UVE 10-Q
Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (UVE)
10-Q
2020-10-30
For: 2020-09-30
View Original
Added on
April 09, 2026
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
________________________________________________________
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020
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
________________________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
________________________________________________________
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(954 ) 958-1200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
________________________________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
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 shorter 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 ☒ 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 ☒ 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.
☒ | 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 ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 31,334,080 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding on October 26, 2020.
UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No. | ||||||||
2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
RESULTS OF REVIEW OF INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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, 2020 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income, and comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 and the related condensed consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity and statement of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. 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) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheet of Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019 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 March 2, 2020. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
BASIS FOR REVIEW RESULTS
These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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 PCAOB, 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.
We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC
Chicago, Illinois
October 30, 2020
3
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, | ||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value, net of allowance for credit loss of $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: $ | |||||||||||
| Investment real estate, net | |||||||||||
| Total invested assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | |||||||||||
| Restricted cash and cash equivalents | |||||||||||
| Prepaid reinsurance premiums | |||||||||||
| Reinsurance recoverable | |||||||||||
| Premiums receivable, net | |||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | |||||||||||
| Deferred policy acquisition costs | |||||||||||
| Income taxes recoverable | |||||||||||
| Deferred income tax asset, net | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
| LIABILITIES: | |||||||||||
| Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Unearned premiums | |||||||||||
| Advance premium | |||||||||||
| Payable for securities purchased | |||||||||||
| Book overdraft | |||||||||||
| Reinsurance payable, net | |||||||||||
| Other liabilities and accrued expenses | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12) | |||||||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | |||||||||||
Cumulative convertible preferred stock, $ | |||||||||||
Authorized shares - | |||||||||||
Issued shares - | |||||||||||
Outstanding shares - | |||||||||||
Minimum liquidation preference, $ | |||||||||||
Common stock, $ | |||||||||||
Authorized shares - | |||||||||||
Issued shares - | |||||||||||
Outstanding shares - | |||||||||||
Treasury shares, at cost - | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes | |||||||||||
| Retained earnings | |||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
4
UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PREMIUMS EARNED AND OTHER REVENUES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct premiums written | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Change in unearned premium | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Direct premium earned | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ceded premium earned | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized gains (losses) on investments | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net change in unrealized gains (losses) of equity securities | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commission revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Policy fees | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total premiums earned and other revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating costs and expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings (loss) per common share | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings (loss) per common share | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividend declared per common share | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
5
UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019 (unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
| 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, 2019 | ( | $ | $ | — | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle () | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, January 1, 2020 | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vesting of performance share units | ( | (1) | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grant and issue of stock award | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retirement of treasury shares | (1) | ( | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of treasury stock | ( | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Declaration of dividends ($ $ | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2020 | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vesting of restricted stock units | ( | (1) | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retirement of treasury shares | (1) | ( | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of treasury stock | ( | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income, net of taxes | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Declaration of dividends ($ $ | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2020 | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vesting of restricted stock units | ( | (1) | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retirement of treasury shares | (1) | ( | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of treasury stock | ( | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss , net of taxes | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Declaration of dividends ($ $ | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2020 | ( | $ | $ | — | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) All shares acquired represent shares tendered to cover the strike price for options and tax withholdings on the intrinsic value of options exercised, restricted stock vested, performance share units vested, or restricted stock units vested. These shares have been cancelled by the Company. | ||
The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
6
UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)
(in thousands, except per share data)
| 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 | ( | $ | $ | — | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vesting of performance share units | ( | (1) | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grants and vesting of restricted stock | ( | (1) | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | ( | (1) | — | — | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retirement of treasury shares | (1) | ( | — | ( | — | ( | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of treasury stock | ( | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income, net of taxes | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Declaration of dividends ($ $ | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2019 | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grants and vesting of restricted stock | ( | (1) | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | ( | (1) | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retirement of treasury shares | (1) | ( | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of treasury stock | ( | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income, net of taxes | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Declaration of dividends ($ $ | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Declaration of dividends ($ | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2019 | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vesting of restricted stock units | ( | (1) | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | ( | (1) | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retirement of treasury shares | (1) | ( | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of treasury stock | ( | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income, net of taxes | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Declaration of dividends ($ | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2019 | ( | $ | $ | — | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) All shares acquired represent shares tendered to cover the strike price for options and tax withholdings on the intrinsic value of options exercised, restricted stock vested, performance share units vested, or restricted stock units vested. These shares have been cancelled by the Company. | ||
The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
7
UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
(in thousands)
| Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
| September 30, | |||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of property and equipment | |||||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Purchases of equity securities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Purchases of available-for-sale debt securities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Purchases of investment real estate, net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of equity securities | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale debt securities | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of investment real estate | |||||||||||
| Maturities of available-for-sale debt securities | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by investing activities | |||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Preferred stock dividend | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Common stock dividend | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for stock option exercises | |||||||||||
| Purchase of treasury stock | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Repayment of debt | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents: | |||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) during the period | ( | ||||||||||
| Balance, beginning of period | |||||||||||
| Balance, end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
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, | December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1) | |||||||||||
| Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
(1)See “—Note 5 (Insurance Operations)” for a discussion of the nature of the restrictions for restricted cash and cash equivalents and “—Note 14 (Variable Interest Entities)” for a discussion of restricted cash held in a trust account.
The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
8
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. (“UVE”, and together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, “the Company”) is a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1990. 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 with UPCIC, the “Insurance 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 18 states as of September 30, 2020, including Florida, which comprises the majority of the Company’s policies in force. 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 investment returns on funds invested on cash flows in excess of those retained and used for claims-paying obligations and insurance operations. Other significant sources of revenue include brokerage commissions collected from reinsurers on certain reinsurance programs placed on behalf of 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 (“LAE”).
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, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2020. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019 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 the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as well as variable interest entities (“VIE”) in which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The Company’s primary use of estimates is in the recognition of liabilities for unpaid losses, loss adjustment expenses, subrogation recoveries and reinsurance recoveries. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
9
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The Company reported Significant Accounting Policies in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. The following are new or revised disclosures or disclosures required on a quarterly basis.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic ASC 326), which introduces a new process for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments based on an estimate of current expected credit losses. The new ASU applies to premiums receivable, reinsurance recoverable and available-for-sale debt securities. The ASU replaces the current practice of recording a permanent write down (other than temporary impairment) for probable credit losses with a new requirement that would estimate credit losses and record those estimated losses through a temporary allowance account that can be re-measured as estimates of credit losses change. The ASU further limited estimated credit losses relating to available-for-sale securities to the amount which fair value is below amortized cost. The Company adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable U.S. GAAP. The Company recorded a decrease to retained earnings of $0.6 million as of January 1, 2020 for the cumulative after-tax effect of adopting .
Accounting Policies
Allowance for Credit Losses-Available-For-Sale Securities: For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For available-for-sale debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by rating agencies, market sentiment and trends and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other quantitative and qualitative factors utilized at establishing an estimate for credit losses. If the assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present values of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in OCI.
Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense and are reported as general and administrative expenses. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes an available-for-sale debt security is confirmed as uncollected or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.
Accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale securities totaled $3.6 million at September 30, 2020 and is evaluated in the estimate for credit losses. Accrued interest receivable is included under Other Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
10
11
3. Investments
Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable U.S. GAAP.
Available-for-Sale Securities
The following table provides the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities as of the dates presented (in thousands):
| September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Allowance for Expected Credit Losses | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government obligations and agencies | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable preferred stock | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government obligations and agencies | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable preferred stock | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
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, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equivalent S&P Credit Ratings | Fair Value | % of Total Fair Value | Fair Value | % of Total Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| AAA | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| AA | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BBB | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BB and Below | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No Rating Available | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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.
12
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, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agency | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-agency | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Auto loan receivables | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit card receivables | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other receivables | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
The following tables summarize available-for-sale debt securities, aggregated by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, for which no allowance for expected credit losses has been recorded as of the dates presented (in thousands):
| September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable preferred stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable preferred stock | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities in the above table as of September 30, 2020 have not been recognized into income as credit losses because the issuers are of high credit quality (rated AA or higher), management does not intend to sell and it is likely management will not be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery, and the decline in fair value is largely due to changes in interest rates and other market conditions. There were no material factors impacting any one category or specific security requiring an accrual for credit loss. The issuers continue to make principal and interest payments on the bonds. The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach maturity.
Results for reporting periods occurring before January 1, 2020 continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable U.S. GAAP and not presented under ASC 326, which was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2020.
13
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for expected credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities (in thousands):
| Corporate Bonds | Redeemable Preferred Stock | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2019 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Cumulative effect adjustment as of January 1, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value of investments with maturities as of the date presented (in thousands):
| September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Fair Value | ||||||||||
| Due in one year or less | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Due after one year through five years | |||||||||||
| Due after five years through ten years | |||||||||||
| Due after ten years | |||||||||||
| Perpetual maturity securities | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | |||||||||
All securities, except those with perpetual maturities, were 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 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 September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales and maturities (fair value): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale debt securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross realized gains on sale of securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale debt securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross realized losses on sale of securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale debt securities | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Realized gains on sales of investment real estate | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
In the third quarter, the Company took advantage of the market recovery and recognized $53.8 million of net realized gains on the sales of our available-for-sale debt securities that were in an unrealized gain position.
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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 September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale debt securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investment income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Investment expenses (3) | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Includes interest earned on restricted cash and cash equivalents. | |||||||
| (2) | Includes investment income earned on real estate investments. | |||||||
| (3) | Includes custodial fees, investment accounting and advisory fees, and expenses associated with real estate investments. | |||||||
Equity Securities
The following table provides the unrealized gains and losses recognized during the periods presented on equity securities still held at the end of the reported period (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) recognized during the reported period on equity securities still held at the end of the reported period | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Investment Real Estate
Investment real estate consisted of the following as of the dates presented (in thousands):
| September 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Income Producing: | |||||||||||
| Investment real estate | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Non-Income Producing: | |||||||||||
| Investment real estate | |||||||||||
| Investment real estate, net | $ | $ | |||||||||
During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company completed the sale of an investment real estate property. The Company received net cash proceeds of approximately $10.5 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $1.2 million that is included in net realized gains (losses) on investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
Depreciation expense related to investment real estate for the periods presented (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense on investment real estate | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
15
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 principally of catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable agreements. Notwithstanding the purchase of such reinsurance, the Company is responsible for certain retained loss amounts before reinsurance attaches and for 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 provisions of the reinsurance contracts and consistent with the establishment of the gross liability for losses, LAE and other expenses. Reinsurance premiums, losses and 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 balance exceeded 3 % of the Company’s stockholders’ equity as of the dates presented (in thousands):
| Ratings as of September 30, 2020 | Due from as of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurer | AM Best Company | Standard and Poor’s Rating Services, Inc. | Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. | September 30, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (1) | n/a | n/a | n/a | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allianz Risk Transfer | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total (2) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)No rating is available, because the fund is not rated.
(2)Amounts represent prepaid reinsurance premiums and net recoverables for paid and unpaid losses, including incurred but not reported reserves, and loss adjustment expenses.
