Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018

March 31, 2019

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to 

Commission File Number 001-33251


a01uvelogo.jpg
UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

65-0231984

Delaware65-0231984
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

1110 W. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309

(Address of principal executive offices)

(954) 958-1200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  x    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

 ☒

x

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

 ☐

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)    Yes      No  

x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 34,938,87234,647,850 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding on October 29, 2018.

April 22, 2019.




Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page No.

Item 1.

4

Page No.

6

7

27

48

49

49

Item 1A.

50

Item 2.

50

Item 6.

50

Signatures

51




Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM




To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Fort Lauderdale, Florida



We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income, and comprehensive income, for the three-monthstockholders’ equity, and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and the related condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine-monththree-month periods ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and 2017.2018. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.


We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.


Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 20172018 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) and we expressed an unqualified audit opinion on those consolidated financial statements in our report dated February 23, 2018.March 1, 2019. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017,2018, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.


/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC

Chicago, Illinois

October 31, 2018


April 26, 2019



Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

As of

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale debt securities

$

760,408

 

 

$

639,334

 

Available-for-sale short-term investments

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

Equity securities

 

69,108

 

 

 

62,215

 

Investment real estate, net

 

23,720

 

 

 

18,474

 

Total invested assets

 

853,236

 

 

 

730,023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

252,289

 

 

 

213,486

 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

 

2,635

 

 

 

2,635

 

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

228,408

 

 

 

132,806

 

Reinsurance recoverable

 

158,603

 

 

 

182,405

 

Reinsurance receivable, net

 

961

 

 

 

 

Premium receivable, net

 

66,017

 

 

 

56,500

 

Property and equipment, net

 

35,632

 

 

 

32,866

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

90,643

 

 

 

73,059

 

Income taxes recoverable

 

5,174

 

 

 

9,472

 

Deferred income tax asset, net

 

7,948

 

 

 

9,286

 

Other assets

 

21,723

 

 

 

12,461

 

Total assets

$

1,723,269

 

 

$

1,454,999

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

$

158,667

 

 

$

248,425

 

Unearned premiums

 

629,693

 

 

 

532,444

 

Advance premium

 

32,839

 

 

 

26,216

 

Accounts payable

 

2,809

 

 

 

2,866

 

Book overdraft

 

30,334

 

 

 

36,715

 

Reinsurance payable, net

 

261,133

 

 

 

110,381

 

Other liabilities and accrued expenses

 

65,005

 

 

 

45,096

 

Long-term debt

 

11,765

 

 

 

12,868

 

Total liabilities

 

1,192,245

 

 

 

1,015,011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized shares - 1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued shares - 10 and 10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares - 10 and 10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum liquidation preference, $9.99 and $9.99 per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value

 

463

 

 

 

458

 

Authorized shares - 55,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued shares - 46,318 and 45,778

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares - 34,933 and 34,735

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury shares, at cost - 11,385 and 11,043

 

(116,239

)

 

 

(105,123

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

88,231

 

 

 

86,186

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

 

(9,898

)

 

 

(6,281

)

Retained earnings

 

568,467

 

 

 

464,748

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

531,024

 

 

 

439,988

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

1,723,269

 

 

$

1,454,999

 

 As of
 March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
 (unaudited)  
ASSETS   
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value (amortized cost: $834,817 and $831,127)$840,028
 $820,438
Equity securities, at fair value (amortized cost: $58,137 and $86,271)53,175
 63,277
Investment real estate, net25,070
 24,439
Total invested assets918,273
 908,154
    
Cash and cash equivalents185,061
 166,428
Restricted cash and cash equivalents2,635
 2,635
Prepaid reinsurance premiums57,100
 142,750
Reinsurance recoverable323,294
 418,603
Premium receivable, net58,346
 59,858
Property and equipment, net40,102
 34,991
Deferred policy acquisition costs83,284
 84,686
Income taxes recoverable
 11,159
Deferred income tax asset, net14,417
 14,586
Other assets15,357
 14,540
Total assets$1,697,869
 $1,858,390
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   
LIABILITIES:   
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses$366,356
 $472,829
Unearned premiums595,536
 601,679
Advance premium44,545
 26,222
Accounts payable2,692
 3,059
Book overdraft43,305
 102,843
Reinsurance payable, net48,171
 93,306
Income taxes payable6,183
 
Other liabilities and accrued expenses41,002
 45,422
Long-term debt11,029
 11,397
Total liabilities1,158,819
 1,356,757
    
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)

 

    
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:   
Cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value
 
Authorized shares - 1,000   
Issued shares - 10 and 10   
Outstanding shares - 10 and 10   
Minimum liquidation preference, $9.99 and $9.99 per share   
Common stock, $.01 par value467
 465
Authorized shares - 55,000   
Issued shares - 46,674 and 46,514   
Outstanding shares - 34,622 and 34,783   
Treasury shares, at cost - 12,052 and 11,731(140,516) (130,399)
Additional paid-in capital87,328
 86,353
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes3,974
 (8,010)
Retained earnings587,797
 553,224
Total stockholders’ equity539,050
 501,633
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,697,869
 $1,858,390
The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.



Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

PREMIUMS EARNED AND OTHER REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct premiums written

$

309,176

 

 

$

274,744

 

 

$

921,941

 

 

$

816,350

 

 

Change in unearned premium

 

(20,772

)

 

 

(19,935

)

 

 

(97,249

)

 

 

(80,543

)

 

Direct premium earned

 

288,404

 

 

 

254,809

 

 

 

824,692

 

 

 

735,807

 

 

Ceded premium earned

 

(99,466

)

 

 

(80,292

)

 

 

(260,905

)

 

 

(230,722

)

 

Premiums earned, net

 

188,938

 

 

 

174,517

 

 

 

563,787

 

 

 

505,085

 

 

Net investment income (expense)

 

6,642

 

 

 

3,085

 

 

 

17,213

 

 

 

9,012

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) on sale of securities

 

403

 

 

 

803

 

 

 

(2,093

)

 

 

2,450

 

 

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) of equity securities

 

(2,473

)

 

 

 

 

 

(9,103

)

 

 

 

 

Commission revenue

 

5,658

 

 

 

5,304

 

 

 

16,638

 

 

 

14,546

 

 

Policy fees

 

5,204

 

 

 

4,861

 

 

 

15,743

 

 

 

14,594

 

 

Other revenue

 

1,783

 

 

 

1,673

 

 

 

5,258

 

 

 

4,917

 

 

Total premiums earned and other revenues

 

206,155

 

 

 

190,243

 

 

 

607,443

 

 

 

550,604

 

 

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

85,947

 

 

 

116,375

 

 

 

251,715

 

 

 

267,129

 

 

General and administrative expenses

 

69,041

 

 

 

57,269

 

 

 

191,614

 

 

 

171,582

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

 

154,988

 

 

 

173,644

 

 

 

443,329

 

 

 

438,711

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

51,167

 

 

 

16,599

 

 

 

164,114

 

 

 

111,893

 

 

Income tax expense

 

13,787

 

 

 

6,635

 

 

 

40,595

 

 

 

41,354

 

 

NET INCOME

$

37,380

 

 

$

9,964

 

 

$

123,519

 

 

$

70,539

 

 

Basic earnings per common share

$

1.07

 

 

$

0.29

 

 

$

3.54

 

 

$

2.02

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic

 

34,861

 

 

 

34,686

 

 

 

34,870

 

 

 

34,927

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share

$

1.04

 

 

$

0.28

 

 

$

3.45

 

 

$

1.96

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted

 

35,919

 

 

 

35,615

 

 

 

35,754

 

 

 

35,917

 

 

Cash dividend declared per common share

$

0.16

 

 

$

0.14

 

 

$

0.44

 

 

$

0.42

 

 

 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2019 2018
PREMIUMS EARNED AND OTHER REVENUES   
Direct premiums written$289,234
 $269,984
Change in unearned premium6,143
 (7,723)
Direct premium earned295,377
 262,261
Ceded premium earned(85,650) (79,684)
Premiums earned, net209,727
 182,577
Net investment income8,142
 4,785
Net realized gains (losses) on sale of securities(11,525) (2,641)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) of equity securities18,032
 (5,109)
Commission revenue5,505
 5,271
Policy fees5,021
 4,775
Other revenue1,684
 1,842
Total premiums earned and other revenues236,586
 191,500
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES   
Losses and loss adjustment expenses113,094
 75,926
General and administrative expenses69,748
 63,875
Total operating costs and expenses182,842
 139,801
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES53,744
 51,699
Income tax expense13,596
 11,644
NET INCOME$40,148
 $40,055
Basic earnings per common share$1.16
 $1.15
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic34,741
 34,839
Diluted earnings per common share$1.14
 $1.12
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted35,206
 35,660
Cash dividend declared per common share$0.16
 $0.14
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

Net income

$

37,380

 

 

$

9,964

 

 

$

123,519

 

 

$

70,539

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

 

(737

)

 

 

251

 

 

 

(6,636

)

 

 

4,201

 

 

Comprehensive income

$

36,643

 

 

$

10,215

 

 

$

116,883

 

 

$

74,740

 

 

 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2019 2018
Net income$40,148
 $40,055
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes11,984
 (4,050)
Comprehensive income$52,132
 $36,005
The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.



Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 AND 2018 (unaudited)
(in thousands)


  Treasury Shares 
Common
Shares
Issued
 
Preferred
Shares
Issued
 
Common
Stock
Amount
 
Preferred
Stock
Amount
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Treasury
Shares,
at Cost
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance, December 31, 2018 (11,731) 46,514
 10
 $465
 $
 $86,353
 $553,224
 $(8,010) $(130,399) $501,633
Vesting of performance share units (56)
(1) 
148
 
 2
 
 (2) 
 
 (2,069) (2,069)
Grants and vesting of restricted stock (5)
(1) 
25
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (166) (166)
Stock option exercises (36)
(1) 
84
 
 1
 
 1,438
 
 
 (1,367) 72
Retirement of treasury shares 97
 (97) 
 (1) 
 (3,601) 
 
 3,602
 
Purchases of treasury stock (321) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (10,117) (10,117)
Share-based compensation 
 
 
 
 
 3,140
 
 
 
 3,140
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 
 40,148
 
 
 40,148
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 11,984
 
 11,984
Declaration of dividends
($0.16 per common share and
$0.25 per preferred share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (5,575) 
 
 (5,575)
Balance, March 31, 2019 (12,052) 46,674
 10
 $467
 $
 $87,328
 $587,797
 $3,974
 $(140,516) $539,050









The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.


Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)
(in thousands)

  Treasury Shares 
Common
Shares
Issued
 
Preferred
Shares
Issued
 
Common
Stock
Amount
 
Preferred
Stock
Amount
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Treasury
Shares,
 at Cost
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance, December 31, 2017 (11,043) 45,778
 10
 $458
 $
 $86,186
 $464,748
 $(6,281) $(105,123) $439,988
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 (ASU 2016-02)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (3,601) 3,601
 
 
Balance January 1, 2018 (11,043) 45,778
 10
 458
 
 86,186
 461,147
 (2,680) (105,123) 439,988
Vesting of performance share units (43)
(1) 
127
 
 1
 
 (1) 
 
 (1,273) (1,273)
Grants and vesting of restricted stock 
 50
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock option exercises (568)
(1) 
804
 
 8
 
 15,195
 
 
 (18,723) (3,520)
Retirement of treasury shares 611
 (611) 
 (6) 
 (19,990) 
 
 19,996
 
Purchases of treasury stock (93) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (2,746) (2,746)
Share-based compensation 
 
 
 
 
 2,904
 
 
 
 2,904
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 
 40,055
 
 
 40,055
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (4,050) 
 (4,050)
Reclassification of income taxes upon adoption of
ASU 2018-02
 
 
 
 
 
 
 582
 (582) 
 
Balance, Declaration of dividends
($0.14 per common share and
$0.25 per preferred share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (4,906) 
 
 (4,906)
Balance, March 31, 2018 (11,136) 46,148
 10
 $461
 $
 $84,294
 $496,878
 $(7,312) $(107,869) $466,452

(1) All shares acquired represent shares tendered to cover the strike price for options and tax withholdings on the intrinsic value of options exercised or performance share units or restricted stock vested. These shares have been cancelled by the Company.
(2) Represents change in fair value of available-for-sale investments, net of income tax provision of $3,916 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and a change in fair value of available-for-sale investments, net of income tax benefit of $1,219 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2018.




The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

$

224,454

 

 

$

286,195

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

30

 

 

 

17

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(6,141

)

 

 

(3,655

)

Purchases of equity securities

 

(23,568

)

 

 

(47,070

)

Purchases of available-for-sale debt securities

 

(349,617

)

 

 

(114,593

)

Purchases of investment real estate, net

 

(5,553

)

 

 

(5,023

)

Proceeds from sales of equity securities

 

8,285

 

 

 

75,027

 

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale debt securities

 

132,801

 

 

 

19,643

 

Maturities of available-for-sale debt securities

 

83,188

 

 

 

75,770

 

Maturities of available-for-sale short-term investments

 

10,000

 

 

 

5,000

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

(150,575

)

 

 

5,116

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividend

 

(8

)

 

 

(8

)

Common stock dividend

 

(15,400

)

 

 

(9,803

)

Issuance of common stock for stock option exercises

 

102

 

 

 

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

(11,116

)

 

 

(17,884

)

Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

 

(7,551

)

 

 

(1,367

)

Repayment of debt

 

(1,103

)

 

 

(1,803

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(35,076

)

 

 

(30,865

)

Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) during the period

 

38,803

 

 

 

260,446

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

216,121

 

 

 

108,365

 

Balance, end of period

$

254,924

 

 

$

368,811

 

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$31,451
 $52,326
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment8
 12
Purchases of property and equipment(6,368) (1,314)
Purchases of equity securities(697) (9,857)
Purchases of available-for-sale debt securities(55,102) (121,996)
Purchases of investment real estate, net(734) (1,034)
Proceeds from sales of equity securities17,161
 1,045
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale debt securities14,550
 99,464
Maturities of available-for-sale debt securities36,635
 25,363
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities5,453
 (8,317)
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Preferred stock dividend(3) (3)
Common stock dividend(5,620) (4,912)
Issuance of common stock for stock option exercises239
 
Purchase of treasury stock(10,117) (2,746)
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation(2,402) (4,793)
Repayment of debt(368) (368)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(18,271) (12,822)
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents:   
Net increase (decrease) during the period18,633
 31,187
Balance, beginning of period169,063
 216,121
Balance, end of period$187,696
 $247,308
The following table summarizes our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

252,289

 

 

$

213,486

 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)

 

2,635

 

 

 

2,635

 

Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

$

254,924

 

 

$

216,121

 

 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents$185,061
 $166,428
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)2,635
 2,635
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents$187,696
 $169,063

(1)

(1)See “—Note 5 (Insurance Operations),” for a discussion of the nature of the restrictions for restricted cash and cash equivalents.

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.



Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

1. Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, (“UVE”the Company”) is a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1990. UVE with its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”)The Company is a vertically integrated insurance holding company performing all aspects of insurance underwriting, distribution and claims. Through its wholly-owned insurance company subsidiaries, Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“UPCIC”) and American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company (“APPCIC”), and together referred to aswith UPCIC, the “Insurance Entities,”Entities”), the Company is principally engaged in the property and casualty insurance business offered primarily through its network of independent agents. Risk from catastrophic losses is managed through the use of reinsurance agreements. The Company’s primary product is residential homeowners’ insurance currently offered in seventeen18 states as of September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, including Florida, which comprises the vast majority of the Company’s in-force policies. See “—Note 5 (Insurance Operations)” for more information regarding the Company’s insurance operations.

The Company generates revenues primarily from the collection of premiums and invests funds in excess of those retained for claims-paying obligations and insurance operations. Other significant sources of revenue include brokerage commissions collected from reinsurers on certain reinsurance programs placed by the Insurance Entities, policy fees collected from policyholders by our wholly-owned managing general agent subsidiary and payment plan fees charged to policyholders who choose to pay their premiums in installments. Our wholly-owned adjusting company receives claims-handling fees from the Insurance Entities. The Insurance Entities are reimbursed for these fees on claims that are subject to recovery under the Insurance Entities’ respective reinsurance programs. These fees, after expenses, are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as an adjustment to losses and loss adjustment expense.

Basis of Presentation

The Company has prepared the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (“Financial Statements”) in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, the Financial Statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for annual financial statements. Therefore, the Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,2018, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2018.March 1, 2019. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017,2018 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the Financial Statements. The results for interim periods do not necessarily indicate the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year.

To conform to the current period presentation, certain amounts in the prior periods’ condensed consolidated financial statements and notes have been reclassified. Such reclassifications were of an immaterial amount and had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity.

The Financial Statements include the accounts of UVEthe Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Management must make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Company’s Financial Statements and in disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.



Table of Contents

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The Company reported Significant Accounting Policies in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The following2018. There are no new or revised disclosures or disclosures required on a quarterly basis.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) revised U.S. GAAP with the issuance





Table of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The new ASU requires certain investments in equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value reported in earnings and requires changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities recorded at fair value under the fair value option to be reported in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”). The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $3.6 million to the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to reclassify unrealized losses on investments in equity securities to retained earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The adoption of this ASU also resulted in the recognition of the change in unrealized gains and losses for equity security investments as a separate component in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

ContentsIn August 2016, the FASB revised U.S. GAAP with the issuance of ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The new ASU applies to: (1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, (2) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, (3) contingent consideration payments made after business combination, (4) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, (5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, (6) distributions received from equity method investments, (7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and (8) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. Historically, the items outlined above have not been applicable to the Company. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018 and the adoption did not have an impact on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

In November 2016, the FASB revised U.S. GAAP, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash with the issuance of the ASU 2016-18, to reduce diversity in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The new ASU requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The Company is required to reconcile such total to amounts on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and disclose the nature of the restrictions. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018, which only resulted in a change in the presentation of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

In February 2018, the FASB revised U.S. GAAP, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), with the issuance of ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in response to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) on December 22, 2017. The new ASU permits a company to reclassify the disproportionate income tax effects of the Tax Act on items within AOCI to retained earnings and requires certain new disclosures. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018 and made an election to reclassify the income tax effects of the Tax Act from AOCI to retained earnings. Retained earnings were reduced by approximately $0.6 million due to this reclassification. The reclassification represents the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate on the gross deferred tax amounts and related valuation allowances at the date of enactment of the Tax Act related to items remaining in AOCI. The Company follows an aggregate portfolio approach and considers that it had two portfolios, an available for sale debt equity portfolio and an available for sale equity portfolio, the disproportionate tax effects relating to the available for sale equity portfolio were included in the transition adjustment when adopting ASU 2016-01.



