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8-K - 8-K - UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.d435539d8k.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 

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Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2017 Financial Results

Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 31, 2017 - Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UVE) today reported net income and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $29.4 million and $0.82, respectively for the second quarter of 2017. For the first six months of 2017, net income was $60.6 million while diluted EPS was $1.68.

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sean P. Downes commented: “Universal reported excellent top line growth during the second quarter, as well as substantial underwriting profit despite an increased volume of severe weather events during the period. Although our bottom line results for the quarter were modestly impacted by these events, we still delivered a 27.9% return on average equity for the second quarter, which is a testament to the fundamental strength of our business model. Universal remains well positioned on all fronts to deliver outstanding value to our shareholders going forward, with a focus on producing profitable and rate-adequate organic growth within Florida and through our Other State expansion efforts, further enhancing our unique direct-to-consumer platform, Universal DirectSM, and continuing to leverage our vertically integrated structure to deliver better service to our policyholders.”

Second Quarter 2017 Highlights

 

    Growth Continues as $1 Billion of In-Force Premium Milestone Reached – Direct premiums written grew 8.9% during the second quarter, including 5.6% growth in Florida and 42.2% growth in Other States, with Universal DirectSM contributing to growth across all geographies. At quarter’s end our in-force premium was in excess of $1 billion for the first time in the Company’s history. During the quarter, we wrote our first homeowners policy and launched Universal DirectSM in New Jersey, and received approval from the New York Department of Financial Services for our homeowners rates and forms (we anticipate writing policies in New York later in 2017). Universal is currently writing business in 15 states and is licensed in an additional 4 states.

 

    Underwriting Profitability Strong Despite Weather – The net combined ratio was 81.3% in the second quarter, up from 73.4% in the prior year’s quarter due to an increase in the loss and LAE ratio, partially offset by a reduction in the G&A expense ratio. Current quarter results include a 1.25% increase to our underlying direct loss ratio to increase our weather loss expectation, as well as $1.1 million of reserve additions relating to Hurricane Matthew.

 

    2Q Bottom Line Declines, but Year-to-Date Results Excellent – Second quarter net income and diluted EPS each declined by roughly 13%, to $29.4 million and $0.82 per share, respectively, primarily driven by an increase in weather-related losses. For the first six months of 2017, net income grew by 2.9% to $60.6 million and diluted EPS grew 1.5% to $1.68 per share.

 

    Balance Sheet Remains Solid – Book value per share grew by 6.4% from March 31, 2017 (or 20.7% from June 30, 2016) to $12.09. Our balance sheet remains solid, with a stable investment portfolio, minimal debt, and a conservative reserve position. Our balance sheet is well protected by reinsurance, and we completed our 2017-2018 reinsurance program during the second quarter, adding additional conservatism to the program without increasing the percentage of premium spent on reinsurance.

 

    Focused on Shareholder Returns – Return on Average Common Equity (ROE) was 27.9% for the second quarter of 2017. We declared dividends of $0.14 per share in the second quarter, equating to an annualized dividend yield of 2.4% at current share price levels. During the second quarter, we repurchased 254,214 shares for $6.4 million, or an average cost of $25.06 per share.

 

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Second Quarter 2017 Results

Direct premiums written grew 8.9% from the prior year’s quarter to $296.2 million, with 5.6% growth in our Florida book and 42.2% growth in our Other States book. Our organic growth strategy within our home state of Florida remains on track, and our organic geographic expansion efforts within our Other States book continue to produce results. For the quarter, net premiums earned grew 8.0% to $169.0 million. Commission revenue and policy fees each produced double-digit growth, up 10.3% and 10.5% versus the prior year’s quarter, respectively, driven by increased premium volume and continued geographic footprint expansion, while other revenue was flat with the prior year’s quarter.

The net combined ratio was 81.3% in the second quarter of 2017 compared to 73.4% in the prior year’s quarter. The reduction in underwriting profitability was driven by an increase in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, partially offset by a reduction in the general and administrative expense ratio.

 

    The net loss and LAE ratio was 47.4% in the second quarter of 2017, compared to 38.4% for the prior year’s quarter. The increase in the current quarter’s loss and LAE ratio was driven by an increased underlying loss ratio reflecting the recent trend of weather losses, continued growth in our Other States book, current marketplace dynamics, and prior accident year reserve development. In light of the recent trend of weather losses exceeding our planned assumption, we are increasing our underlying direct loss ratio by 1.25 points (1.8 points on the net loss ratio, or approximately $3.0 million of additional losses per quarter) to increase our weather loss expectation going forward. The current quarter includes this adjustment for our 2017 year-to-date results, reflecting an adjustment to the underlying loss ratio for both the first and second quarter of 2017, for an addition to second quarter 2017 losses of approximately $6 million or 3.6 points on the net loss and LAE ratio. Second quarter 2017 results also include prior year reserve additions of $1.1 million, driven by additional losses relating to Hurricane Matthew, while last year’s second quarter included a negligible amount of prior year reserve development. Importantly, Hurricane Matthew losses still remain within the initial range discussed on our third quarter 2016 earnings conference call.