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, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums Written | Premiums Earned | Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses | Premiums Written | Premiums Earned | Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ceded | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums Written | Premiums Earned | Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses | Premiums Written | Premiums Earned | Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ceded | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
16
The following prepaid reinsurance premiums and reinsurance recoverable are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the dates presented (in thousands):
| September 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Prepaid reinsurance premiums | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and LAE | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE | |||||||||||
| Reinsurance recoverable | $ | $ | |||||||||
17
5. Insurance Operations
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
The Company defers certain costs in connection with 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 September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| DPAC, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Capitalized Costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of DPAC | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| DPAC, end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions
The Insurance Entities are subject to regulations and standards of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“FLOIR”). The Insurance Entities are also subject to regulations and standards of regulatory authorities in other states where they are licensed, although as Florida-domiciled insurers, their principal regulatory authority is the FLOIR. These standards and regulations include a requirement that the Insurance Entities 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 the Insurance Entities to their immediate parent company, Protection Solutions, Inc. (“PSI”, formerly known as Universal Insurance Holding Company of 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, 2019, UPCIC has the capacity to pay ordinary dividends of $12.1 million during 2020. APPCIC, based on its accumulated earnings as of December 31, 2019, is unable to pay any ordinary dividends during 2020. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, no
The Florida Insurance Code requires an insurance company to maintain capitalization equivalent to the greater of ten percent of the insurer’s total liabilities or $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 the Insurance Entities as of the dates presented (in thousands):
| September 30, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||
| Statutory capital and surplus | |||||||||||
| UPCIC | $ | $ | |||||||||
| APPCIC | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Ten percent of total liabilities | |||||||||||
| UPCIC | $ | $ | |||||||||
| APPCIC | $ | $ | |||||||||
As of the dates in the table above, the Insurance Entities each exceeded the minimum statutory capitalization requirement. Statutory capital and surplus for UPCIC at December 31, 2019 includes a $30 million capital contribution funded in February 2020 by UVE through PSI, the Insurance Entities’ parent company, which was permitted to be included in UPCIC’s statutory capital and surplus at December 31, 2019 with the permission of the FLOIR under statutory accounting principles. This contribution was not recognized on a U.S. GAAP basis at December 31, 2019. Statutory capital and surplus for UPCIC at September 30, 2020 includes a $44.0 million capital contribution funded in September 2020 by UVE through PSI, the Insurance Entities’ parent company.
18
Through PSI, UVE recorded contributions for the periods presented (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contributions | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes combined net income (loss) for the Insurance Entities determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices for the periods presented (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Combined net income (loss) | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||
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, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||
| Restricted cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Investments | $ | $ | |||||||||
19
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 September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Reinsurance recoverable | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net balance at beginning of period | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Incurred related to: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current year | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prior years | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total incurred | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paid related to: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current year | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prior years | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total paid | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net balance at end of period | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Plus: Reinsurance recoverable | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
For the three months ended September 30, 2020, there was adverse prior year’s reserve development of $136.7 million gross, less $106.7 million ceded, resulting in $30.1 million net. The net prior year’s reserve development for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 was principally due to increased ultimate losses and LAE for Hurricane Irma not recoverable from the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (”FHCF”) and increased prior year’s companion claims in the run up to the expiration of the statute of limitations for Hurricane Irma.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, there was adverse prior year’s reserve development of $190.8 million gross, less $155.9 million ceded, resulting in $34.9 million net. The direct and net prior year’s reserve development for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was principally due to increased ultimate losses and LAE for Hurricane Irma not recoverable from the FHCF and increased prior year’s companion claims in the run up to the expiration of the statute of limitations for Hurricane Irma.
Florida law bars new, supplemental or reopened claim for loss caused by the peril of windstorm or hurricane unless notice is provided within three years of the event. In September 2020, the three-year period following Hurricane Irma expired. The Company continues to adjust and settle Hurricane Irma claims that were reported prior to the expiration of the three-year period.
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7. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following as of the dates presented (in thousands):
| September 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Surplus note | $ | $ | |||||||||
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 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, 2020.
21
8. Stockholders’ Equity
From time to time, the Company’s Board of Directors may authorize share repurchase programs under which the Company may repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market. The following table presents repurchases of the Company’s common stock for the periods presented (in thousands, except total number of shares repurchased and per share data):
| Total Number of Shares | Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchased During the | Aggregate | Price Per | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dollar Amount | Nine Months Ended September 30, | Purchase | Share | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date Authorized | Expiration Date | Authorized | 2020 | 2019 | Price | Repurchased | Plan Completed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| November 6, 2019 | December 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 6, 2019 | December 31, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | November 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 12, 2018 | May 31, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | May 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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9. Income Taxes
During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded approximately $0.6 million of income tax benefit compared to $7.8 million of income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The effective tax rate (“ETR”) for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was 16.4 % compared to a 27.8 % ETR for the same period in 2019.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded approximately $14.5 million and $35.0 million of income tax expense, respectively. The ETR for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was 28.2 % compared to a 26.4 % ETR for the same period in 2019.
In calculating these rates, the Company considered 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.
The Company’s income tax provision reflects an estimated annual ETR of 28.4 % for 2020, calculated before the impact of discrete items. The effect of reporting discrete items through September 30, 2020 amounts to a decrease to the annual estimated ETR of 20 basis points, resulting in a total annual estimated ETR of 28.2 %. The annual estimated ETR includes a federal income tax rate of 21 % and a state income tax rate, net of federal benefit, of 3.7 %.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates. The Company reviews its deferred tax assets regularly for recoverability. Management has reviewed all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determining the need for a valuation allowance with respect to the gross deferred tax assets. In reviewing the gross deferred tax assets, management has concluded that the likelihood for utilization of these deferred tax assets is certain (greater than 50%) and determined that a valuation allowance on any of the deferred tax assets is not required. Management will continue to analyze the gross deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis to determine whether there is a need for a valuation allowance in the future.
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10. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) 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 exercises of stock options, vesting of performance share units, vesting of restricted stock, vesting of restricted stock 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 EPS computations for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share data):
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Numerator for EPS: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Preferred stock dividends | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) available to common stockholders | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Denominator for EPS: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Plus: Assumed conversion of share-based compensation (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed conversion of preferred stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings (loss) per common share | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings (loss) per common share | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Represents the dilutive effect of unexercised stock options, unvested performance share units, unvested restricted stock units and unvested restricted stock. | |||||||
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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, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-tax | Tax | After-tax | Pre-tax | Tax | After-tax | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net changes related to available-for-sale securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized holding gains arising during the period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses realized in net income (loss) | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-tax | Tax | After-tax | Pre-tax | Tax | After-tax | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net changes related to available-for-sale securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized holding gains arising during the period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses realized in net income (loss) | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification adjustment to retained earnings (1) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in accumulated other comprehensive income | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)This amount represents reclassifications to retained earnings associated with the allowance for expected credit losses within accumulated other comprehensive income relating to available-for-sale debt security investments. See “—Note 2 (Significant Accounting Policies—Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements)” for more information.
The following table provides the reclassification adjustments for gains (losses) out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods presented (in thousands):
| 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 September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | Net realized gains (losses) on sale of securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ( | ( | ( | Income taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total reclassification for the period | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | Net of tax | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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12. Commitments and Contingencies
Obligations under Multi-Year Reinsurance Contracts
The Company purchases reinsurance coverage to protect its capital and to limit its losses when certain major events occur. Our reinsurance commitments run from June 1st of the current year to May 31st 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, net” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. 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) $128.3 million in 2021 and (2) $71.3 million in 2022.
Litigation
Lawsuits are filed against the Company from time to time. Many of these lawsuits involve claims under policies that the Company underwrites and reserves for as an insurer. The Company is 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 certainty, 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.
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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 Techniques for Assets Measured at Fair Value on a 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 debt 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 debt 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.
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.
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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, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-For-Sale Debt Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government obligations and agencies | $ | — | $ | $ | — | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable preferred stock | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Mutual funds | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets accounted for at fair value | $ | $ | $ | — | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Measurements | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-For-Sale Debt Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government obligations and agencies | $ | — | $ | $ | — | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable preferred stock | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Mutual funds | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets accounted for at fair value | $ | $ | $ | — | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
The Company utilizes third-party independent pricing services that provide a price quote for each available-for-sale debt security and equity 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 security or equity security 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, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Value | (Level 3) Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Value | (Level 3) Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities (debt): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Surplus note | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
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.
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14. Variable Interest Entities
The Company entered into a reinsurance captive arrangement with a VIE in the normal course of business and consolidated the VIE since the Company is the primary beneficiary. See “—Note 2 (Significant Accounting Policies—Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements)” for more information.
On a consolidated basis, the balance sheet classification and exposure is comprised of $18.4 million of restricted cash held in a reinsurance trust account, which can be used only to settle specific reinsurance obligations of that VIE.
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15. Subsequent Events
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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 I, Item 1—Financial Statements,” and our audited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in “Part II, Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. 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, this 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 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 reasonable estimates, assumptions and plans. However, if the estimates, assumptions or plans underlying the forward-looking statements prove inaccurate or if other risks or uncertainties arise, actual results could differ materially from those communicated in these forward-looking statements 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, 2019, as supplemented in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020. 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 and uncertainties that may affect, or have affected, our financial condition and operating results include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Unanticipated increases in the severity or frequency of claims, including those relating to catastrophes, severe weather events and changing climate conditions, which, in some instances, have exceeded, and in the future may exceed our reserves established for claims;
•Failure of our risk mitigation strategies, including failure to accurately and adequately price the risks we underwrite and to include effective 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 due from our reinsurers;
•Changes in industry trends, including changes due to the cyclical 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 and legal and regulatory standards;
•The ability of our claims professionals to effectively manage claims;
•Litigation or regulatory actions that could result in significant damages, fines or penalties;
•A downgrade in our Financial Stability Rating® and its impact on our competitive 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 inability to effectively adapt to changes in technology;
•Our dependence on the returns of our investment portfolio, which are subject to market risk;
•Legal, regulatory or tax changes that increase our operating costs and decrease our profitability, such as limitations on rate changes or requirements to participate in loss sharing;
•Our dependence on dividends and permissible payments from our subsidiaries;
•The ability of our Insurance Entities to comply with statutory capital and surplus minimums and other regulatory and licensing requirements; and
•The ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and the economy in general.
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OVERVIEW
We are a vertically integrated holding company offering property and casualty insurance and value-added insurance services. We develop, market and underwrite insurance products for consumers predominantly in the personal residential homeowners line of business and perform substantially all other insurance-related services for our primary insurance entities, including risk management, claims management, and distribution. Our primary insurance entities, Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“UPCIC”) and American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company (“APPCIC” and together with UPCIC, the “Insurance Entities”), currently offer insurance products through both our appointed independent agent network and our online distribution channels across 19 states (primarily in Florida), with licenses to write insurance in two additional states. The Insurance Entities seek to produce an underwriting profit (defined as earned premium less losses, loss adjustment expense (“LAE”), policy acquisition costs and other operating costs) over the long term; maintain a conservative 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.
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to assist in an understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements and accompanying Notes appearing elsewhere in this Report (the “Notes”). In addition, reference should be made to our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and “Item 7—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, 2019. 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.”
