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8-K - PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS LTDfourthquarter2010_8k.htm
EX-99.2 - PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS LTDfinancialsupplementq4_2010.htm
 
Exhibit 99.1
 
 
Contact:
Lily Outerbridge
 
Investor Relations
 
(441) 298-0760
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. REPORTS
FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

HAMILTON, BERMUDA, FEBRUARY 8, 2011 – Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: PTP) today reported a net loss of $17.7 million and a loss per common share of $0.46 for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 and net income of $215.5 million and diluted earnings per common share of $4.78 for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The results for the quarter include net premiums earned of $185.0 million, net favorable development of $27.7 million, net investment income and net realized gains on investments of $38.9 million and net catastrophe losses of $68.2 million relating to the New Zealand earthquake and $9.9 million relating to the Australian floods.

Michael D. Price, President and Chief Executive Officer of Platinum, commented, “2010 was a difficult year for underwriting and investing with heavy catastrophe losses and volatile interest rates.  Despite these challenges, Platinum had an acceptable year, producing double digit returns and growth in book value per share for the year.  Our book value per common share was $50.20 as of December 31, 2010, an increase of 11.0% for the full year.”

Mr. Price added, “Despite the prevailing soft market conditions, we expect to participate selectively in a variety of reinsurance classes while maintaining our strategy of underwriting for profitability, not market share, and continuing to align our capital base with business opportunities.”
 
 
Results for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 are summarized as follows:
 
· Net loss was $17.7 million and the loss per common share was $0.46.

· Net premiums written were $162.0 million and net premiums earned were $185.0 million.

· GAAP combined ratio was 107.8%.

· Net investment income was $30.4 million.

· Net realized gains on investments were $8.5 million.

 
Results for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 as compared with the quarter ended December 31, 2009 are summarized as follows:

· Net income decreased $108.5 million.

· Net premiums written decreased $38.8 million (or 19.3%) and net premiums earned decreased $42.6 million (or 18.7%).

· GAAP combined ratio increased 30.5 percentage points.

· Net investment income decreased $10.4 million (or 25.5%).

· Net realized gains on investments decreased $16.2 million.

Net premiums written for Platinum’s Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk segments for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 were $76.9 million, $82.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively, representing 47.5%, 51.0% and 1.5%, respectively, of total net premiums written. Combined ratios for these segments were 143.6%, 71.2% and 112.8%, respectively. Compared with the quarter ended December 31, 2009, net premiums written decreased $37.5 million (or 32.8%), increased $0.1 million (or 0.1%) and decreased $1.4 million (or 36.6%) in the Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk segments, respectively.
 
 
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Results for the year ended December 31, 2010 are summarized as follows:
 
· Net income was $215.5 million and diluted earnings per common share were $4.78.
 
· Net premiums written were $760.6 million and net premiums earned were $780.0 million.

· GAAP combined ratio was 86.0%.

· Net investment income was $134.4 million.

· Net realized gains on investments were $107.8 million.

Results for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2009 are summarized as follows:

· Net income decreased $167.8 million (or 43.8%).

· Net premiums written decreased $137.2 million (or 15.3%) and net premiums earned decreased $157.3 million (or 16.8%).

· GAAP combined ratio increased 9.3 percentage points.

· Net investment income decreased $29.6 million (or 18.0%).

· Net realized gains on investments increased $29.2 million.

Net premiums written for Platinum’s Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk segments for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $412.7 million, $329.4 million and $18.5 million, respectively, representing 54.3%, 43.3% and 2.4%, respectively, of total net premiums written. Combined ratios for these segments were 104.2%, 62.3% and 117.5%, respectively. Compared with the year ended December 31, 2009, net premiums written decreased $104.3 million (or 20.2%), $27.1 million (or 7.6%) and $5.8 million (or 23.9%) in the Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk segments, respectively.

Total assets were $4.61 billion as of December 31, 2010, a decrease of $407.3 million (or 8.1%) from $5.02 billion as of December 31, 2009. Fixed maturity investments and cash and cash equivalents were $4.21 billion as of December 31, 2010, a decrease of $157.2 million (or 3.6%) from $4.37 billion as of December 31, 2009.

