Universal Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

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

“It was a strong quarter, including a 29.4% annualized adjusted return on common equity and 35.4% adjusted diluted EPS growth year-over-year,” said Stephen J. Donaghy, Chief Executive Officer. “Results were solid across the board, including profitable underwriting that was complemented by our non-underwriting operations, which is a testament to our differentiated business model. Direct premiums written growth accelerated sequentially, as policies-in-force are stabilizing following our previous underwriting initiatives.

“I’m pleased to announce the completion of our 2024-2025 reinsurance renewal for our insurance entities, as our program is now fully supported and secured. We've also secured additional multi-year coverage, taking us through the 2025-2026 hurricane season and have added new, financially strong reinsurers to our existing panel of long-term partners. This achievement reflects the diligence and planning of our reinsurance team throughout the year. Program cost and coverage were consistent with our expectations and we’ll provide specific details at the end of May, as we typically do.”

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

Quarterly Financial Results

Summary Financial Results

($thousands, except per share data)	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024				2023			Change
GAAP comparison
Total revenues	$	367,959			$	316,508			16.3	%
Operating income	$	49,106			$	34,427			42.6	%
Operating income margin		13.3	%			10.9	%		2.4 pts
Net income available to common stockholders	$	33,654			$	24,170			39.2	%
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.14			$	0.79			44.3	%
Annualized ROCE		38.1	%			31.7	%		6.4 pts
Book value per share, end of period	$	12.68			$	10.57			20.0	%
Non-GAAP comparison1
Core revenue	$	364,930			$	316,339			15.4	%
Adjusted operating income	$	46,077			$	34,258			34.5	%
Adjusted operating income margin		12.6	%			10.8	%		1.8 pts
Adjusted net income available to common stockholders	$	31,370			$	24,043			30.5	%
Adjusted diluted earnings per common share	$	1.07			$	0.79			35.4	%
Annualized adjusted ROCE		29.4	%			23.9	%		5.5 pts
Adjusted book value per share, end of period	$	15.34			$	13.52			13.5	%
Underwriting Summary
Premiums:
Premiums in force	$	1,963,765			$	1,862,716			5.4	%
Policies in force		820,078				827,981			(1.0	)%
Direct premiums written	$	446,179			$	410,102			8.8	%
Direct premiums earned	$	482,072			$	455,368			5.9	%
Ceded premiums earned	$	(148,047	)		$	(173,144	)		(14.5	)%
Ceded premium ratio		30.7	%			38.0	%		(7.3) pts
Net premiums earned	$	334,025			$	282,224			18.4	%
Net ratios:
Loss ratio		71.9	%			73.1	%		(1.2) pts
Expense ratio		23.6	%			26.9	%		(3.3) pts
Combined ratio		95.5	%			100.0	%		(4.5) pts
1 Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the attached tables. Adjusted net income available to common stockholders, adjusted diluted earnings 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 excludes the items above and interest and amortization of debt issuance costs. Adjusted book value per share excludes accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes. Adjusted ROCE is calculated by dividing annualized adjusted net income 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 Income and Adjusted Net Income

Net income available to common stockholders was $33.7 million, up from $24.2 million in the prior year quarter, and adjusted net income available to common stockholders was $31.4 million, up from $24.0 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in adjusted net income available to common stockholders mostly stems from higher underwriting and net investment income, partly offset by lower commission revenue.

Revenues

Revenue was $368.0 million, up 16.3% from the prior year quarter and core revenue was $364.9 million, up 15.4% from the prior year quarter. The increase in core revenue primarily stems from higher net premiums earned and net investment income, partly offset by lower commission revenue.

Direct premiums written were $446.2 million, up 8.8% from the prior year quarter. The increase stems from 5.2% growth in Florida and 25.6% growth in other states. Overall growth mostly reflects higher rates, inflation adjustments and stabilizing policies in force.

Direct premiums earned were $482.1 million, up 5.9% from the prior year quarter. The increase stems from rate-driven direct premiums written growth over the past twelve months.

The ceded premium ratio was 30.7%, down from 38.0% in the prior year quarter. The decrease primarily reflects efficiencies associated with the 2023-2024 reinsurance program, including the benefits of multi-year reinsurance and the Reinsurance to Assist Policyholders (RAP) layer, partly offset by higher private market reinsurance pricing.

Net premiums earned were $334.0 million, up 18.4% from the prior year quarter. The increase is primarily attributable to higher direct premiums earned and a lower ceded premium ratio, as described above.