Trends - Impact of COVID-19
The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound worldwide effect on social interactions and on the global, national and local economies. We took early measures in March, in advance of governmental mandates, to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by directing substantially all employees with the ability to do so to immediately self-quarantine by working at home. In addition to this measure to secure the health and wellness of our employees, we worked to facilitate our personnel being able to continue safely providing services to the Company’s policyholders and independent agents, fulfilling our financial and reporting obligations, including responding to regulatory requirements and guidelines, and generally maintaining business continuity. As a provider of residential homeowners’ insurance offered in hurricane-prone areas and being headquartered in Florida, we had previously developed contingency plans to address catastrophic events and were prepared to maintain operations as COVID-19 unfolded. As a result of our disaster preparedness, most employees were immediately prepared to work from home while the Company addressed emerging workflow issues to ensure that all employees remained effective in fulfilling their roles. Since the first week of engaging our work from home strategy, nearly all aspects of our business have been, and continue to be, conducted remotely while striving to maintain the quality of our service standards. Through the third quarter of 2020, we have not seen a material impact from COVID-19 on our business, our financial position, our liquidity, or our ability to service our policyholders and maintain critical operations. As a provider of services that have been deemed essential under most directives and guidelines, we are confident in our ability to maintain consistent operations and believe we can continue to manage with our remote workforce, as a result of our disaster preparedness planning, with little impact on our business and service levels and our standards of care for both underwriting and claims. We continue to monitor local, state and federal guidance and will adjust workforce activities as appropriate. Although we have not yet experienced a material impact from COVID-19, the ultimate impact of the pandemic on our business and on the economy in general cannot be predicted.
Our level of direct premiums written during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was strong and outperformed the same period in the prior year. We are cautiously optimistic in our belief that our customers and agent force will continue to renew and place business with us, especially our customers in hurricane-exposed states. In the event there is a slow-down in the production and/or collection of premiums, we intend to take measures to maintain liquidity while continuing to protect our capital and policyholders. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
The Company considers several of the measures and ratios in the following discussion to be key performance indicators for its businesses. Management believes that these indicators are helpful in understanding the underlying trends in the Company’s businesses. Some of these indicators are reported on a quarterly basis and others on an annual basis. Please also refer to “Item 1—Note 2 (Significant Accounting Policies)” for definitions of certain other terms we use when describing our financial results.
These indicators may not be comparable to other performance measures used by the Company’s competitors and should only be evaluated together with our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
Definitions of Key Performance Indicators
Book Value Per Common Share ― the ratio of total stockholders’ equity, adjusted for preferred stock liquidation, divided by the number of common shares outstanding as of a reporting period. Book value per common share is the excess of assets over liabilities at a reporting period attributed to each share of stock. Changes in book value per common share informs shareholders of retained equity in the company on a per share basis which may assist in understanding market value trends for the Company’s stock.
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Combined Ratio ― the combined ratio is a measure of underwriting profitability for a reporting period and is calculated by dividing total operating costs and expenses (which is made up of losses and LAE and general and administrative expenses) by premiums earned, net, which is net of ceded premiums earned. The combined ratio and changes to the ratio over time provide management with an understanding of costs to operate its business in relation to net premiums it is earning and the impact of rate, underwriting and other business management actions on underwriting profitability. A combined ratio below 100 indicates underwriting profit; a combined ratio above 100 indicates underwriting losses.
Core Loss Ratio ― a common operational metric used in the insurance industry to describe the ratio of current accident year expected losses and LAE to premiums earned. Core loss ratio is an important measure identifying profitability trends of premiums in force. Core losses consists of all other losses and LAE, excluding weather events beyond those expected and prior year’s reserve development. The financial benefit from the management of claims, including claim fees ceded to reinsurers, is recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements as a reduction to core losses.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio ― long-term debt divided by stockholders’ equity. This ratio helps management measure the amount of financing leverage in place in relation to equity and future leverage capacity.
Debt-to-Total Capital Ratio ― long-term debt divided by the sum of total stockholders’ equity and long-term debt (often referred to as total capital resources). This ratio helps management measure the amount of financing leverage in place (long-term debt) in relation to total capital resources and future leverage capacity.
Direct Premiums Written (“DPW”) ― reflects the total value of policies issued during a period before considering premiums ceded to reinsurers. Direct premiums written, comprised of renewal premiums, endorsements and new business, is initially recorded as unearned premium in the balance sheet which is then earned pro-rata over the next year or remaining policy term. Direct premiums written reflects current trends in the Company’s sale of property and casualty insurance products and amounts that will be recognized as earned premiums in the future.
DPW (Florida) ― includes only DPW in the state of Florida. This measure allows management to analyze growth in our primary market and is also a measure of business concentration risk.
Expense Ratio (Including Policy Acquisition Cost Ratio and Other Operating Cost Ratio) ― calculated as general and administrative expenses as a percentage of premiums earned, net. General and administrative expenses is comprised of policy acquisition costs and other operating costs, which includes such items as underwriting costs, facilities and corporate overhead. The expense ratio, including the sub-expense ratios of policy acquisition cost ratio and other operating cost ratio, are indicators to management of the Company’s cost efficiency in acquiring and servicing its business and the impact of those spend items to overall profitability.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Ratio or Loss and LAE Ratio ― a measure of the cost of claims and claim settlement expenses incurred in a reporting period as a percentage of premiums earned in that same reporting period. Losses and LAE incurred in a reporting period includes both amounts related to the current accident year and prior accident years, if any, referred to as development. Ultimate losses and LAE are based on actuarial estimates with changes in those estimates recognized in the period the estimates are revised. Losses and LAE consist of claim costs arising from claims occurring and settling in the current period, an estimate of claim costs for reported but unpaid claims, an estimate of unpaid claim costs for incurred-but-not-reported claims and an estimate of claim settlement expenses associated with reported and unreported claims which occurred during the reporting period. The loss and LAE ratio can be measured on a direct basis, which includes losses and LAE divided by direct earned premiums, or on a net basis, which includes losses and LAE after amounts have been ceded to reinsurers divided by net earned premiums (i.e., direct premium earned less ceded premium earned ). The net loss and LAE ratio is a measure of underwriting profitability after giving consideration to the effect of reinsurance. Trends in the net loss and LAE ratio are an indication to management of current and future profitability.
Monthly Weighted Average Renewal Retention Rate ― measures the monthly average of policyholders that renew their policies over the period of a calendar year. This measure allows management to assess customer retention.
Premiums Earned, Net ― the pro-rata portion of current and previously written premiums that the Company recognizes as earned premium during the reporting period, net of ceded premium earned. Ceded premiums are premiums paid or payable by the Company for reinsurance protection. Written premiums are considered earned and are recognized pro-rata over the policy coverage period. Premiums earned, net is a measure that allows management to identify revenue trends.
Policies in Force ― represents the number of active policies with coverage in effect as of the end of the reporting period. The change in the number of policies in force is a growth measure and provides management with an indication of progress toward achieving strategic objectives. Inherent seasonality in our business makes this measure more useful when comparing each quarter’s balance to the same quarter in prior years.
Premium in Force ― is the amount of the annual direct written premiums previously recorded by the Company for policies which are still active as of the reporting date. This measure assists management in measuring the level of insured exposure and progress toward meeting revenue goals for the current year, and provides an indication of business available for renewal in the next twelve months. Inherent seasonality in our business makes this measure more useful when comparing each quarter’s balance to the same quarter in prior years.
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Return on Average Equity (“ROAE”) ― calculated by dividing earnings (loss) per common share by average book value per common share. Average book value per common share is computed as the sum of book value per common share at the beginning and the end of a period, divided by two. ROAE is a capital profitability measure of how effectively management creates profits per common share.
Total Insured Value ― represents the amount of insurance limits available on a policy for a single loss based on all policies active as of the reporting date. This measure assists management in measuring the level of insured exposure.
Unearned Premiums ― represents the portion of direct premiums corresponding to the time period remaining on an insurance policy and available to future earning by the Company. Trends in unearned premiums generally indicate expansion, if growing, or contraction, if reducing, which are important indicators to management. Inherent seasonality in our business makes this measure more useful when comparing each quarter’s balance to the same quarter in prior years.
Weather events ― an estimate of losses and LAE from weather events occurring during the current accident year that exceed initial estimates of expected weather events when establishing the core loss ratio for each accident year. This metric informs management of factors impacting overall current year profitability.
REINSURANCE
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 of loss. Quota-share reinsurance is where the primary insurer and the reinsurer share proportionally or pro-rata in the direct premiums and losses of the insurer. Excess-of-loss 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. In order to limit the Insurance Entities’ potential exposure to catastrophic events, we purchase significant reinsurance from third-party reinsurers and the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”). The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“FLOIR”) requires the Insurance Entities, like all residential property 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. The Insurance Entities’ respective 2020-2021 reinsurance programs meet the FLOIR’s requirements, which are based on, among other things, successfully demonstrating cohesive and comprehensive reinsurance programs that protect the policyholders of our Insurance Entities, as well as satisfying a series of stress test catastrophe loss scenarios based on past historical events.
We believe the Insurance Entities’ retentions under their respective reinsurance programs are appropriate and structured to protect policyholders. We test the sufficiency of the reinsurance programs by subjecting the Insurance Entities’ personal residential exposures to statistical testing using a third-party hurricane model, RMS RiskLink v18.1 (Build 1945). 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 part of our operational excellence initiatives, we continually look to enable new technology to refine our data intelligence on catastrophe risk modeling.
Effective June 1, 2020, the Insurance Entities entered into multiple reinsurance agreements comprising our 2020-2021 reinsurance program. See “Item 1—Note 4 (Reinsurance).”
UPCIC’s 2020-2021 Reinsurance Program
•First event All States retention of $43 million; First event Non-Florida retention of $15 million.
•All States first event tower extends to $3.38 billion with no co-participation in any of the layers, no limitations on loss adjustment expenses and no accelerated deposit premiums.
•Assuming a first event completely exhausts the $3.38 billion tower, the second event exhaustion point would be $1.343 billion.
•Full reinstatement available for all private market first event catastrophe layers for guaranteed second event coverage. For all layers purchased between $90 million and the projected FHCF retention, to the extent that all of our coverage or a portion thereof is exhausted in a catastrophic event and reinstatement premium is due, UPCIC has purchased enough reinstatement premium protection (“RPP”) limit to pay the premium necessary for the reinstatement of these coverages.
•Effective September 1, 2020, UPCIC purchased RPP limit for the layer attaching at $45 million. Combined with the RPP limit purchased at June 1, 2020, UPCIC has purchased enough RPP limit to pay for the premium necessary for the reinstatement of all catastrophe layers between $45 million and the projected FHCF retention.
•Specific 3rd and 4th event private market catastrophe excess of loss coverage of $76 million in excess of $35 million provides frequency protection for a multiple event storm season.
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•For the FHCF Reimbursement Contracts effective June 1, 2020, UPCIC has continued the election of the 90% coverage level. We estimate the total mandatory FHCF layer will provide approximately $2.034 billion of coverage for UPCIC, which inures to the benefit of the open market coverage secured from private reinsurers.
•Secured $197 million of new catastrophe capacity with contractually agreed limits that extend coverage to include the 2021 and 2022 wind seasons. In total, UPCIC has $420 million of multi-year capacity with coverage extending to include the 2021 wind season or beyond.
Reinsurers
The table below provides the A.M. Best and S&P financial strength ratings for each of the largest third-party reinsurers in UPCIC’s 2020-2021 reinsurance program:
| Reinsurer | A.M. Best | S&P | ||||||||||||
| Allianz Risk Transfer | A+ | AA- | ||||||||||||
| Arch Reinsurance Limited | A+ | A+ | ||||||||||||
| Chubb Tempest Reinsurance Ltd. | A++ | AA | ||||||||||||
| Munich Re | A+ | AA- | ||||||||||||
| Renaissance Re | A+ | A+ | ||||||||||||
| Various Lloyd’s of London Syndicates | A | A+ | ||||||||||||
| Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (1) | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||
(1)No rating is available, because the fund is not rated.
APPCIC’s 2020-2021 Reinsurance Program
•First event All States retention of $3 million.