Shareholders’ equity was $1.90 billion as of December 31, 2010, a decrease of $182.3 million (or 8.8%) from $2.08 billion as of December 31, 2009.  Book value per common share was $50.20 as of December 31, 2010 based on 37.8 million common shares outstanding, an increase of $4.98 (or 11.0%) from $45.22 as of December 31, 2009 based on 45.9 million common shares outstanding.  During the three months ended December 31, 2010, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 1,685,714 common shares for approximately $75.1 million at a weighted average cost, including commissions, of $44.53 per share.  During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 9,672,231 common shares for approximately $379.7 million at a weighted average cost, including commissions, of $39.25 per share.  Additionally, the Company purchased 6,000,000 options held by The Travelers Companies, Inc. for $98.5 million on October 18, 2010.

The Company also reported that the previously announced purchase of 2,500,000 options held by RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. for $47.9 million closed on January 20, 2011.

During 2011, flooding occurred in large areas of Australia and Cyclone Yasi made landfall in Northern Queensland, Australia.  Based on industry loss estimates, market share analysis, portfolio modeling, a review of individual contracts and discussions with brokers and clients, the Company currently believes the financial impact from these events is likely to fall in the range of $15 million to $30 million. The Company’s assessment of its exposure to these events is ongoing and the actual impact of these events on the Company’s results may differ materially from the Company’s current assessment.  Losses from these events will be reflected in the Company’s financial statements for the first quarter of 2011.

Financial Supplement
Platinum has posted a financial supplement on the Financial Reports page of the Investor Relations section of its website (Financial Supplement).  The Financial Supplement provides additional detail regarding the financial performance of Platinum and its business segments.
 
 
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Teleconference
Platinum will host a teleconference to discuss its financial results on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time.  The call may be accessed by dialing 888-208-1361 (US callers) or 913-312-0950 (international callers), or in a listen-only mode via the Investor Relations section of Platinum’s website at www.platinumre.com.  Those who intend to participate in the teleconference should register at least ten minutes in advance to ensure access to the call.
 
The teleconference will be recorded and a replay will be available from 11:00 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday February 9, 2011 until midnight Eastern time on Wednesday, February 16, 2011.  To access the replay by telephone, dial 888-203-1112 (US callers) or 719-457-0820 (international callers) and specify passcode 9535564. The teleconference will also be archived on the Investor Relations section of Platinum’s website at www.platinumre.com for the same period of time.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In presenting the Company's results, management has included and discussed certain financial measures that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). Such measures, including segment underwriting income (or loss), related underwriting ratios and book value per common share, are referred to as non-GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. Management believes these measures, which are used to monitor the results of operations, allow for a more complete understanding of the underlying business. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of such measures to the most comparable GAAP figures such as income before income tax expense and total shareholders’ equity is presented in the attached financial information in accordance with Regulation G.

About Platinum
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: PTP) is a leading provider of property, casualty and finite risk reinsurance coverages, through reinsurance intermediaries, to a diverse clientele on a worldwide basis.  Platinum operates through its principal subsidiaries in Bermuda and the United States.  For further information, please visit Platinum’s website at www.platinumre.com.

Safe Harbor Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Forward-looking statements are based on our current plans or expectations that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.  These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us.  In particular, statements using words such as “may,” “should,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential,” or words of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements.  The inclusion of forward-looking statements in this press release should not be considered as a representation by us or any other person that our current plans or expectations will be achieved.  Numerous factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, severe natural or man-made catastrophic events, the effectiveness of our loss limitation methods and pricing models, the adequacy of our liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, our ability to maintain our A.M. Best Company, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s ratings, our ability to raise capital on acceptable terms if necessary, the cyclicality of the property and casualty reinsurance business, the highly competitive nature of the property and casualty reinsurance industry, our ability to maintain our business relationships with reinsurance brokers, the availability of retrocessional reinsurance on acceptable terms, market volatility and interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuation, tax, regulatory or legal restrictions or limitations applicable to us or the property and casualty reinsurance business generally, general political and economic conditions, including the effects of civil unrest, acts of terrorism, war or a prolonged United States or global economic downturn or recession; and changes in our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations or intentions, which may happen at any time at our discretion. As a consequence, our future financial condition and results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us. The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Additionally, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to revise or update forward-looking statements to reflect new information or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of future events.