3. Investments

Securities Available for Sale

The following table provides the amortized cost and fair value of debt and short-term investment securities available for sale as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Fair Value

 

Debt Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government obligations and agencies

$

67,442

 

 

$

15

 

 

$

(1,459

)

 

$

65,998

 

Corporate bonds

 

415,600

 

 

 

532

 

 

 

(6,165

)

 

 

409,967

 

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

275,128

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

(5,923

)

 

 

269,228

 

Municipal bonds

 

3,401

 

 

 

 

 

 

(123

)

 

 

3,278

 

Redeemable preferred stock

 

11,922

 

 

 

206

 

 

 

(191

)

 

 

11,937

 

Total

$

773,493

 

 

$

776

 

 

$

(13,861

)

 

$

760,408

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

Cost

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Fair Value

 

Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value

Debt Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

U.S. government obligations and agencies

$

60,481

 

 

$

 

 

$

(877

)

 

$

59,604

 

$65,888
 $408
 $(654) $65,642

Corporate bonds

 

228,336

 

 

 

476

 

 

 

(1,308

)

 

 

227,504

 

422,426
 6,650
 (1,643) 427,433

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

221,956

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

(2,523

)

 

 

219,452

 

330,925
 3,585
 (2,743) 331,767

Municipal bonds

 

120,883

 

 

 

599

 

 

 

(1,187

)

 

 

120,295

 

3,403
 25
 (8) 3,420

Redeemable preferred stock

 

12,059

 

 

 

485

 

 

 

(65

)

 

 

12,479

 

12,175
 255
 (664) 11,766

Short-term investments

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

Total

$

653,715

 

 

$

1,579

 

 

$

(5,960

)

 

$

649,334

 

$834,817
 $10,923
 $(5,712) $840,028

 December 31, 2018
 Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
Debt Securities:       
  U.S. government obligations and agencies$67,435
 $241
 $(1,039) $66,637
  Corporate bonds434,887
 714
 (6,736) 428,865
  Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities312,840
 912
 (4,155) 309,597
  Municipal bonds3,405
 
 (43) 3,362
  Redeemable preferred stock12,560
 55
 (638) 11,977
Total$831,127
 $1,922
 $(12,611) $820,438

The following table provides the credit quality of available-for-sale debt securities with contractual maturities as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands):

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

December 31, 2017 (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Total

 

Average Credit Ratings

 

Fair Value

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Fair Value

 

 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Equivalent S&P Credit Ratings Fair Value % of Total Fair Value Fair Value % of Total Fair Value

AAA

 

$

344,801

 

 

 

45.3

%

 

$

317,313

 

 

 

48.9

%

 $408,487
 48.6% $388,672
 47.4%

AA

 

 

92,411

 

 

 

12.2

%

 

 

129,573

 

 

 

20.0

%

 100,592
 12.0% 100,791
 12.3%

A

 

 

216,074

 

 

 

28.4

%

 

 

146,749

 

 

 

22.6

%

 207,422
 24.7% 214,503
 26.1%

BBB

 

 

103,427

 

 

 

13.6

%

 

 

51,020

 

 

 

7.8

%

 119,525
 14.2% 112,613
 13.7%

BB+ and Below

 

 

117

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

1,569

 

 

 

0.2

%

BB and Below 505
 0.1% 494
 0.1%

No Rating Available

 

 

3,578

 

 

 

0.5

%

 

 

3,110

 

 

 

0.5

%

 3,497
 0.4% 3,365
 0.4%

Total

 

$

760,408

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

649,334

 

 

 

100.0

%

 $840,028
 100.0% $820,438
 100.0%


(1)

The credit ratings in the table above have been reclassified from the prior periods’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the current periods’ presentation.

The table above includes credit quality ratings by Standard and Poor’s Rating Services, Inc. (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service,

Inc. and Fitch Ratings, Inc. The Company has presented the highest rating of the three rating agencies for each investment position.


The following table summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

Mortgage-backed Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency

 

$

152,068

 

 

$

148,472

 

 

$

118,014

 

 

$

116,014

 

Non-agency

 

 

44,509

 

 

 

44,005

 

 

 

17,676

 

 

 

17,488

 

Asset-backed Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auto loan receivables

 

 

28,983

 

 

 

28,649

 

 

 

35,105

 

 

 

34,962

 

Credit card receivables

 

 

23,836

 

 

 

23,665

 

 

 

38,844

 

 

 

38,719

 

Other receivables

 

 

25,732

 

 

 

24,437

 

 

 

12,317

 

 

 

12,269

 

Total

 

$

275,128

 

 

$

269,228

 

 

$

221,956

 

 

$

219,452

 


Table of Contents

 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair Value Amortized
Cost
 Fair Value
Mortgage-backed Securities:       
Agency$152,861
 $151,214
 $139,418
 $136,291
Non-agency71,863
 74,084
 61,689
 61,933
Asset-backed Securities:       
Auto loan receivables49,808
 49,917
 53,449
 53,341
Credit card receivables27,750
 27,809
 29,594
 29,366
Other receivables28,643
 28,743
 28,690
 28,666
Total$330,925
 $331,767
 $312,840
 $309,597

The following table summarizes the fair value and gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities, aggregated by major investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of the dates presented (dollars in(in thousands):

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

Less Than 12 Months

 

 

12 Months or Longer

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Issues

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Losses

 

 

Issues

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Losses

 

Debt Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government obligations and agencies

 

5

 

 

$

15,734

 

 

$

(313

)

 

 

11

 

 

$

40,389

 

 

$

(1,146

)

Corporate bonds

 

413

 

 

 

316,750

 

 

 

(4,599

)

 

 

66

 

 

 

51,245

 

 

 

(1,566

)

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

86

 

 

 

135,530

 

 

 

(1,643

)

 

 

98

 

 

 

109,884

 

 

 

(4,280

)

Municipal bonds

 

6

 

 

 

3,278

 

 

 

(123

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable preferred stock

 

98

 

 

 

4,739

 

 

 

(154

)

 

 

1

 

 

 

408

 

 

 

(37

)

Total

 

608

 

 

$

476,031

 

 

$

(6,832

)

 

 

176

 

 

$

201,926

 

 

$

(7,029

)

December 31, 2017

 

Less Than 12 Months

 

 

12 Months or Longer

 

March 31, 2019

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer

Issues

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Losses

 

 

Issues

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Losses

 

Number of
Issues
 Fair Value Unrealized
Losses
 Number of
Issues
 Fair Value Unrealized
Losses

Debt Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

U.S. government obligations and agencies

 

7

 

 

$

35,464

 

 

$

(301

)

 

 

9

 

 

$

24,140

 

 

$

(576

)

1
 $1,300
 $(3) 9
 $46,124
 $(651)

Corporate bonds

 

159

 

 

 

142,208

 

 

 

(792

)

 

 

39

 

 

 

29,796

 

 

 

(516

)

24
 11,810
 (39) 190
 154,760
 (1,604)

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

83

 

 

 

137,481

 

 

 

(955

)

 

 

37

 

 

 

70,218

 

 

 

(1,568

)

13
 13,011
 (43) 101
 141,496
 (2,700)

Municipal bonds

 

36

 

 

 

28,265

 

 

 

(246

)

 

 

30

 

 

 

48,370

 

 

 

(941

)

1
 272
 (8) 
 
 

Redeemable preferred stock

 

21

 

 

 

2,464

 

 

 

(65

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28
 2,893
 (562) 9
 1,783
 (102)

Total

 

306

 

 

$

345,882

 

 

$

(2,359

)

 

 

115

 

 

$

172,524

 

 

$

(3,601

)

67
 $29,286
 $(655) 309
 $344,163
 $(5,057)


 December 31, 2018
 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer
 Number of
Issues
 Fair Value Unrealized
Losses
 Number of
Issues
 Fair Value Unrealized
Losses
Debt Securities:           
U.S. government obligations and agencies
 $
 $
 13
 $56,531
 $(1,039)
Corporate bonds228
 210,152
 (3,318) 160
 131,225
 (3,418)
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities36
 57,487
 (196) 103
 148,436
 (3,959)
Municipal bonds6
 3,362
 (43) 
 
 
Redeemable preferred stock61
 8,092
 (506) 5
 1,034
 (132)
Total331
 $279,093
 $(4,063) 281
 $337,226
 $(8,548)

Evaluating Investments for Other Than Temporary Impairment (“OTTI”)

As of September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, the Company held available-for-sale debt securities that were in an unrealized loss position as presented in the table above. For available-for-sale debt securities with significant declines in value, the Company performs quarterly fundamental credit analysis on a security-by-security basis, which includes consideration of credit quality and credit ratings, review of relevant industry analyst reports and other available market data. For available-for-sale debt securities, the Company considers whether it has the intent and ability to hold the available-for-sale debt securities for a period of time sufficient to recover its cost basis. Where the Company lacks the intent and ability to hold to recovery, or believes the recovery period is extended, the security’s decline in fair value is considered other than temporary and is recorded in earnings. Based on our analysis, our fixed income portfolio is of high quality and we believe that we will recover the amortized cost basis of our available-for-sale debt securities. We continually monitor the credit quality of our investments in available-for-sale debt securities to assess if it is probable that we will receive our contractual or estimated cash flows in the form of principal and interest. Additionally, the Company considers management’s intent and ability to


hold the available-for-sale debt securities until recovery and its credit analysis of the individual issuers of the securities. Based on this process and analysis, management has no reason to believe the unrealized losses of the available-for-sale debt securities as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 are other than temporary.


Table of Contents

The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value of investments with contractual maturities as of the date presented (in thousands):

September 30, 2018

 

March 31, 2019

Amortized Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

Amortized Cost Fair Value

Due in one year or less

$

65,340

 

 

$

65,054

 

$102,098
 $101,753

Due after one year through five years

 

246,639

 

 

 

242,313

 

402,877
 403,320

Due after five years through ten years

 

158,771

 

 

 

156,385

 

319,707
 325,217

Due after ten years

 

15,693

 

 

 

15,491

 

8,940
 8,507

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

275,128

 

 

 

269,228

 

Perpetual maturity securities

 

11,922

 

 

 

11,937

 

1,195
 1,231

Total

$

773,493

 

 

$

760,408

 

$834,817
 $840,028

Expected


All securities, except those with perpetual maturities, may differ fromwere categorized in the table above utilizing years to effective maturity. Effective maturity takes into consideration all forms of potential prepayment, such as call features or prepayment schedules, that shorten the lifespan of contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay with or without penalty.

maturity dates.

The following table provides certain information related to available-for-sale debt securities and equity securities during the periods presented (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

2019 2018

Proceeds from sales and maturities (fair value):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Available-for-sale debt securities

 

$

32,287

 

 

$

49,762

 

 

$

225,989

 

 

$

100,413

 

$51,185
 $124,827

Equity securities

 

$

4,158

 

 

$

18,056

 

 

$

8,285

 

 

$

75,027

 

$17,161
 $1,045

Gross realized gains on sale of securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Available-for-sale debt securities

 

$

1

 

 

$

302

 

 

$

318

 

 

$

330

 

$187
 $307

Equity securities

 

$

413

 

 

$

547

 

 

$

714

 

 

$

2,332

 

$165
 $124

Gross realized losses on sale of securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Available-for-sale debt securities

 

$

(11

)

 

$

(19

)

 

$

(3,125

)

 

$

(59

)

$(42) $(3,072)

Equity securities

 

$

 

 

$

(27

)

 

$

 

 

$

(153

)

$(11,835) $


The following table presents the components of net investment income, comprised primarily of interest and dividends, for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Available-for-sale debt securities

$

4,595

 

 

$

2,977

 

 

$

12,390

 

 

$

8,893

 

Equity securities

 

722

 

 

 

348

 

 

 

2,016

 

 

 

1,068

 

Available-for-sale short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

145

 

 

 

22

 

Other (1)

 

2,106

 

 

 

319

 

 

 

4,765

 

 

 

651

 

Total investment income

 

7,423

 

 

 

3,644

 

 

 

19,316

 

 

 

10,634

 

Less: Investment expenses (2)

 

(781

)

 

 

(559

)

 

 

(2,103

)

 

 

(1,622

)

Net investment (expense) income

$

6,642

 

 

$

3,085

 

 

$

17,213

 

 

$

9,012

 

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
Available-for-sale debt securities$6,151
 $3,700
Equity securities1,042
 583
Available-for-sale short-term investments
 89
Cash and cash equivalents1,300
 858
Other (1)259
 196
  Total investment income8,752
 5,426
Less: Investment expenses (2)(610) (641)
  Net investment income$8,142
 $4,785

(1)

(1)Includes interest earned on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents. Also includes investment income earned on real estate investments.

(2)

(2)Includes custodial fees, investment accounting and advisory fees, and expenses associated with real estate investments.




Equity Securities

The following table provides details on the realized and unrealized gains and losses related to equity securities for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period

     on equity securities

$

(2,060

)

 

$

520

 

 

$

(8,389

)

 

$

2,179

 

Less: Net (gains) and losses recognized during the period on

          equity securities sold during the period

 

(413

)

 

 

(520

)

 

 

(714

)

 

 

(2,179

)

Unrealized gains and (losses) recognized during the reporting

     period on equity securities still held at the reporting period

$

(2,473

)

 

$

 

 

$

(9,103

)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
Unrealized gains and (losses) recognized during the reporting period on
 equity securities still held at the reporting period
$2,400
 $(5,109)


Investment Real Estate

Investment real estate consisted of the following as of the dates presented (in thousands):

September 30, 2018

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

March 31,
 2019
 December 31, 2018

Income Producing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Investment real estate (1)

$

14,619

 

 

$

6,918

 

Investment real estate$14,628
 $14,619

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

(767

)

 

 

(460

)

(973) (870)

 

13,852

 

 

 

6,458

 

13,655
 13,749

Non-Income Producing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

Properties under development (1)

 

9,868

 

 

 

12,016

 

Investment real estate11,415
 10,690

Investment real estate, net

$

23,720

 

 

$

18,474

 

$25,070
 $24,439

(1) During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company transferred $7.4 million from properties under development to investment real estate.


Depreciation expense related to investment real estate for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Depreciation expense on investment real estate

$

103

 

 

$

45

 

 

$

307

 

 

$

134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
Depreciation expense on investment real estate$103
 $103




Table of Contents

4. Reinsurance

The Company seeks to reduce its risk of loss by reinsuring certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with other insurance enterprises or reinsurers, generally as of the beginning of the hurricane season on June 1st of each year. The Company’s current reinsurance programs consist of catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable agreements. The Company is responsible for certain retained loss amounts before reinsurance attaches and insured losses related to catastrophes and other events that exceed coverage provided by the reinsurance programs. The Company remains responsible for the settlement of insured losses irrespective of whether any of the reinsurers fail to make payments otherwise due.

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Reinsurance premiums, losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts.

To reduce credit risk for amounts due from reinsurers, the Insurance Entities seek to do business with financially sound reinsurance companies and regularly evaluate the financial strength of all reinsurers used.

The following table presents ratings from rating agencies and the unsecured amounts due from the reinsurers whose aggregate balances due exceeded 3% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

 

Ratings as of September 30, 2018

 

Due from as of

 

 

 

 

 

Standard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and Poor's

 

Moody's

 

 

 

 

 

 

AM Best

 

Rating

 

Investors

 

December 31,

 

Reinsurer

 

Company

 

Services, Inc.

 

Service, Inc.

 

2017

 

Allianz Risk Transfer

 

A+

 

AA

 

Aa3

 

$

105,573

 

Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (1)

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

 

52,054

 

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd

 

A+

 

A+

 

A1

 

 

22,545

 

Total (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

180,172

 

  Ratings as of March 31, 2019 Due from as of
Reinsurer 
AM Best
Company
 
Standard
and Poor’s
Rating
Services, Inc.
 
Moody’s
Investors Service, Inc.
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Allianz Risk Transfer A+ AA Aa3 $109,183
 $139,565
Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (1) n/a n/a n/a 107,537
 165,022
Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd A+ A+ A1 26,299
 39,459
Chubb Tempest Reinsurance Ltd n/a n/a n/a 
 16,208
Total (2)       $243,019
 $360,254

(1)

(1)No rating is available, because the fund is not rated.

(2)

(2)Amounts represent prepaid reinsurance premiums, reinsurance receivables and net recoverables for paid and unpaid losses, including incurred but not reported reserves, and loss adjustment expenses, and offsetting reinsurance payables.

expenses.

There were no amounts due from the reinsurers whose aggregate balance exceeded 3% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity as of September 30, 2018.

The Company’s reinsurance arrangements had the following effect on certain items in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and Loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and Loss

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Adjustment

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Adjustment

 

 

Written

 

 

Earned

 

 

Expenses

 

 

Written

 

 

Earned

 

 

Expenses

 

Direct

$

309,176

 

 

$

288,404

 

 

$

270,158

 

 

$

274,744

 

 

$

254,809

 

 

$

531,268

 

Ceded

 

(17,256

)

 

 

(99,466

)

 

 

(184,211

)

 

 

(7,303

)

 

 

(80,292

)

 

 

(414,893

)

Net

$

291,920

 

 

$

188,938

 

 

$

85,947

 

 

$

267,441

 

 

$

174,517

 

 

$

116,375

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and Loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and Loss

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Adjustment

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Adjustment

 

 

Written

 

 

Earned

 

 

Expenses

 

 

Written

 

 

Earned

 

 

Expenses

 

Direct

$

921,941

 

 

$

824,692

 

 

$

593,419

 

 

$

816,350

 

 

$

735,807

 

 

$

687,707

 

Ceded

 

(356,507

)

 

 

(260,905

)

 

 

(341,704

)

 

 

(318,827

)

 

 

(230,722

)

 

 

(420,578

)

Net

$

565,434

 

 

$

563,787

 

 

$

251,715

 

 

$

497,523

 

 

$

505,085

 

 

$

267,129

 


 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
 Premiums
Written
 Premiums
Earned
 Losses and Loss
Adjustment
Expenses
 Premiums
Written
 Premiums
Earned
 Losses and Loss
Adjustment
Expenses
Direct$289,234
 $295,377
 $115,742
 $269,984
 $262,261
 $76,639
Ceded
 (85,650) (2,648) 
 (79,684) (713)
Net$289,234
 $209,727
 $113,094
 $269,984
 $182,577
 $75,926


The following prepaid reinsurance premiums and reinsurance recoverable and receivable are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the dates presented (in thousands):

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

$

228,408

 

 

$

132,806

 

$57,100
 $142,750

Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and LAE

$

27,037

 

 

$

 

$54,223
 $25,238

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE

 

131,566

 

 

 

182,405

 

269,071
 393,365

Reinsurance receivable, net

 

961

 

 

 

 

Reinsurance recoverable and receivable

$

159,564

 

 

$

182,405

 

$323,294
 $418,603




Table of Contents

5. Insurance Operations

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

The Company defers certain costs relating to written premium, called Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (“DPAC”). DPAC is amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies.

The following table presents the beginning and ending balances and the changes in DPAC for the periods presented (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

2019 2018

DPAC, beginning of period

$

88,756

 

 

$

73,591

 

 

$

73,059

 

 

$

64,912

 

$84,686
 $73,059

Capitalized Costs

 

44,389

 

 

 

36,999

 

 

 

136,758

 

 

 

110,653

 

41,520
 41,939

Amortization of DPAC

 

(42,502

)

 

 

(34,656

)

 

 

(119,174

)

 

 

(99,631

)

(42,922) (36,991)

DPAC, end of period

$

90,643

 

 

$

75,934

 

 

$

90,643

 

 

$

75,934

 

DPAC, end of year$83,284
 $78,007


Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions

The Insurance Entities are subject to regulations and standards of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“FLOIR”). UPCIC also is subject to regulations and standards of regulatory authorities in other states where it is licensed, although as a Florida-domiciled insurer, its principal regulatory authority is the FLOIR. These standards require the Insurance Entities to maintain specified levels of statutory capital and restrict the timing and amount of dividends and other distributions that may be paid by the Insurance Entities to the parent company. Except in the case of extraordinary dividends, these standards generally permit dividends to be paid from statutory unassigned surplus of the regulated subsidiary and are limited based on the regulated subsidiary’s level of statutory net income and statutory capital and surplus. The maximum dividend that may be paid by UPCIC and APPCIC to their immediate parent company, Protection Solutions, Inc. (“PSI”, formerly known as Universal Insurance Holding Company of Florida (“UVECF”)Florida), without prior regulatory approval is limited by the provisions of the Florida Insurance Code. These dividends are referred to as “ordinary dividends.” However, if the dividend, together with other dividends paid within the preceding twelve months exceeds this statutory limit or is paid from sources other than earned surplus, the entire dividend is generally considered an “extraordinary dividend” and must receive prior regulatory approval.