•All States first event tower of $43.9 million with no co-participation in any of the layers, no limitation on loss adjustment expenses and no accelerated deposit premiums.
•Full reinstatement available for all private market first event catastrophe layers for guaranteed second event coverage. For the layer purchased between $3 million and the projected FHCF retention, to the extent that all coverage or a portion thereof is exhausted in a catastrophic event and reinstatement premium is due, APPCIC purchased enough RPP limit to pay the premium necessary for the reinstatement of this coverage.
•APPCIC also purchases extensive multiple line excess per risk reinsurance with various reinsurers due to the high-value 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 $0.5 million 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 million aggregate limit applies to the term of the contract for casualty-related losses. This contract also contains a profit-sharing feature if specific performance measures are met.
•For the FHCF Reimbursement Contracts effective June 1, 2020, APPCIC has continued the election of the 90% coverage level. The total mandatory FHCF layer is estimated to provide approximately $22.77 million of coverage for APPCIC, which inures to the benefit of the open market coverage secured from private reinsurers.
Reinsurers
The table below provides the A.M. Best and S&P financial strength ratings for each of the largest third-party reinsurers in APPCIC’s 2020-2021 reinsurance program:
| Reinsurer | A.M. Best | S&P | ||||||||||||
| Chubb Tempest Reinsurance Ltd. | A++ | AA | ||||||||||||
| Lancashire Insurance Company Limited | A | A- | ||||||||||||
| Various Lloyd’s of London Syndicates | A | A+ | ||||||||||||
| Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (1) | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||
(1)No rating is available, because the fund is not rated.
The total cost of the 2020-2021 reinsurance programs for UPCIC and APPCIC is projected to be $494 million, representing approximately 34.6% of estimated direct premium earned for the 12-month treaty period.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
Highlights
Results of operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2020, in each case compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2019 (unless otherwise specified), include:
•Direct premiums written overall grew by $66.5 million, or 19.4%, to $409.4 million.
•In Florida, direct premiums written grew by $54.8 million, or 19.6%, and in our other states, direct premiums written grew by $11.8 million, or 18.8%.
•Premiums earned, net, grew by $27.6 million, or 13.4%, to $234.2 million.
•Net realized gains of $53.8 million from sales of available-for-sale securities and net unrealized gains of $2.0 million from the change in the fair market value of equity securities.
•In May 2020, the FLOIR approved an overall 12.4% rate increase on Florida personal residential homeowners line of business, effective May 2020 for new business and July 2020 for renewals.
•Total revenues increased by $82.0 million, or 35.7%, to $311.7 million.
•Two catastrophic events, Hurricanes Sally and Isaias, occurred during the quarter, resulting in $58 million impact after reinsurance.
•Net loss and LAE ratio was 101.8% as compared to 64.3%, driven by an increase in severe weather and prior year’s reserve development.
•Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) of $(0.10) compared to $0.59.
•Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding were lower by 6.7% to 31.7 million shares compared to 33.9 million shares.
•Book value per common share increased by $0.02, or 0.1%, to $15.15 at September 30, 2020 from $15.13 at December 31, 2019.
•Declared and paid dividends of $5.1 million, or $0.16 per common share, in the third quarter of 2020.
•Repurchased 533,912 shares at an average price of $18.52 for an aggregate purchase price of $9.9 million during the third quarter of 2020.
•Contributed $44 million of capital to UPCIC.
•Received Certificate of Authority from Tennessee.
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Results of Operations — Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Net loss was $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to net income of $20.1 million for the same period in 2019. Benefiting the quarter were increases in premiums earned, net, realized gains on investments, net change in unrealized gains from an increase in the fair value of equity securities, commission revenue, policy fees and other revenue, offset by a decrease in net investment income, and increased total operating costs and expenses. Direct premium earned and premiums earned, net were up 14.1% and 13.4%, respectively, due to growth in all states in which we are licensed and writing during the past 12 months and rate increases implemented during 2020, offset by higher costs for reinsurance flowing through to premiums earned, net. Increases in losses and LAE were the result of several factors including (1) increased estimated core losses and LAE for the current year compared to prior year, (2) premium growth and change in mix between Florida and other states and (3) increased adverse weather events and prior year’s reserve development in 2020.
A detailed discussion of our results of operations follows the table below (in thousands, except per share data).
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PREMIUMS EARNED AND OTHER REVENUES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct premiums written | $ | 409,418 | $ | 342,872 | $ | 66,546 | 19.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Change in unearned premium | (52,210) | (29,807) | (22,403) | 75.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Direct premium earned | 357,208 | 313,065 | 44,143 | 14.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ceded premium earned | (123,017) | (106,466) | (16,551) | 15.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned, net | 234,191 | 206,599 | 27,592 | 13.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | 4,557 | 7,613 | (3,056) | (40.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized gains (losses) on investments | 53,827 | (22) | 53,849 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net change in unrealized gains (losses) of equity securities | 1,991 | 573 | 1,418 | 247.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commission revenue | 8,997 | 7,380 | 1,617 | 21.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Policy fees | 6,167 | 5,569 | 598 | 10.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other revenue | 1,935 | 1,929 | 6 | 0.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total premiums earned and other revenues | 311,665 | 229,641 | 82,024 | 35.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses | 238,477 | 132,571 | 105,906 | 79.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 76,980 | 69,174 | 7,806 | 11.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating costs and expenses | 315,457 | 201,745 | 113,712 | 56.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | (3,792) | 27,896 | (31,688) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax (benefit) expense | (623) | 7,750 | (8,373) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | (3,169) | $ | 20,146 | $ | (23,315) | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes | (36,421) | 5,160 | (41,581) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | $ | (39,590) | $ | 25,306 | $ | (64,896) | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE DATA: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings (loss) per common share | $ | (0.10) | $ | 0.59 | $ | (0.69) | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding | 31,659 | 33,930 | (2,271) | (6.7) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
NM – Not Meaningful | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Direct premiums written increased by $66.5 million, or 19.4%, for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, driven by growth within our Florida business of $54.8 million, or 19.6%, and growth in our other states business of $11.8 million, or 18.8%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. Rate increases in Florida and in certain other states along with slightly improved retention also contributed to the premium growth. Premium in force increased in every state in which we are writing at September 30, 2020 compared to September 30, 2019. We actively wrote policies in 18 states during 2019 and 2020 and we wrote multiple policies in Iowa subsequent to the third quarter of 2020. In addition, we are authorized to do business in Tennessee and Wisconsin and are proceeding with product filings in those states. Policies in force, premium in force and total insured value all increased as of September 30, 2020 when compared to September 30, 2019.
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The following table provides direct premiums written for Florida and Other States for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (dollars in thousands):
| For the Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2020 | September 30, 2019 | Growth year over year | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| State | Direct Premiums Written | % | Direct Premiums Written | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | $ | 334,916 | 81.8 | % | $ | 280,141 | 81.7 | % | $ | 54,775 | 19.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other states | 74,502 | 18.2 | % | 62,731 | 18.3 | % | 11,771 | 18.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 409,418 | 100.0 | % | $ | 342,872 | 100.0 | % | $ | 66,546 | 19.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
We seek to grow and generate long-term rate adequate premium in each state where we offer policies, including Florida. Diversified sources of business are an important objective and premium growth outside Florida is a measure monitored by management toward meeting that objective.
Direct premium earned increased by $44.1 million, or 14.1%, for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, reflecting the earning of premiums written over the past 12 months and changes in rates and policies in force during that time.
Reinsurance enables our Insurance Entities to limit potential exposures to catastrophic events and other covered events. Ceded premium represents amounts paid to reinsurers for this protection. Ceded premium earned increased $16.6 million, or 15.5%, for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase in reinsurance costs reflects both an increase in costs associated with the increase in exposures we insure and increased pricing when compared to the expired reinsurance program. Reinsurance costs, as a percentage of direct premium earned, increased from 34.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2019 to 34.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Reinsurance costs associated with each year’s reinsurance program are earned over the June 1st to May 31st twelve-month coverage period. See the discussion above for the Insurance Entities’ 2020-2021 reinsurance programs and “Item 1—Note 4 (Reinsurance).”
Premiums earned, net of ceded premium earned, grew by 13.4%, or $27.6 million, to $234.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, reflecting an increase in direct premium earned offset by increased costs for reinsurance.
Net investment income was $4.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $7.6 million for the same period in 2019, a decrease of $3.1 million, or 40.1%. The decrease is driven by lower trends in market yields. Total invested assets were $910.6 million as of September 30, 2020 compared to $914.6 million as of December 31, 2019. Cash and cash equivalents were $405.1 million at September 30, 2020 compared to $182.1 million at December 31, 2019, an increase of 122.5%. Cash and cash equivalents are invested short term until needed to settle loss and LAE payments, reinsurance premium payments and operating cash needs or until they are deployed by our investment advisors.
Yields from cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and the available-for-sale portfolio are dependent on future market forces, monetary policy and interest rate policy from the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve has broadly been lowering and maintaining lower interest rates, which has impacted the effective yields on new available-for-sale portfolio and overnight cash purchases and short-term investments. The overall trend has been lower interest rates on new purchases of securities over the past year and lower returns on cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. As discussed below, due to the significant sale of securities during the third quarter of 2020, it is expected that future portfolio returns will reflect lower book yields based on current market conditions.
We sell investments from our investment portfolio from time to time to meet our investment objectives or take advantage of market opportunities. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, sales of available-for-sale debt securities resulted in net realized gains of $53.8 million. We took the opportunity to monetize an increase in fair value of these securities to enhance surplus for UPCIC. The proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale debt securities are in the process of reinvestment which accounts for the temporary increase in cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2020. As a result of the sales and future reinvestment of available-for-sale debt securities, it is expected that future portfolio investment income will reflect current market rates which are below the book yield of the securities sold. During the three months ended September 30, 2019, sales of available-for-sale debt securities resulted in net realized losses of $22 thousand. See “Item 1—Note 3 (Investments).”
There was a $2.0 million favorable net unrealized gain in equity securities during the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to a $0.6 million favorable net unrealized gain during the three months ended September 30, 2019. Unrealized gains or losses reflected on the income statement are the result of changes in the fair market value of our equity securities during the period for securities still held and the reversal of unrealized gains or losses for securities sold during the period. See “Item 1—Note 3 (Investments).”
During 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the financial markets. In the first quarter of 2020, our investment portfolio was negatively impacted, but has since substantially recovered during the second and third quarters of 2020. We took advantage of the recovery with the realization of gains on our available-for-sale debt securities discussed above. We believe the adverse impact to our investment portfolio was minimized during this COVID-19-induced market dislocation as a result of our
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conservative investment strategy’s focus on capital preservation and adequate liquidity to pay claims. We believe the high credit rating and shorter duration foundation of our portfolio and portfolio diversification will help us weather these difficult market conditions, thereby limiting the impact of future economic financial market downturns on the portfolio. Recent market yields have been lower when compared to prior years and we expect that trend to continue, negatively impacting future investment returns on our portfolio. We will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on our portfolio. Significant uncertainties and emerging risks still exist regarding the potential long-term impact of COVID-19 on the credit markets and our investment portfolio.
Commission revenue is comprised principally of brokerage commissions we earn from third-party reinsurers (excluding the FHCF) on reinsurance placed for the Insurance Entities. Commission revenue is earned pro-rata over the reinsurance policy period which runs from June 1st to May 31st of the following year. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, commission revenue was $9.0 million, compared to $7.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in commission revenue of $1.6 million, or 21.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily due to increased commissions from third-party reinsurers earned on increased reinsurance premiums due to growth in our exposures, as well as the difference in pricing and structure associated with our reinsurance program when compared to the prior year.
