XML 27 R10.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.22.0.1

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies | Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (the “Company” or the “Registrant”) is an exempted Bermuda limited liability company whose principal businesses are conducted through its subsidiaries and other affiliates. The Company’s headquarters is located at 26 Reid Street, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 11, its principal executive office is located at 23 South Main Street, Suite 3B, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755-2053 and its registered office is located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 11. The Company’s website is located at www.whitemountains.com. The information contained on White Mountains’s website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this report. 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 the Company, its subsidiaries (collectively with the Company, “White Mountains”) and other entities required to be consolidated under GAAP. Consolidation Principles Under GAAP, the Company is required to consolidate any entity in which it holds a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest is usually in the form of an investment representing the majority of the subsidiary’s voting interests. However, a controlling financial interest may also arise from a financial interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”) through arrangements that do not involve ownership of voting interests. The Company consolidates a VIE if it determines that it is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is defined as the entity who holds a variable interest that gives it both the power to direct the VIE’s activities that most significantly impact its economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive returns from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. See Note 18 — “Variable Interest Entities”. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Use of Estimates 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. Reportable Segments White Mountains has determined its reportable segments based on the nature of the underlying businesses, the manner in which the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates are organized and managed and the organization of the financial information provided to the chief operating decision maker to assess performance and make decisions regarding allocation of resources. As of December 31, 2021, White Mountains’s reportable segments were HG Global/BAM, Ark, NSM, Kudu and Other Operations. On February 26, 2019, MediaAlpha, Inc. (“MediaAlpha”), completed the sale of a significant minority stake to Insignia Capital Group in connection with a recapitalization and cash distribution to existing equityholders (the “2019 MediaAlpha Transaction”). MediaAlpha also repurchased a portion of the holdings of existing equityholders. White Mountains deconsolidated MediaAlpha as a result of the 2019 MediaAlpha Transaction, and consequently it was no longer a reportable segment. White Mountains’s consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) and its segment disclosures include MediaAlpha’s results of operations through the date of the 2019 MediaAlpha Transaction. See Note 2 — “Significant Transactions” and Note 16 — “Segment Information”. The HG Global/BAM segment consists of HG Global Ltd. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“HG Global”) and the consolidated results of Build America Mutual Assurance Company (“BAM”) (collectively, “HG Global/BAM”). BAM is the first and only mutual municipal bond insurance company in the United States. By insuring the timely payment of principal and interest, BAM provides market access to, and lowers interest expense for, issuers of municipal bonds used to finance essential public purpose projects, such as schools, utilities and transportation facilities. BAM is owned by and operated for the benefit of its members, the municipalities that purchase BAM’s insurance for their debt issuances. HG Global was established to fund the startup of BAM and, through its reinsurance subsidiary HG Re Ltd. (“HG Re”), to provide up to 15%-of-par, first loss reinsurance protection for policies underwritten by BAM. HG Global, together with its subsidiaries, funded the initial capitalization of BAM through the purchase of $503.0 million of surplus notes issued by BAM (the “BAM Surplus Notes”). As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, White Mountains owned 96.9% of HG Global's preferred equity and 88.4% of its common equity. White Mountains does not have an ownership interest in BAM. However, White Mountains is required to consolidate BAM’s results in its financial statements because BAM is a VIE for which White Mountains is the primary beneficiary. BAM’s results are attributed to non-controlling interests. The Ark segment consists of Ark Insurance Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Ark”). Ark is a specialty property and casualty insurance and reinsurance company that offers a wide range of niche insurance and reinsurance products, including property, marine & energy, specialty, accident & health and casualty. Ark underwrites select coverages through its two major subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and Bermuda. On January 1, 2021, White Mountains acquired a controlling ownership interest in Ark (the “Ark Transaction”). See Note 2 — “Significant Transactions”. As of December 31, 2021, White Mountains owned 72.0% of Ark on a basic shares outstanding basis (63.0% after taking account of management’s equity incentives). The remaining shares are owned by employees. In the future, management rollover shareholders could earn additional shares in Ark if and to the extent that White Mountains achieves certain multiple of invested capital return thresholds. If fully earned, these additional shares would represent 12.5% of the shares outstanding at closing. NSM is a full-service managing general agent (“MGA”) and program administrator with delegated binding authorities for specialty property and casualty insurance. The company places insurance in niche sectors such as specialty transportation, real estate, social services and pet. On behalf of its insurance carrier partners, NSM typically manages all aspects of the placement process, including product development, marketing, underwriting, policy issuance and claims. NSM earns commissions based on the volume and profitability of the insurance that it places. NSM does not take insurance risk. On May 11, 2018, White Mountains acquired a controlling ownership interest in NSM. See Note 2 — “Significant Transactions”. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, White Mountains owned 96.5% and 96.6% of the basic units outstanding of NSM (87.3% and 89.6% on a fully diluted, fully converted basis). The Kudu segment consists of Kudu Investment Management, LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively “Kudu”). Kudu provides capital solutions for boutique asset managers for a variety of purposes including generational ownership transfers, management buyouts, acquisition and growth finance and legacy partner liquidity. Kudu also provides strategic assistance to investees from time to time. Kudu’s capital solutions typically are structured as minority preferred equity stakes with distribution rights, generally tied to gross revenues and designed to generate immediate strong, stable cash yields. On April 4, 2019, White Mountains acquired a controlling ownership interest in Kudu (the “Kudu Transaction”). See Note 2 — “Significant Transactions”. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, White Mountains owned 99.3% and 99.3% of the basic units outstanding of Kudu (84.7% and 85.4% on a fully diluted, fully converted basis). The Other Operations segment consists of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, White Mountains Capital, LLC, (“WM Capital”) its other intermediate holding companies, its wholly-owned investment management subsidiary, White Mountains Advisors LLC (“WM Advisors”), investment assets managed by WM Advisors, its interests in MediaAlpha (for periods after the 2019 MediaAlpha Transaction), PassportCard Limited (“PassportCard”) and DavidShield Life Insurance Agency (2000) Ltd. (“DavidShield”) (collectively, “PassportCard/ DavidShield”), Elementum Holdings LP (“Elementum”), Kudu (for periods prior to the Kudu Transaction), certain other consolidated and unconsolidated entities (“Other Operating Businesses”) and certain other assets. The MediaAlpha segment consisted of QL Holdings LLC and its wholly-owned subsidiary QuoteLab, LLC (collectively “MediaAlpha”). MediaAlpha is a marketing technology company. It operates a transparent and efficient customer acquisition technology platform that facilitates real-time transactions between buyers and sellers of consumer referrals (i.e., clicks, calls and leads), primarily in the property & casualty, health and life insurance verticals. MediaAlpha generates revenue by earning a fee for each consumer referral sold on its platform. A transaction becomes payable only on a qualifying consumer action, and is not contingent on the sale of a product to the consumer. MediaAlpha’s core verticals are property & casualty insurance, health insurance and life insurance. White Mountains deconsolidated MediaAlpha as a result of the 2019 MediaAlpha Transaction and stopped reporting it as a segment. Following the 2019 MediaAlpha Transaction, White Mountains’s non-c ontrolling equity interest in MediaAlpha was accounted for at fair value within other long-term investments. See Note 2 — “Significant Transactions”. Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations White Mountains recognizes assets and liabilities classified as held for sale at the lower of carrying value on the date the asset is initially classified as held for sale or fair value less costs to sell. At the time of reclassification to held for sale, White Mountains ceases recognizing depreciation and amortization on assets held for sale. The results of operations of a business that has either been disposed of or are classified as held for sale are reported in discontinued operations if the disposal of the business represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on White Mountains operations and financial results. See Note 21 — “Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations”. Significant Accounting Policies Investment Securities As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, White Mountains’s invested assets consisted of securities and other investments held for general investment purposes. White Mountains’s portfolio of fixed maturity investments, common equity securities, its investment in MediaAlpha, and other long-term investments held for general investment purposes are generally classified as trading securities and are reported at fair value as of the balance sheet date. Changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) are reported pre-tax in revenues. Realized investment gains (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 amortized and accreted to income over the anticipated life of the investment. Short-term investments consist of interest-bearing 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 fair value, which approximated amortized or accreted cost as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. White Mountains’s invested assets that are measured at fair value include fixed maturity investments, common equity securities, its investment in MediaAlpha, and other long-term investments, that consists primarily of unconsolidated entities, including non-controlling equity interests in the form of revenue and earnings participation contracts (“Kudu’s Participation Contracts”), a bank loan fund, private equity funds, hedge funds, Lloyd’s trust deposits, insurance-linked securities (“ILS”) funds and private debt instruments. Whenever possible, White Mountains estimates fair value using valuation methods that maximize the use of quoted prices and other observable inputs. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (an exit price) at a particular measurement date. Fair value measurements are categorized into a hierarchy that distinguishes between inputs based on market data from independent sources (observable inputs) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (unobservable inputs). 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 entity’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use, having the lowest priority (“Level 3”). Assets and liabilities carried at fair value include substantially all of White Mountains’s investment portfolio, and derivative instruments, both exchange-traded and over the counter instruments. Valuation of assets and liabilities measured at fair value require management to make estimates and apply judgment to matters that may carry a significant degree of uncertainty. In determining fair value estimates, White Mountains uses a variety of valuation approaches and inputs. Whenever possible, White Mountains estimates fair value using valuation methods that maximize the use of quoted market prices or other observable inputs. Where appropriate, assets and liabilities measured at fair value have been adjusted for the effect of counterparty credit risk. White Mountains uses outside pricing services and brokers to assist in determining fair values. The outside pricing services White Mountains uses have indicated that they will only provide prices where observable inputs are available. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 68% of the investment portfolio recorded at fair value was priced based upon quoted market prices or other observable inputs. Level 1 Measurements Investments valued using Level 1 inputs include White Mountains’s fixed maturity investments, primarily investments in U.S. Treasuries and short-term investments, which include U.S. Treasury Bills, common equity securities, and its investment in MediaAlpha following the MediaAlpha IPO. For investments in active markets, White Mountains uses the quoted market prices provided by outside pricing services to determine fair value. Level 2 Measurements Investments valued using Level 2 inputs include fixed maturity investments which have been disaggregated into classes, including debt securities issued by corporations, municipal obligations and mortgage and asset-backed securities. Investments valued using Level 2 inputs also include certain passive exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) that track U.S. stock indices such as the S&P 500 Index, but are traded on foreign exchanges, which White Mountains values using the fund manager’s published net asset value per share (“NAV”) to account for the difference in market close times. In circumstances where quoted market prices are unavailable or are not considered reasonable, White Mountains estimates the fair value using industry standard pricing methodologies and observable inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers, credit ratings, prepayment speeds, reference data including research publications and other relevant inputs. Given that many fixed maturity investments do not trade on a daily basis, the outside pricing services evaluate a wide range of fixed maturity investments by regularly drawing parallels from recent trades and quotes of comparable securities with similar features. The characteristics used to identify comparable fixed maturity investments vary by asset type and take into account market convention. White Mountains’s process to assess the reasonableness of the market prices obtained from the outside pricing sources covers substantially all of its fixed maturity investments and includes, but is not limited to, the evaluation of pricing methodologies and a review of the pricing services’ quality control procedures on at least an annual basis, a comparison of its invested asset prices obtained from alternate independent pricing vendors on at least a semi-annual basis, monthly analytical reviews of certain prices and a review of the underlying assumptions utilized by the pricing services for select measurements on an ad hoc basis throughout the year. White Mountains also performs back-testing of selected investment 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 of the security on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year. Prices provided by the pricing services that vary by more than $0.5 million and 5% from the expected price based on these assessment procedures are considered outliers, as are prices that have not changed from period to period and prices that have trended unusually compared to market conditions. In circumstances where the results of White Mountains’s review process does not appear to support the market price provided by the pricing services, White Mountains challenges the vendor provided price. If White Mountains cannot gain satisfactory evidence to support the challenged price, White Mountains will rely upon its own internal pricing methodologies to estimate the fair value of the security in question. The valuation process described above is generally applicable to all of White Mountains’s fixed maturity investments. The techniques and inputs specific to asset classes within White Mountains’s fixed maturity investments for Level 2 securities that use observable inputs are as follows: Debt Securities Issued by Corporations The fair value of debt securities issued by corporations is determined from a pricing evaluation technique that uses information from market sources and integrates relative credit information, observed market movements, and sector news. Key inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including sector, coupon, credit quality ratings, duration, credit enhancements, early redemption features and market research publications. Municipal Obligations The fair value of municipal obligations is determined from a pricing evaluation technique that uses information from market makers, brokers-dealers, buy-side firms, and analysts along with general market information. Key inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer financial statements, material event notices and new issue data, as well as broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including type, coupon, credit quality ratings, duration, credit enhancements, geographic location and market research publications. Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities and Collateralized Loan Obligations The fair value of mortgage and asset-backed securities and collateralized loan obligations is determined from a pricing evaluation technique that uses information from market sources and leveraging similar securities. Key inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, underlying tranche cash flow data, collateral performance, plus new issue data, as well as broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including issuer, vintage, loan type, collateral attributes, prepayment speeds, default rates, recovery rates, cash flow stress testing, credit quality ratings and market research publications. Level 3 Measurements Fair value estimates for investments that trade infrequently and have few or no quoted market prices or other observable inputs are classified as Level 3 measurements. Investments valued using Level 3 fair value estimates are based upon unobservable inputs and include investments in certain fixed maturity investments, common equity securities and other long-term investments where quoted market prices or other observable inputs are unavailable or are not considered reliable or reasonable. Level 3 valuations are generated from techniques that use assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable inputs reflect White Mountains’s assumptions of what market participants would use in valuing the investment. In certain circumstances, investment securities may start out as Level 3 when they are originally issued, but as observable inputs become available in the market, they may be reclassified to Level 2. Transfers of securities between levels are based on investments held as of the beginning of the period. Other Long-Term Investments As of December 31, 2021, White Mountains owned a portfolio of other long-term investments valued at $1.4 billion, that consisted primarily of unconsolidated entities, including Kudu’s Participation Contracts, a bank loan fund, private equity funds, a hedge fund, Lloyd’s trust deposits, ILS funds and private debt instruments. As of December 31, 2021, $890.6 million of White Mountains’s other long-term investments that consisted primarily of unconsolidated entities, including Kudu’s Participation Contracts and private debt instruments were classified as Level 3 investments in the GAAP fair value hierarchy, were not actively traded in public markets and did not have readily observable market prices. The determination of the fair value of these securities involves significant management judgment, and the use of valuation models and assumptions that are inherently subjective and uncertain. As of December 31, 2021, $482.5 million of White Mountains’s other long-term investments, consisting of a bank loan fund, private equity funds, a hedge fund, Lloyd’s trust deposits and ILS funds, were valued at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient. Investments for which fair value is measured at NAV using the practical expedient are not classified within the fair value hierarchy. White Mountains may use a variety of valuation techniques to determine fair value depending on the nature of the investment, including a discounted cash flow analysis, market multiple approach, cost approach and/or liquidation analysis. On an ongoing basis, White Mountains also considers qualitative changes in facts and circumstances, which may impact the valuation of unconsolidated entities, including economic and market changes in relevant industries, changes to the entity’s capital structure, business strategy and key personnel, and any recent transactions relating to the unconsolidated entity. On a quarterly basis, White Mountains evaluates the most recent qualitative and quantitative information of the business and completes a fair valuation analysis for all Level 3 other long-term investments. Periodically, and at least on an annual basis, White Mountains uses a third-party valuation firm to complete an independent valuation analysis of significant unconsolidated entities. Other Long-term Investments - NAV White Mountains’s portfolio of other long-term investments includes investments in a bank loan fund, private equity funds, hedge funds, Lloyd’s trust deposits and ILS funds, which are valued at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient. White Mountains employs a number of procedures to assess the reasonableness of the fair value measurements for other long-term investments measured at NAV, including obtaining and reviewing periodic and audited annual financial statements as well as periodically discussing each fund’s pricing with the fund manager. However, since the fund managers do not provide sufficient information to evaluate the pricing methods and inputs for each underlying investment, White Mountains considers the valuation inputs to be unobservable. The fair value of White Mountains’s other long-term investments measured at NAV are generally determined using the fund manager’s NAV. In the event