Net investment income was $13.5 million, up from $10.7 million in the prior year quarter. The increase primarily stems from higher fixed income reinvestment yields and higher yields on cash.

Commissions, policy fees and other revenue were $17.4 million, down 25.8% from the prior year quarter. The decrease primarily reflects commissions earned on Hurricane Ian related reinstatement premiums in the prior year quarter.

Margins

The operating income margin was 13.3%, up from an operating income margin of 10.9% in the prior year quarter. The adjusted operating income margin was 12.6%, up from an adjusted operating income margin of 10.8% in the prior year quarter. The higher adjusted operating income margin primarily reflects a lower net combined ratio and higher net investment income, partly offset by lower commission revenue.

The net loss ratio was 71.9%, down 1.2 points compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease primarily reflects higher net premiums earned associated with lower reinsurance costs in the current year quarter.

The net expense ratio was 23.6%, down 3.3 points from 26.9% in the prior year quarter. The reduction primarily reflects higher net premiums earned associated with lower reinsurance costs in the current year quarter and economies of scale.

The net combined ratio was 95.5%, down 4.5 points compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease reflects lower net loss and expense ratios, as described above.

Capital Deployment

During the first quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 208 thousand shares at an aggregate cost of $4.1 million. The Company’s current share repurchase authorization program has approximately $20.0 million remaining.

On April 10, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 16 cents per share of common stock, payable on May 17, 2024, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 10, 2024.

Conference Call and Webcast

• Friday, April 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET
• Investors and other interested parties may listen to the call by accessing the online, real-time webcast at universalinsuranceholdings.com/investors or by registering in advance via teleconference at register.vevent.com/register/BIe25a714f6df74ad6a67ecf9d12bad614. Once registration is completed, participants will be provided with a dial-in number containing a personalized conference code to access the call. An online replay of the call will be available at universalinsuranceholdings.com/investors soon after the investor call concludes.

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 and adjusted operating income 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 (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 March 31, 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)
		March 31,				December 31,
			2024				2023
ASSETS:
Invested Assets
Fixed maturities, at fair value		$	1,107,058			$	1,064,330
Equity securities, at fair value			81,659				80,495
Other investments, at fair value			10,434				10,434
Investment real estate, net			5,479				5,525
Total invested assets			1,204,630				1,160,784
Cash and cash equivalents			396,323				397,306
Restricted cash and cash equivalents			2,635				2,635
Prepaid reinsurance premiums			88,499				236,254
Reinsurance recoverable			124,646				219,102
Premiums receivable, net			73,974				77,064
Property and equipment, net			49,416				47,628
Deferred policy acquisition costs			106,632				109,985
Goodwill			2,319				2,319
Other assets			71,070				63,484
TOTAL ASSETS		$	2,120,144			$	2,316,561
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		$	429,629			$	510,117
Unearned premiums			954,666				990,559
Advance premium			74,370				48,660
Reinsurance payable, net			97,871				191,850
Long-term debt, net			101,815				102,006
Other liabilities			97,129				132,072
Total liabilities			1,755,480				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 - 18,511 and 18,303			(264,918	)			(260,779	)
Additional paid-in capital			116,239				115,086
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes			(76,714	)			(74,172	)
Retained earnings			589,585				560,690
Total stockholders' equity			364,664				341,297
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY		$	2,120,144			$	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 - 47,269 and 47,269 shares; Outstanding 28,758 and 28,966 shares.

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (in thousands)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
			2024				2023
REVENUES
Net premiums earned		$	334,025			$	282,224
Net investment income			13,523				10,698
Net realized gains (losses) on investments			(77	)			(788	)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments			3,106				957
Commission revenue			11,033				17,282
Policy fees			4,405				4,167
Other revenue			1,944				1,968
Total revenues			367,959				316,508
EXPENSES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses			240,187				206,154
Policy acquisition costs			54,821				51,691
Other operating expenses			23,845				24,236
Total operating costs and expenses			318,853				282,081
Interest and amortization of debt issuance costs			1,622				1,636
Income before income tax expense			47,484				32,791
Income tax expense			13,827				8,618
NET INCOME		$	33,657			$	24,173

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SHARE AND PER SHARE INFORMATION (in thousands, except per share data)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
			2024				2023
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic			28,869				30,382
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted			29,404				30,626
Shares outstanding, end of period			28,758				30,440
Basic earnings per common share		$	1.17			$	0.80
Diluted earnings per common share		$	1.14			$	0.79
Cash dividend declared per common share		$	0.16			$	0.16
Book value per share, end of period		$	12.68			$	10.57
Annualized return on average common equity (ROCE)			38.1	%			31.7	%