In accordance with Florida Insurance Code, and based on the calculations performed by the Company as of December 31, 2017,2018, UPCIC has the capacity to pay ordinary dividends of $36.2$14.0 million during 2018. 2019. APPCIC doesdid not currently meet the earnings or surplus regulatory requirements as of December 31, 2018 to pay ordinary dividends during 2018.2019. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, no dividends were paid from UPCIC or APPCIC to UVECF.  

PSI.

The Florida Insurance Code requires insurance companies to maintain capitalization equivalent to the greater of ten percent of the insurer’s total liabilities but not less than $10.0 million. The following table presents the amount of capital and surplus calculated in accordance with statutory accounting principles, which differ from U.S. GAAP, and an amount representing ten percent of total liabilities for both UPCIC and APPCIC as of the dates presented (in thousands):

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

Ten percent of total liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

UPCIC

$

88,901

 

 

$

72,633

 

$89,300
 $90,610

APPCIC

$

538

 

 

$

572

 

$491
 $489

Statutory capital and surplus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

UPCIC

$

343,302

 

 

$

307,686

 

$325,383
 $291,438

APPCIC

$

16,045

 

 

$

16,633

 

$15,946
 $15,973


As of the dates in the table above, both UPCIC and APPCIC exceeded the minimum statutory capitalization requirement. UPCIC also met the capitalization requirements of the other states in which it is licensed as of September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019. UPCIC and APPCIC are also required to adhere to prescribed premium-to-capital surplus ratios and have met those requirements at such dates.

The following table summarizes combined net income (loss) for UPCIC and APPCIC determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Combined net income (loss)

$

5,468

 

 

$

(9,662

)

 

$

49,190

 

 

$

33,532

 


 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2019 2018
Combined net income$7,623
 $14,478




The Insurance Entities are required by various state laws and regulations to maintain certain assets in depository accounts. The following table represents assets held by insurance regulators as of the dates presented (in thousands):

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

$

2,635

 

 

$

2,635

 

$2,635
 $2,635

Investments

$

3,914

 

 

$

3,910

 

$3,913
 $3,876





Table of Contents

6.Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Set forth in the following table is the change in liability for unpaid losses and LAE for the periods presented (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

2019 2018

Balance at beginning of period

$

151,916

 

 

$

22,645

 

 

$

248,425

 

 

$

58,494

 

$472,829
 $248,425

Less: Reinsurance recoverable (net of payable offsets)

 

(96,733

)

 

 

(1,393

)

 

 

(182,405

)

 

 

(106

)

Less: Reinsurance recoverable(393,365) (182,405)

Net balance at beginning of period

 

55,183

 

 

 

21,252

 

 

 

66,020

 

 

 

58,388

 

79,464
 66,020

Incurred (recovered) related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

Current year

 

85,986

 

 

 

116,262

 

 

 

249,488

 

 

 

265,811

 

113,279
 75,970

Prior years

 

(39

)

 

 

113

 

 

 

2,227

 

 

 

1,318

 

(185) (44)

Total incurred

 

85,947

 

 

 

116,375

 

 

 

251,715

 

 

 

267,129

 

113,094
 75,926

Paid related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

Current year

 

72,034

 

 

 

93,969

 

 

 

140,013

 

 

 

179,000

 

34,549
 17,407

Prior years

 

38,372

 

 

 

15,912

 

 

 

146,998

 

 

 

118,771

 

60,724
 65,253

Total paid

 

110,406

 

 

 

109,881

 

 

 

287,011

 

 

 

297,771

 

95,273
 82,660

Net balance at end of period

 

30,724

 

 

 

27,746

 

 

 

30,724

 

 

 

27,746

 

97,285
 59,286

Plus: Reinsurance recoverable (net of payable offsets)

 

127,943

 

 

 

412,697

 

 

 

127,943

 

 

 

412,697

 

Plus: Reinsurance recoverable269,071
 70,351

Balance at end of period

$

158,667

 

 

$

440,443

 

 

$

158,667

 

 

$

440,443

 

$366,356
 $129,637

During the third quarter



Table of 2018, the Company recorded prior year adverse development to increase its estimate of ultimate losses for the third quarter 2017 storm, Hurricane Irma, to $754.0 million from $446.7 million recorded as of 2017 year-end. The prior year adverse development of $311.7 million in direct losses resulted in net losses of $2.2 million after the benefit of reinsurance recoveries, including those related to Hurricane Irma. The increase in the ultimate loss and LAE from Hurricane Irma was the result of a continuation of new reported claims and litigation costs associated with the aggressive nature of plaintiff attorneys on claims in Florida.

The nine months ended September 30, 2017 included prior year loss reserve development of $6.9 million on a direct basis ($1.3 million on a net basis), primarily reflecting strengthening of reserves for the fourth quarter 2016 storm, Hurricane Matthew.

Contents


7. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Surplus note

$

11,765

 

 

$

12,868

 

 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Surplus note$11,029
 $11,397


In 2006, UPCIC entered into a $25.0 million surplus note with the State Board of Administration of Florida (the “SBA”) under Florida’s Insurance Capital Build-Up Incentive Program (the “ICBUI”).Program. The surplus note has a twenty-year term and accrues interest, adjusted quarterly based on the 10-year Constant Maturity Treasury Index.

Principal and interest are paid periodically pursuant to terms of the surplus note.

UPCIC was in compliance with the terms of the surplus note as of September 30, 2018.

March 31, 2019.


Table of Contents

8. Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

The following table summarizes


On December 12, 2018, the activity relating to shares of the Company’s common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands):

 

Issued

 

 

Treasury

 

 

Outstanding

 

 

Shares

 

 

Shares

 

 

Shares

 

Balance, as of December 31, 2017

 

45,778

 

 

 

(11,043

)

 

 

34,735

 

Shares repurchased

 

 

 

 

(342

)

 

 

(342

)

Vesting of performance share units

 

127

 

 

 

 

 

 

127

 

Stock option exercises

 

1,325

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,325

 

Restricted stock grants

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

50

 

Shares acquired through cashless exercise (1)

 

 

 

 

(962

)

 

 

(962

)

Shares cancelled

 

(962

)

 

 

962

 

 

 

 

Balance, as of September 30, 2018

 

46,318

 

 

 

(11,385

)

 

 

34,933

 

(1)

All shares acquired represent shares tendered to cover the strike price for options and tax withholdings on the intrinsic value of options exercised or performance share units vested. These shares have been cancelled by the Company.

In September 2017, UVE’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which UVEthe Company may repurchase in the open market up to $20 million of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock through May 31, 2020. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company repurchased 320,500 shares, at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $10.1 million, pursuant to such repurchase program.


On September 5, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase in compliance with Exchange Act Rule 10b-18,the open market up to $20 million of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock through December 31, 2018. During the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2018, UVEthe Company repurchased 342,74992,749 shares, at an aggregate price of approximately $11.1$2.7 million, pursuant to such repurchase program.

Dividends

The following table summarizes the dividends declared and paid by the Company:

 

 

Dividend

 

Shareholders

 

Dividend

 

Cash Dividend

 

2018

 

Declared Date

 

Record Date

 

Payable Date

 

Per Share Amount

 

First Quarter

 

January 22, 2018

 

February 28, 2018

 

March 12, 2018

 

$

0.14

 

Second Quarter

 

April 12, 2018

 

April 27, 2018

 

May 4, 2018

 

$

0.14

 

Third Quarter

 

May 29, 2018

 

July 2, 2018

 

July 16, 2018

 

$

0.16

 






Table of Contents

9. Income Taxes

During the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, the Company recorded approximately $13.8$13.6 million and $6.6$11.6 million of income tax expense, respectively. The effective tax rate (“ETR”)for for the three months ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 was 26.9%25.3% compared to a 40.0%22.5% ETR for the same period in 2017.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded approximately $40.6 million and $41.4 million of income tax expense, respectively. The ETR for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 24.7% compared to a 37.0% ETR for the same period in 2017.

2018.

In arriving at these rates, the Company considersconsidered a variety of factors including the forecasted full year pre-tax results, the U.S. federal tax rate,, expected non-deductible expenses and estimated state income taxes. The Company’s final ETR for the full year will be dependent on the level of pre-tax income, discrete items, the apportionment of taxable income among state tax jurisdictions and the extent of non-deductible expenses in relation to pre-tax income.

Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 included a net debit for discrete items of $0.2 million driven by an income tax accrual adjustment of $0.9 million relating to return to provision true ups for federal and state jurisdictions, offset by excess tax benefits of $0.7 million resulting from stock-based compensation awards that were exercised during the third quarter in 2018, which thereby increased the current quarter’s ETR by 0.4 percent. Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 included a net credit for discrete items of $0.2$0.5 million relating to prior year return to provision true ups for federal and state jurisdictions.

Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 included a net credit of $2.0 million driven by the excess tax benefits of $3.3 million resulting from stock-based compensation awards that vested and/or were exercised during that period, offsetthe first quarter in 2019, which decreased the current quarter’s ETR by an income1.0 percent. Income tax accrual adjustment of $0.9 million relating to return to provision true upsexpense for federal and state jurisdictions and other miscellaneousthe three months ended March 31, 2018 included a credit for discrete items of $0.4 million, which thereby decreased the year-to-date ETR by 1.3 percentage points. The prior year’s discrete items for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $0.8$1.8 million for excess tax benefits resulting from stock-based compensation awards that vested and/or were exercised during that period, and a credit to income tax expense of $1.2 million resulting from anticipated recoveries of income taxes paid for the 2014-2015 tax years.

The Company’s income tax provision reflects an estimated annual ETR of 26.0% for 2018, calculated before the impact of discrete items. first quarter in 2018.

The statutory tax rate consists of a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate, net of federal benefit, of 3.7%3.6%.

The Company files its tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. As of September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, the Company’s 20152016 through 20172018 tax years are still subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and various tax years remain open to examination in certain state jurisdictions. In February 2018, the Company received notification from the IRS with respect to an examination

Table of the 2015 tax return. During the third quarter in 2018, the IRS completed its examination of the Company for the 2015 tax year and issued a final Revenue Agent Report with no adjustments.

Contents


10. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, excluding any dilutive common share equivalents. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution resulting from the exercises of stock options, vesting of restricted stock, vesting of performance share units and conversion of preferred stock.

The following table reconciles the numerator (i.e., income) and denominator (i.e., shares) of the basic and diluted earnings per shareEPS computations for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share data):

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Numerator for EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

37,380

 

 

$

9,964

 

 

$

123,519

 

 

$

70,539

 

Less: Preferred stock dividends

 

(3

)

 

 

(3

)

 

 

(8

)

 

 

(8

)

Income available to common stockholders

$

37,377

 

 

$

9,961

 

 

$

123,511

 

 

$

70,531

 

Denominator for EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

 

34,861

 

 

 

34,686

 

 

 

34,870

 

 

 

34,927

 

Plus:  Assumed conversion of share-based

   compensation (1)

 

1,033

 

 

 

904

 

 

 

859

 

 

 

965

 

Assumed conversion of preferred stock

 

25

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

25

 

Weighted average diluted common shares

   outstanding

 

35,919

 

 

 

35,615

 

 

 

35,754

 

 

 

35,917

 

Basic earnings per common share

$

1.07

 

 

$

0.29

 

 

$

3.54

 

 

$

2.02

 

Diluted earnings per common share

$

1.04

 

 

$

0.28

 

 

$

3.45

 

 

$

1.96

 

 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2019 2018
Numerator for EPS:   
Net income$40,148
 $40,055
Less: Preferred stock dividends(3) (3)
Income available to common stockholders$40,145
 $40,052
Denominator for EPS: 
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding34,741
 34,839
Plus: Assumed conversion of share-based compensation (1)440
 796
     Assumed conversion of preferred stock25
 25
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding35,206
 35,660
Basic earnings per common share$1.16
 $1.15
Diluted earnings per common share$1.14
 $1.12

(1)

(1)Represents the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock, unvested performance share units and unexercised stock options.

and unexercised stock options.




Table of Contents

11. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table provides the components of other comprehensive income (loss) on a pre-tax and after-tax basis for the periods presented (in thousands):

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Pre-tax

 

 

Tax

 

 

After-tax

 

 

Pre-tax

 

 

Tax

 

 

After-tax

 

Net changes related to available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

$

(989

)

 

$

(244

)

 

$

(745

)

 

$

1,207

 

 

$

461

 

 

$

746

 

Less: Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses

realized in net income

 

10

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

(803

)

 

 

(308

)

 

 

(495

)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(979

)

 

 

(242

)

 

 

(737

)

 

 

404

 

 

 

153

 

 

 

251

 

Reclassification adjustments to retained earnings (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

$

(979

)

 

$

(242

)

 

$

(737

)

 

$

404

 

 

$

153

 

 

$

251

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

 

 

2017

 

2019 2018

Pre-tax

 

 

Tax

 

 

After-tax

 

 

Pre-tax

 

 

Tax

 

 

After-tax

 

Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax

Net changes related to available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  
  
  
  
  

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

$

(11,511

)

 

$

(2,751

)

 

$

(8,760

)

 

$

9,248

 

 

$

3,535

 

 

$

5,713

 

$16,045
 $3,953
 $12,092
 $(8,034) $(1,889) $(6,145)

Less: Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses

realized in net income

 

2,807

 

 

 

683

 

 

 

2,124

 

 

 

(2,450

)

 

 

(938

)

 

 

(1,512

)

Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses realized
in net income
(145) (37) (108) 2,765
 670
 2,095

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(8,704

)

 

 

(2,068

)

 

 

(6,636

)

 

 

6,798

 

 

 

2,597

 

 

 

4,201

 

$15,900
 $3,916
 $11,984
 $(5,269) $(1,219) $(4,050)

Reclassification adjustments to retained earnings (1)

 

5,830

 

 

 

2,811

 

 

 

3,019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

$

(2,874

)

 

$

743

 

 

$

(3,617

)

 

$

6,798

 

 

$

2,597

 

 

$

4,201

 


(1)

This amount represents reclassifications to retained earnings associated with the disproportional income tax effects of the Tax Act on items within AOCI and unrealized losses in AOCI relating to Available for Sale equity security investments. See “—Note 2 (Significant Accounting Policies — Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements)” for more information.

The following table provides the reclassifications adjustment for gains (losses) out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount Reclassified from Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

 

Details about Accumulated

Other Comprehensive

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

Affected Line Item in the Statement

Income (Loss) Components

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

Where Net Income is Presented

Unrealized gains (losses) on

   available-for-sale debt securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(10

)

 

$

803

 

 

$

(2,807

)

 

$

2,450

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) sale of

   securities

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

(308

)

 

 

683

 

 

 

(938

)

 

Income taxes

Total reclassification for the period

 

$

(8

)

 

$

495

 

 

$

(2,124

)

 

$

1,512

 

 

Net of tax

Details about Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss) Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement
Where Net Income is Presented
 Three Months Ended March 31, 
 2019 2018 
Unrealized gains (losses) on
 available-for-sale debt securities
      
  $145
 $(2,765) Net realized gains (losses) on sale of securities
  (37) 670
 Income taxes
Total reclassification for the period $108
 $(2,095) Net of tax





Table of Contents

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Obligations under Multi-Year Reinsurance Contracts

We purchase reinsurance coverage to protect our capital and to limit our losses when major events occur. Our reinsurance commitments run from June 1 of the current year to May 31 of the following year. Certain of our reinsurance agreements are for periods longer than one year. Amounts payable for coverage during the current June 1st to May 31st contract period are recorded as “Reinsurance Payable” in the financial statements. Multi-year contract commitments for future years will be recorded at the commencement of the coverage period. Amounts payable for future reinsurance contract years that the Company is obligated to pay are: (1) $82.3 million in 2019 and (2) $33.9 million in 2020.

Litigation

Lawsuits are filed against the Company from time to time. Many of these lawsuits involve claims under policies that we underwrite and reserve for as an insurer. We are also involved in various other legal proceedings and litigation unrelated to claims under our policies that arise in the ordinary course of business operations. Management believes that any liabilities that may arise as a result of these legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. The Company contests liability and/or the amount of damages as appropriate in each pending matter.

In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company establishes an accrued liability for legal matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable.  

Legal proceedings are subject to many uncertain factors that generally cannot be predicted with assurance, and the Company may be exposed to losses in excess of any amounts accrued. The Company currently estimates that the reasonably possible losses for legal proceedings, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, and for which the Company is able to estimate a possible loss, are immaterial. This represents management’s estimate of possible loss with respect to these matters and is based on currently available information. These estimates of possible loss do not represent our maximum loss exposure, and actual results may vary significantly from current estimates.




Table of Contents

13. Fair Value Measurements

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. U.S. GAAP describes three approaches to measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: the market approach, the income approach and the cost approach. Each approach includes multiple valuation techniques. U.S. GAAP does not prescribe which valuation technique should be used when measuring fair value, but does establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in applying the various techniques. Inputs broadly refer to the assumptions that market participants use to make pricing decisions, including assumptions about risk. Level 1 inputs are given the highest priority in the hierarchy while Level 3 inputs are given the lowest priority. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified in one of the following three categories based on the nature of the inputs to the valuation technique used:

Level 1 — Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 — Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. These inputs reflect management’s best estimate of fair value using its own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Summary of significant valuation techniquesSignificant Valuation Techniques for assets measuredAssets Measured at fair valueFair Value on a recurring basis

Recurring Basis

Level 1

Common stock: Comprise actively traded, exchange-listed U.S. and international equity securities. Valuation is based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that the Company can access.

Mutual funds: Comprise actively traded funds. Valuation is based on daily quoted net asset values for identical assets in active markets that the Company can access.

Level 2

U.S. government obligations and agencies: Comprise U.S. Treasury Bills or Notes or U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities. The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical assets in inactive markets or similar assets in active or inactive markets, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads.

Corporate bonds: Comprise investment-grade fixed income securities. The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical assets in inactive markets or similar assets in active or inactive markets, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads.

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities: Comprise securities that are collateralized by mortgage obligations and other assets. The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical assets in inactive markets or similar assets in active or inactive markets, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields, collateral performance and credit spreads.

Municipal bonds: Comprise fixed income securities issued by a state, municipality or county. The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical assets in inactive markets or similar assets in active or inactive markets, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads.

Redeemable preferred stock: Comprise preferred stock securities that are redeemable. The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active.

Short-term investments: Comprise investment securities subject to re-measurement with original maturities within one year but more than three months. The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active.

As required by U.S. GAAP, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the placement of the asset or liability within the fair value hierarchy levels.



