Universal Insurance Holdings Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Universal Insurance Holdings (NYSE: UVE) reported Q3 2021 diluted GAAP EPS of $0.64 and non-GAAP adjusted EPS of $0.63, with direct premiums earned increasing by 15.0% to $410.6 million. The annualized return on average equity was 16.4%, driven by primary rate increases in Florida. However, total revenue declined by 7.8% due to reduced investment gains. The combined ratio improved significantly to 98.6% from 134.7%, aided by better expense management and fewer adverse weather events. The company maintains its 2021 EPS guidance of $2.75 to $3.00.

Positive

• 15.0% increase in direct premiums earned to $410.6 million.
• Diluted GAAP EPS of $0.64, a substantial improvement from a loss of $0.10 year-over-year.
• Annualized return on average equity at 16.4%, showcasing effective capital management.
• Combined ratio significantly improved to 98.6% from 134.7% due to reduced weather impact and expense management.

Negative

• Total revenue decreased by 7.8%, heavily influenced by reduced investment gains compared to the previous year.
• Net investment income declined by 38.6%, reflecting lower yields on reinvested securities.

• 3Q21 direct premiums earned up 15.0% driven by primary rate increases earning-in
• 3Q21 diluted GAAP earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.64, non-GAAP adjusted EPS¹ of $0.63
• 3Q21 combined ratio of 98.6%
• 3Q21 annualized return on average equity of 16.4%
• Florida primary average rate increase of 14.9% for UPCIC approved during 3Q21

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Universal Insurance Holdings (NYSE: UVE) (the “Company”) reported 2021 third quarter diluted EPS of $0.64 on a GAAP basis and $0.63 on a non-GAAP¹ adjusted basis. Quarterly direct premiums earned were up 15.0% from the year-ago quarter to $410.6 million, with an annualized return on average equity of 16.4%.

¹ Excludes net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments as well as any extraordinary reinstatement premiums and associated commissions (“non-GAAP adjusted EPS”). Reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the attached tables.

“Our third quarter results demonstrate continued execution of our multi-year strategic priorities, including disciplined growth and operational improvements,” said Stephen J. Donaghy, Chief Executive Officer. “Our direct premiums earned growth of 15.0% in the third quarter was primarily driven by primary rate increases in Florida earning through the book. We have now filed for more than 34% in primary rate increases in Florida over the past 18 months, while simultaneously continuing to shape our underwriting risks with total policies-in-force relatively flat year-over-year. Our business expenses were lower from continued expense management controls, including lower agency commissions and employee productivity gains, in addition to lower executive compensation accruals. These results were highlighted by a 16.4% annualized return on average equity in the quarter.”

Summary Financial Results

($thousands, except per share data)	Three Months Ended September 30,												Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021				2020				Change				2021				2020				Change
(GAAP comparison)
Total revenue	$	287,254			$	311,665			(7.8)	%			$	829,192			$	799,644			3.7	%
Income (loss) before income taxes	26,464				(3,792)				NM				92,874				51,230				81.3	%
Income (loss) before income taxes margin	9.2		%		(1.2)		%		NM				11.2		%		6.4		%		4.8	pts
Diluted EPS	$	0.64			$	(0.10)			NM				$	2.19			$	1.14			92.1	%
Annualized return on average equity (ROE)	16.4		%		(2.5)		%		NM				19.3		%		10.0		%		9.3	pts
Book value per share, end of period	$	15.86			$	15.15			4.7	%			$	15.86			$	15.15			4.7	%
(Non-GAAP comparison) 2
Adjusted operating income	25,943				(59,594)				NM				90,638				(817)				NM
Adjusted EPS	$	0.63			$	(1.43)			NM				$	2.13			$	(0.08)			NM
2 Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the attached tables. Adjusted operating income excludes net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments, interest expense, and any extraordinary reinstatement premiums and associated commissions. Non-GAAP adjusted EPS excludes net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments, as well as extraordinary reinstatement premiums and associated commissions.
NM = Not Meaningful

Total revenue declined 7.8% for the quarter, driven primarily by the realized gain on investments of $53.8 million in the third quarter of the prior year, versus a $4.3 million realized gain in the current quarter. Total revenue for the quarter benefited from continued primary rate increases earning through the book as policies renew. GAAP diluted EPS and non-GAAP adjusted EPS results for the quarter were driven primarily by a lower impact from weather events and lower prior years’ development when compared to the prior year’s quarter, partially offset by the impact of current year strengthening. The Company produced an annualized return on average equity of 16.4%.