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (in thousands, except for Policies In Force data)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
			2024				2023
Premiums
Direct premiums written - Florida		$	354,825			$	337,365
Direct premiums written - Other States			91,354				72,737
Direct premiums written - Total		$	446,179			$	410,102
Direct premiums earned		$	482,072			$	455,368
Net premiums earned		$	334,025			$	282,224
Underwriting Ratios - Net
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio			71.9	%			73.1	%
General and administrative expense ratio			23.6	%			26.9	%
Policy acquisition cost ratio			16.4	%			18.3	%
Other operating expense ratio			7.2	%			8.6	%
Combined ratio			95.5	%			100.0	%

		As of
		March 31,
			2024				2023
Policies in force
Florida			570,395				595,327
Other States			249,683				232,654
Total			820,078				827,981
Premiums in force
Florida		$	1,587,950			$	1,543,967
Other States			375,815				318,749
Total		$	1,963,765			$	1,862,716
Total Insured Value
Florida		$	188,222,514			$	197,085,882
Other States			140,982,423				123,651,801
Total		$	329,204,937			$	320,737,683

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
	March 31,
		2024				2023
GAAP revenue	$	367,959			$	316,508
less: Net realized gains (losses) on investments		(77	)			(788	)
less: Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments		3,106				957
Core revenue	$	364,930			$	316,339

GAAP operating income to adjusted operating income
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
		2024				2023
GAAP income before income tax expense	$	47,484			$	32,791
add: Interest and amortization of debt issuance costs		1,622				1,636
GAAP operating income		49,106				34,427
less: Net realized gains (losses) on investments		(77	)			(788	)
less: Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments		3,106				957
Adjusted operating income	$	46,077			$	34,258

GAAP operating income margin to adjusted operating income margin
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
		2024				2023
GAAP operating income (a)	$	49,106			$	34,427
GAAP revenue (b)		367,959				316,508
GAAP operating income margin (a÷b)		13.3	%			10.9	%
Adjusted operating income (c)		46,077				34,258
Core revenue (d)		364,930				316,339
Adjusted operating income margin (c÷d)		12.6	%			10.8	%

GAAP net income (NI) to adjusted NI available to common stockholders
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
		2024				2023
GAAP NI	$	33,657			$	24,173
less: Preferred dividends		3				3
GAAP NI available to common stockholders (e)		33,654				24,170
less: Net realized gains (losses) on investments		(77	)			(788	)
less: Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments		3,106				957
add: Income tax effect on above adjustments		745				42
Adjusted NI available to common stockholders (f)	$	31,370			$	24,043
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding (g)		29,404				30,626
Diluted earnings per common share (e÷g)	$	1.14			$	0.79
Diluted adjusted earnings per common share (f÷g)	$	1.07			$	0.79

GAAP stockholders’ equity to adjusted common stockholders’ equity
	As of
	March 31,				March 31,					December 31,
		2024				2023					2023
GAAP stockholders’ equity	$	364,664			$	321,806				$	341,297
less: Preferred equity		100				100					100
Common stockholders’ equity (h)		364,564				321,706					341,197
less: Accumulated other comprehensive (loss), net of taxes		(76,714	)			(89,991	)				(74,172	)
Adjusted common stockholders’ equity (i)	$	441,278			$	411,697				$	415,369
Common shares outstanding (j)		28,758				30,440					28,966
Book value per common share (h÷j)	$	12.68			$	10.57				$	11.78
Adjusted book value per common share (i÷j)	$	15.34			$	13.52				$	14.34

GAAP return on common equity (ROCE) to adjusted ROCE
	Three Months Ended									Year Ended
	March 31,									December 31,
		2024				2023					2023
Actual or Annualized NI available to common stockholders (k)	$	134,616			$	96,680				$	66,813
Average common stockholders’ equity (l)		352,881				304,751					314,497
ROCE (k÷l)		38.1	%			31.7	%				21.2	%
Annualized adjusted NI available to common stockholders (m)	$	125,480			$	96,172				$	58,657
Adjusted average common stockholders’ equity4 (n)		427,182				401,574					399,396
Adjusted ROCE (m÷n)		29.4	%			23.9	%				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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The Universal Insurance Holdings Stock at the time of publication of the news with a fall of -0,26 % to 18,90EUR on Lang & Schwarz stock exchange (25. April 2024, 22:12 Uhr).