Table of Contents

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Available-For-Sale Debt Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government obligations and agencies

$

 

 

$

65,998

 

 

$

 

 

$

65,998

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

 

 

409,967

 

 

 

 

 

 

409,967

 

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

269,228

 

 

 

 

 

 

269,228

 

Municipal bonds

 

 

 

 

3,278

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,278

 

Redeemable preferred stock

 

 

 

 

11,937

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,937

 

Equity Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

20,575

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,575

 

Mutual funds

 

48,533

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48,533

 

Total assets accounted for at fair value

$

69,108

 

 

$

760,408

 

 

$

 

 

$

829,516

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

December 31, 2017

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Fair Value Measurements

Available-For-Sale Debt Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2019
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities 
  
  
  

U.S. government obligations and agencies

$

 

 

$

59,604

 

 

$

 

 

$

59,604

 

$
 $65,642
 $
 $65,642

Corporate bonds

 

 

 

 

227,504

 

 

 

 

 

 

227,504

 


 427,433
 
 427,433

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

219,452

 

 

 

 

 

 

219,452

 


 331,767
 
 331,767

Municipal bonds

 

 

 

 

120,295

 

 

 

 

 

 

120,295

 


 3,420
 
 3,420

Redeemable preferred stock

 

 

 

 

12,479

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,479

 


 11,766
 
 11,766

Equity Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities:       

Common stock

 

18,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,811

 

4,342
 
 
 4,342

Mutual funds

 

43,404

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

43,404

 

48,833
 
 
 48,833

Available-for-sale short-term investments

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

Total assets accounted for at fair value

$

62,215

 

 

$

649,334

 

 

$

 

 

$

711,549

 

$53,175
 $840,028
 $
 $893,203

 Fair Value Measurements
 December 31, 2018
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities       
  U.S. government obligations and agencies$
 $66,637
 $
 $66,637
  Corporate bonds
 428,865
 
 428,865
  Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
 309,597
 
 309,597
  Municipal bonds
 3,362
 
 3,362
  Redeemable preferred stock
 11,977
 
 11,977
Equity securities:       
  Common stock15,564
 
 
 15,564
  Mutual funds47,713
 
 
 47,713
Total assets accounted for at fair value$63,277
 $820,438
 $
 $883,715

The Company utilizes third-party independent pricing services that provide a price quote for each available-for-sale debt security and equity security and available-for-sale short-term investment.security. Management reviews the methodology used by the pricing services. If management believes that the price used by the pricing service does not reflect an orderly transaction between participants, management will use an alternative valuation methodology. There were no adjustments made by the Company to the prices obtained from the independent pricing source for any available-for-sale debt securities,security or equity securities or available-for-sale short-term investments included in the tables above.

The following table summarizes the carrying value and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not carried at fair value as of the dates presented (in thousands):

September 30, 2018

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated Fair

 

March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

Carrying Value

 

 

Value

 

 

Carrying Value

 

 

Value

 

Carrying Value (Level 3) Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value (Level 3) Estimated Fair Value

Liabilities (debt):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

Surplus note

$

11,765

 

 

$

10,501

 

 

$

12,868

 

 

$

11,630

 

$11,029
 $9,955
 $11,397
 $10,125


Level 3

Long-term debt: The fair value of the surplus note was determined by management from the expected cash flows discounted using the interest rate quoted by the holder. The SBA is the holder of the surplus note and the quoted interest rate is below prevailing rates quoted by private lending institutions. However, as the Company’s use of funds from the surplus note is limited by the terms of the agreement, the Company has determined the interest rate quoted by the SBA to be appropriate for purposes of establishing the fair value of the note.



Table of Contents

14. Subsequent Events

On April 10, 2019, the Company declared a dividend of $0.16 per share on its outstanding common stock payable on May 10, 2019, to shareholders of record on May 3, 2019.

The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date the Financial Statements were issued and determined there were no recognized or unrecognized subsequent events that would require an adjustment or additional disclosure in the Financial Statements as of September 30, 2018.

Hurricane Michael initially made landfall as a strong Category 4 hurricane along the Florida Panhandle on October 10, 2018, primarily impacting Florida, Georgia, and several other Southeastern U.S. states. The storm is expected to produce gross losses and loss adjustment expensesMarch 31, 2019.




Table of $300-350 million for the Company, resulting in anticipated total net pre-tax losses and loss adjustment expenses of $35 million. However, to the extent the Company experiences any additional reinsurance recoveries from its supplemental Non-Florida reinsurance program, those recoveries could serve to partially reduce this $35 million retention.

Contents


Item

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” and “Company” refer to Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. You should read the following discussion together with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (“Financial Statements”) and the related notes thereto included in Part“Part I, Item 1 “Financial1—Financial Statements”, and our audited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in Part“Part II, Item 88—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.2018. Operating results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for the year.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, the following discussionthis report may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act. Forward-lookingAct of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The forward-looking statements anticipate results based on our estimates, assumptions and plans that are subject to uncertainty. These forward-looking statements may be identified by their use of words like “plans,” “seeks,” “expects,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “believes,” “likely,” “targets” and other words with similar meanings. These statements may address, among other things, our strategy for growth, catastrophe exposure and other risk management, product development, investment results, regulatory approvals, market position, expenses, financial results, litigation and reserves. We believe that these statements are based on various factorsreasonable estimates, assumptions and plans. However, if the estimates, assumptions that include known and unknownor plans underlying the forward-looking statements prove inaccurate or if other risks andor uncertainties some of which are beyond our control and cannot be predicted or quantified. Certain statements made in this report reflect management’s expectations regarding future events, and the words “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “project,” “plan” and similar expressions and variations thereof, speak only as of the date the statement was made and are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements may include, but not be limited to, projections of revenues, income or loss, expenses, plans, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. Futurearise, actual results could differ materially from those communicated in the following discussion and those described inthese forward-looking statements as a result of the risks set forth below, which are a summary of those set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

2018. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Risks Relatingand uncertainties that may affect our financial condition and operating results include, but are not limited to, our Business

the following:

As a property and casualty insurer, we may face significant losses fromUnanticipated increases in the severity or frequency of claims, including those relating to catastrophes, and severe weather events

Actual claims incurred and changing climate conditions, which may exceed our current reserves established for claims and may adversely affectclaims;

Failure of our operating results and financial condition,

Our success depends in part on our abilityrisk mitigation strategies, including failure to accurately and adequately price the risks we underwrite

Unanticipated increases in the severity or frequency of claims may adversely affect our profitability and financial condition,

The failure of the risk mitigation strategies we utilize could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations,

Because we rely on independent insurance agents, the loss of these independent agent relationships and the business they control or our ability to attract new independent agents could have an adverse impact on our business,

The inherent uncertainty of models and our reliance on such models as a tool to evaluate risk may have an adverse effect on our financial results,

Reinsurance may be unavailable in the future at current levels and prices, which may limit our ability to write new business or to adequately mitigate our exposure to loss,

Reinsurance subjects us to the credit risk of our reinsurers, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition,

Our financial condition and operating results and the financial condition and operating results of our Insurance Entities (as defined below) may be adversely affected by the cyclical nature of the property and casualty business,

Because we conduct the substantial majority of our business in Florida, our financial results depend on the regulatory, economic and weather conditions in Florida,

Changing climate conditions may adversely affect our financial condition, profitability or cash flows,

We have entered and, in the future, may enter new markets, but there can be no assurance that our diversification and growth strategy will be effective

Loss of key executives or our inability to otherwise attract and retain talent could affect our operations,

We could be adversely affected if our controls designed to ensure compliance with guidelines, policies and legal regulatory standards are not effective,

The failure of our claims department to effectively manage claims could adversely affect our insurance business, financial results and capital requirements,

Litigation or regulatory actions could have a material adverse impact on us,

Our future results are dependent in part on our ability to successfully operate in a highly competitive insurance industry,

A downgrade in our Financial Stability Rating® may have an adverse effect on our competitive position, the marketability of our product offerings, and our liquidity, operating results and financial condition,


Breaches of our information systems or denial of service on our website could have an adverse impact on our business and reputation,

We may not be able to effectively implement or adapt to changes in technology, and

Lack of effectiveness of exclusions and other loss limitation methods in our insurance policies;

Loss of independent insurance agents and inability to attract new independent agents;
Reliance on models, which are inherently uncertain, as a tool to evaluate risks;
The continued availability of reinsurance at current levels and prices, and our ability to collect payments from our reinsurers;
Changes in industry trends, including changes due to the insurancecyclical nature of the industry and increased competition;
Geographic concentration of our business in Florida and the effectiveness of our growth and diversification strategy in new markets;
Loss of key personnel and inability to attract and retain talented employees;
Failure to comply with existing and future guidelines, policies we writeand legal and regulatory standards;
The ability of our claims professionals to effectively manage claims;
Litigation or regulatory actions that could have a material adverse effectresult in significant damages, fines or penalties;
A downgrade in our Financial Stability Rating® and its impact on our financial conditioncompetitive position, the marketability of our product offerings, our liquidity and profitability;
The impact on our business and reputation of data and security breaches due to cyber-attacks or our resultsinability to effectively adapt to changes in technology;
Our dependence on the returns of operations.

Risks Relating to Investments

Weour investment portfolio, which are subject to market risk, which could adversely affect investment income, and

risk;

Our overall financial performance is dependent in part on the returns on our investment portfolio, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial conditionLegal, regulatory or results of operations or cause such results to be volatile.

Risks Relating to the Insurance Industry

We are subject to extensive regulation and potential further restrictive regulation maytax changes that increase our operating costs and limitdecrease our growth and profitability,

UVE is a holding company and, consequently, its cash flow is dependent such as limitations on dividends and other permissible payments from its subsidiaries,

Regulations limiting rate changes and requiring usor requirements to participate in loss sharing or assessments may decreasesharing;

Our dependence on dividends and permissible payments from our profitability,

subsidiaries; and

The amountability of our Insurance Entities to comply with statutory capital and surplus that eachminimums and other regulatory and licensing requirements.



OVERVIEW
We are a vertically integrated holding company offering property and the amount of statutory capitalcasualty (“P&C”) insurance and surplus it must hold can varyvalue-added insurance services. We develop, market and are sensitive to a number of factors outside of our control, including market conditions andunderwrite insurance products for consumers predominantly in the regulatory environment and rules, and

Our Insurance Entities are subject to examination and actions by state insurance departments.

Risks Relating to Debt Obligations

Adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect our ability to meet liquidity needs or our ability to obtain credit on acceptable terms.

Risks Relating to Ownership of Our Common Stock

The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment,

Any issuance of preferred stock could make it difficult for another company to acquire us or could otherwise adversely affect holders of our common stock, which could depress the price of our common stock, and

Future sales of our common stock may depress our stock price.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our financial statements and accompanying notes in Item 1 above.

Overview

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (“UVE,” and together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, “we,” “our,” “us,” or “the Company”) is the largest personal residential insurance company in Florida as measured by direct premiums written in-force, with approximately 10.5% market share ashomeowners line of June 30, 2018, according to the most recent data reported by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“FLOIR”). Webusiness and perform substantially all aspects ofother insurance-related services for our primary insurance underwriting, policy issuance, general administrationentities, including risk management, claims management, and claims processing and settlement internally through our vertically integrated operations.distribution. Our wholly-owned licensedprimary insurance subsidiaries,entities, Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“UPCIC”) and American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company (“APPCIC” and together with UPCIC, the “Insurance Entities”), currently write personal residentialoffer insurance policies, predominantly in Florida with $789.5 million in direct premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. UPCIC also writes residential homeowners insurance policies in Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia with $132.4 million in direct premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. UPCIC is also licensed to issue policies in Illinois, Iowa, and West Virginia. APPCIC also is currently writing Fire, Commercial Multi-Peril, and Other Liability policies in Florida. We believe thatproducts through both our longevity in the Florida market and our resulting depth of experience will enable us to continue to successfully grow our business in both hard and soft markets.


We generate revenues primarily from the collection of premiums. The nature of our business tends to be seasonal, reflecting consumer behaviors in connection with the Florida residential real estate market and the hurricane season. The amount of direct premiums written tends to increase just prior to the second quarter of our fiscal year and tends to decrease approaching the fourth quarter. Other sources of revenue include: commissions paid by our reinsurers to our reinsurance intermediary subsidiary, Blue Atlantic Reinsurance Corporation (“BARC”), on reinsurance it places for the Insurance Entities; policy fees collected from policyholders by our managing general agent subsidiary, Universal Risk Advisors and financing fees charged to policyholders who choose to defer premium payments. In addition, our subsidiary, Universal Adjusting Corporation (“UAC”) receives fees from the Insurance Entities for claims-handling services. The Insurance Entities are reimbursed for these fees on claims that are subject to recovery under the Insurance Entities’ respective reinsurance programs. These fees, after expenses, are recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements as an adjustment to losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”). We also generate income by investing our assets.

Over the past several years, we have grown our business both within Florida and elsewhere in the United States through our distribution network of approximately 9,300 licensed independent agents. Our goals are to profitably grow our business, invest in our vertically integrated structure, expand ourappointed independent agent network and return valueour online distribution channels across 18 states (primarily in Florida), with licenses to shareholders. Somewrite insurance in an additional two states. The Insurance Entities seek to produce an underwriting profit over the long term (defined as earned premium less losses, loss adjustment expense (“LAE”), policy acquisition costs and other operating costs); maintain a strong balance sheet to prepare for years in which the Insurance Entities are not able to achieve an underwriting profit; and generate investment income on assets exceeding short-term operating needs.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to assist in an understanding of our key strategies include increasingfinancial condition and results of operations. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with our policiesFinancial Statements and accompanying Notes appearing elsewhere in force in Florida through continued profitable and organic growth; expanding into other states to diversify our revenue and risk; optimizing our reinsurance program; and continuing to provide high quality servicethis Report (the “Notes”). In addition, reference should be made to our policyholdersaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and reinsurers through our vertically integrated structure. We believe eachaccompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and “Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of these strategies has contributed to an increase in earningsFinancial Condition and earnings per share as well as an improvementResults of Operations” included in our overall financial condition. See “—Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. Except for the historical information contained herein, the discussions in this MD&A contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our future results could differ materially from those discussed herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed above under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
Highlights
Results of Operations” below for a discussion of our resultsoperations for the three and nine months ended September 30,first quarter of fiscal 2019, in each case compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017.

Our overall organic growth strategy emphasizes taking prudent measures to increase our footprint, grow our policy count and improve the quality of our business rather than merely increasing our market share. Our focus on long-term capital strength and organic growth allows us to be selective in the risks we accept. Our goal is to write risks that are priced adequately and meet our underwriting standards. We believe that our strategy of organically expanding our premium growth through our independent agent distribution network and through our unique direct-to-consumer online platform called Universal DirectSM (which enables homeowners to directly purchase, pay for and bind homeowners policies online without the need to directly interface with any intermediaries), streamlining claims management and balancing appropriate pricing with disciplined underwriting standards will maximize our profitable growth. We also intend to continue our expansion outside of Florida in markets that allow us to write profitable business and to diversify our revenue and risk. Upon entering new markets, we leverage our existing independent agent network to generate new local relationships and business, and we take the time to learn about each new market and any of its unique risks in order to carefully develop our own policy forms, rates and informed underwriting standards. Our expansion efforts differ from many of our competitors that have grown in recent years primarily through assumption of policies from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Florida’s statutory residual property insurance market, and through mergers and acquisitions.

As a result of our organic growth strategy and initiatives, we have seen increases in policy count and insured value in all states for over three years. The percentage of our total insured value for states outside of Florida increased from 24.9% as of September 30, 2017 to 30.4% as of September 30, 2018. The following table provides direct premiums written for Florida and other states for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands):

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

September 30, 2017

 

 

Growth

year over year

 

State

Direct Premiums

Written

 

 

%

 

 

Direct Premiums

Written

 

 

%

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Florida

$

260,024

 

 

 

84.1

%

 

$

238,309

 

 

 

86.7

%

 

$

21,715

 

 

 

9.1

%

Other states

 

49,152

 

 

 

15.9

%

 

 

36,435

 

 

 

13.3

%

 

 

12,717

 

 

 

34.9

%

Total

$

309,176

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

274,744

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

34,432

 

 

 

12.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

September 30, 2017

 

 

Growth

year over year

 

State

Direct Premiums

Written

 

 

%

 

 

Direct Premiums

Written

 

 

%

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Florida

$

789,539

 

 

 

85.6

%

 

$

718,177

 

 

 

88.0

%

 

$

71,362

 

 

 

9.9

%

Other states

 

132,402

 

 

 

14.4

%

 

 

98,173

 

 

 

12.0

%

 

 

34,229

 

 

 

34.9

%

Total

$

921,941

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

816,350

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

105,591

 

 

 

12.9

%



Third-Quarter 2018 Highlights (comparisons are to the third quarter 2017 unless(unless otherwise specified)

, include:

Direct premiums written overall grew by $34.4$19.3 million, or 12.5%7.1%, to $309.2 million compared to growth of $32.9 million and $274.7 million of written premium.

$289.2 million.

In Florida, direct premiums written grew by $21.7$8.0 million, or 9.1%3.4%, and in our Other States,other states, direct premiums written grew by $12.7$11.3 million, or 34.9%31.5%.

Net earned premiums grew by $14.4$27.2 million, or 8.3%14.9%, to $188.9$209.7 million.

Total revenues increased by $15.9$45.1 million, or 8.4%23.5%, to $206.2$236.6 million.

Loss ratio was 45.5%53.9% as compared to 66.7%

41.6%.

Diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) increased by $0.76$0.02 to $1.04.

$1.14.

Less financial impact from storms’ activity this quarter when compared to Hurricane Irma, which occurred in the third quarter in 2017.

Claims settlement fees reimbursed to the Insurance Entities by reinsurers related to the Insurance Entities’ costs of handling Hurricane Irma claims resulted in a $16.7 million net benefit, thereby reducing losses and LAE expense for the quarter.

Primarily as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Act”), our effective tax rate decreased from 40.0% in 2017 to 26.9% in 2018.

Paid dividends of $0.16 per share in the thirdfirst quarter in 2018, which is up $0.02, or 14.3%, from the $0.142019.

Book value per share quarterly dividend that the Company previously paid in the first and second quarters in 2018.

UPCIC’s 2018-2019 Reinsurance Program

Third-Party Reinsurance

Our annual reinsurance program, which is segmented into layers of coverage, as is industry practice, protects us against excess property catastrophe losses. Our 2018-2019 reinsurance program includes the mandatory coverage requiredincreased by law$1.15, or 8.0%, to be placed with the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”), in which we have elected to participate$15.57 at 90%, the highest level, and also includes private reinsurance below, alongside and above the FHCF layer. In placing our 2018-2019 reinsurance program, we obtained multiple years of coverage for an additional portion of the program. We believe this multi-year arrangement will allow us to capitalize on favorable pricing and contract terms and conditions and allow us to mitigate uncertainty with respect to the price of future reinsurance coverage, one of our largest costs.

The total cost of UPCIC’s private catastrophe reinsurance program for all states as described below, effective June 1, 2018 through MayMarch 31, 2019 is $175.30 million. In addition, UPCIC has purchased reinstatement premium protection as described below, the cost of which is $14.97 million. The largest private participants in UPCIC’s reinsurance program include leading reinsurance companies and providers such as Nephila Capital, Everest Re, RenaissanceRe, Chubb Tempest Re and Lloyd’s of London syndicates.

