UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

x

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20132014

or

¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period fromto

Commission File Number 001-33251

 

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

  

Delaware

Delaware

65-0231984

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1110 West Commercial Blvd., Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (954) 958-1200

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None.

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    ¨x  Yes    x¨  No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    ¨  Yes    x  No

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.

 

Large��accelerated filer

¨

Accelerated filer

x

Large accelerated filer

¨

Accelerated filerx

Non-accelerated filer

¨

¨

Smaller Reporting Company

¨

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

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was sold as of June 30, 2013: $203,361,651.2014: $408,384,004.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of Common Stock of Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. as of February 18, 2014: 34,636,0542015: 35,310,017

 

 

 


Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page No.

Page No.

PART I

Item 1.

Business

2

3

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

8

12

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

14

19

Item 2.

Properties

14

19

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

14

20

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

14

20

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, ReleasedRelated Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

14

21

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

17

23

Item 7.

ManagementManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

18

24

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

41

49

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

43

51

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

82

88

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

82

88

Item 9B.

Other Information

82

88

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

82

89

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

83

89

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

83

89

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

83

89

Item 14.

Principal AccountingAccountant Fees and Services

83

89

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

83

90

Signatures

87

95

Exhibit 21:

List of Subsidiaries

Exhibit 23.1:

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Exhibit 31.1:

CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 31.2:

CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 32:

CERTIFICATION

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Information called for in PART III of this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of the close of the registrant’s fiscal year in connection with the registrant’s annual meeting of shareholders.

2


Table of Contents

NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains, in addition to historical information, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements anticipate results based on our estimates, assumptions and plans that are subject to uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report, including without limitation, the following sections: “Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Risk Factors.” These forward-looking statements may be identified by their use of words like “plans,” “seeks,” “expects,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “believes,” “likely,” “targets” and other words with similar meanings. These statements may address, among other things, our strategy for growth, catastrophe exposure management, product development, investment results, regulatory approvals, market position, expenses, financial results, litigation and reserves. We believe that these statements are based on reasonable estimates, assumptions and plans. However, if the estimates, assumptions or plans underlying the forward-looking statements prove inaccurate or if other risks or uncertainties arise, actual results could differ materially from those communicated in these forward-looking statements. A detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section titled “Risk Factors” (Part I, Item 1A of this report). We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

PART I

 

ITEMITEM 1.

BUSINESS

THE COMPANYThe Company

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (“UIH”) is a Delaware corporation originally incorporated as Universal Heights, Inc. in November 1990. The name was changed to Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. in January 2001. UIH and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“we” or the “Company”) have evolved into a vertically integrated insurance holding company. Our insurance products are offered to our customers through Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“UPCIC”) and American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company (“APPCIC”), collectively referred to as the “Insurance Entities.” Substantially all aspects of insurance underwriting, distribution and claims processing are performed by our subsidiaries. Our principal executive offices are located at 1110 West Commercial Boulevard, Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309, and our telephone number is (954) 958-1200.

In 1997, we organized, a subsidiary, UPCIC, as part of our strategy to take advantage of what management believed to be profitable business and growth opportunities in Florida’s residential property and casualty insurance marketplace. UPCIC was formed to participate in the transfer of homeowners’ insurance policies from the Florida Residential Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting Association (“JUA”). UPCIC’s application to becomeUPCIC began operating as a Florida licensed property and casualty insurance company was filed with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“OIR”) on May 14, 1997 and approved on October 29, 1997. UPCIC’s proposal to begin operations through the acquisition ofacquired homeowners’ insurance policies issued by the JUA was approved by the JUA on May 21, 1997, subject to certain minimum capitalization and other requirements.in 1997.  Since then, UPCIC has produced its insurance policies through its network of independent insurance agents.  

In September 2006, we initiated the process of acquiringacquired all of the outstanding common stock of Atlas Florida Financial Corporation, which owned all of the outstanding common stock of Sterling Premium Finance Company, Inc. (“Sterling”), from certain of our executive officers for $50,000, which approximated Sterling’s book value. We received approval of the acquisition from the OIR. Sterling has beenwas renamed Atlas Premium Finance Company and commenced offering premium finance services in November 2007.

We formed Blue Atlantic Reinsurance Corporation (“BARC”) was incorporated in Florida on November 9, 2007 as a wholly owned subsidiary of UIH to be a reinsurance intermediary broker. BARC became licensed by the Florida Department of Financial Services as a reinsurance intermediary broker on January 4, 2008.

We filed an application with the OIR on June 23,In 2008, to openwe formed a second Florida property and casualty insurance subsidiary, Infinity Property and Casualty Insurance Company (“Infinity”), in Florida. Infinitywhich was subsequently renamed APPCIC. On October 1, 2008, we signed a consent order agreeing to the termsAmerican Platinum Property and conditions for the issuance of a certificate of authority to APPCIC. The final approval and issuance of the certificate of authority was granted by the OIR on December 2, 2008.Casualty Insurance Company.  

INSURANCE BUSINESSInsurance Business

The Florida Insurance Code currently requires that residential property insurers holding a certificate of authority before July 1, 2011, such as our Insurance Entities, maintain capitalization, referred to as “minimum capitalization,” equivalent to the greater of ten percent of the insurer’s total liabilities or $5 million. The dollar amount for the minimum capitalization is scheduled to increase to $10 million on July 1, 2016 and then to $15 million on July 1, 2021. Both Insurance Entities’ statutory capital and surplus exceeded the minimum capitalization requirements as of December 31, 2013.2014. The Insurance Entities are also required to adhere to prescribed premium-to-capital surplus ratios which were also met as of December 31, 2013.

2014.

3


Table of Contents

Our primary product is homeowners’ insurance offered through the Insurance Entities. Our criteria for accepting insurance risk includes, but are not limited to, common industry underwriting standards such as, defined coverage limitations on buildings and contents and risk condition. Also, to manage exposure and risk, we utilize standard industry catastrophe modeling techniques for hurricane and windstorm exposure.

We may consider underwriting other types of policies in the future, subject to approval by the appropriate regulatory authorities. See “Government Regulation and Initiatives,” “Competition” and “Product Pricing” for a discussion of the material regulatory and market factors that may affect the Insurance Entities’ ability to obtain additional policies.

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.  

UPCIC is licensed to transact insurance business in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and South Carolina, Hawaii, Georgia, Maryland and Massachusetts. The North Carolina Department of Insurance currently restricts UPCIC to writing no more than $20.0 million of direct premiums per year.Carolina. APPCIC is licensed to transact insurance business only in Florida.  Also see “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for discussion on our growth strategy and geographical diversification.  

The Insurance Entities’ average annual premium for policies in force as of December 31, 20132014 was approximately $1,460.$1,428.

The geographical distribution of the Insurance Entities’ policies-in-forcepolicies in force and total insured values were as follows for the period presentedas of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

State

  Count   %  Total Insured Value   % 

Florida

   499,949     93.3 $110,785,839     90.7

Other states

   36,039     6.7  11,305,295     9.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Grand Total

   535,988     100.0 $122,091,134     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

County

  Count   %  Total Insured Value   % 

South Florida

       

Palm Beach

   57,042     11.4 $13,227,814     11.9

Broward

   55,928     11.2  14,798,951     13.4

Miami

   34,704     6.9  7,232,761     6.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

South Florida exposure

   147,674     29.5  35,259,526     31.8

Other significant* Florida counties

       

Pinellas

   37,634     7.5  6,142,949     5.5

Lee

   30,662     6.1  5,466,158     5.2

Collier

   23,531     4.7  4,191,849     4.1

Brevard

   20,222     4.1  4,076,853     3.8

Hillsborough

   20,138     4.1  4,962,225     4.6

Polk

   19,902     4.0  5,958,535     4.4

Escambia

   19,780     4.0  5,356,606     5.0

Orange

   16,987     3.4  3,884,923     2.5

Sarasota

   16,567     3.3  2,629,658     3.3

Manatee

   12,668     2.5  2,232,199     2.2

Duval

   12,661     2.5  2,793,458     2.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other significant* counties

   230,752     46.2  47,695,413     42.7

Summary for all of Florida

  Count   %  Total Insured Value   % 

South Florida exposure

   147,674     29.5  35,259,526     31.8

Total other significant* counties

   230,752     46.2  47,695,413     42.7

Other Florida counties

   121,523     24.3  27,830,900     25.5
�� 

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Florida

   499,949     100.0 $110,785,839     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Insured

 

 

 

 

 

State

 

Count

 

 

%

 

 

Value

 

 

%

 

Florida

 

 

506,913

 

 

 

91.1

%

 

$

115,248,811

 

 

 

87.9

%

Other states

 

 

49,435

 

 

 

8.9

%

 

 

15,874,916

 

 

 

12.1

%

Grand Total

 

 

556,348

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

131,123,727

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

4


Table of Contents

The geographical distribution of the Insurance Entities’ policies in force and total insured values for Florida by county were as follows as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Insured

 

 

 

 

 

County

 

Count

 

 

%

 

 

Value

 

 

%

 

South Florida

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broward

 

 

60,383

 

 

 

11.9

%

 

$

16,135,160

 

 

 

14.0

%

Palm Beach

 

 

59,275

 

 

 

11.7

%

 

 

14,575,531

 

 

 

12.6

%

Miami-Dade

 

 

40,670

 

 

 

8.0

%

 

 

8,826,625

 

 

 

7.7

%

South Florida exposure

 

 

160,328

 

 

 

31.6

%

 

 

39,537,316

 

 

 

34.3

%

Other significant* Florida counties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinellas

 

 

35,930

 

 

 

7.1

%

 

 

5,904,253

 

 

 

5.1

%

Lee

 

 

29,048

 

 

 

5.7

%

 

 

4,853,818

 

 

 

4.2

%

Collier

 

 

22,132

 

 

 

4.4

%

 

 

3,843,641

 

 

 

3.3

%

Hillsborough

 

 

21,101

 

 

 

4.2

%

 

 

5,249,383

 

 

 

4.6

%

Polk

 

 

19,774

 

 

 

3.9

%

 

 

5,930,048

 

 

 

5.2

%

Escambia

 

 

19,600

 

 

 

3.9

%

 

 

5,416,770

 

 

 

4.7

%

Brevard

 

 

18,958

 

 

 

3.7

%

 

 

3,759,536

 

 

 

3.3

%

Orange

 

 

16,741

 

 

 

3.3

%

 

 

3,789,422

 

 

 

3.3

%

Sarasota

 

 

15,273

 

 

 

3.0

%

 

 

2,429,822

 

 

 

2.1

%

Pasco

 

 

11,385

 

 

 

2.2

%

 

 

3,722,460

 

 

 

3.2

%

Total other significant* counties

 

 

209,942

 

 

 

41.4

%

 

 

44,899,153

 

 

 

39.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Insured

 

 

 

 

 

Summary for all of Florida

 

Count

 

 

%

 

 

Value

 

 

%

 

South Florida exposure

 

 

160,328

 

 

 

31.6

%

 

 

39,537,316

 

 

 

34.3

%

Total other significant* counties

 

 

209,942

 

 

 

41.4

%

 

 

44,899,153

 

 

 

39.0

%

Other Florida counties

 

 

136,643

 

 

 

27.0

%

 

 

30,812,342

 

 

 

26.7

%

Total Florida

 

 

506,913

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

115,248,811

 

 

 

100.0

%

*

Significant counties defined as policy count or insured value greater than 2.50% of total policy count or total insured value for policies-in-forcepolicies in force as of December 31, 2013.2014.

The total policies in force as of December 31, 20132014 including and excluding wind coverage is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Insured

 

 

 

 

 

Type of coverage

  Count   % Total Insured Value   % 

 

Count

 

 

%

 

 

Value

 

 

%

 

Policies with wind coverage

   525,130     98.0 $120,123,058     98.4

 

 

543,419

 

 

 

97.7

%

 

$

128,604,814

 

 

 

98.1

%

Policies without wind coverage

   10,858     2.0 1,968,076     1.6

 

 

12,929

 

 

 

2.3

%

 

 

2,518,913

 

 

 

1.9

%

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Grand Total

   535,988     100.0 $122,091,134     100.0

 

 

556,348

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

131,123,727

 

 

 

100.0

%

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

INSURANCE OPERATIONSOperations

The Insurance Entities generate revenues primarily from the collection of premiums. Universal Risk Advisors, Inc. (“URA”), our managing general agent, generates revenue through policy fee income and other administrative fees from the marketing of the Insurance Entities’ insurance products through our distribution network of independent agents. URA performs underwriting, rating, policy issuance, reinsurance negotiations, and certain administration functions for the Insurance Entities. We have also formed Universal Adjusting Corporation, which adjusts claims for the Insurance Entities, and Universal Inspection Corporation, which performs property inspections for homeowners’ insurance policies underwritten by the Insurance Entities.

Atlas Premium Finance Company offers premium finance services to policyholders of the Insurance Entities. BARC performsserves as a reinsurance negotiationsintermediary on behalf of URA for the Insurance Entities. Universal Logistics Corporation assists with operational duties associated with our day-to-day business.

APPCIC is authorized to write homeowners multi-peril coverage on homes valued in excess of $1.0 million, which are limits and coverages currently not targeted through its affiliate, UPCIC. APPCIC began writing insurance policies in Florida in November 2011.

5


Table of Contents

We also generate income by investing available funds in excess of those retained for claims-paying obligations and insurance operations. See the “Investments” section below.

Coastal Homeowners Insurance Specialists, Inc., (“Coastal”) a wholly owned subsidiary of UIH, was incorporated in Florida onin July 2, 2001 to solicit voluntary business.2001.  This entity represents our agency operations and seeks to generategenerates income from commissions and other charges.charges for servicing policies when agents leave the Insurance Entities’ agent network.  Coastal also serves as an alternative to independent agents and provides quotes on the Insurance Entities’ websites.

Management of Exposure to Catastrophic Losses

The Insurance Entities are exposed to potentially numerous insured losses arising out of single or multiple occurrences, such as natural catastrophes. The Insurance Entities’ exposure to catastrophic losses arises principally out of hurricanes and windstorms. Through the use of standard industry modeling techniques that are susceptible to change, the Insurance Entities manage their exposure to such losses on an ongoing basis from an underwriting perspective. The catastrophe models we utilize analyze credible scientific evidence, regarding the potential impact of global climate change which the Company considers to determine the potential impact of laws and regulations intended to combat climate change and the effect of such change, laws and regulations on our ability to manage exposure under the Insurance Entities’ policies.

The Insurance Entities protect themselves against the risk of catastrophic loss by obtaining annual reinsurance coverage as of the beginning of hurricane season on June 1 of each year.

The Insurance Entities rely on reinsurers to limit the amount of risk retained under their policies and to increase their ability to write additional risks. Our intention is to limit the Insurance Entities’ exposure and therefore protect their capital, even in the event of catastrophic occurrences, through reinsurance agreements.  The Insurance Entities also must participate in the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”).  Residential insurers transacting business in Florida must purchase certain reimbursement protection from the FHCF. Most property and casualty insurers operating in Florida, including the Insurance Entities, are subject to assessment if the FHCF lacks sufficient claims-paying resources to meet its reimbursement obligations to insurers.  The Insurance Entities obtain a significant portion of their reinsurance coverage from the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”).FHCF.

Our reinsurance program consists of excess of loss, quota share and catastrophe reinsurance for multiple hurricanes. Our catastrophe reinsurance program is subject to the terms and limitations of the reinsurance contracts and currently covers certain levels of the Insurance Entities’ projected exposure through three catastrophe events.

Management evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. However, wesee “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Reinsurance subjects us to the credit risk of our reinsurers and may not buy enough reinsurancebe adequate to cover multiple storms going forward or be ableprotect us against losses arising from ceded risks, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.” While ceding premiums to timely or cost-effectively obtain reinsurance. Thereinsurers reduces the Insurance Entities are responsibleEntities’ risk of exposure in the event of catastrophic losses, it also reduces their potential for losses related togreater profits in the event that such catastrophic events with incurred lossesdo not occur. We believe that the extent of our Insurance Entities’ reinsurance is typical of companies similar in excess of coverage provided by our reinsurance programsize and for losses that otherwise are not covered bygeographic exposure in the reinsurance program.homeowners’ insurance industry.

UPCIC has in recent years purchased reinsurance coverage up to and above the 100-year “Probable Maximum Loss” (“PML”). PML is a general concept applied in the insurance industry for defining high loss scenarios that should be considered when underwriting insurance risk. Catastrophe models such as AIR CLASIC/2 and RMS Risk Link, produce loss estimates that are quantified in terms of dollars and probabilities. The Insurance Entities’ PML amounts are modeled using both the AIR CLASIC/2 and RMS Risk Link

versions in effect at the date of the calculation. Probability of exceedance or the probability that the actual loss level will exceed a particular threshold is a standard catastrophe model output. For example, the 100-year PML represents a 1.00% Annual Probability of Exceedance. It is estimated that the 100-year PML is likely to be equaled or exceeded in one year out of 100 on average, or 1 percent of the time. It is the 99th percentile of the annual loss distribution. However, as the Insurance Entities write policies throughout the year, the 100-year PML will change. It is possible that the reinsurance in place may not always surpass the 100-year PML at every point in time in one specific model. In addition, modeling results are merely estimates and are subject to various assumptions. Please see “Item 1A. Risk Factors As a property and casualty insurer, we may face significant losses from catastrophes and severe weather events.”

Although we use what we believe to be widely recognized and, commercially available models to estimate hurricane loss exposure, discrepancies between the assumptions and scenarios utilized in the models and the characteristics of future hurricane events could result in losses that are not covered by the Insurance Entities’ reinsurance program. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors As a property and casualty insurer, we may face significant losses from catastrophes and severe weather events.”

Management evaluates the financial condition6


Table of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. However, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors – Reinsurance subjects us to the credit risk of our reinsurers and may not be adequate to protect us against losses arising from ceded risks, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.” While ceding premiums to reinsurers reduces the Insurance Entities’ risk of exposure in the event of catastrophic losses, it also reduces their potential for greater profits in the event that such catastrophic events do not occur. We believe that the extent of our Insurance Entities’ reinsurance is typical of companies similar in size and geographic exposure in the homeowners’ insurance industry.Contents

Liability for Unpaid Losses and LAE

The liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) periodically established by the Insurance Entities, also known as reserves, are estimates of amounts needed to pay reported and unreported claims and related loss adjustment expenses. The estimates necessarily will be based on certain assumptions related to the ultimate cost to settle such claims. There is an inherent degree of uncertainty involved in the establishment of a liabilityreserve for unpaid losses and LAE and there may be substantial differences between actual losses and the Insurance Entities’ liabilityreserve estimates. The inherent degree of uncertainty involved in the establishment of a liability for unpaid losses and LAE can be more pronounced during periods of rapid growth in written premiums such as those experienced by UPCIC in previous years.  We rely on industry data, as well as the expertise and experience of independent actuaries in an effort to establish accurate estimates and an adequate liability. Furthermore, factors such as storms and weather conditions, climate changes and patterns, inflation, claim settlement patterns, legislative activity and litigation trends may have an impact on the Insurance Entities’ future loss experience.

The Insurance Entities are directly liable for loss and LAE payments under the terms of the insurance policies that they write. In many cases, several years may elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss and the Insurance Entities’ payment of that loss. As required by insurance regulations and accounting rules, the Insurance Entities reflect their liability for the ultimate payment of all incurred losses and LAE by establishing a liability for those unpaid losses and LAE for both reported and unreported claims, which represent estimates of future amounts needed to pay claims and related expenses.

When a claim involving a probable loss is reported, the Insurance Entities establish a liability for the estimated amount of their ultimate loss and LAE payments. The estimate of the amount of the ultimate loss is based upon such factors as the type of loss, jurisdiction of the occurrence, knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the claim, severity of injury or damage, potential for ultimate exposure, estimate of liability on the part of the insured, past experience with similar claims and the applicable policy provisions. All newly reported claims received are set up with an initial average liability. That claim is then evaluated and the liability is adjusted upward or downward according to the facts and damages of that particular claim. In addition, management provides for a liability on an aggregate basis to provide for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). We utilize independent actuaries to help establish liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE. We do not discount the liability for unpaid losses and LAE for financial statement purposes.

The estimates of the liability for unpaid losses and LAE are subject to the effect of trends in claims severity and frequency and are continually reviewed. As part of this process, we review historical data and consider various factors, including known and anticipated legal developments, changes in social attitudes, inflation and economic conditions. As experience develops and other data become available, these estimates are revised, as required, resulting in increases or decreases to the existing liability for unpaid losses and LAE. Adjustments are reflected in results of operations in the period in which they are made and the liabilities may deviate substantially from prior estimates.

Liability claims historically tend to have longer time lapses between the occurrence of the event, the reporting of the claim to the Insurance Entities and the final settlement than do property claims. Liability claims often involve third parties filing suit and the ensuing litigation. By comparison, property damage claims tend to be reported in a relatively shorter period of time with the vast majority of these claims resulting in an adjustment without litigation.

Based upon consultations with our independent actuarial consultants and their statement of opinion on losses and LAE, we believe that the liability for unpaid losses and LAE is currently adequate to cover all claims and related expenses which may arise from incidents reported and IBNR. However, if our liability for unpaid losses and LAE proves to be inadequate, we will be required to increase the liability with a corresponding reduction in net income in the period in which the deficiency is identified. Future losses in excess of established liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources .”Resources.”

Investments

We also generate income by investing funds in excess of those retained for claims-paying obligations and insurance operations. We conduct these investment activities through each of the Insurance Entities and UIH. We have retained investment advisers to advise us and manage the investment portfolio. Our investment committee reports overall investment results to our Board of Directors, at least on a quarterly basis. Our investment advisers may assist in such reports to the Board of Directors.

In recent years we have actively traded investment securities and other investments to supplement income derived from our insurance operations. Our investment trading strategy was:

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primarily to maximize after-tax investment income; and

to obtain favorable risk-adjusted real after-tax investment returns to achieve long-term growth of the Insurance Entities’ statutory surplus and consolidated stockholders’ equity.

During 2013, our investment committee authorized management to engage Deutsche Bank, a leading global investment adviser specializing in the insurance industry, to manage our investment portfolio. Working with the investment adviser, we transitioned the composition of our portfolio to a more traditional insurance company investment portfolio, which we expect will provide a more stable stream of investment income and reduce the effects of market volatility. Our overall investment objective is to maximize total rate of return while maintaining liquidity and minimizing risk. Our investment strategy includes maintaining investments to support unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses for our insurance subsidiaries in accordance with guidelines established by insurance regulators.

As of December 31, 2013, the fair value of our consolidated investment portfolio was $474.3 million, comprised of the following (in thousands):

Type of Investment

  As of
December 31, 2013
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $117,275  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   2,600  

Fixed maturities

   289,418  

Equity securities

   65,022  
  

 

 

 

Total

  $474,315  
  

 

 

 

The investment activities of the Insurance Entities are subject to regulation and supervision by the OIR. See “Government Regulation and Initiatives” below. The Insurance Entities may only make investments that are consistent with regulatory guidelines, and our investment policies for the Insurance Entities correspondinglyaccordingly limit the amount of investmentinvestments in, among other things, non-investment grade fixed maturity securities (including high-yield bonds) and the amount of total investments in preferred stock and common stock. While we seek to appropriately limit the size and scope of investments in the UIH portfolio, UIH is not similarly restricted by Florida law. Therefore, the investments made by UIH may significantly differ from those made by the Insurance Entities. We do not purchase securities on margin. As of December 31, 2013,2014, approximately 97%99% of our portfolio iswas held by our Insurance Entities and 3% is1% was held by UIH.

See “Note“Item 8 — Note 3 – INVESTMENTS” in the accompanying notes to(Investments)” for more information about our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 below.investments.

Government Regulation and Initiatives

UPCIC is organized, licensed and domiciled in the State of Florida as a property and casualty insurer, and is licensed to transact insurance companies, such asbusiness in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.  APPCIC is organized, licensed and domiciled in the State of Florida and is licensed to transact insurance business only in Florida.  Although UPCIC is regulated by state insurance regulators and applicable state insurance laws in each state where it is licensed, the principal insurance regulatory authority of each of UPCIC and APPCIC is the OIR.  The OIR also regulates Atlas Premium Finance Company.  A separate agency, the Florida Department of Financial Services, is responsible for the licensure and regulation of the Company’s managing general agency and insurance agency subsidiaries.  These subsidiaries also are subject to state licensing laws and regulations in other states in which they transact business on behalf of UPCIC.  Likewise, the independent agents that transact business on behalf of the Insurance Entities are subject to regulationstate licensing laws and supervision byregulations in the OIR. The OIR hasstates in which they operate.    

State insurance authorities have broad regulatory, supervisory and administrative authority.authority with respect to various aspects of the insurance business. Such authority includes but is not limited to: the granting and revocation of licenses to transact business; the enforcement of standards applicable to advertising, marketing, rating and underwriting practices; the enforcement of solvency that must be met and maintained;standards of solvency; the nature of, and limitations on, investments; limitations on the payment of dividends and distributions; the review and approval of policy forms and rates; the review of reinsurance contracts; the periodic examination of the affairs of insurance companies; and the review and approval of certain affiliate transactions; enforcement of unfair trade and claims practices; and the form and content of required financial statements. A separate agency,Also, applicable state insurance laws, rather than federal bankruptcy laws, apply to the Florida Departmentliquidation or rehabilitation of Financial Services, is responsible for the licensure and regulation of agents.insurance companies. Such regulation and supervision are primarily for the benefit and protection of policyholders and not for the benefit of investors.

Florida createdWhile the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”) to providefederal government currently does not directly regulate the insurance to Florida homeowners in high-risk areas and to others without private insurance options. As of December 31, 2013, there were 1,021,694 Citizens’ policies in force compared to 1,314,811 as of December 31, 2012. In May 2007, Florida passed legislation that froze property insurance rates for Citizens’ customers at December 2006 levels through December 31, 2008. This same legislation permitted insurance customers to opt into Citizens when the price of a privately-offered insurance policy is 15% more than the Citizens rate, compared to the previous opt-in threshold of 25%. Although Citizens’ rates have risen since 2008, legislative initiatives, together with any future initiatives that seek to further relax eligibility requirements or reduce premium rates for Citizens customers, could adversely affect our ability and the ability of the Insurance Entities to conduct profitable business. State andbusiness, federal legislation relating to insurance is affected byand administrative policies in a number of politicalareas can significantly affect the insurance business.  In addition, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and economic factors thatConsumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) established a federal office to monitor the insurance industry and certain lines of business.  See “—Federal Oversight”.  It is not possible to predict the future impact of changing state or federal regulation on the operations of the Company.  See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Insurance Industry —We are beyondsubject to extensive regulation and potential further restrictive regulation may increase our control. The Florida Legislatureoperating costs and the limit our growth”.

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”)

The NAIC is an organization whose mandate is to benefit state insurance regulatory authorities and consumers by promulgating model insurance laws and regulations for adoption by the states. The NAIC also provides standardized insurance industry accounting and reporting guidance through its Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual (the “Manual”). However, model insurance laws and regulations are only effective when adopted by the states, and statutory accounting and reporting principles continue to be established by individual state laws, regulations and permitted practices. Changes to the Manual or modifications by the various state insurance departments may impact the statutory capital and surplus of the Insurance Entities.  The Company cannot predict what additional compliance costs these pending model laws or regulations may impose if adopted by Florida in the future.

Insurance Holding Company Laws  

UIH, as the indirect parent company of the Insurance Entities, and Universal Insurance Holding Company of Florida (“UIHCF”), as the direct parent company of the Insurance Entities, are subject to the insurance holding company laws of the State of Florida.  These laws generally require an authorized insurer that is a member of a holding company system to register with the OIR and to furnish annually financial and other information about the operations of companies within the holding company system.  Generally, material transactions between UPCIC or APPCIC and another company in the holding company system, including sales, loans, reinsurance agreements and service agreements, must be fair and reasonable and require prior notice and non-disapproval by the OIR.

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The Florida Insurance Code prohibits any person from acquiring control of UIH, UIHCF or the Insurance Entities unless that person has filed a notification with specified information with the OIR and has obtained the OIR’s prior approval.  Under the Florida Insurance Code, acquiring 10% or more of the voting securities of an insurance company or its parent company is presumptively considered an acquisition of control of the insurance company, although such presumption may be rebutted.  Some U.S. state insurance laws require prior notification to state insurance regulators of an acquisition of control of a non-domiciliary insurance company doing business in that state.  These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent an acquisition of control of UIH (in particular through an unsolicited transaction), even if the shareholders of UIH might consider such transaction to be desirable.    

In 2014, the Florida legislature adopted certain provisions of the NAIC’s Insurance Holding Company System Regulatory Model Act and Regulation (the “Amended Holding Company Model Act”).  The new laws introduce the concept of “enterprise risk” within an insurance holding company system.  These laws impose more extensive informational requirements on parents and other affiliates of licensed insurers with the purpose of protecting the licensed companies from enterprise risk, including requiring an annual enterprise risk report by the ultimate controlling person identifying the material risks within the insurance holding company system that could pose enterprise risk to the licensed companies.  UIH’s first enterprise risk report will be due by April 1, 2015.  We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the additional capital requirements, compliance costs or other burdens these changes may impose on us and our Insurance Entities.  

Financial Reporting

The Insurance Entities prepare and file quarterly and annual financial statements in a format established by the NAIC and adopted by administrative rules in Florida as the Insurance Entities’ domiciliary state.  The Insurance Entities’ financial statements are prepared in accordance with statutory accounting principles, which differ from U.S. GAAP.

Examinations

As part of their regulatory oversight process, state insurance departments conduct periodic financial examinations of the books, records, accounts and operations of insurance companies that are domiciled in their states.  Under Florida law, these examinations generally occur every five years, although the OIR may conduct limited or full scope reviews more frequently.   The financial examination reports are available to the public at the conclusion of the examination process.  In addition, state insurance regulatory authorities may make inquiries, hold investigations and administer market conduct examinations with respect to insurers’ compliance with applicable insurance laws and regulations.  These inquiries or examinations may address, among other things, the form and content of disclosures to consumers, advertising, sales practices, claims practices and complaint handling.  The reports arising from insurance authorities’ examination processes typically are available to the public at the conclusion of the examinations.

Capital Requirements

State insurance authorities monitor insurance companies’ solvency and capital requirements using various statutory requirements and industry ratios.  Among these tools, regulatory authorities use a risk-based capital (“RBC”) model to monitor and regulate the solvency of licensed property and casualty insurance companies.   Insurers having less surplus than required by applicable statutes and ratios are subject to varying degrees of regulatory action depending on the level of capital inadequacy.  As of December 31, 2014, the Insurance Entities’ capital and surplus exceeded applicable statutory and RBC requirements.  The calculation of RBC requires certain judgments to be made and depends on the Insurance Entities’ financial positions as of a specific date, typically at the end of a calendar year.  Accordingly, the Insurance Entities’ current RBC may be greater or less than the RBC calculated as of any other date of determination.  

Restrictions on Dividends and Distributions  

State insurance laws govern the payment of dividends by insurance companies.  Under the Florida Insurance Code, the Insurance Entities generally may pay dividends from statutory unassigned surplus subject to limitations based on the Insurance Entities’ levels of statutory net income and statutory capital and surplus.  The maximum dividends that may be paid by the Insurance Entities without prior regulatory approval is limited to the greater of statutory net income from operations for the preceding calendar year or 10.0% of statutory unassigned surplus as of the preceding year end.  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 generally is considered an “extraordinary dividend” and is subject to prior regulatory approval. Dividends paid by the Company’s subsidiaries other than the Insurance Entities are not subject to the statutory restrictions set forth in the Florida Insurance Code.  Dividends paid to the Company’s shareholders in 2014 were paid from the earnings of the Company and its non-insurance subsidiaries and not from the capital and surplus of the Insurance Entities.

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Federal Oversight

Although the insurance business in the United States is primarily regulated by the states, federal initiatives can affect the Company’s business in a variety of ways. From time to time, federal measures are proposed which may significantly affect the insurance business. These areas include financial services regulation, securities regulation, privacy regulation and taxation. In addition, various forms of direct and indirect federal regulation of insurance have been proposed from time to time, including proposals for the establishment of an optional federal charter for insurance companies.

Privacy Regulation  

Federal and state laws and regulations require financial institutions to protect the security and confidentiality of non-public personal information and to notify customers and other individuals about their policies and practices relating to their collection and disclosure of customer information and their practices relating to protecting the security and confidentiality of that information. Federal and state lawmakers and regulatory bodies may be expected to consider proposals that may affect, amongadditional or more detailed regulation regarding these subjects and the privacy and security of non-public personal information.

Statutory Insurance Organizations

Many states in which the Insurance Entities operate have statutorily-mandated insurance organizations or other things, regulatory assessments and reserve requirements.

In addition,insurance mechanisms in which the Insurance Entities are required to offer wind mitigation discountsparticipate or to potentially pay assessments.  Each state has insurance guaranty association laws providing for the payment of policyholders’ claims when insurance companies doing business in accordance withthat state become impaired or insolvent.  These guaranty associations typically are funded by assessments on insurance companies transacting business in the respective states.  When the Insurance Entities are subject to assessments they generally must remit the assessed amounts to the guaranty associations.  The Insurance Entities may subsequently seek to recover the assessed amounts through recoupments from policyholders or, in some cases, credits against future premium tax obligations.  The Insurance Entities might not be able to fully recoup the amounts of those assessments.  While the Company cannot predict the amount or timing of future guaranty association assessments, the Company believes that any such assessments will not have a program mandated by the Florida Legislature and implemented by the OIR. The level of wind mitigation discounts mandated by the Florida Legislature to be effective June 1, 2007 for new business and August 1, 2007 for renewal business have had a significant negativematerial effect on the Insurance Entities’ premium. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for a discussion of the impact of wind mitigation discounts on ourCompany’s financial position or results of operations.operations

Several states, including Florida, have insurance mechanisms that provide insurance to consumers who are not otherwise able to obtain coverage in the private insurance market.  The largest such insurance mechanism is Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”).  The degree to which these state-authorized insurance mechanisms compete with private insurers such as the Insurance Entities varies over time depending on market and public policy considerations beyond the Company’s control.  If these insurance mechanisms do not have sufficient resources to meet their claims obligations, the Insurance Entities might be required to pay assessments that are then recouped from policyholders or to add surcharges to their premiums for collection from policyholders and remittance.  As indicated above under Government Regulation and Initiatives, most property and casualty insurers operating in Florida, including the Insurance Guaranty Association (“FIGA”) is a nonprofit corporation createdEntities, are subject to assessment if the FHCF lacks sufficient claims-paying resources to meet its reimbursement obligations to insurers.  FHCF assessments are added to policyholders’ premiums and are collected and remitted by the Florida Legislature. FIGA services pending claims of Florida policyholders against member insurance companies which become insolvent and are ordered liquidated. The operation is directed towards early recognition and payment of those covered claims to avoid hardship or financial difficulties to the insureds or claimants involved. Payments of claims are funded with the proceeds of the failed insurers’ liquidated assets. When these proceeds are inadequate to cover outstanding claims, assessments are made among members which are composed of all Florida licensed direct writers of property or casualty insurance. In 2012, the OIR approved a mandatory assessment by FIGA that was applicable to all member insurers of FIGA’s “All Other Account,” which includes UPCIC and APPCIC. The assessment was 0.9 percent of each of the Insurance Entities’ net direct written premiums within Florida for the calendar year 2011 and totaled $6.3 million. The assessment had a negative effect on the consolidated operating results of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012. The majority of the mandatory assessment on UPCIC of $6.3 million was recovered in 2013 through a surcharge on UPCIC’s policies within Florida, pursuant to a filing made with the OIR in November 2012. The mandatory assessment on APPCIC was a nominal amount that the Company has elected not to recover. Since the prior assessment levied by FIGA in 2009 on its All Other Account, FIGA reports there have been 13 foreign and domestic insurance company insolvencies affecting its claims-paying accounts.Entities.  