Underwriting

($thousands, except policies in force)	Three Months Ended September 30,												Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021				2020				Change				2021				2020				Change
Policies in force (as of end of period)	967,821				965,462				0.2	%			967,821				965,462				0.2	%
Premiums in force (as of end of period)	$	1,649,546			$	1,459,971			13.0	%			$	1,649,546			$	1,459,971			13.0	%
Direct premiums written	$	432,984			$	409,418			5.8	%			$	1,271,925			$	1,148,656			10.7	%
Direct premiums earned	410,621				357,208				15.0	%			1,178,801				1,020,798				15.5	%
Net premiums earned	264,654				234,191				13.0	%			764,131				681,390				12.1	%
Expense ratio 3	27.7		%		32.9		%		(5.2)	pts			31.1		%		32.8		%		(1.7)	pts
Loss & LAE ratio	70.9		%		101.8		%		(30.9)	pts			65.3		%		77.0		%		(11.7)	pts
Combined ratio	98.6		%		134.7		%		(36.1)	pts			96.4		%		109.8		%		(13.4)	pts
3 Expense ratio excludes interest expense.

Direct premiums earned were up 15.0% for the quarter, led by primary rate increases in Florida and other states, while policies-in-force remained relatively flat.

On the expense side, the combined ratio improved 36.1 points for the quarter. The improvement was driven primarily by decreased weather events and lower prior years’ reserve development, in addition to business expense management, partially offset by current year strengthening and higher reinsurance costs impact on the ratio.

• The expense ratio improved 3.7 pointson a direct premiums earned basis due to continued focus on operating efficiencies. On a net basis, the expense ratio improved 5.2 points for the quarter.
• The net loss and LAE ratio improved 30.9 points for the quarter. Quarterly drivers include:
  • A 29.0 point net improvement related to weather events being within the plan.
  • Adverse prior year’s reserve development of $11.5 million ($30.1 million in 3Q20) resulted in an 8.5 point net improvement for the quarter. Net adverse development in the current quarter was driven primarily by continued adjusting and settlement of Hurricane Irma and non-CAT claims on accident years prior to 2020.
  • Core losses of $176.1 million for the quarter ($140.4 million in 3Q20) resulted in a 3.6 point increase on a direct premium earned basis, driven by current year strengthening. On a net basis, core losses increased 6.6 points for the quarter.

Services

($thousands)	Three Months Ended September 30,												Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021				2020				Change				2021				2020				Change
Commission revenue	$	11,418			$	8,997			26.9	%			$	30,404			$	23,770			27.9	%
Policy fees	5,859				6,167				(5.0)	%			17,821				18,253				(2.4)	%
Other revenue	1,966				1,935				1.6	%			5,862				6,529				(10.2)	%
Total	$	19,243			$	17,099			12.5	%			$	54,087			$	48,552			11.4	%

Total services revenue increased 12.5% for the quarter. The increase was primarily driven by commission revenue earned on ceded premiums, partially offset by lower policy fees.

Investments

($thousands)	Three Months Ended September 30,												Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021				2020				Change				2021				2020				Change
Net investment income	$	2,797			$	4,557			(38.6)	%			$	8,641			$	17,570			(50.8)	%
Realized gains (losses)	4,319				53,827				(92.0)	%			5,357				54,294				(90.1)	%
Unrealized gains (losses)	(3,759)				1,991				NM				(3,024)				(2,162)				39.9	%
NM = Not Meaningful

Net investment income decreased 38.6% for the quarter as well as a significant decline in realized gains when compared to the prior year’s quarter. Both decreases are the result of the sale, and subsequent reinvestment at lower yields, of a majority of securities in the portfolio that were in an unrealized gain position in the third and fourth quarters of 2020 to recognize the fair value benefits in surplus.