Policy fees for the three months ended September 30, 2020 were $6.2 million compared to $5.6 million for the same period in 2019. The increase of $0.6 million, or 10.7%, was the result of an increase in the total number of new and renewal policies written during the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.
The following table presents losses and LAE incurred on a direct, ceded and net basis expressed in dollars and as a percent of the respective amounts of premiums earned. These amounts are further categorized as 1) core losses, 2) weather events for the current accident year and 3) prior year’s reserve development (dollars in thousands):
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct | Loss Ratio | Ceded | Loss Ratio | Net | Loss Ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 357,208 | $ | 123,017 | $ | 234,191 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Core losses | $ | 140,470 | 39.3 | % | $ | 78 | 0.1 | % | $ | 140,392 | 59.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weather events* | 70,000 | 19.6 | % | 2,000 | 1.6 | % | 68,000 | 29.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prior year’s reserve development | 136,737 | 38.3 | % | 106,652 | 86.7 | % | 30,085 | 12.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total losses and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 347,207 | 97.2 | % | $ | 108,730 | 88.4 | % | $ | 238,477 | 101.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| *Includes only current year weather events beyond those expected. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct | Loss Ratio | Ceded | Loss Ratio | Net | Loss Ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 313,065 | $ | 106,466 | $ | 206,599 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Core losses | $ | 114,353 | 36.5 | % | $ | — | — | % | $ | 114,353 | 55.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weather events* | 15,000 | 4.8 | % | — | — | % | 15,000 | 7.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prior year’s reserve development | 205,087 | 65.5 | % | 201,869 | 189.6 | % | 3,218 | 1.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total losses and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 334,440 | 106.8 | % | $ | 201,869 | 189.6 | % | $ | 132,571 | 64.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
*Includes only current year 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.
Management looks at losses and LAE in three areas, as described below and represented in the tables above, each of which have different drivers which impact reported results. As a result, these components of losses and LAE are described separately. Overall losses and LAE, net of reinsurance recoveries, were $238.5 million resulting in a 101.8% net loss and LAE ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. This compares to $132.6 million resulting in a 64.3% net loss and LAE ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2019.
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The factors impacting losses and LAE are as follows:
•Core losses
◦Our core losses consist of all other losses and LAE, excluding weather events beyond those expected and prior year’s reserve development. Core losses for 2020 are 39.3% of direct premium earned for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 compared to 36.5% for the same period in 2019. These losses and loss ratios benefit from the profitable impact of ceded claim fees, which are described below, reducing core losses. The increase in core loss ratio for 2020 is principally the result of higher trends in expected costs to settle claims in the Florida market, specifically in response to increased trends in litigated and represented claims. Core losses also increase as premium volume increases year over year.
•Weather events beyond those expected
◦During the three months ended September 30, 2020, there were two hurricanes, Sally and Isaias, and a number of weather events which in the aggregate exceeded core loss ratio expectations. Our initial estimates on Hurricane Sally are gross losses of $45 million and net losses of $43 million after reinsurance. Hurricane Isaias and the other weather events beyond those expected totaled $25 million on a direct and net basis as these events do not benefit from our reinsurance program due to losses being below our attachment point.
◦During the third quarter ended September 30, 2019, weather events totaled $15.0 million direct and net, principally for Hurricane Dorian and other weather events beyond those expected.
•Prior year’s reserve development
◦Management identifies two drivers which influence amounts recorded as prior year’s reserve development, namely: (i) changes to prior estimates of direct and net ultimate losses on prior accident years excluding major hurricanes and (ii) changes in prior estimates of direct and net ultimate losses on hurricanes. During the quarter ended September 30, 2020, prior year’s reserve development totaled $136.7 million of direct losses and $30.1 million of net losses after the benefit of reinsurance.
▪Prior year’s reserve development, excluding hurricanes described above, was $19.6 million direct and $19.3 million net of reinsurance for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, which was the result of increased prior year companion claims in the run up to the expiration of the statute of limitations for Hurricane Irma.
▪For the quarter ended September 30, 2020, development of direct and net losses on previously reported hurricanes was $117.1 million direct and $10.8 million net after the benefit of reinsurance. This was principally driven by continued adverse development of previous estimated losses and LAE on Hurricane Irma and, to a lesser extent, Hurricane Michael. Net development for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 principally resulted from an increase in our previously estimated losses and LAE on Hurricane Irma for claims which are not eligible for recovery from the FHCF.
▪Florida law bars new, supplemental or reopened claims for loss caused by the peril of windstorm or hurricane unless notice is provided within three years of the event. In September 2020, the three-year period following Hurricane Irma expired. The Company continues to adjust and settle Hurricane Irma claims that were reported prior to the expiration of the three-year period.
▪For the quarter ended September 30, 2019, direct prior year’s reserve development of $205.1 million was principally due to increased ultimate direct losses and LAE for Hurricane Irma, which were fully ceded, while net prior year’s reserve development of $3.2 million was principally due to a change in the allocation of estimated reinsurance recoveries on Hurricane Michael losses from the Non-Florida reinsurance coverage to the All States reinsurance coverage. The Non-Florida reinsurance coverage has a lower retention and the change in the allocation of reinsurance recoveries to the All States reinsurance coverage resulted in higher retained losses.
The net loss and LAE ratio for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020 was 101.8% compared to 64.3% in the third quarter of the prior year. The increase of 37.5 loss ratio points was a result of: (1) increased weather (21.7 loss ratio points); (2) increased estimated core losses and LAE ratio for the current year (4.9 loss ratio points, which include 0.4 loss ratio points as a result of higher reinsurance costs); and (3) prior year’s reserve development on prior years’ losses and LAE reserves (11.3 loss ratio points). The increase was partially offset by higher financial benefit from the management of claims, including claims fees ceded to reinsurers (0.4 loss ratio points).
The Company continues to experience increased costs for losses and LAE in the Florida market where an industry has developed around the personal residential claims process, resulting in historically high levels of represented claims and inflated claims. Active solicitation of personal residential claims in Florida by policyholder representatives, remediation companies and repair companies has led to an increase in the frequency and severity of personal residential claims in Florida exceeding historical levels and levels seen in other jurisdictions.
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The market trends in losses and LAE led us to file in February 2020 for an overall 12.4% rate increase in Florida, which was approved effective May 2020 for new business and July 2020 for renewals. In addition, we implemented changes to certain new business underwriting guidelines and developed and implemented specialized claims and litigation management efforts to address market trends which we believe are driving up claim costs.
The financial benefit from the management of claims, including claim fees ceded to reinsurers, was $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $1.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019. The benefit was recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements as a reduction to losses and LAE.
General and administrative expenses were $77.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $69.2 million during the same period in 2019, as follows (dollars in thousands):
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | Ratio | $ | Ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned, net | $ | 234,191 | $ | 206,599 | $ | 27,592 | 13.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Policy acquisition costs | 51,594 | 22.1 | % | 45,131 | 21.8 | % | 6,463 | 14.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating costs (1) | 25,386 | 10.8 | % | 24,043 | 11.6 | % | 1,343 | 5.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total general and administrative expenses | $ | 76,980 | 32.9 | % | $ | 69,174 | 33.5 | % | $ | 7,806 | 11.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Other operating costs includes $16 and $57 of interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses increased by $7.8 million, which was the result of increases in policy acquisition costs of $6.5 million, due to commissions associated with increased premium volume and to a lesser extent to an increase in other operating costs of $1.3 million. The expense ratio as a percentage of premiums earned, net decreased from 33.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2019 to 32.9% for the same period in 2020. Other operating cost ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was 10.8% compared to 11.6% in the third quarter of 2019, reflecting lower share-based compensation in 2020 and economies of scale as other operating costs did not increase at the same rate as premiums earned, net.
Income tax benefit was $0.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 compared to an income tax expense of $7.8 million in 2019. The tax benefit resulted from a pre-tax loss in 2020 as compared to a pre-tax income in 2019. Our effective tax rate (“ETR”) decreased to 16.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2020, as compared to 27.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The ETR decreased as a result of a higher ratio of permanent items relative to the amount of income before taxes, principally non-deductible compensation, and a lower level of discrete tax benefits.
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2020, was $36.4 million compared to other comprehensive income of $5.2 million for the same period in 2019, reflecting reclassifications out of cumulative other comprehensive income for available-for-sale debt securities sold and after-tax changes in fair value of available-for-sale debt securities held in our investment portfolio. See “Item 1—Note 11 (Other Comprehensive Income (Loss))” for additional information about the amounts comprising other comprehensive income for these periods.
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Results of Operations — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Net income was $36.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $97.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $60.8 million. Diluted EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $1.14 compared to $2.82 in 2019, a decrease of $1.68, or 59.6%. Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were lower by 6.8% to 32.2 million shares from 34.6 million shares for the same period of the prior year. Benefiting the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were increases in premiums earned, net, realized gains on investments, commission revenue, policy fees and other revenue, offset by a decrease in net investment income, a decline in fair value of our equity securities reflected as unrealized losses in the current period, and increased total operating costs and expenses. Direct premium earned and premiums earned, net were up 12.0% and 8.7%, respectively, due to growth in all states in which we are licensed and writing during the past 12 months and rate increases implemented during 2020, offset by higher costs for reinsurance flowing through to premiums earned, net. Increases in losses and LAE were the result of several factors including (1) increased estimated core losses and LAE for the current year compared to prior year, (2) premium growth and change in mix between Florida and other states and (3) increased adverse weather events and prior year’s reserve development in 2020.
A detailed discussion of our results of operations follows the table below (in thousands, except per share data).
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PREMIUMS EARNED AND OTHER REVENUES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct premiums written | $ | 1,148,656 | $ | 990,066 | $ | 158,590 | 16.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Change in unearned premium | (127,858) | (78,516) | (49,342) | 62.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Direct premium earned | 1,020,798 | 911,550 | 109,248 | 12.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ceded premium earned | (339,408) | (284,867) | (54,541) | 19.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned, net | 681,390 | 626,683 | 54,707 | 8.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | 17,570 | 23,165 | (5,595) | (24.2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized gains (losses) on investments | 54,294 | (13,152) | 67,446 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net change in unrealized gains (losses) of equity securities | (2,162) | 22,364 | (24,526) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commission revenue | 23,770 | 18,933 | 4,837 | 25.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Policy fees | 18,253 | 16,587 | 1,666 | 10.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other revenue | 6,529 | 5,369 | 1,160 | 21.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total premiums earned and other revenues | 799,644 | 699,949 | 99,695 | 14.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses | 524,870 | 358,961 | 165,909 | 46.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 223,544 | 208,418 | 15,126 | 7.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating costs and expenses | 748,414 | 567,379 | 181,035 | 31.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 51,230 | 132,570 | (81,340) | (61.4) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax (benefit) expense | 14,450 | 34,983 | (20,533) | (58.7) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 36,780 | $ | 97,587 | $ | (60,807) | (62.3) | % | |||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes | (19,299) | 29,099 | (48,398) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 17,481 | $ | 126,686 | $ | (109,205) | (86.2) | % | |||||||||||||||
| DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE DATA: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings (loss) per common share | $ | 1.14 | $ | 2.82 | $ | (1.68) | (59.6) | % | |||||||||||||||
| Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding | 32,202 | 34,565 | (2,363) | (6.8) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
NM – Not Meaningful | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Direct premiums written increased by $158.6 million, or 16.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, driven by growth within our Florida business of $129.0 million, or 15.7%, and growth in our other states business of $29.6 million, or 17.3%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. Rate increases in Florida and in certain other states along with slightly improved retention also contributed to the premium growth. Premium in force increased in every state in which we are writing at September 30, 2020 compared to September 30, 2019. We implemented new guidelines during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 on new business to address emerging loss trends that have since slowed the rate of growth in Florida. We actively wrote policies in 18 states during 2019 and 2020 and we wrote multiple policies in Iowa subsequent to the third quarter of 2020. In addition, we are authorized to do business in Tennessee and Wisconsin and are proceeding with product filings in those states. During the
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second quarter of 2020 the Company withdrew its application to write business in Connecticut. Policies in force, premium in force and total insured value all increased at September 30, 2020 when compared to September 30, 2019.