UPCIC has become and will become subject to other states’ laws and regulations as it has obtained and continues to seek authority to transact business in other states.

UPCIC received an order from the OIR dated May 30, 2013 related to the OIR’s Target Market Conduct Final Examination Report of UPCIC for the period January 2009 through May 2013 (“OIR Order”). The OIR Order alleged certain violations and findings and sought to impose certain requirements and an administrative fine of $1.3 million upon UPCIC. On October 4, 2013, UPCIC and the OIR signed a Consent Order settling the OIR Order. The Consent Order clarified language contained in the OIR Order, imposed certain requirements on UPCIC and required UPCIC to pay the administrative fine of $1.3 million, which it paid on October 18, 2013.

Product Pricing

The rates charged by the Insurance Entities generally are subject to regulatory review and approval before they may be implemented. The Insurance Entities periodically submit their rate revisions to regulators as required by law or deemed by us to be necessary or appropriate for the Insurance Entities’ business. We prepare these filings for the Insurance Entities based on objective data relating to their respective business and on judgment exercised by management and retained professionals.

The premiums charged by the Insurance Entities to policyholders are affected by legislative enactments and administrative rules, including a state-mandated programprograms requiring residential property insurance companies like ours to provide premium discounts when policyholders verify that insured properties have certain construction features or other windstorm loss reduction features. The level of required premium discounts may exceed the expected reduction in losses associated with the construction features for which the discounts are provided. Although the Insurance Entities may submit rate filings to address any premium deficiencies, those rate filings are subject to regulatory oversight and may not be approved.

On February 7, 2013, we announced that UPCIC received approval from the OIR for premium rate increases for its homeowners and dwelling fire programs within Florida. The premium rate increases willwere expected to average approximately 14.1% statewide for its homeowners program and 14.5% for its dwelling fire program. The effective dates for the homeowners program rate increase were January 18, 2013, for new business and March 9, 2013, for renewal business. The effective dates for the dwelling fire program rate increase were January 14, 2013, for new business and March 3, 2013, for renewal business. In late 2013, the CompanyUPCIC secured approval for an overall rate decrease for homeowners in the amount of 2.4%, effective in early 2014. In addition, an increase in theUPCIC’s average dwelling fire rates of 8.1% also became effective in early 2014.

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On January 13, 2015 the North Carolina Rating Bureau announced the implementation of the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance’s Order calling for an overall statewide homeowners’ insurance rate change of 0.0%, resulting in a decrease of 0.3% for the owners forms, an increase of 11.2% for the tenants forms and an increase of 8.1% for the condominiums forms.   These changes are applicable to all new and renewal policies effective on or after June 1, 2015.  Based on the distribution of UPCIC’s North Carolina portfolio of homeowners’ risks as of December 31, 2014, we estimate that the impact of these approved rate changes results in an overall rate increase of 0.6% in UPCIC’s in force North Carolina premium.

Competition

The insurance industry is highly competitive and many companies currently write homeowners’ property and casualty insurance. Additionally, we must compete with companies that have greater capital resources and longer operating histories and newly formed and less capitalized companies that might have more aggressive underwriting or pricing strategies. Increased competition from other private insurance companies as well as Citizens could adversely affect our ability to conduct profitable business. In addition, our Financial Stability Rating® is an important factor in establishing our competitive position and may affect our sales. Although our pricing is inevitably influenced to some degree by that of our competitors, we believe that it is generally not in our best interest to compete solely on price, choosing instead to compete on the basis of underwriting criteria, our distribution network and high quality service to our agents and insureds.

Employees

As of February 6, 2014,12, 2015, we had 300335 full-time employees. None of our employees are represented by a labor union.

Available Information

Our internet address is http://www.universalinsuranceholdings.com.www.universalinsuranceholdings.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports are available, free of charge, through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after their filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding our filings athttp://www.sec.gov.

 


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ITEMITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

We are subject to a variety of risks, the most significant of which are described below. Our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected by any of these risks or additional risks.

Risks Relating to the Property-Casualty Business

As a property and casualty insurer, we may face significant losses from catastrophes and severe weather events

Because of the exposure of our property and casualty business to catastrophic events, our operating results and financial condition may vary significantly from one period to the next. Catastrophes can be caused by various natural and man-made disasters, including wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, sinkholes and certain types of terrorism. Because of our concentration in Florida, we are particularly exposed to hurricanes and windstorms affecting Florida.  We may incur catastrophe losses in excess of: those experienced in prior years; those estimated by a catastrophe model we use; the average expected level used in pricing; and our current reinsurance coverage limits.

In addition, we are subject to claims arising from weather events such as rain, hail and high winds. The incidence and severity of weather conditions are largely unpredictable. There is generally an increase in the frequency and severity of property claims when severe weather conditions occur. The nature and level of catastrophes in any period cannot be predicted and could be material to our operations. In addition, impacts of catastrophes and our catastrophe management strategy may adversely affect premium growth.

Although we use widely recognized and commercially available models to estimate hurricane loss exposure, other models exist that might produce higher or lower loss estimates. The loss estimates developed by the catastrophe modelmodels are dependent upon assumptions or scenarios incorporated into the model by a third-party developer and by us (or our representatives). However if these assumptions or scenarios do not reflect the characteristics of future catastrophic events that affect Floridaareas covered by our policies or the resulting economic conditions, such may result inthen we could have exposure for losses not covered by our reinsurance program.

Despite our catastrophe management programs, we retain significant exposure to catastrophic events. Our liquidity could be constrained by a catastrophe, or multiple catastrophes, which result in extraordinary losses and have a negative impact on our business.

Unanticipated increases in the severity or frequency of claims may adversely affect our profitability and financial condition

Changes in the severity or frequency of claims may affect our profitability. Changes in homeowners’ claim severity are driven by inflation in the construction industry, in building materials and in home furnishings and by other economic and environmental factors, including increased demand for services and supplies in areas affected by catastrophes. However, changes in the level of the severity of claims are not limited to the effects of inflation and demand surge in these various sectors of the economy. Increases in claim severity can arise from unexpected events that are inherently difficult to predict. Although we pursue various loss management initiatives in order to mitigate future increases in claim severity, there can be no assurances that these initiatives will successfully identify or reduce the effect of future increases in claim severity.

We may experience declines in claim frequency from time to time. The short-term level of claim frequency we experience may vary from period to period and may not be sustainable over the longer term. A significant long-term increase in claim frequency could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

Actual claims incurred may exceed current reserves established for claims and may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition

Recorded claim reserves in the property-casualty business are based on our best estimates of losses, both reported and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”),IBNR, after considering known facts and interpretations of circumstances. Internal factors are considered including our experience with similar cases, actual claims paid, historical trends involving claim payment patterns, pending levels of unpaid claims and contractual terms. External factors are also considered which include but are not limited to changes in the law, changes, court decisions, changes to regulatory requirements and economic conditions. Because reserves are estimates of the unpaid portion of losses that have occurred, including IBNR losses, the establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophes, is an inherently uncertain and complex process. The ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded reserves and such variance may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

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Predicting claim expense relating to environmental liabilities is inherently uncertain and may have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition

The process of estimating environmental liabilities is complicated by complex legal issues concerning, among other things, the interpretation of various insurance policy provisions and whether those losses are, or were ever intended to be covered; and whether losses could be recoverable through reinsurance. Litigation is often a complex, lengthy process that involves substantial uncertainty for insurers. Actuarial techniques and databases used in estimating environmental net loss reserves may prove to be inadequate indicators of the extent of probable loss. Ultimate net losses from environmental liabilities could materially exceed established loss reserves and expected recoveries and have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

The failure of the risk mitigation strategies we utilize could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations

We utilize a number of strategies to mitigate our risk exposure, such as:

·

engaging in rigorous underwriting;

·

carefully evaluating terms and conditions of our policies; and

·

engaging in rigorous underwriting;

carefully evaluating terms and conditions of our policies; and

ceding risk to reinsurers.

However, there are inherent limitations in all of these tacticsstrategies and no assurance can be given that an event or series of events will not result in loss levels in excess of our probable maximum loss models, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. It is also possible that losses could manifest themselves in ways that we do not anticipate and that our risk mitigation strategies are not designed to address. Such a manifestation of losses could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

These risks may be heightened during difficult economic conditions such as those recently experienced in Florida and elsewhere.

Reinsurance may be unavailable at current levels and prices, which may limit our ability to write new business or to adequately mitigate our exposure to loss

Our reinsurance program wasis designed, utilizing our risk management methodology, to addresshelp mitigate our exposure to catastrophes. Market conditions beyond our control determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance we purchase. No assurances can be made that reinsurance will remain continuously available to us to the same extent and on the same terms and rates as are currently available. For

example, our ability to afford reinsurance to reduce our catastrophe risk may be dependent upon our ability to adjust premium rates for our cost, and there are no assurances that the terms and rates for our current reinsurance program will continue to be available next year. If we wereare unable to maintain our current level of reinsurance or purchase new reinsurance protection in amounts that we consider sufficient and at prices that we consider acceptable, we would have to either accept an increase in our exposure risk, reduce our insurance writings, or develop or seek other alternatives.

Regulation limiting rate increaseschanges and requiring us to participate in loss sharing or assessments may decrease our profitability

From time to time, political dispositions affect the insurance market, including efforts to effectively maintain rates that may not allow us to reach targeted levels of profitability. Despite efforts to remove politics from insurance regulation, facts and history demonstrate that public policymakers, when faced with untoward events and adverse public sentiment, can act in ways that impede a satisfactory correlation between rates and risk. Such acts may affect our ability to obtain approval for rate changes that may be required to attain rate adequacy along with targeted levels of profitability and returns on equity. Our ability to afford reinsurance required to reduce our catastrophe risk may be dependent upon the ability to adjust rates for our cost.

Additionally, we are required to participate in guaranty funds for insolvent insurance companies.companies and other statutory insurance entities. The guaranty funds and other statutory entities periodically assess losseslevy assessments against all insurance companies doing business in the state.state and the amounts and timing of those assessments are unpredictable. Our operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected by any of these factors.

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The potential benefits of implementing our profitability model may not be fully realized

We believe that our profitability model has allowed us to be more competitive and operate more profitably.profitably than other similarly situated insurers. However, because many of our competitors have adopted underwriting criteria and sophisticated models similar to those we use and because other competitors may follow suit, our competitive advantage could decline or be lost. Competitive pressures could also force us to modify our profitability model. Furthermore, we cannot be assured that the profitability model will accurately reflect the level of losses that we will ultimately incur from the business generated.

Our financial condition and operating results and the financial condition and operating results of our Insurance Entities may be adversely affected by the cyclical nature of the property and casualty business

The property and casualty market is cyclical and has experienced periods characterized by relatively high levels of price competition, less restrictive underwriting standards and relatively low premium rates, followed by periods of relatively lower levels of competition, more selective underwriting standards and relatively high premium rates. A downturn in the profitability cycle of the property and casualty business could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Renewed weakness in the Florida real estate market could adversely affect our loss results

As of December 31, 2013,2014, approximately 93%91% of our policies-in-forcepolicies in force and 91%88% of total insured values were derived from customers located in Florida. In recent years, Florida experienced a significant economic downturn and among the highest real estate value diminution in the country. While the real estate market in Florida appears to be on the rebound, renewed weakness in that market could result in fewer home sales, which may adversely affect the number of policies we are able to sell and/or the rates we are able to charge to customers. Additionally, higher incidents of foreclosed or vacant homes may result in increased claims activity under residential insurance policies, which could negatively affect our operating results.

Changing climate conditions may adversely affect our financial condition, profitability or cash flows

Property and casualty insurers are subject to claims arising from catastrophes. Catastrophic losses have had a significant impact on our historical results. Catastrophes can be caused by various events, including hurricanes, tsunamis, windstorms, earthquakes, hailstorms, explosions, flooding, severe winter weather and fires and may include man-made events, such as terrorist attacks. The incidence, frequency and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable.

Longer-term weather trends may be changing and new types of catastrophe losses may be developing due to climate change, a phenomenon that has been associated with extreme weather events linked to rising temperatures, including effects on global weather patterns, greenhouse gases, sea, land and air temperature, sea levels, rain and snow. The science regarding climate change is still emerging and developing. However, to the extent the frequency or severity of weather events is exacerbated due to climate change, we may experience increases in catastrophe losses in both coastal and non-coastal areas.

Because we conduct the majority of our business in Florida, our financial results substantially depend on the regulatory, economic and weather conditions present in that state

Risks RelatingThough we are licensed to Investmentstransact insurance business in Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and South Carolina, we still write a substantial majority of our premium in Florida; therefore, prevailing regulatory, legal, economic, political, demographic, competitive, weather and other conditions in Florida affect our revenues and profitability. Changes in conditions could make doing business in Florida less attractive for us and would have a more pronounced effect on us than it would on other insurance companies that are more geographically diversified.

We have periodically experienced, andare subject to increased exposure to certain catastrophic events such as hurricanes, as well as an increased risk of resulting losses. The occurrence of one or more catastrophic events or other conditions affecting losses in Florida may experience further reductions in returns or losses on our investments especially during periods of heightened volatility, which could havecause a material adverse effect on our results of operations orand financial conditioncondition.

Our investmentWe have been entering and in the future may enter new markets, but there can be no assurance that our diversification strategy will be effective

Although we intend to continue focusing on Florida as a key market for our insurance products, we have in the past, and may subjectin the future, seek to take advantage of prudent opportunities to expand our investment portfolio to significant volatility. The returns on our investment portfolio may be reduced orcore business into other states where we may incur losses asbelieve the independent agent distribution channel is strong. As a result of changesa number of factors, including the difficulties of finding appropriate expansion opportunities and the challenges of operating in general economic conditions, interest rates, real estate markets, fixed income markets, metals markets, energy markets, agriculture markets, equity markets, alternative investment markets, credit markets, exchange rates, global capitalan unfamiliar market, conditions and numerous other factors thatwe may not be successful in this diversification. Additionally, in order to carry out any such strategy, we would need to obtain the appropriate licenses from the insurance regulatory authority of any such state if we are beyondnot currently licensed to transact business in any state.

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Because we rely on insurance agents, the loss of these agent relationships or our control.

The worldwide financial markets experience high levels of volatility during certain periods, whichability to attract new agents could have an increasingly adverse impact on our business

We currently market our policies to a broad range of prospective policyholders through approximately 7,000 independent insurance agents. Many of these agents are independent insurance agents that own their customer relationships, and our agency contracts with them limit our ability to directly solicit business from our existing policyholders. Independent agents most commonly represent other insurance companies, and we do not control their activities. Certain of those insurance companies pay higher commissions than we do, provide services to the U.S. and foreign economies.agents that we do not provide, or are otherwise more attractive to the agents than we are.  We cannot assure you that we will retain our current relationships, or be able to establish new relationships, with insurance agents.  The financial market volatility and any resulting negative economicloss of these marketing relationships could adversely impact our ability to attract new agents, retain our agency network, or write new or renewal insurance policies.

Changes to Florida’s wind mitigation discount law could continue and be prolonged,materially affect our income

Florida law currently mandates that insurance companies offer a reduction in insurance premiums for policyholders whose properties have certain features that increase such properties’ ability to withstand windstorm damage, based on an inspection of such properties.  Changes to the current wind loss mitigation program in Florida could require that we provide greater premium discounts or reconfigure existing discount programs, which could adversely affect our current investment portfolio, make it difficultincome.  

Risks Relating to determine the value of certain assets in our portfolio and/or make it difficult for us to purchase suitable investments that meet our risk and return criteria. These factors could cause us to realize less than expected returns on invested assets, sell investments for a loss or write off or write down investments, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.Investments

We are subject to market risk which may adversely impact investment income

Our primary market risk exposures are changes in equity and commodity prices and interest rates. A decline in market interest rates could have an adverse effect on our investment income as we invest cash in new interest bearing investments that may yield less than our portfolio’s average rate of return. A decline in market interest rates could also lead us to purchase longer-term or riskier assets in order to obtain adequate investment yields resulting in a duration gap when compared to the duration of liabilities. An increase in market interest rates could also have an adverse effect on the value of our investment portfolio by decreasing the fair values of the fixed maturity securities that comprise a large portion of our investment portfolio. A decline in the quality of our investment portfolio as a result of adverse economic conditions or otherwise could cause additional realized losses on securities.

Concentration of our investment portfolio in any particular segment of the economy may have adverse effects on our operating results and financial condition

The concentration of our investment portfolio in any particular industry, collateral types, group of related industries or geographic sector could have an adverse effect on our investment portfolio and consequently on our results of operations and financial condition. Events or developments that have a negative impact on any particular industry, group of related industries or geographic region may have a greater adverse effect on the investment portfolio to the extent that the portfolio are concentrated rather than diversified.

Our overall financial performance is dependent in part on the returns on our investment portfolio, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations or cause such results to be volatile

The performance of our investment portfolio is independent of the revenue and income generated from our insurance operations, and there is no direct correlation between the financial results of these two activities. Thus, to the extent that our investment portfolio does not perform well due to the factors discussed above or otherwise, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected even if our insurance operations perform favorably. Further, because the returns on our investment portfolio may be volatile, our overall results of operations may likewise be volatile from period to period even if we do not experience significant financial variances in our insurance operations.

Risks Relating to the Insurance Industry

Our future results are dependent in part on our ability to successfully operate in an insurance industry that is highly competitive

The insurance industry is highly competitive. Many of our competitors have well-established national reputations and market similar products. Because of the competitive nature of the insurance industry, including competition for producers such as independent agents, there can be no assurance that we will continue to effectively compete with our industry rivals, or that competitive pressures will not have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. Our ability to successfully operate may also be impaired if we are not effective in filling critical leadership positions, in developing the talent and skills of our human resources, in assimilating new executive talent into our organization, or in deploying human resource talent consistent with our business goals.

Difficult conditions in the economy generally could adversely affect our business and operating results

The United States economy has experienced widespread job losses, higher unemployment, lower consumer spending, declines in home prices and substantial increases in delinquencies on consumer debt, including defaults on home mortgages. Moreover, past disruptions in the financial markets, particularly the reduced availability of credit and tightened lending requirements, have affected the ability of borrowers to refinance loans at more affordable rates. We cannot predict the likelihood of a future recession, but as with most businesses, we believe a longer or more severe recession than the one recently experienced could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

A general economic slowdown could adversely affect us in the form of consumer behavior and pressure on our investment portfolio. Consumer behavior could include decreased demand for insurance. Beginning mostly in 2008 and 2009, weakness in the housing market and a highly competitive environment contributed to reduced growth in policies in force. Our investment portfolio could be adversely affected as a result of deteriorating financial and business conditions.

There can be no assurance that actions of the U.S. federal government, Federal Reserve and other governmental and regulatory bodies intended to stabilize the financial markets and stimulating the economy will achieve the intended effect

In response to the financial crises affecting the banking system, the financial markets and the broader economy, the U.S. government, the Federal Reserve and other governmental and regulatory bodies have taken or are considering taking action to address such conditions including, among other things, purchasing mortgage-backed and other securities from financial institutions, investing directly in banks, thrifts and financial institution holding companies and increasing federal spending to stimulate the economy. There can be no assurance as to what impact such actions will have on the financial markets or on economic conditions. Such continued volatility and economic deterioration could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to extensive regulation and potential further restrictive regulation may increase our operating costs and limit our growth

As insurance companies, we are subject to extensiveThe laws and regulations. These laws and regulations affecting the insurance industry are complex and subject to change. Moreover, they are administered and enforced by a number of different governmental authorities, including state insurance regulators, state securities administrators, the SEC, the U.S. Department of Justice, and state attorneys general, each of which exercises a degree of interpretive latitude. Consequently, we are subject to the risk that compliance with any particular regulator’s or enforcement authority’s interpretation of a legal issue may not result in compliance with another’s interpretation of the same issue, particularly when compliance is judged in hindsight. In addition, there is risk that any particular regulator’s or enforcement authority’s interpretation of a legal issue may change over time to our detriment, or that changes in the overall legal environment may, even absent any particular regulator’s or enforcement authority’s interpretation of a legal issue changing, cause us to change our views regarding the actions we need to take from a legal risk management perspective, thus necessitating changes to our practices that may, in some cases, limit our ability to grow and achieve or improve the profitability of our business. Furthermore, in some cases, these laws and regulations are designed to protect or benefit the interests of a specific constituency rather than a range of constituencies. For example, state insurance laws and regulations are generally intended to protect or benefit purchasers or users of insurance products, not holders of securities issued by us. In many respects, these laws and regulations limit our ability to grow and improve the profitability of our business.

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The Insurance Entities are highly regulated by state insurance authorities in Florida, the state in which each is domiciled, and UPCIC is also regulated by state insurance authorities in the other states in which it conducts business.  Such regulations, among other things, require that certain transactions between the Insurance Entities and their affiliates must be fair and reasonable and require prior notice and non-disapproval by the applicable state insurance authority.  State regulations also limit the amount of dividends and other payments that can be made by the Insurance Entities without prior regulatory approval and impose restrictions on the amount and type of investments the Insurance Entities may have. These regulations also affect many other aspects of the Insurance Entities’ businesses. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations is time consuming and personnel-intensive, and changes in these laws and regulations may materially increase UIH’s direct and indirect compliance efforts and other expenses of doing business.  If the Insurance Entities fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, the regulatory agencies can revoke or suspend their licenses, withhold or withdraw required approvals, require corrective action and impose operating limitations, impose penalties or pursue other remedies available under applicable laws and regulations.  

State legislatures and insurance regulators regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicable to insurance companies and their products.  Changes in these laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, can be made for the benefit of the consumer, or for other reasons, at the expense of insurers, and thus could have an adverse effect on UIH’s financial condition and results of operations.

Recently there has been increased scrutiny of the insurance regulatory framework in the United States and some state legislatures have considered or enacted laws that alter, and in many cases increase, state authority to regulate insurance holding companies and insurance companies.  The Insurance Entities’ domiciliary state has adopted legislation introducing the concept of “enterprise risk” within an insurance holding company system.  These new laws impose more extensive informational requirements on parents and other affiliates of licensed insurers with the purpose of protecting the licensed companies from enterprise risk.  The new laws require the ultimate controlling person of an insurance holding company system to file an annual enterprise risk report identifying the material risks within the insurance holding company system that could pose enterprise risk to the licensed companies.  While UIH believes the Company is well prepared to comply with the new laws, UIH cannot guarantee the impact of any interpretations of the new law or the potential impact of other proposed or future legislation or rule-making in the U.S. or elsewhere would not have an adverse effect on UIH’s results of operations or financial condition.  

Although the federal government does not directly regulate the insurance business, federal legislation and administrative policies in several areas, including employee benefits regulation, age, sex and disability-based discrimination, financial services regulation, securities regulation and federal taxation, can significantly affect the insurance business. The Dodd-Frank Act created the Federal Insurance Office within the U.S. Department of the Treasury headed by a Director appointed by the Treasury Secretary.  The Federal Insurance Office is designed principally to exercise a monitoring and information gathering role, rather than a regulatory role.  Nonetheless, these activities could ultimately lead to changes in the regulation of insurers and reinsurers in the United States, including insurance group holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act requires extensive rule-making and other future regulatory action, which in some cases will take a period of years to implement.

In recent years, the state insurance regulatory framework has come under public scrutiny and members of Congress have discussed proposals to provide for federal chartering of insurance companies.  We can make no assurances regarding the potential impact of state or federal measures that may change the nature or scope of insurance regulation.

UIH is a holding company and, consequently, its cash flow is dependent on dividends, interest and other permissible payments from its subsidiaries

UIH is a holding company that conducts no insurance operations of its own.  All operations are conducted by the Insurance Entities and by other operating subsidiaries that primarily support the business of the Insurance Entities.  As a holding company, UIH’s sources of cash flow consist primarily of dividends, interest and other permissible payments from its subsidiaries.  The ability of the Insurance Entities to make such payments is limited by applicable law, as set forth in Item 1, “Business—Insurance Operations—Government Regulation and Initiatives—Restrictions on Dividends and Distributions” in this Form 10-K.  The ability of our other subsidiaries to pay dividends may be adversely affected by reductions in the premiums or number of policies written by the Insurance Entities, by changes in the terms of the parties’ contracts, or by changes in the regulation of insurance holding company systems.  UIH depends on such payments for general corporate purposes, for its capital management activities and payment of any dividends to its common shareholders.  For more details on our cash flows, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources” in this Form 10-K.

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UIH could be adversely affected if the Insurance Entities’ controls designed to ensure compliance with guidelines, policies and legal and regulatory standards are not effective

The Insurance Entities’ business is highly dependent on the ability to engage on a daily basis in a large number of insurance underwriting, claims processing and investment activities, many of which are highly complex. These activities often are subject to internal guidelines and policies, as well as legal and regulatory standards. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable guarantee that the control system’s objectives will be met. The Insurance Entities’ failure to comply with these guidelines, policies or standards could lead to financial loss, unanticipated risk exposure, regulatory sanctions or penalties, civil or administrative litigation, or damage to UIH’s reputation.

Litigation or regulatory actions could have a material adverse impact on UIH

The Insurance Entities and their affiliates from time to time are subject to civil or administrative actions and litigation.  Civil litigation frequently results when the Insurance Entities do not pay insurance claims in the amounts or at the times demanded by policyholders or their representatives.  The Insurance Entities also may be subject to litigation or administrative actions arising from the conduct of their business and the regulatory authority of state insurance departments.  Further, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to other types of litigation inherent in operating their businesses, employing personnel, contracting with vendors and otherwise carrying out their affairs.  Current and future litigation or regulatory matters may negatively affect UIH by resulting in the payment of substantial awards or settlements, increasing legal and compliance costs, requiring UIH to change certain aspects of its business operations, diverting management attention from other business issues, harming UIH’s reputation with customers or making it more difficult to retain current customers and to recruit and retain employees or agents. See “Item 8 — Note 5 (Insurance Operations) and Note 15 (Commitments and Contingencies)”.  

The amount of statutory capital that each of the Insurance Entities has and the amount of statutory capital it must hold can vary and is sensitive to a number of factors outside of UIH’s control, including market conditions and the regulatory environment and rules

Insurance regulators adopt accounting standards and statutory capital and reserve requirements for the Insurance Entities.  In addition, the rating agencies responsible for reviewing the Insurance Entities have their own metrics for evaluating the Insurance Entities’ financial strength.  In any particular year, the Insurance Entities’ statutory surplus amounts and financial ratios may change depending on a variety of factors.  Further, the requirements and ratios adopted by regulatory authorities or rating agencies may change over time.  The Insurance Entities’ failure to maintain compliance with current or future requirements could adversely affect our business.

Our future results are dependent in part on our ability to successfully operate in an insurance industry that is highly competitive

The insurance industry is highly competitive. Many of our competitors have well-established national reputations and market similar products. In addition, we compete with companies that have greater capital resources and longer operating histories as well as with newly formed and less capitalized companies that might have more aggressive underwriting or pricing strategies.  Because of the competitive nature of the insurance industry, including competition for producers such as independent agents, there can be no assurance that we will continue to develop and maintain productive relationships with independent agents, effectively compete with our industry rivals, or that competitive pressures will not have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. Our ability to successfully operate may also be impaired if we are not effective in filling critical leadership positions, in developing the talent and skills of our human resources, in assimilating new executive talent into our organization, or in deploying human resource talent consistent with our business goals.

Difficult conditions in the economy generally could adversely affect our business and operating results

In recent years, the United States economy has experienced widespread job losses, higher unemployment, lower consumer spending, declines in home prices and substantial increases in delinquencies on consumer debt, including defaults on home mortgages. Moreover, past disruptions in the financial markets, particularly the reduced availability of credit and tightened lending requirements, affected the ability of borrowers to refinance loans at more affordable rates.  A general economic slowdown also could adversely affect us in the form of consumer behavior and pressure on our investment portfolio.  We cannot predict the likelihood of a future recession, but as with most businesses, we believe a longer or more severe recession than the one recently experienced could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.  

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A downgrade in our Financial Stability Rating® may have an adverse effect on our competitive position, the marketability of our product offerings, and our liquidity, operating results and financial condition

Financial Stability Ratings® are important factors in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies and generally have an effect on an insurance company’s business. On an ongoing basis, rating agencies review the financial performance and condition of insurers and could downgrade or change the outlook on an insurer’s ratings due to, for example, a change in an insurer’s statutory capital; a change in a rating agency’s determination of the amount of risk-adjusted capital required to maintain a particular rating; a change in the perceived adequacy of an insurer’s reinsurance program; an increase in the perceived risk of an insurer’s investment portfolio; a reduced confidence in management or a host of other considerations that may or may not be within an insurer’s control. Demotech, Inc., has assigned a Financial Stability Rating® of A for the Insurance Entities. Because these ratings are subject to continuous review, the retention of these ratings cannot be assured. A downgrade in or withdrawal of these ratings, or a decision by Demotech to require the Insurance Entities’ parent company to make a capital infusion into the Insurance Entities to maintain their ratings, may adversely affect our liquidity, operating results and financial condition.  Financial Stability Ratings® are primarily directed towards policyholders of the Insurance Entities, and are not evaluations directed toward the protection of investors in the Insurance Entities’ ultimate parent, including holders of the Company’s common stock, and are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities.  

Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to examination and actions by state insurance departments

The Insurance Entities are subject to extensive regulation in the states in which they do business. State insurance regulatory agencies conduct periodic examinations of the Insurance Entities on a wide variety of matters, including policy forms, premium rates, licensing, trade and claims practices, investment standards and practices, statutory capital and surplus requirements, reserve and loss ratio requirements and transactions among affiliates. Further, the Insurance Entities are required to file annual and other reports with state insurance regulatory agencies relating to financial condition, holding company issues and other matters. If an insurance company fails to obtain required licenses or approvals, or if the Insurance Entities fail to comply with other regulatory requirements, the regulatory agencies can suspend or delayrevoke their operationslicenses, withdraw or licenses,withhold required approvals, require corrective action and impose operating limitations, penalties or other remedies available under applicable laws and regulations.

Reinsurance subjects us to the credit risk of our reinsurers and may not be adequate to protect us against losses arising from ceded risks, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition

Reinsurance does not legally discharge us from our primary liability for the full amount of the risk we insure, although it does make the reinsurer liable to us in the event of a claim. As such, we are subject to credit risk with respect to our reinsurers. The collectability of reinsurance recoverables is subject to uncertainty arising from a number of factors, including changes in market conditions, whether insured losses meet the qualifying conditions of theunder our reinsurance contractcontracts for covered events such as windstorms, vandalism, brush fires, earthquakes and riots or are excluded explicitly for events such as a chemical terrorism event impacting our policyholders and whether reinsurers, or their affiliates, have the financial capacity and willingness to make payments under the terms of a reinsurance treaty or contract. Our inability to collect a material recovery from a reinsurer could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

In addition, we may not buy enough reinsurance to cover a single substantial storm or multiple storms going forward or be able to timely or cost-effectively obtain reinsurance.  The continued threatInsurance Entities are responsible for losses related to catastrophic events with incurred losses in excess of terrorismcoverage provided by our reinsurance program and ongoing military actions may adversely affect the level of claimfor losses we incur and the value of our investment portfolio

The continued threat of terrorism, both within the United States and abroad, and ongoing military and other actions and heightened security measures in response to these types of threats, may cause significant volatility and losses from declines in the equity markets and from interest rate changes in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, and result in loss of life, property damage, disruptions to commerce and reduced economic activity. Some of the assets in our investment portfolio may be adversely affected by reduced economic activity causedthat otherwise are not covered by the continued threat of terrorism. Additionally, in the event that terrorist acts occur, we could be adversely affected, depending on the nature of the event.

A downgrade in our Financial Stability Rating® may have an adverse effect on our competitive position, the marketability of our product offerings, and our liquidity, operating results and financial condition

Financial Stability Ratings® are important factors in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies and generally have an effect on an insurance company’s business. On an ongoing basis, rating agencies review the financial performance and condition of insurers and could downgrade or change the outlook on an insurer’s ratings due to, for example, a change in an insurer’s statutory capital; a change in a rating agency’s determination of the amount of risk-adjusted capital required to maintain a particular rating; a change in the perceived adequacy of an insurer’s reinsurance program; an increase in the perceived risk of an insurer’s investment portfolio; a reduced confidence in management or a host of other considerations that may or may not be within an insurer’s control. Demotech, Inc., has assigned a Financial Stability Rating® of A for UPCIC and APPCIC. Because these ratings are subject to continuous review, the retention of these ratings cannot be assured. A downgrade in or withdrawal of these ratings, or a decision by Demotech to require the Insurance Entities’ parent company to make a capital infusion into the Insurance Entities to maintain their ratings, may adversely affect our liquidity, operating results and financial condition.program.  

Adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect our ability to meet liquidity needs or our ability to obtain credit on acceptable terms

The capital and credit markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption. In some cases, the markets have exerted downward pressure on the availability of liquidity and credit capacity. In the event that we need access to additional capital to pay our operating expenses, make payments on our indebtedness, pay for capital expenditures or fund acquisitions, our ability to obtain such capital may be limited and the cost of any such capital may be significant. Our access to additional financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the overall availability of credit to our industry, and credit capacity, as well as lenders’ perception of our long- or short-term financial prospects. Similarly, our access to funds may be impaired if regulatory authorities or rating agencies take negative actions against us. If a combination of these factors were to occur, our internal sources of liquidity may prove to be insufficient, and in such case, we may not be able to successfully obtain financing on favorable terms.

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Loss of key executives could affect our operations

On February 22, 2013, our former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Bradley I. Meier resigned from his positions with the Company to pursue opportunities outside the residential homeowners’ insurance industry. Our future operations will depend in large part on the efforts of our new Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sean P. Downes, and on the efforts of our new Chief Operating Officer, Jon W. Springer, both of whom have served in executive roles at the Company or its affiliates for many years. The loss of the services provided by Mr. Meier, along with any future loss of the services provided by Mr. Downes or Mr. Springer, could have a material adverse effect on the Company and on our financial condition and results of operations.

Data security breachesBreaches of our information systems or denial of service on our website could have an adverse impact on our business and reputation

Unauthorized access to and unintentional disseminationOur business depends significantly on the effective operation of our information systems, as we retain confidential and proprietary information on them.   We have committed and will continue to commit significant resources to develop, maintain and enhance our existing information systems, transition existing systems to upgraded systems and develop new information systems in order to keep pace with continuing changes in information processing technology, evolving industry and regulatory standards and changing customer employee or Company datapreferences.  

