UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015

or

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number 001-33251

 

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

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

(Address of principal executive offices)

(954) 958-1200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

 

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 35,847,410 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding on April 23, 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

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UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31 2015 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.  These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

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

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

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) and we expressed an unqualified audit opinion on those consolidated financial statements in our report dated February 25, 2015.  In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

 

 

 

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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)

 

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

  

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UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

  

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

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

 

 

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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., (“UIH”) is a Delaware corporation originally incorporated as Universal Heights, Inc., in November 1990. UIH with its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”), is a vertically integrated insurance holding company performing all aspects of insurance underwriting, distribution and claims. Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“UPCIC”) and American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company (“APPCIC”), collectively referred to as the “Insurance Entities”, the Company is principally engaged in the property and casualty insurance business offered primarily through a network of independent agents. Risk from catastrophic losses is managed through the use of reinsurance agreements. The Company’s primary product is homeowners insurance offered in nine states as of March 31, 2015, including Florida, which comprises the vast majority of the Company’s in-force policies. See “—Note 5 (Insurance Operations)” for more information regarding the Company’s insurance operations.

The Company generates revenues primarily from the collection of premiums and invests funds in excess of those retained for claims-paying obligations and insurance operations. Other significant sources of revenue include commissions collected from reinsurers, policy fees collected from policyholders through our wholly-owned managing general agency subsidiary and payment plan fees charged to policyholders who choose to pay their premiums in installments.

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, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for complete 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, 2014, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2015. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014, was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by 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 current period presentation, certain amounts in the prior periods’ 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 UIH and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

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

  

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2. Significant Accounting Policies

The Company reported Significant Accounting Policies in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.  Below are revised disclosures required to be reported on a quarterly basis.  

Goodwill.  Goodwill arising from the acquisition of a business is initially measured at cost and not subject to amortization.  We assess goodwill for potential impairments at the end of each fiscal year, or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of the asset.  Goodwill is included under Other Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. Under this guidance, an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should generally be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013, but earlier adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2014. The adoption did not have an impact on the presentation of the Company’s financial statements and notes herein.

 

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3. Investments

Securities Available for Sale

The following table provides the cost or amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

 

 

The following table provides the credit quality of investments with contractual maturities as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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At March 31, 2015, we held fixed maturity and equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position as presented in the table above. For fixed maturity securities with significant declines in value, we perform quarterly fundamental credit analysis on a security-by-security basis, which includes consideration of credit quality and credit ratings, review of relevant industry analyst reports and other available market data. For fixed maturity and equity securities, the Company considers whether it has the intent and ability to hold the securities for a period of time sufficient to recover its cost basis. Where the Company lacks the intent and ability to hold to recovery, or believes the recovery period is extended, the security’s decline in fair value is considered other than temporary and is recorded in earnings. Based upon management’s intent and ability to hold the securities until recovery and its credit analysis of the individual issuers of the securities, management has no reason to believe the unrealized losses for securities available for sale at March 31, 2015 are other than temporary.

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

 

 

Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay with or without penalty.

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

 

 

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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):

 

 

 

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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 1 of each year. The Company’s reinsurance program consists of excess of loss, quota share and catastrophe reinsurance, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable agreements. The Company is responsible for insured losses related to catastrophes and other events in excess of coverage provided by its reinsurance program. The Company remains responsible for the settlement of insured losses irrespective of the failure of any of its reinsurers to make payments otherwise due to the Company.

The Company reduced the percentage of premiums ceded by UPCIC to its quota share reinsurers to 30% beginning with the reinsurance program effective June 1, 2014, from 45% under the prior year quota share contracts that were effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014. By ceding 15 percentage points less premium to its quota share reinsurers, the Company expects to increase its profitability by retaining more premium. The reduction in cession rate also decreases the amount of losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) that may be ceded by UPCIC and effectively increases the amount of risk retained by UPCIC and the Company. The reduction of cession rate also reduces the amount of ceding commissions earned from the Company’s quota share reinsurer during the contract term and decreases the amount of deferred ceding commission, which is a component of net deferred policy acquisition costs.

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the reinsurance contracts. 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. Deferred ceding commissions are netted against policy acquisition costs and amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies.

