Universal Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

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Oct 24, 2024

Universal Insurance Holdings (NYSE: UVE) (“Universal” or the “Company”) reported third quarter 2024 results.

*Reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the attached tables.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to those impacted by recent disasters, including Hurricanes Debbie and Helene in the third quarter and Hurricane Milton in the fourth quarter,” said Stephen J. Donaghy, Chief Executive Officer. “We’ve been through many hurricanes in our nearly three-decade history, arming us with the requisite experience to quickly and efficiently get policyholders back on their feet. Our substantial reinsurance protection and the strong reinsurance relationships that we’ve built over many years provide us with the financial resilience to weather both high frequency and high severity storm seasons. As we’ve previously disclosed, our consolidated retention drops for subsequent events and we expect a smaller financial impact from weather in the fourth quarter, inclusive of Hurricane Milton. Non-catastrophe underwriting trends continue to improve and we’re highly encouraged as we look ahead.

On a separate note, we opened for business in Wisconsin at the beginning of the month, our 19th state. We’re excited to offer our insurance products there, as we continue to expand to new markets, diversifying our book of business and growing our addressable market.”

Quarterly Financial Results

Summary Financial Results

($thousands, except per share data)

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2024

2023

Change

2024

2023

Change

GAAP comparison

Total revenues

$

387,554

$

360,048

7.6%

$

1,135,727

$

1,016,126

11.8%

Operating income (loss)

$

(16,504

)

$

(6,246

)

164.2%

$

82,130

$

67,349

21.9%

Operating income (loss) margin

(4.3

)%

(1.7

)%

(2.6) pts

7.2

%

6.6

%

0.6 pts

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

$

(16,166

)

$

(5,918

)

173.2%

$

52,902

$

46,816

13.0%

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

$

(0.57

)

$

(0.20

)

185.0%

$

1.80

$

1.54

16.9%

Annualized ROCE

(16.3

)%

(7.4

)%

(8.9) pts

19.0

%

21.2

%

(2.2) pts

Book value per share, end of period

$

14.15

$

10.33

37.0%

$

14.15

$

10.33

37.0%

Non-GAAP comparison1

Core revenue

$

381,401

$

361,764

5.4%

$

1,125,501

$

1,015,060

10.9%

Adjusted operating income (loss)

$

(22,657

)

$

(4,530

)

400.2%

$

71,904

$

66,283

8.5%

Adjusted operating income (loss) margin

(5.9

)%

(1.3

)%

(4.6) pts

6.4

%

6.5

%

(0.1) pts

Adjusted net income (loss) available to common stockholders

$

(20,805

)

$

(4,624

)

349.9%

$

45,192

$

46,012

(1.8)%

Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per common share

$

(0.73

)

$

(0.16

)

356.3%

$

1.54

$

1.51

2.0%

Annualized adjusted ROCE

(18.3

)%

(4.4

)%

(13.9) pts

14.1

%

15.4

%

(1.3) pts

Adjusted book value per share, end of period

$

15.76

$

14.00

12.6%

$

15.76

$

14.00

12.6%

Underwriting Summary

Premiums:

Premiums in force

$

2,046,310

$

1,914,493

6.9%

$

2,046,310

$

1,914,493

6.9%

Policies in force

844,539

807,553

4.6%

844,539

807,553

4.6%

Direct premiums written

$

574,351

$

531,988

8.0%

$

1,598,797

$

1,489,216

7.4%

Direct premiums earned

$

507,745

$

474,311

7.0%

$

1,480,466

$

1,393,003

6.3%

Ceded premiums earned

$

(162,009

)

$

(143,271

)

13.1%

$

(455,747

)

$

(476,465

)

(4.3)%

Ceded premium ratio

31.9

%

30.2

%

1.7 pts

30.8

%

34.2

%

(3.4) pts

Net premiums earned

$

345,736

$

331,040

4.4%

$

1,024,719

$

916,538

11.8%

Net ratios:

Loss ratio

91.7

%

87.0

%

4.7 pts

78.1

%

78.3

%

(0.2) pts

Expense ratio

25.2

%

23.7

%

1.5 pts

24.7

%

25.2

%

(0.5) pts

Combined ratio

116.9

%

110.7

%

6.2 pts

102.8

%

103.5

%

(0.7) pts

1 Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the attached tables. Adjusted net income (loss) available to common stockholders, adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per common share and core revenue exclude net realized gains (losses) on investments and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments. Adjusted operating income (loss) excludes the items above and interest and amortization of debt issuance costs. Adjusted book value per share excludes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes. Adjusted ROCE is calculated by dividing annualized adjusted net income (loss) available to common stockholders by average adjusted book value per share, with the denominator further excluding current period after-tax net realized gains (losses) on investments and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments.

Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss

Net loss available to common stockholders was $16.2 million, compared to a net loss of $5.9 million in the prior year quarter, and adjusted net loss available to common stockholders was $20.8 million, compared to an adjusted net loss of $4.6 million in the prior year quarter. The higher adjusted net loss available to common stockholders mostly stems from lower underwriting income, partly offset by higher net investment income and commission revenue.

Revenues

Revenue was $387.6 million, up 7.6% from the prior year quarter and core revenue was $381.4 million, up 5.4% from the prior year quarter. The increase in core revenue primarily stems from higher net premiums earned, net investment income and commission revenue.

Direct premiums written were $574.4 million, up 8.0% from the prior year quarter. The increase stems from 2.1% growth in Florida and 32.9% growth in other states. Overall growth mostly reflects higher policies in force, higher rates and inflation adjustments.

Direct premiums earned were $507.7 million, up 7.0% from the prior year quarter. The increase stems from direct premiums written growth over the past twelve months.

The ceded premium ratio was 31.9%, up from 30.2% in the prior year quarter. The increase primarily reflects replacement of the Reinsurance to Assist Policyholders (RAP) layer, which was provided by the state of Florida, with private market coverage.

Net premiums earned were $345.7 million, up 4.4% from the prior year quarter. The increase is primarily attributable to higher direct premiums earned, partly offset by a higher ceded premium ratio, as described above.

Net investment income was $15.4 million, up from $12.8 million in the prior year quarter. The increase primarily stems from higher fixed income reinvestment yields and higher invested assets.

Commissions, policy fees and other revenue were $20.3 million, up 12.7% from the prior year quarter. The increase primarily reflects replacement of the RAP layer with private market coverage and replacement of the catastrophe bond with traditional reinsurance coverage in the 2024-2025 program.

Margins

The operating loss margin was 4.3%, compared to an operating loss margin of 1.7% in the prior year quarter. The adjusted operating loss margin was 5.9%, compared to an adjusted operating loss margin of 1.3% in the prior year quarter. The higher adjusted operating loss margin primarily reflects a higher net combined ratio, partly offset by higher net investment income and commission revenue.

The net loss ratio was 91.7%, up 4.7 points compared to the prior year quarter. The increase primarily reflects higher weather losses, mostly from Hurricane Helene, partly offset by more favorable prior year reserve development.

The net expense ratio was 25.2%, up 1.5 points from 23.7% in the prior year quarter. The increase was primarily driven by higher policy acquisition costs associated with growth outside Florida and higher other operating costs.

The net combined ratio was 116.9%, up 6.2 points compared to the prior year quarter. The increase reflects higher net loss and expense ratios, as described above.

Capital Deployment

During the third quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 226 thousand shares at an aggregate cost of $4.4 million. The Company’s current share repurchase authorization program has approximately $10.3 million remaining.

On July 11, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 16 cents per share of common stock, payable on August 9, 2024, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 2, 2024.

Conference Call and Webcast

About Universal

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UVE) is a holding company providing property and casualty insurance and value-added insurance services. We develop, market, and write insurance products for consumers predominantly in the personal residential homeowners lines of business and perform substantially all other insurance-related services for our primary insurance entities, including risk management, claims management and distribution. We provide insurance products in the United States through both our appointed independent agents and our direct online distribution channels, primarily in Florida. Learn more at universalinsuranceholdings.com or get an insurance quote at Clovered.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators

This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including core revenue, adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders and diluted adjusted earnings (loss) per common share, which exclude the impact of net realized gains (losses) on investments and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments. Adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted operating income (loss) margin exclude the impact of net realized gains (losses) on investments and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments and interest and amortization of debt issuance costs. Adjusted common stockholders’ equity and adjusted book value per share exclude accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), net of taxes. Adjusted return on common equity excludes after-tax net realized gains (losses) on investments and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments from the numerator and AOCI, net of taxes, and current period after-tax net realized gains (losses) on investments and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments from the denominator. A “non-GAAP financial measure” is generally defined as a numerical measure of a company’s historical or future performance that excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments, so as to be different from the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). UVE management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are meaningful, as they allow investors to evaluate underlying revenue and profitability trends and enhance comparability across periods. When considered together with the GAAP financial measures, management believes these metrics provide information that is useful to investors in understanding period-over-period operating results separate and apart from items that may, or could, have a disproportionately positive or negative impact on results in any particular period. UVE management also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures enhance the ability of investors to analyze UVE’s business trends and to understand UVE’s operational performance. UVE’s management utilizes these non-GAAP financial measures as guides in long-term planning. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information regarding our key performance indicators, please refer to the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Key Performance Indicators” in our forthcoming Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will,” “plan,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Such statements may include commentary on plans, products and lines of business, marketing arrangements, reinsurance programs and other business developments and assumptions relating to the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, including those risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and supplemented in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Future results could differ materially from those described, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. For further information regarding risk factors that could affect the Company’s operations and future results, refer to the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the most recent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share data)

