United Insurance Holdings Corp. Reports Financial Results for Its Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2016

Company to Host Quarterly Conference Call at 9:00 A.M. on August 3, 2016

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--()--United Insurance Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ:UIHC) (UPC Insurance or the Company), a property and casualty insurance holding company, today reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016.

       
($ in thousands, except per share and ratios) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2016   2015   Change 2016   2015   Change
Gross premiums written $ 210,756 $ 162,582 29.6 % $ 346,712 $ 269,198 28.8 %
Gross premiums earned $ 164,585 $ 120,982 36.0 % $ 311,087 $ 236,164 31.7 %
Ceded premiums earned $ (50,406 ) $ (40,530 ) 24.4 % $ (95,538 ) $ (77,664 ) 23.0 %
Net premiums earned $ 114,179 $ 80,452 41.9 % $ 215,549 $ 158,500 36.0 %
Total revenues $ 120,921 $ 85,340 41.7 % $ 228,482 $ 167,736 36.2 %
Earnings before income tax $ 15,210 $ 8,187 85.8 % $ 19,540 $ 8,525 129.2 %
Net income $ 9,841 $ 5,275 86.6 % $ 12,792 $ 5,473 133.7 %
Net income per diluted share $ 0.45 $ 0.25 80.0 % $ 0.59 $ 0.26 126.9 %
Book value per share $ 11.97 $ 10.19 17.5 %
Return on average equity, ttm 14.5 % 12.6 % 1.9

pts

Loss ratio, net1 54.8 % 55.5 % (0.7

) pts

58.9 % 60.9 % (2.0 ) pts
Expense ratio, net2 37.7 % 40.4 % (2.7 ) pts 38.0 % 39.5 % (1.5 ) pts
Combined ratio (CR)3 92.5 % 95.9 % (3.4 ) pts 96.9 % 100.4 % (3.5 ) pts
Effect of current year catastrophe losses on CR 3.3 % 8.1 % (4.8 ) pts 8.7 % 13.7 % (5.0 ) pts
Effect of prior year (favorable) development on CR 0.4 % (1.6 )%

2.0

pts

1.7 % (0.2 )%

1.9

pts

Underlying combined ratio4 88.8 % 89.4 % (0.6 ) pts 86.5 % 86.9 % (0.4 ) pts
 

1

  Loss ratio, net is calculated as losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) relative to net premiums earned.
2 Expense ratio, net is calculated as the sum of all operating expenses less interest expense relative to net premiums earned.
3 Combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio, net and expense ratio, net.
4

Underlying combined ratio, a measure that is not based on U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), is reconciled above to the combined ratio, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Additional information regarding non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release is in the "Definitions of Non-GAAP Measures" section of this document.

 

"Q2 was a quarter of terrific achievement for UPC Insurance," said John Forney, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. "During the quarter, we closed the purchase of Interboro Insurance Company, which brought us a new group of talented associates as well as a foothold in New York, which will be an important state for us. We also placed our hurricane reinsurance program, which provides us nearly $1.5 billion in coverage and included our first-ever capital markets placement. The quarter also saw continued sales momentum - the three months of Q2 were the first, second, and third largest new business production months in the company’s history. At the end of the quarter, we had over 400,000 policies in force, representing just under $700 million in annual premium. Over half of our policies and premium are now outside Florida. During the quarter, we experienced a very high level of weather-related losses, both catastrophe and non-catastrophe, but despite these headwinds we were able to produce solid profits and maintain a strong return on equity. As always, I’m grateful for the daily commitment to excellence shown by the many dedicated associates at UPC Insurance, and excited at the prospects that lay ahead for our company."

Quarterly Financial Results

Net income for the second quarter of 2016 was $9.8 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, compared to $5.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2015. The increase in net income was primarily due to increases in gross premiums earned for the second quarter of 2016 compared to the second quarter of 2015, combined with a lower ceding ratio and improved expense ratio.