#    #     #
 
 
 
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Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
           
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
           
As of December 31, 2010 and 2009
           
($ in thousands, except per share data)
           
             
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Assets
           
Investments
  $ 3,047,973     $ 3,660,515  
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
    1,164,525       709,134  
Accrued investment income
    31,288       29,834  
Reinsurance premiums receivable
    162,682       269,912  
Reinsurance balances (prepaid and recoverable)
    18,434       29,710  
Funds held by ceding companies
    84,078       84,478  
Deferred acquisition costs
    36,584       40,427  
Other assets
    68,749       197,568  
Total assets
  $ 4,614,313     $ 5,021,578  
                 
Liabilities
               
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 2,217,378     $ 2,349,336  
Unearned premiums
    154,975       180,609  
Debt obligations
    250,000       250,000  
Commissions payable
    59,388       90,461  
Other liabilities
    37,117       73,441  
Total liabilities
    2,718,858       2,943,847  
                 
Total shareholders' equity
    1,895,455       2,077,731  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 4,614,313     $ 5,021,578  
                 
                 
Book value per common share (a)
  $ 50.20     $ 45.22  
 
(a) Book value per common share is determined by dividing shareholders' equity by actual common shares outstanding of 37,757,926 shares.
 
 
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Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
                       
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
       
For the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
                   
($ and amounts in thousands, except per share data)
                       
                         
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Revenue
                       
Net premiums earned
  $ 184,980     $ 227,584     $ 779,994     $ 937,336  
Net investment income
    30,430       40,871       134,385       163,941  
Net realized gains on investments
    8,494       24,713       107,791       78,630  
Net impairment losses on investments
    (11,050 )     (5,864 )     (36,610 )     (17,603 )
Other income (expense)
    (165 )     (1,138 )     (207 )     3,084  
Total revenue
    212,689       286,166       985,353       1,165,388  
                                 
Expenses
                               
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    152,283       109,993       467,420       478,342  
Net acquisition expenses
    32,742       47,916       146,676       176,419  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
    3,089       2,913       9,588       9,741  
Operating expenses
    20,731       25,698       82,636       94,682  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    2,446       (242 )     1,385       (399 )
Interest expense
    4,764       4,759       18,996       19,027  
Total expenses
    216,055       191,037       726,701       777,812  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (3,366 )     95,129       258,652       387,576  
Income tax expense
    14,358       4,358       43,154       4,285  
                                 
Net income (loss)
    (17,724 )     90,771       215,498       383,291  
Preferred dividends
    -       -       -       1,301  
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  $ (17,724 )   $ 90,771     $ 215,498     $ 381,990  
                                 
Basic
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    38,670       48,294       41,930       49,535  
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (0.46 )   $ 1.88     $ 5.14     $ 7.71  
                                 
Diluted
                               
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding
    40,953       51,466       45,052       52,315  
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (0.46 )   $ 1.76     $ 4.78     $ 7.33  
                                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ (17,724 )   $ 90,771     $ 215,498     $ 383,291  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred taxes
    (83,083 )     (36,726 )     45,517       133,226  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (100,807 )   $ 54,045     $ 261,015     $ 516,517  
 
 
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Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
                       
Segment Reporting (Unaudited)
                       
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
                   
($ in thousands)
                       
                         
Three Months Ended December 31, 2010
                       
Segment underwriting results
 
Property and Marine
 
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
                         
Net premiums written
  $ 76,900     $ 82,656     $ 2,461     $ 162,017  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    92,065       90,307       2,608       184,980  
                                 
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    111,215       39,935       1,133       152,283  
Net acquisition expenses
    12,635       18,600       1,507       32,742  
Other underwriting expenses
    8,354       5,796       302       14,452  
Total underwriting expenses
    132,204       64,331       2,942       199,477  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (40,139 )   $ 25,976     (334 )     (14,497 )
                                 
Net investment income
                            30,430  
Net realized gains on investments
                            8,494  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (11,050 )
Other expense
                            (165 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                            (3,089 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (6,279 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            (2,446 )
Interest expense
                            (4,764 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
                          $ (3,366 )
                                 