that White Mountains believes the fair value differs from the NAV reported by the fund manager due to illiquidity or other factors, White Mountains will adjust the reported NAV to more appropriately represent the fair value of its investment. Cash and Restricted 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 Company’s consolidated subsidiaries. Cash balances that are not immediately available for general corporate purposes, including fiduciary accounts held by NSM on behalf of insurance carriers and the interest reserve account that Kudu maintains under its credit facility, are classified as restricted. Derivatives From time to time, White Mountains holds derivative financial instruments for risk management purposes. White Mountains recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities, measured at fair value, on its consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that meet the criteria for hedge accounting are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into current period pre-tax income (loss) when the hedged items are recognized therein. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting are recognized in current period pre-tax income (loss). As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, White Mountains holds interest rate cap derivative instruments that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, White Mountains holds an interest rate swap derivative instrument that meets the criteria for hedge accounting. See Note 9 — “Derivatives”. Municipal Bond Guarantee Insurance All of the contracts issued by BAM are accounted for as insurance contracts under ASC 944-605, Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts. For capital appreciation bonds, par is adjusted to the estimated equivalent par value for current interest paying bonds. See Note 10 — “Municipal Bond Guarantee Insurance”. Premiums are generally received upfront and an unearned premium revenue liability, equal to the amount of the premium received, is established at contract inception. Premium revenues are recognized in revenue over the period of the contracts in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided using a constant rate. The constant rate is calculated based on the relationship between the par outstanding in a given reporting period compared with the sum of each of the par amounts outstanding for all periods. Insurance premiums receivable represents amounts due from customers for municipal bond insurance policies. Installment premiums are measured at the present value of contractual premiums, discounted at the risk-free rate, which is set at the inception of the insurance contract. Deferred acquisition costs represent commissions, premium taxes, excise taxes and other costs 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 acquisition expenses. Deferred acquisition costs are limited to the amount expected to be recovered from future earned premiums and anticipated investment income. 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. BAM’s obligation for outstanding contracts consists of the unearned premium reserve and any loss reserves. Loss reserves are recorded only to the extent that the present value of the expected amount of any losses to be paid, net of any expected recoveries, exceeds the associated unearned premium reserve. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, BAM did not have any loss or loss adjustment expense reserves. Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance Ark writes a diversified portfolio of reinsurance and insurance, including property, marine & energy, specialty, accident & health and casualty, through its Lloyd’s Syndicates 4020 and 3902 (the “Syndicates”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Group Ark Insurance Limited (“GAIL”). Ark accounts for insurance and reinsurance policies that it writes in accordance with ASC 944, Financial Services - Insurance. Ark’s premiums written comprise premiums on insurance contracts incepted during the year as well as premium adjustments related to prior underwriting years. Insurance premiums are recognized as revenues over the loss exposure or coverage period in proportion to the level of insurance protection provided. In most cases, premiums are earned ratably over the term of the contract with unearned premiums calculated on a monthly pro-rata basis. Catastrophe premiums are earned in proportion to the level of insurance protection provided. Premiums earned are presented net of amounts ceded to reinsurers. Insurance premiums receivable, representing amounts due from insureds, are presented net of an allowance for uncollectible premiums, including expected credit losses. The allowance is based upon Ark’s ongoing review of amounts outstanding, historical loss data, including delinquencies and write-offs, current and forecasted economic conditions and other relevant factors. Credit risk is partially mitigated by Ark’s ability to cancel the policy if the policyholder does not pay the premium. Deferred acquisition costs comprise commission and brokerage fees and taxes 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. A premium deficiency is recognized if the sum of expected loss and 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 losses and LAE, including estimates for amounts incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) are based on estimates of the ultimate costs of settling claims, including the effects of inflation and other societal and economic factors. Unpaid loss and LAE reserves represent management’s 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 resulting adjustments are reflected in current results of 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. See Note 5 – “Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves”. As part of its enterprise risk management function, Ark purchases reinsurance for risk