The Company's total gross written premium increased by $48.2 million, or 29.6%, to $210.8 million for the second quarter of 2016 from $162.6 million for the second quarter of 2015, primarily due to the strong organic growth in new and renewal business generated outside of Florida. The breakdown of the quarter-over-quarter changes in both direct written and assumed premiums by region is shown in the table below.

($ in thousands)      

Three Months Ended
June 30,

   
Direct Written and Assumed Premium By Region (1) 2016   2015 Change Growth %
 
Florida $ 110,381 $ 103,309 $ 7,072 6.8 %
Gulf 42,991 22,478 20,513 91.3
Northeast 32,103 18,955 13,148 69.4
Southeast 24,240   18,084   6,156   34.0  
Total direct written premium by region 209,715 162,826 46,889 28.8
Assumed premium (2) 1,041   (244 ) 1,285   526.6  
Total gross written premium $ 210,756   $ 162,582   $ 48,174   29.6 %
 
1 Each region is comprised of the following states: Gulf includes Hawaii, Louisiana and Texas, Northeast includes Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island, and Southeast includes Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
2 Assumed premiums written includes $1.6 million of homeowners premium assumed from Maidstone Insurance Company in conjunction with the Interboro Insurance Company acquisition. All remaining assumed premiums are written in Florida due to policy assumptions from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.
 

Loss and LAE increased $18.0 million, or 40.3%, to $62.6 million for the second quarter of 2016 from $44.6 million for the second quarter of 2015. Loss and LAE expense as a percentage of net earned premiums decreased 0.7 points resulting in a net loss ratio of 54.8% for the quarter, compared to a net loss ratio of 55.5% for the same period last year. Excluding catastrophe losses and reserve development, the Company's gross underlying loss and LAE ratio for the quarter was 35.5%, an increase of 3.0 points from 32.5% during the second quarter of 2015 due primarily to an increase in weather related frequency. Retained catastrophe losses of $3.7 million during the second quarter of 2016 included losses from Tropical Storm Colin and certain other losses not covered by the Company's catastrophe aggregate reinsurance program.

Policy acquisition costs increased $4.5 million, or 21.3%, to $25.7 million for the second quarter of 2016 from $21.2 million for the second quarter of 2015. These costs vary directly with changes in gross premiums earned and were generally consistent with the Company's growth in premium production and higher average market commission rates outside of Florida.

Operating expenses increased by $1.0 million, or 20.9% for the second quarter of 2016 to $5.8 million from $4.8 million for the second quarter of 2015, primarily due to increased investments in information technology systems and equipment.

General and administrative expenses increased $5.0 million, or 76.6% for the second quarter of 2016 to $11.5 million from $6.5 million for the second quarter of 2015, primarily due to increases in personnel costs related to the Company's continued growth and higher depreciation and amortization costs resulting from the acquisition of Interboro Insurance Company during the second quarter of 2016.

Combined Ratio Analysis

The calculation of the Company's underlying loss and combined ratios is shown below.

       
($ in thousands except ratios) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2016   2015   Change 2016   2015   Change
Loss and LAE $ 62,611 $ 44,627 $ 17,984 $ 126,869 $ 96,598 $ 30,271
% of Gross earned premiums 38.0 % 36.9 % 1.1 pts 40.8 % 40.9 % (0.1 ) pts
% of Net earned premiums 54.8 % 55.5 % (0.7 ) pts 58.9 % 60.9 % (2.0 ) pts
Less:
Current year catastrophe losses $ 3,720 $ 6,518 $ (2,798 ) $ 18,776 21,777 $ (3,001 )
Prior year reserve (favorable) development 490   (1,251 ) 1,741   3,676   (306 ) 3,982  
Underlying Loss and LAE* $ 58,401 $ 39,360 $ 19,041 $ 104,417 $ 75,127 $ 29,290
% of Gross earned premiums 35.5 % 32.5 % 3.0 pts 33.6 % 31.8 % 1.8 pts
% of Net earned premiums 51.1 % 49.0 % 2.1 pts 48.5 % 47.4 % 1.1 pts
Policy acquisition costs $ 25,721 $ 21,198 $ 4,523 $ 52,753 $ 40,384 $ 12,369
Operating and underwriting 5,814 4,809 1,005 9,768 8,350 1,418
General and administrative 11,497   6,512   4,985   19,430   13,913   5,517  
Total Operating Expenses $ 43,032 $ 32,519 $ 10,513 $ 81,951 $ 62,647 $ 19,304
% of Gross earned premiums 26.1 % 26.9 % (0.8 ) pts 26.3 % 26.5 % (0.2 ) pts
% of Net earned premiums 37.7 % 40.4 % (2.7 ) pts 38.0 % 39.5 % (1.5 ) pts
Combined Ratio - as % of gross earned premiums 64.1 % 63.8 % 0.3 pts 67.1 % 67.4 % (0.3 ) pts
Underlying Combined Ratio - as % of gross earned premiums 61.6 % 59.4 % 2.2 pts 59.9 % 58.3 % 1.6 pts
Combined Ratio - as % of net earned premiums 92.5 % 95.9 % (3.4 ) pts 96.9 % 100.4 % (3.5 ) pts
Underlying Combined Ratio - as % of net earned premiums 88.8 % 89.4 % (0.6 ) pts 86.5 % 86.9 % (0.4 ) pts
*  