Our information systems have been, and likely will continue to be, subject to computer viruses, other malicious codes or other breachescomputer-related penetrations. To date, we are not aware of a material breach of cybersecurity. We commit significant resources to administrative and technical controls to prevent cyber incidents and protect our information technology, but our preventative actions to reduce the risk of cyber threats may be insufficient to prevent physical and electronic break-ins and other cyber-attacks or security breaches.  Such an event could compromise our confidential information as well as that of our customers and third parties with whom we interact, impede or interrupt business operations and may result in other negative consequences, including remediation costs, loss of revenue, additional regulatory scrutiny and litigation and reputational damage.    In addition, any data security in our facilities, networks or databases, or thosebreach of our agents or third-party vendors, could result in loss or theft of assets or sensitive information, data corruption or operational disruption that may expose the Company to liability and/or regulatory action and may have an adverse impact on the Company’s customers, employees, reputation and business. In addition, any compromise of the security of our data or prolonged denial of service on our websiteswebsite, could harm the Company’sour business and reputation. We

Our failure to maintain effective and efficient information systems and protect the security of such systems could have designed, implementeda material adverse effect on our financial condition and routinely test procedures for protectionresults of confidential information and sensitive corporate data, including rapid response procedures to help contain or prevent data loss if a breach were to occur. We have also implemented multiple technical security protections and contractual obligations regarding security breaches for our agents and third-party vendors. Even with these efforts, there can be no assurance that security breaches or service disruptions will be prevented.operations.

Risks Relating to Debt Obligations

Our revolving line of credit and term loan have restrictive terms and our failure to comply with any of these terms could have an adverse effect on our business and prospects.

We have entered into a revolving line of credit and term loan, each of which contains a number of affirmative and negative covenants so long as any amounts are outstanding thereunder. The negative covenants in these instruments limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things:

·

incur additional indebtedness;

·

merge, consolidate or dispose of our assets or the capital stock or assets of any subsidiary;

·

pay dividends, make distributions or redeem capital stock;

·

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates;

·

make material changes or modifications to our organizational structure; and

·

incur additional indebtedness;

merge, consolidate or dispose of our assets or the capital stock or assets of any subsidiary;

pay dividends, make distributions or redeem capital stock;

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates;

make material changes or modifications to our organizational structure; and

grant liens on our assets or the assets of our subsidiaries.

Our revolving line of credit also includes certain affirmative covenants, including financial covenants requiring us to maintain minimum unencumbered liquid assets of $5 million, minimum shareholders’ equity of $120 million and a maximum leverage percentage of 30%, in each case, as such terms are defined and calculated under the revolving line of credit. A breach of any of these covenants would result in a default under our revolving line of credit, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

ITEMITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEMITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

On July 31, 2004, we purchased a building locatedThe Company’s operations are conducted primarily from its campus headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that is now our headquarters. We occupy 100% of this building.

During the first half of 2012 we completed construction of a building containing approximately 11,00067,000 square feet locatedfeet.  The facilities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, near our existing headquarters. We occupy 100%campus are suitable and adequate for the Company’s operations.  

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Table of the building and use it as additional office space.Contents

There are no mortgages or lease arrangements for thesethe buildings in our campus and both buildings are all adequately covered by insurance.

On July 12, 2013, UPCIC entered into a lease agreement for an office building containing 29,018 square feet adjacent to our headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We expect to use this property for additional office and storage space. UPCIC took possession of the office building and began making monthly rental payments in October 2013. Also on July 12, 2013, UPCIC entered into a purchase agreement to acquire this property. The closing for the sale of the property is subject to certain closing conditions and will take place no later than February 5, 2015. UPCIC will receive a credit toward the purchase price of the property for a portion of the rent it pays under the lease agreement.

ITEMITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject to litigationroutinely involved in legal proceedings, claims, and governmental inquiries, inspections or investigations (“Legal Matters”) arising in the normalordinary course of our business. AsWhile we cannot predict with certainty the results of December 31, 2013,Legal Matters in which we wereare currently involved or may in the future be involved, we do not a partyexpect that the ultimate costs to resolve any non-routine litigation which is expected by management toof the Legal Matters that are currently pending will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

ITEMITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable

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PART II

 

ITEMITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), is quoted and traded on the New York Stock Exchange LLC (“NYSE”) under the symbol UVE. Our common shares were quoted and traded on the NYSE MKT LLC (“NYSE MKT”) from April 30, 2007 through December 2, 2013.

The following table sets forth prices of the Common Stock, as reported by the NYSE and NYSE MKT:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends

 

For year ended December 31, 2013

  High   Low   Dividends Declared 

For the year ended December 31, 2014

 

High

 

 

Low

 

 

Declared

 

First Quarter

  $4.85    $4.32    $0.08  

 

$

14.96

 

 

$

10.14

 

 

$

0.10

 

Second Quarter

  $7.92    $4.88    $0.08  

 

$

15.20

 

 

$

11.54

 

 

$

0.10

 

Third Quarter

  $8.55    $7.05    $0.10  

 

$

14.45

 

 

$

12.06

 

 

$

0.10

 

Fourth Quarter

  $14.63    $6.58    $0.23  

 

$

21.06

 

 

$

12.42

 

 

$

0.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For year ended December 31, 2012

  High   Low   Dividends Declared 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013

 

High

 

 

Low

 

 

Declared

 

First Quarter

  $4.02    $3.90    $0.10  

 

$

4.85

 

 

$

4.32

 

 

$

0.08

 

Second Quarter

  $3.81    $3.70    $0.08  

 

$

7.92

 

 

$

4.88

 

 

$

0.08

 

Third Quarter

  $3.53    $3.43    $0.08  

 

$

8.55

 

 

$

7.05

 

 

$

0.10

 

Fourth Quarter

  $4.16    $4.04    $0.20  

 

$

14.63

 

 

$

6.58

 

 

$

0.23

 

As of February 18, 2014,13, 2015, there were approximately 4737 registered shareholders of record of our Common Stock.

As of December 31, 2013,2014, there were 2 and 1 shareholderswas one shareholder of our Series A and Series M Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”), respectively. and one shareholder of our Series M Preferred Stock.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, a shareholder converted 9,975 shares of Series A Preferred Stock into 24,938 shares of Common Stock. There were no conversions of Series A Preferred Stock during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. In both 2013 and 2012, wein 2013. We declared and paid aggregate dividends of $20 thousand to holders of record of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock.Stock of $13 thousand and $20 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, a shareholder converted 8,000 shares of Series M Preferred Stock into 40,000 shares of Common Stock. During the year ended December 31, 2013, several shareholders converted 77,740 shares of Series M Preferred Stock into 388,700 shares of Common Stock. There were no conversions of Series M Preferred Stock in 2012. We declared and paid aggregate dividends to holders of record of the Company’s Series M Preferred Stock of $9$0.4 thousand and $267$9 thousand for the years ended December 31, 20132014 and 2012,2013, respectively.

Applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law may affect our ability to declare and pay dividends on our Common Stock. In particular, pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, a company may pay dividends out of its surplus, as defined, or out of its net profits, for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding year. Surplus is defined in the Delaware General Corporation Law to be the excess of net assets of the company over capital. Capital is defined to be the aggregate par value of shares issued. Moreover, ourOur ability to pay dividends, if and when declared by our Board of Directors, may also be restricted by regulatory limits on the amount of dividends, which the Insurance Entities are permitted to pay UIH. Section 628.371 of the Florida Statutes sets forth limitations, based on net income and statutory capital, on the amount of dividends that the Insurance Entities may pay to UIH without approval from the OIR. In addition, under the Company’s revolving loan agreement and related revolving note (“DB Loan”) with Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (“Deutsche Bank”), and the Company’s unsecured term loan agreement and related term note (“Term Loan”) with RenaissanceRe Ventures Ltd. (“RenRe Ventures”), so long as any amounts or obligations are outstanding thereunder, UIH will be restricted from paying dividends to its shareholders if an event of default (or an event, the giving of notice of which or with the lapse of time or both, would become an event of default) is continuing at the time of and immediately after paying such dividend.

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Table of Contents

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return of UIH’s Common Stock from December 31, 20082009 through December 31, 20132014 with the cumulative total return of the SNL Insurance P&C, and the NYSE MKT Composite Index and the NYSE Composite Index.

 

 

  Period Ending 

 

Period Ending

 

Index

  12/31/08   12/31/09   12/31/10   12/31/11   12/31/12   12/31/13 

 

12/31/09

 

 

12/31/10

 

 

12/31/11

 

 

12/31/12

 

 

12/31/13

 

 

12/31/14

 

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

   100.00     271.41     240.43     190.73     261.59     918.51  

 

 

100.00

 

 

 

88.59

 

 

 

70.27

 

 

 

96.38

 

 

 

338.42

 

 

 

495.65

 

SNL Insurance P&C

   100.00     108.11     128.91     130.33     153.85     203.82  

 

 

100.00

 

 

 

119.24

 

 

 

120.55

 

 

 

142.31

 

 

 

188.53

 

 

 

216.52

 

NYSE MKT Composite Index

   100.00     135.58     170.28     180.99     192.95     205.80  

 

 

100.00

 

 

 

125.60

 

 

 

133.49

 

 

 

142.32

 

 

 

151.80

 

 

 

157.50

 

NYSE Composite Index

 

 

100.00

 

 

 

113.60

 

 

 

109.43

 

 

 

127.11

 

 

 

160.65

 

 

 

171.67

 

SNL Insurance P&C includes all publicly traded insurance underwriters in the property and casualty sector in the United States and was prepared by SNL Financial, Charlottesville, Virginia. The graph assumes the investment of $100 in UIH’s Common Stock and in each of the two indices on December 31, 20082009 with all dividends being reinvested on the ex-dividend date. The closing price of UIH’s Common Stock on December 31, 20132014 (the last trading day of the year) was $14.48$20.45 per share. The stock price performance on the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

The stock prices used to calculate total shareholder return for UIH are based upon the prices of our common shares quoted and traded on NYSE and NYSE MKT.

We believe that the increase in stock price and increase in the total return performance relative to other indices since the first quarter of 2013 is attributable to the increase of our profitability, our focus on long-term capital growth and strategic initiatives intended to increase shareholder value such as share repurchases and increasing cash dividends per share.  Other contributing factors may include moving to the NYSE, obtaining analyst coverage and engaging a leading global investment adviser to manage our investment portfolio.

22


Table of Contents

Future Dividend Policy

Future cash dividend payments are subject to business conditions, our financial position, and requirements for working capital and other corporate purposes.

Stock Repurchases

The following table provides information related to repurchases of our Common Stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2013:

 

   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   Average Price
Paid per Share
   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased As
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
   Maximum
Number of
Shares That
May Yet be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
 

10/1/13 - 10/31/13

   —       —       —       —    

11/1/13 - 11/30/13(1)

   591,333     7.24     —       —    

12/1/13 - 12/31/13

   —       —       —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   591,333    $7.24     —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)Includes 300,000 shares repurchased from Bradley I. Meier, the Company’s Former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, in a privately negotiated transaction. Also includes 291,333 shares repurchased from Norman M. Meier, the Company’s former Director and Secretary. See “Item 8 — Note 8 (Stockholders’ Equity)” for additional information regarding the repurchases.

ITEMITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The following tables provide selected financial information as of and for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share data):

 

  Years Ended December 31, 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

  2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

 

2011

 

 

2010

 

Income statement data:

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct premiums written

  $783,894   $780,128   $721,462   $666,309   $562,672  

 

$

789,577

 

 

$

783,894

 

 

$

780,128

 

 

$

721,462

 

 

$

666,309

 

Ceded premiums written

   (522,116 (517,604 (512,979 (466,694 (428,384

 

 

(399,730

)

 

 

(522,116

)

 

 

(517,604

)

 

 

(512,979

)

 

 

(466,694

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net premiums written

   261,778    262,524    208,483    199,615    134,288  

 

 

389,847

 

 

 

261,778

 

 

 

262,524

 

 

 

208,483

 

 

 

199,615

 

Change in net unearned premium

   5,877    (31,404  (9,498  (29,172  7,366  

 

 

(62,970

)

 

 

5,877

 

 

 

(31,404

)

 

 

(9,498

)

 

 

(29,172

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Premiums earned, net

  $267,655   $231,120   $198,985   $170,443   $141,654  

 

$

326,877

 

 

$

267,655

 

 

$

231,120

 

 

$

198,985

 

 

$

170,443

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

  $301,159   $269,939   $225,861   $239,923   $210,642  

 

$

369,276

 

 

$

301,159

 

 

$

269,939

 

 

$

225,861

 

 

$

239,923

 

Total expenses

   200,603    217,380    192,143    177,645    164,479  

 

 

241,672

 

 

 

200,603

 

 

 

217,380

 

 

 

192,143

 

 

 

177,645

 

Income before income taxes

   100,556    52,559    33,718    62,278    46,163  

 

 

127,604

 

 

 

100,556

 

 

 

52,559

 

 

 

33,718

 

 

 

62,278

 

Income taxes, net

   41,579    22,247    13,609    25,294    17,376  

 

 

54,616

 

 

 

41,579

 

 

 

22,247

 

 

 

13,609

 

 

 

25,294

 

Net income and comprehensive income

  $58,977   $30,312   $20,109   $36,984   $28,787  

 

$

71,529

 

 

$

58,601

 

 

$

30,312

 

 

$

20,109

 

 

$

36,984

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share data:

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share

  $1.64   $0.76   $0.51   $0.95   $0.76  

 

$

2.17

 

 

$

1.64

 

 

$

0.76

 

 

$

0.51

 

 

$

0.95

 

Diluted earnings per common share

   1.56    0.75    0.50    0.91    0.71  

 

 

2.08

 

 

 

1.56

 

 

 

0.75

 

 

 

0.50

 

 

 

0.91

 

Dividends declared per common share

  $0.49   $0.46   $0.32   $0.32   $0.54  

 

$

0.55

 

 

$

0.49

 

 

$

0.46

 

 

$

0.32

 

 

$

0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  As of December 31, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

 

2011

 

 

2010

 

Balance sheet data:

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets (1)

  $920,090   $925,735   $894,026   $803,837   $710,679  

 

$

911,774

 

 

$

920,090

 

 

$

925,735

 

 

$

894,026

 

 

$

803,837

 

Total liabilities (1)

   744,481   762,221   744,021   664,047   597,405  

 

 

692,858

 

 

 

744,481

 

 

 

762,221

 

 

 

744,021

 

 

 

664,047

 

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

   159,222   193,241   187,215   158,929   127,198  

 

 

134,353

 

 

 

159,222

 

 

 

193,241

 

 

 

187,215

 

 

 

158,929

 

Unearned premiums

   383,488   388,071   359,842   328,334   278,371  

 

 

395,748

 

 

 

383,488

 

 

 

388,071

 

 

 

359,842

 

 

 

328,334

 

Long-term debt

   37,240   20,221   21,691   23,162   24,632  

 

 

30,610

 

 

 

37,240

 

 

 

20,221

 

 

 

21,691

 

 

 

23,162

 

Total stockholders’ equity

  $175,609   $163,514   $150,005   $139,790   $113,274  

Total stockholders' equity (12/31/2014 Pro-Forma Balance $218.9) (2)

 

$

199,916

 

 

$

175,609

 

 

$

163,514

 

 

$

150,005

 

 

$

139,790

 

 

(1)

Total assets and total liabilities for years 2009 andthe year 2010 havehas been adjusted for a reclassification of reinsurance receivable. This adjustment had no impact on earnings or stockholders’stockholders' equity. The adjustments wereadjustment was $37.6 million and $32.4for 2010.

(2)

See “Item 8 – Note 8 (Stockholders’ Equity)” for an explanation of events subsequent to December 31, 2014 giving rise to pro-forma stockholders’ equity of $218.9 million for 2010 and 2009, respectively.as of December 31, 2014.

 


23


Table of Contents

ITEMITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of UIH. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our financial statements and accompanying notes in Part II, Item 8 below.

OVERVIEWOverview

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 UPCIC and APPCIC, collectively referred to as the Insurance Entities,“Insurance Entities”, we are principally engaged in the property and casualty insurance business offered primarily through a network of independent agents. Our criteria for accepting insurance risk includes, but is not limited to, common industry underwriting standards such as, defined coverage limitations on buildings and contents, and risk condition. Also, to manage exposure and risk, we utilize standard industry modeling techniques for hurricane and windstorm exposure. Our primary product is homeowners’homeowners insurance, which we currently offer in seven states including Florida, which represented 93% of the 536 thousand policies-in-force as of December 31, 2013, and 96% of the 567 thousand policies-in-force as of December 31, 2012. Approximately 98% of our policies in force as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 included wind coverage.ten states.

The following table provides the percentage of concentrations with respect to the Insurance Entities’ nationwide policies-in-force as of the periods presented:

   December 31, 2013  December 31, 2012 

Percentage of Policies-In-Force:

   

In Florida

   93  96

With wind coverage

   98  98

With wind coverage in South Florida (1)

   27  28

(1)South Florida is comprised of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

We generate revenues primarily from the collection of premiums and the investment of those 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 policy fees.

Investment Portfolio

holders who defer premium payments. We seek toalso generate income through the investment activities conducted by eachinvesting funds that are in excess of the Insurance Entitiesthose retained for claims-paying obligations and UIH. Our investment strategy is intended to support our overall business strategy and supplement income derived from our insurance underwriting activities. Thus, our operating results are dependent in part upon the resultsoperations. The nature of our investment portfolio.

Forbusiness tends to be seasonal reflecting consumer behaviors in connection with the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded $8.2 millionresidential real estate market and the hurricane season which occurs during the period from June 1 through November 30 each year. The amount of net losses on our trading portfolio, comparedwritten premium tends to $2.5 million and $14.5 million of net losses forincrease just prior to the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The net losses of $8.2 million recorded during 2013, were generated upon the liquidation of the trading portfolio in the firstsecond quarter of our fiscal year and to decrease approaching the fourth quarter.

Throughout 2014, we continued to execute our goals of growing our business, investing in ourselves, increasing profitability and returning value to shareholders. We have done this by expanding into different states, lowering our quota share cession rate, strategically managing rates, not renewing certain policies and replacing them with policies that year. As discussed under “Item 1. Business – Investments,” during 2013,we believe provide more adequate premium, working with our investment committee authorized managementadvisors to engage Deutsche Bank, a leading global third-party investment adviser specializing in the insurance industry, to manage our investment portfolio. Working with the investment adviser, we transitioned the compositionmaximize total rate of our portfolio to a more traditional insurance company investment portfolio which we expect will provide a more stable stream of investment incomereturn while maintaining liquidity and reduce the effects of market volatility. We currently hold these investments in a portfolio available for sale with changes in fair value reflected in stockholders’ equity with the exception of any other than temporary impairments which are reflected in earnings.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

On January 2, 2014, we repurchased an additional 675,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock from Bradley I. Meier, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, at approximately $11.11 per share, in a privately negotiated transaction. The repurchase price represents a discount from the then-current market price of UIH’s common stock. The Company has a right of first refusalminimizing risk, continuing to purchase shares of our own stock and paying higher quarterly dividends. These actions, coupled 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 results for 2014 compared to 2013.

While policy count is one measure of the Company’s Common Stock offered for sale by Mr. Meieroverall 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 December 31, 2014.

On January 27, 2014,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 announcedare 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 UPCIC has submitted applicationsis below what we believe to the respective regulatory entities in Indiana, Minnesota and Delawarebe adequate in order to expandgenerate 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 reducing rates and expanding into selected markets while maintaining rate adequacy. For example, we reduced overall rates for homeowners' insurance in those states.Florida by 2.4% effective in January 2014 for new business and March 2014 for renewals.  

On January 30,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 December 31, 2013. Our expansion in states outside of Florida is yielding growth in policy count of 37.2% since December 31, 2013.

The following table provides policy count and total insured value for Florida and other states as of December 31, 2014 we declaredand 2013 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

State

 

Count

 

 

%

 

 

Total Insured Value

 

 

%

 

 

Count

 

 

%

 

 

Total Insured Value

 

 

%

 

Florida

 

 

506,913

 

 

 

91.1

%

 

$

115,248,811

 

 

 

87.9

%

 

 

499,949

 

 

 

93.3

%

 

$

110,785,839

 

 

 

90.7

%

Other states

 

 

49,435

 

 

 

8.9

%

 

 

15,874,916

 

 

 

12.1

%

 

 

36,039

 

 

 

6.7

%

 

 

11,305,295

 

 

 

9.3

%

Grand total

 

 

556,348

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

131,123,727

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

 

535,988

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

122,091,134

 

 

 

100.0

%

Our efforts to ensure rate adequacy has helped to improve underwriting results, leading to our decision to retain a dividendgreater share of $0.10our profitable business by reducing our quota share cession rate.

24


Table of Contents

2014 Highlights

·

We reduced our quota share cession rate from 45% to 30% in June

·

Net earned premiums grew by $59.2 million or 22.1%

·

Total revenues increased by $68.1 million or 22.6%

·

Net income and diluted earnings per common share grew by $14.0 million and $0.52, respectively compared to 2013

·

We repurchased a total of 1,166,208 shares of our common stock in the open market under a share repurchase program

·

We paid dividends per common share of $0.55 including a $0.15 special dividend in December

·

In April, the Insurance Commissioner of Delaware issued a Certificate of Authority to UPCIC, thereby approving UPCIC as a licensed insurance entity in the state of Delaware

·

In April, UPCIC submitted applications to the regulatory entities in Pennsylvania, consistent with the Company’s strategy to increase geographical diversification

·

In June, UPCIC began writing homeowners insurance policies in Delaware

·

In October, the Indiana Department of Insurance issued a Certificate of Authority to UPCIC approving UPCIC as a licensed insurance entity in the state of Indiana

·

In November, Demotech, Inc., affirmed the Financial Stability Rating® of “A” for the Insurance Entities

·

In December, we sold 1 million shares of common stock in a privately negotiated transaction at $19.00 per share which were issued from treasury

Trends

The market price per share onof our outstanding common stock to be paid on March 3, 2014, to shareholders of record on February 19, 2014.

On February 24, 2014,has increased significantly over the S&P Dow Jones Indices announced that the Company will join S&P SmallCap 600 Index after the close of trading on February 28, 2014.

Impact of new accounting pronouncement

We prospectively adopted new accounting guidancepast few years.  As disclosed in “Item 8 — Note 9 (Share-Based Compensation)”, stock price affects assumptions utilized in the first quarterpricing model for the fair value of 2012 relatedstock option awards.  In addition, the fair value of the restricted share grants are determined based on the market price of our common stock at the date of grant.  As a result, the increase in our common stock price has contributed to accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. Under the new guidance, net deferred policy acquisition costs were reduced from $13.0 million to $11.4 million,increase of share-based compensation.  The increase in our stock price is also a difference of 13% at December 31, 2011. The resulting $1.6 million difference was charged directly to earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2012. This charge represents an acceleration of deferred chargesfactor in the period of adoption, which would have ultimately been recognized within a twelve-month period.

Company’s effective income tax rate due to an increase in non-deductible expenses including certain share-based compensation.  

2013-20142014-2015 Reinsurance Program

Effective June 1, 2013,2014, we entered into multiple reinsurance agreements comprising our 2014-2015 reinsurance program.

See “Item 8 — 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.

REINSURANCE GENERALLY25


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In

While we believe the normal coursechanges to the current reinsurance program are beneficial, there can be no assurance that our actual results of business, we limitoperations or financial condition will be positively affected. The Insurance Entities remain responsible for insured losses notwithstanding the maximum net loss that can arise from large risks, risks in concentrated areasfailure of exposure and fromany reinsurer to make payments otherwise due to the Insurance Entities. A major catastrophic event, multiple catastrophes, such as hurricanes or other similar loss occurrences, by purchasing certain reinsurance from other insurers or reinsurers to mitigate these potential losses. Our intention is to limit our exposure and the exposureinsolvency of one of the Insurance Entities, thereby protecting stockholders’ equity and the Insurance Entities’ capital and surplus, evenlarger participants in the event of catastrophic occurrences, through reinsurance agreements. Without these reinsurance agreements, the Insurance Entities would be more substantially exposed to catastrophic losses with a greater likelihood that those losses could exceed their statutory capital and surplus. Any such catastrophic event, or multiple catastrophes,program could have a material adverse effect on the Insurance Entities’ solvency and our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Below is a description of our 2013-2014 reinsurance program. Although the terms of the individual contracts vary, we believe that the overall terms of the 2013-2014 reinsurance program are more favorable than the 2012-2013 reinsurance program.

The Insurance Entities are responsible for insured losses related to catastrophic events in excess of coverage provided by their reinsurance programs. The Insurance Entities also remain responsible for insured losses notwithstanding the failure of any reinsurer to make payments otherwise due to the Insurance Entities. The Insurance Entities’ inability to satisfy valid insurance claims resulting from catastrophic events could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

UPCIC REINSURANCE PROGRAM

EffectiveUPCIC’s reinsurance program, which generally runs from June 1 2013, UPCIC entered into two quota share reinsurance contracts, both of which provide coverage through May 31 2014of the following year, consists of quota share, various forms of catastrophe coverage and one of which extendsindividual property and provides coverage through May 31, 2015.liability per risk/per policy coverage. Under the quota share contracts, through May 31, 2014,2014-2015 reinsurance program, UPCIC cedes 45%retains a pre-tax liability of its gross written premiums, losses and loss adjustment expenses$21 million for policies with coverage for wind risk with a ceding commission equal to 26.7% of ceded gross written premiums. In addition, the quota share contract has a limitation for any one occurrence not to exceed $125 million from losses arising out of events that are assigned a catastrophe serial number by the Property Claims Services (“PCS”) office (of which UPCIC’s net liability on the first $125 million of losses in a first, second and third event scenario is $27.5catastrophic events under its Florida program with coverage up to $1.794 billion. UPCIC retains a pre-tax liability of $21 million for events affecting Florida; $16.5 million in athe first and second event scenario forcatastrophic events affecting Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina and South Carolina; and $5.5 millionunder its programs in a first and second event scenario for events affecting Hawaii), and an aggregate limitation from losses arising out of events that are assigned a catastrophe serial number by the PCS office not to exceed $280 million. The contracts limit the amount of premium which can be deducted for inuring reinsurance.

Effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014, under various excess catastrophe contracts, UPCIC obtained catastrophe coverage of 45% of $698.5 million in excess of the quota share occurrence cap of $125 million, covering certain loss occurrences including hurricanes. The catastrophe coverage has a second full limit available with additional premium calculated pro rata as to amount and 100% as to time, as applicable. Effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014, under various excess catastrophe contracts, UPCIC also obtained catastrophe coverage of 55% of $773.5 million in excess of $50 million, covering certain loss occurrences including hurricanes. Of this capacity, 7.6% has two free reinstatements, 29.3% has one free reinstatement, and 63.1% has a second full limit available with additional premium calculated pro rata as to amount and 100% as to time, as applicable. For capacity with reinstatement premium, UPCIC purchased reinstatement premium protection which reimburses UPCIC for its cost to reinstate the catastrophe coverage up to the top of the estimated FHCF. The total cost of UPCIC’s private catastrophe reinsurance program, effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014, is $104.889 million to UPCIC and $60.781 million to the quota share reinsurers. In addition, UPCIC purchased reinstatement premium protection as described above, the cost of which is $11.511 million.

Effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014, UPCIC purchased subsequent catastrophe event excess of loss reinsurance to cover certain levels of loss through three catastrophe events including hurricanes. Specifically, UPCIC obtained catastrophe coverage in two separate contracts for a third event. The first contract covers 45% of $95 million in excess of $30 million in excess of $190 million otherwise recoverable. The total cost of the first third event catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contract is $5.567 million, of which UPCIC’s cost is $0, and the quota share reinsurer’s cost is the entire amount. The second contract covers 15% of $25 million in excess of $100 million in excess of $50 million otherwise recoverable. The total cost of the second third event catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contract is $187.5 thousand, of which UPCIC is responsible for the entire amount.

Effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014, UPCIC entered into a multiple line excess per risk contract with various reinsurers. Under the multiple line excess per risk contract, UPCIC obtained coverage of $1.4 million in excess of $600 thousand ultimate net loss for each risk and each property loss, and $1 million in excess of $300 thousand for each casualty loss. The contract has a limitation for any one occurrence not to exceed $1.4 million and a $7 million aggregate limit that applies to the term of the contract.

Effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014, UPCIC entered into a property per risk excess contract covering its policies that do not provide wind coverage. Under the property per risk excess contract, UPCIC obtained coverage of $350 thousand in excess of $250 thousand for each property loss. The contract has a limitation for any one occurrence not to exceed $1.050 million and a $1.750 million aggregate limit that applies to the term of the contract. The total cost of UPCIC’s multiple line excess and property per risk reinsurance program, effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014, is $4.450 million, of which UPCIC’s cost is $2.673 million, and the quota share reinsurers’ cost is the remaining $1.778 million.

Effective June 1, 2013 through June 1, 2014, under an excess catastrophe contract specifically covering risks located inDelaware, 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 obtainedreduced 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 consisting of three layers of 55% of $20 million in excess of $30 million, 55% of $25 million in excess of $50 millionthrough the FHCF plus voluntary quota share, catastrophe and 55% of $50 million in excess of $75 million covering certain loss occurrences including hurricanes. All three layers ofper risk coverage have a second full limit available to UPCIC with additional premium calculated pro rata as to amount and 100% as to time, as applicable.private reinsurers. The estimated total net cost after the proportional quota share deductions of UPCIC’s excess catastrophe, contracts specifically covering risks in Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, North CarolinaFHCF and South Carolina is $3.412 million.

Effective June 1, 2013 through June 1, 2014, under an excess catastrophe contract specifically covering risks located in Hawaii, UPCIC obtained catastropheper risk related coverage, of 55% of $20 million in excess of $10 million covering certain loss occurrences including hurricanes. The layer of coverage has a second full limit available to UPCIC with additionalreinstatement premium calculated pro rata as to amount and 100% as to time, as applicable. The cost of UPCIC’s excess catastrophe contract specifically covering risks in Hawaii is $330 thousand.

UPCIC also obtained coverage from the FHCF. The approximateprotection coverage is estimated to be 90% of $1.158 billion in excess of $423.1$173.8 million. The estimated premium that UPCIC plans to cede to the FHCF for the 2013 hurricane season is $77.993 million of which UPCIC’s cost is 55%, or $42.896 million, and the quota share reinsurers’ cost is the remaining 45%.

The largest private participants in UPCIC’s reinsurance program include leading reinsurance companies such as Odyssey Re, Everest Re, Renaissance Re, Nephila Capital, ACE Tempest Re and Lloyd’s of London syndicates.

With the implementationAPPCIC REINSURANCE PROGRAM

APPCIC’s reinsurance program, which generally runs from June 1 through May 31 of the Company’s 2013-2014following year, consists of various forms of catastrophe coverage and individual property and liability per risk/per policy coverage.  Under the 2014-2015 reinsurance program, at June 1, 2013, the CompanyAPPCIC retains a maximum pre-tax net liability of $27.5$2.5 million for the first and second catastrophic eventevents with coverage up to $1.868 billion of losses relating to the UPCIC Florida program, a maximum pre-tax net liability of $16.5 million for the first catastrophic event up to $125 million of losses relating to the UPCIC Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina and South Carolina program, and a maximum pre-tax net liability of $5.5 million for the first catastrophic event up to $30 million of losses relating to the UPCIC Hawaii program.

$39.3 million. APPCIC REINSURANCE PROGRAM

Effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014, under three layers in an excess catastrophe contract, APPCIC obtainedhas mandatory catastrophe coverage of $20.250 million in excess of $2.5 million covering certain loss occurrences including hurricanes.through the FHCF and voluntary catastrophe and per risk coverage with private reinsurers. The coverage of $20.250 million in excess of $2.5 million has a second full limit available to APPCIC; additional premium is calculated pro rata as to amount and 100% as to time, as applicable. Theestimated total cost of APPCIC’s private catastrophe, reinsurance program effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014 is $2.763 million.

Effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014, APPCIC purchased reinstatement premium protection which reimburses APPCIC for its cost to reinstate the entire $20.250 million of catastropheFHCF and per risk related coverage, in one contract. The cost of APPCIC’s purchasedincluding reinstatement premium protection is $388 thousand.

APPCIC also obtained coverage from the FHCF. The approximate coverage is estimated to be 90% of $39.084 million in excess of $14.276$5.0 million. The estimated premium that APPCIC plans to cede to the FHCF for the 2013 hurricane season is $2.632 million.

Effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014, APPCIC entered into a multiple line excess per risk contract with various reinsurers. Under the current multiple line excess per risk contract, APPCIC has coverage of $8.7 million in excess of $300 thousand ultimate net loss for each risk and each property loss, and $1 million in excess of $300 thousand for each casualty loss. A $21.5 million aggregate limit applies to the term of the contract for property related losses and a $2 million aggregate limit applies to the term of the contract for casualty related losses.

The total cost of the APPCIC multiple line excess reinsurance program effective June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014 is $3.3 million.

The largest private participants in APPCIC’s reinsurance program include leading reinsurance companies such as ACE Tempest Re, Everest Re, Hiscox, Odyssey Re, Hannover Ruck, Amlin Bermuda and Lloyd’s of London syndicates.

With the implementation of the Company’s 2013-2014 reinsurance program at June 1, 2013, the Company retains a maximum pre-tax net liability of $2.5 million for the first catastrophic event up to $59.36 million of losses relating to the APPCIC program.

UIH PROGRAM

Separately from the Insurance Entities’ reinsurance programs, UIH protectedprotects its own assets against diminution in value due to catastrophe events by purchasing $75 million in coverage through a catastrophe risk-linked transaction contract, effective June 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. The contract provides for recovery by UIH in the event of exhaustion of UPCIC’s catastrophe coverage for the state of Florida. The total cost to UIH of the risk-linked transaction contract is $6.0 million. UIH also purchased additional coverage equivalent to $100that would provide $80 million in the form of insurance proceeds andplus 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 also provides for recovery by UIH in the event of exhaustion of UPCIC’s catastrophe coverage for the state of Florida.coverage. The total cost to UIH of this risk-linked transaction contract is $9.0 million per year for each of the three years.

Segregated Account T25

UIH owned and maintained a segregated account, Segregated Account T25 – Universal Insurance Holdings of White Rock Insurance (SAC) Ltd. (“T25”), established in accordance with Bermuda law. As part of our overall reinsurance program, T25 at times entered into underlying excess catastrophe contracts with the Insurance Entities for the purpose of assuming certain risk for specified loss occurrences, including hurricanes. The agreements between T25 and the Insurance Entities were a cost-effective alternative to reinsurance during certain years that the Insurance Entities would otherwise purchase from third-party reinsurers. While we retained the risk that otherwise would have been transferred to third-party reinsurers, these agreements provided benefits to the Insurance Entities in “no-loss” years that could not have been replicated in the open reinsurance market. These benefits include the return to the Insurance Entities of a substantial portion of the earned reinsurance premiums under the contract. All the related intercompany transactions with respect to these agreements were eliminated in consolidation.

The T25 agreement effective June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013 was terminated effective December 31, 2012, pursuant to the terms of the agreement. In connection with the termination of the agreement, the affiliates agreed to release funds held in trust due to the beneficiary (i.e., UPCIC) and the balance to the grantor (i.e., UIH) in December 2012.

We continually evaluate strategies to more effectively manage our exposure to catastrophe losses, including the maintenance of catastrophic reinsurance coverage. Effective January 1, 2013, the T25 contract was subsequently replaced, at identical limits and retentions as the prior agreement, with unaffiliated third-party reinsurers as an open market purchase. Effective January 1, 2013 through May 31, 2013, under an excess catastrophe contract, UPCIC obtained catastrophe coverage of 45% of $75 million in excess of $75 million and 55% of $105 million in excess of $45 million covering certain loss occurrences including hurricanes. The total cost of this reinsurance coverage is $2.7 million. For further discussion of risks associated with our reinsurance programs, see “Item 1A. RISK FACTORS – Reinsurance may be unavailable at current levels and prices, which may limit our ability to write new business.”