The following table provides direct premiums written for Florida and Other States for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (dollars in thousands):
| For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2020 | September 30, 2019 | Growth year over year | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| State | Direct Premiums Written | % | Direct Premiums Written | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | $ | 948,196 | 82.5 | % | $ | 819,185 | 82.7 | % | $ | 129,011 | 15.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other states | 200,460 | 17.5 | % | 170,881 | 17.3 | % | 29,579 | 17.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,148,656 | 100.0 | % | $ | 990,066 | 100.0 | % | $ | 158,590 | 16.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
We seek to grow and generate long-term rate adequate premium in each state where we offer policies, including Florida. Diversified sources of business are an important objective and premium growth outside Florida is a measure monitored by management toward meeting that objective.
Direct premium earned increased by $109.2 million, or 12.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, reflecting the earning of premiums written over the past 12 months and changes in rates and policies in force during that time.
Reinsurance enables our Insurance Entities to limit potential exposures to catastrophic events and other covered events. Ceded premium represents amounts paid to reinsurers for this protection. Ceded premium earned increased $54.5 million, or 19.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase in reinsurance costs reflects both an increase in costs associated with the increase in exposures we insure and increased pricing when compared to the expired reinsurance program. Reinsurance costs, as a percentage of direct premium earned, increased from 31.3% in 2019 to 33.2% in 2020. Reinsurance costs associated with each year’s reinsurance program are earned over the June 1st to May 31st twelve-month coverage period. See the discussion above for the Insurance Entities’ 2020-2021 reinsurance program and “Item 1— Note 4 (Reinsurance).”
Premiums earned, net of ceded premium earned, grew by 8.7%, or $54.7 million, to $681.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, reflecting an increase in direct premium earned offset by increased costs for reinsurance.
Net investment income was $17.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $23.2 million for the same period in 2019, a decrease of $5.6 million, or 24.2%. The decrease is driven by lower trends in market yields. The prior year also included one-time income benefits from a special dividend received and a one-time reduction in investment expenses. Total invested assets were $910.6 million as of September 30, 2020 compared to $914.6 million as of December 31, 2019. Cash and cash equivalents were $405.1 million at September 30, 2020 compared to $182.1 million at December 31, 2019, an increase of 122.5%. Cash and cash equivalents are invested short term until needed to settle loss and LAE payments, reinsurance premium payments and operating cash needs or until they are deployed by our investment advisors.
Yields from cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and the available-for-sale debt portfolio are dependent on future market forces, monetary policy and interest rate policy from the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve has broadly been lowering and maintaining lower interest rates, which has impacted the effective yields on new available-for-sale portfolio and overnight cash purchases and short-term investments. The overall trend has been lower interest rates on new purchases of securities over the past year and lower returns on cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. As discussed below, due to the significant sale of securities during the third quarter of 2020, it is expected that future portfolio returns will reflect lower book yields based on current market conditions.
We sell investments from our investment portfolio from time to time to meet our investment objectives or take advantage of market opportunities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, sales of available-for-sale debt securities resulted in net realized gain of $54.3 million. We took the opportunity to monetize an increase in fair value of these securities to enhance surplus for UPCIC. The proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale debt securities are in the process of reinvestment which accounts for the temporary increase in cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2020. As a result of the sales and future reinvestment of available-for-sale debt securities, it is expected that future portfolio investment income will reflect current market rates which are below the book yield of the securities sold. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, sales of equity securities resulted in net realized losses of $14.4 million, sales of available-for-sale debt securities resulted in net realized gains of $0.1 million and the sale of an investment real estate property resulted in a realized gain of $1.2 million, in total generating net realized loss of $13.2 million. See “Item 1—Note 3 (Investments).”
There was a $2.2 million unfavorable net unrealized loss in equity securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to a $22.4 million favorable net unrealized gain during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Unrealized gains or losses reflected on the income statement are the result of changes in the fair market value of our equity securities during the
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period for securities still held and the reversal of unrealized gains or losses for securities sold during the period. See “Item 1—Note 3 (Investments).”
During 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the financial markets. In the first quarter of 2020, our investment portfolio was negatively impacted, but has since substantially recovered during the second and third quarters of 2020. We took advantage of the recovery with the realization of gains on our available-for-sale debt securities discussed above. We believe the adverse impact to our investment portfolio was minimized during this COVID-19-induced market dislocation as a result of our conservative investment strategy’s focus on capital preservation and adequate liquidity to pay claims. We believe the high credit rating and shorter duration foundation of our portfolio and portfolio diversification will help us weather these difficult market conditions, thereby limiting the impact of future economic financial market downturns on the portfolio. Recent market yields have been lower when compared to prior years and we expect that trend to continue, negatively impacting future investment returns on our portfolio. We will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on our portfolio. Significant uncertainties and emerging risks still exist regarding the potential long-term impact of COVID-19 on the credit markets and our investment portfolio.
Commission revenue is comprised principally of brokerage commissions we earn from third-party reinsurers (excluding the FHCF) on reinsurance placed for the Insurance Entities. Commission revenue is earned pro-rata over the reinsurance policy period which runs from June 1st to May 31st of the following year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, commission revenue was $23.8 million, compared to $18.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in commission revenue of $4.8 million, or 25.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily due to increased commissions from third-party reinsurers earned on increased reinsurance premiums due to growth in our exposures, as well as the difference in pricing and structure associated with our reinsurance program when compared to the prior year.
Policy fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were $18.3 million compared to $16.6 million for the same period in 2019. The increase of $1.7 million, or 10.0%, was the result of an increase in the total number of new and renewal policies written during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.
The following table presents losses and LAE incurred on a direct, ceded and net basis expressed in dollars and as a percent of the respective amounts of earned premium. These amounts are further categorized as 1) core losses, 2) weather events for the current accident year and 3) prior year’s reserve development (dollars in thousands):
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct | Loss Ratio | Ceded | Loss Ratio | Net | Loss Ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 1,020,798 | $ | 339,408 | $ | 681,390 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Core losses | $ | 404,092 | 39.6 | % | $ | 126 | — | % | $ | 403,966 | 59.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weather events* | 88,000 | 8.6 | % | 2,000 | 0.6 | % | 86,000 | 12.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prior year’s reserve development | 190,804 | 18.7 | % | 155,900 | 46.0 | % | 34,904 | 5.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total losses and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 682,896 | 66.9 | % | $ | 158,026 | 46.6 | % | $ | 524,870 | 77.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| *Includes only current year weather events beyond those expected. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct | Loss Ratio | Ceded | Loss Ratio | Net | Loss Ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 911,550 | $ | 284,867 | $ | 626,683 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Core losses | $ | 333,556 | 36.6 | % | $ | 298 | 0.1 | % | $ | 333,258 | 53.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weather events* | 24,917 | 2.7 | % | 2,917 | 1.0 | % | 22,000 | 3.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prior year’s reserve development | 305,295 | 33.5 | % | 301,592 | 105.9 | % | 3,703 | 0.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total losses and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 663,768 | 72.8 | % | $ | 304,807 | 107.0 | % | $ | 358,961 | 57.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| *Includes only current year 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.
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Management looks at losses and LAE in three areas, as described below and represented in the tables above, each of which have different drivers which impact reported results. As a result, these components of losses and LAE are described separately. Overall losses and LAE, net of reinsurance recoveries, were $524.9 million resulting in a 77.0% net loss and LAE ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. This compares to $359.0 million resulting in a 57.3% net loss and LAE ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
The factors impacting losses and LAE are as follows:
•Core losses
◦Our core losses consist of all other losses and LAE, excluding weather events beyond those expected and prior year’s reserve development. Core losses for 2020 are 39.6% of direct premium earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to 36.6% for the same period in 2019. These losses and loss ratios benefit from the profitable impact of ceded claim fees, which are described below, reducing core losses. The increase in core loss ratio for 2020 is principally the result of higher trends in expected costs to settle claims in the Florida market, specifically in response to increased trends in litigated and represented claims. Core losses also increase as premium volume increases year over year.
•Weather events beyond those expected
◦During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, there were two hurricanes, Sally and Isaias, and a number of weather events which in the aggregate exceeded core loss ratio expectations. Our initial estimates on Hurricane Sally are gross losses of $45 million and net losses of $43 million after reinsurance. Hurricane Isaias and the other weather events beyond those expected totaled $43 million on a direct and net basis as these events do not benefit from our reinsurance program due to losses being below our attachment point.
◦During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, weather events totaled $24.9 million direct and $22.0 million net, principally for Hurricane Dorian and other weather events beyond those expected.
•Prior year’s reserve development
◦Management identifies two drivers which influence amounts recorded as prior year’s reserve development, namely: (i) changes to prior estimates of direct and net ultimate losses on prior accident years excluding major hurricanes and (ii) changes in prior estimates of direct and net ultimate losses on hurricanes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, prior year’s reserve development totaled $190.8 million of direct losses and $34.9 million of net losses after the benefit of reinsurance.
▪Prior year’s reserve development, excluding hurricanes described above, was $19.6 million direct and $19.3 million net of reinsurance for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, which was the result of increased prior year companion claims in the run up to the expiration of the statute of limitations for Hurricane Irma.
▪For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, development of direct and net losses on previously reported hurricanes was $171.2 million direct and $15.6 million net after the benefit of reinsurance. This was principally driven by continued adverse development of previous estimated losses and LAE on Hurricanes Irma, Michael and Matthew. Net development for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 principally resulted from an increase in our previously estimated losses and LAE on Hurricane Irma for claims which are not eligible for recovery from the FHCF.
▪Florida law bars new, supplemental or reopened claim for loss caused by the peril of windstorm or hurricane unless notice is provided within three years of the event. In September 2020, the three-year period following Hurricane Irma expired. The Company continues to adjust and settle Hurricane Irma claims that were reported prior to the expiration of the three-year period.
▪For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, direct prior year’s reserve development of $305.3 million was principally due to increased ultimate direct losses and LAE for Hurricane Irma, which were fully ceded, while net prior year’s reserve development of $3.7 million was principally due to a change in the allocation of estimated reinsurance recoveries on Hurricane Michael losses from the Non-Florida reinsurance coverage to the All States reinsurance coverage. The Non-Florida reinsurance coverage has a lower retention and the change in the allocation of reinsurance recoveries to the All States reinsurance coverage resulted in higher retained losses.
The net loss and LAE ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was 77.0% compared to 57.3% for the same period in the prior year. The increase of 19.7 loss ratio points was a result of: (1) increased weather (9.1 loss ratio points); (2) increased estimated core losses and LAE ratio for the current year (6.1 loss ratio points, which include 1.6 loss ratio points as a result of higher reinsurance costs); and (3) prior year’s reserve development on prior years’ losses and LAE reserves (4.5 loss ratio points).