Underlying Loss and LAE is a non-GAAP financial measure and is reconciled above to Net Loss and LAE, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Additional information regarding non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release is in the "Definitions of Non-GAAP Measures" section of this document.

 

Reinsurance Costs as a % of Earned Premium

Excluding the Company's flood business, for which it cedes 100% of the risk of loss, reinsurance costs in the second quarter of 2016 were 27.8% of gross premiums earned compared to 30.4% of gross premiums earned for the second quarter of 2015. Reinsurance costs for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were 27.9% of gross premiums earned compared to 29.7% for the same period last year.

Investment Portfolio Highlights

UPC Insurance's cash and investment holdings totaled $635.4 million at June 30, 2016 compared to $537.5 million at December 31, 2015. UPC Insurance's cash and investment holdings consist of investments in U.S. Government and agency securities, corporate debt and 100% investment grade money market instruments. Fixed maturities represented approximately 93.3% of total investments at June 30, 2016 with a modified duration of 3.8 years compared to 87.6% at December 31, 2015 and a modified duration of 3.9 years.

Book Value Analysis

Book value per share increased 7.7% from $11.11 at December 31, 2015, to $11.97 at June 30, 2016 and underlying book value per share increased 4.3% from $11.04 at December 31, 2015 to $11.51 at June 30, 2016. The increase in the Company's book value per share and underlying book value per share was driven primarily by retained earnings during 2016. The Company's underlying book value per share growth was impacted by the increase in accumulated other comprehensive income as shown in the table below.

       
($ in thousands, except for per share data) June 30, December 31,
2016 2015
Book Value per Common Share
Numerator:
Common shareholders' equity $ 259,156   $ 239,211
Denominator:
Total Shares Outstanding 21,642,514   21,524,348
Book Value Per Common Share $ 11.97   $ 11.11
 

Book Value per Common Share, Excluding the Impact of Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income

Numerator:
Common shareholders' equity $ 259,156 $ 239,211
Accumulated other comprehensive income 9,974   1,620
Shareholders' Equity, excluding AOCI $ 249,182   $ 237,591
Denominator:
Total Shares Outstanding 21,642,514   21,524,348
Underlying Book Value Per Common Share* $ 11.51   $ 11.04
*  

Underlying book value per common share is a non-GAAP financial measure and is reconciled above to book value per common share, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Additional information regarding non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release is in the "Definitions of Non-GAAP Measures" section of this document.

 

Definitions of Non-GAAP Measures

We believe that investors' understanding of UPC Insurance's performance is enhanced by our disclosure of the following non-GAAP measures. Our methods for calculating these measures may differ from those used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited.