In order 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 Company’s reinsurers whose aggregate balance exceeded 3% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

 

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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):

 

    

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

 

 

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5. Insurance Operations

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, net

The Company defers certain costs in connection with written policies, called Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (“DPAC”), net of corresponding amounts of ceded reinsurance commissions, called Deferred Reinsurance Ceding Commissions (“DRCC”). Net 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, net of DRCC, for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

 

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):

 

 

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Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions

The Insurance Entities are subject to regulations and standards of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“OIR”).  UPCIC also is subject to regulation and standards of regulatory authorities in other states where it is licensed, although as a Florida-domiciled insurer its principal regulatory authority is the OIR.  These standards require the Insurance Entities to maintain specified levels of statutory capital and restrict the timing and amount of dividends and other distributions that may be paid by the Insurance Entities to the parent company. Except in the case of extraordinary dividends, these standards generally permit dividends to be paid from statutory unassigned surplus of the regulated subsidiary and are limited based on the regulated subsidiary’s level of statutory net income and statutory capital and surplus. The maximum dividend that may be paid by UPCIC and APPCIC to their immediate parent company, Universal Insurance Holding Company of Florida (“UIHCF”), without prior regulatory approval is limited by the provisions of Florida Statutes. 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 Statutes, and based on the calculations performed by the Company as of December 31, 2014, UPCIC has the capacity to pay ordinary dividends of $27.7 million during 2015. APPCIC does not have the capacity to pay ordinary dividends during 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, no dividends were paid from UPCIC or APPCIC to UIHCF. Dividends paid to the shareholders of UIH during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were paid from the earnings of UIH and its non-insurance subsidiaries.

The Florida Insurance Code requires insurance companies to maintain capitalization equivalent to the greater of ten percent of the insurer’s total liabilities or $5.0 million. The following table presents the amount of capital and surplus calculated in accordance with statutory accounting principles, which differ from GAAP, and an amount representing ten percent of total liabilities for both UPCIC and APPCIC as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

 

As of the dates in the table above, both UPCIC and APPCIC met the Florida capitalization requirement. As of March 31, 2015 UPCIC also met the capitalization requirements of the other states in which it is licensed.  UPCIC and APPCIC are also required to adhere to prescribed premium-to-capital surplus ratios and have met those requirements at such dates.

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):

 

 

 

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6. Long-Term Debt

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

 

 

The term loan and unsecured line of credit contain certain covenants and restrictions applicable while amounts are outstanding thereunder.  As of March 31, 2015, UIH had not drawn any amounts under the unsecured line of credit.  Pursuant to the agreements underlying the term loan and unsecured line of credit, UIH will be prohibited from paying dividends to its shareholders should UIH default.  UIH was in compliance with the covenants of the term loan as of March 31, 2015.  UPCIC was in compliance with the terms of the surplus note as of March 31, 2015.  

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7. Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

The following table summarizes the activity relating to shares of the Company’s common stock and contingently redeemable common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

 

Dividends

On January 13, 2015, UIH declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share on its outstanding common stock paid on March 2, 2015, to the shareholders of record at the close of business on February 18, 2015.

Contingently Redeemable Common Stock

On December 2, 2014, UIH sold 1,000,000 registered shares of its common stock at a price of $19.00 per share, in a privately negotiated transaction, to Ananke Catastrophe Investments Ltd. (“Ananke”), an affiliate of Nephila Capital Ltd., which is subject to certain holding period restrictions.  Ananke is required to hold the shares of common stock for a minimum of six months and then may: 1) sell up to one-third during the next three-month period, 2) sell another one-third during the next three-month period and 3) sell the remaining shares purchased thereafter.  

The shares sold to Ananke had been subject to a redemption option, conditioned on a covered loss index swap being triggered for payment.  

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On February 19, 2015, the company entered into an amended agreement with Ananke to delete, in its entirety effective December 2, 2014, the provision giving rise to the redemption.  This modification results in classification of the common shares in permanent equity on the date of the amendment.  No consideration was exchanged with the amendment since both parties agreed that, given the remote possibility of the redemption to occur, the value of the redemption feature was de-minimis.  The effects of the amendment were recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2015.  The following table has been provided to illustrate pro-forma effect of the amendment had it been in place as of December 31, 2014.  

 

 

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8. Related Party Transactions

Scott P. Callahan, a director of the Company, provides the Company with consulting services and advice with respect to the Company’s reinsurance and related matters through SPC Global RE Advisors LLC, an entity affiliated with Mr. Callahan. The Company entered into the consulting agreement with SPC Global RE Advisors LLC effective June 6, 2013.