Wind Mitigation Discounts

The insurance premiums charged by the Insurance Entities are subject to various statutory and regulatory requirements. Among these, the Insurance Entities must offer wind mitigation discounts in accordance with a program mandated by the Florida Legislature and implemented by the OIR. The levelcurrent levels of wind mitigation discounts mandated by the Florida Legislature to be effective June 1, 2007 for new business and August 1, 2007 for renewal business have had a significant negative effect on the Insurance Entities’ premium.

The following table reflects the effectpercentage reduction of in-force premium from wind mitigation credits received by UPCIC’s policy holders, respectively (in thousands):

   Reduction of in-force premium (only policies including wind coverage) 

Date

  Percentage of
UPCIC’s policy
holders receiving
credits
  Total credits   In-force
premium
   Percentage reduction of
in-force premium
 

6/1/2007

   1.9 $6,285    $487,866     1.3

12/31/2007

   11.8 $31,952    $500,136     6.0

3/31/2008

   16.9 $52,398    $501,523     9.5

6/30/2008

   21.3 $74,186    $508,412     12.7

9/30/2008

   27.3 $97,802    $515,560     16.0

12/31/2008

   31.1 $123,525    $514,011     19.4

3/31/2009

   36.3 $158,230    $530,030     23.0

6/30/2009

   40.4 $188,053    $544,646     25.7

9/30/2009

   43.0 $210,292    $554,379     27.5

12/31/2009

   45.2 $219,974    $556,557     28.3

3/31/2010

   47.8 $235,718    $569,870     29.3

6/30/2010

   50.9 $281,386    $620,277     31.2

9/30/2010

   52.4 $291,306    $634,285     31.5

12/31/2010

   54.2 $309,858    $648,408     32.3

3/31/2011

   55.8 $325,511    $660,303     33.0

6/30/2011

   56.4 $322,640    $673,951     32.4

9/30/2011

   57.1 $324,313    $691,031     31.9

12/31/2011

   57.7 $324,679    $702,905     31.6

3/31/2012

   57.9 $321,016    $716,117     31.0

6/30/2012

   58.0 $319,639    $722,917     30.7

9/30/2012

   58.2 $329,871    $740,265     30.8

12/31/2012

   58.6 $334,028    $744,435     31.0

3/31/2013

   58.6 $340,778    $751,546     31.2

6/30/2013

   58.8 $352,244    $747,603     32.0

9/30/2013

   59.4 $362,737    $741,067     32.9

12/31/2013

   60.0 $371,792    $729,675     33.8

in Florida for UPCIC policies as of December 31, 2014 was 36.7% compared to 33.8% as of December 31, 2013. The following table reflects the effectpercentage reduction of in-force premium from wind mitigation credits received by APPCIC’s policy holders, respectively (in thousands):in Florida for APPCIC policies as of December 31, 2014 was 63.7% compared to 63.3% as of December 31, 2013.

   Reduction of in-force premium (only policies including wind coverage) 

Date

  Percentage of
APPCIC’s policy
holders receiving
credits
  Total credits   In-force
premium
   Percentage reduction of
in-force premium
 

12/31/2011

   96.0 $636    $554     53.4

3/31/2012

   89.4 $2,270    $2,047     52.6

6/30/2012

   90.5 $6,167    $5,139     54.5

9/30/2012

   94.0 $12,419    $8,827     58.5

12/31/2012

   97.0 $16,059    $9,874     61.9

3/31/2013

   97.3 $20,156    $12,091     62.5

6/30/2013

   97.9 $22,471    $13,245     62.9

9/30/2013

   98.1 $20,526    $11,946     63.2

12/31/2013

   97.6 $19,839    $11,484     63.3

Insurers like the Insurance Entities fully experience the impact of rate or discount changes more than 12 months after they are implemented because theircritical accounting policies renew throughout the year. Although insurers may seek to rectify any problems through subsequent rate increase filings with the OIR, there is no assurance that the OIR and the insurers will agree on the amount of rate change that is needed. In addition, any adjustments to the insurers’ rates similarly take more than 12 months to be fully integrated into the insurers’ business.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Use of Estimates.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Our primary areas of estimate are described below.

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Recognition of Premium Revenues.

Property and liability premiums are recognized as revenue on a pro rata basis over the policy term. The portion of premiums that will be earned in the future are deferred and reported as unearned premiums. Management believes that its revenue recognition policies conform to Staff Accounting Bulletin 101,Revenue Recognitiongenerally accepted accounting principles in Financial Statements.the United States of America.

Liability for Unpaid Losses and LAE.LAE

A liability is established to provide for the estimated costs of paying losses and LAE under insurance policies the Insurance Entities have issued. Underwriting results are significantly influenced by an estimate of a liability for unpaid losses and LAE. The liability is an estimate of amounts necessary to settle all outstanding claims, including claims that have been incurred, but not yet reported (“IBNR”), as of the financial statement date.

Characteristics of Reserves.Reserves

Reserves are established based on estimates of the ultimate cost to settle claims, less losses that have been paid. Claims are typically reported promptly with relatively little reporting lag between the date of occurrence and the date the loss is reported. UPCIC’s claim settlement data suggests that homeowners’ property losses have an average settlement time of less than one year, while homeowners’ liability losses generally take longer.

Reserves are the difference between the estimated ultimate cost of losses and LAE incurred and the amount of paid losses as of the reporting date. Reserves are estimated for both reported and unreported claims, and include estimates of all expenses associated with processing and settling all incurred claims. We update reserve estimates periodically as new information becomes available or as events emerge that may affect the resolution of unsettled claims. Changes in prior year reserve estimates (reserve re-estimates), which may be material, are determined by comparing updated estimates of ultimate losses to prior estimates, and the differences are recorded as losses and LAE in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the period such changes are determined. Estimating the ultimate cost of losses and LAE is an inherently uncertain and complex process involving a high degree of judgment and is subject to the evaluation of numerous variables.

The Actuarial Methods used to Develop Reserve Estimates.Estimates

Reserves for losses and LAE are determined in four primary segments. These segments are the estimation of reserves for Florida non-catastrophe losses, hurricane losses, sinkhole losses, and non-Florida non-catastrophe losses. Evaluations are performed for loss and LAE separately, and on a net and direct basis for each segment. The analyses for non-catastrophe losses are further separated into data groupings of like exposure. These groups are property damage on homeowner policy forms HO-3 and HO-8 combined, property damage on homeowner policy forms HO-4 and HO-6 combined, property damage on dwelling fire property damage,policies, and all homeowner liability exposure, and other liability (the optional liability coverage offered to dwelling fire policyholders).exposures combined.

Reserve estimates for both losses and LAE are derived using several different actuarial estimation methods that are variations on one primary actuarial technique. That actuarial technique is known as a “chain ladder” estimation process in which historical payment and reserving patterns are applied to actual paid and reported amounts (paid losses or LAE plus individual case reserves established by claim adjusters) for an accident period to create an estimate of how losses are likely to develop over time. This technique forms the basis of the seven actuarial methods described below.  An accident period refers to classifying claims based on the date in which the claims occurred, regardless of the date it was reported to the Insurance Entities. This analysis is used to prepare estimates of required reserves for payments to be made in the future. Transactions are organized into half-year accident periods for purposes of the reserve estimates. The key data elements used to determine our reserve estimates include claim counts, loss and LAE payments, case reserves, and the related development factors applicable to this data.

The first method for estimating unpaid amounts for each segment is the reported development method. This method is based upon the assumption that the relative change in a given accident period’s reported loss estimates from one evaluation point to the next is similar to the relative change in prior periods’ reported loss estimates at similar evaluation points. In utilizing this method, actual 6-month historical loss activity is evaluated. Successive periods can be arranged to form a triangle of data. Report-to-report (“RTR”) development factors are calculated to measure the change in cumulative reported losses from one evaluation point to the next. These historical RTR factors form the basis for selecting the RTR factors used in projecting the current valuation of losses to an ultimate basis. In addition, a tail factor is selected to account for loss development beyond the observed experience. The tail factor is based on trends shown in the data and consideration of industry loss development benchmarks. This method’s implicit assumption is that the relative adequacy of case reserves has been consistent over time, and that there have been no material changes in the rate at which claims have been reported or settled.

  In instances where changes in settlement rates are detected, the RTR factors are adjusted accordingly, utilizing appropriate actuarial techniques.  

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The second method is the paid development method. This method is similar to the reported development method; however, case reserves are excluded from the analysis. While this method has the disadvantage of not recognizing the information provided by current case reserves, it has the advantage of avoiding potential distortions in the data due to changes in case reserving methodology. This method’s implicit assumption is that the rate of payment of claims has been relatively consistent over time.

The third method is the paid development method, but performed using only the payment history of closed claims. This method is similar to the paid development method; however, payments that are made during the claims settlement process are not considered. While this method has the disadvantage of not recognizing the information provided by current case reserves or partial payments, it has the advantage of avoiding potential distortions in the data due to changes in settlement practices during the life of an active claim. This method’s implicit assumption is that the rate of claims closures has been relatively consistent over time.  In instances where changes in claim closure rates are detected, the RTR factors are adjusted accordingly, utilizing appropriate actuarial techniques.  

The fourth, fifth and sixth methods are Bornhuetter-Ferguson (“B-F”) methods relatingare also utilized for estimating unpaid loss and LAE amounts, and relate to the reported, paid and closed development methods discussed above. B-F methods are essentially a blend of two other methods. The first method is an expected loss method, whereby the IBNR estimate equals the difference between predetermined estimates of expected losses and actual reported losses. The second method in each case is the development method (each described above), whereby actual losses are multiplied by an expected development factor. The B-F methods combine these two methods by setting ultimate losses equal to actual reported (or paid) losses plus expected unreported (or unpaid) losses. As an experience year matures and expected unreported (or unpaid) losses become smaller, the initial expected loss assumption becomes gradually less important. This has the advantage of stability, but it does not respond to actual results as they emerge.

Two parameters are needed in each application of the B-F method: thean initial assumption of expected loss ratiolosses and the expected reporting or payment pattern.  The initialInitial expected loss ratiolosses for each accident period other than the current year is set equal todetermined using the estimated ultimate loss ratio from the prior analysis. Initial expected loss ratioslosses for the current year’s accident periods are determined based on trends in historical loss ratios, rate changes, and underlying loss trends. The expected reporting pattern is based on the reported, paid, or closed claim loss development method described above. This method is often used for long-tail lines and in situations where the reported loss experience is relatively immature or lacks sufficient credibility for the application of other methods.

A seventhAn additional method, called the Reported Counts and Averages method, is utilized for the estimate of Loss Adjustment ExpensesLAE for each segment, and also for the estimation of loss and LAE reserves for sinkhole losses. In this method, an estimate of unpaid losses or expenses is determined by separately projecting ultimate reported claim counts and ultimate reported claim severities (cost per reported claim) for each accident period. Typically, loss development methods are used to project ultimate claim counts and claim severities based on historical data using the same methodology described in the reported development method above. Estimated ultimate losses are then calculated as the product of the two items. This method is intended to avoid data distortions that may exist with the other methods for the most recent years as a result of changes in case reserve levels, settlement rates and claims handling fees. In addition, it may provide insight into the drivers of loss experience. This method is only utilized for sinkhole losses due to unique settlement patterns that have emerged since the passage of legislation that codified claim settlement practices with respect to sinkhole related claims and subsequent policy form changes implemented by the Company. Claims for sinkholes are expected to be reported and settled at different rates and ultimate values than historically observed, requiring a departure from traditional development methodologies.

In selecting RTR development factors used in each method above, due consideration is given to how the RTR development factors change from one year to the next over the course of several consecutive years of recent history. In addition to paid and reported loss development triangles, various diagnostic triangles, such as triangles showing historical patterns in the ratio of paid to reported losses and closed to reported claim counts are typically prepared as a means of determiningprepared.  These diagnostic triangles are utilized in order to monitor the stability of various determinants of loss development, such as consistency in claims settlement and case reserving.

The implicit assumption of these techniques is that the selected RTR factors combine to form loss development patterns that are predictive of future loss development. The effects of inflation are implicitly considered in the reserving process, the implicit assumption being that the selected development factors includes an adequate provision. Occasionally, unusual aberrations in loss patterns are caused by external and internal factors such as changes in claim reporting, settlement patterns, unusually large losses, an unusually large amount of catastrophe losses, process changes, legal or regulatory changes, and other influences. In these instances, analyses of alternate development factor selections are performed to evaluate the effect of these factors, andfactors.  In some cases, actuarial judgment is appliedrelied upon in order to make appropriate development factor assumptions needed to develop a best estimate of ultimate losses. Claims reported in 2013 and 2014, for example, have or will benefitbenefited from several initiatives designed to expedite claim closure rates and reduce settlement costs introduced in our claims department during the last 1224 months. These changes influenced development pattern selections applied to 2012, 2013 and 2014 accident year claims in the reserving estimates for each of the seven methods described above.

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Estimates of unpaid losses for hurricane experience are not developed using company specific development patterns, due to the relatively infrequent nature of storms and the high severity typically associated with them. Both the reported development method and the paid development method were used to estimate ultimate losses. However, the development patterns were based on industry data determined by our consulting actuary. There is an inherent assumption that relying on industry development patterns as opposed to company specific patterns produces more credible results for projecting hurricane losses.

The sevenEstimation methods described above all produce an estimate of ultimate losses and LAE. Based on the results of these methods, a single estimate (commonly referred to as an actuarial point/central estimate) of the ultimate loss or LAE is selected accordingly for each accident-year claim grouping. Estimated IBNR reserves are determined by subtracting the reported loss from the selected ultimate loss, or the paid LAE from the ultimate LAE. The estimated loss IBNR reserves are added to case reserves to determine the total estimated unpaid losses. No case reserves are carried for LAE, therefore the estimated LAE IBNR reserves equal the total estimated unpaid LAE. For each segment, the reserving methods are carried out on both a net and direct basis in order to estimate liabilities accordingly. When selecting a single actuarial point/central estimate on a net basis, careful consideration is given for the reinsurance arrangements that were in place during each accident year exposure period and segment being reviewed.

How Reserve Estimates are Established and Updated.Updated

Reserve estimates are developed for both open claims and unreported claims. The actuarial methods described above are used to derive claim settlement patterns by determining development factors to be applied to specific data elements. Development factors are calculated for data elements such as claim counts reported and settled, paid losses and paid losses combined with case reserves. Historical development patterns for these data elements are used as the assumptions to calculate reserve estimates.

Often, different estimates are prepared for each detailed component, incorporating alternative analyses of changing claim settlement patterns and other influences on losses, from which a best estimate is selected for each component, occasionally incorporating additional analyses and actuarial judgment as described above. These estimates are not based on a single set of assumptions. Based on a review of these estimates, the best estimate of required reserves is recorded for each accident year and the required reserves are summed to create the reserve balance carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Reserves are re-estimated periodically by combining historical payment and reserving patterns with current actual results. When actual development of claims reported, paid losses or case reserve changes are different than the historical development pattern used in a prior period reserve estimate, and as actuarial studies validate new trends based on indications of updated development factor calculations, new ultimate loss and LAE predictions are determined. This process incorporates the historic and latest trends, and other underlying changes in the data elements used to calculate reserve estimates. The difference between indicated reserves based on new reserve estimates and the previously recorded estimate of reserves is the amount of reserve re-estimates. The resulting increase or decrease in the reserve re-estimates is recorded and included in “Losses and loss adjustment expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Total reserve re-estimates in 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011,2012, expressed as a percent of the net losses and LAE liability balance as of the beginning of each year, were (0.8%), (2.6%), 6.8%, and 14.4%6.8%, respectively. There are inherent uncertainties associated with this estimation process, especially for a company with limited development history. However, with the passing of each year, the Company’s own historical trends have become more reliable for use in predicting future results.

Factors Affecting Reserve Estimates.Estimates

Reserve estimates are developed based on the processes and historical development trends as previously described. These estimates are considered in conjunction with known facts and interpretations of circumstances and factors including our experience with similar cases, actual claims paid, differing payment patterns and pending levels of unpaid claims, loss management programs, product mix and contractual terms, changes in law and regulation, judicial decisions, and economic conditions. When these types of changes are experienced, actuarial judgment is applied in the determination and selection of development factors in order to better reflect new trends or expectations. For example, if a change in law change is expected to have a significant impact on the development of claim severity, actuarial judgment is applied to determine appropriate development factors that will most accurately reflect the expected impact on that specific estimate. This example appropriately describes the reserving methodology selection for use in estimating sinkhole liabilities after the passing of legislation, as noted above. Another example would be when a change in economic conditions is expected to affect the cost of repairs to property; actuarial judgment is applied to determine appropriate development factors to use in the reserve estimate that will most accurately reflect the expected impacts on severity development.

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As claims are reported, for certain liability claims of sufficient size and complexity, the field adjusting staff establishes case reserve estimates of ultimate cost, based on their assessment of facts and circumstances related to each individual claim. For other claims which occur in large volumes and settle in a relatively short time frame, it is not practical or efficient to set case reserves for each claim, and an initial case reserve of $2,500 is set for these claims. In the normal course of business, we may also supplement our claims processes by utilizing third party adjusters, appraisers, engineers, inspectors, other professionals and information sources to assess and settle catastrophe and non-catastrophe related claims.

Changes in homeowners current year claim severity are generally influenced by inflation in the cost of building materials, the cost of construction and property repair services, the cost of replacing home furnishings and other contents, the types of claims that qualify for coverage, deductibles and other economic and environmental factors. We employ various loss management programs to mitigate the effect of these factors.

Key assumptions that materially affect the estimate of the reserve for loss and LAE relate to the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues. As industry practices and legal, judicial, social and other environmental conditions change, unexpected and unintended issues related to claim and coverage may emerge. These issues may adversely affect our business by either extending coverage beyond our underwriting intent or by increasing the number or size of claims. Key assumptions that are premised on future emergence that are inconsistent with historical loss reserve development patterns include but are not limited to:

·

adverse changes in loss cost trends, including inflationary pressures in home repair costs;

·

judicial expansion of policy coverage and the impact of new theories of liability; and

·

adverse changes in loss cost trends, including inflationary pressures in home repair costs;

judicial expansion of policy coverage and the impact of new theories of liability; and

plaintiffs targeting property and casualty insurers, in purported class action litigation related to claims-handling and other practices.

As loss experience for the current year develops for each type of loss, it is monitored relative to initial assumptions until it is judged to have sufficient statistical credibility. From that point in time and forward, reserves are re-estimated using statistical actuarial processes to reflect the impact loss trends have on development factors incorporated into the actuarial estimation processes. Statistical credibility is usually achieved by the end of the first calendar year; however, when trends for the current accident year exceed initial assumptions sooner, they are usually given credibility, and reserves are adjusted accordingly.

Causes of Reserve Estimate Uncertainty.Uncertainty

Since reserves are estimates of the unpaid portions of claims and claims expenses that have occurred, the establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophes, requires regular reevaluation and refinement of estimates to determine ultimate loss and LAE estimates.

At each reporting date, the highest degree of uncertainty in reserve estimates arises from claims remaining to be settled for the current accident year and the most recent preceding accident year, and claims that have occurred but have not been reported. The estimate for the current accident year contains the greatest degree of uncertainty because it contains the greatest proportion of losses that have not been reported or settled but must be estimated as of the current reporting date. During the first year after the end of an accident year, a large portion of the total losses for that accident year are settled. When accident year losses paid through the end of the first year following the initial accident year are incorporated into updated actuarial estimates, the trends inherent in the settlement of claims emerge more clearly. Consequently, this is the point in time at which the largest re-estimates of losses for an accident year can occur. After the second year, the losses paid for the accident year typically relate to claims that are more difficult to settle, such as those involving litigation.

Reserves for Catastrophe Losses.Losses

Loss and LAE reserves also include reserves for catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses are an inherent risk of the property-casualty insurance industry that have contributed, and will continue to contribute, to potentially material year-to-year fluctuations in results of operations and financial position. A catastrophe is an event that produces significant pre-tax losses before reinsurance and involves multiple first party policyholders, or an event that produces a number of claims in excess of a preset, per-event threshold of average claims in a specific area, occurring within a certain amount of time following the event. Catastrophes are caused by various natural events including high winds, tornadoes, wildfires, tropical storms and hurricanes. The nature and level of catastrophes in any period cannot be predicted.

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Table of Contents

The estimation of claims and claims expense reserves for catastrophes also comprises estimates of losses from reported and unreported claims, primarily for damage to property. In general, estimates for catastrophe reserves are based on claim adjuster inspections and the application of historical loss development factors as described previously. However, depending on the nature of the catastrophe, as noted above, the estimation process can be further complicated. For example, for hurricanes, complications could include the inability of insureds to be able to promptly report losses, limitations placed on claims adjusting staff affecting their ability to inspect losses, determining whether losses are covered by our homeowners policy (generally for damage caused by wind or wind driven rain), or specifically excluded coverage caused by flood, estimating additional living expenses, and assessing the impact of demand surge and exposure to mold damage. The effects of numerous other considerations, include the timing of a catastrophe in relation to other events, such as at or near the end of a financial reporting period, which can affect the availability of information needed to estimate reserves for that reporting period. In these situations, practices are adapted to accommodate these circumstances in order to determine a best estimate of losses from a catastrophe.

Key Actuarial Assumptions That Affect the Loss and LAE Estimate.

The aggregation of estimates for reported losses and IBNR forms the reserve liability recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

To develop a statistical indication of potential reserve variability within reasonably likely possible outcomes, actuarial techniques are applied to the data elements for paid losses and reported losses separately for homeowners losses excluding catastrophe losses and catastrophe losses to estimate the potential variability of our reserves, within a reasonable probability of outcomes.

At any given point in time, the recorded loss reserve represents the Company’s best estimate of the ultimate settlement and administration cost of insured claims incurred and unpaid. Since the process of estimating loss reserves requires significant judgment due to a number of variables, such as fluctuations in inflation, judicial decisions, legislative changes and changes in claims handling procedures, ultimate liability may exceed or be less than these estimates. Reserves for losses and LAE are revised as additional information becomes available, and adjustments, if any, are reflected in earnings in the periods in which they are determined.

In selecting the RTR development factors described above in the section titledThe Actuarial Methods Used to Develop Reserve Estimates, due consideration is given to how the RTR development factors change from one year to the next over the course of several consecutive years of recent history. In addition to the loss development triangles cited above, various diagnostic triangles, such as triangles showing historical patterns in the ratio of paid to reported losses and paid to reported claim counts, are typically prepared as a means of determining the stability of various determinants of loss development, such as consistency in claims settlement and case reserving.

On an annual basis, the Company’s appointed independent actuary provides a Statement of Actuarial Opinion (“SAO”) that certifiesindicates the carried reserves make a reasonable provision for all of the Insurance Entities’ unpaid loss and LAE obligations under the terms of contracts and agreements with our policyholders. The SAO is reviewed and projected ultimate losses and LAE amounts per the SAO are compared to the Company’s own projection of ultimate losses and LAE to ensure that loss and LAE reserves recorded at each annual balance sheet date are based upon an analysis of all internal and external factors related to known and unknown claims against the Insurance Entities. Recorded reserves are compared to the indicated range provided in the report accompanying the SAO. At December 31, 2013,2014, the recorded amount for net loss and LAE falls within the range determined by the appointed independent actuaries and approximates their best estimate.

Potential Reserve Estimate Variability.

The methods employed by actuaries include a range of estimated unpaid losses reflecting a level of uncertainty. Projections of loss and LAE liabilities are subject to potentially large errors of estimation since the ultimate disposition of claims incurred prior to the financial statement date, whether reported or not, is subject to the outcome of events that have not yet occurred. Examples of these events include jury decisions, court interpretations, legislative changes, public attitudes, and social/economic conditions such as inflation. Any estimate of future costs is subject to the inherent limitation on one’s ability to predict the aggregate course of future events. It should therefore be expected that the actual emergence of losses and LAE will vary, perhaps materially, from any estimate.

In selecting the range of reasonable estimates, the range of indications produced by the various methods is inspected, the relative strengths and weaknesses of each method are considered, and from those inputs a range of estimates can be selected. For reasons cited above, this range of estimated ultimate losses is typically smaller for older, more mature accident periods and greater for more recent, less mature accident periods. The greatest level of uncertainty is associated with the most recent accident years, and particularly years in during which catastrophe events occurred.

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Table of Contents

The inherent uncertainty associated with the Insurance Entities’ loss and LAE liability is magnified due to their concentration of property business in catastrophe-exposed coastal states, primarily Florida. The 2004 and 2005 hurricanes created great uncertainty in determining ultimate losses for these natural catastrophes due to issues related to applicability of deductibles, availability and cost of repair services and materials, and other factors. UPCIC experienced unanticipated unfavorable loss development on catastrophe losses from claims related to 2004 and 2005 being reopened and new claims being opened due to public adjusters encouraging policyholders to file new claims, and from homeowners’ association assessments related to condominium policies. Due to the inherent uncertainty, the parameters of the loss estimation methodologies are updated on an annual basis as new information emerges.

Adequacy of Reserve Estimates.

We believe our net loss and LAE reserves are appropriately established based on available methodology, facts, technology, laws and regulations. We calculate and record a single best reserve estimate, in conformance with generally accepted actuarial standards, for reported losses and IBNR losses and as a result we believe no other estimate is better than our recorded amount.

We have created a proprietary claims analysis tool (P2P)(“ISM”) to analyze and calculate reserves to supplement analysis performed by our independent actuaries. P2PISM is a custom built application that aggregates, analyzes and forecasts reserves based on historical data that spans more than a decade. It identifies historical claims data using same like kind and quality variables that exist in present claims and sets forth appropriate, more accurate reserves on current claims. P2PISM is utilized by management in reviewing the topography of existing and incoming claims. P2PISM is analyzed at each quarters’ end and adjustments to reserves are made at an aggregate level when appropriate.

Due to the uncertainties involved, the scenarios described and quantified above are reasonably likely, but the ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded amounts, which are based on our best estimates. The liability for unpaid losses and LAE at December 31, 20132014 is $159.2$134.4 million.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs/Deferred Ceding Commissions.

We incur costs in connection with the production of new and renewal insurance policies that are referred to as policy acquisition costs. Commissions and state premium taxes are costs of acquiring insurance policies that vary with, and are directly related to, the successful production of new and renewal business. These costs are deferred and amortized over the period during which the premiums are earned on the underlying policies. We collect ceding commissions from certain reinsurers in connection with our quota share reinsurance contracts. We estimate the amount of ceding commissions to be deferred on a basis consistent with the deferral of acquisition costs incurred with the production of the original policies issued and the terms of the applicable reinsurance contracts. The deferred ceding commissions are offset against the deferred policy acquisition costs with the net result presented as “deferred policy acquisition costs, net” on our consolidated balance sheets.Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2013,2014, deferred policy acquisition costs were $54.1$54.6 million and deferred ceding commissions were $38.2$28.9 million. Deferred policy acquisition costs were reduced by deferred ceding commissions and shown net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the amount of $15.9$25.7 million.

Provision for Premium Deficiency.

Our policy is to evaluate and recognize losses on insurance contracts when estimated future claims and maintenance costs under a group of existing policy contracts will exceed anticipated future premiums and investment income. The determination of the provision for premium deficiency requires estimation of the costs of losses, catastrophic reinsurance and policy maintenance to be incurred and investment income to be earned over the remaining policy period. Management has determined that a provision for premium deficiency was not warranted as of December 31, 2013.2014.

Reinsurance.

In the normal course of business, we seek to reduce the risk of loss that may arise from catastrophes or other events that cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. While ceding premiums to reinsurers reduces our risk of exposure in the event of catastrophic losses, it also reduces our potential for greater profits in the event that such catastrophic events do not occur. We believe that the extent of our reinsurance is typical of a company of our size in the homeowners’ insurance industry. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the provisions of the reinsurance agreement and consistent with the establishment of our liability. The Insurance Entities’ reinsurance policies do not relieve them from their obligations to policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses; consequently, allowances are established for amounts deemed uncollectible. No such allowance was deemed necessary as of December 31, 2013.2014.

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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We had no off-balance sheet arrangements during 2013.2014.

RELATED PARTIES

Downes and Associates, a multi-line insurance adjustment corporation based in Deerfield Beach, Florida performed certain claims adjusting work for the Insurance Entities. Downes and Associates is owned by Dennis Downes, who is the father of Sean P. Downes, our President and Chief Executive Officer. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we paid claims adjusting fees of $477 thousand, $623 thousand, $753 thousand, respectively, to Downes and Associates. Our agreement with Downes and Associates was terminated effective November 30, 2013 and on December 1, 2013 Dennis Downes became an employee of the Company.

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. During 2014 and 2013, we paid consulting fees of $120 thousand and $68 thousand, respectively, to SPC Global RE Advisors LLC.


33


RESULTS OF OPERATIONSTable of Contents

Results of Operations

year ended December 31, 2014 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013

Net income increased by $14.0 million, or 23.8%, to $73.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013. Diluted earnings per common share increased by $0.52, or 33.3%, to $2.08 for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, as a result of an increase in net income and cumulative share repurchases since December 31, 2013.

The increase in net income of $14.0 million, or 23.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 reflects an increase in net earned premiums, the absence of trading losses generated in the first quarter of 2013, and an increase in realized gains from investments sold from our portfolio of investments available-for-sale. These were partially offset by a decrease in commissions and an increase 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 these factors follows the table below.

The following table summarizes changes in each component of our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Change

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

PREMIUMS EARNED AND OTHER REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct premiums written

 

$

789,577

 

 

$

783,894

 

 

$

5,683

 

 

 

0.7

%

Ceded premiums written

 

 

(399,730

)

 

 

(522,116

)

 

 

122,386

 

 

 

-23.4

%

Net premiums written

 

 

389,847

 

 

 

261,778

 

 

 

128,069

 

 

 

48.9

%

Change in net unearned premium

 

 

(62,970

)

 

 

5,877

 

 

 

(68,847

)

 

NM

 

Premiums earned, net

 

 

326,877

 

 

 

267,655

 

 

 

59,222

 

 

 

22.1

%

Net investment income (expense)

 

 

2,375

 

 

 

1,928

 

 

 

447

 

 

 

23.2

%

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

5,627

 

 

 

(14,740

)

 

 

20,367

 

 

NM

 

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

 

 

 

7,850

 

 

 

(7,850

)

 

 

-100.0

%

Commission revenue

 

 

14,205

 

 

 

18,615

 

 

 

(4,410

)

 

 

-23.7

%

Policy fees

 

 

13,982

 

 

 

13,661

 

 

 

321

 

 

 

2.3

%

Other revenue

 

 

6,210

 

 

 

6,190

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

0.3

%

Total premiums earned and other revenues

 

 

369,276

 

 

 

301,159

 

 

 

68,117

 

 

 

22.6

%

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

123,275

 

 

 

108,615

 

 

 

14,660

 

 

 

13.5

%

General and administrative expenses

 

 

118,397

 

 

 

91,988

 

 

 

26,409

 

 

 

28.7

%

Total operating costs and expenses

 

 

241,672

 

 

 

200,603

 

 

 

41,069

 

 

 

20.5

%

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

 

127,604

 

 

 

100,556

 

 

 

27,048

 

 

 

26.9

%

Income taxes, current

 

 

53,498

 

 

 

34,216

 

 

 

19,282

 

 

 

56.4

%

Income taxes, deferred

 

 

1,118

 

 

 

7,363

 

 

 

(6,245

)

 

 

-84.8

%

Income taxes, net

 

 

54,616

 

 

 

41,579

 

 

 

13,037

 

 

 

31.4

%

NET INCOME

 

$

72,988

 

 

$

58,977

 

 

$

14,011

 

 

 

23.8

%

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

 

 

(1,459

)

 

 

(376

)

 

 

(1,083

)

 

 

288.0

%

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

$

71,529

 

 

$

58,601

 

 

$

12,928

 

 

 

22.1

%

NM – Not meaningful.


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Table of Contents

The following discussion provides comparative information for significant changes to the components of net income and comprehensive income for 2014 compared to 2013.

Net earned premiums were $326.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $267.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in net earned premiums of $59.2 million, or 22.1%, reflects a decrease in ceded earned premiums of $70.4 million, partially offset by a decrease in direct earned premiums of $11.2 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 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 reinsurance programs reflected in the results for 2014 compared to the costs of the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 reinsurance programs reflected in the results for 2013. In our 2014-2015 reinsurance program, we reduced the rate of quota share ceded premium from 45% in our 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 reinsurance programs to 30%. This reduction is reflected in the results beginning in the month of June 2014. The decrease in direct earned premiums is due primarily to a reduction in the number of policies in force in Florida through May 2014, and rate decreases for new business and renewals in Florida which went into effect in January and March 2014, respectively. As discussed above in “Overview”, we have taken what we believe to be prudent measures to increase policy count, while maintaining rate adequacy, resulting in an increase in the number of policies in force in Florida since May 2014.

As discussed under “Item 1. Business — Investments,” during 2013, our investment committee authorized management to engage Deutsche Investment Management, a leading global investment adviser specializing in the insurance industry, to manage our investment portfolio. Working with the investment adviser, we transitioned the composition of our portfolio to include a greater percentage of fixed income securities and a smaller percentage of equity securities, which we expect will provide a more stable stream of investment income and reduce the effects of market volatility. Our overall investment objective is to maximize total rate of return while maintaining liquidity and minimizing risk. Our investment strategy includes maintaining investments to support unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses for our insurance subsidiaries in accordance with guidelines established by insurance regulators.

We currently hold these investments in a portfolio available for sale with changes in fair value reflected in stockholders’ equity with the exception of any other than temporary impairments which would be reflected in earnings. In the first quarter of 2013, we liquidated 100% of the equity securities that were held in our trading portfolio resulting in net losses of $8.2 million. See “Item 8 — Note 3 (Investments)” for the composition of our portfolio as of December 31, 2014.

We sold investment securities available for sale during the year ended December 31, 2014, resulting in a net realized gain of $5.6 million. We took the opportunity throughout 2014 to realize gains ahead of potential volatility in the equity markets. These realized gains will be applied to capital loss carryforwards for state income taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we realized net losses on investments of $14.7 million, reflecting the underlying market conditions as we liquidated one hundred percent of the equity securities held in our trading portfolio during March 2013.

The decrease of $7.9 million in the net change in unrealized gains for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 reflects the absence of investment securities held in a trading portfolio during the year ended December 31, 2014. The investment securities held during the year ended December 31, 2014 were available for sale with changes in fair value recorded in equity. The majority of the net change in unrealized gains on investments for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflects the reversal of unrealized losses on investments held at December 31, 2012 and sold during the three months ended March 31, 2013 as we liquidated one hundred percent of the equity securities held in the trading portfolio through March 31, 2013.

Commission revenue is comprised principally of brokerage commissions we earn from reinsurers. For the year ended December 31, 2014, commission revenue was $14.2 million, compared to $18.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in commission revenue of $4.4 million, or 23.7%, 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 year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, including the reduction in the rate of quota share ceded premium from 45% to 30% as described above.