Capital Deployment

During the third quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 101 thousand shares at an aggregate cost of $1.4 million. The Company’s current share repurchase authorization program has $17.8 million remaining as of September 30, 2021 and runs through November 3, 2022.

On July 19, 2021, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 16 cents per share of common stock, which was paid on August 9, 2021, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 2, 2021.

Guidance

The Company is maintaining its guidance for 2021 (assuming no further extraordinary weather events and no realized or unrealized gains in 2021):

• GAAP and Non-GAAP Adjusted EPS in a range of $2.75 - $3.00
• Annualized return on average equity in a range of 17.0% - 19.0%

Conference Call and Webcast

• Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. ET
• U.S. Dial-in Number: (855) 752-6647
• International: (503) 343-6667
• Participant code: 3793583
• Listen to live webcast: UniversalInsuranceHoldings.com
• Replay of the call will be available on the UVE website and by phone at (855) 859-2056 or internationally at (404) 537-3406 using the participant code: 3793583 through November 12, 2021

About Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

Universal Insurance Holdings (UVE) is a holding company offering property and casualty insurance and value-added insurance services. We develop, market, and write insurance products for consumers predominantly in the personal residential homeowners lines of business and perform substantially all other insurance-related services for our primary insurance entities, including risk management, claims management and distribution. We sell insurance products through both our appointed independent agents and through our direct online distribution channels in the United States across 19 states (primarily Florida). Learn more at UniversalInsuranceHoldings.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators

This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including adjusted earnings per diluted share, which excludes the impact of the net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments as well as any extraordinary reinstatement premiums and associated commissions. Extraordinary reinstatement premiums are not covered by reinstatement premium protection and attach just below the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”) reinsurance layer. Adjusted operating income excludes the impact of the net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments, as well as interest expense and any extraordinary reinstatement premiums and associated commissions. A “non-GAAP financial measure” is generally defined as a numerical measure of a company’s historical or future performance that excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments, so as to be different from the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). UVE management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with the GAAP financial measures, provide information that is useful to investors in understanding period-over-period operating results separate and apart from items that may, or could, have a disproportionately positive or negative impact on results in any particular period. UVE management also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures enhance the ability of investors to analyze UVE’s business trends and to understand UVE’s performance. UVE’s management utilizes these non-GAAP financial measures as guides in long-term planning. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information regarding our key performance indicators, please refer to the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Key Performance Indicators” in our forthcoming Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021.

Forward-Looking Statements

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,” “will,” “plan,” 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, including those risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and supplemented in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Future results could differ materially from those described, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. 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 the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the most recent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

 

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share data)
		September 30,				December 31,
		2021				2020
ASSETS:
Invested Assets
Fixed maturities, at fair value		$	1,029,157			$	819,861
Equity securities, at fair value		77,099				84,887
Assets held for sale		253				—
Investment real estate, net		5,934				15,176
Total invested assets		1,112,443				919,924
Cash and cash equivalents		224,822				167,156
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		15,836				12,715
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		386,466				215,723
Reinsurance recoverable		134,935				160,417
Premiums receivable, net		71,132				66,883
Property and equipment, net		53,222				53,572
Deferred policy acquisition costs		113,979				110,614
Goodwill		2,319				2,319
Other assets		28,074				49,418
TOTAL ASSETS		$	2,143,228			$	1,758,741
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		$	212,488			$	322,465
Unearned premiums		876,259				783,135
Advance premium		71,069				49,562
Reinsurance payable, net		399,905				10,312
Debt		7,353				8,456
Other liabilities		81,879				135,549
Total liabilities		1,648,953				1,309,479
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Cumulative convertible preferred stock ($0.01 par value) 4		—				—
Common stock ($0.01 par value) 5		470				468
Treasury shares, at cost - 15,797 and 15,680		(227,115)				(225,506)
Additional paid-in capital		107,382				103,445
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes		(7,398)				3,343
Retained earnings		620,936				567,512
Total stockholders' equity		494,275				449,262
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY		$	2,143,228			$	1,758,741
Notes:
4 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.
5 Common stock ($0.01 par value): Authorized - 55,000 shares; Issued - 46,964 and 46,817 shares; Outstanding 31,167 and 31,137 shares.