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The Company continues to experience increased costs for losses and LAE in the Florida market where an industry has developed around the personal residential claims process, resulting in historically high levels of represented claims and inflated claims. Active solicitation of personal residential claims in Florida by policyholder representatives, remediation companies and repair companies has led to an increase in the frequency and severity of personal residential claims in Florida exceeding historical levels and levels seen in other jurisdictions.
The market trends in losses and LAE led us to file in February 2020 for an overall 12.4% rate increase in Florida, which was approved effective May 2020 for new business and July 2020 for renewals. In addition, we implemented changes to certain new business underwriting guidelines and developed and implemented specialized claims and litigation management efforts to address market trends which we believe are driving up claim costs.
The financial benefit from the management of claims, including claim fees ceded to reinsurers, was $3.2 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The benefit was recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements as a reduction to losses and LAE.
General and administrative expenses were $223.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $208.4 million during the same period in 2019, as follows (dollars in thousands):
| Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | Ratio | $ | Ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned, net | $ | 681,390 | $ | 626,683 | $ | 54,707 | 8.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Policy acquisition costs | 146,982 | 21.6 | % | 132,863 | 21.2 | % | 14,119 | 10.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating costs (1) | 76,562 | 11.2 | % | 75,555 | 12.1 | % | 1,007 | 1.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total general and administrative expenses | $ | 223,544 | 32.8 | % | $ | 208,418 | 33.3 | % | $ | 15,126 | 7.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Other operating costs includes $85 and $203 of interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses increased by $15.1 million, which was the result of increases in policy acquisition costs of $14.1 million due to commissions associated with increased premium volume and increased other operating costs of $1.0 million. The expense ratio as a percentage of premiums earned, net decreased from 33.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 to 32.8% for the same period in 2020. Our increase in policy acquisition costs continued to be driven by increased premium volume and continued geographic expansion into states that typically have higher commission rates as compared to Florida. Other operating cost ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was 11.2% compared to 12.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2019, reflecting lower share-based compensation in 2020 and economies of scale as other operating costs did not increase at the same rate as premiums earned, net.
Income tax expense decreased by $20.5 million, or 58.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily as a result of a 61.4% reduction in income before income taxes, when compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Our ETR increased to 28.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, as compared to 26.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The ETR increased as a result of a higher ratio of permanent items relative to the amount of income before taxes, principally non-deductible compensation, and a lower level of discrete tax benefits.
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was $19.3 million compared to other comprehensive income of $29.1 million for the same period in 2019, reflecting reclassifications out of cumulative other comprehensive income for available-for-sale debt securities sold and after-tax changes in fair value of available-for-sale debt securities held in our investment portfolio. See “Item 1—Note 11 (Other Comprehensive Income (Loss))” for additional information about the amounts comprising other comprehensive income for these periods.
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Analysis of Financial Condition—As of September 30, 2020 Compared to December 31, 2019
We believe that cash flows generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements for at least the next twelve months. We 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 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||
| Available-for-sale debt securities | $ | 842,574 | $ | 855,284 | |||||||
| Equity securities | 52,700 | 43,717 | |||||||||
| Investment real estate, net | 15,280 | 15,585 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 910,554 | $ | 914,586 | |||||||
See “Item 1—Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” for explanations of changes in investments and “Item 1—Note 3 (Investments).”
Restricted cash and cash equivalents increased $18.5 million to $21.1 million as of September 30, 2020 as a result of collateral held by a reinsurance captive arrangement with one of the Insurance Entities reported as a Variable Interest Entities (“VIE”) in the condensed consolidated financial statements. See “Item 1—Note 14 (Variable Interest Entities)” for more information.
Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the portion of unearned ceded written premium that will be earned pro-rata over the coverage period of our reinsurance program, which runs from June 1st to May 31st of the following year. The increase of $157.9 million to $333.1 million as of September 30, 2020 was due to additional ceded written premium for the reinsurance costs relating to our 2020-2021 catastrophe reinsurance program beginning June 1, 2020, less amortization of prepaid reinsurance premiums recorded during 2020.
Reinsurance recoverable represents the estimated amount of paid and unpaid losses, LAE and other expenses that are expected to be recovered from reinsurers. The decrease of $98.2 million to $95.1 million as of September 30, 2020 was primarily due to the collection of amounts due from reinsurers relating to settled claims from hurricanes and other events covered by our reinsurance contracts.
Premiums receivable, net, represents amounts receivable from policyholders. The increase in premiums receivable, net, of $12.9 million to $76.8 million as of September 30, 2020 relates to the growth, seasonality and consumer payment behavior of our business. The nature of our business tends to be seasonal during the year, reflecting consumer behaviors in connection with the Florida residential real estate market and the hurricane season. The amount of direct premiums written during a calendar year tends to increase just prior to the second quarter and tends to decrease approaching the fourth quarter.
Property and equipment, net, increased by $10.9 million to $52.3 million as of September 30, 2020, primarily as the result of new spend on capitalized software expenditures and, to a lesser extent, the remaining capitalized costs to outfit a new office building in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which will be used to meet the staffing needs of the Company as the business continues to expand, and new IT equipment to address work-from-home IT equipment needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deferred policy acquisition costs (“DPAC”) increased by $19.4 million to $111.3 million as of September 30, 2020, which is consistent with the underlying premium growth. See “Item 1—Note 5 (Insurance Operations)” for a roll-forward in the balance of our DPAC.
Income taxes recoverable represents the difference between estimated tax obligations and tax payments made to taxing authorities. As of September 30, 2020, the balance recoverable was $26.4 million, representing amounts due from taxing authorities at that date, compared to a balance recoverable of $34.3 million as of December 31, 2019. Income taxes recoverable as of September 30, 2020 will be applied to future periods to offset future federal and state income taxes obligations.
Deferred income taxes represent the estimated tax asset or tax liability caused by temporary differences between the tax return basis of certain assets and liabilities and amounts recorded in the financial statements. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, deferred tax assets decreased by $1.9 million to $1.5 million. Deferred income taxes reverse in future years as the temporary differences between book and tax reverse.
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 LAE. Unpaid losses and LAE decreased by $65.0 million to $202.7 million as of September 30, 2020. The reduction in unpaid losses and LAE was principally due to the settlement of claims from previous hurricane and storm events, as more claims from those events concluded during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Overall unpaid losses and LAE decreased, as claim settlements exceeded new emerging claims. Unpaid losses and LAE are net of estimated subrogation recoveries.
Unearned premiums represent the portion of direct premiums written that will be earned pro-rata in the future. The increase of $127.9 million from December 31, 2019 to $789.1 million as of September 30, 2020 reflects both organic growth and the seasonality of our business, which varies from month to month.
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Advance premium represents premium payments made by policyholders ahead of the effective date of the policies. The increase of $24.4 million to $55.3 million as of September 30, 2020 reflects customer payment behavior, organic growth and the seasonality of our business.
We exclude net negative cash balances, if any, from cash and cash equivalents that we have with any single financial institution based on aggregating the book balance of all accounts at the institution which have the right of offset. If the aggregation results in a net negative book balance, that balance is reclassified from cash and cash equivalents in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet to book overdraft. These amounts represent outstanding checks or drafts not yet presented to the financial institution in excess of amounts on deposit at the financial institution. We maintain a short-term cash investment strategy sweep to maximize investment returns on cash balances. There were no book overdrafts as of September 30, 2020 and there were book overdrafts totaling $90.4 million as of December 31, 2019.
Reinsurance payable, net, represents the unpaid reinsurance premium installments owed to reinsurers, unpaid reinstatement premiums due to reinsurers and cash advances received from reinsurers, if any. On June 1st of each year, we renew our catastrophe reinsurance program and record the estimated annual cost of our reinsurance program. The annual cost initially increases reinsurance payable, which is then reduced as installment payments are made over the policy period of the reinsurance, which runs from June 1st to May 31st. The balance increased by $228.7 million to $351.3 million as of September 30, 2020 as a result of the timing of the above items.
Payable for securities purchased represents payables relating to available-for-sale debt securities purchases which settle after September 30, 2020. There were payable for securities purchased totaling $98.2 million as of September 30, 2020 and there were no payable for securities purchased as of December 31, 2019.
Other liabilities and accrued expenses increased by $26.9 million to $70.0 million as of September 30, 2020, primarily driven by an increase in commissions payable as a result of higher direct premiums written for the month of September 30, 2020 when compared to direct premiums written for the month of December 31, 2019. In addition, the annual accrual process builds balances during the year and settles those accrued balances by year end. We record accruals during the year for annual events such as bonuses, vacation accruals and annual company or marketing events. The timing of billing from vendors and changes in the payroll accrual based on payroll payment cycles also impacts the level of accrued liabilities.
Capital resources, net, decreased by $20.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The decrease in stockholders’ equity was principally the result of treasury stock repurchases and dividends to shareholders offset by our 2020 net income and share-based compensation. In addition, accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes decreased by $18.7 million as a result of realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale debt securities during the period. See “Item 1—Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity” and “Item 1—Note 8 (Stockholders’ Equity)” for explanation of changes in treasury stock.
The reduction in long-term debt of $1.1 million was the result of principal payments on debt during 2020. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources” for more information.
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. We will continue to monitor liquidity as the economic consequences of COVID-19 continue to unfold (see discussion below regarding the COVID-19 pandemic). Also see the discussion above under “Overview—Trends—Impact of COVID-19” regarding our response to COVID-19, the financial impact to us in 2020, our general outlook and plans to monitor the economic consequences of COVID-19.
The balance of cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2020 was $405.1 million compared to $182.1 million at December 31, 2019. See “Item 1—Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” for a reconciliation of the balance of cash and cash equivalents between September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was driven by positive cash flows from operating and investing activities in excess of those used in financing activities. We have not experienced an adverse impact on our liquidity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our investment and cash investment strategy at times includes cash investments in investments where the right of offset against other bank accounts does not exist. A book overdraft occurs when aggregating the book balance of all accounts at a financial institution, for accounts which have the right of offset, and if the aggregation results in a net negative book balance, that balance is reclassified from cash and cash equivalents in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet to book overdraft. Cash and cash equivalents balances are available to settle book overdrafts, and to pay reinsurance premiums, expenses and 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 FHCF reimbursement premiums are paid in three installments on August 1st, October 1st, and December 1st, and third-party reinsurance is paid in four installments on July 1st, October 1st, January 1st and April 1st, resulting in significant payments at those times. See “Item 1—Note 12 (Commitments and Contingencies)” and “—Contractual Obligations” for more information.
The balance of restricted cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 represents cash equivalents on deposit with certain regulatory agencies in the various states in which our Insurance Entities do business and, in 2020, restricted cash and cash equivalents also includes collateral held by a reinsurance captive arrangement with one of the Insurance Entities reported as a VIE in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The amount of collateral held was $18.5 million as of September 30, 2020. See “Item 1—Note 14 (Variable Interest Entities)” for more information.
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Liquidity is required at the holding company for us to cover the payment of general operating expenses and contingencies, 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, net of amounts received from affiliates, capital contributions to subsidiaries, if needed, and interest and principal payments on outstanding debt obligations of the holding company, if any. The declaration and payment of future dividends to our shareholders, and any future repurchases of our 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 the holding company include dividends paid by our service entities generated from income earned on fees paid by the Insurance Entities to affiliated companies for general agency, inspections and claims adjusting services. Dividends are also paid from income earned from brokerage commissions earned on reinsurance contracts placed by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Blue Atlantic Reinsurance Company, and policy fees. We also maintain high quality investments in our portfolio as a source of liquidity along with ongoing interest and dividend income from those investments. As discussed in “Item 1—Note 5 (Insurance Operations),” 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).