mitigation purposes. Ark utilizes reinsurance and retrocession agreements to reduce earnings volatility, protect capital, limit its exposure to risk concentration and accumulation of loss and to manage within its overall internal risk tolerances or those set and agreed by regulators, ratings agencies, and Lloyd’s. Ark also enters into reinsurance and retrocession agreements to reduce its liability on individual risks and enable it to underwrite policies with higher limits where Ark believes this has a broader business benefit. Ark seeks to protect its downside risk from catastrophes and large loss events by purchasing reinsurance, including excess of loss protections, aggregate covers, and industry loss warranties. Ark also considers alternative structures such as collateralized reinsurance, retrocessional reinsurance and catastrophe bonds. The purchase of reinsurance does not discharge Ark from its primary liability for the full value of its policies, and thus the collectability of balances due from Ark’s reinsurers is critical to its financial strength. Ark monitors the financial strength and ratings of its reinsurers on an ongoing basis. See Note 6 – “Third-Party Reinsurance”. For the years of account prior to the Ark Transaction, a significant proportion of the Syndicates’ underwriting capital was provided by third-party insurance and reinsurance groups (“TPC Providers”) using whole account reinsurance contracts with Ark’s corporate member. The TPC Providers’ participation in the Syndicates for the 2020 and 2019 open years of account is 42.8% and 58.3% of the total net result of the Syndicates. For the years of account subsequent to the Ark Transaction, Ark is no longer using TPC Providers to provide underwriting capital for the Syndicates. Captions within results of operations and other comprehensive income are shown net of amounts relating to the TPC Providers share of the Syndicates’ results, including investment results. Reinsurance recoverables represent paid losses and LAE, case reserves and IBNR reserves ceded to reinsurers under reinsurance treaties. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the associated claim liability. Ark reports its reinsurance recoverables net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance, including expected credit losses and coverage disputes. The allowance is based upon Ark’s ongoing review of amounts outstanding, length of collection periods, changes in reinsurer credit standing, disputes, applicable coverage defenses and other relevant factors. Reinsurance Contracts Accounted for as Deposits Reinsurance contracts that do not meet the risk transfer requirements necessary to be accounted for as reinsurance are accounted for using the deposit method. Under the deposit method, ceded premiums paid are not recognized through income but rather treated as a deposit. BAM entered into two ceded reinsurance agreements with Fidus Re Ltd. (“Fidus Re”), a Bermuda-based special purpose insurer created in 2018 solely to provide reinsurance protection to BAM. The nonrefundable consideration paid by BAM to Fidus Re is charged to financing expense within general and administrative expenses. See Note 10 — “Municipal Bond Guarantee Insurance”. Ark has an aggregate excess of loss contract with SiriusPoint Ltd. (“SiriusPoint”), formerly Third Point Reinsurance Ltd., which is accounted for using the deposit method and recorded within other assets. Ark earns an annual crediting rate of 3.0%, which is recorded within other revenue. See Note 6 — “Third-Party Reinsurance”. Revenue Recognition NSM’s revenues consist primarily of commissions and broker revenues for placement of insurance policies and administrative fees for claims and other services provided to insurance carriers. Commission and broker revenues and service fees are measured based on the contractual rates with insurance carriers, net of any amounts expected to be uncollectible and any amounts associated with expected policy cancellations and adjustments, and are recognized when contractual performance obligations have been fulfilled. NSM’s primary contractual performance obligations are generally satisfied upon the issuance of an insurance policy by the carrier. Where NSM has significant performance obligations beyond the policy issuance date, NSM estimates the relative standalone selling price for the post-issuance services in order to allocate the transaction price using the price charged for the service when sold separately in similar circumstances to similar customers. NSM earns contingent commissions based upon the overall profit and/or volume of the business placed with certain insurance carriers during a calendar year. Contingent commissions are determined after the contractual period has ended. NSM recognizes revenue on contingent commissions when management has determined that it is probable that the contingent commission requirements have been met. NSM’s premiums and commissions receivables consist of insurance premiums receivable from customers and commissions receivable from insurance carriers, net of a provision for amounts estimated to be uncollectible. Deferred revenues associated with unsatisfied performance obligations are recognized within other liabilities. Kudu’s revenues are primarily generated from non-controlling equity interests in revenue and earnings participation contracts with asset management firms. The participation contracts are measured at fair value with the change therein recognized within unrealized investment gains and losses. Distributions from Kudu’s clients are recognized through investment income when Kudu’s right to receive payment has been established and can be reliably measured, which generally occurs on a quarterly basis in accordance with the terms of the underlying participation contracts. During the period in which MediaAlpha was consolidated by White Mountains, MediaAlpha