White Mountains Q3 2022 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
White Mountains reported a strong third quarter, with a significant increase in adjusted book value per share (ABVPS) driven by the gain from the sale of NSM. The company also saw good operating results across its businesses, including record premiums at BAM and a strong combined ratio at Ark. Share repurchases continued, and undeployed capital remained substantial.
Adjusted book value per share increased by 28% in the third quarter, primarily due to the gain on the sale of NSM.
BAM achieved record levels of premiums.
Ark produced an 87% combined ratio and grew premiums by 33% year-over-year.
The fair value of Kudu's existing participation contracts increased by 12%.
White Mountains
White Mountains
White Mountains Revenue by Segment
Forward Guidance
The report does not contain explicit forward guidance. However, comments from the CEOs of Ark and Kudu suggest continued growth and attractive market conditions.
Positive Outlook
- Market conditions remain attractive for Ark, with upward pressure on rates in many classes of business.
- Kudu continues to identify specialized high-quality asset and wealth managers worldwide and expects to make additional investments this year.
- Demand for insured bonds remained strong as investors focused on liquidity and quality ratings in response to volatile market conditions, helping improve pricing for BAM.
- Kudu's portfolio performed well.
- Trailing 12 month revenues from participation contracts increased 10% quarter over quarter to $59 million, while adjusted EBITDA increased 10% quarter over quarter to $47 million.
Challenges Ahead
- HG Global's pre-tax income (loss) decreased due to net unrealized investment losses on the fixed income portfolio.
- White Mountains reported pre-tax loss related to BAM, driven primarily by net unrealized investment losses on the BAM fixed income portfolio.
- Unrealized investment losses from White Mountains’s investment in MediaAlpha were $19 million.
- Total consolidated portfolio return was 0.4%.
- Our short duration fixed income portfolio returned -0.8%, ahead of the BBIA Index return of -3.8%.
Revenue & Expenses
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income