The following table provides payments made by the Company to related parties for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

 

There were no amounts due to SPC Global RE Advisors LLC as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Payments due to SPC Global RE Advisors LLC are generally made in the month the services are provided.

 

9. Income Taxes

During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded approximately $15.7 million and $9.6 million of income taxes, respectively.  Our effective tax rate for the quarter ending March 31, 2015 is 41.3% compared to a 41.4% effective tax rate for the same period in the prior year.  In arriving at these rates, the Company considers a variety of factors including the forecasted full year pre-tax results, the U.S. federal tax rate of 35%, expected non-deductible expenses, and estimated state income taxes.  The Company’s final effective tax rate for the full year is dependent on the level of pre-tax income and the magnitude of any non-deductible expenses in relation to that pre-tax income.

Tax years that remain open for purposes of examination of the Company’s income tax liability due to taxing authorities, include the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. However, there is currently an IRS examination underway related to the loss carryback of realized losses from securities sold during 2012 applied to the 2009 tax year.

 

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10. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is 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 restricted stock and conversion of preferred stock.

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

 

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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):

 

    

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

 

    

 

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12. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

Certain lawsuits have been filed against the Company. These lawsuits involve routine matters incidental to the claims aspect of the Company’s business for which estimated losses are included in Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses in the Company’s Financial Statements. In the opinion of management, these lawsuits are not material individually or in the aggregate to the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Accruals made or assessments of materiality of disclosure related to probable or possible losses do not consider any anticipated insurance proceeds.

 

13. Fair Value Measurements

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. 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. 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:

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

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

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

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

As required by 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 that were measured at fair value including those on a recurring basis as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

The Company utilizes third-party independent pricing services that provide a price quote for each fixed maturity 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 fixed maturities or equity securities included in the tables above.

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

 

 

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 State Board of Administration of Florida (“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.

The fair value of the term loan and promissory note approximates the carrying value given the original issue discount which was calculated based on the present value of future cash flows using the Company’s effective borrowing rate.

 

14. Subsequent Events

The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date the Financial Statements were issued and determined there were no recognized or unrecognized subsequent events that would require an adjustment or additional disclosure in the Financial Statements as of March 31, 2015.

On April 13, 2015, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share on its outstanding common stock to be paid on July 2, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 18, 2015.

 

 

 

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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 condensed consolidated financial statements (“Financial Statements”) and the related notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 “Financial Statements.” Operating results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for the year.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, the following discussion may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on various factors and assumptions that include known and unknown risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control and cannot be predicted or quantified. Certain statements made in this report reflect management’s expectations regarding future events, and the words “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “project,” “plan” and similar expressions and variations thereof, speak only as of the date the statement was made and are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements may include, but not be limited to, projections of revenues, income or loss, expenses, plans, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. Future results could differ materially from those in the following discussion and those described in 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, 2014.

Risks Relating to the Property-Casualty Business

Risks Relating to Investments

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Risks Relating to the Insurance Industry

Risks Relating to Debt Obligations

Overview

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (“UIH”), with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a vertically integrated insurance holding company performing all aspects of insurance underwriting, distribution and claims. Through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“UPCIC”) and American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company (“APPCIC”), collectively referred to as the “Insurance Entities”, we are principally engaged in the property and casualty insurance business offered primarily through a network of independent agents. Our primary product is homeowners insurance and currently we are licensed in ten states.

We generate revenues primarily from the collection of premiums. Other significant sources of revenue include commissions collected from reinsurers through our wholly-owned reinsurance intermediary subsidiary, policy fees collected from policyholders through our wholly-owned managing general agency subsidiary and financing fees charged to policyholders who defer premium payments. We also generate income by investing funds that are in excess of those retained for claims-paying obligations and insurance operations. The nature of our business tends to be seasonal reflecting consumer behaviors in connection with the residential real estate market and the hurricane season which occurs during the period from June 1 through November 30 each year.  The amount of written premium tends to increase just prior to the second quarter of our fiscal year and to decrease approaching the fourth quarter.

Our goals are to grow our business, invest in ourselves, increase profitability and return value to shareholders.  The strategies we have executed such as managing rates, expanding into other states, lowering our quota-share cession rate combined with operational improvements made to streamline claims and underwriting have resulted in an increase in earnings, earnings per share and an improvement in our overall financial condition.  See “Results of Operations” below for a discussion of our quarterly results for March 31, 2015 compared to 2014.

