in Symetras earnings and net unrealized gains (losses). In addition, Sirius Group recognizes the amortization of the basis difference through equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and equity in net unrealized gains (losses) from investments in unconsolidated affiliates consistent with the original attribution of the writedown between equity in earnings and equity in net unrealized gains (losses). For the year ended December 31, 2012, Sirius Group recognized after-tax amortization of $3.3 million through equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and $12.1 million through equity in net unrealized gains from investments in unconsolidated affiliates. At December 31, 2012, the pre-tax unamortized basis difference was $179.2 million. Management does not believe that the investment in Symetras common shares is other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2012. During 2012, Sirius Group received cash dividends from Symetra of $4.9 million on its common share investment which is accounted for as a reduction of Sirius Groups investment in Symetra in accordance with equity accounting.
The following table summarizes amounts recorded by Sirius Group relating to its investment in Symetra:
Millions |
|
Common |
|
Warrants |
|
Total |
| |||
Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of January 1, 2010 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
38.5 |
|
$ |
38.5 |
|
Exchange of common shares from parent |
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
| |||
Deemed contribution from parent(1) |
|
59.6 |
|
|
|
59.6 |
| |||
Equity in earnings of Symetra(2) |
|
8.0 |
|
|
|
8.0 |
| |||
Equity in net unrealized gains(losses) from Symetras fixed maturity portfolio(3) |
|
(4.7 |
) |
|
|
(4.7 |
) | |||
Dividends received |
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(0.8 |
) | |||
Decrease in value of warrants |
|
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
(1.4 |
) | |||
Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of December 31, 2010(6) |
|
162.1 |
|
37.1 |
|
199.2 |
| |||
Decrease in value of warrants |
|
|
|
(24.5 |
) |
(24.5 |
) | |||
Contribution of common shares from parent |
|
241.2 |
|
|
|
241.2 |
| |||
Equity in earnings of Symetra(2) |
|
19.1 |
|
|
|
19.1 |
| |||
Impairment of equity in earnings of Symetra(4) |
|
(50.0 |
) |
|
|
(50.0 |
) | |||
Equity in net unrealized gains from Symetras fixed maturity portfolio(3) |
|
39.7 |
|
|
|
39.7 |
| |||
Impairment of equity in net unrealized gains from Symetras fixed maturity portfolio(5) |
|
(148.6 |
) |
|
|
(148.6 |
) | |||
Dividends received |
|
(2.5 |
) |
|
|
(2.5 |
) | |||
Exchange of warrants to parent |
|
|
|
(12.6 |
) |
(12.6 |
) | |||
Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of December 31, 2011(6) |
|
261.0 |
|
|
|
261.0 |
| |||
Equity in earnings of Symetra(2) |
|
32.3 |
|
|
|
32.3 |
| |||
Equity in net unrealized gains (losses) from Symetras fixed maturity portfolio(3) |
|
62.8 |
|
|
|
62.8 |
| |||
Dividends received |
|
(4.9 |
) |
|
|
(4.9 |
) | |||
Carrying value of investment in Symetra as of December 31, 2012(6) |
|
$ |
351.2 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
351.2 |
|
(1) Excludes deferred tax liability of $10.4 recorded in connection with deemed contribution.
(2) Equity in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 excludes tax expense of $2.6, $2.3, and $1.4.
(3) Net unrealized gains (losses) from Symetras fixed maturity portfolio excludes tax (expense) benefit of $(5.1), $(6.9), and $0.8 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
(4) Impairment of equity in earnings of Symetra excludes tax benefit of $4.1.
(5) Impairment of equity in net unrealized gains from Symetras fixed maturity portfolio excludes tax benefit of $12.0.
(6) Includes Sirius Groups equity in net unrealized gains (losses) from Symetras fixed maturity portfolio of $62.8, $0.0, and $29.4 as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, which excludes tax expense of $5.1, $0.0, and $5.2.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table summarizes financial information for Symetra as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:
|
|
December 31, |
| ||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
| ||
Symetra balance sheet data: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total investments |
|
$ |
27,556.4 |
|
$ |
26,171.7 |
|
Separate account assets |
|
807.7 |
|
795.8 |
| ||
Total assets (1) |
|
29,460.9 |
|
28,183.3 |
| ||
Policyholder liabilities |
|
23,735.2 |
|
23,140.6 |
| ||
Long-term debt |
|
449.4 |
|
449.2 |
| ||
Separate account liabilities |
|
807.7 |
|
795.8 |
| ||
Total liabilities (1) |
|
25,830.8 |
|
25,068.4 |
| ||
Common Shareholders equity (1) |
|
3,630.1 |
|
3,114.9 |
| ||
(1) 2011 balances have been restated for the effect of Symetras adoption of ASU 2010-26.