UPCIC’s Retention

UPCIC has a net retention of $35 million per catastrophe event for losses incurred, in all states, up to a first event loss of $3.13 billion. UPCIC also purchases a separate underlying catastrophe program to further reduce its retention for all losses occurring in any state other than Florida (the “Other States Reinsurance Program”). UPCIC retains only $5 million under its Other States Reinsurance Program in the first event, $3 million in the second event and only $1 million under its Other States Reinsurance Program for the third through fifth events. These retention amounts are gross of any potential tax benefit we would receive in paying such losses.

First Layer

Immediately above UPCIC’s net retention, we have reinsurance coverage from third-party reinsurers for up to four separate catastrophic events, for all states. Specifically, we have purchased reinsurance coverage for the first and third catastrophic events, and each such coverage allows for one reinstatement upon the payment of reinstatement premiums, which would cover the second and fourth catastrophic events. This coverage has been obtained from four contracts as follows:

59% of $76 million in excess of $35 million provides coverage for the 2018-2019 period;

20% of $55 million in excess of $35 million provides coverage on a multi-year basis through May$14.42 at December 31, 2021;

2018.
Repurchased 320,500 shares during the quarter at an aggregate purchase price of $10.1 million pursuant to our 2019–2020 share repurchase program.

21% of $55 million in excess of $35 million provides coverage for the 2018-2019 period; and

100% of $76 million in excess of $35 million and in excess of $152 million otherwise recoverable (from the first and second events) provides the third and fourth event coverage for the 2018-2019 period.


For the first three contracts above, to the extent that all of our coverage or a portion thereof is exhausted in a catastrophic event and reinstatement premium is due, we have purchased reinstatement premium protection to pay the required premium necessary for the reinstatement of these coverages. All of these contracts extend coverage to all states.

Second Layer

Above the first layers, for losses exceeding $90 million and $111 million, we have purchased a second layer of coverage for losses up to $445 million – in other words, for the next $355 or $334 million of losses. This coverage has been obtained from three contracts as follows:

58% of $355 million in excess of $90 million provides coverage on a multi-year basis through May 31, 2020;

19.5% of $334 million in excess of $111 million provides coverage on a multi-year basis through May 31, 2021; and

22.5% of $334 million in excess of $111 million provides coverage for the 2018-2019 period.

In these layers, to the extent that all of our coverage or a portion thereof is exhausted in a catastrophic event and reinstatement premium is due, we have purchased reinstatement premium protection to pay the required premium necessary for the reinstatement of these coverages. All of these contracts extend coverage to all states.

Third Layer

Above the first and second layers, we have purchased a third layer of coverage for losses up to $529 million – in other words, for the next $84 million of losses. This coverage was obtained from two contracts as follows:

65% of $84 million in excess of $445 million provides coverage on a multi-year basis through May 31, 2021; and

35% of $84 million in excess of $445 million provides coverage for the 2018-2019 period.

In these layers, to the extent that all of our coverage or a portion thereof is exhausted in a catastrophic event and reinstatement premium is due, we have purchased reinstatement premium protection to pay the required premium necessary for the reinstatement of these coverages. Both of these contracts extend coverage to all states.

Fourth Layer

Above the first, second and third layers, we have purchased a fourth layer of coverage for losses up to $635 million – in other words, for the next $106 million of losses. This coverage was obtained from two contracts as follows:

65% of $106 million in excess of $529 million provides coverage for the 2018-2019 period; and

35% of $106 million in excess of $529 million provides coverage for the 2018-2019 period.

In these layers, to the extent that all of our coverage or a portion thereof is exhausted in a catastrophic event and reinstatement premium is due, we have purchased reinstatement premium protection to pay the required premium necessary for the reinstatement of these coverages. Both of these contracts extend coverage to all states.

Fifth Layer

Above the first, second, third and fourth layers, we have purchased a fifth layer of coverage for losses up to $680 million – in other words, for the next $45 million of losses. This coverage was obtained from two contracts as follows:

65% of $45 million in excess of $635 million provides coverage on a multi-year basis through May 31, 2021; and

35% of $45 million in excess of $635 million provides coverage for the 2018-2019 period.

In these layers, to the extent that all of our coverage or a portion thereof is exhausted in a catastrophic event and reinstatement premium is due, we have purchased reinstatement premium protection to pay the required premium necessary for the reinstatement of these coverages. Both of these contracts extend coverage to all states.

Sixth and Seventh Layers

In the sixth and seventh layers, we have purchased reinsurance for $218 million of coverage in excess of $680 million in losses incurred by us (net of the FHCF layer), and $140 million of coverage in excess of $898 million (net of the FHCF layer), respectively, for a total of $1.0 billion of coverage (net of the FHCF layer) by third-party reinsurers. In these layers, to the extent that all of our coverage or a portion thereof is exhausted in a catastrophic event and reinstatement premium is due, we have purchased reinstatement premium protection to pay the required premium necessary for the reinstatement of these coverages. Both of these contracts extend coverage to all states.


UPCIC structures its reinsurance coverage into layers and utilizes a cascading feature such that the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh reinsurance layers all attach at $111 million. Any layers above the $111 million attachment point are excess of loss over the immediately preceding layer. If the aggregate limit of the preceding layer is exhausted, the next layer cascades down in its place for future events. This means that, unless losses exhaust the top layer of our coverage, we are exposed to only $35 million in losses, pre-tax, per catastrophe for each of the first four events. In addition to tax benefits that could reduce our ultimate loss, we anticipate that certain fees paid to our subsidiary service providers by our Insurance Entities and, indirectly, our reinsurers, would also increase during an active hurricane season.

Other States Reinsurance Program

The total cost of UPCIC’s private catastrophe reinsurance program for other states as described below, effective June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019, is $9.74 million. In addition, UPCIC has purchased reinstatement premium protection as described below, the cost of which is $2.25 million.

Effective June 1, 2018 through June 1, 2019, under an excess catastrophe contract specifically covering risks located outside the state of Florida and intended to further reduce UPCIC’s $35 million net retention, as noted above, UPCIC has obtained catastrophe coverage of $30 million in excess of $5 million covering certain loss occurrences, including hurricanes, in states outside of Florida. This catastrophe coverage has a second full limit available with additional premium calculated pro rata as to amount and 100% as to time, as applicable. For this catastrophe coverage, which is placed in three layers, to the extent that all of our coverage or a portion thereof is exhausted in a catastrophic event and reinstatement premium is due, we have purchased reinstatement premium protection to pay the required premium necessary for the reinstatement of this coverage. All catastrophe layers are placed with a cascading feature so that all capacity could be made available in excess of $5 million under certain loss scenarios. Further, UPCIC purchased subsequent catastrophe event excess of loss reinsurance specifically covering risks outside of Florida to cover certain levels of loss through five catastrophe events including hurricanes. Specifically, UPCIC obtained catastrophe coverage that covers 100% of $4,000,000 excess of $1,000,000 in excess of $6,000,000 otherwise recoverable. This coverage has two and a half free reinstatements and a total of $14,000,000 of coverage available to UPCIC.

In certain circumstances involving a first catastrophic event impacting both Florida and other states, UPCIC’s retention could result in pre-tax net liability as low as $5,000,000 – the $35 million net retention under the all states reinsurance program could be offset by as much as $30 million in coverage under the Other States Reinsurance Program – or 1.5% of UPCIC’s statutory policyholders’ surplus as of September 30, 2018.

FHCF

UPCIC’s third-party reinsurance program supplements the FHCF coverage we are required to purchase every year. The limit and retention of the FHCF coverage we receive each year is subject to upward or downward adjustment based on, among other things, submitted exposures to the FHCF by all participants. As of September 30, 2018, we estimate our FHCF coverage includes a maximum provisional limit of 90% of $2.33 billion, or $2.1 billion, in excess of $727 million. The estimated premium that UPCIC plans to cede to the FHCF for the 2018 hurricane season is $136.8 million.

Coverage purchased from third-party reinsurers, as described above, adjusts to provide coverage for certain losses not otherwise covered by the FHCF. The FHCF coverage cannot be reinstated once exhausted, but it does provide coverage for multiple events. The FHCF coverage extends only to losses to our Florida portfolio due to a land falling hurricane.

The third-party reinsurance we purchase for UPCIC is therefore net of FHCF recovery. When our FHCF and third-party reinsurance coverages are taken together, UPCIC has reinsurance coverage of up to $3.13 billion for the first event, as illustrated by the graphic below. Should a catastrophic event occur, we would retain up to $35 million pre-tax for each catastrophic event, and would also be responsible for any additional losses that exceed our top layer of coverage.


All States 1st Event



Non-Florida 1st Event

APPCIC’s 2018-2019 Reinsurance Program

Third-Party Reinsurance

The total cost of APPCIC’s private catastrophe and multiple line excess reinsurance program, effective June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019, is $2.27 million. In addition, APPCIC has purchased reinstatement premium protection as described below, the cost of which is $103,950. The largest private participants in APPCIC’s reinsurance program include leading reinsurance companies such as Everest Re, Chubb Tempest Re, Hiscox, Hannover Ruck, and Lloyd’s of London syndicates.

APPCIC’s Retention

APPCIC has a net retention of $2 million for all losses per catastrophe event for losses incurred up to a first event loss of $36.65 million. This retention amount is gross of any potential tax benefit we would receive in paying such losses.

First Layer

Immediately above APPCIC’s net retention we have $4.2 million of reinsurance coverage from third-party reinsurers. Specifically, we have purchased reinsurance coverage for the first event, and such coverage allows for one reinstatement upon the payment of reinstatement premiums, which would cover the second and potentially more catastrophic events. We have purchased reinstatement premium protection to pay the required premium necessary for the initial reinstatement of this coverage for a second catastrophic event.


Second, Third and Fourth Layers

In the second, third and fourth layers, we have purchased reinsurance for $2.0 million of coverage in excess of $6.2 million in losses incurred by us (net of the FHCF layer), $5 million of coverage in excess of $8.2 million in losses incurred by us (net of the FHCF layer), and $5 million of coverage in excess of $13.2 million in losses incurred by us (net of the FHCF layer), respectively.

APPCIC structures its reinsurance coverage into layers and utilizes a cascading feature such that the second, third and fourth reinsurance layers all attach at $2 million. Any layers above the $2 million attachment point are excess of loss over the immediately preceding layer. If the aggregate limit of the preceding layer is exhausted, the next layer cascades down in its place for future events. This means that, unless losses exhaust the top layer of our coverage, we are only exposed to $2 million in losses, pre-tax, per catastrophe for each of the first two events. In addition to tax benefits that could reduce our ultimate loss, we anticipate that certain fees paid to our subsidiary service providers by our Insurance Entities and, indirectly, our reinsurers would also increase during an active hurricane season.

FHCF

APPCIC’s third-party reinsurance program is used to supplement the FHCF reinsurance we are required to purchase every year. The limit and retention of the FHCF coverage we receive each year is subject to upward or downward adjustment based on, among other things, submitted exposures to the FHCF by all participants. As of September 30, 2018, we estimate our FHCF coverage includes a maximum provisional limit of 90% of $20.5 million, or $18.5 million, in excess of $6.4 million. The estimated premium that APPCIC plans to cede to the FHCF for the 2018 hurricane season is $1.25 million. Factoring in our estimated coverage under the FHCF, we purchase coverage alongside our FHCF coverage from third-party reinsurers as described above, which adjusts to provide coverage for certain losses not otherwise covered by the FHCF. The FHCF coverage cannot be reinstated once exhausted, but it does provide coverage for multiple events. The FHCF coverage extends only to losses to our portfolio impacted by a land falling hurricane.

The third-party reinsurance we purchase for APPCIC is therefore net of FHCF recovery. When our FHCF and third-party reinsurance coverages are taken together, APPCIC has reinsurance coverage of up to $36.65 million, as illustrated by the graphic below. Should a catastrophic event occur, we would retain $2 million pre-tax for each catastrophic event, and would also be responsible for any additional losses that exceed our top layer of coverage.


APPCIC 1st Event

* Layer cascades to $2M

Multiple Line Excess of Loss

APPCIC also purchases extensive multiple line excess per risk reinsurance with various reinsurers due to the high valued risks it insures in both the personal residential and commercial multiple peril lines of business. Under this multiple line excess per risk contract, APPCIC has coverage of $8.5 million in excess of $500 thousand ultimate net loss for each risk and each property loss, and $1 million in excess of $0.3 million for each casualty loss. A $19.5 million aggregate limit applies to the term of the contract for property related losses and a $2.0 million aggregate limit applies to the term of the contract for casualty-related losses. This contract also contains a profit sharing feature available to APPCIC if the contract meets specific performance measures.

Results of Operations — Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

Net income was $37.4$40.1 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2019, relatively flat when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018. Diluted EPS for the current quarter was $1.14 compared to $1.12 in 2018, an increase of $27.4 million,$0.02 or 275.2%, compared to $10.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. This quarter is comparatively better due to continued growth and underwriting profits, a lesser impact from catastrophic storms, and a reduced effective tax rate. Our results for the three months ended September 30, 2017 include the impact of Hurricane Irma. Diluted earnings per common share increased by $0.76 to $1.04 for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $0.28 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2017, reflecting the increase in net income offset by a slight increase in our weighted1.8%. Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding.

were lower by 1.3% to 35.2 million shares. Benefiting the quarter were increases in net earned premium, net investment income and unrealized gains from an increase in value of equity securities, offset by realized losses upon the sale of equity securities and increased operating costs for losses and LAE and general and administrative costs. Direct and net earned premium were up 12.6% and 14.9%, respectively due to growth in all states in which we are licensed and writing during the past 12 months and reflects a lower cost of reinsurance as a percentage of direct earned premium. Increases in losses and LAE were the result of premium growth, increased estimated losses for the current year, a hail event in Brevard County, Florida in the first quarter and a lower benefit from claim adjustment fees ceded to reinsurers as more hurricane claims made in prior years concluded during the quarter.


Table of Contents

A detailed discussion of our results of operations follows the table below (in thousands, except per share data).

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

Change

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

PREMIUMS EARNED AND OTHER REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct premiums written

$

309,176

 

 

$

274,744

 

 

$

34,432

 

 

 

12.5

%

Change in unearned premium

 

(20,772

)

 

 

(19,935

)

 

 

(837

)

 

 

4.2

%

Direct premium earned

 

288,404

 

 

 

254,809

 

 

 

33,595

 

 

 

13.2

%

Ceded premium earned

 

(99,466

)

 

 

(80,292

)

 

 

(19,174

)

 

 

23.9

%

Premiums earned, net

 

188,938

 

 

 

174,517

 

 

 

14,421

 

 

 

8.3

%

Net investment income (expense)

 

6,642

 

 

 

3,085

 

 

 

3,557

 

 

 

115.3

%

Net realized gains (losses) on sale of securities

 

403

 

 

 

803

 

 

 

(400

)

 

NM

 

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) of equity securities

 

(2,473

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,473

)

 

NM

 

Commission revenue

 

5,658

 

 

 

5,304

 

 

 

354

 

 

 

6.7

%

Policy fees

 

5,204

 

 

 

4,861

 

 

 

343

 

 

 

7.1

%

Other revenue

 

1,783

 

 

 

1,673

 

 

 

110

 

 

 

6.6

%

Total premiums earned and other revenues

 

206,155

 

 

 

190,243

 

 

 

15,912

 

 

 

8.4

%

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

85,947

 

 

 

116,375

 

 

 

(30,428

)

 

 

-26.1

%

General and administrative expenses

 

69,041

 

 

 

57,269

 

 

 

11,772

 

 

 

20.6

%

Total operating costs and expenses

 

154,988

 

 

 

173,644

 

 

 

(18,656

)

 

 

-10.7

%

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

51,167

 

 

 

16,599

 

 

 

34,568

 

 

 

208.3

%

Income tax expense

 

13,787

 

 

 

6,635

 

 

 

7,152

 

 

 

107.8

%

NET INCOME

$

37,380

 

 

$

9,964

 

 

$

27,416

 

 

 

275.2

%

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

 

(737

)

 

 

251

 

 

 

(988

)

 

NM

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

$

36,643

 

 

$

10,215

 

 

$

26,428

 

 

 

258.7

%

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share

$

1.04

 

 

$

0.28

 

 

$

0.76

 

 

 

271.4

%

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding

 

35,919

 

 

 

35,615

 

 

 

304

 

 

 

0.9

%

 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Change
 2019 2018 $ %
PREMIUMS EARNED AND OTHER REVENUES       
Direct premiums written$289,234
 $269,984
 $19,250
 7.1 %
Change in unearned premium6,143
 (7,723) 13,866
 NM
Direct premium earned295,377
 262,261
 33,116
 12.6 %
Ceded premium earned(85,650) (79,684) (5,966) 7.5 %
Premiums earned, net209,727
 182,577
 27,150
 14.9 %
Net investment income8,142
 4,785
 3,357
 70.2 %
Net realized gains (losses) on sale of securities(11,525) (2,641) (8,884) 336.4 %
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) of equity securities18,032
 (5,109) 23,141
 NM
Commission revenue5,505
 5,271
 234
 4.4 %
Policy fees5,021
 4,775
 246
 5.2 %
Other revenue1,684
 1,842
 (158) (8.6)%
Total premiums earned and other revenues236,586
 191,500
 45,086
 23.5 %
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES     
  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses113,094
 75,926
 37,168
 49.0 %
General and administrative expenses69,748
 63,875
 5,873
 9.2 %
Total operating costs and expenses182,842
 139,801
 43,041
 30.8 %
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES53,744
 51,699
 2,045
 4.0 %
Income tax expense13,596
 11,644
 1,952
 16.8 %
NET INCOME$40,148
 $40,055
 $93
 0.2 %
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes11,984
 (4,050) 16,034
 NM
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME$52,132
 $36,005
 $16,127
 44.8 %
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA:     
  
Diluted earnings per common share$1.14
 $1.12
 $0.02
 1.8 %
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding35,206
 35,660
 (454) (1.3)%
NM – Not Meaningful

We have seen increases in policy count, in-force premium and total insured value in all states for the past three years. Direct premiums written increased by $34.4$19.3 million, or 12.5%7.1%, for the quarter ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, driven by growth within our Florida business of $21.7$8.0 million, or 9.1%3.4%, as compared to the same period of the prior year, and growth in our Other Statesother states business of $12.7$11.3 million, or 34.9%31.5%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. Florida growth was driven by growth in policy count as well as the impact of an average statewide rate increase of 3.4%, which was approved in early December 2017 and effective for new business beginning on December 7, 2017 and for renewal business beginning on January 26, 2018. Geographic expansion effortsAs discussed below in our Other Stateslosses and LAE, we implemented new binding guidelines during the first quarter on new business continued to addaddress emerging loss trends. Premiums in force increased in every state in which we are writing compared to overall premium levels,the prior year. During the first quarter of 2019, we commenced writing in Illinois and we are now actively writing policies in 1617 states other thanoutside our home state of Florida.

The following table provides direct premiums written for Florida and Other States for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (dollars in thousands):
 For the Three Months Ended    
 March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018 
Growth
year over year
State
Direct Premiums
Written
 % 
Direct Premiums
Written
 % $ %
Florida$242,148
 83.7% $234,178
 86.7% $7,970
 3.4%
Other states47,086
 16.3% 35,806
 13.3% 11,280
 31.5%
Total$289,234
 100.0% $269,984
 100.0% $19,250
 7.1%

Table of Contents

Direct premium earned increased by $33.6$33.1 million, or 13.2%12.6%, for the quarter ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, reflecting the earning of premiums written over the past 12 months and changes in rates and policy count during that time.