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While policy count is one measure of the overall growth of our business, we believe that our strategy of balancing competitive pricing with disciplined underwriting standards, streamlining claims management and expanding the size of our business through superior products and services, will maximize our long term growth. Our focus on long term capital strength and growth leads us to be selective in the risks we are willing to accept, which may limit the number of policies written. In contrast, from time to time, some of our competitors lower their premiums to a level that is below what we believe to be adequate in order to generate and maintain capital and surplus for the protection of our Insurance Entities and our policyholders.

Our overall growth strategy includes taking prudent measures to increase our policy count and improve the quality of our business. These initiatives include adjusting rates and expanding into selected markets while maintaining rate adequacy.  

In April 2015, UPCIC received approval from the OIR for premium rate increases for its homeowners and dwelling fire programs within Florida.  The premium rate increases are expected to average approximately 2.2% statewide for its homeowners program and 4.9% for its dwelling fire program.  The effective dates for the homeowners program rate increase are April 15, 2015, for new business and May 25, 2015, for renewal business.  The effective dates for the dwelling fire program rate increase are April 20, 2015, for new business and June 5, 2015, for renewal business.

As a result of our growth strategy and initiatives, we have seen increases in policy count and insured value in Florida and other states since March 31, 2014. Our expansion in states outside of Florida is yielding growth in policy count of 9.1% since December 31, 2014 and 38.0% since March 31, 2014.

The following table provides policy count and total insured value for Florida and other states as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

 

We believe our efforts to ensure rate adequacy have helped to improve underwriting results, leading to our decision to retain a greater share of our profitable business by reducing our quota share cession rate.

First-Quarter 2015 Highlights

The acquisition of assets from Aplin Peer constitutes a business acquisition under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States.  Although the Aplin Peer acquisition does not constitute a material transaction, we expect that the experience and workforce of Aplin Peer will further streamline our claims processes with the goal of lowering our loss adjustment expenses and severity of claims.

 

  

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2014 – 2015 Reinsurance Program

Effective June 1, 2014, we entered into multiple reinsurance agreements comprising our 2014-2015 reinsurance program.

See “Item 1 — Note 4 (Reinsurance).”

REINSURANCE GENERALLY

We use reinsurance to reduce our exposure to catastrophic and non-catastrophic losses through a combination of quota share, catastrophe and other forms of reinsurance. Below is a description of our 2014-2015 reinsurance program. We believe that the overall terms of the 2014-2015 reinsurance program are more favorable than the 2013-2014 reinsurance program. We realized cost reductions in part due to market conditions and our preparation and efforts to manage risk exposure. We also are retaining a greater percentage of gross written premiums with wind risk than we did under our 2013-2014 reinsurance program by reducing our quota share cession rate by 15 percentage points. We expect to increase our overall profitability by retaining more premium; however the reduction in the quota share cession rate affects several line items in our Consolidated Statements of Income. By lowering our cession rate, we increase the amount of premium we retain as well as the related risk. This results in an increase in both earned premium and losses and LAE. The lower cession rate also reduces the amount of ceding commissions we receive that offset costs associated with writing premium. This reduction in ceding commission increases general and administrative expenses.

The overall reduction in reinsurance costs lowers the amount of brokerage commissions received by our wholly-owned reinsurance broker subsidiary.  Other favorable changes in the 2014-2015 reinsurance program include a reduction in the amount of risk retained per catastrophe occurrence to $21 million from $27.5 million under the 2013-2014 reinsurance program.

While we believe the changes to the current reinsurance program are beneficial, there can be no assurance that our actual results of operations or financial condition will be positively affected. The Insurance Entities remain responsible for insured losses notwithstanding the failure of any reinsurer to make payments otherwise due to the Insurance Entities. A major catastrophic event, multiple catastrophes, or the insolvency of one of the larger participants in the reinsurance program could have a material adverse effect on the Insurance Entities’ solvency and our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