The following table summarizes financial information for Symetra for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||
Symetra income statement data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net premiums earned |
|
$ |
605.0 |
|
$ |
540.5 |
|
$ |
473.0 |
|
Net investment income |
|
1,275.2 |
|
1,270.9 |
|
1,199.4 |
| |||
Total revenues (1) |
|
2,101.2 |
|
1,999.3 |
|
1,878.8 |
| |||
Policy benefits |
|
1,371.8 |
|
1,307.3 |
|
1,234.6 |
| |||
Total expenses (1) |
|
1,831.1 |
|
1,726.1 |
|
1,600.5 |
| |||
Net income (1) |
|
205.4 |
|
195.8 |
|
193.8 |
| |||
Comprehensive net income |
|
549.3 |
|
785.5 |
|
679.0 |
| |||
(1) Amounts for the years ended December 2011 and 2010 have been restated for the effect of Symetras adoption of ASU 2010-26.
OneBeacon
In 2008, Sirius Group purchased 5,524,862 common shares of OneBeacon for $100.0 million of cash from White Mountains.
On July 1, 2011, Sirius Group purchased an additional 1,902,587 common shares of OneBeacon for $25.0 million of cash from White Mountains. The difference of $1.9 million between the purchase price of $25.0 million and the carrying value of OneBeacon on White Mountains books was recorded by Sirius Group as a reduction of paid-in capital. On March 28, 2012, White Mountains contributed an additional 7,100,000 shares of OneBeacon with a carrying value of $84.7 million to Sirius Group.
On March 27, 2012, Star Re sold 100,000 common shares of OneBeacon with a carrying value of $1.2 million to White Mountains for $1.5 million.
Sirius Group accounts for its investment in OneBeacon using the equity method. Sirius Groups investment in OneBeacon at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $153.4 million and $85.9 million, respectively. Sirius Group owned 15.1% of OneBeacon outstanding common shares at December 31, 2012.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, Sirius Group recorded a $(6.3) million and $2.7 million of equity in earnings from its investment in OneBeacon and dividends received of $10.6 million and $11.0 million.
The following table summarizes amounts recoded by Sirius Group relating to its investment in OneBeacon:
Millions |
|
Total |
| |
Carrying value of investment in OneBeacon as of January 1, 2010 |
|
$ |
83.0 |
|
Equity in earnings of OneBeacon |
|
6.9 |
| |
Dividends received |
|
(18.5 |
) | |
Other, net |
|
0.5 |
| |
Carrying value of investment in OneBeacon as of December 31, 2010 |
|
71.9 |
| |
Shares purchased from White Mountains |
|
23.1 |
| |
Equity in earnings of OneBeacon |
|
3.2 |
| |
Dividends received |
|
(11.0 |
) | |
Other, net |
|
(1.3 |
) | |
Carrying value of investment in OneBeacon as of December 31, 2011 |
|
85.9 |
| |
Shares contributed by White Mountains (See Note 2) |
|
84.7 |
| |
Shares sold to White Mountains (See Note 2) |
|
(1.2 |
) | |
Equity in earnings of OneBeacon |
|
(6.2 |
) | |
Dividends received |
|
(10.7 |
) | |
Other, net |
|
1.0 |
| |
Carrying value of investment in OneBeacon as of December 31, 2012 |
|
$ |
153.5 |
|
The following table summarizes financial information for OneBeacon as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:
|
|
December 31, |
| ||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
| ||
OneBeacon balance sheet data: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total investments |
|
$ |
2,291.5 |
|
$ |
2,707.6 |
|
Total assets |
|
5,401.5 |
|
5,821.6 |
| ||
Policyholder liabilities |
|
4,109.5 |
|
4,438.0 |
| ||
Long-term debt |
|
274.7 |
|
269.7 |
| ||
Total liabilities |
|
4,384.2 |
|
4,707.7 |
| ||
Common shareholders equity and noncontrolling interests |
|
1,017.3 |
|
1,113.9 |
| ||
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table summarizes financial information for OneBeacon for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
| |||||||
Millions |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| |||
OneBeacon income statement data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Net premiums earned |
|
$ |
1,132.0 |
|
$ |
1,012.2 |
|
$ |
1,181.1 |
|
Net investment income |
|
53.6 |
|
71.4 |
|
96.6 |
| |||
Total revenues |
|
1,240.8 |
|
1,081.8 |