 

    The net general and administrative expense ratio was 33.9% in the second quarter of 2017, compared to 35.0% for the same period last year, driven primarily by a reduction in the other operating expense ratio, with a slight reduction in the policy acquisition cost ratio. The net other operating expense ratio was 14.4% compared to 15.4% in the prior year’s quarter, while the net policy acquisition cost ratio was 19.5% compared to 19.6% in the prior year’s quarter.

Net investment income grew by 50.5% from the prior year’s quarter to $3.2 million, driven by the increasing size of our investment portfolio, a shift in asset mix, and a reduction in our investment expenses. Net realized investment gains were $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2017, compared to net realized gains of $576 thousand in the prior year’s quarter. Total unrestricted cash and invested assets grew to $880.4 million at June 30, 2017 from $826.4 million at March 31, 2017 and $841.7 million at June 30, 2016.

Interest expense was $86 thousand for the second quarter of 2017, down from $106 thousand in the prior year’s quarter, as we continue to reduce our level of outstanding debt. Long term debt was $13.6 million as of June 30, 2017 (debt-to-equity of 3.2%), down from $14.0 million at March 31, 2017 (debt-to-equity of 3.5%) and $15.8 million as of June 30, 2016 (debt-to-equity of 4.5%).

The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2017 was 38.7%, in-line with 38.7% in the prior year’s quarter.

During the second quarter, the Company repurchased 254,214 shares for $6.4 million, or an average cost of $25.06 per share. $9.0 million remains on our current repurchase authorization.

 

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Stockholders’ equity was $421.1 million at June 30, 2017, growth of 5.6% from March 31, 2017 and 19.8% from June 30, 2016. Book value per common was $12.09 at June 30, 2017, growth of 6.4% from $11.37 at March 31, 2017 or 20.7% from $10.02 at June 30, 2016. Return on Average Common Equity (ROE) was 27.9% for the second quarter of 2017.

On April 12, 2017, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.14 per share of common stock paid on July 3, 2017 to shareholders of record on June 14, 2017.

Conference Call

Members of the Universal management team will host a conference call on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 10:00 AM ET to discuss second quarter 2017 financial results. Following prepared remarks, management will conduct a question and answer session. The call will be accessible by dialing toll free at (888) 887-7180 or internationally (toll) at (270) 823-1518 using the Conference ID: 57183559. A live audio webcast of the call will also be accessible on the Universal Insurance website at www.universalinsuranceholdings.com. A replay of the call can be accessed toll free at (855) 859-2056 or internationally (toll) at (404) 537-3406 using the Conference ID: 57183559, and will be available through August 16, 2017.

About Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc., with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a vertically integrated insurance holding company performing all aspects of insurance underwriting, distribution and claims. Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is one of the leading writers of homeowners insurance in Florida and is now fully licensed and has commenced its operations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Hawaii, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan, Alabama, Virginia, and New Jersey. American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company (APPCIC), also a wholly-owned subsidiary, currently writes homeowners multi-peril insurance on Florida homes valued in excess of $1 million, which are limits and coverages currently not targeted through its affiliate UPCIC. APPCIC is additionally licensed and has commenced writing Fire, Commercial Multi-Peril, and Other Liability lines of business in Florida. For additional information on the Company, please visit our investor relations website at www.universalinsuranceholdings.com.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Such statements may include commentary on plans, products and lines of business, marketing arrangements, reinsurance programs and other business developments and assumptions relating to the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future results could differ materially from those described, and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements. For further information regarding risk factors that could affect the Company’s operations and future results, refer to the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.

 

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UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

     June 30,     December 31,  
     2017     2016  
ASSETS     

Invested Assets

    

Fixed maturities, at fair value

   $ 609,909     $ 584,361  

Equity securities, at fair value

     9,927       50,803  

Short-term investments, at fair value

     —         5,002  

Investment real estate, net

     15,104       11,435  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total invested assets

     634,940       651,601  

Cash and cash equivalents

     245,495       105,730  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     2,635       2,635  

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     285,480       124,385  

Reinsurance recoverable

     2,711       106  

Premiums receivable, net

     64,004       53,833  

Property and equipment, net

     33,066       32,162  

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     73,591       64,912  

Goodwill

     2,319       2,319  

Other assets

     25,818       22,324  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 1,370,059     $ 1,060,007  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

LIABILITIES:

    

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 22,645     $ 58,494  

Unearned premiums

     536,363       475,756  

Advance premium

     24,808       17,796  

Reinsurance payable, net

     311,897       80,891  

Long-term debt

     13,603       15,028  

Other liabilities

     39,675       40,852  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     948,991       688,817  

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

    

Cumulative convertible preferred stock ($0.01 par value) 1

     —         —    

Common stock ($0.01 par value) 2

     454       453  

Treasury shares, at cost - 10,626 and 10,272

     (95,901     (86,982

Additional paid-in capital

     86,358       82,263  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

     (2,458     (6,408

Retained earnings

     432,615       381,864  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     421,068       371,190  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 1,370,059     $ 1,060,007  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Notes:

 

1 - Cumulative convertible preferred stock ($0.01 par value): Authorized - 1,000 shares; Issued - 10 and 10 shares; Outstanding - 10 and 10 shares; Minimum liquidation preference - $9.99 and $ 9.99 per share.
2 - Common stock ($0.01 par value): Authorized - 55,000 shares; Issued - 45,447 and 45,324 shares; Outstanding 34,821 and 35,052 shares.