 

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
		Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
		September 30,									September 30,
		2021				2020					2021				2020
REVENUES
Net premiums earned		$	264,654			$	234,191				$	764,131			$	681,390
Net investment income		2,797				4,557					8,641				17,570
Net realized gains/(losses) on investments		4,319				53,827					5,357				54,294
Net change in unrealized gains/(losses) of equity securities		(3,759)				1,991					(3,024)				(2,162)
Commission revenue		11,418				8,997					30,404				23,770
Policy fees		5,859				6,167					17,821				18,253
Other revenue		1,966				1,935					5,862				6,529
Total revenues		287,254				311,665					829,192				799,644
EXPENSES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		187,581				238,477					498,765				524,870
Policy acquisition costs		57,062				51,594					170,287				146,982
Other operating expenses		16,108				25,370					67,169				76,477
Interest expense		39				16					97				85
Total expenses		260,790				315,457					736,318				748,414
Income (loss) before income tax expense		26,464				(3,792)					92,874				51,230
Income tax expense (benefit)		6,281				(623)					24,342				14,450
NET INCOME (LOSS)		$	20,183			$	(3,169)				$	68,532			$	36,780

 

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SHARE AND PER SHARE INFORMATION
(in thousands, except per share data)
		Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
		September 30,									September 30,
		2021				2020					2021				2020
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic		31,247				31,659					31,232				32,116
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted		31,337				31,659					31,302				32,202
Shares outstanding, end of period		31,167				31,334					31,167				31,334
Basic earnings (loss) per common share		$	0.65			$	(0.10)				$	2.19			$	1.14
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share		$	0.64			$	(0.10)				$	2.19			$	1.14
Cash dividend declared per common share		$	0.16			$	0.16				$	0.48			$	0.48
Book value per share, end of period		$	15.86			$	15.15				$	15.86			$	15.15
Annualized return on average equity (ROE)		16.4		%		(2.5)		%			19.3		%		10.0		%

 

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
(in thousands, except for Policies In Force data)
		Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
		September 30,									September 30,
		2021				2020					2021				2020
Premiums
Direct premiums written - Florida		$	354,799			$	334,916				$	1,062,180			$	948,196
Direct premiums written - Other States			78,185				74,502					209,745				200,460
Direct premiums written - Total		$	432,984			$	409,418				$	1,271,925			$	1,148,656
Direct premiums earned		$	410,621			$	357,208				$	1,178,801			$	1,020,798
Net premiums earned		$	264,654			$	234,191				$	764,131			$	681,390
Underwriting Ratios - Net
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio		70.9		%		101.8		%			65.3		%		77.0		%
Policy acquisition cost ratio		21.6		%		22.1		%			22.3		%		21.6		%
Other operating expense ratio6		6.1		%		10.8		%			8.8		%		11.2		%
General and administrative expense ratio6		27.7		%		32.9		%			31.1		%		32.8		%
Combined ratio		98.6		%		134.7		%			96.4		%		109.8		%
Other Items
(Favorable)/Unfavorable prior year's reserve development		$11,489				$30,085					$17,983				$34,904
Points on the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio		4.4 pts				12.9		pts			2.4		pts		5.1		pts
6 Expense ratio excludes interest expense.