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Table of Contents

Losses and LAE were $123.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $108.6 million for the same period in 2013. The increase in net losses and LAE of $14.7 million is 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 37.7% and 40.6% during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and were comprised of the following components (in thousands):

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014

 

 

 

Direct

 

 

Ceded

 

 

Net

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

$

199,181

 

 

$

75,906

 

 

$

123,275

 

Premiums earned

 

$

777,317

 

 

$

450,440

 

 

$

326,877

 

Loss & LAE ratios

 

 

25.6

%

 

 

16.9

%

 

 

37.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013

 

 

 

Direct

 

 

Ceded

 

 

Net

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

$

216,852

 

 

$

108,237

 

 

$

108,615

 

Premiums earned

 

$

788,477

 

 

$

520,822

 

 

$

267,655

 

Loss & LAE ratios

 

 

27.5

%

 

 

20.8

%

 

 

40.6

%

See “Item 8 — Note 5 (Insurance Operations)” for change in liability for unpaid losses and LAE.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, general and administrative expenses were $118.4 million, compared to $92.0 million for the same period in 2013. The overall increase in general and administrative expenses of $26.4 million, or 28.7%, includes an increase of $11.8 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 $5.9 million in the amount of stock-based compensation, an increase in bonuses of $2.6 million, an increase of $2.0 million in advertising and promotional expenses and an increase of $2.8 million in other remaining expenses combined. Also, our recovery of FIGA assessments declined by $4.8 million as compared to prior year. FIGA assessments are initially charged to insurance companies, which then are allowed to recover the assessed amounts from their policyholders. UPCIC recovered the vast majority of its most recent FIGA assessment over a 12-month period ending in early February 2014. We therefore recovered more of the assessment in 2013 than in 2014 due to the timing of the initial assessment and the associated recovery period. These increases were partially offset by a reduction of $2.4 million related to insurance premiums paid for UIH-level coverage, most of which is related to catastrophe-linked insurance and a reduction of $1.1 million in regulatory fees.

Income taxes increased by $13.0 million, or 31.3% primarily as a result of an increase in income before income taxes. The effective tax rate increased to 42.8% for the year ended December 31, 2014 from 41.3% for the same period in 2013 primarily from an increase in the amount of non-deductible expenses including certain compensation.

Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income or loss. The other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 8 — Note 14 (Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)).”


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Table of Contents

year ended December 31, 2013 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

Net income increased by $28.7 million, or 94.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflecting an improvement in underwriting results. The improvement in underwriting results was moderately offset by a greater amount of trading portfolio losses generated as the Company liquidated its trading portfolio during the first quarter of 2013. Diluted earnings per share increased by $0.81 for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012, $0.17 of which was attributable to a reduction in shares of Common Stock outstanding as a result of UIH’s repurchase of shares from Bradley Meier and Norman Meier. See “Item 8—8 — Note 8 (Stockholders’ Equity) and Note 13 (Earnings Per Share).

The following table summarizes the changes in each line itemcomponent of our StatementConsolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

  Year Ended December 31, Change 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Change

 

  2013 2012 $ % 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

PREMIUMS EARNED AND OTHER REVENUES

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct premiums written

  $783,894   $780,128   $3,766    0.5

 

$

783,894

 

 

$

780,128

 

 

$

3,766

 

 

 

0.5

%

Ceded premiums written

   (522,116 (517,604 (4,512  0.9

 

 

(522,116

)

 

 

(517,604

)

 

 

(4,512

)

 

 

0.9

%

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net premiums written

   261,778    262,524    (746  -0.3

 

 

261,778

 

 

 

262,524

 

 

 

(746

)

 

 

-0.3

%

Change in net unearned premium

   5,877    (31,404  37,281    NM  

 

 

5,877

 

 

 

(31,404

)

 

 

37,281

 

 

NM

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Premiums earned, net

   267,655    231,120    36,535    15.8

 

 

267,655

 

 

 

231,120

 

 

 

36,535

 

 

 

15.8

%

Net investment income (expense)

   1,928    441    1,487    337.2

 

 

1,928

 

 

 

441

 

 

 

1,487

 

 

 

337.2

%

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

   (14,740  (11,943  (2,797  23.4

 

 

(14,740

)

 

 

(11,943

)

 

 

(2,797

)

 

 

23.4

%

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

   7,850    9,443    (1,593  -16.9

 

 

7,850

 

 

 

9,443

 

 

 

(1,593

)

 

 

-16.9

%

Net foreign currency gains (losses) on investments

   —      22    (22  -100.0

 

 

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

(22

)

 

 

-100.0

%

Commission revenue

   18,615    20,383    (1,768  -8.7

 

 

18,615

 

 

 

20,383

 

 

 

(1,768

)

 

 

-8.7

%

Policy fees

   13,661    14,475    (814  -5.6

 

 

13,661

 

 

 

14,475

 

 

 

(814

)

 

 

-5.6

%

Other revenue

   6,190    5,998    192    3.2

 

 

6,190

 

 

 

5,998

 

 

 

192

 

 

 

3.2

%

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total premiums earned and other revenues

   301,159    269,939    31,220    11.6

 

 

301,159

 

 

 

269,939

 

 

 

31,220

 

 

 

11.6

%

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   108,615    126,187    (17,572  -13.9

 

 

108,615

 

 

 

126,187

 

 

 

(17,572

)

 

 

-13.9

%

General and administrative expenses

   91,988    91,193    795    0.9

 

 

91,988

 

 

 

91,193

 

 

 

795

 

 

 

0.9

%

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total operating costs and expenses

   200,603    217,380    (16,777  -7.7

 

 

200,603

 

 

 

217,380

 

 

 

(16,777

)

 

 

-7.7

%

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

   100,556    52,559    47,997    91.3

 

 

100,556

 

 

 

52,559

 

 

 

47,997

 

 

 

91.3

%

Income taxes, current

   34,216    18,434    15,782    85.6

 

 

34,216

 

 

 

18,434

 

 

 

15,782

 

 

 

85.6

%

Income taxes, deferred

   7,363    3,813    3,550    93.1

 

 

7,363

 

 

 

3,813

 

 

 

3,550

 

 

 

93.1

%

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Income taxes, net

   41,579    22,247    19,332    86.9

 

 

41,579

 

 

 

22,247

 

 

 

19,332

 

 

 

86.9

%

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

NET INCOME

  $58,977   $30,312   $28,665    94.6

 

$

58,977

 

 

$

30,312

 

 

$

28,665

 

 

 

94.6

%

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments available for sale, net of tax

   (376  —      —      100.0
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

 

 

(376

)

 

 

 

 

 

(376

)

 

 

100.0

%

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

  $58,601   $30,312   $28,665    94.6

 

$

58,601

 

 

$

30,312

 

 

$

28,289

 

 

 

93.3

%

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

NM - Not meaningful.


37


Table of Contents

The following discussion provides comparative information for significant changes to the components of net income and comprehensive income for 2013 compared to 2012.

Net earned premiums were $267.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $231.1 million for 2012. The increase in net earned premiums of $36.5 million, or 15.8% compared to the prior year, was driven primarily by an increase in direct earned premiums. The increase in direct earned premiums is due primarily to rate increases over the past 24 months. These rate increases, along with strategic initiatives we have undertaken to manage our exposure such as the decision not to renew certain policies we believe had inadequate premiums relative to projected risks and expenses, have resulted in a reduction in the number of policies in force in Florida. The benefit from the rate increases continued to be partially offset by wind mitigation credits within the state of

Florida. Ceded earned premiums remained relatively unchanged for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 reflecting a reduction in the quota-share cession rate from 50% for the 2011-2012 reinsurance program to 45% currently in effect beginning with the 2012-2013 reinsurance program, offset by the cost of reinsurance in 2013 that replaced underlying catastrophic coverage under the T25 arrangement utilized by the Company duringthat was commuted effective December 31, 2012. See the discussion above on Segregated Account T25.

Net investment income for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $1.9 million, compared to $441 thousand for the same period in the prior year. The increase in net investment income of $1.5 million reflects an increase in the amount of interest earning and dividend paying securities held in the investment portfolio partially offset by an increase in investment expenses associated with asset management fees charged by our investment advisers to manage certain segments of the available for sale portfolio. When the portfolio was classified as trading, all fees were paid in the form of commission on investment trades and reflected in net realized gains and losses on investments and changes in unrealized gains and losses on investments.

Net realized losses on investments of $14.7 million were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $11.9 million of net realized losses recorded in 2012. The net realized losses of $14.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes realized losses of $16.0 million recorded upon the liquidation of our trading portfolio during the first quarter of 2013 and realized gains of $1.3 million generated from the sale of securities available for sale. The realized losses for both the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 reflect a reduction in value of securities that were sold from our trading portfolio. We used proceeds from the liquidation of our trading portfolio, plus cash on hand, to fund a portfolio of investments available for sale.

Net changes in unrealized gains on investments of $7.9 million were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $9.4 million recorded during 2012. The change in unrealized gains for both periods resulted primarily from the reversal of unrealized losses on investments held at December 31, 2012 and 2011 that were subsequently sold.

Commission revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $18.6 million, compared to $20.4 million for 2012. The decrease in commission revenue of $1.8 million, or 8.7%, 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 year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012.

Policy fees were $13.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $14.5 million for 2012. The decrease of $0.8 million, or 5.6%, reflects a reduction in the number of policies written and renewed, which we believe is primarily due to the rate increases that have taken effect, as well as the aforementioned strategic initiatives, which we believe have caused some attrition.


38


Table of Contents

The net losses and LAE ratios, or net losses and LAE as a percentage of net earned premiums, were 40.6% and 54.6% during years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively, and were comprised of the following components (in thousands):

 

  Year ended December 31, 2013 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013

 

  Direct Ceded Net 

 

Direct

 

 

Ceded

 

 

Net

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

  $216,852   108,237   $108,615  

 

$

216,852

 

 

$

108,237

 

 

$

108,615

 

Premiums earned

  $788,477   520,822   $267,655  

 

$

788,477

 

 

$

520,822

 

 

$

267,655

 

Loss & LAE ratios

   27.5 20.8 40.6

 

 

27.5

%

 

 

20.8

%

 

 

40.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Year ended December 31, 2012 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2012

 

  Direct Ceded Net 

 

Direct

 

 

Ceded

 

 

Net

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

  $249,064   $122,877   $126,187  

 

$

249,064

 

 

$

122,877

 

 

$

126,187

 

Premiums earned

  $751,899   $520,779   $231,120  

 

$

751,899

 

 

$

520,779

 

 

$

231,120

 

Loss & LAE ratios

   33.1 23.6 54.6

 

 

33.1

%

 

 

23.6

%

 

 

54.6

%

The reduction in the net losses and LAE ratio reflects an increase in net premiums earned and a decrease in losses and LAE. The increase in net earned premium is attributable to an increase in direct earned premium as described above. The decrease in losses and LAE expenses is primarily attributable to a reduction in losses and LAE for the current accident year combined with favorable development during 2013 related to prior accident years, compared to unfavorable development recorded during 2012.

General and administrative expenses were $92.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $91.2 million for 2012.  The increase in general and administrative expenses of $0.8 million, or 0.9% was due to several offsetting factors including an increase of $3.5 million in performance bonuses, an increase of $3.9 million in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, an increase in stock-basedshare-based compensation of $2.6 million, an increase in insurance department fines of $1.3 million and an increase of

$1.1 $1.1 million in other general and administrative expenses. These increases were offset by a reduction in general and administrative expenses of $11.6 related to mandatory assessments by the FIGA. FIGA assessments are initially charged to insurance companies and ultimately recovered from policyholders. The charges of $6.3 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2012 reflect an assessment received in the fourth quarter of 2012 followed by recoveries of $5.4 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Income tax expense was $41.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $22.2 million for the same period in 2012. The increase of $19.3 million was due to an increase in taxable income. Our effective tax rate decreased slightly to 41.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 42.3% for the same period during 2012.

Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income (loss). The other comprehensive loss of $376 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013, reflects after-tax changes in fair value of securities held in our investment portfolio of securities available for sale net of reclassifications out of cumulative other comprehensive income (loss) for securities sold during the period.year. See “Item 8—8 — Note 14 (Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)). There was no other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2012.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011

Net income increased by $10.2 million, or 50.7%, primarily attributable to an increase in net premiums earned and improved performance in the investment portfolio, partially offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses. The increase in net premiums earned in 2012 outpaced the increase in total operating costs and expenses. The rate increases which have taken effect over the past 24 months are providing positive results that somewhat offset the negative effect39


Table of wind mitigation credits.

The following table summarizes the changes in each line item of our Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the year ended December 31, 2011 (in thousands):Contents

 

   Year Ended December 31,  Change 
   2012  2011  $  % 

PREMIUMS EARNED AND OTHER REVENUES

     

Direct premiums written

  $780,128   $721,462   $58,666    8.1

Ceded premiums written

   (517,604  (512,979  (4,625  0.9
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Net premiums written

   262,524    208,483    54,041    25.9

Increase in net unearned premium

   (31,404  (9,498  (21,906  230.6
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Premiums earned, net

   231,120    198,985    32,135    16.1

Net investment income

   441    788    (347  -44.0

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

   (11,943  2,350    (14,293  NM  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

   9,443    (18,410  27,853    NM  

Net foreign currency gains (losses) on investments

   22    1,532    (1,510  -98.6

Commission revenue

   20,383    19,507    876    4.5

Policy fees

   14,475    15,298    (823  -5.4

Other revenue

   5,998    5,811    187    3.2
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total premiums earned and other revenues

   269,939    225,861    44,078    19.5
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

     

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   126,187    124,309    1,878    1.5

General and administrative expenses

   91,193    67,834    23,359    34.4
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total operating costs and expenses

   217,380    192,143    25,237    13.1
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

   52,559    33,718    18,841    55.9

Income taxes, current

   18,434    23,152    (4,718  -20.4

Income taxes, deferred

   3,813    (9,543  13,356    -140.0
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Income taxes, net

   22,247    13,609    8,638    63.5
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

NET INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

  $30,312   $20,109   $10,203    50.7
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

NM - Not meaningful.

The following discussion provides comparative information for significant changes to the components of net income and comprehensive income for 2012 compared to 2011.

The increase in net earned premiums of $32.1 million, or 16.1% compared to the prior year, reflects an increase in direct earned premiums of $61.9 million partially offset by an increase in ceded earned premiums of $29.8 million. The increase in direct earned premiums is due primarily to rate increases over the past 24 months. These rate increases, along with strategic initiatives we have undertaken to manage our exposure such as the decision not to renew certain policies we believe have inadequate premiums relative to projected risks and expenses, have resulted in a moderate reduction in the number of policies in force even as the amount of direct written premiums have increased. The benefit from the rate increases continued to be partially offset by wind mitigation credits within the state of Florida. The increase in ceded earned premiums of $29.8 million is attributable to an increase in quota-share ceded premiums in proportion to the growth in direct written premiums, a $5.4 million increase related to the settlement of a dispute with our predecessor quota-share reinsurer and $4.4 million in 2012 relating to an underlying property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contract with an unaffiliated third-party reinsurer that did not exist during 2011. The after-tax effect of the settlement with our predecessor quota share reinsurer was $0.08 per diluted share. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in the quota-share cession rate from 50% for the 2011-2012 reinsurance program to 45% for the 2012-2013 reinsurance program.

The reduction in net investment income reflects a reduction in the amount of interest earning securities held in the investment portfolio and non-recurring charges for investment accounting services as we converted to a new investment accounting service provider.

Net realized losses on investments of $11.9 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2012 reflect loss in value of investments sold during the period. The majority of realized losses recorded during the year ended December 31, 2012 were in the metals and mining sector.

We hold debt and equity securities, derivatives and other investments in our trading portfolio. All unrealized gains and losses on investments in our trading portfolio are reflected in earnings. Unrealized gains and losses reflect the change in value during the period for investments held in our trading portfolio, including the reversal of unrealized gains and losses recorded when investments are sold. We recorded net unrealized gains of $9.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2012, the majority of which represent the reversal of unrealized losses for investments sold during 2012.

Commission revenue is comprised principally of brokerage commission we earn from reinsurers. The increase in commission revenue of $876 thousand is due to an increase in ceded earned premium for the reinsurance contract periods that were in effect during the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.

Policy fees are comprised primarily of the managing general agent’s policy fee income from insurance policies. The decrease of $823 thousand reflects a reduction in the number of policies written and renewed primarily due to the rate increases that have taken effect, which has caused some attrition.

The increase in net losses and loss adjustment expenses of $1.9 million reflects an increase in the amount of charges incurred for the current accident year of $6.6 million, offset by a reduction in the amount of prior year development (also known as “reserve re-estimates”) recorded in the current year of $4.7 million. The increase in current year charges was heavily influenced by losses and loss adjustment expenses related to Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac and Tropical Storm Debby.

The net loss and LAE ratios, or net losses and LAE as a percentage of net earned premiums, were 54.6% and 62.5% during years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011, respectively, and were comprised of the following components (in thousands):

   Year ended December 31, 2012 
   Direct  Ceded  Net 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

  $249,064   $122,877   $126,187  

Premiums earned

  $751,899   $520,779   $231,120  

Loss & LAE ratios

   33.1  23.6  54.6
   Year ended December 31, 2011 
   Direct  Ceded  Net 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

  $245,335   $121,026   $124,309  

Premiums earned

  $689,955   $490,970   $198,985  

Loss & LAE ratios

   35.6  24.7  62.5

The reduction in the net loss and LAE ratio is mostly the result of a decrease in the relative and absolute amounts of prior years’ development recorded in the current year. The ratio also decreased as a result of an increase in net premiums earned relating to an increase in direct premiums earned as well as proportionately less ceded premiums earned due to the lower cession rate under the 2012-2013 quota share reinsurance contract compared to the cession rate under the 2011-2012 quota share contract.

The increase in general and administrative expenses of $23.4 million was due to several factors including $10.8 million of charges related to net deferred policy acquisition costs. The reduction in the amount of ceding commissions received from the quota share reinsurer under the 2012-2013 reinsurance program, effectively increased the amount of net deferred policy acquisition costs and related amortization. In addition, we are charging certain costs directly to earnings that were previously capitalized under the superseded FASB guidance which governed how we accounted for deferred policy acquisition costs until January 1, 2012. Charges of $6.3 million were recorded in the latter part of 2012 as a result of a mandatory assessment by the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (“FIGA”). FIGA assessments are ultimately passed down to policyholders. We will recover these charges over a twelve-month period beginning February 1, 2013. There were also increases in salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and insurance, of $1.6 million, $1.6 million, $1.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively offset partially by a decrease in insurance department fees of $1.0 million.

Income tax expense increased in tandem with the increase in taxable income. Our effective tax rate increased to 42.3% for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to 40.4% for the same period during 2011 primarily as a result of a change in the mix of true-ups recorded upon the completion of prior years’ tax returns and estimated penalties and interest for current year underpayment of estimated taxes. There was also an increase in the amount of non-deductible compensation which increased the effective tax rate.

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION CHANGES

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 periodsdates presented (in thousands):

 

  As of December 31, 

 

As of December 31,

 

Type of Investment

  2013   2012 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $117,275    $347,392  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   2,600     33,009  

Fixed maturities

   289,418     4,009  

 

$

353,949

 

 

$

289,418

 

Equity securities

   65,022     85,041  

 

 

19,642

 

 

 

65,022

 

Non-hedging derivative asset (liability), net

   —       (21

Other investments

   —       317  
  

 

   

 

 

Short-term investments

 

 

49,990

 

 

 

 

Total

  $474,315    $469,747  

 

$

423,581

 

 

$

354,440

 

  

 

   

 

 

During

See “Item 8 — Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” for explanations of changes in investments.

Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the first quarteramount of 2013,ceded unearned premiums. The decrease of $50.7 million to $190.5 million as of December 31, 2014 is due to the reduction in the premium we liquidated our trading portfolio and reinvested proceeds and excess cash in a portfolio of securities available for sale.cede to quota share reinsurers.

Reinsurance recoverable represents ceded losses and LAE. The increasedecrease of $18.7$52.6 million reflectsto $55.2 million as of December 31, 2014 was primarily due to the reduction in the losses and LAE we cede to quota share reinsurers and also due to the timing of settlement paymentssettlements 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 decreaseincrease of $24.1$7.3 million during 2013to $7.5 million as of December 31, 2014 was primarily due to the timing of settlements and amounts available for right of offsetting balancesoffset with our quota-share reinsurers.

Premiums receivable represent amounts due from policyholders. The decreaseincrease of $3.7$4.5 million during 2013, to $46.5$51.0 million as of December 31, 2014 reflects a greater volumean increase in the amount of collectionsdirect premium written in December of 20132014 compared to December of 2012.2013.  

See Item 8—“Item 8 — Note 5 (Insurance Operations), for a roll-forward in the balance of our deferred policy acquisition costs.costs and our unpaid losses and LAE.

Our income taxes recoverableProperty and equipment increased by $8.0 million to $17.3 million as of December 31, 2013 were2014 primarily from purchases of real estate of $6.0 million and building improvements of $1.4 million for the additional property acquired in December of 2014.  

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 and $8.2 million comparedas of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, represent amounts recoverable for federal income taxes.  

Unearned premium represents the portion of direct written premium that will be earned pro rata in the future. The increase of $12.3 million to $395.7 million as of December 31, 2014 is due primarily to the increase in direct premium written principally in the second half of 2014.

Book overdrafts represent outstanding checks in excess of cash on deposit and are examined monthly to determine if legal right of offset exists for accounts with the same banking institution. The decrease of $9.0 million to $5.9 million as of December 31, 2014 is attributed to an increase in cash deposits applied with the right to offset.

Reinsurance payable, net, represents our liability to reinsurers for ceded written premiums, net of ceding commissions receivable. The decrease of $20.2 million to $66.1 million as of December 31, 2014 was primarily due to the reduction in the premium we cede to quota share reinsurers.

Income taxes payable represent amounts due to taxing jurisdictions within one year and arise when taxable income exceeds tax payments. Income taxes payable of $1.8 million and $2.6 million as of December 31, 2012. The majority of the increase reflects a recoverable recorded2014 and 2013, respectively, represent amounts payable for realized losses generated upon the liquidation of our trading portfolio during the first quarter of 2013, which will be carried back and applied to realized gains generated in previous tax years for federalstate income taxes.

See Item 8—“Item 8 — Note 12 (Income Taxes) for a schedule of deferred income taxes as of December 31, 20132014 and 2012,2013, which shows the components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of both balance sheet dates.

40


Table of Contents

See below“Liquidity and Capital Resources” for a discussionexplanations of the changes in the balance of our unpaid lossescontingently redeemable common stock, long-term debt and LAE.treasury shares.

Advance premium represents premium payments made by policyholders ahead of the effective date of the policies. The increase of $7.9 million to $22.9 million reflects an increase in renewals taking place subsequent to year end for 2013 compared to 2012 combined with rate increases that went into effect during 2013.

Income taxes payable represents amounts payable for state income taxes which increased by $1.8 million to $2.5 million. This reflects an increase in taxable income for state income tax purposes.

Long-term debt consists of a surplus note, a term loanLiquidity and any amounts drawn upon an unsecured line of credit. The increase of $17.0 million to $37.2 million as of December 31, 2013 was associated with the Company entering into a $20 million unsecured term loan agreement and related term note. See Item 8—Note 7 (Long-Term Debt). There were no amounts drawn under the unsecured line of credit as of December 31, 2013.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCESCapital 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 generally 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 December 31, 20132014 was $115.4 million compared to $117.3 million.million at December 31, 2013. See “Item 8 — Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” for a reconciliation of the balance of cash and cash equivalents between December 31, 2014 and 2013. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was driven by cash flows used for investing and financing activities in excess of those generated from operations. Most of this amountthe balance of cash and cash equivalents maintained is available to pay claims in the event of a catastrophic event pending reimbursementin addition to any amounts recoverablerecovered under our reinsurance agreements.

The balance of restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $2.6 million. Restricted cash as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, represents cash equivalents on deposit with regulatory agencies in the various states in which our Insurance Entities do business.

As discussed in “Item 8—8 — Note 7 (Long-Term Debt),, UIH entered into a revolving loan agreement and related revolving note (‘the DB Loan”)Loan with Deutsche Bank in March 2013. 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 March 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%. The interest rate is, at the election of UIH. The DB Loan contains certain covenants and restrictions applicable while amounts or obligations 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. WeNo amounts have notbeen drawn any amounts 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”)Loan with RenaissanceReRenRe Ventures Ltd. (“RenRe Ventures”) also discussed in “Item 8—8 — Note 7 (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 or obligations 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. The CompanyWe were in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2014.  We used the net proceeds of the Term Loan to repurchase 4,666,000 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Bradley Meier.Meier in May 2013. In May 2014, we made a principal payment of $6.0 million on the Term Loan. The Term Loan had a carrying amount of $13.3 million as of December 31, 2014.

UIH’s liquidity requirements primarily includeLiquidity for UIH and its non-insurance subsidiaries is required to cover the payment of general operating expenses, dividends to shareholders federal(if and statewhen 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, areand 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, capital requirementsdebt 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.

The maximum amount of dividends which can be paid by Florida insurance companies without prior approval of the Commissioner of the OIR is subject to restrictions relating to statutory surplus. The maximum dividend that may be paid by the Insurance Entities to UIH without prior approval is limited to the lesser of statutory net income from operations of the preceding calendar year or statutory unassigned surplus as of the preceding year end. During the years ended December 31, 20132014 and 2012,2013, the Insurance Entities did not pay dividends to UIH.


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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 sold by thewritten. The Insurance Entities. Historically, cash receipts from operations, consisting of insurance premiums, ceded and brokerage commissions, policy fees and investment income, have provided more than sufficient funds to pay loss claims and operating expenses. WeEntities maintain substantial investments in highly liquid, marketable securities. Liquidity can also be generated bysecurities which would generate funds received upon the sale of marketable securities in our investment portfolio.sale.

The Insurance Entities are responsible for losses related to catastrophic events with incurred losses in excess of coverage provided by ourthe 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’ andor our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. See Item“Item 7.Management’s Discussion of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – 2013-2014— 2014-2015 Reinsurance ProgramProgram” for a discussion of our reinsurance programs.

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 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 8 – Note 8 (Stockholders’ Equity).”  At December 31, 2013, we had total capital of $212.8 million, comprised of shareholders’stockholders’ equity of $175.6 million and total long term debt of $37.2 million. Our debt to total capitaldebt-to-total-capital ratio and debt to equitydebt-to-equity ratio were 17.5% and 21.2%, respectively, at December 31, 2013. AtThe increase in stockholders’ equity during the year ended December 31, 2012, we had total capital of $183.7 million comprised of shareholders’ equity of $163.5 million2014 is attributed to net income partially offset by dividends declared and total debt of $20.2 million. Our debt to total capital ratio and debt to equity ratio were 11.0% and 12.4%, respectively at December 31, 2012.common share repurchases.

The Insurance Entities are required annually to comply with the NAIC Risk-Based Capital (“RBC”) requirements. RBC requirements prescribe a method of measuring the amount of capital appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations in light of its size and risk profile. NAIC’s RBC requirements are used by regulators to determine appropriate regulatory actions relating to insurers who show signs of weak or deteriorating condition. As of December 31, 2013,2014, based on calculations using the appropriate NAIC RBC formula, the Insurance Entities’ reported total adjusted capital was in excess of the requirements. Failure by the Insurance Entities to maintain the required level of statutory capital and surplus could result in the suspension of their authority to write new or renewal business, other regulatory actions, or ultimately, in the revocation of their certificate of authority by the OIR.

On November 9, 2006, UPCIC entered into a $25.0 million surplus note with the Florida State Board of Administration of Florida (“SBA”) under Florida’s Insurance Capital Build-Up Incentive Program (“ICBUI”). The surplus note has a twenty-year term and accrues interest, adjusted quarterly based on the 10-year Constant Maturity Treasury Index. For the first three years of the term of the surplus note, UPCIC was required to pay interest only.

In May 2008, the Florida Legislature passed a law providing participants in the ICBUI an opportunity to amend the terms of their surplus notes based on law changes. The new law contains methods for calculating compliance with the writing ratio requirements that are more favorable to UPCIC than prior law and the prior terms of the surplus note. On November 6, 2008, UPCIC and the SBA executed an addendum to the surplus note that reflects these law changes. The terms of the addendum were effective July 1, 2008. In addition to other less significant changes, the addendum modifies the definitions of “Minimum Required Surplus,” “Minimum Writing Ratio,” “Surplus,” and “Gross Written Premium,” as defined in the original surplus note.

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Prior to the execution of the addendum, UPCIC was in compliance with each of the loan’s covenants as implemented by rules promulgated by the SBA. UPCIC currently remains in compliance with each of the loan’s covenants as implemented by rules promulgated by the SBA. An event of default will occur under the surplus note, as amended, if UPCIC: (i) defaults in the payment of the surplus note; (ii) fails to submit quarterly filings to the OIR; (iii) fails to maintain at least $50 million of surplus during the term of the surplus note, except for certain situations; (iv) misuses proceeds of the surplus note; (v) makes any misrepresentations in the application for the program; (vi) pays any dividend when principal or interest payments are past due under the surplus note; or (vii) fails to maintain a level of surplus and reinsurance sufficient to cover in excess of UPCIC’s 1-in-100 year probable maximum loss as determined by a hurricane loss model accepted by the Florida Commission on Hurricane Loss Projection Methodology as certified by the OIR annually. Further, UPCIC will be subject to increases in interest rates if it drops below a net written premium to surplus of 1:1 below a gross written premium to surplus ratio of 3:1 for three consecutive quarters beginning January 1, 2010. As of December 31, 2013,2014, UPCIC’s net written premium to surplus ratio and gross written premium to surplus ratio were in excess of the required minimums and, therefore, UPCIC is not subject to increases in interest rates.

On December 14, 2012, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC, registering (i) for issuance up to $100 million of Common Stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, rights or depositary shares, or units consisting of any combination thereof and (ii) for resale up to 7 million shares of Common Stock owned by our former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bradley I. Meier. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock by Mr. Meier.  The shelf registration statement is intended to give UIH additional flexibility to finance future business opportunities and support our insurance subsidiaries by accessing the capital markets in an efficient and cost effective manner.  However,On December 2, 2014, we have no present intention of offering any securities pursuant to this registration statement. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale ofsold in a privately negotiated transaction one million shares of Common Stock under the shelf registration statement to Ananke Catastrophe Investments Ltd., an affiliate of Nephila Capital Ltd., at a price of $19.00 per share, leaving available for issuance under the shelf registration statement securities having a value of $81 million. 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we repurchased an aggregate of 1,225,000 shares of UIH’s common stock owned by Mr. Meier.

Bradley I. Meier, the Company’s former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, as discussed under “Item 8 — Note 8 (Stockholders’ Equity).” The repurchase cost was an aggregate of $14.7 million or an average cost of $12.03 per share and was funded using cash on hand.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we also repurchased an aggregate of 1,166,208 shares of UIH’s common stock in the open market, in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as discussed under “Item 8 — Note 8 (Stockholders’ Equity)”. The repurchase cost was an aggregate of $15.0 million or an average cost of $12.86 per share and was funded using cash on hand.

As discussed under “Item 8 — Note 6 (Property and Equipment),” on July 12, 2013, UPCIC entered into a purchase agreement to acquire an office building adjacent to its principal office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (“Property”).  The purchase of the Property was completed in December 2014 for approximately $6.0 million and was funded using cash on hand.

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Liability for Unpaid Losses and LAE

We are required to periodically estimate and reflect on our balance sheet the amount needed to pay losses and related loss adjustment expenses on reported and unreported claims. See Item 1, Business—““Item 1. Business — Liability for Unpaid Losses and LAE”LAE,” for a description of this process. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of beginning and ending liability for unpaid losses and LAE as shown in our consolidated financial statements for the periods indicatedpresented (in thousands):

 

  Year Ended December 31, 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

  2013 2012 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Balance at beginning of year

  $193,241   $187,215  

 

$

159,222

 

 

$

193,241

 

 

$

187,215

 

Less reinsurance recoverable

   (81,415 (88,002
  

 

  

 

 

Less: Reinsurance recoverable

 

 

(68,584

)

 

 

(81,415

)

 

 

(88,002

)

Net balance at beginning of year

   111,826    99,213  

 

 

90,638

 

 

 

111,826

 

 

 

99,213

 

Incurred related to:

   

Incurred (recovered) related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

   111,560    119,458  

 

 

124,011

 

 

 

111,560

 

 

 

119,458

 

Prior years

   (2,945  6,729  

 

 

(736

)

 

 

(2,945

)

 

 

6,729

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total incurred

   108,615    126,187  

 

 

123,275

 

 

 

108,615

 

 

 

126,187

 

Paid related to:

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

   62,529    54,141  

 

 

73,981

 

 

 

62,529

 

 

 

54,141

 

Prior years

   67,274    59,433  

 

 

52,929

 

 

 

67,274

 

 

 

59,433

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total paid

   129,803    113,574  

 

 

126,910

 

 

 

129,803

 

 

 

113,574

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net balance at end of year

   90,638    111,826  

 

 

87,003

 

 

 

90,638

 

 

 

111,826

 

Plus reinsurance recoverable

   68,584    81,415  
  

 

  

 

 

Plus: Reinsurance recoverable

 

 

47,350

 

 

 

68,584

 

 

 

81,415

 

Balance at end of year

  $159,222   $193,241  

 

$

134,353

 

 

$

159,222

 

 

$

193,241

 

  

 

  

 

 

Based upon consultations with our independent actuarial consultants and their statement of opinion on losses and LAE, we believe that the liability for unpaid losses and LAE is currently adequate to cover all claims and related expenses whichthat may arise from incidents reported and IBNR.  FavorableThe company has adjusted prior year reserves to reflect both positive and negative development trends.  The company continues to see an increase in claim settlement rates as a result of ongoing claims department initiatives which were introduced in 2013.  This has resulted in favorable development for 2013 was primarily the resultmajority of loss settlements lower than anticipated on 2004 and 2005 catastrophe claims which were recognized duringclaim segments, particularly for the calendar year, and favorable development ofmost recent accident year 2011 and 2012 non-catastrophe loss estimates which were recognized at year end 2013 after a detailed actuarial analysis. Favorable reserveyears, but is partially offset by unfavorable development in 2013 was somewhat offset by increasesbringing closure to claims previously in loss adjustment expense estimates on non-catastrophe claims for 2010 through 2012 accident years that were recognized at year end.a litigious environment.

The following table provides total unpaid loss and LAE, net of related reinsurance recoverablesrecoverable for the dates presented (in thousands):

 

  Years Ended December 31, 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

  2013   2012 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Unpaid Loss and LAE, net

  $28,230    $33,661  

 

$

29,126

 

 

$

28,230

 

IBNR loss and LAE, net

   62,408     78,165  

 

 

57,877

 

 

 

62,408

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total unpaid loss and LAE, net

  $90,638    $111,826  

 

$

87,003

 

 

$

90,638

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and LAE

  $24,421    $29,013  

 

$

16,716

 

 

$

24,421

 

Reinsurance recoverable on IBNR loss and LAE

   44,163     52,402  

 

 

30,634

 

 

 

44,163

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and LAE

  $68,584    $81,415  

 

$

47,350

 

 

$

68,584

 

  

 

   

 

 

The table below illustrates the change over time of the direct reserves established for unpaid losses and LAE for the Insurance Entities (Liability for Unpaid Losses and LAE “re-estimates”) at the end of the last ten calendar years through December 31, 20122013 (in thousands):

·

The first section shows the liability for unpaid losses and LAE as originally reported at the end of the stated year.

·

The second section, reading down, shows the cumulative amounts paid as of the end of successive years with respect to that reserve liability.