|
1,351.7 |
| |||
Loss and loss adjustment expenses |
|
650.0 |
|
548.3 |
|
685.6 |
| |||
Total expenses |
|
1,134.9 |
|
962.1 |
|
1,176.3 |
| |||
Net (loss) income attributable to OneBeacon common shareholders |
|
(19.2 |
) |
55.1 |
|
118.3 |
| |||
Comprehensive net income |
|
(22.1 |
) |
43.9 |
|
124.8 |
| |||
Delos
On August 3, 2006, Sirius Group sold a wholly-owned subsidiary to an investor group led by Lightyear Capital for $138.8 million in cash. As part of the transaction, White Mountains acquired an equity interest of approximately 18% in the acquiring entity, Delos. In the second quarter of 2008, Sirius Group purchased the Delos equity interest from White Mountains for $33.9 million in cash. The purchase price equaled White Mountains equity method carrying value at the time of the purchase and also approximated fair value. During the fourth quarter 2010, Sirius Group sold its entire interest in Delos and realized a loss of $10.9 million recognized through other revenues. Sirius Group accounted for its investment in Delos under the equity method.
NOTE 13. Variable Interest Entities
Prospector Offshore Fund
Sirius Group has determined that the Prospector Offshore Fund, Ltd. (the Prospector Fund) is a variable interest entity for which Sirius Group is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate the Prospector Fund. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, Sirius Group consolidated total assets of $151.0 million and $135.8 million and total liabilities of $51.1 million and $31.6 million of the Prospector Fund. In addition, at December 31, 2012 and 2011, Sirius Group recorded noncontrolling interest of $29.1 million and $38.9 million in the Prospector Fund. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 Sirius Group recorded $(2.3) million, $0.2 million and $(3.2) million of noncontrolling interest (expense) income related to the Fund. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the net amount of capital at risk was equal to Sirius Groups investment in the Fund of $71.1 million and $65.3 million, respectively, which represents Sirius Groups ownership interest of 71.1% and 62.7%, respectively in the Prospector Fund.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 14. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Sirius Group carries its financial instruments on its balance sheet at fair value with the exception of the SIG Senior Notes. The fair value of the SIG Senior Notes was determined based on a quoted market price. Because considerable judgment is used, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. The following summarizes the carrying value and fair value of financial instruments that are not accounted for at fair value:
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
|
December 31, 2011 |
| ||||||||
|
|
Fair |
|
Carrying |
|
Fair |
|
Carrying |
| ||||
Millions |
|
Value |
|
Value |
|
Value |
|
Value |
| ||||
SIG Senior Notes |
|
$ |
441.9 |
|
$ |
399.4 |
|
$ |
418.6 |
|
$ |
399.3 |
|
Old Lyme Note |
|
$ |
2.1 |
|
$ |
2.1 |
|
$ |
2.1 |
|
$ |
2.1 |
|
The fair value estimates for the SIG Senior Notes has been determined based off indicative broker quotes and is considered a Level 3 measurement. The fair value of the Old Lyme Note has been determined by internal pricing, based on the expected amount due to the sellers of Old Lyme, and is considered a Level 3 measurement.
NOTE 15. Transactions with Related Persons
Esurance Insurance
In 2010, Sirius International and Sirius America participated in a quota share reinsurance agreement with Esurance Insurance to assume 60% of its business classified as private passenger automobile where Sirius America participated at 42.5% and Sirius International participated at 17.5% and included a commission payment of 20% for Sirius America and 21% for Sirius International. In addition, the agreement included a profit commission of up to 4% to Esurance Insurance in the event that the loss and LAE ratio for the business assumed was less than 77%. On January 1, 2011, the agreement was renewed with Sirius America only with the same terms and conditions as 2010.
On October 7, 2011, White Mountains completed the sale of Esurance Insurance. As a result of this transaction, Esurance Insurance and Sirius America and Sirius International entered into a commutation and release agreement. In accordance with this agreement, all preliminary balances between Esurance Insurance and Sirius America and Sirius International were settled in cash and investments based on an estimated commutation amount, which was $180.1 million for Sirius America, and $75.3 million for Sirius International. This amount was finalized in March 2012, which reduced the settlement in total by $1.4 million for the Sirius Group.
During 2011, and 2010, Sirius Group assumed premiums written of $184.9 million and $435.8 million, of which $267.9 million and $477.9 million was earned, incurred losses of $192.5 million and $350.8 million and commissions of $66.2 million and $114.8 million.
White Mountains Advisors
White Mountains Advisors (WMA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of White Mountains, provides investment advisory and management services to Sirius Group and its subsidiaries under an Investment Advisory Services Agreement. Sirius Group incurred $6.1 million, $7.8 million, and $7.6 million of investment fees during 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively for services provided by WMA. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, Sirius Group owed $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, to WMA under this agreement.
Prospector
Mr. John Gillespie, a director of White Mountains, is the founder and Managing Member of Prospector Partners LLC (Prospector). Prospector serves as a discretionary adviser with respect to specified assets, primarily equity securities, managed by WMA on behalf of White Mountains.
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, Sirius Group also had $71.1 million and $65.3 million invested in limited partnership investments managed by Prospector.
Sirius International Group, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Other relationships and transactions
WMA provides investment advisory and management services to Symetra. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, WMA had $27.4 billion and $26.3 billion of assets under management from Symetra. During 2012, 2011, and 2010, WMA earned $15.9 million, $15.2 million, and $13.8 million in fees from Symetra.
NOTE 16. Commitments and Contingencies
Sirius Group leases its office space under non-cancellable operating leases that expire on various dates. The future annual minimum rental payments required under non-cancellable leases for office space are as follows:
Millions |
|
Future Payments |
| |
2013 |
|
$ |
6.8 |
|
2014 |
|
6.6 |
| |
2015 |
|
5.5 |
| |
2016 |
|
5.2 |
| |
2017 and after |
|
10.5 |
| |
Total |
|
$ |
34.6 |
|
Total rental expense for the year ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $8.2 million, $8.8 million, and $8.7 million, respectively. Sirius Group also has various other lease obligations, which are not material in the aggregate.
Sirius International is a shareholder in LUC Holdings (LUC), a real estate company that leases and sub-leases rental properties in London. Shareholders of LUC are joint and several guarantors of the obligations of LUC. Estimated future fundings of LUC by Sirius International are as follows:
|
|
December 31, |
| |
Millions |
|
2012 |
| |
Due in one year or less |
|
$ |
0.7 |
|
Due in two to three years |
|
1.3 |
| |
Due in four to five years |
|
1.6 |
| |
Due after five years |
|
|
| |
Total |
|
$ |
3.6 |
|
Legal Contingencies
Sirius Group and the reinsurance industry in general, are routinely subject to claims related litigation and arbitration in the normal course of business, as well as litigation and arbitration that do not arise from, or are directly related to, claims activity. Sirius Groups estimates of the costs of settling matters routinely encountered in claims activity are reflected in the reserves for unpaid loss and LAE. See Note 3.
Sirius Group is not a party to any material non-claims litigation or arbitration. Sirius Group considers the requirements of ASC 450 when evaluating its exposure to non-claims related litigation and arbitration. ASC 450 requires that accruals be established for litigation and arbitration if it is probable that a loss has been incurred and it can be reasonably estimated. ASC 450 also requires that litigation and arbitration be disclosed if it is probable that a loss has been incurred or it there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred.
Although the ultimate outcome of claims and non-claims related litigation and arbitration, and the amount or range of potential loss at any particular time, is often inherently uncertain, management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of such claims and non-claims related litigation and arbitration will have a material adverse effect on Sirius Groups financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.