Reinsurance enables our Insurance Entities to limit potential exposures to catastrophic events. Ceded premium represents amounts paid to reinsurers for this protection. See the reinsurance discussion included in “Contractual Obligations” for additional information. Ceded premium earned increased by $19.2$6.0 million, or 23.9%7.5%, for the quarter ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019. The increase was the result of: (1) a general increase inof increased costs for the Company’s 2018/our 2018 - 2019 reinsurance program, fueled byconsistent with the growth in our in-force premiums when compared to the expiring program; (2) additional ceded premium earned of $1.3 million was recorded during the period for the FHCF coverage; and (3) $13.5 million of fully earned reinstatement premiums relating to increases in the Company’s estimated losses associated with Hurricane Irma.program. Ceded premium earned as a percent of direct premiums earned was 34.5%29.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 compared to 31.5%30.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

March 31, 2018.

Premiums earned, net of ceded premium earned, grew by 8.3%14.9%, or $14.4$27.2 million, to $188.9$209.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, reflecting the increase in direct premiumpremiums earned and reduction in ceded premium earned as a percentage of direct premiums earned discussed above.

Net investment income was $6.6$8.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, compared to $3.1$4.8 million for the same period in 2017,2018, an increase of $3.5$3.4 million, or 115.3%70.2%. The increase is the result of several factors including the growth in cash and invested assets compared to the prior year and an increase in yields from a shift in asset mix and rising interest rates. Total invested assets were $853.2$918.3 million with an average Standard & Poor’s equivalent fixed income credit rating of A+ during the three months ended September 30, 2018


March 31, 2019 compared to $651.6$729.7 million with an average Standard & Poor’s equivalent fixed income credit rating of AA- for the same period in 2017. Cash and cash equivalents were $252.3 million at September 30, 2018 compared to $213.5 million at year end, an increase of 18.2%.2018. Cash and cash equivalents are invested short term until needed to settle payments to reinsurers, loss and LAE payments, reinsurance premium payments and operating cash needs.

We sell securities from our investment portfolio from time to time when opportunities arise or when circumstances could result in greater losses or lower yields if held. We sold debt securities available for sale and equity securities during the three months ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, generating net realized gainloss of $0.4$11.5 million compared to net realized gainloss of $0.8$2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

March 31, 2018. The thirdrealized losses this quarter of 2018 included an unrealized loss of $2.5 million, resultingresulted primarily from a decline in valuethe sale of our equity securities, portfolio duringwhereas the period. We highlight that this line item was added duringrealized loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 asresulted primarily from the sale of municipal securities in response to changes in the tax law.

The first quarter of 2019 included a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance for equity securities. See “Item 1—Note 2 (Significant Accounting Policies—Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements)” for more information. The comparablefavorable change in unrealized gains (losses) withingain from equity securities of $18.0 million, resulting from an increase in the fair market value of our equity portfolio for the prior period in 2017 was $0.1 million of pretax losses, which was not included in net incomesecurities held in the prior periodportfolio during the period. Comparatively, during the first quarter of 2018, the fair market value of equity securities declined resulting in 2017 but was included in other comprehensive income (loss), which is presented netan unrealized loss of taxes.

$5.1 million.

Commission revenue is comprised principally of brokerage commissions we earn from reinsurers on reinsurance placed for the Insurance Entities. Commission revenue is earned pro-rata over the reinsurance policy period which runs from June 1 to May 31 of the following year. For the three months ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, commission revenue was $5.7$5.5 million, compared to $5.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018. The increase in commission revenue of $0.4$0.2 million, or 6.7%4.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 was primarily from commissions earned on increased cededreinsurance premiums in connectionassociated with the Company’s June 1, 2018 renewal of its 2018/- 2019 Reinsurance Program.

Policy fees for the three months ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019 were $5.2$5.0 million compared to $4.9$4.8 million for the same period in 2017.2018. The increase of $0.3$0.2 million, or 7.1%5.2%, was the result of an increase in the total number of new and renewal policies written during the three months ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2017.

Other revenue represents revenue from policy installment fees, premium financing2018.

Losses and other miscellaneous income, was $1.8LAE, net of reinsurance, were $113.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2019, compared to $1.7 million for the same period in 2017.

Losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, was $85.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $116.4$75.9 million during the same period in 20172018 as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

Direct

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

 

Ceded

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

 

Net

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

Premiums earned

$

288,404

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

99,466

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

188,938

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weather events*

$

41,858

 

 

 

14.5

%

 

$

34,358

 

 

 

34.5

%

 

$

7,500

 

 

 

4.0

%

Prior year adverse/(favorable) reserve

    development

 

149,633

 

 

 

51.9

%

 

 

149,672

 

 

 

150.5

%

 

 

(39

)

 

 

0.0

%

All other losses and loss

    adjustment expenses

 

78,667

 

 

 

27.3

%

 

 

181

 

 

 

0.2

%

 

 

78,486

 

 

 

41.5

%

Total losses and loss adjustment expenses

$

270,158

 

 

 

93.7

%

 

$

184,211

 

 

 

185.2

%

 

$

85,947

 

 

 

45.5

%

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

Direct

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

 

Ceded

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

 

Net

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

Direct Loss Ratio Ceded Loss Ratio Net Loss Ratio

Premiums earned

$

254,809

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

80,292

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

174,517

 

 

 

 

 

$295,377
  
 $85,650
  
 $209,727
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

Loss and loss adjustment expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  
  
  
  
  

Weather events*

$

452,000

 

 

 

177.4

%

 

$

415,000

 

 

 

516.8

%

 

$

37,000

 

 

 

21.2

%

$5,000
 1.7% $
 % $5,000
 2.4 %

Prior year adverse/(favorable) reserve

development

 

(67

)

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

(180

)

 

 

-0.2

%

 

 

113

 

 

 

0.1

%

2,165
 0.7% 2,350
 2.7% (185) (0.1)%

All other losses and loss

adjustment expenses

 

79,335

 

 

 

31.1

%

 

 

73

 

 

 

0.1

%

 

 

79,262

 

 

 

45.4

%

108,577
 36.8% 298
 0.3% 108,279
 51.6 %

Total losses and loss adjustment expenses

$

531,268

 

 

 

208.5

%

 

$

414,893

 

 

 

516.7

%

 

$

116,375

 

 

 

66.7

%

$115,742
 39.2% $2,648
 3.1% $113,094
 53.9 %

*Includes only weather events beyond those expected.



Table of Contents

 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 Direct Loss Ratio Ceded Loss Ratio Net Loss Ratio
Premiums earned$262,261
  
 $79,684
  
 $182,577
  
            
Loss and loss adjustment expenses: 
  
  
  
  
  
Weather events*$
 % $
 % $
  %
Prior year adverse/(favorable) reserve development(44) 0.0% 
 % (44) 0.0 %
All other losses and loss
adjustment expenses
76,683
 29.2% 713
 0.9% 75,970
 41.6 %
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses$76,639
 29.2% $713
 0.9% $75,926
 41.6 %
*    Includes only weather events beyond those expected.
See “Item 11—Note 6 (Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses)” for change in liability for unpaid losses and LAE.



For

Losses and LAE for the first quarter of 2019 were $113.1 million compared to $75.9 million in the first quarter of 2018, an increase of $37.2 million, or 49.0%. Losses and LAE increased during the first quarter ended September 30,March 31, 2019 principally due to three key factors: (1) increased losses in connection with the growth in our underlying business; (2) increased core loss ratio (as defined below) from 33% in 2018 we experienced $41.9 millionto 37% in 2019; and (3) reduced level of significant weather events, including Hurricane Florence, a $35.0 million direct loss event that was a Category 1 storm making landfall near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina on September 12, 2018, andbenefits from claim settlement fees ceded to reinsurers as hurricanes claims conclude. To a lesser extent, Tropical Storm Gordon and otherthe quarter included $5.0 million for weather events occurringbeyond those expected and prior reserve adverse development (gross and ceded), which had a slight favorable impact on net results. “Core loss ratio” is a common operational metric used in the quarter. The Company’s reinsurance program limitedinsurance industry to describe the ratio of current accident year expected losses, from Hurricane Florenceother than catastrophe losses, to $5.0 million net. This comparespremiums earned.
We increased our core loss ratio to weather lossesbe in 2017line with recent claim experience, specifically in the Florida market, as we continue to address: (1) the assignment of $452.0 million directbenefit issue (“AOB”) and $37.0 million net related to Hurricane Irma.

Duringincreases in the third quartersystemic solicitation and representation of 2018,claims; and (2) emerging trends impacting the Company recorded prior year adverse development to increase its estimateseverity and frequency of ultimate losses on Hurricane Irma to $754.0 million, from $603.5 million recordedclaims. Claims paid under an AOB often involve unnecessary litigation and as a result cost significantly more than claims settled when an AOB is not involved, with most of the second quarter in 2018. The prior year adverse development of $149.6 million in direct losses recorded this quarter was principally from Hurricane Irma and resulted in a net retention benefit of $39 thousand after cessions and adjustmentsincrease going to the Company’s reinsurers.attorneys or representatives of policyholders. The increase in the ultimate loss and LAE related to Hurricane Irma was the result of a continuation of new reported claims and litigation costs associated with the aggressive nature of plaintiff attorneys on claims in Florida.

All other net losses and LAE were $78.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $79.3 million during the same period in 2017. The Company’s service subsidiaries generated fees during the quarter for settling claims ceded to reinsurers, principally related to Hurricane Irma. During the third quarter ended September 30, 2018, the Company generated a $16.7 million net benefit from claim settlement fees, which was recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements as a reduction to losses and LAE. This had a favorable effect on our underlying core loss and LAE ratio of approximately 5.8 percentage points on a direct basis (or 8.8 percentage points on a net basis). The Company’s underlying loss and LAE ratioalso reflects an increased level of severe weather activity in recent years, continued geographic expansion into states outside of Florida where non-catastrophe loss ratios are generally higher than in Florida, as well as claimsFlorida.

These market trends in losses and LAE have led us to file for rate increases in Florida including(approved April 2019), make changes to certain new business binding requirements and develop specialized claims and litigation management efforts to address market trends driving up claim costs.
The financial benefit from the growthmanagement of claims ceded to reinsurers was reduced to $0.77 million for the first quarter of 2019 compared to $10.4 million during the first quarter of 2018. The benefit is reflected in our financial statements as a reduction of direct claim costs. This reduction in the first quarter of 2019 reflects a lower volume of hurricane claim costs and challenges faced when policyholders assign their policy benefitsceded to third parties, including the increased litigation costs arising from these claims.

reinsurers.

General and administrative expenses were $69.0$69.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, compared to $57.3$63.9 million during the same period in 20172018 as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

Change

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

 

$

 

 

Ratio

 

 

$

 

 

Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned, net

$

188,938

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

174,517

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

14,421

 

 

 

8.3

%

General and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs

 

42,745

 

 

 

22.6

%

 

 

35,304

 

 

 

20.2

%

 

 

7,441

 

 

 

21.1

%

Other operating costs

 

26,207

 

 

 

13.9

%

 

 

21,885

 

 

 

12.5

%

 

 

4,322

 

 

 

19.7

%

Interest expense

 

89

 

 

 

 

 

 

80

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

11.3

%

Total general and administrative expenses (1)

$

69,041

 

 

 

36.5

%

 

$

57,269

 

 

 

32.8

%

 

$

11,772

 

 

 

20.6

%

(1)

Total general and administrative expense ratio does not include interest expense.

 Three Months Ended    
 March 31, Change
 2019 2018 $ %
 $ Ratio $ Ratio    
Premiums earned, net$209,727
  
 $182,577
  
 $27,150
 14.9%
General and administrative expenses: 
  
  
  
  
  
Policy acquisition costs43,511
 20.7% 38,043
 20.8% 5,468
 14.4%
Other operating costs26,237
 12.5% 25,832
 14.1% 405
 1.6%
Total general and administrative expenses$69,748
 33.3% $63,875
 35.0% $5,873
 9.2%

The increase in general


Table of Contents

General and administrative expenses of $11.8costs increased by $5.9 million, which was primarily the result of modest increases in both policy acquisition costs and other operating costs, which increased by $7.4of $5.5 million and $4.3 million, respectively, as compareddue to the same period of the prior year. Our underlying policy acquisition costs continued to be driven bycommissions associated with increased premium volume, and continued geographic expansion into states that typically have higher commission rates as compared to Florida. Our other operating costs increased by $4.3 million compared to the same period of the prior year, which was primarily driven by an increase of $4.1 million in performance bonuses and stock option grants. The comparative increase in performance bonuses was due to lower pretax income in the third quarter of 2017 due to Hurricane Irma.

The expense ratio was impacted by the costs noted above and the ratio was further increaseda lesser extent due to an increase in fully earned reinstatement premiums that reduced premiums earned, net (the denominator in the ratio) this quarter. other operating costs of $0.4 million. As a resultpercentage of the above items, the expense ratio increased to 36.5%earned premiums, however, general and administrative costs decreased from 35.0% of earned premiums for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 compared to 32.8%33.3% of earned premiums for the same period in 2017.

2019. Other operating costs for the three months ended March 31, 2019 reflected lower amounts recorded for executive compensation. Other operating costs as a percentage of earned premium reduced from 14.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 12.5% of earned premium for the same period in 2019. Overall, the expense ratio (general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net earned premiums) benefited from reduced executive compensation and economies of scale as general and administrative expenses did not increase at the same rate as revenues.

Income tax expense increased by $7.2$2.0 million, or 107.8%16.8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, when compared with the three months ended September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018. Our effective tax rate decreased(“ETR”) increased to 26.9%25.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, as compared to 40.0%22.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018. The increase in income tax expense of $7.2$2.0 million is primarily the result of an increase in net income before income taxes of $27.4$2.0 million offset byand a reductiondecrease in the federalexcess tax rate due to the enactmentbenefit of the Tax Act.$1.2 million. See “Item 1—Note 9 (Income Taxes)” for an explanation of the change in our effective tax rates.

ETR.

Other comprehensive loss,income, net of taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2019, was $0.7$12.0 million compared to other comprehensive incomeloss of $0.3$4.1 million for the same period in 2017.2018. See “Item 1—Note 11 (Other Comprehensive Income (Loss))” for additional information about the amounts comprising other comprehensive income and loss for these periods.



Results of Operations — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Net income was $123.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $53.0 million, or 75.1%, compared to $70.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The nine months ended September 30, 2018 is comparatively better due to continued growth and underwriting profits, a lesser impact from catastrophic storms, and a reduced effective tax rate. Our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 include the impact of Hurricane Irma. Diluted earnings per common share increased by $1.49 to $3.45 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $1.96 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, reflecting the increase in net income and a slight reduction in our weighted average diluted common shares outstanding. A detailed discussion of our results of operations follows the table below (in thousands, except per share data).

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

Change

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

PREMIUMS EARNED AND OTHER REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct premiums written

$

921,941

 

 

$

816,350

 

 

$

105,591

 

 

 

12.9

%

Change in unearned premium

 

(97,249

)

 

 

(80,543

)

 

 

(16,706

)

 

 

20.7

%

Direct premium earned

 

824,692

 

 

 

735,807

 

 

 

88,885

 

 

 

12.1

%

Ceded premium earned

 

(260,905

)

 

 

(230,722

)

 

 

(30,183

)

 

 

13.1

%

Premiums earned, net

 

563,787

 

 

 

505,085

 

 

 

58,702

 

 

 

11.6

%

Net investment income (expense)

 

17,213

 

 

 

9,012

 

 

 

8,201

 

 

 

91.0

%

Net realized gains (losses) on sale of securities

 

(2,093

)

 

 

2,450

 

 

 

(4,543

)

 

NM

 

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) of equity securities

 

(9,103

)

 

 

 

 

 

(9,103

)

 

NM

 

Commission revenue

 

16,638

 

 

 

14,546

 

 

 

2,092

 

 

 

14.4

%

Policy fees

 

15,743

 

 

 

14,594

 

 

 

1,149

 

 

 

7.9

%

Other revenue

 

5,258

 

 

 

4,917

 

 

 

341

 

 

 

6.9

%

Total premiums earned and other revenues

 

607,443

 

 

 

550,604

 

 

 

56,839

 

 

 

10.3

%

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

251,715

 

 

 

267,129

 

 

 

(15,414

)

 

 

-5.8

%

General and administrative expenses

 

191,614

 

 

 

171,582

 

 

 

20,032

 

 

 

11.7

%

Total operating costs and expenses

 

443,329

 

 

 

438,711

 

 

 

4,618

 

 

 

1.1

%

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

164,114

 

 

 

111,893

 

 

 

52,221

 

 

 

46.7

%

Income tax expense

 

40,595

 

 

 

41,354

 

 

 

(759

)

 

 

-1.8

%

NET INCOME

$

123,519

 

 

$

70,539

 

 

$

52,980

 

 

 

75.1

%

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

 

(6,636

)

 

 

4,201

 

 

 

(10,837

)

 

NM

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

$

116,883

 

 

$

74,740

 

 

$

42,143

 

 

 

56.4

%

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share

$

3.45

 

 

$

1.96

 

 

$

1.49

 

 

 

76.0

%

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding

 

35,754

 

 

 

35,917

 

 

 

(163

)

 

 

-0.5

%

NM – Not Meaningful

Direct premiums written increased by $105.6 million, or 12.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, driven by growth within our Florida business of $71.4 million, or 9.9%, as compared to the same period of the prior year, and growth in our Other States business of $34.2 million, or 34.9%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. Florida growth was driven by growth in policy count as well as the impact of an average statewide rate increase of 3.4%, which was approved in early December and effective for new business beginning on December 7, 2017 and for renewal business beginning on January 26, 2018. Geographic expansion efforts in our Other States business continued to add to overall premium levels, and we are now actively writing policies in 16 states other than our home state of Florida. We commenced operations and wrote our first policy in New Hampshire in early April 2018.

Direct premium earned increased by $88.9 million, or 12.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, reflecting the earning of premiums written over the past 12 months and changes in rates and policy count during that time.

Ceded premium earned increased by $30.2 million, or 13.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase was the result of: (1) a general increase in costs for the Company’s 2018/2019 reinsurance program fueled by growth, compared to the expiring program; (2) additional ceded premium earned of $1.3 million recorded during the period for the FHCF coverage; and (3) $13.5 million of fully earned reinstatement premiums relating to increases in the Company’s estimated losses associated with third quarter 2017 storm, Hurricane Irma. Ceded premium earned as a percent of direct premiums earned was 31.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 31.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.


Premiums earned, net of ceded premium earned, grew by 11.6%, or $58.7 million, to $563.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, reflecting the increase in direct premium and ceded premium earned discussed above.

Net investment income was $17.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $9.0 million for the same nine months ended in 2017, an increase of $8.2 million, or 91.0%. The increase is the result of several factors including the growth in cash and invested assets compared to the prior year and an increase in yields from a shift in asset mix and rising interest rates. Total invested assets were $853.2 million, with an average fixed income credit rating of A+ during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $651.6 million with an average fixed credit rating of AA- for the same period in 2017. Cash and cash equivalents were $252.3 million at September 30, 2018 compared to $213.5 million at year end, an increase of 18.2%. Cash and cash equivalents are invested short term until needed to settle payments to reinsurers, loss and LAE payments and operating cash needs.