·

The third section, reading down, shows retroactive re-estimates of the original recorded reserve as of the end of each successive year which is the result of our expanded awareness of additional facts and circumstances that pertain to the unsettled claims.

·

The last section compares the latest re-estimated reserve to the reserve originally established, and indicates whether the original reserve was adequate to cover the estimated costs of unsettled claims.

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The first section shows the liability for unpaid losses and LAE as originally reported at the end of the stated year.

The second section, reading down, shows the cumulative amounts paid as of the end of successive years with respect to that reserve liability.

The third section, reading down, shows retroactive re-estimates of the original recorded reserve as of the end of each successive year which is the result of our expanded awareness of additional facts and circumstances that pertain to the unsettled claims.

The last section compares the latest re-estimated reserve to the reserve originally established, and indicates whether the original reserve was adequate to cover the estimated costs of unsettled claims.

The Liability for Unpaid Losses and LAE re-estimates tables are cumulative and, therefore, ending balances should not be added since the amount at the end of each calendar year includes activity for both the current and prior years. Unfavorable reserve re-estimates are shown in parentheses.

 

  Years Ended December 31, 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

  2013   2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 

 

 

2014

 

 

 

2013

 

 

 

2012

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

2010

 

 

 

2009

 

 

 

2008

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

2004

 

Balance Sheet Liability

   159,222     193,241    187,215    158,929    127,195    87,933    68,766    49,454    66,855    57,561    7,136  

 

 

134,353

 

 

 

159,222

 

 

 

193,241

 

 

 

187,215

 

 

 

158,929

 

 

 

127,195

 

 

 

87,933

 

 

 

68,766

 

 

 

49,454

 

 

 

66,855

 

 

 

57,561

 

Cumulative paid as of:

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One year later

     127,664    125,735    107,091    88,363    70,058    52,638    42,533    79,226    66,020    3,660  

 

 

 

 

 

 

97,587

 

 

 

127,664

 

 

 

125,735

 

 

 

107,091

 

 

 

88,363

 

 

 

70,058

 

 

 

52,638

 

 

 

42,533

 

 

 

79,226

 

 

 

66,020

 

Two years later

      175,256    149,494    122,459    91,255    71,171    54,774    103,201    80,684    4,742  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

165,148

 

 

 

175,256

 

 

 

149,494

 

 

 

122,459

 

 

 

91,255

 

 

 

71,171

 

 

 

54,774

 

 

 

103,201

 

 

 

80,684

 

Three years later

       176,730    142,049    106,011    78,284    64,732    111,610    92,262    5,198  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

199,857

 

 

 

176,730

 

 

 

142,049

 

 

 

106,011

 

 

 

78,284

 

 

 

64,732

 

 

 

111,610

 

 

 

92,262

 

Four years later

        154,448    114,609    86,197    69,212    118,312    94,705    5,994  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

189,823

 

 

 

154,448

 

 

 

114,609

 

 

 

86,197

 

 

 

69,212

 

 

 

118,312

 

 

 

94,705

 

Five years later

         120,312    89,460    73,878    122,377    97,367    6,259  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

161,286

 

 

 

120,312

 

 

 

89,460

 

 

 

73,878

 

 

 

122,377

 

 

 

97,367

 

Six years later

          91,879    76,172    126,831    98,828    6,431  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

123,541

 

 

 

91,879

 

 

 

76,172

 

 

 

126,831

 

 

 

98,828

 

Seven years later

           77,303    128,809    101,029    6,458  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

93,216

 

 

 

77,303

 

 

 

128,809

 

 

 

101,029

 

Eight years later

            129,299    101,907    6,473  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

76,847

 

 

 

129,299

 

 

 

101,907

 

Nine years later

             101,483    6,478  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

128,481

 

 

 

101,483

 

Ten years later

              6,478  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101,483

 

Balance Sheet Liability

   159,222     193,241    187,215    158,929    127,195    87,933    68,766    49,454    66,855    57,561    7,136  

 

 

134,353

 

 

 

159,222

 

 

 

193,241

 

 

 

187,215

 

 

 

158,929

 

 

 

127,195

 

 

 

87,933

 

 

 

68,766

 

 

 

49,454

 

 

 

66,855

 

 

 

57,561

 

One year later

     198,771    206,655    181,207    143,037    107,670    80,081    68,107    118,686    74,207    6,375  

 

 

 

 

 

 

157,479

 

 

 

198,771

 

 

 

206,655

 

 

 

181,207

 

 

 

143,037

 

 

 

107,670

 

 

 

80,081

 

 

 

68,107

 

 

 

118,686

 

 

 

74,207

 

Two years later

      221,097    194,786    157,604    115,541    87,261    69,647    125,067    95,373    5,871  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

205,807

 

 

 

221,097

 

 

 

194,786

 

 

 

157,604

 

 

 

115,541

 

 

 

87,261

 

 

 

69,647

 

 

 

125,067

 

 

 

95,373

 

Three years later

       204,998    166,189    122,050    90,881    73,650    124,039    101,312    6,398  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

226,868

 

 

 

204,998

 

 

 

166,189

 

 

 

122,050

 

 

 

90,881

 

 

 

73,650

 

 

 

124,039

 

 

 

101,312

 

Four years later

        170,224    126,905    94,275    77,846    125,210    100,945    6,933  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

204,353

 

 

 

170,224

 

 

 

126,905

 

 

 

94,275

 

 

 

77,846

 

 

 

125,210

 

 

 

100,945

 

Five years later

         127,690    95,545    78,891    129,916    101,571    7,170  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

168,331

 

 

 

127,690

 

 

 

95,545

 

 

 

78,891

 

 

 

129,916

 

 

 

101,571

 

Six years later

          94,732    79,214    130,865    101,419    7,320  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

126,330

 

 

 

94,732

 

 

 

79,214

 

 

 

130,865

 

 

 

101,419

 

Seven years later

           78,378    130,894    102,434    7,267  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

94,010

 

 

 

78,378

 

 

 

130,894

 

 

 

102,434

 

Eight years later

            129,891    102,723    7,280  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

77,620

 

 

 

129,891

 

 

 

102,723

 

Nine years later

             102,310    6,627  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

129,083

 

 

 

102,310

 

Ten years later

              6,752  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101,403

 

Gross cumulative redundancy (deficiency)

Gross cumulative redundancy (deficiency)

   

   (5,530  (33,882  (46,069  (43,029  (39,757  (25,966  (28,924  (63,036  (44,749  384  

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,743

 

 

 

(12,566

)

 

 

(39,653

)

 

 

(45,424

)

 

 

(41,136

)

 

 

(38,397

)

 

 

(25,244

)

 

 

(28,166

)

 

 

(62,228

)

 

 

(43,842

)

45


Table of Contents

The following Liability for Unpaid Losses and LAE re-estimates table illustrates the change over time of the reserves, net of reinsurance with separate disclosure of the related re-estimated reinsurance recoverable, established for unpaid losses and LAE for the Insurance Entities at the end of the last eleven calendar years through December 31, 20132014 (in thousands):

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 Years Ended December 31, 

 

 

2014

 

 

 

2013

 

 

 

2012

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

2010

 

 

 

2009

 

 

 

2008

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

2004

 

 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 

Net Reserves for Unpaid

           

Gross Reserves for Unpaid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and LAE

 159,222   193,241   187,215   158,929   127,195   87,933   68,766   49,454   66,855   57,561   7,136  

 

 

134,353

 

 

 

159,222

 

 

 

193,241

 

 

 

187,215

 

 

 

158,929

 

 

 

127,195

 

 

 

87,933

 

 

 

68,766

 

 

 

49,454

 

 

 

66,855

 

 

 

57,561

 

Reinsurance Recoverable

 68,584   81,415   88,002   79,115   62,899   43,375   37,557   32,314   60,785   56,110   6,018  

 

 

47,350

 

 

 

68,584

 

 

 

81,415

 

 

 

88,002

 

 

 

79,115

 

 

 

62,899

 

 

 

43,375

 

 

 

37,557

 

 

 

32,314

 

 

 

60,785

 

 

 

56,110

 

Net Reserves for Unpaid
Losses and LAE

 90,638   111,826   99,213   79,814   64,296   44,558   31,209   17,140   6,070   1,451   1,118  

 

 

87,003

 

 

 

90,638

 

 

 

111,826

 

 

 

99,213

 

 

 

79,814

 

 

 

64,296

 

 

 

44,558

 

 

 

31,209

 

 

 

17,140

 

 

 

6,070

 

 

 

1,451

 

Cumulative paid as of:

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One year later

  67,222   59,228   54,056   43,859   34,168   23,698   20,026   12,813   1,117   718  

 

 

 

 

 

 

52,875

 

 

 

67,222

 

 

 

59,228

 

 

 

54,056

 

 

 

43,859

 

 

 

34,168

 

 

 

23,698

 

 

 

20,026

 

 

 

12,813

 

 

 

1,117

 

Two years later

   83,538   71,079   60,917   44,011   31,737   23,354   23,725   11,331   822  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

86,458

 

 

 

83,538

 

 

 

71,079

 

 

 

60,917

 

 

 

44,011

 

 

 

31,737

 

 

 

23,354

 

 

 

23,725

 

 

 

11,331

 

Three years later

    84,237   66,619   51,090   34,457   26,945   25,388   21,569   915  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

95,938

 

 

 

84,237

 

 

 

66,619

 

 

 

51,090

 

 

 

34,457

 

 

 

26,945

 

 

 

25,388

 

 

 

21,569

 

Four years later

     72,404   51,690   38,160   28,573   27,909   22,944   1,027  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

90,846

 

 

 

72,404

 

 

 

51,690

 

 

 

38,160

 

 

 

28,573

 

 

 

27,909

 

 

 

22,944

 

Five years later

      54,104   36,837   30,659   29,365   25,269   1,053  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

75,925

 

 

 

54,104

 

 

 

36,837

 

 

 

30,659

 

 

 

29,365

 

 

 

25,269

 

Six years later

       37,694   28,866   31,356   26,543   1,081  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

55,884

 

 

 

37,694

 

 

 

28,866

 

 

 

31,356

 

 

 

26,543

 

Seven years later

        29,126   29,445   28,502   1,084  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38,678

 

 

 

29,126

 

 

 

29,445

 

 

 

28,502

 

Eight years later

         29,421   28,752   1,086  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,506

 

 

 

29,421

 

 

 

28,752

 

Nine years later

          28,646   1,087  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,749

 

 

 

28,646

 

Ten years later

           1,087  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,646

 

Net Reserves for Unpaid
Losses and LAE

 90,638   111,826   99,213   79,814   64,296   44,558   31,209   17,140   6,070   1,451   1,118  

 

 

87,003

 

 

 

90,638

 

 

 

111,826

 

 

 

99,213

 

 

 

79,814

 

 

 

64,296

 

 

 

44,558

 

 

 

31,209

 

 

 

17,140

 

 

 

6,070

 

 

 

1,451

 

One year later

  108,826   105,942   91,280   70,482   53,233   37,576   29,196   25,261   4,191   1,296  

 

 

 

 

 

 

89,883

 

 

 

108,826

 

 

 

105,942

 

 

 

91,280

 

 

 

70,482

 

 

 

53,233

 

 

 

37,576

 

 

 

29,196

 

 

 

25,261

 

 

 

4,191

 

Two years later

   109,514   95,265   78,102   55,027   39,958   30,528   30,932   22,727   1,175  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

113,001

 

 

 

109,514

 

 

 

95,265

 

 

 

78,102

 

 

 

55,027

 

 

 

39,958

 

 

 

30,528

 

 

 

30,932

 

 

 

22,727

 

Three years later

    98,765   79,641   58,488   39,468   31,319   31,165   28,226   1,309  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

113,038

 

 

 

98,765

 

 

 

79,641

 

 

 

58,488

 

 

 

39,468

 

 

 

31,319

 

 

 

31,165

 

 

 

28,226

 

Four years later

     80,519   58,548   41,376   31,355   31,476   28,579   1,370  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

98,338

 

 

 

80,519

 

 

 

58,548

 

 

 

41,376

 

 

 

31,355

 

 

 

31,476

 

 

 

28,579

 

Five years later

      58,025   40,414   32,232   31,657   28,656   1,395  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

79,544

 

 

 

58,025

 

 

 

40,414

 

 

 

32,232

 

 

 

31,657

 

 

 

28,656

 

Six years later

       39,250   30,891   32,473   28,648   1,403  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

57,363

 

 

 

39,250

 

 

 

30,891

 

 

 

32,473

 

 

 

28,648

 

Seven years later

        29,775   31,082   29,449   1,441  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39,088

 

 

 

29,775

 

 

 

31,082

 

 

 

29,449

 

Eight years later

         29,842   29,501   1,443  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,821

 

 

 

29,842

 

 

 

29,501

 

Nine years later

          28,963   1,394  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,977

 

 

 

28,963

 

Ten years later

           1,190  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,863

 

Net cumulative redundancy (deficiency)

Net cumulative redundancy (deficiency)

  

 3,000   (10,301 (18,951 (16,223 (13,467 (8,041 (12,635 (23,772 (27,512 (72

 

 

 

 

 

 

755

 

 

 

(1,175

)

 

 

(13,825

)

 

 

(18,524

)

 

 

(15,248

)

 

 

(12,805

)

 

 

(7,879

)

 

 

(12,681

)

 

 

(23,907

)

 

 

(27,412

)

Percent

  2.7 -10.4 -23.7 -25.2 -30.2 -25.8 -73.7 -391.6 -1896.1 -6.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.8

%

 

 

-1.1

%

 

 

-13.9

%

 

 

-23.2

%

 

 

-23.7

%

 

 

-28.7

%

 

 

-25.2

%

 

 

-74.0

%

 

 

-393.9

%

 

 

-1889.2

%

Gross Re-estimated Liability-Latest

Gross Re-estimated Liability-Latest

  

 198,771   221,097   204,998   170,224   127,690   94,732   78,378   129,891   102,310   6,752  

 

 

 

 

 

 

157,479

 

 

 

205,807

 

 

 

226,868

 

 

 

204,353

 

 

 

168,331

 

 

 

126,330

 

 

 

94,010

 

 

 

77,620

 

 

 

129,083

 

 

 

101,403

 

Re-estimated Recovery-Latest

  

 89,945   111,583   106,233   89,705   69,665   55,482   48,603   100,049   73,347   5,562  

Re-estimated Recovery-

Latest

 

 

 

 

 

 

67,596

 

 

 

92,806

 

 

 

113,830

 

 

 

106,015

 

 

 

88,787

 

 

 

68,967

 

 

 

54,922

 

 

 

47,799

 

 

 

99,106

 

 

 

72,540

 

Net Re-estimated Liability-Latest

Net Re-estimated Liability-Latest

  

 108,826   109,514   98,765   80,519   58,025   39,250   29,775   29,842   28,963   1,190  

 

 

 

 

 

 

89,883

 

 

 

113,001

 

 

 

113,038

 

 

 

98,338

 

 

 

79,544

 

 

 

57,363

 

 

 

39,088

 

 

 

29,821

 

 

 

29,977

 

 

 

28,863

 

Gross cumulative redundancy (deficiency)

Gross cumulative redundancy (deficiency)

  

 (5,530 (33,882 (46,069 (43,029 (39,757 (25,966 (28,924 (63,036 (44,749 384  

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,743

 

 

 

(12,566

)

 

 

(39,653

)

 

 

(45,424

)

 

 

(41,136

)

 

 

(38,397

)

 

 

(25,244

)

 

 

(28,166

)

 

 

(62,228

)

 

 

(43,842

)

The cumulative redundancy or deficiency represents the aggregate change in the estimates over all prior years. A deficiency indicates that the latest estimate of the liability for losses and LAE is higher than the liability that was originally estimated and a redundancy indicates that such estimate is lower. It should be emphasized that the table presents a run-off of balance sheet liability for the periods indicated rather than accident or policy loss development for those periods. Therefore, each amount in the table includes the cumulative effects of changes in liability for all prior periods. Conditions and trends that have affected liabilities in the past may not necessarily occur in the future.

Underwriting results of insurance companies are frequently measured by their combined ratios, which is the sum of the loss and expense ratios described in the following paragraph. However, investment income, federal income taxes and other non-underwriting income or expense are not reflected in the combined ratio. The profitability of property and casualty insurance companies depends on income from underwriting, investment and service operations. Underwriting results are considered profitable when the combined ratio is under 100% and unprofitable when the combined ratio is over 100%.

46


Table of Contents

The following table provides the statutory loss ratios, expense ratios and combined ratios for the periods indicated for the Insurance Entities:

 

  Years Ended December 31, 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

  2013 2012 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Loss Ratio (1)

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPCIC

   46 65

 

 

42

%

 

 

46

%

APPCIC

   46 23

 

 

30

%

 

 

46

%

Expense Ratio (1)

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPCIC

   39 39

 

 

33

%

 

 

39

%

APPCIC

   159 32

 

 

58

%

 

 

159

%

Combined Ratio (1)

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPCIC

   85 104

 

 

75

%

 

 

85

%

APPCIC

   205 55

 

 

88

%

 

 

205

%

 

(1)

The ratios are net of reinsurance, including catastrophe reinsurance premiums which comprise a significant cost, and inclusive of LAE. The expense ratios include management fees and commission paid to an affiliate of the Insurance Entities in the amount of $66.3$65.5 million and $63.8$66.3 million for UPCIC for the years ended December 31, 20132014 and 2012,2013, respectively and $1.1$1.0 million and $473 thousand$1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 20132014 and 2012,2013, respectively for APPCIC. The fees and commission paid to the affiliate are eliminated in consolidation.

In the case of APPCIC, the expense ratio has increased as a result of a decrease in net written premium. The policies-in-force were less than 1% of the Company’s total policies-in-force at that time.

In order to reduce losses and thereby reduce the loss ratio and the combined ratio, we have taken several steps. These steps include closely monitoring rate levels for new and renewal business, restructuring the homeowners’ insurance coverage offered and reducing the cost of catastrophic reinsurance coverage, and working to reduce general and administrative expenses.coverage.

Ratings

The Insurance Entities’ financial strength is rated by a rating agency to measure the Insurance Entities’ ability to meet itstheir financial obligations to its policyholders. The agency maintains a letter scale Financial Stability Rating® system ranging from A” (A double prime) to L (licensed by state regulatory authorities).

OnIn November 26, 2013,2014, Demotech, Inc. affirmed the Financial Stability Rating® of “A” for the Insurance Entities. A Financial Stability Rating® of “A” is the third highest of six possible rating levels. According to Demotech, Inc., the affirmationassigned rating represents a company’s continued positive surplus related to policyholders, liquidity of invested assets, an acceptable level of financial leverage, reasonable loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, and realistic pricing. The ratings of the Insurance Entities are subject to at least annual review by Demotech, Inc., and may be revised upward or downward or revoked at the sole discretion of Demotech, Inc. RatingsFinancial Stability Ratings® are an important factor in establishing our competitive positionprimarily directed towards policyholders, and are not evaluations directed toward the protection of investors in the insurance markets. There can be no assurance that our ratings will continue for any given periodCompany, including holders of timethe Company’s common stock, and are not recommendations to buy, sell or that they will not be changed. A downgrade in our financial strength ratings could adversely affect the competitive position of our insurance operations, including a possible reduction in demand for our products in certain markets. In addition, the rating agency may at any time require a capital infusion into the Insurance Entities by its parent company in order to maintain its rating, which may adversely affect our liquidity, operating results and financial condition. hold securities.

See “Item 1A-A1A. Risk Factors — A downgrade in our Financial Stability Rating® may have an adverse effect on our competitive position, the marketability of our product offerings, and our liquidity, operating results and financial condition.”

47


Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations

The following table represents our contractual obligations for which cash flows are fixed or determinable as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over 5

 

  Total   Less than 1
year
   1-3 years   4-5 years   Over 5
years
 

 

Total

 

 

1 year

 

 

1-3 years

 

 

3-5 years

 

 

years

 

Unpaid losses and LAE, direct(1)

  $159,222    $80,725    $51,269    $18,311    $8,917  

 

$

134,353

 

 

$

66,908

 

 

$

43,530

 

 

$

16,391

 

 

$

7,524

 

Long-term debt

   42,173     7,567     17,910     3,650     13,046  

 

 

33,976

 

 

 

8,959

 

 

 

10,702

 

 

 

3,520

 

 

 

10,795

 

Operating leases

   1,002     882     120     —       —    

 

 

140

 

 

 

140

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employment Agreements (1)

   19,688     12,721     6,967     —       —    
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Employment agreements (2)

 

 

14,963

 

 

 

14,963

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

  $222,085    $101,895    $76,266    $21,961    $21,963  

 

$

183,432

 

 

$

90,970

 

 

$

54,232

 

 

$

19,911

 

 

$

18,319

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

There are generally no notional or stated amounts related to unpaid losses and LAE. Both the amounts and timing of future loss and LAE payments are estimates and subject to the inherent variability of legal and market conditions affecting the obligations and make the timing of cash outflows uncertain. The ultimate amount and timing of unpaid losses and LAE could differ materially from the amounts in the table above. Further, the unpaid losses and LAE do not represent all of the obligations that will arise under the contracts, but rather only the estimated liability incurred through December 31, 2014.

(2)

These amounts represent minimum salaries, which may be subject to annual percentage increases, non-equity incentive compensation based on pre-tax or net income levels, and fringe benefits based on the remaining term of employment agreements we have with our executives. These amounts do not reflect equity awards of approximately 1.5 million500 thousand shares of restricted common stock to be granted to executives in 2014 and 2015 under their employment agreements.

Table above does not reflect awards to be granted to executives in 2014Impact of Inflation and 2015 under their employment agreements which are approximately 1.5 million restricted shares.

IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICESChanging Prices

The consolidated financial statements and related data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. Our primary assets are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on our performance than the effects of the general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or with the same magnitude as the cost of paying losses and LAE.

Insurance premiums are established before we know the amount of loss and LAE and the extent to which inflation may affect such expenses. Consequently, we attempt to anticipate the future impact of inflation when establishing rate levels. While we attempt to charge adequate rates, we may be limited in raising its premium levels for competitive and regulatory reasons. Inflation also affects the market value of our investment portfolio and the investment rate of return. Any future economic changes which result in prolonged and increasing levels of inflation could cause increases in the dollar amount of incurred loss and LAE and thereby materially adversely affect future liability requirements.

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. 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 adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

48


Table of Contents

ITEMITEM 7A.

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 marketfair value in our statement of financial condition. Our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2013,2014, is comprised of fixed maturities and equity securities exposing us to changes in interest rates and equity prices. See “Item 8—Note 3 (Investments)” for a schedule of investment holdings as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. To a lesser extent, we also have exposure on our adjustable rate debt obligations which are in the form of a surplus note, and on any amounts we draw under our unsecured line of credit with Deutsche Bank. The surplus note accrues interest at an adjustable rate based on the 10-year Constant Maturity Treasury rate. Draws under our unsecured line of credit with Deutsche Bank accrue interest at a rate based on LIBOR or Deutsche Bank’s prime rate plus an applicable margin.

Our investments have been, and may in the future be, subject to significant volatility. We have taken steps which we expect will reduce the effects of market volatility by liquidating the investments held in our trading portfolio. We now maintain an investment portfolio of securities available for sale which we expect will provide a stable stream of investment income and reduce the effects of market volatility. 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 termlong-term surplus levels through capital appreciation and earn a competitive rate of total return againstversus appropriate market benchmarks.

We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to achieve our investment objectives.

See “Item 8 — Note 3 (Investments)” for more information about our investments.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk includesis 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 declines.decline.

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

 

   As of December 31, 2013 
   Amortized Cost  Fair Value 
   2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  Thereafter  Other (1)  Total  Total 

Fixed maturities

  $3,827   $47,366   $62,287   $27,668   $54,201   $4,588   $91,502   $291,439   $289,418  

Average interest rate

   7.43  1.16  1.29  3.88  1.79  1.97  1.73  1.84  1.83

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

2015

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

Other (1)

 

 

Total

 

 

Total

 

Fixed income investments

 

$

101,406

 

 

$

58,521

 

 

$

37,184

 

 

$

55,985

 

 

$

33,494

 

 

$

6,660

 

 

$

111,691

 

 

$

404,941

 

 

$

403,939

 

Weighted average interest rate

 

 

0.77

%

 

 

1.07

%

 

 

3.00

%

 

 

1.69

%

 

 

1.95

%

 

 

4.92

%

 

 

2.39

%

 

 

1.76

%

 

 

1.76

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2015

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

Other (1)

 

 

Total

 

 

Total

 

Fixed income investments

 

$

3,827

 

 

$

47,366

 

 

$

62,287

 

 

$

27,668

 

 

$

54,201

 

 

$

4,588

 

 

$

91,502

 

 

$

291,439

 

 

$

289,418

 

Weighted average interest rate

 

 

7.43

%

 

 

1.16

%

 

 

1.29

%

 

 

3.88

%

 

 

1.79

%

 

 

1.97

%

 

 

1.73

%

 

 

1.84

%

 

 

1.83

%

 

(1)

Comprised of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities which have multiple maturity dates, and perpetual maturity securities, and are presented separately for the purposes of this table.

 

   As of December 31, 2012 
   Amortized Cost  Fair Value 
   2013   2014  2015  2016   2017   Thereafter  Total  Total 

Fixed maturities

   —      $35   $143    —       —      $3,014   $3,192   $4,009  

Average interest rate

   —       0.25  1.25  —       —       1.85  1.81  1.82

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. United States governmentDuration 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 December 31, 2014 was 2.3 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 agency securities are rated Aaa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and AA+ by Standard and Poor’s Rating Services.on any amounts we draw under the DB Loan. The corporate bonds and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are investment-grade and have various ratings. In order for positions to be deemed investment-grade, they must carrysurplus 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 ratingrate based on LIBOR or Deutsche Bank’s prime rate plus an applicable margin.


49


Table of Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and BBB or higher by Standard and Poor’s Rating Services.Contents

Equity and Commodity Price Risk

Equity and commodity price risk is the potential for loss in fair value of investments in common stock exchange traded funds (ETF), and mutual funds from adverse changes in the prices of those instruments.

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

 

   As of December 31, 2013  As of December 31, 2012 
   Fair Value   Percent  Fair Value  Percent 

Common stock

  $4,754     7.3 $45,214    53.0

Exchange-traded and mutual funds

   60,268     92.7  39,827    46.7

Non-hedging derivative asset (liability), net

   —       —      (21  0.0

Other investments (1)

   —       —      317    0.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equities securities

  $65,022     100.0 $85,337    100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Percent

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Percent

 

Equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

$

270

 

 

 

1.4

%

 

$

9,295

 

 

 

14.3

%

Mutual funds

 

 

19,372

 

 

 

98.6

%

 

 

55,727

 

 

 

85.7

%

Total equity securities

 

$

19,642

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

65,022

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

(1)Other investments represent physical metals that we held in our trading portfolio.

A hypothetical decrease of 20% in the market prices of each of the equity and commodity securities held at December 31, 20132014 and 20122013 would have resulted in a decrease of $13.0$3.9 million and $17.1$13.0 million, respectively, in the fair value of the equity securities portfolio.

those securities.

50


Table of Contents

ItemItem 8.

Financial Statements and supplementary data

 

PAGE

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

44

52

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20132014 and 20122013

46

53

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 20112012

54

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

47

54

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 20112012

48

55

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 20112012

49

56

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

50

57

51


Table of Contents

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 audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets ofUniversal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20132014 and 2012,2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years then ended.in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014.  We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013,2014, based on criteria established in the 19922013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.” Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations, of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position ofUniversal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 20132014 and 2012,2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years thenin the three-year period ended December 31, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013,2014, based on the criteria established in the 19922013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC

Chicago, Illinois

March 3, 2014

February 25, 2015

52


ReportTable of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmContents

Board of Directors

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows ofUniversal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. Our audit of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Blackman Kallick, LLP

Chicago, Illinois

March 23, 2012

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share data)

(See Note 8 for Pro-Forma Balance Sheet Information)

   December 31, 
   2013  2012 
ASSETS   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $117,275   $347,392  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   2,600    33,009  

Fixed maturities (trading), at fair value

   —      4,009  

Equity securities (trading), at fair value

   —      85,041  

Fixed maturities (available for sale), at fair value

   289,418    —    

Equity securities (available for sale), at fair value

   65,022    —    

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

   241,214    239,921  

Reinsurance recoverable

   107,847    89,191  

Reinsurance receivable, net

   203    24,334  

Premiums receivable, net

   46,461    50,125  

Receivable from securities sold

   —      1,096  

Other receivables

   2,587    2,017  

Property and equipment, net

   9,289    8,968  

Deferred policy acquisition costs, net

   15,899    17,282  

Income taxes recoverable

   8,152    2,594  

Deferred income tax asset, net

   12,051    19,178  

Other assets

   2,072    1,578  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $920,090   $925,735  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   

LIABILITIES:

   

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

  $159,222   $193,241  

Unearned premiums

   383,488    388,071  

Advance premium

   22,959    15,022  

Accounts payable

   3,441    4,368  

Book overdraft

   14,947    25,994  

Payable for securities purchased

   —      1,275  

Reinsurance payable, net

   86,232    85,259  

Income taxes payable

   2,566    699  

Other liabilities and accrued expenses

   34,386    28,071  

Long-term debt

   37,240    20,221  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   744,481    762,221  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15)

   

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

   

Cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value

   —      1  

Authorized shares—1,000

   

Issued shares—30 and 108

   

Outstanding shares—30 and 108

   

Minimum liquidation preference—$6.98 and $2.66 per share

   

Common stock, $.01 par value

   436    419  

Authorized shares—55,000

   

Issued shares—43,641 and 41,889

   

Outstanding shares—35,366 and 40,871

   

Treasury shares, at cost—8,275 and 1,018

   (35,467  (3,101

Additional paid-in capital

   42,282    38,684  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

   (376  —    

Retained earnings

   168,734    127,511  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

   175,609    163,514  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $920,090   $925,735  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

 

As Reported

 

 

PRO-FORMA Adjustment Unaudited

 

 

PRO-FORMA Unaudited

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

115,397

 

 

$

 

 

$

115,397

 

 

$

117,275

 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

 

 

2,635

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,635

 

 

 

2,600

 

Fixed maturities, at fair value

 

 

353,949

 

 

 

 

 

 

353,949

 

 

 

289,418

 

Equity securities, at fair value

 

 

19,642

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,642

 

 

 

65,022

 

Short-term investments, at fair value

 

 

49,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

49,990

 

 

 

 

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

 

190,505

 

 

 

 

 

 

190,505

 

 

 

241,214

 

Reinsurance recoverable

 

 

55,187

 

 

 

 

 

 

55,187

 

 

 

107,847

 

Reinsurance receivable, net

 

 

7,468

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,468

 

 

 

203

 

Premiums receivable, net

 

 

50,987

 

 

 

 

 

 

50,987

 

 

 

46,461

 

Other receivables

 

 

2,763

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,763

 

 

 

2,587

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

17,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,254

 

 

 

9,289

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs, net

 

 

25,660

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,660

 

 

 

15,899

 

Income taxes recoverable

 

 

5,675

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,675

 

 

 

8,152

 

Deferred income tax asset, net

 

 

11,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,850

 

 

 

12,051

 

Other assets

 

 

2,812

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,812

 

 

 

2,072

 

Total assets

 

$

911,774

 

 

$

 

 

$

911,774

 

 

$

920,090

 

LIABILITIES, CONTINGENTLY REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

$

134,353

 

 

$

 

 

$

134,353

 

 

$

159,222

 

Unearned premiums

 

 

395,748

 

 

 

 

 

 

395,748

 

 

 

383,488

 

Advance premium

 

 

17,919

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,919

 

 

 

22,959

 

Accounts payable

 

 

4,121

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,121

 

 

 

3,441

 

Book overdraft

 

 

5,924

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,924

 

 

 

14,947

 

Reinsurance payable, net

 

 

66,066

 

 

 

 

 

 

66,066

 

 

 

86,232

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

1,799

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,799

 

 

 

2,566

 

Other liabilities and accrued expenses

 

 

36,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

36,318

 

 

 

34,386

 

Long-term debt

 

 

30,610

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,610

 

 

 

37,240

 

Total liabilities

 

 

692,858

 

 

 

 

 

 

692,858

 

 

 

744,481

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingently redeemable common stock (See Notes 8 and 18)

 

 

19,000

 

 

 

(19,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued shares - 1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares - 1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized shares - 1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued shares - 12 and 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares - 12 and 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum liquidation preference - $8.49 and $6.98 per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value

 

 

448

 

 

 

 

 

 

448

 

 

 

436

 

Authorized shares - 55,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued shares - 43,769 and 43,641

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares - 34,102 and 35,366

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury shares, at cost - 9,667 and 8,275

 

 

(62,153

)

 

 

 

 

 

(62,153

)

 

 

(35,467

)

Additional paid-in capital (See Notes 8 and 18)

 

 

40,987

 

 

 

19,000

 

 

 

59,987

 

 

 

42,282

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

 

 

(1,835

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,835

)

 

 

(376

)

Retained earnings

 

 

222,469

 

 

 

 

 

 

222,469

 

 

 

168,734

 

Total stockholders' equity (See Notes 8 and 18)

 

 

199,916

 

 

 

19,000

 

 

 

218,916

 

 

 

175,609

 

Total liabilities, contingently redeemable common stock

    and stockholders' equity

 

$

911,774

 

 

$

 

 

$

911,774

 

 

$

920,090

 

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

53


Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

  For the Years Ended December 31, 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

  2013 2012 2011 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

PREMIUMS EARNED AND OTHER REVENUES

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct premiums written

  $783,894   $780,128   $721,462  

 

$

789,577

 

 

$

783,894

 

 

$

780,128

 

Ceded premiums written

   (522,116 (517,604 (512,979

 

 

(399,730

)

 

 

(522,116

)

 

 

(517,604

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net premiums written

   261,778    262,524    208,483  

 

 

389,847

 

 

 

261,778

 

 

 

262,524

 

Change in net unearned premium

   5,877    (31,404  (9,498

 

 

(62,970

)

 

 

5,877

 

 

 

(31,404

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Premiums earned, net

   267,655    231,120    198,985  

 

 

326,877

 

 

 

267,655

 

 

 

231,120

 

Net investment income (expense)

   1,928    441    788  

 

 

2,375

 

 

 

1,928

 

 

 

441

 

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

   (14,740  (11,943  2,350  

 

 

5,627

 

 

 

(14,740

)

 

 

(11,943

)

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

   7,850    9,443    (18,410

 

 

 

 

 

7,850

 

 

 

9,443

 

Net foreign currency gains (losses) on investments

   —      22    1,532  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22

 

Commission revenue

   18,615    20,383    19,507  

 

 

14,205

 

 

 

18,615

 

 

 

20,383

 

Policy fees

   13,661    14,475    15,298  

 

 

13,982

 

 

 

13,661

 

 

 

14,475

 

Other revenue

   6,190    5,998    5,811  

 

 

6,210

 

 

 

6,190

 

 

 

5,998

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total premiums earned and other revenues

   301,159    269,939    225,861  

 

 

369,276

 

 

 

301,159

 

 

 

269,939

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   108,615    126,187    124,309  

 

 

123,275

 

 

 

108,615

 

 

 

126,187

 

General and administrative expenses

   91,988    91,193    67,834  

 

 

118,397

 

 

 

91,988

 

 

 

91,193

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   200,603    217,380    192,143  

 

 

241,672

 

 

 

200,603

 

 

 

217,380

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

   100,556    52,559    33,718  

 