Combined ratio excluding the effects of current year catastrophe losses and reserve development (underlying combined ratio) is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between four GAAP operating ratios: the combined ratio, the effect of current year catastrophe losses on the combined ratio and prior year development on the combined ratio. We believe that this ratio is useful to investors and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our business that may be obscured by current year catastrophe losses, losses from lines in run-off and prior year development. Current year catastrophe losses cause our loss trends to vary significantly between periods as a result of their incidence of occurrence and magnitude, and can have a significant impact on the combined ratio. Prior year development is caused by unexpected loss development on historical reserves. We believe it is useful for investors to evaluate these components separately and in the aggregate when reviewing our performance. The most direct comparable GAAP measure is the combined ratio. The underlying combined ratio should not be considered as a substitute for the combined ratio and does not reflect the overall profitability of our business.

Net Loss and LAE excluding the effects of current year catastrophe losses and reserve development (underlying Loss and LAE) is a non-GAAP measure which is computed as the difference between loss and LAE, current year catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development. We use underlying loss and LAE figures to analyze our loss trends that may be impacted by current year catastrophe losses and prior year development on our reserves. As discussed previously, these three items can have a significant impact on our loss trend in a given period. The most direct comparable GAAP measure is net loss and LAE. The underlying loss and LAE measure should not be considered a substitute for net losses and LAE and does not reflect the overall profitability of our business.

Consolidated net loss ratio excluding the effects of current year catastrophe losses, reserve development (underlying loss ratio) is a non-GAAP ratio, which is computed as the difference between three GAAP operating ratios: the consolidated net loss ratio, the effect of current year catastrophe losses on the loss ratio, and the effect of prior year development on the loss ratio. We believe that this ratio is useful to investors and it is used by management to reveal the trends in our consolidated net loss ratio that may be obscured by current year catastrophe losses and prior year development. As discussed previously, these two items can have a significant impact on our consolidated net loss ratio in a given period. The most direct comparable GAAP ratio is our net consolidated Loss and LAE ratio. The underlying loss ratio should not be considered as a substitute for net consolidated loss ratio and does not reflect the overall profitability of our business.

Book value per common share, excluding the impact of accumulated other comprehensive income, is a ratio that uses a non-GAAP measure. It is calculated by dividing common shareholders' equity after excluding accumulated other comprehensive income by total common shares outstanding plus dilutive potential common shares outstanding. We use the trend in book value per common share, excluding the impact of accumulated other comprehensive income, in conjunction with book value per common share to identify and analyze the change in net worth attributable to management efforts between periods. We believe the non-GAAP ratio is useful to investors because it eliminates the effect of interest rates that can fluctuate significantly from period to period and are generally driven by economic and financial factors which are not influenced by management. Book value per common share is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Book value per common share, excluding the impact of accumulated other comprehensive income, should not be considered a substitute for book value per common share, and does not reflect the recorded net worth of our business.

Conference Call Details

 

Date and Time:

  August 3, 2016 - 9:00 A.M. ET
 

Participant Dial-In:

(United States): 877-407-8829
(International): 201-493-6724
 

Webcast:

To listen to the live webcast, please go to www.upcinsurance.com (Investor Relations) and click on the conference call link, or go to: http://upcinsurance.equisolvewebcast.com/q2-2016

 

About UPC Insurance

Founded in 1999, UPC Insurance is an insurance holding company that sources, writes and services residential and commercial property and casualty insurance policies using a network of independent agents and a group of wholly owned insurance subsidiaries. Our insurance affiliates write and service property and casualty insurance in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Texas and are licensed to write in Alabama, Delaware, Maryland, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and Virginia. From its headquarters in St. Petersburg, UPC Insurance's team of dedicated professionals manages a completely integrated insurance company, including sales, underwriting, customer service and claims.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release, conference call identified above, and otherwise, that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that anticipate results based on our estimates, assumptions and plans that are subject to uncertainty. These statements are made subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA). These forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and may be identified by their use of words like “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “estimate,” “or “continue” and other words with similar meanings. We believe these statements are based on reasonable estimates, assumptions and plans. However, if the estimates, assumptions or plans underlying the forward-looking statements prove inaccurate or if other risks or uncertainties arise, actual results could differ materially from those communicated in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements may be found in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” section in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