We sell securities from our investment portfolio from time to time when opportunities arise or when circumstances could result in greater losses or lower yields if held. We sold debt securities available for sale and equity securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, generating net realized losses of $2.1 million compared to net realized gains of $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The investment securities sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were comprised primarily of municipal securities, which were liquidated in light of their diminished after-tax returns following the enactment of the Tax Act.

The first nine months of 2018 included an unrealized loss of $9.1 million, resulting from a decline in value of our equity securities portfolio during that period. We highlight that this line item was added during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance for equity securities. See “Item 1—Note 2 (Significant Accounting Policies—Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements)” for more information. The comparable change in unrealized gains (losses) within our equity portfolio for the prior period in 2017 was $1.1 million of pretax gains, which was not included in net income in the prior period in 2017 but was included in other comprehensive income (loss), which is presented net of taxes.

Commission revenue is comprised principally of brokerage commissions we earn from reinsurers on reinsurance placed for the Insurance Entities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, commission revenue was $16.6 million, compared to $14.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in commission revenue of $2.1 million, or 14.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, was primarily the result of an increase of $1.4 million of commissions received by BARC relating to increased reinstatement premiums. Commission revenue also increased due to increased ceded premiums in connection with the Company’s June 1, 2018 renewal of its 2018/2019 Reinsurance Program.

Policy fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, were $15.7 million compared to $14.6 million for the same period in 2017. The increase of $1.1 million, or 7.9%, was the result of an increase in the number of new and renewal policies written during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017.

Other revenue represents revenue from policy installment fees, premium financing and other miscellaneous income, was $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $4.9 million for the same period in 2017.

Losses and LAE, net of reinsurance were $251.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $267.2 million during the same period in 2017 as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

Direct

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

 

Ceded

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

 

Net

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

Premiums earned

$

824,692

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

260,905

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

563,787

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weather events*

$

46,858

 

 

 

5.7

%

 

$

34,358

 

 

 

13.2

%

 

$

12,500

 

 

 

2.2

%

Prior year adverse/(favorable) reserve

    development

 

311,683

 

 

 

37.8

%

 

 

309,456

 

 

 

118.6

%

 

 

2,227

 

 

 

0.4

%

All other losses and loss

    adjustment expenses

 

234,878

 

 

 

28.5

%

 

 

(2,110

)

 

 

(0.8

%)

 

 

236,988

 

 

 

42.0

%

Total losses and loss adjustment expenses

$

593,419

 

 

 

72.0

%

 

$

341,704

 

 

 

131.0

%

 

$

251,715

 

 

 

44.6

%


 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

 

Direct

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

 

Ceded

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

 

Net

 

 

Loss Ratio

 

Premiums earned

$

735,807

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

230,722

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

505,085

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weather events*

$

461,000

 

 

 

62.7

%

 

$

415,000

 

 

 

179.9

%

 

$

46,000

 

 

 

9.1

%

Prior year adverse/(favorable) reserve

    development

 

6,896

 

 

 

0.9

%

 

 

5,578

 

 

 

2.4

%

 

 

1,318

 

 

 

0.3

%

All other losses and loss

    adjustment expenses

 

219,811

 

 

 

29.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

219,811

 

 

 

43.5

%

Total losses and loss adjustment expenses

$

687,707

 

 

 

93.5

%

 

$

420,578

 

 

 

182.3

%

 

$

267,129

 

 

 

52.9

%

* Includes only weather events beyond those expected.

See “Item 1—Note 6 (Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses)” for change in liability for unpaid losses and LAE.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we experienced $46.9 million of significant weather events, including Hurricane Florence, a $35.0 million direct loss event, and to a lesser extent, Tropical Storm Gordon, the eruption of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, and several other meaningful weather related events that occurred in 2018. The Company’s reinsurance program limited 2018 weather event net losses to $12.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. This compares to $461.0 million direct loss and $46.0 million net loss related to weather events in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, which include Hurricane Irma.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded prior year adverse development to increase its estimate of ultimate losses on Hurricane Irma to $754.0 million from $446.7 million recorded as of 2017 year-end. The prior year adverse development of $311.7 million in direct losses results in net losses of $2.2 million after the benefit of reinsurance recoveries. The increase in the ultimate loss and LAE related to Hurricane Irma was the result of a continuation of new reported claims and litigation costs associated with the aggressive nature of plaintiff attorneys on claims in Florida.

The nine months ended September 30, 2017 included prior period loss reserve development of $6.9 million on a direct basis ($1.3 million on a net basis), also primarily reflecting strengthening of reserves for the fourth quarter 2016 storm, Hurricane Matthew.

All other net losses and LAE were $237.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $219.8 million during the same period in 2017. The Company’s service subsidiaries generated additional fees during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 for claims ceded to reinsurers principally related to Hurricane Irma. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company generated a $35.5 million net benefit from claim settlement fees which was recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements as a reduction to losses and LAE in 2018. This had a favorable effect on our underlying loss and LAE ratio of approximately 4.3 percentage points on a direct basis (or 6.3 percentage points on a net basis). The Company’s underlying loss and LAE ratio reflects an increased level of severe weather activity in recent years, continued geographic expansion into states outside of Florida where non-catastrophe loss ratios are generally higher than in Florida, as well as the marketplace dynamics inside of Florida including challenges faced when policyholders assign their policy benefits to third parties including the increased litigation costs arising from these claims.

General and administrative expenses were $191.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $171.6 million during the same period in 2017 as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

Change

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

 

$

 

 

Ratio

 

 

$

 

 

Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums earned, net

$

563,787

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

505,085

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

58,702

 

 

 

11.6

%

General and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs

 

114,333

 

 

 

20.3

%

 

 

100,754

 

 

 

19.9

%

 

 

13,579

 

 

 

13.5

%

Other operating costs

 

77,023

 

 

 

13.7

%

 

 

70,559

 

 

 

14.0

%

 

 

6,464

 

 

 

9.2

%

Interest expense

 

258

 

 

 

 

 

 

269

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11

)

 

 

(4.1

%)

Total general and administrative expenses (1)

$

191,614

 

 

 

33.9

%

 

$

171,582

 

 

 

33.9

%

 

$

20,032

 

 

 

11.7

%

(1)

Total general and administrative expense ratio does not include interest expense.


The increase in general and administrative expenses of $20.0 million was primarily the result of increases in policy acquisition costs of $13.6 million, which were driven by increased premium volume and continued geographic expansion into states that have higher typical commission rates compared to our home state of Florida, and to a lesser extent due to an increase in other operating costs of $6.4 million. General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 included a $6.5 million benefit (included within policy acquisition costs) related to a settlement of prior year premium tax audits with the Florida Department of Revenue, which reduced the expense ratio by 1.2 percentage points. Our other operating costs increased by $6.4 million compared to the same period of the prior year, which was primarily driven by an increase of $5.7 million in performance bonuses and stock option grants. The comparative increase in performance bonuses was due to lower pretax income in the third quarter of 2017 due to Hurricane Irma.

The expense ratio was impacted by the costs noted above and the ratio was further increased due to an increase in fully earned reinstatement premiums reducing premiums earned, net (the denominator in the ratio) during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Overall, the expense ratio (general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net earned premiums) benefited from economies of scale as general and administrative expenses did not increase at the same rate as revenues. As a result of the above items, the expense ratio for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and for the same period in 2017 was 33.9%.

Income tax expense decreased by $0.8 million, or 1.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, when compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Our effective tax rate decreased to 24.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to 37.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in both income tax expense and our effective tax rate is primarily the result of the enactment of the Tax Act. See “Item 1—Note 9 (Income Taxes)” for an explanation of the change in our effective tax rates.

Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $6.6 million compared to other comprehensive income of $4.2 million for the same period in 2017. See “Item 1—Note 11 (Other Comprehensive Income (Loss))” for additional information about the amounts comprising other comprehensive income and loss for these periods.


Analysis of Financial Condition—As of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 Compared to December 31, 2017

2018

We believe that cash flows generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements for at least the next twelve months. Our policy is toWe invest amounts considered to be in excess of current working capital requirements.

The following table summarizes, by type, the carrying values of investments as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

 

As of

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

Type of Investment

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Available-for-sale debt securities

 

$

760,408

 

 

$

639,334

 

Available-for-sale short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

Equity securities

 

 

69,108

 

 

 

62,215

 

Investment real estate, net

 

 

23,720

 

 

 

18,474

 

Total

 

$

853,236

 

 

$

730,023

 

 As of
Type of InvestmentMarch 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Available-for-sale debt securities$840,028
 $820,438
Equity securities53,175
 63,277
Investment real estate, net25,070
 24,439
Total$918,273
 $908,154
See “Item 1—Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” for explanations of changes in investments.

investments and “Item 1—Note 3 (Investments)”.

Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the portion of unearned ceded written premiumspremium that will be earned pro-rata over the remaining coverage period of our reinsurance program, which runs from June 1 toexpiring May 31, 2019. The decrease of the following year. The increase of $95.6$85.7 million to $228.4$57.1 million as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 was due primarily to recognize the amortization of ceded written premium for the unamortized reinsurance costs relating to our 2018-2019 catastrophe reinsurance program beginningearned during the period. Our reinsurance program runs from June 1 2018, less amortization of those costs recorded during the period.

to May 31 each year.

Reinsurance recoverable represents the estimated amountsamount of paid and unpaid losses, loss adjustment expensesLAE and expenses that are expected to be recoverable from reinsurers. The decrease of $23.8$95.3 million during the quarter to $158.6$323.3 million as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 was due to the settlementcollection of amounts due from reinsurers. The largest settled balances during the year related to claims ceded to reinsurers relating to Hurricane Irmaprevious hurricanes and to a lesser extent Hurricane Matthew.

storm events.

Premiums receivable, net represents amounts receivable from policyholders. The increasedecrease in premiums receivable, net of $9.5$1.5 million to $66.0$58.3 million as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 relates to both the growth inseasonality and seasonalityconsumer behavior of the Company’s business.

Deferred income taxes represent temporary differences between

Property and equipment, net increased $5.1 million during the tax basisquarter primarily as the result of assets and liabilities and their amount recordedthe purchase of a new office building in the financial statements,Fort Lauderdale, Florida which will result in taxable or deductible amounts inbe used to meet the future. Duringstaffing needs of the nine months ended September 30, 2018, deferred income tax asset, net decreased by $1.3 millioncompany as the business continues to $7.9 million, primarily due to an increase in deferred policy acquisition costs offset by the recording of a deferred tax asset for unrealized losses on investments.

expand.

Deferred policy acquisition costs increased(“DPAC”) decreased by $17.6$1.4 million to $90.6$83.3 million as of September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, which is in lineconsistent with the underlying premium growth and the seasonality of the Company’sour business. See “Item 1—Note 5 (Insurance Operations)” for a roll-forward in the balance of our deferred policy acquisition costs.

DPAC.

Income taxes recoverable whichor payable represents estimated tax payments lessthe difference between estimated tax obligations compared to tax payments made to taxing authorities. At March 31, 2019, the balance payable was $6.2 million, representing amounts due to taxing authorities was $5.2 million as of September 30, 2018at that date, compared to $9.5a balance recoverable of $11.2 million as of December 31, 2017. The decrease2018, representing amounts due from taxing authorities.
Deferred income taxes represent the estimated tax asset or tax liability caused by temporary differences between the tax return basis of $4.3 million representscertain assets and liabilities and amounts recorded in the net effect of payments versus estimated liabilitiesfinancial statements. Deferred income taxes reverse in future years as the Company settles itstemporary differences between book and tax obligations during the year.

Other assets increased by $9.3 million to $21.7 million asreverse.


Table of September 30, 2018, which was primarily attributable to receivables relating to sales of our securities from our investment portfolio that settled after September 30, 2018.

Contents


See “Item 1—Note 6 (Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses)” for a roll-forward in the balance of our unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. LAE. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expensesLAE decreased by $89.8$106.5 million to $158.7$366.4 million as of September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019. The reduction during the quarter in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expensesLAE was principally due to the settlement of Hurricane Irma claims from previous hurricanes and otherstorms as more claims that were unpaid as of December 31, 2017. Also,from those events concluded during the third quarter of 2018, the Company increased its estimate for Hurricane Irma claims by $150.5 million, recorded $35 million for Hurricane Florence and $2.5 million for Tropical Storm Gordon, which increased reserves.quarter. Overall reserves decreased by $89.8$106.5 million as claim settlements exceeded new emerging claims. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expensesLAE are net of estimated subrogation recoveries. The Company is continuing its initiatives to expedite claims payments, including the ability of our mobile claims teams to rapidly settle certain claims, which we refer to as “Fast Track,”and pursuing the anticipated benefits from subrogation collections.


Unearned premiums represent the portion of direct premiums written that will be earned pro rata in the future. The increasedecrease of $97.2$6.1 million from December 31, 2018 to $629.7$595.5 million as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 reflects both organic growth and the seasonality of our business, as described under “Overview”.

which is the variability of premiums written by month.

Advance premium represents premium payments made by policyholders ahead of the effective date of the policies. The increase of $6.6$18.3 million to $32.8$44.5 million as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 reflects both organic growth and the seasonality of our business as described under “Overview”.

business.

Book overdrafts represent outstanding checks or drafts in excess of cash on deposit with banking institutions and are examined to determine if a legal right of offset exists for accounts within the same banking institution at each balance sheet date. The Company maintainsWe maintain a short-term cash investment sweep to maximize investment returns on cash balances. Due to sweep activities, certain outstanding items are recorded as book overdrafts, which totaled $30.3$43.3 million as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019, compared to $36.7$102.8 million as of December 31, 2017.2018. The decrease of $6.4$59.5 million is the result of higher cash balances available for offset as of September 30, 2018 and to a lesser amount fewer outstanding items as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 20172018 as Hurricane Irmaoutstanding claims payments for hurricane events are settled.

settled and are no longer outstanding.

Reinsurance payable, net, principally represents the unpaid ceded written premiumsinstallments owed to reinsurers in connection with the renewal of the Company’sour 2018-2019 catastrophe reinsurance program, onwhich runs from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019, and to a lesser extent, unpaid reinstatement premiums due to reinsurers and cash advances received from reinsurers.reinsurers during hurricane or storm events. The balance increaseddecreased by $150.8$45.1 million to $261.1$48.2 million as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 as a result of installment payments made to reinsurers during the above items.quarter and reductions in cash advances received from reinsurers as ceded claims settle with reinsurers. Ceded written premiums for the 2018-2019 catastrophe reinsurance program are paid in installments over the June 1 to May 31 policy term.

Other liabilities and accrued expenses increaseddecreased by $19.9$4.4 million to $65.0$41.0 million as of September 30,March 31, 2019, primarily from the payment of accrued 2018 primarily driven by an increase in other liabilities due to timing of payments and payables relating to purchases of securities for our investment portfolio thatincentive performance bonuses settled after September 30, 2018.

year end.

Capital resources, net increased by $89.9$37.0 million during the quarter reflecting our performance, debt repayment and includes increases in stockholders’ equitystock transactions. See “Item 1—Condensed Consolidated Statements of $91.0 million, offset by reduction in long-term debt of $1.1 million. The increases in stockholders’ equity was principally the result of $123.5 million of 2018 net incomeStockholders’ Equity” and $2.0 million of stock-based compensation transactions, offset by $11.1 million in treasury stock purchases, $15.4 million in dividends to shareholders and an $8.0 million increase of unrealized losses on our available-for-sale debt securities, net of tax.

“Item 1—Note 8 (Stockholders’ Equity)”.

The reduction in long-term debt was the result of principal payments on debt during 2018.2019. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources”and “Item 1Note 8 (Stockholders’ Equity)” for explanation of changes in treasury stock.

.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet its short and long-term obligations. Funds generated from operations have been sufficient to meet our liquidity requirements and we expect that, in the future, funds from operations will continue to meet such requirements.

The balance of cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 was $252.3$185.1 million compared to $213.5$166.4 million at December 31, 2017.2018. See “Item 1—Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” for a reconciliation of the balance of cash and cash equivalents between September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2017.2018. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was driven by cash flows generated from operating and investing activities in excess of those used for investing and financing activities. The Company maintainsWe maintain a short-term investment cash sweep to maximize investment returns on cash balances. Due to thethese sweep activities, certain outstanding items wereare routinely recorded as “Book Overdraft”overdraft” in the condensed consolidated financial statements.Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Cash and cash equivalents balances are available to settle book overdrafts, pay reinsurance premiums, pay expenses and pay claims. Reinsurance premiums are paid in installments during the reinsurance policy period, which runs from June 1st to May 31st of the following year. The FHCFFlorida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”) is paid in three installments on August 1,st, October 1,st, and December 1,st, and Third-Party Reinsurancethird-party reinsurance is paid in four installments on July 1,st, October 1,st, January 1st and April 1,st, resulting in significant payments at those times. See “Item 11—–Note 12 (Commitments and Contingencies)” and “—Contractual Obligations” for more information.

The balance of restricted cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2017 includes2018 represents cash equivalents on deposit with regulatory agencies in the various states in which our Insurance Entities do business.


Liquidity for UVE and its non-insurance subsidiaries is required for us to cover the payment of general operating expenses, dividends to shareholders (if and when authorized and declared by our Board of Directors), payment for the possible repurchase of our common stock (if and when authorized by our Board of Directors), payment of income taxes, and interest and principal payments on outstanding debt obligations, if any. The declaration and payment of future dividends by UVE to itsour shareholders, and any future repurchases of UVEour common stock, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our operating results, financial condition, debt covenants and any regulatory constraints. Principal sources of liquidity for UVE and its non-insurance subsidiariesus include revenues generated from fees paid by the Insurance Entities to affiliated companies for policy administration,general agency, inspections and claims adjusting services. Additional sources of liquidity include brokerage commissions earned on reinsurance contracts, policy fees and policy fees. UVEremittances from the Insurance Entities for their respective share of income taxes. We also maintains certain othermaintain investments, which are a source of ongoing interest and dividend income and would generate funds upon sale. As discussed in “Item 1Note 5 (Insurance Operations),” there


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There are limitations on the dividends the Insurance Entities may pay to their immediate parent company, Protection Solutions, Inc. (“PSI”, formerly known as Universal Insurance Holding Company of Florida (“UVECF”)Florida).

The maximum amount of dividends that can be paid by Florida insurance companies without prior approval of the Commissioner of the FLOIR is subject to restrictions as referenced below and in “Item 11—–Note 5 (Insurance Operations).” The maximum dividend that may be paid by the Insurance Entities to PSI without prior approval is limited to the lesser of statutory net income from operations of the preceding calendar year or statutory unassigned surplus as of the preceding year end. During the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018, the Insurance Entities did not pay dividends to UVECF. During 2017 UPCIC paid a $30 million dividend to UVECF.

PSI.

Liquidity for the Insurance Entities is primarily required to cover payments for reinsurance premiums, claims payments including potential payments of catastrophe losses (offset by recovery of any reimbursement amounts under our reinsurance agreements), fees paid to affiliates for managing general agency services, inspections and claims adjusting services, agent commissions, premiumspremium and income taxes, regulatory assessments, general operating expenses, and interest and principal payments on debt obligations. The principal source of liquidity for the Insurance Entities consists of the revenue generated from the collection of net premiums, interest and dividend income from the investment portfolio, the collection of reinsurance recoverable and financing fees.