UPCIC REINSURANCE PROGRAM

UPCIC’s reinsurance program, which generally runs from June 1 through May 31 of the following year, consists of quota share, various forms of catastrophe coverage and individual property and liability per risk/per policy coverage. Under the 2014-2015 reinsurance program, UPCIC retains a pre-tax liability of $21 million for the first, second and third catastrophic events under its Florida program with coverage up to $1.794 billion. UPCIC retains a pre-tax liability of $21 million for the first and second catastrophic events under its programs in Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina and South Carolina with coverage up to $125 million and a pre-tax liability of $7 million under its program in Hawaii with coverage up to $30 million. UPCIC reduced its quota share percentage to 30% under its 2014-2015 program compared to 45% under its 2013-2014 program thus retaining more risk and premium per policy. UPCIC has mandatory catastrophe coverage through the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”) plus voluntary quota share, catastrophe and per risk coverage with private reinsurers. The estimated total net cost after the proportional quota share deductions of UPCIC’s catastrophe, FHCF and per risk related coverage, including reinstatement premium protection coverage is $173.8 million. The largest private participants in UPCIC’s program include Odyssey Re, Everest Re, Renaissance Re, Nephila Capital, ACE Tempest Re and Lloyd’s of London syndicates.

APPCIC REINSURANCE PROGRAM

APPCIC’s reinsurance program, which generally runs from June 1 through May 31 of the following year, consists of various forms of catastrophe coverage and individual property and liability per risk/per policy coverage.  Under the 2014-2015 reinsurance program, APPCIC retains a pre-tax liability of $2.5 million for the first and second catastrophic events with coverage up to $39.3 million. APPCIC has mandatory catastrophe coverage through the FHCF and voluntary catastrophe and per risk coverage with private reinsurers. The estimated total cost of APPCIC’s catastrophe, FHCF and per risk related coverage, including reinstatement premium protection is $5.0 million. The largest private participants in APPCIC’s reinsurance program include ACE Tempest Re, Hiscox, Odyssey Re, Hannover Ruck, and Lloyd’s of London syndicates.

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UIH PROGRAM

Separately from the Insurance Entities’ reinsurance programs, UIH protects its own assets against diminution in value due to catastrophe events by purchasing coverage that would provide $80 million in the form of insurance proceeds plus an amount equal to the forgiveness of related debt through a catastrophe risk-linked transaction contract, effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2016. This contract provides for recovery by UIH in the event of exhaustion of UPCIC’s catastrophe coverage. The total cost to UIH of this risk-linked transaction contract is $9.0 million per year for each of the three years.

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Results of Operations—Three Months Ended March 31, 2015, Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

Net income increased by $8.8 million, or 64.8%, to $22.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $13.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Diluted earnings per common share increased by $0.24, or 63.2%, to $0.62 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $0.38 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as a result of an increase in net income.

The increase in net income of $8.8 million, or 64.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 reflects an increase in net earned premiums, net investment income, and policy fees, partially offset by decreases in commission revenue and net realized gains on investments and increases in operating expenses. The reduction in the cession rate of our quota share reinsurance contracts is a significant factor behind our results. A more detailed discussion of this and other factors follows the table below.

The following table summarizes changes in each component of our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 (in thousands):

 

 

NM - Not meaningful.

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The following discussion provides comparative information for significant changes to the components of net income and comprehensive income in the table above.

Net earned premiums were $94.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to $63.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  The increase in net earned premiums of $30.6 million, or 47.9%, reflects a decrease in ceded earned premiums of $24.6 million, and an increase in direct earned premiums of $6.0 million. Premium earned in the current period reflects premium written over the past 12 months and any changes in rates or policy count during that time. The decrease in ceded earned premiums is attributable to lower reinsurance costs with the 2014-2015 reinsurance program reflected in the results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the costs of the 2013-2014 reinsurance program reflected in the results for the same period in 2014. In June of 2014, we reduced the rate of quota share ceded premium from 45% in our 2013-2014 reinsurance program to 30% in our 2014-2015 reinsurance program. The increase in direct earned premiums is due primarily to an increase in the number of policies in force during the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. As discussed above in “Overview”, we have taken what we consider to be prudent measures to increase policy count, while maintaining rate adequacy, resulting in an increase in the number of policies in Florida since May 2014.

Net investment income was $862 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2015 generated primarily from cash and equivalents, short-term investments and the investments we held in our portfolio of securities available for sale, compared to $518 thousand for the same three months during 2014. The increase in net investment income reflects both an increase in the amount of invested assets and a greater percentage of interest earning investments.