		As of
		September 30,
		2021				2020
Policies in force
Florida		716,767				715,130
Other States		251,054				250,332
Total		967,821				965,462
Premiums in force
Florida		$	1,371,760			$	1,202,318
Other States		277,786				257,653
Total		$	1,649,546			$	1,459,971
Total Insured Value
Florida		$	204,334,645			$	185,382,817
Other States		114,992,734				105,432,408
Total		$	319,327,379			$	290,815,225

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
	Direct				Loss Ratio			Ceded				Loss Ratio			Net				Loss Ratio
Premiums earned	$	410,621						$	145,967						$	264,654
Loss and loss adjustment expenses:
Core losses	$	176,161			42.9	%		$	69			—	%		$	176,092			66.5	%
Weather events7	—				—	%		—				—	%		—				—	%
Prior year’s reserve development	87,907				21.4	%		76,418				52.4	%		11,489				4.4	%
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	264,068			64.3	%		$	76,487			52.4	%		$	187,581			70.9	%
7 Includes only current year weather events beyond those expected.

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
	Direct				Loss Ratio			Ceded				Loss Ratio			Net				Loss Ratio
Premiums earned	$	1,178,801						$	414,670						$	764,131
Loss and loss adjustment expenses:
Core losses	$	480,801			40.8	%		$	19			—	%		$	480,782			62.9	%
Weather events7	—				—	%		—				—	%		—				—	%
Prior year’s reserve development	296,867				25.2	%		278,884				67.3	%		17,983				2.4	%
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	777,668			66.0	%		$	278,903			67.3	%		$	498,765			65.3	%
7 Includes only current year weather events beyond those expected.

 

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(in thousands, except for per share data)
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended									Guidance
	September 30,									September 30,									Full Year 2021E
	2021				2020					2021				2020
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	$	26,464			$	(3,792)				$	92,874			$	51,230
Adjustments:
Net unrealized (gains)/losses on equity securities	3,759				(1,991)					3,024				2,162
Net realized (gains)/losses on investments	(4,319)				(53,827)					(5,357)				(54,294)
Interest Expense	39				16					97				85
Total Adjustments	(521)				(55,802)					(2,236)				(52,047)
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)	$	25,943			$	(59,594)				$	90,638			$	(817)
GAAP Diluted EPS	$	0.64			$	(0.10)				$	2.19			$	1.14				$ 2.75 - 3.00
Adjustments:
Net unrealized (gains)/losses on equity securities	0.12				(0.06)					0.09				0.07					—
Net realized (gains)/losses on investments	(0.14)				(1.70)					(0.17)				(1.69)					—
Total Pre-Tax Adjustments	(0.02)				(1.76)					(0.08)				(1.62)					—
Income Tax on Above Adjustments	0.01				0.43					0.02				0.40					—
Total Adjustments	(0.01)				(1.33)					(0.06)				(1.22)					—
Non-GAAP Adjusted EPS	$	0.63			$	(1.43)				$	2.13			$	(0.08)				$ 2.75 - 3.00

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211027005823/en/

Investor Relations Contact:

Rob Luther, 954-958-1200 ext. 6750

VP, Corporate Development, Strategy & IR

rluther@universalproperty.com

Media Relations Contact:

Andy Brimmer / Mahmoud Siddig, 212-355-4449

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

Source: Universal Insurance Holdings

FAQ

What are Universal Insurance Holdings' Q3 2021 earnings per share (EPS)?

For Q3 2021, Universal Insurance Holdings reported diluted GAAP EPS of $0.64 and non-GAAP adjusted EPS of $0.63.

How much did direct premiums earned increase in Q3 2021 for UVE?

Direct premiums earned increased by 15.0% to $410.6 million in Q3 2021.

What was the annualized return on average equity for UVE in Q3 2021?

The annualized return on average equity for UVE in Q3 2021 was 16.4%.

What was the combined ratio for Universal Insurance Holdings in Q3 2021?

The combined ratio improved to 98.6% in Q3 2021 from 134.7% in the same quarter of the previous year.

What guidance has Universal Insurance Holdings provided for 2021?

UVE maintains its EPS guidance for 2021 in the range of $2.75 to $3.00.