GAAP underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    120.8 %     44.2 %     43.4 %     82.3 %
Net acquisition expense
    13.7 %     20.6 %     57.8 %     17.7 %
Other underwriting expense
    9.1 %     6.4 %     11.6 %     7.8 %
Combined
    143.6 %     71.2 %     112.8 %     107.8 %
                                 
                                 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2009
                               
Segment underwriting results
 
Property and Marine
 
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
                                 
Net premiums written
  $ 114,423     $ 82,548     $ 3,884     $ 200,855  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    133,934       89,189       4,461       227,584  
                                 
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    64,081       47,085       (1,173 )     109,993  
Net acquisition expenses
    19,281       22,821       5,814       47,916  
Other underwriting expenses
    10,406       7,094       370       17,870  
Total underwriting expenses
    93,768       77,000       5,011       175,779  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 40,166     $ 12,189     $ (550 )     51,805  
                                 
Net investment income
                            40,871  
Net realized gains on investments
                            24,713  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (5,864 )
Other expense
                            (1,138 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                            (2,913 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (7,828 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            242  
Interest expense
                            (4,759 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 95,129  
                                 
GAAP underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    47.8 %     52.8 %     (26.3 %)     48.3 %
Net acquisition expense
    14.4 %     25.6 %     130.3 %     21.1 %
Other underwriting expense
    7.8 %     8.0 %     8.3 %     7.9 %
Combined
    70.0 %     86.4 %     112.3 %     77.3 %
                                 
The GAAP underwriting ratios are calculated by dividing each item above by net premiums earned.
 
 
 
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Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
                       
Segment Reporting (Unaudited)
                       
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
                   
($ in thousands)
                       
                         
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2010
                       
Segment underwriting results
 
Property and Marine
 
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
                         
Net premiums written
  $ 412,675     $ 329,397     $ 18,517     $ 760,589  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    418,763       343,812       17,419       779,994  
                                 
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    343,509       119,679       4,232       467,420  
Net acquisition expenses
    60,224       71,474       14,978       146,676  
Other underwriting expenses
    32,678       23,091       1,260       57,029  
Total underwriting expenses
    436,411       214,244       20,470       671,125  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (17,648 )   $ 129,568     $ (3,051 )     108,869  
                                 
Net investment income
                            134,385  
Net realized gains on investments
                            107,791  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (36,610 )
Other income (expense)
                            (207 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                            (9,588 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (25,607 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            (1,385 )
Interest expense
                            (18,996 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 258,652  
                                 
GAAP underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    82.0 %     34.8 %     24.3 %     59.9 %
Net acquisition expense
    14.4 %     20.8 %     86.0 %     18.8 %
Other underwriting expense
    7.8 %     6.7 %     7.2 %     7.3 %
Combined
    104.2 %     62.3 %     117.5 %     86.0 %
                                 
                                 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2009
                               
                                 
Segment underwriting results
 
Property and Marine
 
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 517,011     $ 356,488     $ 24,335     $ 897,834  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    528,488       388,901       19,947       937,336  
                                 
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    250,646       226,511       1,185       478,342  
Net acquisition expenses
    66,992       88,841       20,586       176,419  
Other underwriting expenses
    37,331       25,644       1,412       64,387  
Total underwriting expenses
    354,969       340,996       23,183       719,148  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 173,519     $ 47,905     $ (3,236 )     218,188  
                                 
Net investment income
                            163,941  
Net realized gains on investments
                            78,630  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (17,603 )
Other income (expense)
                            3,084  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                            (9,741 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (30,295 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            399  
Interest expense
                            (19,027 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 387,576  
                                 
GAAP underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    47.4 %     58.2 %     5.9 %     51.0 %
Net acquisition expense
    12.7 %     22.8 %     103.2 %     18.8 %
Other underwriting expense
    7.1 %     6.6 %     7.1 %     6.9 %
Combined
    67.2 %     87.6 %     116.2 %     76.7 %
                                 
The GAAP underwriting ratios are calculated by dividing each item above by net premiums earned.
 
 
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