We sold investment securities available for sale during the three months ended March 31, 2015 resulting in a net realized gain of $171 thousand compared to a net realized gain of $902 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2014. The securities sold during those periods were comprised primarily of equity securities.

Commission revenue is comprised principally of brokerage commissions we earn from reinsurers. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, commission revenue was $3.2 million, compared to $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  The decrease in commission revenue of $921 thousand, or 22.5%, was the result of a decrease in the cost of certain reinsurance contracts upon which brokerage commissions are earned as well as overall changes in the structure of the reinsurance programs in effect during the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014.  

Losses and LAE were $33.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $26.8 million during the same period in 2014. The increase in net loss and LAE of $6.8 million was driven by the decrease in the amount of loss and LAE ceded to reinsurers under our quota share reinsurance contracts effective with the 2014-2015 reinsurance program discussed above. The net loss and LAE  ratios, or net losses and LAE as a percentage of net earned premiums, were 35.6% and 42.0% during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and were comprised of the following components (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

The reduction in the net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio to 35.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from 42.0% for the same period in 2014 is due to operational improvements made to expedite claims resulting in a reduction in both the losses and the loss adjustment expenses as a percentage of earned premium combined with the benefit of lower reinsurance costs relative to the increase in net earned premium.

 

See “Item 1 — Note 5 (Insurance Operations)” for change in liability for unpaid losses and LAE.

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For the three months ended March 31, 2015, general and administrative expenses were $32.2 million, compared to $24.4 million for the same period in 2014. The majority of the overall increase in general and administrative expenses of $7.8 million, or 32.2%, is due to an increase of $5.5 million in the amortization of net deferred policy acquisition costs resulting mostly from changes with the 2014-2015 reinsurance program including a reduction in the rate of ceded premium from 45% to 30% in our quota share contracts. We also had an increase of $1.1 million in the amount of stock-based compensation and an increase of $975 thousand in performance bonus accruals.

Income taxes increased by $6.1 million, or 64.0% primarily as a result of an increase in income before income taxes. The effective tax rate was 41.3% and 41.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income or loss.  The other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014, reflect after tax changes in fair value of securities held in our portfolio of securities available for sale and reclassification out of cumulative other comprehensive income for securities sold.  See “Item 1 — Note 11 (Other Comprehensive Income (Loss))”

 

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Analysis of Financial Condition—As of March 31, 2015 Compared to December 31, 2014

We believe that cash flows generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements for at least the next twelve months. Our policy is to 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):

 

See Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for explanations of changes in investments.

Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the portion of ceded written premium that will be earned pro-rata in the future. The increase of $4.2 million to $194.7 million is due to the increase in ceded written premium during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Reinsurance recoverable represents ceded losses and LAE. The decrease of $3.8 million to $51.4 million was primarily due to the timing of settlements and amounts available for right of offset with our reinsurers.  

Reinsurance receivable, net, represents inuring premiums receivable, net of ceded premiums payable with our quota share reinsurer. The decrease of $3.2 million to $4.3 million as of March 31, 2015 was primarily due to the timing of settlements and amounts available for right of offset with our reinsurers.

Premiums receivable represent amounts due from policyholders. The increase of $4.0 million to $55.0 million was due to both the seasonal pattern of written premium as described under “Overview” and an increase in direct written premium during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Property and equipment increased by $3.9 million to $21.2 million as of March 31, 2015 primarily from the purchase of real estate, automobiles and building improvements.

See “Item 1 — Note 5 (Insurance Operations)” for a roll-forward in the balance of our deferred policy acquisition costs and our unpaid losses and LAE.

Income taxes recoverable represent amounts due from taxing jurisdictions within one year and arise when tax payments exceed taxable income. Income taxes recoverable of $5.7 million as of December 31, 2014 were for federal income taxes. There were no amounts of income taxes recoverable as of March 31, 2015.

Other assets increased by $4.8 million to $7.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015. The majority of this change is from investments in real estate of $3.2 million and goodwill of $2.3 million related to the Aplin Peer acquisition.

Unearned premium represents the portion of direct written premium that will be earned pro rata in the future. The increase of $14.9 million to $410.7 million is due to the increase in direct written premium during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Reinsurance payable, net, represents our liability to reinsurers for ceded written premiums, net of ceding commissions receivable. The increase of $25.2 million to $91.3 million as of March 31, 2015 was primarily due to the timing of settlements and amounts available for right of offset with our reinsurers.