 

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UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended                 Six Months Ended  
     June 30,                 June 30,  
     2017      2016                 2017      2016  

REVENUES

                

Net premiums earned

   $ 169,009      $ 156,461           $ 330,568      $ 308,909  

Net investment income

     3,223        2,142             5,927        3,747  

Net realized gains/(losses) on investments

     1,710        576             1,647        1,243  

Commission revenue

     4,644        4,210             9,242        8,323  

Policy fees

     5,250        4,753             9,733        8,867  

Other revenue

     1,651        1,660             3,244        3,159  
  

 

 

    

 

 

         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $ 185,487      $ 169,802           $ 360,361      $ 334,248  

EXPENSES

                

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 80,184      $ 60,083           $ 150,754      $ 126,200  

Policy acquisition costs

     33,022        30,643             65,450        60,239  

Other operating expenses

     24,272        24,075             48,674        51,513  

Interest expense

     86        107             189        303  
  

 

 

    

 

 

         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

   $ 137,564      $ 114,908           $ 265,067      $ 238,255  

Income before income tax expense

     47,923      $ 54,894             95,294      $ 95,993  

Income tax expense

     18,547        21,247             34,719        37,120  
  

 

 

    

 

 

         

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCOME

   $ 29,376      $ 33,647           $ 60,575      $ 58,873  
  

 

 

    

 

 

         

 

 

    

 

 

 

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SHARE AND PER SHARE INFORMATION

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended              Six Months Ended  
     June 30,              June 30,  
     2017     2016              2017     2016  

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

     34,959       35,062            35,049       34,795  

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

     35,958       35,649            36,061       35,575  

Shares outstanding, end of period

     34,821       35,064            34,821       35,064  

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.84     $ 0.96          $ 1.73     $ 1.69  

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.82     $ 0.94          $ 1.68     $ 1.65  

Cash dividend declared per common share

   $ 0.14     $ 0.14          $ 0.28     $ 0.28  

Book value per share

   $ 12.09     $ 10.02          $ 12.09     $ 10.02  

Return on average equity (ROE)

     27.9     39.6          29.6     36.0

 

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UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

(in thousands, except Policies In-Force)

 

     Three Months Ended              Six Months Ended  
     June 30,              June 30,  
     2017     2016              2017     2016  

Premiums

             

Direct premiums written - Florida

   $ 261,430     $ 247,483          $ 479,868     $ 456,843  

Direct premiums written - Other States

     34,761       24,438            61,738       43,051  
  

 

 

   

 

 

        

 

 

   

 

 

 

Direct premiums written - Total

   $ 296,191     $ 271,921          $ 541,606     $ 499,894  

Direct premiums earned

   $ 244,623     $ 226,819          $ 480,998     $ 448,071  

Net premiums earned

   $ 169,009     $ 156,461          $ 330,568     $ 308,909  

Policies In-Force

             

Florida

     596,044       565,010            596,044       565,010  

Other States

     125,729       89,708            125,729       89,708  
  

 

 

   

 

 

        

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     721,773       654,718            721,773       654,718  

In-Force Premium

             

Florida

   $ 888,206     $ 847,415          $ 888,206     $ 847,415  

Other States

     112,815       79,091            112,815       79,091  
  

 

 

   

 

 

        

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,001,021     $ 926,506          $ 1,001,021     $ 926,506  

Total Insured Value

             

Florida

   $ 139,758,417     $ 131,543,360          $ 139,758,417     $ 131,543,360  

Other States

     43,473,191       29,753,795            43,473,191       29,753,795  
  

 

 

   

 

 

        

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 183,231,608     $ 161,297,155          $ 183,231,608     $ 161,297,155  

Underwriting Ratios - Net

             

Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio

     47.4     38.4          45.6     40.9

Policy acquisition cost ratio

     19.5     19.6          19.8     19.5

Other operating expense ratio

     14.4     15.4          14.7     16.7

General and administrative expense ratio

     33.9     35.0          34.5     36.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

        

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined ratio

     81.3     73.4          80.1     77.0

Other Items

             

(Favorable)/Unfavorable prior year reserve development

     1,109       (1          1,205       15  

Points on the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio

     0.7     0.0          0.4     0.0

 

Contacts:      
Investors    Media   
Dean Evans    Andy Brimmer / Mahmoud Siddig   
VP Investor Relations    Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher   
954-958-1306    212-355-4449   
de0130@universalproperty.com      

 

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