The maximum amount of dividends that can be paid by Florida insurance companies without prior approval of the FLOIR is subject to restrictions as referenced below and in “Item 1—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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 and the year ended December 31, 2019, the Insurance Entities did not pay dividends to 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, premium 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 premiums earned, net, 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 potential losses are paid under the policies written. In the event of catastrophic events, many of our reinsurance agreements provide for “cash advance” whereby reinsurers advance or prepay amounts to us, thereby providing liquidity, which we 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 average credit rating on our available-for-sale securities was A+ as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Credit ratings are a measure of collection risk on invested assets. Credit ratings are provided by third party nationally recognized rating agencies and are periodically updated. Management establishes guidelines for minimum credit rating and overall credit rating for all investments. The duration of our available-for-sale securities was 3.5 years at September 30, 2020 compared to 3.8 years at December 31, 2019. Duration is a measure of a bond’s sensitivity to interest rate changes and is used by management to limit the potential impact of longer-term investments.
The Insurance Entities are responsible for losses related to catastrophic events in excess of coverage provided by the Insurance Entities’ reinsurance programs and retentions before our 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 default by reinsurers may have a material adverse effect on either of the Insurance Entities, on 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-total capital ratio and debt-to-equity ratio for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
| As of | |||||||||||
| September 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | $ | 474,763 | $ | 493,901 | |||||||
| Total long-term debt | 8,823 | 9,926 | |||||||||
| Total capital resources | $ | 483,586 | $ | 503,827 | |||||||
| Debt-to-total capital ratio | 1.8 | % | 2.0 | % | |||||||
| Debt-to-equity ratio | 1.9 | % | 2.0 | % | |||||||
The debt-to-total capital ratio is total long-term debt divided by total capital resources, whereas debt-to-equity ratio is total long-term debt divided by stockholders’ equity. These ratios help management measure the amount of financing leverage in place in relation to equity and future leverage capacity.
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As described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, 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, 2020, 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.
In addition to the liquidity generally provided from operations, we maintain a conservative, well-diversified investment portfolio, predominantly comprised of fixed income securities with an average credit rating of A+, that focuses on capital preservation and providing an adequate source of liquidity for potential claim payments and other cash needs. The portfolio’s secondary investment objective is to provide a total rate of return with emphasis on investment income. Historically, we have consistently generated funds from operations, allowing our cash and invested assets to grow. We have not had to liquidate investment holdings to fund either operations or financing activities. During March 2020, we initially saw extreme instability and dysfunction in the fixed income market, which settled down as the Federal Reserve provided liquidity to that marketplace in the latter part of March. In the third quarter of 2020, we took advantage of the market recovery and recognized $53.8 million of net realized gains on the sales of our available-for-sale debt securities that were in an unrealized gain position. In addition to monetizing an unrealized gain that was recognized in stockholders’ equity under the United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) on a consolidated basis for available-for-sale debt securities and carried at fair value, the realized gains served to increase surplus for UPCIC since available-for-sale debt securities are generally carried at amortized cost under statutory accounting rules.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
Although volatility in the markets remains a key risk as the world continues to navigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been significant recovery in values since the low point on or about March 23, 2020. The proceeds from the sales of available-for-sale debt securities discussed above are in the process of reinvestment which accounts for a temporary increase in cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2020. The sales took advantage of increased market prices occurring on our available-for-sale debt investment portfolio. As a result of the sales and reinvestment of available-for-sale debt securities, it is expected that future portfolio investment income will reflect current market rates which are below the book yield of the securities sold. We remain in regular contact with our advisors to monitor credit actions taken to issuers of our securities and discuss appropriate responses to those actions. We believe these measures, when combined with the inherent liquidity generated by our business model and in our investment portfolio, will allow us to continue to meet our short- and long-term obligations.
We implemented certain premium payment grace periods in Florida and other states to assist policyholders affected by COVID-19. In addition, we have waived late payment fees that otherwise would apply to those policyholders. To date we have not seen significant use of these grace periods. However, the effects of stay-at-home orders are still unfolding and some affected policyholders might not have yet had their next premium payments come due. We are not able at this time to estimate the number of policyholders who might avail themselves of an extended grace period. Generally, a significant number of our policies are subject to payment by mortgage companies, which are likely to continue remitting payments as scheduled. Our collection experience since March 2020 was consistent with our average experience. This reflects on the nature of homeowners’ insurance and the priority that mortgage companies and policyholders place on maintaining coverage for insured properties. We will monitor this as the impact of COVID-19 and its economic consequences are felt by our policyholders.
Looking Forward
We continue to monitor a range of financial metrics related to our business. Although we have not yet experienced material adverse impacts on our business or liquidity, conditions are subject to change depending on the duration of governmental stay-at-home directives, the extent of the economic downturn, and the pace and extent of an economic recovery. Significant uncertainties exist with the potential long-term impact of COVID-19, including unforeseen newly emerging risks that could affect us. We will continue to monitor the broader economic impacts of COVID-19 and its impact on our operations and financial condition including liquidity and capital resources.
Common Stock Repurchases
On November 6, 2019, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase in the open market up to $40 million of outstanding shares of our common stock through December 31, 2021. 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. We will fund the share repurchase program with cash from operations.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we repurchased an aggregate of 1,418,087 shares of our common stock in the open market at an aggregate purchase price of $26.5 million. Also, see “Part II, Item 2—Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds” for share repurchase activity during the three months ended September 30, 2020.
Cash Dividends
The following table summarizes the dividends declared by us:
| 2020 | Dividend Declared Date | Shareholders Record Date | Dividend Payable Date | Cash Dividend Per Common Share Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Quarter | February 11, 2020 | March 12, 2020 | March 19, 2020 | $ | 0.16 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Second Quarter | April 16, 2020 | May 14, 2020 | May 21, 2020 | $ | 0.16 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Third Quarter | July 6, 2020 | July 31, 2020 | August 7, 2020 | $ | 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, 2020 (in thousands):
| Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | Over 5 years | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance payable and multi-year commitments (1) | $ | 550,873 | $ | 351,255 | $ | 199,618 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unpaid losses and LAE, direct (2) | 202,720 | 123,862 | 58,991 | 14,596 | 5,271 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | 9,000 | 1,144 | 4,521 | 2,967 | 368 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total contractual obligations | $ | 762,593 | $ | 476,261 | $ | 263,130 | $ | 17,563 | $ | 5,639 | |||||||||||||||||||
(1)The 1-3 years amount represents the payment of reinsurance premiums payable under multi-year commitments. See “Item 1—–Note 12 (Commitments and Contingencies).”
(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, 2020. 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).”
Arrangements with Variable Interest Entities
We entered into a reinsurance captive arrangement with a VIE in the normal course of business, and consolidated the VIE since we are the primary beneficiary.
For a further discussion of our involvement with the VIE, see “Item 1—Note 2 (Significant Accounting Policies)” and “Item 1—Note 14 (Variable Interest Entities).”
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 II, Item 7—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, 2019.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) revised U.S. GAAP with the issuance of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740). The amendments in this ASU simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions and clarifying certain requirements regarding franchise taxes, goodwill, consolidated tax expenses and annual effective tax rate calculations. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.
See “Item 1—Note 2 (Significant Accounting Policies)” for more information about recently adopted accounting pronouncements.
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, 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, 2020 is comprised of available-for-sale debt securities and equity securities, carried at fair market value, which expose us to changing market conditions, specifically interest rates and equity 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.
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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.
The following tables provide information about our fixed income Financial Instruments as of September 30, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019, which are sensitive to changes in interest rates. The tables present the expected cash flows of Financial Instruments based 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):
| September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Thereafter | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized cost | $ | 75,023 | $ | 60,595 | $ | 100,727 | $ | 176,995 | $ | 131,578 | $ | 293,563 | $ | 2,165 | $ | 840,646 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair market value | $ | 75,416 | $ | 60,788 | $ | 101,143 | $ | 178,356 | $ | 131,597 | $ | 293,092 | $ | 2,182 | $ | 842,574 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupon rate | 2.14 | % | 1.72 | % | 1.95 | % | 3.24 | % | 2.63 | % | 2.34 | % | 4.16 | % | 2.47 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Book yield | 1.45 | % | 0.82 | % | 0.73 | % | 1.04 | % | 1.09 | % | 1.61 | % | 4.04 | % | 1.24 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
* Years to effective maturity - 5.5 years | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Thereafter | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized cost | $ | 106,961 | $ | 107,705 | $ | 59,350 | $ | 124,596 | $ | 98,477 | $ | 331,082 | $ | 165 | $ | 828,336 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair market value | $ | 107,259 | $ | 108,516 | $ | 60,105 | $ | 128,599 | $ | 101,345 | $ | 349,259 | $ | 201 | $ | 855,284 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupon rate | 2.46 | % | 2.58 | % | 3.06 | % | 3.52 | % | 3.50 | % | 3.64 | % | 7.50 | % | 3.28 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Book yield | 2.46 | % | 2.44 | % | 2.77 | % | 3.27 | % | 3.03 | % | 3.47 | % | 6.31 | % | 3.08 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * Years to effective maturity - 4.7 years | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All securities, except those with perpetual maturities, were categorized in the tables 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 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, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Percent | Fair Value | Percent | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock | $ | 2,240 | 4.3 | % | $ | 2,377 | 5.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Mutual funds | 50,460 | 95.7 | % | 41,340 | 94.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total equity securities | $ | 52,700 | 100.0 | % | $ | 43,717 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
A hypothetical decrease of 20% in the market prices of each of the equity securities held at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 would have resulted in a decrease of $10.5 million and $8.7 million, respectively, in the fair value of those securities.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents new and emerging uncertainty to the financial markets. See further discussion in “Item 2— Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
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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 Exchange Act 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, 2020, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act 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
Please refer to the risk factors previously disclosed in “Part I, Item 1A—Risk Factors,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as supplemented in “Part II, Item 1A—Risk Factors” of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.
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 September 30, 2020.
| 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) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7/1/2020 - 7/31/2020 | — | $ | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 8/1/2020 - 8/31/2020 | 260,151 | $ | 19.04 | 260,151 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 9/1/2020 - 9/30/2020 | 273,761 | $ | 17.95 | 273,761 | 135,878 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 533,912 | $ | 18.49 | 533,912 | 135,878 | |||||||||||||||||||||
(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 September 30, 2020 of $13.84 per share.
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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. We will fund the share repurchase program with cash from operations.
On November 6, 2019, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $40 million of outstanding shares of our common stock through December 31, 2021 (the “December 2021 Share Repurchase Program”). Under the December 2021 Share Repurchase Program, we repurchased 1,821,229 shares of our common stock from November 2019 through September 30, 2020 at an aggregate cost of approximately $38.2 million.
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Item 6. Exhibits
| Exhibit No. | Exhibit | |||||||
| 101.1 | The following materials from Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2020, 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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. | |||||||
| 104 | The cover page from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, formatted in Inline XBRL (included in Exhibit 101.1) | |||||||
| † Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. | ||||||||
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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 30, 2020 | /s/ Stephen J. Donaghy | |||||||
| Stephen J. Donaghy, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer | ||||||||
| Date: October 30, 2020 | /s/ Frank C. Wilcox | |||||||
| Frank C. Wilcox, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer | ||||||||
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