Income taxes payable represent amounts due to taxing jurisdictions within one year and arise when taxable income exceeds tax payments. Income taxes payable as of March 31, 2015 were comprised of $4.5 million payable for federal income taxes and $2.2 million payable for state income taxes. Income taxes payable of $1.8 million as of December 31, 2014 were for state income taxes.

Other liabilities and accrued expenses decreased by $8.8 million primarily from the payment of incentive performance bonuses in February 2015.

See Liquidity and Capital Resources for explanations of changes in contingently redeemable common stock, long-term debt and treasury shares.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

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

The balance of cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2015 was $182.3 million compared to $115.4 million at December 31, 2014. See “Item 1 — Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” for a reconciliation of the balance of cash and cash equivalents between March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was driven by cash flows generated from operations and investing activities in excess of those used for financing activities. Most of the balance of cash and cash equivalents maintained is available to pay claims in the event of a catastrophic event in addition to any amounts recovered under our reinsurance agreements.  The balance of restricted cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 includes cash equivalents on deposit with regulatory agencies in the various states in which our Insurance Entities do business.

As discussed in “Item 1 — Note 6 (Long-Term Debt)”, UIH entered into a revolving loan agreement and related revolving note (“DB Loan”) with Deutsche Bank in March 2013, amended in May 2013 and in March 2015. The DB Loan makes available to UIH an unsecured line of credit in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10 million. Draws under the DB Loan have a maturity date of April 27, 2015 and carry an interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 5.50% or Deutsche Bank’s prime rate plus a margin of 3.50%, at the election of UIH. The DB Loan contains certain covenants and restrictions applicable while amounts are outstanding thereunder, including limitations with respect to our indebtedness, liens, distributions, mergers or dispositions of assets, organizational structure, transactions with affiliates and business activities. No amounts have been drawn under the unsecured line of credit.  

In May 2013, UIH also entered into a $20 million unsecured term loan agreement and related term note (“Term Loan”) with RenaissanceRe Ventures Ltd. also discussed in “Item 1 — Note 6 (Long-Term Debt)”. The Term Loan bears interest at the rate of 50 basis points per annum and matures on the earlier of May 23, 2016 or the date that all principal under the Term Loan is pre-paid or deemed paid in full. The Term Loan is amortized over the three-year term and UIH may prepay the loan without penalty. The Term loan contains certain covenants and restrictions applicable while amounts are outstanding thereunder, including limitations with respect to our indebtedness, liens, distributions, mergers or dispositions of assets, organizational structure, transactions with affiliates and business activities.  In May 2014, we made a principal payment of $6.0 million on the Term Loan. The Term Loan had a carrying amount of $13.5 million as of March 31, 2015.

Liquidity for UIH and its non-insurance subsidiaries is required to cover the payment of general operating expenses, dividends to shareholders (if and when authorized and declared by our Board of Directors), payment for the possible repurchase of our common stock (if and when authorized by our Board of Directors), payment of income taxes, and interest and principal payments on debt obligations. The declaration and payment of future dividends by UIH to its shareholders, and any future repurchases of UIH 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 UIH and its non-insurance subsidiaries include revenues generated from fees paid by the Insurance Entities to the managing general agency and for policy administration, inspections and claims adjusting services. Additional sources of liquidity include brokerage commissions earned on reinsurance contracts and any unused credit lines. UIH also maintains investments in equity securities which would generate funds upon sale.  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.  

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 net premiums, after deductions for expenses and the collection of reinsurance recoverable.

Our insurance operations provide liquidity in that premiums are generally received months or even years before losses are paid under the policies written. The Insurance Entities maintain substantial investments in highly liquid, marketable securities which would generate funds upon sale.