September 30,

December 31,

2024

2023

ASSETS:

Invested Assets

Fixed maturities, at fair value

$

1,276,732

$

1,064,330

Equity securities, at fair value

79,470

80,495

Other investments, at fair value

12,248

10,434

Investment real estate, net

5,618

5,525

Total invested assets

1,374,068

1,160,784

Cash and cash equivalents

333,678

397,306

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

68,635

2,635

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

418,834

236,254

Reinsurance recoverable

130,124

219,102

Premiums receivable, net

92,400

77,064

Property and equipment, net

49,358

47,628

Deferred policy acquisition costs

125,305

109,985

Goodwill

2,319

2,319

Other assets

55,797

63,484

TOTAL ASSETS

$

2,650,518

$

2,316,561

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES:

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

$

460,437

$

510,117

Unearned premiums

1,108,890

990,559

Advance premium

71,700

48,660

Reinsurance payable, net

420,282

191,850

Long-term debt, net

101,434

102,006

Other liabilities

87,530

132,072

Total liabilities

2,250,273

1,975,264

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

Cumulative convertible preferred stock ($0.01 par value)2

Common stock ($0.01 par value)3

472

472

Treasury shares, at cost - 19,012 and 18,303

(274,977

)

(260,779

)

Additional paid-in capital

121,003

115,086

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

(45,593

)

(74,172

)

Retained earnings

599,340

560,690

Total stockholders' equity

400,245

341,297

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

$

2,650,518

$

2,316,561

Notes:

2 Cumulative convertible preferred stock ($0.01 par value): Authorized - 1,000 shares; Issued - 10 and 10 shares; Outstanding - 10 and 10 shares; Minimum liquidation preference - $9.99 and $9.99 per share.

3 Common stock ($0.01 par value): Authorized - 55,000 shares; Issued - 47,298 and 47,269 shares; Outstanding 28,286 and 28,966 shares.

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

REVENUES

Net premiums earned

$

345,736

$

331,040

$

1,024,719

$

916,538

Net investment income

15,406

12,755

43,589

34,735

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

(1,146

)

(431

)

(1,534

)

(337

)

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

7,299

(1,285

)

11,760

1,403

Commission revenue

12,959

10,830

35,671

43,098

Policy fees

5,194

5,111

15,175

14,662

Other revenue

2,106

2,028

6,347

6,027

Total revenues

387,554

360,048

1,135,727

1,016,126

EXPENSES

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

316,955

287,972

800,714

717,853

Policy acquisition costs

58,665

53,180

170,100

156,877

Other operating expenses

28,438

25,142

82,783

74,047

Total operating costs and expenses

404,058

366,294

1,053,597

948,777

Interest and amortization of debt issuance costs

1,619

1,631

4,864

4,896

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

(18,123

)

(7,877

)

77,266

62,453

Income tax expense (benefit)

(1,960

)

(1,962

)

24,356

15,629

NET INCOME (LOSS)

$

(16,163

)

$

(5,915

)

$

52,910

$

46,824

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SHARE AND PER SHARE INFORMATION

(in thousands, except per share data)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

28,355

29,617

28,607

30,087

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

28,355

29,617

29,317

30,378

Shares outstanding, end of period

28,286

29,186

28,286

29,186

Basic earnings (loss) per common share

$

(0.57

)

$

(0.20

)

$

1.85

$

1.56

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

$

(0.57

)

$

(0.20

)

$

1.80

$

1.54

Cash dividend declared per common share

$

0.16

$

0.16

$

0.48

$

0.48

Book value per share, end of period

$

14.15

$

10.33

$

14.15

$

10.33

Annualized return on average common equity (ROCE)

(16.3

)%

(7.4

)%

19.0

%

21.2

%

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

(in thousands, except for Policies In Force data)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Premiums

Direct premiums written - Florida

$

440,018

$

430,946

$

1,255,861

$

1,225,295

Direct premiums written - Other States

134,333

101,042

342,936

263,921

Direct premiums written - Total

$

574,351

$

531,988

$

1,598,797

$

1,489,216

Direct premiums earned

$

507,745

$

474,311

$

1,480,466

$

1,393,003

Net premiums earned

$

345,736

$

331,040

$

1,024,719

$

916,538

Underwriting Ratios - Net

Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio

91.7

%

87.0

%

78.1

%

78.3

%

General and administrative expense ratio

25.2

%

23.7

%

24.7

%

25.2

%

Policy acquisition cost ratio

17.0

%

16.1

%

16.6

%

17.1

%

Other operating expense ratio

8.2

%

7.6

%

8.1

%

8.1

%

Combined ratio

116.9

%

110.7

%

102.8

%

103.5

%

As of

September 30,

2024

2023

Policies in force

Florida

570,432

570,339

Other States

274,107

237,214

Total

844,539

807,553

Premiums in force

Florida

$

1,609,836

$

1,571,600

Other States

436,474

342,893

Total

$

2,046,310

$

1,914,493

Total Insured Value

Florida

$

187,639,152

$

190,299,057

Other States

160,357,285

130,281,463

Total

$

347,996,437

$

320,580,520

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(in thousands, except for per share data)