Our insurance operations provide liquidity as premiums are generally received months or even years before losses are paid under the policies written. In the event of catastrophic events, many of the Company’sour reinsurance agreements provide for “cash advance” whereby reinsurers advance or prepay amounts to the Company,us, thereby providing liquidity, which the Company utilizeswe utilize in the claim settlement process. In addition, the Insurance Entities maintain substantial investments in highly liquid, marketable securities, which would generate funds upon sale.

The Insurance Entities are responsible for losses related to catastrophic events in excess of coverage provided by the Insurance Entities’ reinsurance programs or retentions before the Company’sour reinsurance protection commences. Also, the Insurance Entities are responsible for all other losses that otherwise may not be covered by the reinsurance programs and any amounts arising in the event of a reinsurer default. Losses or a reinsurer default by reinsurers may have a material adverse effect on either of the Insurance Entities or our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

Capital Resources

Capital resources provide protection for policyholders, furnish the financial strength to support the business of underwriting insurance risks and facilitate continued business growth. The following table provides our stockholders’ equity, total long-term debt, total capital resources, debt-to-equity totaldebt-to-total capital ratio and debt-to-equity ratio for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):

 

 

As of

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Stockholders' equity

 

$

531,024

 

 

$

439,988

 

Total long-term debt

 

 

11,765

 

 

 

12,868

 

Total capital resources

 

$

542,789

 

 

$

452,856

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt-to-total capital ratio

 

 

2.2

%

 

 

2.8

%

Debt-to-equity ratio

 

 

2.2

%

 

 

2.9

%

 As of
 
March 31,
 2019
 December 31, 2018
Stockholders’ equity$539,050
 $501,633
Total long-term debt11,029
 11,397
Total capital resources$550,079
 $513,030
    
Debt-to-total capital ratio2.0% 2.2%
Debt-to-equity ratio2.0% 2.3%
As described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017,2018, UPCIC entered into a surplus note with the State Board of Administration of Florida under Florida’s Insurance Capital Build-Up Incentive Program on November 9, 2006. The surplus note has a twenty-year term, with quarterly payments of principal and interest that accrue per the terms of the note agreement. At September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, UPCIC was in compliance with the terms of the surplus note. Total adjusted capital surplus, which includes the surplus note, was in excess of regulatory requirements for both UPCIC and APPCIC.


Common Stock Repurchases

On September 5, 2017,December 12, 2018, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase shares in the repurchase ofopen market up to $20 million of the Company’sits outstanding shares of common stock through DecemberMay 31, 2018. The Company2020. We may repurchase shares from time to time at itsour discretion, based on ongoing assessmentsassessments of theour capital needs, of the Company, the market price of itsour common stock and general market conditions. The Company willWe fund the share repurchase program with cash from operations.

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, we repurchased an aggregate of 342,749320,500 shares of UVE’sour common stock in the open market at an aggregate costpurchase price of $11.1$10.1 million. Also, see “Part“Part II, Item 2—Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds” for share repurchase activity during the three months ended September 30, 2018.

March 31, 2019.

Cash Dividends

The following table summarizes the dividends declared by the Company:

us:

 

 

Dividend

 

Shareholders

 

Dividend

 

Cash Dividend

 

2018

 

Declared Date

 

Record Date

 

Payable Date

 

Per Share Amount

 

First Quarter

 

January 22, 2018

 

February 28, 2018

 

March 12, 2018

 

$

0.14

 

Second Quarter

 

April 12, 2018

 

April 27, 2018

 

May 4, 2018

 

$

0.14

 

Third Quarter

 

May 29, 2018

 

July 2, 2018

 

July 16, 2018

 

$

0.16

 

Contractual Obligations

2019 
Dividend
Declared Date
 
Shareholders
Record Date
 
Dividend
Payable Date
 
Cash Dividend
Per Share Amount
First Quarter January 31, 2019 March 11, 2019 March 25, 2019 $0.16


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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table represents our contractual obligations for which cash flows are fixed or determinable as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Less than

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over

 

 

Total

 

 

1 year

 

 

1-3 years

 

 

3-5 years

 

 

5 years

 

Reinsurance payable and multi-year commitments (1)

$

377,409

 

 

$

261,133

 

 

$

116,276

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Unpaid losses and LAE, direct (2)

 

155,667

 

 

 

80,920

 

 

 

45,855

 

 

 

24,911

 

 

 

3,981

 

Long-term debt

 

13,143

 

 

 

1,346

 

 

 

5,148

 

 

 

3,223

 

 

 

3,426

 

Total contractual obligations

$

546,219

 

 

$

343,399

 

 

$

167,279

 

 

$

28,134

 

 

$

7,407

 

 Total 
Less than
1 year
 1-3 years 3-5 years 
Over
5 years
Reinsurance payable and multi-year commitments (1)$164,447
 $48,171
 $116,276
 $
 $
Unpaid losses and LAE, direct (2)366,356
 226,775
 102,213
 28,209
 9,159
Long-term debt12,192
 1,320
 5,057
 3,171
 2,644
Total contractual obligations$542,995
 $276,266
 $223,546
 $31,380
 $11,803

(1)

(1)The 1-3 years amount represents the payment of reinsurance premiums payable under multi-year commitments. See “Item 1“Item 1—–Note 12 (Commitments and Contingencies).”

(2)

(2)There are generally no notional or stated amounts related to unpaid losses and LAE. Both the amounts and timing of future loss and LAE payments are estimates and subject to the inherent variability of legal and market conditions affecting the obligations and make the timing of cash outflows uncertain. The ultimate amount and timing of unpaid losses and LAE could differ materially from the amounts in the table above. Further, the unpaid losses and LAE do not represent all the obligations that will arise under the contracts, but rather only the estimated liability incurred through September 30, 2018.

March 31, 2019. Unpaid losses and LAE are net of estimated subrogation recoveries. In addition, these balances exclude amounts recoverable from the Company’s reinsurance program. See “Item 1—Note 4 (Reinsurance).”
2018 - 2019 Reinsurance Program

Critical Accounting Policies

Reinsurance enables our Insurance Entities to limit potential exposures to catastrophic events. Reinsurance contracts are typically classified as treaty or facultative contracts. Treaty reinsurance provides coverage for all or a portion of a specified group or class of risks ceded by the primary insurer, while facultative reinsurance provides coverage for specific individual risks. Within each classification, reinsurance can be further classified as quota-share or excess. Quota-share reinsurance is where the primary insurer and Estimates

Other thanthe reinsurer share proportionally or pro-rata in the direct premiums and losses of the insurer. Excess reinsurance indemnifies the direct insurer or reinsurer for all or a portion of the loss in excess of an agreed upon amount or retention.

Developing and implementing our reinsurance strategy to adequately protect our balance sheet and Insurance Entities in the event of one or more catastrophes while maintaining efficient reinsurance costs has been a key strategic priority for us. For our 2018-2019 reinsurance program, we utilized excess reinsurance. In recent years, the property and casualty insurance market has experienced a substantial increase in the availability of property catastrophe reinsurance resulting from the increased supply of capital from non-traditional reinsurance providers, including private capital and hedge funds. This increased capital supply has helped to mitigate upward pressure on reinsurance pricing following the recent significant catastrophic activity in Florida and elsewhere around the world.
In order to limit our potential exposure to catastrophic events, we purchase significant reinsurance from third-party reinsurers and the FHCF. The FLOIR requires us, like all insurance companies doing business in Florida, to have a certain amount of capital and reinsurance coverage in order to cover losses upon the occurrence of a single catastrophic event and a series of catastrophic events occurring in the same hurricane season. Our 2018-2019 reinsurance program meets and provides reinsurance in excess of the FLOIR’s requirements, which are based on, among other things, the probable maximum loss that we would incur from an individual catastrophic event estimated to occur once in every 100 years based on our portfolio of insured risks and a series of stress test catastrophe loss scenarios based on past historical events. In respect to the single catastrophic event, the nature, severity and location of the event giving rise to such a probable maximum loss differs for each insurer depending on the insurer’s portfolio of insured risks, including, among other things, the geographic concentration of insured value within the insurer’s portfolio. Accordingly, a particular catastrophic event could be a one-in-100 year loss event for one insurance company while having a greater or lesser probability of occurrence for another insurance company.

We believe our retention under the reinsurance program is appropriate and structured to protect our customers. We test the sufficiency of our reinsurance program by subjecting our personal residential exposures to statistical testing using a third-party hurricane model, RMS RiskLink v17.0 (Build 1825). This model combines simulations of the natural occurrence patterns and characteristics of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and other catastrophes with information on property values, construction types and occupancy classes. The model outputs provide information concerning the potential for large losses before they occur, so companies can prepare for their financial impact. Furthermore, as disclosed inpart of our operational excellence initiatives, we continually look to enable new technology to refine our data intelligence on catastrophe risk modeling.

Effective June 1 2018, we entered into multiple reinsurance agreements comprising our 2018-2019 reinsurance program. See “Item 1—Note 2 (Significant Accounting Policies),4 (Reinsurance). there

Refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, for discussions surrounding the reinsurance programs of UPCIC and APPCIC.



CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
There have been no material changes during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates previously disclosed in Part“Part II, Item 7, “Management’s7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

2018.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) revised U.S. GAAP with the issuance of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments -CreditInstruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), that introduces a new process for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments based on an estimate of current expected credit losses. The new ASU will apply to: (1) loans, accounts receivable, trade receivables, and other financial assets measured at amortized cost, (2) loan commitments and certain other off-balance sheet credit exposures, (3) debt securities and other financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income and (4) beneficial interests in securitized financial assets. The ASU changes the current practice of recording a permanent write down (other than temporary impairment), for probable credit losses, which is more restrictive than the new ASU requirement that would estimate credit losses, then recorded through a temporary allowance account that can be re-measured as estimated credit losses change. The ASU further limited estimated credit losses relating to available for saleavailable-for-sale securities to the amount which fair value is below amortized cost. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.



In March 2017, FASB revised U.S. GAAP with the issuance of ASU 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs to amend the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. Current U.S. GAAP excludes certain callable debt securities from consideration of early repayment of principal even if the holder is certain that the call will be exercised. The new ASU shortens the amortization period of certain purchased callable debt securities to the earliest call date. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Under the current U.S. GAAP, you could consider the call dates and estimate if you had a large number of similar securities and you were basing your judgment on actual experience. Our service provider (who processes the accounting for our investment transactions) has many similar securities on their system and can make that type of determination. As a result, we currently account for the amortization under the proposed ASU and there will be no impact to our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

In August 2018, the FASB revised U.S. GAAP with the issuance of ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The ASU removes, modifies and adds certain disclosure requirements associated with fair value measurements. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The removed and modified disclosures will be adopted on a retrospective basis and the new disclosures will be adopted on a prospective basis.We are currently evaluating our timeline for the adoption of this ASU, which only affects the presentation of certain disclosures and is not expected to impact our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk is the potential for economic losses due to adverse changes in fair market value of available-for-sale debt securities, available-for-sale short-term investments and equity securities (“Financial Instruments”) and investment real estate. We carry all of our Financial Instruments at fair market value and investment real estate at net book value in our statement of financial condition. Our investment portfolio as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 is comprised of available-for-sale debt securities and equitiesequity securities, carried at fair market value, which expose us to changes inchanging market conditions, specifically interest rates and equity prices.

price changes.

The primary objectives of the investment portfolio are the preservation of capital and providing adequate liquidity for potential claims payments and other cash needs. The portfolio’s secondary investment objective is to provide a total rate of return with an emphasis on investment income. None of our investments in risk-sensitive Financial Instruments were entered into for trading purposes.

See “Item 1—Note 3 (Investments)” for more information about our Financial Instruments.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of the fair market value of a fixed-rate Financial Instrument to changes in interest rates. Generally, when interest rates rise, the fair value of our fixed-rate Financial Instruments declines.

declines over the remaining term of the agreement.

The following table providestables provide information about our fixed income Financial Instruments as of March 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018, which are sensitive to changes in interest rates. The table presentstables present the expected cash flows of principal amounts and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates for Financial Instruments available for sale asbased on years to effective maturity using amortized cost compared to fair market value and the related book yield compared to coupon yield (dollars in thousands):
 March 31, 2019
 Amortized Cost
 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Other Total
Amortized cost$102,098
 $140,243
 $73,041
 $70,272
 $119,321
 $328,647
 $1,195
 $834,817
Fair market value$101,753
 $139,498
 $72,820
 $70,095
 $120,907
 $333,724
 $1,231
 $840,028
Coupon rate2.20% 2.44% 2.91% 2.90% 3.41% 3.90% 5.78% 3.21%
Book yield1.95% 2.35% 2.67% 2.86% 3.26% 3.66% 5.81% 3.03%
* Years to effective yield - 3.5 years            

Table of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2022

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

Other (1)

 

 

Total

 

 

Total

 

Fixed income Financial

    Instruments

$

8,090

 

 

$

83,887

 

 

$

60,167

 

 

$

73,682

 

 

$

21,508

 

 

$

239,109

 

 

$

287,050

 

 

$

773,493

 

 

$

760,408

 

Weighted average

    interest rate

 

2.47

%

 

 

1.84

%

 

 

2.08

%

 

 

2.24

%

 

 

2.55

%

 

 

3.61

%

 

 

3.34

%

 

 

3.03

%

 

 

3.03

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2022

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

Other (1)

 

 

Total

 

 

Total

 

Fixed income Financial

    Instruments

$

51,846

 

 

$

85,309

 

 

$

61,215

 

 

$

60,968

 

 

$

27,832

 

 

$

132,530

 

 

$

234,015

 

 

$

653,715

 

 

$

649,334

 

Weighted average

    interest rate

 

1.87

%

 

 

1.82

%

 

 

2.18

%

 

 

2.16

%

 

 

2.76

%

 

 

4.02

%

 

 

3.08

%

 

 

2.83

%

 

 

2.83

%

Contents

(1)

Comprised of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities which have multiple maturity dates, and perpetual maturity securities, and are presented separately for the purposes of this table.



The

 December 31, 2018
 Amortized Cost
 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Other Total
Amortized cost$123,110
 $109,690
 $114,580
 $55,542
 $121,363
 $301,454
 $5,388
 $831,127
Fair market value$122,333
 $108,564
 $112,917
 $54,309
 $119,945
 $297,214
 $5,156
 $820,438
Coupon rate2.04% 2.35% 2.63% 2.99% 3.32% 3.90% 6.15% 3.11%
Book yield1.88% 2.24% 2.43% 2.83% 3.18% 3.68% 5.96% 2.94%
* Years to effective yield - 3.5 years            

All securities, except those with perpetual maturities, were categorized in the tables above represent average contract ratesutilizing years to effective maturity. Effective maturity takes into consideration all forms of potential prepayment, such as call features or prepayment schedules, that differ fromshorten the book yieldlifespan of the available-for-sale debt securities. The fixed income Financial Instruments in our available for sale portfolio are comprised of United States government and agency securities, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, redeemable preferred stock, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and certificates of deposit.Duration is a measure of interest rate sensitivity expressed as a number of years. The weighted average duration of the fixed income Financial Instruments in our available for sale portfolio at September 30, 2018 was 3.1 years.

To a lesser extent, we also have exposure to interest on our debt obligation which is in the form of a surplus note. The surplus note accrues interest at an adjustable rate based on the 10-year Constant Maturity Treasury rate.

contractual maturity dates.

Equity Price Risk

Equity price risk is the potential for loss in fair value of Financial Instruments in common stock and mutual funds from adverse changes in the prices of those Financial Instruments.

The following table provides information about the Financial Instruments in our investment portfolio subject to price risk as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Percent

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Percent

 

Equity Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

$

20,575

 

 

 

29.8

%

 

$

18,811

 

 

 

30.2

%

Mutual funds

 

48,533

 

 

 

70.2

%

 

 

43,404

 

 

 

69.8

%

Total equity securities

$

69,108

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

62,215

 

 

 

100.0

%

 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
 Fair Value Percent Fair Value Percent
Equity Securities:   
  
  
Common stock$4,342
 8.2% $15,564
 24.6%
Mutual funds48,833
 91.8% 47,713
 75.4%
Total equity securities$53,175
 100.0% $63,277
 100.0%
A hypothetical decrease of 20% in the market prices of each of the equity securities held at September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and December 31, 20172018 would have resulted in a decrease of $13.8$10.6 million and $12.4$12.7 million, respectively, in the fair value of those securities.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Lawsuits are filed against the Company from time to time. Many of these lawsuits involve claims under policies that we underwrite and reserve for as an insurer. We are also involved in various other legal proceedings and litigation unrelated to claims under our policies that arise in the ordinary course of business operations. Management believes that any liabilities that may arise as a result of these legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. The Company contests liability and/or the amount of damages as appropriate in each pending matter.



In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company establishes an accrued liability for legal matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable.


Legal proceedings are subject to many uncertain factors that generally cannot be predicted with assurance, and the Company may be exposed to losses in excess of any amounts accrued. The Company currently estimates that the reasonably possible losses for legal proceedings, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, and for which the Company is able to estimate a possible loss, are immaterial. This represents management’s estimate of possible loss with respect to these matters and is based on currently available information. These estimates of possible loss do not represent our maximum loss exposure, and actual results may vary significantly from current estimates.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part“Part I, Item 1A, “Risk1A—Risk Factors,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

2018.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The table below presents purchases of our common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2019.
      Total Number of Maximum Number
      Shares Purchased of Shares That
      As Part of May Yet be
      Publicly Purchased Under
  Total Number of Average Price Announced the Plans or
  Shares Purchased Paid per Share (1) Plans or Programs Programs (2)
1/1/2019 - 1/31/2019 
 $
 
 
2/1/2019 - 2/28/2019 
 $
 
 
3/1/2019 - 3/31/2019 320,500
 $31.54
 320,500
 141,958
Total 320,500
 $31.54
 320,500
 141,958
(1)Average price paid per share does not reflect brokerage commissions paid to acquire shares in open market transactions.
(2)Number of shares was calculated based on a closing price at March 29, 2019 of $31.00 per share.
On December 12, 2018, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $20 million of our outstanding common stock in the open market through May 31, 2020. We may repurchase shares from time to time at our discretion, based on ongoing assessments of our capital needs, the market price of our common stock and general market conditions. The Company will fund
Since December 2018 and through the share repurchase program with cash from operations.

In September 2017, our Boardfirst quarter of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing us to purchase up to $20 million of our outstanding common stock in the open market in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, through December 31, 2018.

Since September 2017,2019, we have repurchased 350,941458,734 shares of our common stock pursuant to this program at an aggregate costpurchase price of approximately $11.3$15.6 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, no shares



Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit No.

Exhibit

 15.1

Exhibit No.

Accountants’ Acknowledgment

Exhibit

 31.1

10.1

15.1
31.1

31.2

32

101.INS-XBRL

101.1

Instance Document

The following materials from Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2019, formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Statement of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

101.SCH-XBRL

Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL-XBRL

Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF-XBRL

Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB-XBRL

Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE-XBRL

Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document




† Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

Date: October 31, 2018

April 26, 2019

/s/ Sean P. Downes

Sean P. Downes, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer

Date: October 31, 2018

April 26, 2019

/s/ Frank C. Wilcox

Frank C. Wilcox, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer

51


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