The Insurance Entities are responsible for losses related to catastrophic events with incurred losses in excess of coverage provided by the Insurance Entities’ reinsurance programs and for losses that otherwise are not covered by the reinsurance programs, which could have a material adverse effect on either the Insurance Entities’ or our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

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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. At March 31, 2015, we had total capital of $273.7 million, comprised of stockholders’ equity of $241.9 million and total long term debt of $31.8 million. Our debt-to-total-capital ratio and debt-to-equity ratio were 11.6% and 13.1%, respectively, at March 31, 2015. At December 31, 2014, we had total capital of $249.5 million, comprised of stockholders’ equity of $199.9 million (12/31/14 Pro-Forma Balance of $218.9 million), mezzanine equity of $19.0 million (12/31/14 Pro-Forma Balance of $0) and total long term debt of $30.6 million. Our debt-to-total-capital ratio and debt-to-equity ratio were 12.3% and 15.3%, respectively, at December 31, 2014. The debt-to-equity ratio was 14.0% at December 31, 2014 after taking into consideration pro-forma adjustments to equity as described in “Item 1 — Note 7 (Stockholders’ Equity).”  The increase in stockholders’ equity during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is attributed to net income and the reclassification of mezzanine equity to permanent equity upon the amendment of our agreement with Ananke Catastrophe Investments Ltd as discussed in “Item 1 – Note 7 (Stockholders’ Equity)”.   These increases were partially offset by dividends declared and paid.

At March 31, 2015, UPCIC was in compliance with the terms of the surplus note and total adjusted capital surplus was in excess of regulatory requirements for both UPCIC and APPCIC. At March 31, 2015, UIH was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Term Loan.

Cash Dividends

On January 13, 2015, we declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share on our outstanding common stock paid on March 2, 2015, to the shareholders of record at the close of business on February 18, 2015.

On April 13, 2015, we declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share on our outstanding common stock payable on July 2, 2015, to the shareholders of record at the close of business on June 18, 2015.  

.

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Contractual Obligations

The following table represents our contractual obligations for which cash flows are fixed or determinable as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

 

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, 2014.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period should be treated as a performance condition and should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation costs should reflect the amount attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has been rendered. Total compensation expense recognized during and after the requisite service period, which may differ from the vesting period, should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect the number of awards that ultimately vest. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

In May 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance to clarify the principles for revenue recognition. The guidance in this update affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (e.g. insurance contracts). Although insurance contracts are not within the scope of this updated guidance, the Company’s commission revenue, policy fees, and payment plan fees may be subject to this updated guidance. As currently enacted, this guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, and earlier adoption is not permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the effect of adoption.

Related Party Transactions

See “Item 1 — Note 8 (Related Party Transactions)” for information about related party transactions.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk is the potential for economic losses due to adverse changes in fair value of financial instruments. We carry all of our investments at market value in our statement of financial condition. Our investment portfolio as of March 31, 2015 is comprised of fixed maturities and equity securities exposing us to changes in interest rates and equity prices.

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Our investment objectives with respect to fixed maturities are to maximize after-tax investment income without exposing the surplus of our Insurance Entities to excessive volatility.  Our investment objectives with respect to equity securities are to enhance our long-term surplus levels through capital appreciation and earn a competitive rate of total return versus appropriate benchmarks.  We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to achieve our investment objectives.  

See “Item 1 – Note 3 (Investments)” for more information about our investments.  

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of a fixed-rate instrument to changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, the fair value of our fixed-rate investment securities decline.

The following table provides information about our fixed income investments, which are sensitive to changes in interest rates. The table presents cash flows of principal amounts and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates for investments available for sale as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

 

The tables above represent average contract rates which differ from the book yield of the fixed maturities. The fixed maturity investments in our available for sale portfolio are comprised of United States government and agency securities, corporate bonds, redeemable preferred stock and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Duration is a measure of interest rate sensitivity expressed as a number of years. The weighted average duration of the fixed maturity investments in our available for sale portfolio at March 31, 2015 was 2.2 years.

To a lesser extent, we also have exposure to interest on our debt obligations which are in the form of a surplus note, and on any amounts we draw under the DB Loan.  The surplus note accrues interest at an adjustable rate based on the 10-year Constant Maturity Treasury rate.  Draws under the DB Loan accrue interest at a rate based on LIBOR or Deutsche Bank’s prime rate plus an applicable margin.

 

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Equity Price Risk

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

The following table provides information about the investments in our available for sale portfolio subject to price risk as of the dates presented (in thousands):

 

 

A hypothetical decrease of 20% in the market prices of each of the equity securities held at March 31, 2015, would have resulted in a decrease of $4.3 million, in the fair value of those securities.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2015, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

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

We are subject to litigation in the normal course of our business. As of March 31, 2015, we were not a party to any non-routine litigation that is expected by management to have a material effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In the opinion of management, there have been no material changes during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

In accordance with 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.

 

 

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