       
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
2016   2015 2016   2015
REVENUE:
Gross premiums written $ 210,756 $ 162,582 $ 346,712 $ 269,198
Increase in gross unearned premiums (46,171 ) (41,600 ) (35,625 ) (33,034 )
Gross premiums earned 164,585 120,982 311,087 236,164
Ceded premiums earned (50,406 ) (40,530 ) (95,538 ) (77,664 )
Net premiums earned 114,179 80,452 215,549 158,500
Investment income 2,727 2,239 5,123 4,312
Net realized gains (losses) 102 (133 ) 372 (11 )
Other revenue 3,913   2,782   7,438   4,935  
Total revenues $ 120,921 $ 85,340 $ 228,482 $ 167,736
EXPENSES:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 62,611 44,627 126,869 96,598
Policy acquisition costs 25,721 21,198 52,753 40,384
Operating expenses 5,814 4,809 9,768 8,350
General and administrative expenses 11,497 6,512 19,430 13,913
Interest expense 116   68   191   151  
Total expenses 105,759 77,214 209,011 159,396
Income before other income 15,162 8,126 19,471 8,340
Other income 48   61   69   185  
Income before income taxes 15,210 8,187 19,540 8,525
Provision for income taxes 5,369   2,912   6,748   3,052  
Net income $ 9,841   $ 5,275   $ 12,792   $ 5,473  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments 7,420 (4,892 ) 13,800 (2,363 )
Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment (gains) losses (102 ) 133 (372 ) 11
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (2,713 ) 1,839   (5,074 ) 909  
Total comprehensive income $ 14,446   $ 2,355   $ 21,146   $ 4,030  
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic 21,423,739   21,255,496   21,385,220   21,145,624  
Diluted 21,631,077   21,508,511   21,584,287   21,376,540  
 
Earnings per share
Basic $ 0.46   $ 0.25   $ 0.60   $ 0.26  
Diluted $ 0.45   $ 0.25   $ 0.59   $ 0.26  
 

Dividends declared per share

$

0.06

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.11

 

$

0.10

 
 
       
Consolidated Balance Sheets

In thousands, except share amounts

 
June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
ASSETS
Investments available for sale, at fair value:
Fixed maturities $ 465,725 $ 396,698
Equity securities - common and preferred 27,752 50,806
Other investments 5,679   5,210  
Total investments $ 499,156   $ 452,714  
Cash and cash equivalents 136,209 84,786
Accrued investment income 3,639 2,915
Property and equipment, net 18,299 17,135
Premiums receivable, net 44,414 41,170
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses 22,852 2,961
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 180,747 79,399
Goodwill 15,544 3,413
Deferred policy acquisition costs 58,786 46,732
Other assets 17,114   8,796  
Total Assets $ 996,760   $ 740,021  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses $ 117,013 $ 76,792
Unearned premiums 366,521 304,653
Reinsurance payable 170,426 64,542
Other liabilities 58,158 42,470
Notes payable 25,486   12,353  
Total Liabilities $ 737,604   $ 500,810  
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding

Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 21,854,597 and
21,736,431 issued; 21,642,514 and 21,524,348 outstanding for 2016 and 2015, respectively

2 2
Additional paid-in capital 98,338 97,163
Treasury shares, at cost; 212,083 shares (431 ) (431 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income 9,974 1,620
Retained earnings 151,273   140,857  
Total Stockholders' Equity $ 259,156   $ 239,211  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 996,760   $ 740,021  

Contacts

United Insurance Holdings Corp.
John Rohloff, (727) 895-7737
Director of Financial Reporting
jrohloff@upcinsurance.com
or
Investor Relations:
The Equity Group
Adam Prior, (212) 836-9606
Senior Vice-President
aprior@equityny.com

Contacts

United Insurance Holdings Corp.
John Rohloff, (727) 895-7737
Director of Financial Reporting
jrohloff@upcinsurance.com
or
Investor Relations:
The Equity Group
Adam Prior, (212) 836-9606
Senior Vice-President
aprior@equityny.com