recognized advertising and publishing fee revenues based on the contractual amount of the fees, adjusted for any amounts expected to be refunded or uncollectible, when it had satisfied its contractual performance obligations, which was generally at the time each transaction was executed. For transactions where MediaAlpha acted as the principal, such as the Open exchange, revenue amounts were reported gross. For transactions where MediaAlpha acted as an agent facilitating transactions between third parties, revenue amounts were reported at the net fee billed. Commission Expense and Cost of Sales NSM’s broker commission expense consists of commissions paid to sub-agents and brokers. Broker commission expense is measured in accordance with contractual terms and recognized when incurred, which is generally at the policy issuance date. MediaAlpha’s cost of sales consisted primarily of revenue sharing payments to publisher partners and traffic acquisition costs to top tier search engines. Cost of sales were measured based on contract terms and recognized when the related revenue transactions are executed. Other Operations’s cost of sales consists of salaries and related expenses, professional services and marketing and advertising expenses directly related to sales generation. These expenses are recognized as incurred. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the amount paid to acquire subsidiaries over the fair value of identifiable net assets at the date of acquisition. Other intangible assets consist primarily of underwriting capacity, customer relationships, renewal rights and trade names. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but rather are evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or whenever indications of potential impairment exist. In the absence of any indications of potential impairment, the evaluation of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets is performed no later than the interim period in which the anniversary of the acquisition date falls. White Mountains initially evaluates goodwill using a qualitative approach (step zero) to determine whether it is more likely than not that the implied fair value of goodwill is greater than its carrying value. If the results of the qualitative evaluation indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, White Mountains performs the two-step quantitative test for impairment. Other intangible assets with finite lives are measured at their acquisition date fair values, are amortized over their economic lives and presented net of accumulated amortization on the balance sheet. Other intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment when events occur or there are changes in circumstances indicating that their carrying value may exceed fair value. Impairment exists when the carrying value of other intangible assets exceeds fair value. See Note 4 – “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. Incentive Compensation White Mountains’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “WTM Incentive Plan”) provides for grants of various types of share-based and non-share-based incentive awards to key employees of White Mountains. Non-share-based awards are recognized over the related service periods based on management’s best estimate of the amounts at which the awards are expected to be paid. Share-based compensation which is typically settled in cash, such as performance shares, is classified as a liability-type award. The compensation cost for liability-classified awards is measured initially at the grant date fair value and remeasured each reporting period until settlement. The compensation cost for equity-classified awards expected to be settled in shares, such as options and restricted shares, is measured at the original grant date fair value of the award. The compensation cost for all awards is recognized for the vested portion of the awards over the related service periods. See Note 12 — “Employee Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans”. Income Taxes White Mountains has subsidiaries and branches that operate in various jurisdictions around the world and are subject to tax in the jurisdictions in which they operate. As of December 31, 2021, the primary jurisdictions in which White Mountains’s subsidiaries and branches were subject to tax were Ireland, Israel, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom and the United States. Income earned or losses generated by companies outside the United States are generally subject to an overall effective tax rate lower than that imposed by the United States. 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. Deferred tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable in future periods. White Mountains 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. See Note 8 – “Income Taxes”. Leases Leases consist primarily of operating leases for office space and equipment. Lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term. Lease assets and liabilities are not recorded for leases with a term at inception of one year or less. Lease expense is included in operating expenses. See Note 13 – “Leases”. Non-controlling Interests Non-controlling interests consist of the ownership interests of non-controlling shareholders in consolidated subsidiaries, and are presented separately on the balance sheet. The portion of comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests is presented net of related income taxes in the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). See Note 14 — “Common Shareholders’ Equity and Non-controlling Interests”. Foreign Currency Exchange The functional currency for White Mountains’s non-U.S. based subsidiaries are measured, in most instances, using functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Net foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of functional currencies are generally reported in shareholders’ equity, in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. White Mountains 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 weighted average exchange rates for the period. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, White Mountains had unrealized foreign currency translation gains of $5.1 million and $5.6 million recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on its consolidated balance sheet. Fair Value Measurements Fair value measurements are categorized into a hierarchy that distinguishes between inputs based on market data from independent sources (observable inputs) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (unobservable inputs). Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities 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 entity’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use, having the lowest priority (Level 3). See Note 19 — “Fair Value of Financial Instruments”. Business Combinations White Mountains accounts for purchases of businesses using the acquisition method, which requires the measurement of assets acquired, including goodwill and other intangible assets, and liabilities assumed, including contingent liabilities, at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The acquisition date fair values represent management’s best estimates and are based upon established valuation techniques, reasonable assumptions and, where appropriate, valuations performed by independent third parties. In circumstances where additional information is required in order to determine the acquisition date fair value of balance sheet amounts, provisional amounts may be recorded as of the acquisition date and may be subject to subsequent adjustment throughout the measurement period, which is up to one year from the acquisition date. Measurement period adjustments are recognized in the period in which they are determined. The results of operations and cash flows of businesses acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. White Mountains accounts for purchases of other intangible assets that do not meet the definition of a business as asset acquisitions. Asset acquisitions are recognized at the amount of consideration paid, which is deemed to equal fair value. Recently Adopted Changes in Accounting Principles Income Taxes On January 1, 2020, White Mountains adopted ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (ASC 740) (“ASU 2019-12”), which removes exceptions to standard guidance. Under the new guidance non-income-based taxes, such as franchise taxes, are reported within pre-tax income rather than being included in income taxes. In addition, the new guidance eliminated the exception to the incremental approach for inter-period tax allocation, which previously allowed consideration of the tax effect of items such as discontinued operations and items recognized through other comprehensive income. For periods subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2019-12, White Mountains has recorded both the tax expense related to BAM’s member surplus contributions (“MSC”) and the related valuation allowance on such taxes through the non-controlling interest equity. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2019-12, White Mountains recorded the tax expense related to BAM’s MSC directly to non-controlling interest equity, while the valuation allowance on such taxes was recorded through the income statement. Goodwill On January 1, 2020, White Mountains adopted ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (ASC 350) (“ASU 2017-04”), which changed the guidance on goodwill impairment testing. Under the new guidance, the qualitative assessment of the recoverability of goodwill remains the same, but the second step of the two-step quantitative test, which required calculation of the implied fair value of goodwill, has been eliminated. Instead, an impairment charge is recognized when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. Any excess of carrying value over fair value is written down as an impairment. White Mountains did not identify any impairment indicators associated with its reporting units and therefore did not recognize an impairment of goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2020, and accordingly, adoption of ASU 2017-04 did not have any impact on White Mountains’s financial statements. Credit Losses On January 1, 2020, White Mountains adopted ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASC 326) (“ASU 2016-13”), which establishes new guidance for the recognition of credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost. The new ASU requires reporting entities to estimate the credit losses expected over the life of a credit exposure using historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the financial asset. White Mountains measures its portfolio of investment securities at fair value with changes therein recognized through current period earnings and, accordingly, adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have any impact on White Mountains’s financial statements.

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The entire disclosure for the general note to the financial statements for the reporting entity which may include, descriptions of the basis of presentation, business description, significant accounting policies, consolidations, reclassifications, new pronouncements not yet adopted and changes in accounting principles. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2197479 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2134479 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2122394 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2122369 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationBasisOfPresentationBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration