Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2014 Financial Results

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UVE) (or the "Company") today reported net income of $17.1 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, an increase of $0.05, for the second quarter of 2014, compared to net income of $17.0 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, for the same period in 2013.

"We are pleased to report strong second quarter operational and financial results, demonstrating the merits of our strategy and our prudent and disciplined approach to underwriting," said Sean P. Downes, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The reduction in costs that we were able to secure for our 2014-2015 reinsurance program have allowed us to write more high quality, rate adequate business. As a result, we are seeing increasing momentum in direct premiums written, with a  year-over-year increase in both new and renewal policy submissions in Florida during the second quarter. In addition, we have continued to increase our geographic diversity, growing our policy count for new business in states outside of Florida by over 40 percent year-over-year. Looking ahead, we will continue to maintain disciplined pricing analytics, and continue to make investments in personnel to improve our processes and continue our entry into new markets.  We believe we are well positioned to grow organically and drive shareholder returns as we enter the second half of the year." 

Second-Quarter 2014 & Recent Highlights

• Net income and diluted EPS grew by $97 thousand and $0.05, respectively, compared to Q2 2013.
• Submitted applications to expand into Pennsylvania, consistent with the Company's geographic diversification strategy.
• Received approval to and wrote first homeowners insurance policy in Delaware.
• Repurchased in the open market common shares having value of approximately $5 million through June 30, 2014.
• Authorized an additional $10 million open market share repurchase program through August 1, 2015, of which $498,000 has been deployed through June 30, 2014.
• Paid dividends of $0.10 per share compared to $0.08 per share in Q2 2013.
• Affirmed a Financial Stability Rating® of "A" from Demotech, Inc. for insurance subsidiaries APPCIC and UPCIC.

Second-Quarter 2014 Results

Net income for the second quarter of 2014 of $17.1 million reflects an improvement across multiple measures including direct written premiums, net earned premiums, net investment income, realized gains, policy fees, other revenues, total revenues and income before income taxes. Total revenues of $87.0 million are higher than any other quarter in the Company's history.

Diluted EPS of $0.49 benefitted from lower outstanding shares as a result of the cumulative share repurchases made by the Company.  

At June 30, 2014, stockholders' equity was $178.1 million compared to $175.6 million at December 31, 2013 reflecting an increase in retained earnings of $23.7 million and share repurchases of $20.2 million.

First Six-Months 2014 Results

For the first six months of 2014, the Company's net income increased by $1.7 million, or 5.8 percent, compared to the same period of 2013.  Diluted earnings per share for the first six months of 2014 increased by $0.14, or 19.2 percent, compared to the same period of 2013.

Net premiums earned increased by $4.9 million to $137.2 million for the six months of 2014 compared to the same period of 2013.

Share Repurchases

During the second quarter of 2014, the Company repurchased 446,271 shares of its common stock at an average purchase price of $12.28 per share. In addition, on June 17, 2014, the Company announced that its board of directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase in the open market up to $10 million of its outstanding shares of common stock through August 1, 2015. Of the newly authorized $10 million repurchase program, $498,000 has been deployed through June 30, 2014.  The total remaining authorization as of June 30, 2014 is approximately $9.5 million.

The Company intends to be disciplined and opportunistic with respect to its remaining authorization to repurchase shares as market conditions and other factors permit.

Cash Dividends

On April 16, 2014, the Company announced that its board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share of common stock which was paid on July 3, 2014, to shareholders of record on June 19, 2014.

Financial Results Presentation

The Company will make available an audio recording of a presentation discussing its second quarter 2014 financial results on August 6, 2014, at approximately 5:00 p.m. Eastern. The presentation will be pre-recorded and there will be no opportunity for live questions. The audio recording will be available at www.universalinsuranceholdings.com until September 8, 2014.

About Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc., with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a vertically integrated insurance holding company performing all aspects of insurance underwriting, distribution and claims. Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is one of the leading writers of homeowners insurance in Florida and is now fully licensed and has commenced its operations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Hawaii, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland and Delaware. American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company, also a wholly-owned subsidiary, currently writes homeowners multi-peril insurance on Florida homes valued in excess of $1 million, which are limits and coverages currently not targeted through its affiliate UPCIC. For additional information on the Company, please visit our investor relations website at www.universalinsuranceholdings.com.  

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

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," 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. Future results could differ materially from those described and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements. 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 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Investor Contact:
Andy Brimmer / Mahmoud Siddig
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
212-355-4449

SOURCE Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.