GAAP revenue to core revenue

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

GAAP revenue

$

387,554

$

360,048

$

1,135,727

$

1,016,126

less: Net realized gains (losses) on investments

(1,146

)

(431

)

(1,534

)

(337

)

less: Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

7,299

(1,285

)

11,760

1,403

Core revenue

$

381,401

$

361,764

$

1,125,501

$

1,015,060

GAAP operating income (loss) to adjusted operating income (loss)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

GAAP income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

$

(18,123

)

$

(7,877

)

$

77,266

$

62,453

add: Interest and amortization of debt issuance costs

1,619

1,631

4,864

4,896

GAAP operating income (loss)

(16,504

)

(6,246

)

82,130

67,349

less: Net realized gains (losses) on investments

(1,146

)

(431

)

(1,534

)

(337

)

less: Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

7,299

(1,285

)

11,760

1,403

Adjusted operating income (loss)

$

(22,657

)

$

(4,530

)

$

71,904

$

66,283

GAAP operating income (loss) margin to adjusted operating income (loss) margin

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

GAAP operating income (loss) (a)

$

(16,504

)

$

(6,246

)

$

82,130

$

67,349

GAAP revenue (b)

387,554

360,048

1,135,727

1,016,126

GAAP operating income (loss) margin (a÷b)

(4.3

)%

(1.7

)%

7.2

%

6.6

%

Adjusted operating income (loss) (c)

(22,657

)

(4,530

)

71,904

66,283

Core revenue (d)

381,401

361,764

1,125,501

1,015,060

Adjusted operating income (loss) margin (c÷d)

(5.9

)%

(1.3

)%

6.4

%

6.5

%

GAAP net income (loss) (NI) to adjusted NI (loss) available to common stockholders

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

GAAP NI (loss)

$

(16,163

)

$

(5,915

)

$

52,910

$

46,824

less: Preferred dividends

3

3

8

8

GAAP NI (loss) available to common stockholders (e)

(16,166

)

(5,918

)

52,902

46,816

less: Net realized gains (losses) on investments

(1,146

)

(431

)

(1,534

)

(337

)

less: Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

7,299

(1,285

)

11,760

1,403

add: Income tax effect on above adjustments

1,514

(422

)

2,516

262

Adjusted NI (loss) available to common stockholders (f)

$

(20,805

)

$

(4,624

)

$

45,192

$

46,012

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding (g)

28,355

29,617

29,317

30,378

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (e÷g)

$

(0.57

)

$

(0.20

)

$

1.80

$

1.54

Diluted adjusted earnings (loss) per common share (f÷g)

$

(0.73

)

$

(0.16

)

$

1.54

$

1.51

GAAP stockholders’ equity to adjusted common stockholders’ equity

As of

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

2024

2023

2023

GAAP stockholders’ equity

$

400,245

$

301,502

$

341,297

less: Preferred equity

100

100

100

Common stockholders’ equity (h)

400,145

301,402

341,197

less: Accumulated other comprehensive (loss), net of taxes

(45,593

)

(107,115

)

(74,172

)

Adjusted common stockholders’ equity (i)

$

445,738

$

408,517

$

415,369

Common shares outstanding (j)

28,286

29,186

28,966

Book value per common share (h÷j)

$

14.15

$

10.33

$

11.78

Adjusted book value per common share (i÷j)

$

15.76

$

14.00

$

14.34

GAAP return on common equity (ROCE) to adjusted ROCE

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

Year Ended

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

2024

2023

2024

2023

2023

Actual or Annualized NI (loss) available to common stockholders (k)

$

(64,664

)

$

(23,672

)

$

70,536

$

62,421

$

66,813

Average common stockholders’ equity (l)

396,641

317,987

370,671

294,599

314,497

ROCE (k÷l)

(16.3

)%

(7.4

)%

19.0

%

21.2

%

21.2

%

Annualized adjusted NI (loss) available to common stockholders (m)

$

(83,220

)

$

(18,496

)

$

60,256

$

61,349

$

58,657

Adjusted average common stockholders’ equity4 (n)

454,977

420,120

426,699

399,646

399,396

Adjusted ROCE (m÷n)

(18.3

)%

(4.4

)%

14.1

%

15.4

%

14.7

%

4 Adjusted average common stockholders’ equity excludes current period after-tax net realized gains (losses) on investments and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments.

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