 

127,604

 

 

 

100,556

 

 

 

52,559

 

Income taxes, current

   34,216    18,434    23,152  

 

 

53,498

 

 

 

34,216

 

 

 

18,434

 

Income taxes, deferred

   7,363    3,813    (9,543

 

 

1,118

 

 

 

7,363

 

 

 

3,813

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income taxes, net

   41,579    22,247    13,609  

 

 

54,616

 

 

 

41,579

 

 

 

22,247

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

NET INCOME

  $58,977   $30,312   $20,109  

 

$

72,988

 

 

$

58,977

 

 

$

30,312

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Basic earnings per common share

  $1.64   $0.76   $0.51  

 

$

2.17

 

 

$

1.64

 

 

$

0.76

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding—Basic

   35,866    39,614    39,184  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic

 

 

33,569

 

 

 

35,866

 

 

 

39,614

 

Fully diluted earnings per common share

  $1.56   $0.75   $0.50  

 

$

2.08

 

 

$

1.56

 

 

$

0.75

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding—Diluted

   37,776    40,616    40,442  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted

 

 

35,150

 

 

 

37,776

 

 

 

40,616

 

Cash dividend declared per common share

  $0.49   $0.46   $0.32  

 

$

0.55

 

 

$

0.49

 

 

$

0.46

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

  For the Years Ended December 31, 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

        2013             2012               2011       

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Net income

  $58,977   $30,312    $20,109  

 

$

72,988

 

 

$

58,977

 

 

$

30,312

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

   (376  —       —    

 

 

(1,459

)

 

 

(376

)

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

  $58,601   $30,312    $20,109  

 

$

71,529

 

 

$

58,601

 

 

$

30,312

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

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

54


Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 20112012

(in thousands)

(See Note 8 for Pro-Forma Stockholders’ Equity Information)

  Common
Shares
Issued
  Preferred
Shares
Issued
  Common
Stock
Amount
  Preferred
Stock
Amount
  Additional
Paid-In
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
  Treasury
Stock
  Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 

Balance, December 31, 2010

  40,407    108   $404   $1   $33,675   $108,819   $—     $(3,109 $139,790  

Stock option exercises

  160    —      2    —      (169  —      —      (263  (430

Restricted stock awards

  600    —      6    —      (6  —      —      —      —    

Other

  3    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

Retirement of treasury shares

  (70  —      (1  —      (8  —      —      271    262  

Stock-based compensation

  —      —      —      —      2,849    —      —      —      2,849  

Net income

  —      —      —      —      —      20,109    —      —      20,109  

Excess tax benefit (shortfall), net (1)

  —      —      —      —      195    —      —      —      195  

Declaration of dividends

  —      —      —      —      —      (12,770  —      —      (12,770
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2011

  41,100    108    411    1    36,536    116,158    —      (3,101  150,005  

Stock option exercises

  285    —      3    —      667    —      —      (583  87  

Restricted stock awards

  650    —      7    —      (7  —      —      —      —    

Retirement of treasury shares

  (146  —      (2  —      (581  —      —      583    —    

Stock-based compensation

  —      —      —      —      3,829    —      —      —      3,829  

Net income

  —      —      —      —      —      30,312    —      —      30,312  

Other

  —      —      —      —      —      (3  —      —      (3

Excess tax benefit (shortfall), net (1)

  —      —      —      —      (1,760  —      —      —      (1,760

Declaration of dividends

  —      —      —      —      —      (18,956  —      —      (18,956
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2012

  41,889    108    419    1    38,684    127,511    —      (3,101  163,514  

Stock option exercises

  2,330    —      23    —      9,446    —      —      (11,609  (2,140

Restricted stock awards

  1,000    —      10    —      (10  —      —      (1,021  (1,021

Conversion of preferred stock

  389    (78  4    (1  (3  —      —      —      —    

Purchases of treasury stock

  —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (32,366  (32,366

Retirement of treasury shares

  (1,967  —      (20  —      (12,610  —      —      12,630    —    

Stock-based compensation

  —      —      —      —      6,416    —      —      —      6,416  

Net income

  —      —      —      —      —      58,977    —      —      58,977  

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) (2)

  —      —      —      —      —      —      (376  —      (376

Excess tax benefit (shortfall), net (1)

  —      —      —      —      359    —      —      —      359  

Declaration of dividends

  —      —      —      —      —      (17,754  —      —      (17,754
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2013

  43,641    30   $436   $—     $42,282   $168,734   $(376 $(35,467 $175,609  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

Preferred

 

 

Common

 

 

Preferred

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Shares

 

 

Stock

 

 

Stock

 

 

Paid-In

 

 

Retained

 

 

Comprehensive

 

 

Treasury

 

 

Stockholders'

 

 

 

Issued

 

 

Issued

 

 

Amount

 

 

Amount

 

 

Capital (3)

 

 

Earnings

 

 

Income

 

 

Stock

 

 

Equity (3)

 

Balance, December 31, 2011

 

 

41,100

 

 

 

108

 

 

$

411

 

 

$

1

 

 

$

36,536

 

 

$

116,158

 

 

$

 

 

$

(3,101

)

 

$

150,005

 

Stock option exercises

 

 

285

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

667

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(583

)

 

 

87

 

Grants and vesting of restricted stock

 

 

650

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retirement of treasury shares

 

 

(146

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

 

 

 

(581

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

583

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,829

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,829

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,312

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,312

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3

)

Excess tax benefit (shortfall), net (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,760

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,760

)

Declaration of dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(18,956

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(18,956

)

Balance, December 31, 2012

 

 

41,889

 

 

 

108

 

 

 

419

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

38,684

 

 

 

127,511

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,101

)

 

 

163,514

 

Stock option exercises

 

 

2,330

 

 

 

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,446

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11,609

)

 

 

(2,140

)

Grants and vesting of restricted stock

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,021

)

 

 

(1,021

)

Conversion of preferred stock

 

 

389

 

 

 

(78

)

 

 

4

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(32,366

)

 

 

(32,366

)

Retirement of treasury shares

 

 

(1,967

)

 

 

 

 

 

(20

)

 

 

 

 

 

(12,610

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,630

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,416

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,416

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

58,977

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

58,977

 

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(376

)

 

 

 

 

 

(376

)

Excess tax benefit (shortfall), net (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

359

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

359

 

Declaration of dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(17,754

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(17,754

)

Balance, December 31, 2013

 

 

43,641

 

 

 

30

 

 

 

436

 

 

 

 

 

 

42,282

 

 

 

168,734

 

 

 

(376

)

 

 

(35,467

)

 

 

175,609

 

Stock option exercises

 

 

1,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,347

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(15,402

)

 

 

(6,036

)

Grants and vesting of restricted stock

 

 

950

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11,545

)

 

 

(11,545

)

Conversion of preferred stock

 

 

65

 

 

 

(18

)

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(29,736

)

 

 

(29,736

)

Treasury shares reissued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,050

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,050

 

 

 

 

Retirement of treasury shares

 

 

(1,787

)

 

 

 

 

 

(18

)

 

 

 

 

 

(26,929

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,947

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,342

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,342

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

72,988

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

72,988

 

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,459

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,459

)

Excess tax benefit (shortfall), net (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,006

 

Declaration of dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(19,253

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(19,253

)

Balance, December 31, 2014 (3)

 

 

44,769

 

 

 

12

 

 

$

448

 

 

$

 

 

$

40,987

 

 

$

222,469

 

 

$

(1,835

)

 

$

(62,153

)

 

$

199,916

 

(1)

Excess tax benefits are related to stock-basedshare-based compensation.

(2)

Represents change in fair value of AFSavailable for sale investments, for the period presented, net of tax benefit of $916 thousand and $236 thousand.thousand in years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(3)

See Note 8 - Stockholders’ Equity for an explanation of events subsequent to December 31, 2014 giving rise to pro-forma stockholders’ equity of $218.9 million as of December 31, 2014.

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

55


Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

  For the Years Ended December 31, 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

  2013 2012 2011 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

  $58,977   $30,312   $20,109  

 

$

72,988

 

 

$

58,977

 

 

$

30,312

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bad debt expense

   428   319   653  

 

 

431

 

 

 

428

 

 

 

319

 

Depreciation

   1,012   840   639  

Amortization of stock-based compensation

   6,417   3,830   2,848  

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1,194

 

 

 

1,012

 

 

 

840

 

Amortization of share-based compensation

 

 

12,342

 

 

 

6,417

 

 

 

3,830

 

Amortization of original issue discount on debt

   601    —      —    

 

 

840

 

 

 

601

 

 

 

 

Accretion of deferred credit

   (601  —      —    

 

 

(840

)

 

 

(601

)

 

 

 

Book overdraft (decrease) increase

   (11,047 509   2,455  

Book overdraft increase (decrease)

 

 

(9,023

)

 

 

(11,047

)

 

 

509

 

Net realized (gains) losses on investments

   14,740   11,943   (2,350

 

 

(5,627

)

 

 

14,740

 

 

 

11,943

 

Net change in unrealized (gains) losses on investments

   (7,850 (9,443 18,410  

 

 

 

 

 

(7,850

)

 

 

(9,443

)

Net foreign currency (gains) losses on investments

   —     (23 (1,532

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(22

)

Amortization of premium/accretion of discount, net

   1,582   (4 203  

 

 

2,116

 

 

 

1,582

 

 

 

(4

)

Deferred income taxes

   7,363   3,813   (9,543

 

 

1,118

 

 

 

7,363

 

 

 

3,813

 

Excess tax (benefits) shortfall from stock-based compensation

   (359 1,760   (195

Excess tax (benefits) shortfall from share-based compensation

 

 

(7,006

)

 

 

(359

)

 

 

1,760

 

Other

   10   6   (17

 

 

19

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

5

 

Net change in assets and liabilities relating to operating activities:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   30,409   45,304   (64,372

 

 

(35

)

 

 

30,409

 

 

 

45,304

 

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

   (1,293 3,174   (22,009

 

 

50,709

 

 

 

(1,293

)

 

 

3,174

 

Reinsurance recoverables

   (18,656 (3,485 (6,154

Reinsurance receivables, net

   24,131   30,871   (17,598

Reinsurance recoverable

 

 

52,660

 

 

 

(18,656

)

 

 

(3,485

)

Reinsurance receivable, net

 

 

(7,265

)

 

 

24,131

 

 

 

30,871

 

Premiums receivable, net

   3,256   (4,589 (2,855

 

 

(4,911

)

 

 

3,256

 

 

 

(4,589

)

Accrued investment income

   (720 325    —    

 

 

(230

)

 

 

(720

)

 

 

325

 

Other receivables

   131   360   129  

 

 

12

 

 

 

131

 

 

 

360

 

Income taxes recoverable

   (5,558 (2,594  —    

Deferred policy acquisition costs, net

   1,383   (4,286 (3,550

 

 

(9,761

)

 

 

1,383

 

 

 

(4,286

)

Purchase of trading securities

   (26,009 (343,962 (801,704

 

 

 

 

 

(26,009

)

 

 

(343,962

)

Proceeds from sales of trading securities

   102,661   360,000   921,625  

 

 

 

 

 

102,661

 

 

 

360,000

 

Income taxes recoverable

 

 

2,477

 

 

 

(5,558

)

 

 

(2,594

)

Other assets

   (459 331   (726

 

 

(740

)

 

 

(459

)

 

 

331

 

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

   (34,019 6,026   28,286  

 

 

(24,869

)

 

 

(34,019

)

 

 

6,026

 

Unearned premiums

   (4,583 28,229   31,508  

 

 

12,260

 

 

 

(4,583

)

 

 

28,229

 

Advance premium

 

 

(5,040

)

 

 

7,937

 

 

 

(4,368

)

Accounts payable

   (927 54   547  

 

 

680

 

 

 

(927

)

 

 

54

 

Reinsurance payable, net

   973   (2,237 11,944  

 

 

(20,166

)

 

 

973

 

 

 

(2,237

)

Income taxes payable

   2,226   (13,801 4,653  

 

 

6,239

 

 

 

2,226

 

 

 

(13,801

)

Other liabilities and accrued expenses

   4,803   3,292   1,630  

 

 

2,774

 

 

 

4,803

 

 

 

3,292

 

Advance premium

   7,937   (4,368 (450
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   156,959    142,506    112,584  

 

 

123,346

 

 

 

156,959

 

 

 

142,506

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

   8    28    64  

 

 

84

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

28

 

Purchase of property and equipment

   (1,350  (2,726  (2,395

 

 

(9,267

)

 

 

(1,350

)

 

 

(2,726

)

Purchases of equity securities, available for sale

   (77,859  —      —    

 

 

(116,541

)

 

 

(77,859

)

 

 

 

Purchases of fixed maturities, available for sale

   (305,330  —      —    

 

 

(106,885

)

 

 

(305,330

)

 

 

 

Purchases of short-term investments, available for sale

 

 

(50,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of equity securities, available for sale

   15,542    —      —    

 

 

163,981

 

 

 

15,542

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities, available for sale

   —      —      —    

 

 

17,153

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maturities of fixed maturity securities, available for sale

   16,306    —      —    
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (352,683  (2,698  (2,331

Maturities of fixed maturities, available for sale

 

 

24,287

 

 

 

16,306

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

(77,188

)

 

 

(352,683

)

 

 

(2,698

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividend

   (29  (287  (20

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(29

)

 

 

(287

)

Common stock dividend

   (17,725  (18,669  (12,750

 

 

(19,240

)

 

 

(17,725

)

 

 

(18,669

)

Issuance of common stock

   —      207    5  

 

 

73

 

 

 

 

 

 

207

 

Purchase of treasury stock

   (32,366  —      —    

 

 

(29,736

)

 

 

(32,366

)

 

 

 

Proceeds received from issuance of common and contingently redeemable common stock

 

 

19,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

   (3,161  (121  (172

 

 

(17,655

)

 

 

(3,161

)

 

 

(121

)

Excess tax benefits (shortfall) from stock-based compensation

   359    (1,760  195  

Excess tax benefits (shortfall) from share-based compensation

 

 

7,006

 

 

 

359

 

 

 

(1,760

)

Repayment of debt

   (1,471  (1,471  (1,471

 

 

(7,471

)

 

 

(1,471

)

 

 

(1,471

)

Proceeds from borrowings

   20,000    —      —    

 

 

 

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   (34,393  (22,101  (14,213

 

 

(48,036

)

 

 

(34,393

)

 

 

(22,101

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   (230,117  117,707    96,040  

 

 

(1,878

)

 

 

(230,117

)

 

 

117,707

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   347,392    229,685    133,645  

 

 

117,275

 

 

 

347,392

 

 

 

229,685

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $117,275   $347,392   $229,685  

 

$

115,397

 

 

$

117,275

 

 

$

347,392

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Supplemental cash and non-cash flow disclosures:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

  $1,166   $414   $856  

Interest paid

 

$

1,486

 

 

$

1,166

 

 

$

414

 

Income taxes paid

  $36,634   $28,151   $19,081  

 

$

44,769

 

 

$

36,634

 

 

$

28,151

 

Non-cash transfer of investments from trading to available for sale portfolio

  $4,004   $—     $—    

 

$

 

 

$

4,004

 

 

$

 

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

56


Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

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 currently offered in sevennine states as of December 31, 2013,2014, including Florida, which comprises the vast majority of the Company’s in-force policies. See NOTE“NOTE 5 INSURANCE OPERATIONS, for more information regarding the Company’s insurance operations.

The Company generates revenues primarily from the collection of premiums and the investment of availableinvests 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 policy fees.payment plan fees charged to insureds who pay premium in installments.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UIH and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

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.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The Company’s primary areas of estimate are the recognition of premium revenues, liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, provision for premium deficiency and reinsurance. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The significant accounting policies followed by the Company are summarized as follows:

Cash and Cash Equivalents.The Company includes in cash equivalents all short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and have an original maturity of three months or less. These amounts are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company excludes any net negative cash balances from Cashcash and Cash Equivalentscash equivalents that the Company or any of its subsidiaries may havehas with any single financial institution. These amounts represent outstanding checks not yet presented to the financial institution and are reclassified to liabilities and presented as bankbook overdraft in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents at various financial institutions and accounts are insured up to $250 thousand per depositor under FDIC insurance coverage.  Throughout the year, the Company’s cash balances were in excess of FDIC insurance coverage.  The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents.The Company classifies amounts of cash and cash equivalents that are restricted in terms of their use and withdrawal separately on the face the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See below in this Note 2 and Note“NOTE 5 – INSURANCE OPERATIONS, for a discussion of the nature of the restrictions.

Investment Securities, Trading. Investment securities held in the Company’s trading portfolio consisted of both debtfixed maturities and equity securities. Investment securities held in trading were recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet, with unrealized gains and losses reported in current period earnings. All investment securities held by the Company as of December 31, 2012 were held in the trading portfolio. The Company liquidated its trading portfolio of equity securities and transferred the fixed maturities that were outstanding at December 31, 2012 into its portfolio of securities available for sale effective March 1, 2013.

57


Table of Contents

Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investment securities held in trading were determined on the FIFOfirst-in-first-out (“FIFO”) basis and credited or charged to income. Premium and discount on investment securities held in trading were amortized and accreted using the interest method and charged or credited to investment income.

Investment Securities, Available for Sale. Investment securities available for sale consist of both debtfixed maturities, equity securities and equity securities.short-term investments with maturities of greater than three months. Investment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. Unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale are excluded from earnings and reported as a component of other comprehensive income, net of related deferred taxes until reclassified to earnings upon the consummation of sales transaction with an unrelated third party or when the decline in fair value is deemed other than temporary.

The assessment of whether the impairment of a security’s fair value is other than temporary is performed using a portfolio review as well as a case-by-case review considering a wide range of factors. There are a number of assumptions and estimates inherent in evaluating impairments and determining if they are other than temporary, including: 1) the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value; 2) the expected recoverability of principal and interest; 3) the extent and length of time to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost for fixed maturity securities or cost for equity securities referred to as severity and duration; 4) the financial condition, near-term and long-term prospects of the issue or issuer, including relevant industry conditions and trends, and implications of rating agency actions and offering prices referred to as credit quality; and 5) the specific reasons that a security is in a significant unrealized loss position, including market conditions which could affect liquidity. Additionally, once assumptions and estimates are made, any number of changes in facts and circumstances could cause the Company to subsequently determine that an impairment is other than temporary, including: 1) general economic conditions that are worse than previously forecasted or that have a greater adverse effect on a particular issuer or industry sector than originally estimated; 2) changes in the facts and circumstances related to a particular issue or issuer’s ability to meet all of its contractual obligations; and 3) changes in facts and circumstances obtained that causes a change in our ability or intent to hold a security to maturity or until it recovers in value. Management’s intent and ability to hold securities is a determination that is made at each respective balance sheet date giving consideration to factors known to management for each individual issuer of securities such as credit quality and other publicly available information.

Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investment securities available for sale are determined on the first-in-first-outFIFO basis (“FIFO”) and credited or charged to income. Premium and discount on investment securities are amortized and accreted using the interest method and charged or credited to investment income.

Derivatives.Derivatives were held in the Company’s trading portfolio and were reported at fair value with changes in their value reported as unrealized gains or losses until exercised, sold or upon expiration at which time the gain or loss was recognized as a realized gain or loss. The premium received for a written call option was recorded as a liability until the option was either exercised or expired. If the option was exercised by the holder, the Company recognizes the premium received by adjusting the amount of the realized gain or loss on the underlying security by the amount of the option premium received. If the option expired or otherwise terminated, the premium received was recognized as a component of realized gains or losses. All derivatives held in the Company’s trading portfolio were liquidated during the first quarter of 2013.

Premiums Receivable.Generally, premiums are collected prior to providing risk coverage, minimizing the Company’s exposure to credit risk. The Company performs a policy level evaluation to determine the extent the premiums receivable balance exceeds the unearned premiums balance. The Company then ages this exposure to establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on prior experience. As of December 31, 20132014 and 2012,2013, the Company had recorded allowances for doubtful accounts in the amounts of $357 thousand and $446 thousand, and $530 thousand, respectively.

Property and Equipment.Property and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets. Estimated useful life of all property and equipment ranges from three to twenty-seven-and-one-half years. Expenditures for improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Website development costs are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful life. The Company reviews its property and equipment annually and whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Leases.The Company has operating leases that are subject to annual increases and amortizes the scheduled annual rental increases over the term of the leases.

58


Table of Contents

Recognition of Premium Revenues. The Company recognizes revenue when realized or realizable and earned. Property and liability premiums are recognized as revenue on a pro rata basis over the policy term. The portion of premiums that will be earned in the future is deferred and reported as unearned premiums. The Company believes that its revenue recognition policies conform to U.S. GAAP. In the event policyholders cancel their policies, unearned premiums represent amounts that the Insurance Entities would refund policyholders. Accordingly, the Company determines unearned premiums by calculating the pro rata amount that would be due to the policyholders at a given point in time based upon the premiums owed over the life of each policy.

Recognition of Commission Revenue and Policy Fees. Commission revenue generated from agency operations and the Managing General Agent (MGA)’s policy fee on all new and renewal insurance policies are recognized as income upon policy inception. Brokerage commission revenue earned on ceded reinsurance is recognized over the term of the reinsurance agreements.

Recognition of Policyholder Payment Plan Fee Revenue.The Company offers its policyholders the option of paying their policy premiums in full at inception or in two or four installment payments. The Company charges fees to its policyholders that elect to pay their premium in installments and records such fees as revenue when the policyholder makes the installment payment election and the Company bills the fees to the policyholder. These fees are included in Other Revenue in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs. Certain costs incurred in connection with the successful acquisition and renewal of insurance business are deferred and amortized over the terms of the policies to which they are related. A portion of reinsurance ceding commissions received are deferred and amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies. Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred ceding commissions are netted for balance sheet presentation purposes.

Insurance Liabilities. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are provided for as claims are incurred. The provision for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses includes: (1) the accumulation of individual case estimates for claims and claim adjustment expenses reported prior to the close of the accounting period; (2) estimates for unreported claims based on industry data; and (3) estimates of expenses for investigating and adjusting claims based on the experience of the Company and the industry.

Inherent in the estimates of ultimate claims are expected trends in claim severity, frequency and other factors that may vary as claims are settled. The amount of uncertainty in the estimates for casualty coverage is significantly affected by such factors as the amount of claims experience relative to the development period, knowledge of the actual facts and circumstances and the amount of insurance risk retained. In addition, the Company’s policyholders are currently concentrated in South Florida, which is periodically subject to adverse weather conditions, such as hurricanes and tropical storms. The methods for making such estimates and for establishing the resulting liability are periodically reviewed, and any adjustments are reflected in current earnings.

Provision for Premium Deficiency. It is the Company’s policy to evaluate and recognize losses on insurance contracts when estimated future claims and maintenance costs under a group of existing contracts will exceed anticipated future premiums. No accruals for premium deficiency were considered necessary as of December 31, 20132014 and 2012.2013.

Reinsurance. In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce the risk of loss that may arise from catastrophes or other events that cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring (ceding) certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. The Company remains responsible for insured losses in the event of the failure of any reinsurer to make payments otherwise due to the Company. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the provisions of the reinsurance agreement and consistent with the establishment of the liability of the Company. Allowances are established for amounts deemed uncollectible if any.

Income Taxes. Income tax provisions are based on the asset and liability method. Deferred federal and state income taxes have been provided for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements, net of valuation allowance if any. The Company reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability.

Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the Company’s net income (loss), less preferred stock dividends, available to common stockholders, by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the Company’s net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the period and the impact of all dilutive potential common shares, primarily preferred stock, unvested shares options and warrants.options. The dilutive impact of stock options and unvested shares and warrants is determined by applying the treasury stock method and the dilutive impact of the preferred stock is determined by applying the “if converted” method.

Fair Value Measurements. The Company’s policy is to record transfers of assets and liabilities, if any, between Level 1 and Level 2 at their fair values as of the end of each reporting period, consistent with the date of the determination of fair value.

Concentrations59


Table of Credit Risk.The Company is exposed to concentrations of credit risk, consisting principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, debt securities, premiums receivable, prepaid reinsurance premiums, reinsurance receivable and reinsurance recoverable.

The Company maintains depository relationships with SunTrust Bank, Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., and State Street Bank and Trust Company and invests excess cash with custodial institutions that invest primarily in money market accounts consisting of or collateralized by short-term U.S. Treasury securities and other U.S. government guaranteed securities. These accounts are held primarily by SunTrust Bank, Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., and State Street Bank and Trust Company. The Company regularly evaluates the financial strength of the institutions with which it maintains depository relationships.

The following table presents current ratings for each of these financial institutions from various rating agencies:Contents

 

Current Ratings

Institution

Standard and
Poor’s Rating
Moody’s
Investors

Sun Trust Bank

BBB+A3

Wells Fargo Bank N.A.

AA-Aa3

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

AA2

State Street Bank and Trust Company

AA-Aa3

The following table presents the amount of cash and cash equivalents as of the periods presented (in thousands):

   Cash and cash equivalents 
   As of December 31, 2013  As of December 31, 2012 

Institution

  Cash   Money
Market Funds
   Total   % by
institution
  Cash   Money
Market Funds
   Total   % by
institution
 

U. S. Bank IT&C

  $—      $—      $—       —     $—      $40,463    $40,463     11.6

SunTrust Bank

   931     3,550     4,481     3.8  773     1,055     1,828     0.5

SunTrust Bank Escrow Services

   —       56,129     56,129     47.9  —       300,843     300,843     86.6

Wells Fargo Bank N.A.

   3,631     —       3,631     3.1  1,991     3     1,994     0.6

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

   —       33,041     33,041     28.2  —       —       —       —    

State Street Bank and Trust Company

   —       19,993     19,993     17.0  —       —       —       —    

All Other Banking Institutions

   —       —       —       —      1,796     468     2,264     0.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $4,562    $112,713    $117,275     100.0 $4,560    $342,832    $347,392     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents are maintained in money market accounts consisting of U.S. Treasury and government agency securities.

The following table presents the amount of restricted cash and cash equivalents as of the periods presented (in thousands):

   Restricted cash and cash equivalents 
   As of December 31, 2013  As of December 31, 2012 

Institution

  State
Deposits
   % by
institution
  State
Deposits
   % by
institution
 

U. S. Bank IT&C

  $800     30.8 $800     2.4

Florida Department of Financial Services

   1,800     69.2  32,209     97.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $2,600     100.0 $33,009     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to premiums receivable are limited due to the large number of individuals comprising the Company’s customer base. However, the majority of the Company’s revenues are currently derived from products and services offered to customers in Florida, which could be adversely affected by economic downturns, an increase in competition or other environmental changes.

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 current 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 periods presented (in thousands):

   Current Ratings  As of 

Reinsurer

  AM Best
Company
  Standard and
Poor’s Rating
  Moody’s
Investors
  December 31,
2013
   December 31,
2012
 

Everest Reinsurance Company

  A+  A+  A1  $87,789    $44,392  

Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund

  n/a  n/a  n/a   33,593     31,970  

Odyssey Reinsurance Company

  A  A-  A3   142,190     192,096  
        

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (1)

        $263,572    $268,458  
        

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Amounts represent prepaid reinsurance premiums, reinsurance receivables, and net recoverables for paid and unpaid losses, including incurred but not reported reserves, loss adjustment expenses, and offsetting reinsurance payables. n/a—No rating available

Share-based Compensation.The Company accounts for share-based compensation based on the estimated grant-date fair value. The Company recognizes these compensation costs in general and administrative expenses and generally amortizes them on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is the vesting term. Individual tranches of performance-based awards are amortized separately since the vesting of each tranche is subject to independent annual measures. The fair value of stock option awards are estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the grant-date assumptions discussed in Note“NOTE 9 – SHARE BASED COMPENSATION. The fair value of the restricted share grants are determined based on the market price on the date of grant.

Statutory Accounting.UPCIC and APPCIC prepare statutory financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“OIR”). The OIR requires that insurance companies domiciled in Florida prepare their statutory financial statements in accordance with the NAICNational Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual, as modified by the Office of Insurance Regulation of Florida.OIR. Accordingly, the admitted assets, liabilities and capital and surplus of UPCIC and APPCIC as of December 31, 20132014 and 20122013 and the results of operations and cash flows, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011,2012, have been determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles, but adjusted to U.S. GAAP for purposes of these financial statements. The statutory accounting principles are designed primarily to demonstrate the ability to meet obligations to policyholders and claimants and, consequently, differ in some respects from U.S. GAAP.

New 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. We plan to adopt the standard prospectivelyThe Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2014. The adoption did not have an impact on the required effective datepresentation of January 1, 2014the Company’s financial statements and are assessing the effect of adopting the standard on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, Statements of Income and Statements of Cash Flows.notes herein.

In June 2011, the FASB updated its guidance to the Comprehensive Income Topic 220 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and in February 2013, the FASB further amended such topic. This February 2013 guidance requires disclosure about amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement of operations or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. This guidance is to be applied prospectively to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance results in additional disclosures but did not impact the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. The updated guidance provided by the FASB in June 2011 increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income by eliminating the option of presenting components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The guidance requires that total comprehensive income (including both the net income components and other comprehensive income components) be reported in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income (the approach currently used in the Company’s financial statements), or two separate but consecutive statements. This guidance is to be applied retrospectively to fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2012. The adoption did not have an impact on the presentation of the Company’s financial statements and notes herein, as the Company has presented amounts of other comprehensive income consistent with this updated guidance.

In May 2011, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Fair Value Measurement, Topic 820 of the ASC, to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements with International Financial Reporting Standards. The amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements under U.S. GAAP, to clarify the intent of application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements, and to change particular principles or requirements for measuring and disclosing fair value measurements. The amendments are to be applied prospectively to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of this guidance resulted in additional disclosure but did not impact the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

In September 2010, the FASB issued guidance related to accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This guidance defines allowable deferred policy acquisition costs as costs incurred by insurance entities for the successful acquisition of new and renewal contracts. Such costs result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction(s) and would not have been incurred by the insurance entity had the contract(s) not occurred. This guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively effective January 1, 2012. Under the new guidance, the Company’s net deferred policy acquisition costs were reduced from $13.0 million to $11.4 million, a difference of 13% at December 31, 2011. The resulting $1.6 million difference was charged directly to earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2012. This charge represents a charge-off of capitalized costs existing at December 31, 2011, which would have been amortized to earnings within a twelve-month period under the old guidance.

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Table of Contents

NOTE 3 – INVESTMENTS

The Company liquidated its trading portfolio of equity securities and transferred the fixed maturities that were outstanding at December 31, 2012 into its portfolio of securities available for sale effective March 1, 2013. The net unrealized gain (loss) associated with the fixed maturities trading portfolio was recognized in earnings up to the date of transfer.

The following table presents the Company’s investment holdings by type of instrument as of the periods presented (in thousands):

   As of December 31, 2013   As of December 31, 2012 
   Cost or           Cost or        
   Amortized       Carrying   Amortized      Carrying 
   Cost   Fair Value   Value   Cost (2)   Fair Value  Value 

Cash and cash equivalents (1)

  $117,275    $117,275    $117,275    $347,392    $347,392   $347,392  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   2,600     2,600     2,600     33,009     33,009    33,009  

Trading portfolio:

           

Fixed maturities:

           

U.S. government obligations and agencies

   —       —       —       3,192     4,009    4,009  

Equity securities (2):

           

Common stock:

           

Metals and mining

   —       —       —       31,113     26,130    26,130  

Energy

   —       —       —       12,053     10,868    10,868  

Other

   —       —       —       8,416     8,215    8,215  

Exchange-traded and mutual funds:

           

Metals and mining

   —       —       —       22,687     21,989    21,989  

Agriculture

   —       —       —       10,705     10,265    10,265  

Energy

   —       —       —       4,992     5,068    5,068  

Indices

   —       —       —       2,827     2,506    2,506  

Non-hedging derivative asset (liability), net (3)

   —       —       —       69     (21  (21

Other investments (4)

   —       —       —       517     317    317  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total trading portfolio investments

   —       —       —       96,571     89,346    89,346  

Available for sale portfolio:

           

Fixed maturities:

           

U.S. government obligations and agencies

   105,229     104,215     104,215     —       —      —    

Corporate bonds

   94,708     94,203     94,203     —       —      —    

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

   91,502     91,000     91,000     —       —      —    

Equity securities:

           

Common stock

   8,500     9,295     9,295     —       —      —    

Mutual funds

   55,113     55,727     55,727     —       —      —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total available for sale investments

   355,052     354,440     354,440     —       —      —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investments

  $474,927    $474,315    $474,315    $476,972    $469,747   $469,747  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Cash and cash equivalents include money market accounts consisting of or collateralized by short-term U.S. Treasury securities and other U.S. government guaranteed securities.
(2)The cost for equity securities as of December 31, 2012 has been restated from the amounts reported on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The amounts previously reported represented the cost determined under a statutory basis of accounting. The restatement does not affect any amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements including the carrying amount of equity securities reported in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 and unrealized gains and losses reported in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(3)Derivatives are included in Other assets and Other liabilities and accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(4)Other investments represent physical metals held by the Company and are included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company has made an assessment of its invested assets for fair value measurement as further described in Note 16 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS.

The following table presents the components of net investment income, comprised primarily of interest and dividends, for the periods presented (in thousands):

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2013  2012  2011 

Cash and cash equivalents (1)

  $148   $705   $568  

Fixed maturities

   1,420    66    494  

Equity securities

   1,982    566    421  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total investment income

   3,550    1,337    1,483  

Less investment expenses

   (1,622  (896  (695
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net investment (expense) income

  $1,928   $441   $788  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Includes interest earned on restricted cash and cash equivalents.

Trading Portfolio

The following table provides the effect of trading activities on the Company’s results of operations for the periods presented by type of instrument and by line item in the Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2013  2012  2011 

Realized gains (losses) on investments:

    

Fixed maturities

  $—     $—     $(3,206

Equity securities

   (15,969  (12,286  5,816  

Derivatives (non-hedging instruments) (1)

   (68  343    (260
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total realized gains (losses) on trading portfolio

   (16,037  (11,943  2,350  

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments:

    

Fixed maturities

   13    195    8,472  

Equity securities

   7,758    9,158    (26,762

Derivatives (non-hedging instruments) (1)

   89    145    25  

Other

   14    (55  (145
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total change in unrealized gains (losses) on trading portfolio

   7,874    9,443    (18,410
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net gains (losses) recognized on trading portfolio

  $(8,163 $(2,500 $(16,060
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)This table provides the alternative quantitative disclosures permitted for derivatives that are not used as hedging instruments and are included in the trading portfolio.

Securities Available for Sale

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

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

Cost or

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

  December 31, 2013 

 

Amortized

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

  Cost or
Amortized Cost
   Gross Unrealized
Gains
   Gross Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 

 

Cost

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Fair Value

 

Fixed Maturities:

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US government and agency obligations

  $105,229    $19    $(1,033 $104,215  

U.S. government obligations and agencies

 

$

120,627

 

 

$

38

 

 

$

(627

)

 

$

120,038

 

Corporate bonds

   94,708     265     (770 94,203  

 

 

120,025

 

 

 

171

 

 

 

(364

)

 

 

119,832

 

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

   91,502     75     (577 91,000  

 

 

107,589

 

 

 

136

 

 

 

(502

)

 

 

107,223

 

Redeemable preferred stock

 

 

6,700

 

 

 

165

 

 

 

(9

)

 

 

6,856

 

Equity Securities:

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

   8,500     916     (121 9,295  

 

 

331

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

(65

)

 

 

270

 

Mutual funds

   55,113     2,266     (1,652 55,727  

 

 

21,296

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,924

)

 

 

19,372

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Short-term investments

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

49,990

 

Total

  $355,052    $3,541    $(4,153 $354,440  

 

$

426,568

 

 

$

514

 

 

$

(3,501

)

 

$

423,581

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

Cost or

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Fair Value

 

Fixed Maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government obligations and agencies

 

$

105,229

 

 

$

19

 

 

$

(1,033

)

 

$

104,215

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

94,708

 

 

 

265

 

 

 

(770

)

 

 

94,203

 

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

 

91,502

 

 

 

75

 

 

 

(577

)

 

 

91,000

 

Equity Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

8,500

 

 

 

916

 

 

 

(121

)

 

 

9,295

 

Mutual funds

 

 

55,113

 

 

 

2,266

 

 

 

(1,652

)

 

 

55,727

 

Total

 

$

355,052

 

 

$

3,541

 

 

$

(4,153

)

 

$

354,440

 

The Company has made an assessment of its invested assets for fair value measurement as further described in “NOTE 16 – Fair Value Measurements.”

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

December 31, 2014

 

Standard and Poor's

 

 

 

 

 

% of Total

 

Rating Services

 

Fair Value

 

 

Fair Value

 

AAA

 

$

31,783

 

 

 

7.9

%

AA

 

 

207,953

 

 

 

51.5

%

A

 

 

79,675

 

 

 

19.7

%

BBB

 

 

45,781

 

 

 

11.3

%

BB and Below (1)

 

 

2,677

 

 

 

0.7

%

No Rating Available (2)

 

 

36,070

 

 

 

8.9

%

Total

 

$

403,939

 

 

 

100.0

%

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Table of Contents

December 31, 2013

 

Standard and Poor's

 

 

 

 

 

% of Total

 

Rating Services

 

Fair Value

 

 

Fair Value

 

AAA

 

$

82,889

 

 

 

28.6

%

AA

 

 

120,976

 

 

 

41.8

%

A

 

 

46,689

 

 

 

16.1

%

BBB

 

 

38,114

 

 

 

13.2

%

No Rating Available

 

 

750

 

 

 

0.3

%

Total

 

$

289,418

 

 

 

100.0

%

(1)

As of December 31, 2014, $268 thousand of these investments were rated “Baa3” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

(2)

As of December 31, 2014, $7.9 million of these investments were rated “Aaa” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

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):

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

Cost or

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency

 

$

64,905

 

 

$

64,619

 

 

$

64,028

 

 

$

63,547

 

Non-agency

 

 

8,053

 

 

 

7,987

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auto loan receivables

 

 

16,551

 

 

 

16,556

 

 

 

14,816

 

 

 

14,841

 

Credit card receivables

 

 

13,481

 

 

 

13,457

 

 

 

11,478

 

 

 

11,425

 

Other receivables

 

 

4,599

 

 

 

4,604

 

 

 

1,180

 

 

 

1,187

 

Total

 

$

107,589

 

 

$

107,223

 

 

$

91,502

 

 

$

91,000

 

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 December 31, 2013 (dollars inthe dates presented (in thousands):

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

Less Than 12 Months

 

 

12 Months or Longer

 

  Less than 12 months 12 months or longer 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

  Number
of issues
   Fair value   Unrealized
losses
 Number
of issues
   Fair value   Unrealized
losses
 

 

Issues

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Losses

 

 

Issues

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Losses

 

Fixed maturities:

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US government and agency obligations

   6    $71,042    $(1,033  —      $—      $—    

U.S. government obligations and agencies

 

 

3

 

 

$

27,341

 

 

$

(55

)

 

 

4

 

 

$

34,050

 

 

$

(572

)

Corporate bonds

   55     65,926     (770  —       —       —    

 

 

67

 

 

 

58,271

 

 

 

(238

)

 

 

12

 

 

 

15,105

 

 

 

(126

)

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

   16     67,110     (577  —       —       —    

 

 

20

 

 

 

48,335

 

 

 

(273

)

 

 

5

 

 

 

16,842

 

 

 

(229

)

Redeemable preferred stock

 

 

12

 

 

 

1,153

 

 

 

(9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities:

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

   13     3,517     (121  —       —       —    

 

 

2

 

 

 

87

 

 

 

(20

)

 

 

2

 

 

 

117

 

 

 

(45

)

Mutual funds

   5     19,646     (1,652  —       —       —    

 

 

2

 

 

 

10,514

 

 

 

(97

)

 

 

1

 

 

 

8,859

 

 

 

(1,827

)

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Short-term investments

 

 

2

 

 

 

37,490

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

   95    $227,241    $(4,153  —      $—      $—    

 

 

108

 

 

$

183,191

 

 

$

(702

)

 

 

24

 

 

$

74,973

 

 

$

(2,799

)

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

Less Than 12 Months

 

 

12 Months or Longer

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

Issues

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Losses

 

 

Issues

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Losses

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government obligations and agencies

 

 

6

 

 

$

71,042

 

 

$

(1,033

)

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

55

 

 

 

65,926

 

 

 

(770

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

 

16

 

 

 

67,110

 

 

 

(577

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

13

 

 

 

3,517

 

 

 

(121

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual funds

 

 

5

 

 

 

19,646

 

 

 

(1,652

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

95

 

 

$

227,241

 

 

$

(4,153

)

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

At December 31, 2013,2014, we held fixed maturity and equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position as presented in the table above. Since the Company liquidated its trading portfolio and transferred the remaining fixed maturities into its portfolio of securities available for sale effective March 1, 2013, there were no positions held in our portfolio of securities available for sale for longer than 12 months. 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 the relative severity and duration of the unrealized losses combined with management’s intent and ability to hold the securities until recovery and its credit analysis of the individual issuers of the securities, management hadhas no reason to believe the unrealized losses for securities available for sale at December 31, 2013 were2014 are other than temporary.

The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value of fixedinvestments with contractual maturities available for sale by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2013the date presented (in thousands):

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

  Fixed Maturities
Securities Available for Sale
 

 

Cost or

 

 

 

 

 

  Amortized Cost   Fair Value 

 

Amortized Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

Due in one year or less

  $3,827    $3,825  

 

$

101,406

 

 

$

101,368

 

Due after one year through five years

   191,522     190,260  

 

 

185,184

 

 

 

184,457

 

Due after five years through ten years

   4,588     4,333  

 

 

3,067

 

 

 

3,057

 

Due after ten years

   —       —    

 

 

3,593

 

 

 

3,673

 

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

   91,502     91,000  

 

 

107,589

 

 

 

107,223

 

  

 

   

 

 

Perpetual maturity securities

 

 

4,102

 

 

 

4,161

 

Total

  $291,439    $289,418  

 

$

404,941

 

 

$

403,939

 

  

 

   

 

 

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):

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

December 31,

 

  Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Sales proceeds (fair value)

  $15,542  

 

$

181,134

 

 

$

15,542

 

Gross realized gains

  $1,301  

 

$

6,205

 

 

$

1,301

 

Gross realized losses

  $(4

 

$

(578

)

 

$

(4

)

Other than temporary losses

  $—    

Other than temporary impairment

 

$

 

 

$

 

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Table of Contents

The following table presents the components of net investment income, comprised primarily of interest and dividends, for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Cash and cash equivalents (1)

 

$

83

 

 

$

148

 

 

$

705

 

Fixed maturities

 

 

3,329

 

 

 

1,420

 

 

 

66

 

Equity securities

 

 

988

 

 

 

1,982

 

 

 

566

 

Short-term investments

 

 

46

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investment income

 

 

4,446

 

 

 

3,550

 

 

 

1,337

 

Less: Investment expenses (2)

 

 

(2,071

)

 

 

(1,622

)

 

 

(896

)

Net investment (expense) income

 

$

2,375

 

 

$

1,928

 

 

$

441

 

(1)Includes interest earned on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents.

(2)Includes investment expenses related to cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents.

Trading Portfolio

The Company liquidated its trading portfolio of equity securities and transferred the fixed maturities that were outstanding at December 31, 2012 into its portfolio of securities available for sale effective March 1, 2013.  The unrealized gain (loss) associated with the fixed maturities trading portfolio was recognized in earnings up to the date of transfer.  

The following table provides the effect of trading activities on the Company’s results of operations for the periods presented by type of instrument and by line item in the Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Realized gains (losses) on investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities

 

$

(15,969

)

 

$

(12,286

)

Derivatives (non-hedging instruments) (1)

 

 

(68

)

 

 

343

 

Total realized gains (losses) on trading portfolio

 

 

(16,037

)

 

 

(11,943

)

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

 

13

 

 

 

195

 

Equity securities

 

 

7,758

 

 

 

9,158

 

Derivatives (non-hedging instruments) (1)

 

 

89

 

 

 

145

 

Other

 

 

14

 

 

 

(55

)

Total change in unrealized gains (losses) on trading portfolio

 

 

7,874

 

 

 

9,443

 

Net gains (losses) recognized on trading portfolio

 

$

(8,163

)

 

$

(2,500

)

(1)

This table provides the alternative quantitative disclosures permitted for derivatives that are not used as hedging instruments and are included in the trading portfolio.

The Company liquidated its trading portfolio in March 2013; therefore, for periods subsequent to March 31, 2013 there was no effect of trading activities on the Company’s results of operations.


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Table of Contents

NOTE 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 also remains responsible for the settlement of insured losses in the eventirrespective of the failure of any of its reinsurers to make payments otherwise due to the Company. See Note 1, SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Concentrations of Credit Risk,foramounts due from our largest reinsurers as of December 31, 2013.

The estimated insured value of the Company’s in-force policyholder coverage for windstorm exposures as of December 31, 2013, was approximately $120.1 billion.

The Company reduced the percentage of premiums ceded by UPCIC to its quota share reinsurers to 45%30% beginning with the reinsurance program effective June 1, 2012,2014, from 50%45% under the prior year quota share contract effective June 1, 2011 through May 31, 2012. The Company’s two quota share reinsurance contracts that were effective June 1, 2013. One quota share reinsurance contract provides coverage to UPCIC2013 through May 31, 2014 and the other provides coverage to UPCIC through May 31, 2015.2014. By ceding 5%15 percentage points less premium to its quota share reinsurers, the Company intendsexpects to increase its profitability.profitability by retaining more premium. The reduction ofin cession rate also decreases the amount of losses and 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, as of December 31, 2013,2014, that is a component of net deferred policy acquisition costs.

The following table presents quota-share cession rates by reinsurance program and the years they were in effect:

Reinsurance Program

Cession Rate

June 2011 - May 2012

50%

June 2012 - May 2013

45%

June 2013 - May 2014

45%

June 2014 - May 2015

30%

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 deferred 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):

 

 

Ratings as of December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and Poor's

 

Moody's

 

Due from as of

 

 

 

AM Best

 

Rating

 

Investors

 

December 31,

 

Reinsurer

 

Company

 

Services

 

Service, Inc.

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Everest Reinsurance Company

 

A+

 

A+

 

A1

 

$

16,780

 

 

$

87,789

 

Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

 

31,870

 

 

 

33,593

 

Odyssey Reinsurance Company

 

A

 

A-

 

A3

 

 

136,339

 

 

 

142,190

 

Total (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

184,989

 

 

$

263,572

 

(1)

Amounts represent prepaid reinsurance premiums, reinsurance receivables, and net recoverables for paid and unpaid losses, including incurred but not reported reserves, loss adjustment expenses, and offsetting reinsurance payables.

n/a

No rating available, because entity is not rated.

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Table of Contents

The Company’s reinsurance arrangements had the following effect on certain items in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

  Year Ended December 31, 2013 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014

 

      Losses and Loss 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and Loss

 

  Premiums Premiums Adjustment 

 

Premiums

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Adjustment

 

  Written Earned Expenses 

 

Written

 

 

Earned

 

 

Expenses

 

Direct

  $783,894   $788,477   $216,852  

 

$

789,577

 

 

$

777,317

 

 

$

199,181

 

Ceded

   (522,116 (520,822 (108,237

 

 

(399,730

)

 

 

(450,440

)

 

 

(75,906

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net

  $261,778   $267,655   $108,615  

 

$

389,847

 

 

$

326,877

 

 

$

123,275

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  Year Ended December 31, 2012 
      Losses and Loss 
  Premiums Premiums Adjustment 
  Written Earned Expenses 

Direct

  $780,128   $751,899   $249,064  

Ceded

   (517,604 (520,779 (122,877
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net

  $262,524   $231,120   $126,187  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  Year Ended December 31, 2011 
      Losses and Loss 
  Premiums Premiums Adjustment 
  Written Earned Expenses 

Direct

  $721,462   $689,955   $245,335  

Ceded

   (512,979 (490,970 (121,026
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net

  $208,483   $198,985   $124,309  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and Loss

 

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Adjustment

 

 

 

Written

 

 

Earned

 

 

Expenses

 

Direct

 

$

783,894

 

 

$

788,477

 

 

$

216,852

 

Ceded

 

 

(522,116

)

 

 

(520,822

)

 

 

(108,237

)

Net

 

$

261,778

 

 

$

267,655

 

 

$

108,615

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and Loss

 

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Adjustment

 

 

 

Written

 

 

Earned

 

 

Expenses

 

Direct

 

$

780,128

 

 

$

751,899

 

 

$

249,064

 

Ceded

 

 

(517,604

)

 

 

(520,779

)

 

 

(122,877

)

Net

 

$

262,524

 

 

$

231,120

 

 

$

126,187

 

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

 

  As of December 31, 

 

As of December 31,

 

  2013   2012 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

  $241,214    $239,921  

 

$

190,505

 

 

$

241,214

 

  

 

   

 

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE

  $68,584    $81,415  

 

$

47,350

 

 

$

68,584

 

Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses

   39,263     7,776  

 

 

7,837

 

 

 

39,263

 

Reinsurance receivable, net

   203     24,334  

 

 

7,468

 

 

 

203

 

  

 

   

 

 

Reinsurance recoverable and receivable

  $108,050    $113,525  

 

$

62,655

 

 

$

108,050

 

  

 

   

 

 

Segregated Account T25

UIH owned and maintained a segregated account, Segregated Account T25 – Universal Insurance Holdings

66


Table of White Rock Insurance (SAC) Ltd. (“T25”), established in accordance with Bermuda law. As part of the Company’s overall reinsurance program, T25 at times entered into underlying excess catastrophe contracts with the Insurance Entities for the purpose of assuming certain risk for specified loss occurrences, including hurricanes. The agreements between T25 and the Insurance Entities were a cost-effective alternative to reinsurance that the Insurance Entities would otherwise purchase from third-party reinsurers. While the Company retained risk that otherwise would be transferred to third party reinsurers, the use of the Segregated Account T25 provided benefits to the Insurance Entities in “no-loss” years that could not be replicated in the open reinsurance market. These benefits included the return to the Insurance Entities of a substantial portion of the earned reinsurance premiums under the contract. All the related intercompany transactions with respect to these agreements are eliminated in consolidation with the exception of amounts held in trust or on deposit with the OIR which is presented as restricted cash and cash equivalents.Contents

The T25 agreement effective June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013 was terminated effective December 31, 2012, pursuant to the terms of the agreement. In connection with the termination of the agreement, the affiliates agreed to release funds held in trust due to the beneficiary (i.e., UPCIC) and the balance to the grantor (i.e., UIH) in December 2012.

Effective January 1, 2013, the T25 contract was subsequently replaced at identical limits and retentions as the prior agreement with unaffiliated third-party reinsurers as an open market purchase. Effective January 1, 2013 through May 31, 2013, under an excess catastrophe contract, UPCIC obtained catastrophe coverage of 45% of $75 million in excess of $75 million and 55% of $105 million in excess of $45 million covering certain loss occurrences including hurricanes. The total cost of this reinsurance coverage is $2.7 million.

NOTE 5 – INSURANCE OPERATIONS

The Company’s primary product is homeowners insurance currently offered by APPCIC in one state (Florida) and by UPCIC in seven states, including Florida.

The following table provides the percentage of concentrations with respect to the Insurance Entities’ nationwide policies-in-force as of the periods presented:

   December 31, 2013  December 31, 2012 

Percentage of Policies-In-Force:

   

In Florida

   93  96

With wind coverage

   98  98

With wind coverage in South Florida (1)

   27  28

(1)South Florida is comprised of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

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):

 

  For the years ended December 31, 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

  2013 2012 2011 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

DPAC, beginning of year (1)

  $54,431   $50,200   $50,127  

 

$

54,099

 

 

$

54,431

 

 

$

50,200

 

Capitalized Costs

   109,981   107,180   114,358  

 

 

108,072

 

 

 

109,981

 

 

 

107,180

 

Amortization of DPAC

   (110,313 (102,949 (107,003

 

 

(107,568

)

 

 

(110,313

)

 

 

(102,949

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

DPAC, end of year

  $54,099   $54,431   $57,482  

 

$

54,603

 

 

$

54,099

 

 

$

54,431

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

DRCC, beginning of year (1)

  $37,149   $38,845   $40,682  

 

$

38,200

 

 

$

37,149

 

 

$

38,845

 

Ceding Commissions Written

   89,679    85,063    89,330  

 

 

64,810

 

 

 

89,679

 

 

 

85,063

 

Earned Ceding Commissions

   (88,628  (86,759  (85,526

 

 

(74,067

)

 

 

(88,628

)

 

 

(86,759

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

DRCC, end of year

  $38,200   $37,149   $44,486  

 

$

28,943

 

 

$

38,200

 

 

$

37,149

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

DPAC (DRCC), net, beginning of year (1)

  $17,282   $11,355   $9,445  

 

$

15,899

 

 

$

17,282

 

 

$

11,355

 

Capitalized Costs, net

   20,302    22,117    25,028  

 

 

43,262

 

 

 

20,302

 

 

 

22,117

 

Amortization of DPAC (DRCC), net

   (21,685  (16,190  (21,477

 

 

(33,501

)

 

 

(21,685

)

 

 

(16,190

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

DPAC (DRCC), net, end of year

  $15,899   $17,282   $12,996  

 

$

25,660

 

 

$

15,899

 

 

$

17,282

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

The beginning balances for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 have been adjusted in connection with the adoption of the FASB’sFASB's updated guidance related to deferred policy acquisition costs as discussed below.

As discussed in Note“NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, the Company prospectively adopted new accounting guidance effective January 1, 2012 related to accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This guidance resulted in a 13% reduction of our net deferred policy acquisition costs as of December 31, 2011, and a corresponding pre-tax charge of $1.6 million against earnings during the first quarter of 2012. This charge represents a charge-off of capitalized costs existing at December 31, 2011, which would have been amortized to earnings within a twelve-month period under the old guidance. In the period of adoption (three months ended March 31, 2012), approximately $9 million of net costs would have been deferred under the old guidance compared to the $5.6 million under the new guidance. Future expenses will be accelerated with the adoption of this guidance, as the amounts being deferred have decreased, partially offset by less amortization. The effect of this change in periods subsequent to March 31, 2012, on income and per share amounts is not determinable as the historical methodology will have been discontinued after adoption.

Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The Insurance Entities establish liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses on reported and unreported claims of insured losses. These liability estimates are based on known facts and interpretation of factors such as claim payment patterns, loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims, product mix and industry experience. The establishment of appropriate liabilities, including liabilities for catastrophes, is an inherently uncertain process. Management regularly updates its estimates as new facts become known and further events occur which may impact the resolution of unsettled claims.

The level of catastrophe loss experienced in any year cannot be predicted and could be material to results of operations and financial position. The Company’s policyholders are concentrated in South Florida, which is periodically subject to adverse weather conditions, such as hurricanes and tropical storms. During the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011,2012, the Company did not experience any significant effects from catastrophic events. Management continuously evaluates alternative business strategies to more effectively manage the Company’s exposure to catastrophe losses, including the maintenance of catastrophic reinsurance coverage as discussed in Note 4.“NOTE 4 – REINSURANCE.”

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Table of Contents

Management believes that the liabilities for claims and claims expense as of December 31, 20132014 are appropriately established in the aggregate and adequate to cover the ultimate cost of reported and unreported claims arising from losses which had occurred by that date. However, if losses exceeded direct loss reserve estimates there could be a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements. Also, if there are regulatory initiatives, legislative enactments or case law precedents which change the basis for policy coverage, in any of these events, there could be an effect on direct loss reserve estimates having a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Set forth in the following table is the change in liability for unpaid losses and LAE for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

  Year Ended December 31, 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

  2013 2012 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Balance at beginning of year

  $193,241   $187,215  

 

$

159,222

 

 

$

193,241

 

 

$

187,215

 

Less reinsurance recoverable

   (81,415 (88,002
  

 

  

 

 

Less: Reinsurance recoverable

 

 

(68,584

)

 

 

(81,415

)

 

 

(88,002

)

Net balance at beginning of period

   111,826    99,213  

 

 

90,638

 

 

 

111,826

 

 

 

99,213

 

  

 

  

 

 

Incurred (recovered) related to:

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

   111,560    119,458  

 

 

124,011

 

 

 

111,560

 

 

 

119,458

 

Prior years

   (2,945  6,729  

 

 

(736

)

 

 

(2,945

)

 

 

6,729

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total incurred

   108,615    126,187  

 

 

123,275

 

 

 

108,615

 

 

 

126,187

 

  

 

  

 

 

Paid related to:

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

   62,529    54,141  

 

 

73,981

 

 

 

62,529

 

 

 

54,141

 

Prior years

   67,274    59,433  

 

 

52,929

 

 

 

67,274

 

 

 

59,433

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total paid

   129,803    113,574  

 

 

126,910

 

 

 

129,803

 

 

 

113,574

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net balance at end of period

   90,638    111,826  

 

 

87,003

 

 

 

90,638

 

 

 

111,826

 

Plus reinsurance recoverable

   68,584    81,415  
  

 

  

 

 

Plus: Reinsurance recoverable

 

 

47,350

 

 

 

68,584

 

 

 

81,415

 

Balance at end of year

  $159,222   $193,241  

 

$

134,353

 

 

$

159,222

 

 

$

193,241

 

  

 

  

 

 

The liability for unpaid lossescompany has adjusted prior year reserves to reflect both positive and LAE includes a decrease of $2.9 million andnegative development trends.  The company continues to see an increase in claim settlement rates as a result of $6.7 millionongoing claims department initiatives which were introduced in 2013 and 2012, respectively,2013.  This has resulted in response to reserve development on prior accident years. The favorable development recorded duringfor the year ended December 31, 2013 was primarilymajority of claim segments, particularly for the result of lower than anticipated loss settlements on 2004 and 2005 catastrophe claims which were recognized during the calendar year, and favorable development ofmost recent accident year 2011 and 2012 non-catastrophe loss estimates which were recognized at year end 2013 after a detailed actuarial analysis. Favorable reserveyears, but is partially offset by unfavorable development in 2013 was somewhat offset by increasesbringing closure to claims previously in loss adjustment expense estimates on non-catastrophe claims for 2010 through 2012 accident years that were recognized at year end. The reserve development for 2012 was primarily the result of actual loss development on prior accident year non-catastrophe homeowners’ losses and higher than expected adjusting and other expenses.a litigious environment.  

Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions

The Insurance Entities are subject to regulations and standards of the OIR.Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. 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 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 to the lesser of statutory net income from operations of the preceding calendar year or 10.0% of statutory unassigned surplus as of the preceding year end. These dividends are referred to as “ordinary dividends” and generally can be paid without prior regulatory approval. Ifdividends.” However, if the dividend, together with other dividends paid within the preceding twelve months, exceeds a specifiedthis 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.

Based on the 20122013 statutory net income and statutory capital and surplus levels, UPCIC andhad the capacity to pay ordinary dividends of $290 thousand during 2014. APPCIC did not have the capacity to pay ordinary dividends during 2013. No2014. For the year ended December 31, 2014, no dividends were paid from UPCIC or APPCIC to UIHCF during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.UIHCF. Dividends paid to the shareholders of UIH are paid from the equityearnings of UIH and its non-insurance subsidiaries and not from the capital and surplus of the Insurance Entities.

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Table of Contents

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 statutory capital and surplus calculated in accordance with statutory accounting principles, which differ from U.S. GAAP, and an amount representing ten percent of total liabilities for both UPCIC and APPCIC as of the periodsdates presented (in thousands):

 

  As of December 31, 

 

As of December 31,

 

  2013   2012 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Ten percent of total liabilities

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPCIC

  $39,179    $39,260  

 

$

42,659

 

 

$

39,179

 

APPCIC

  $625    $694  

 

$

514

 

 

$

625

 

Statutory capital and surplus

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPCIC

  $161,803    $134,034  

 

$

200,173

 

 

$

161,803

 

APPCIC

  $13,708    $14,330  

 

$

14,036

 

 

$

13,708

 

At such

As of the dates in the table above, both UPCIC and APPCIC met the Florida capitalization requirement. UPCIC and APPCIC are also required to adhere to prescribed premium-to-capital surplus ratios and have met those requirements at such dates.

Through UIHCF, the Insurance Entities’ parent company, UIH recorded capital contributions for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

   For the Years Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011 

Capital Contributions

  $—      $28,550    $49,000  

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Capital Contributions

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

28,550

 

UPCIC and APPCIC are required annually to comply with the NAIC RBCRisk-Based Capital (“RBC”) requirements. RBC requirements prescribe a method of measuring the amount of capital appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations in light of its size and risk profile. NAIC’sNAIC RBC requirements are used by regulators to determine appropriate regulatory actions relating to insurers who show signs of weak or deteriorating condition. As of December 31, 2013,2014, based on calculations using the appropriate NAIC RBC formula, UPCIC’s and APPCIC’s reported total adjusted capital was in excess of the requirements.

The Company isInsurance 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 periodsdates presented (in thousands):

 

  As of   As of 
  December 31,   December 31, 

 

As of December 31,

 

  2013   2012 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

  $2,600    $33,009  

 

$

2,635

 

 

$

2,600

 

Investments

  $3,707    $4,009  

 

$

3,609

 

 

$

3,707

 

In November 2012, the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (“FIGA”) Board of Directors determined the need for an emergency assessment upon its member companies. The assessment was 0.9% of each respective member’s Florida net direct premiums for calendar year 2011. The Insurance Entities’ participation in this assessment totaled $6.3 million based on 2011 net direct premiums generated in Florida of approximately $704.8 million. Pursuant to Florida statutes, insurers are permitted to recoup the assessment by adding a surcharge to policies in an amount not to exceed the amount paid by the insurer to FIGA. As a result, the Insurance Entities recorded this assessment as an expense during the year ended December 31, 2012 and began to recoup the assessment on February 1, 2013. The Company has recouped thevast majority of this assessment as of December 31,was recovered in 2013.

UPCIC received an order from the OIR dated May 30, 2013 related to the OIR’s Target Market Conduct Final Examination Report of UPCIC for the period January 2009 through May 2013 (“OIR Order”). The OIR Order alleged certain violations and findings and sought to impose certain requirements and an administrative fine of $1.3 million upon UPCIC. On October 4, 2013, UPCIC and the OIR signed a Consent Order settling the OIR Order. The Consent Order clarified language contained in the OIR Order, imposed certain requirements on UPCIC and required UPCIC to pay the administrative fine of $1.3 million, which it paid on October 18, 2013.


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NOTE 6 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consisted of the following for the periodsdates presented (in thousands):

 

  As of December 31, 

 

As of December 31,

 

  2013 2012 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Land

  $1,287   $1,287  

 

$

3,987

 

 

$

1,287

 

Building

   6,508   6,508  

 

 

9,848

 

 

 

6,508

 

Leasehold improvements

   17    —    

 

 

 

 

 

17

 

Construction in progress

 

 

1,427

 

 

 

 

Computers

   619   568  

 

 

2,303

 

 

 

619

 

Furniture

   1,112   1,043  

 

 

1,286

 

 

 

1,112

 

Automobiles and other vehicles

   3,067   2,183  

 

 

3,454

 

 

 

3,067

 

Software

   2,055   1,772  

 

 

653

 

 

 

2,055

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total cost

   14,665    13,361  

 

 

22,958

 

 

 

14,665

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

   (5,376  (4,393
  

 

  

 

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(5,704

)

 

 

(5,376

)

Property and equipment, net

  $9,289   $8,968  

 

$

17,254

 

 

$

9,289

 

  

 

  

 

 

On July 12, 2013, UPCIC entered into a lease agreement (“Lease Agreement”) for an office building adjacent to its principal office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (“Property”). The Company took possession of the Property and began making monthly rental payments on the Lease Agreement in October 2013.  Also on July 12, 2013, UPCIC entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the Property and completed the closing on the acquisition in December 2014 for approximately $6.0 million. The Property is currently reflected in land, building and construction in progress and will be placed into service once construction is complete.

Depreciation and amortization was $1$1.2 million, $840 thousand$1.0 million and $639$840 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011,2012, respectively.

The following table provides realized gains (losses) on the disposal of property and equipment for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2013  2012  2011 

Realized gain (loss) on disposal

  $(10 $(6 $17  

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Realized gain (loss) on disposal

 

$

(19

)

 

$

(10

)

 

$

(6

)


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NOTE 7 – LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of a surplus note entered into by UPCIC with a carrying amountamounts of $18.8$17.3 million and $20.2$18.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively,respectively; a term loan with a carrying amountamounts of $13.3 million and $18.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and none at December 31, 2012,respectively; and any amounts drawn upon an unsecured line of credit.

Surplus Note

On November 9, 2006, UPCIC entered into a $25.0 million surplus note with the SBAState Board of Administration of Florida (“SBA”) under Florida’s Insurance Capital Build-Up Incentive Program (“ICBUI”). Under the ICBUI, which was implemented by the Florida Legislature to encourage insurance companies to write additional residential insurance coverage in Florida, the SBA matched UPCIC’s funds of $25.0 million that were earmarked for participation in the program. The carrying amount of the surplus note bringsis included in the current statutory capital and surplus of UPCIC toof approximately $161.8$200.2 million as of December 31, 2013.2014.

The surplus note calls for serial maturities and is scheduled to be fully repaid on December, 31, 2026 and accrues interest at a rate equivalent to the 10-year U.S. Treasury Bond rate, adjusted quarterly based on the 10-year Constant Maturity Treasury rate. For the first three years of the term of the surplus note, UPCIC was required to pay interest only. The effective interest rate paid on the surplus note was 2.21%2.73%, 1.96%2.21% and 3.77%1.96% for years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011,2012, respectively. Any payment of principal or interest by UPCIC on the surplus note must be approved by the Commissioner of the OIR. Quarterly principal payments of $368 thousand are due through 2026. Aggregate principal payments of $1.5 million were made during each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011.2012.

In May 2008, the Florida Legislature passed a law providing participants in the Program an opportunity to amend the terms of their surplus notes based on law changes. The new law contains methods for calculating compliance with the writing ratio requirements that are more favorable to UPCIC than prior law and the prior terms of the existing surplus note. On November 6, 2008, UPCIC and the SBA executed an addendum to the surplus note that reflects these law changes. The terms of the addendum were effective July 1, 2008. In addition to other less significant changes, the addendum modifies the definitions of Minimum Required Surplus, Minimum Writing Ratio, Surplus, and Gross Written Premium, respectively, as defined in the original surplus note.

UPCIC has been and currently remains in compliance with each of the loan’s covenants as implemented by rules promulgated by the SBA. An event of default will occur under the surplus note, as amended, if UPCIC: (i) defaults in the payment of the surplus note; (ii) fails to submit quarterly filings to the OIR; (iii) fails to maintain at least $50 million of surplus during the term of the surplus note, except for certain situations; (iv) misuses proceeds of the surplus note; (v) makes any misrepresentations in the application for the program; (vi) pays any dividend when principal or interest payments are past due under the surplus note; or (vii) fails to maintain a level of surplus and reinsurance sufficient to cover in excess of UPCIC’s 1-in-100 year probable maximum loss as determined by a hurricane loss model accepted by the Florida Commission on Hurricane Loss Projection Methodology as certified by the OIR annually.

The original surplus note provided for increases in interest rates for failure to meet the Minimum Writing Ratio. Under the terms of the surplus note agreement, at December 31, 2007, the interest rate on the note was increased by 450 basis points. As of June 30, 2008, the additional interest rate on the note was decreased from 450 basis points to 25 basis points. Under the terms of the surplus note, as amended, the net written premium to surplus requirement and gross written premium to surplus requirement have been modified. Further, UPCIC will be subject to increases in interest rates if it drops below a net written premium to surplus of 1:1 below a gross written premium to surplus ratio of 3:1 for three consecutive quarters beginning January 1, 2010. As of December 31, 2013,2014, UPCIC’s net written premium to surplus ratio and gross written premium to surplus ratio were in excess of the required minimums and, therefore, UPCIC is not subject to increases in interest rates.

Term Loan

On May 23, 2013, UIH entered into a $20 million unsecured term loan agreement and related term note (“Term Loan”) with RenaissanceRe Ventures Ltd. (“RenRe Ventures”). See Note“NOTE 11 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS, for a discussion of a series of agreements entered into with RenRe Ventures and its affiliate Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. (“RenRe”).

The Term Loan bears interest at the rate of 0.50% 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. Principal is payable annually on the anniversary of the closing date in three annual installments and interest is payable in arrears on the same dates as the principal payments. The Term Loan contains financial covenants and as of December 31, 2013,2014, UIH was in compliance with such covenants.

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The stated interest rate of the Term Loan of 0.50% is below the Company’s borrowing rate resulting in imputed interest and an original issue discount computed by calculating the present value of the future principal and interest payments utilizing the Company’s borrowing rate. Concurrent with the establishment of the original issue discount, the Company recorded a deferred credit, a component of other liabilities and accrued expenses, for an equal amount against premium payments the Company will make in connection with a catastrophe risk-linked transaction contract entered into with RenRe on the same date and with the same maturity date as the Term Loan. The original issue discount will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the Term Loan and the deferred credit will be amortized as a reduction in insurance expense, a component of general and administrative expenses, over the life of a covered loss index swap with RenRe.

The following table provides the principal amount and unamortized original issue discount of the Term Loan foras of the perioddates presented (in thousands):

 

 

As of December 31,

 

  As of December 31, 2013 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Principal amount

  $20,000  

 

$

14,000

 

 

$

20,000

 

Less: unamortized discount

   (1,510
  

 

 

Less: Unamortized discount

 

 

(670

)

 

 

(1,510

)

Term Loan, net of unamortized discount

  $18,490  

 

$

13,330

 

 

$

18,490

 

  

 

 

Through the interest rate payment of 0.50% per annum and the amortization of the discount, the effective interest rate on the Term Loan is 5.99%.

Amortization of the original issue discount is included in interest expense, a component of general and administrative expenses, in the Consolidated Statements of Income and was $840 thousand and $601 thousand for the twelve monthsyears ended December 31, 2013.2014 and 2013, respectively.

Should UIH default on either the DB Loan (defined below) or the Term Loan, it will be prohibited from paying dividends to its shareholders.

Unsecured Line of Credit

On March 29, 2013, UIH entered into a revolving loan agreement and related revolving note with Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (“Deutsche Bank”), amended as of May 23, 2013 (“DB Loan”). The DB Loan makes available to UIH an unsecured line of credit in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10.0 million. Draws under the DB Loan have a maturity date of March 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%. The interest rate is at the election of UIH. The DB Loan contains financial covenants. As of December 31, 2013,2014, UIH was in compliance with all such covenants. UIH had not drawn any amounts under the unsecured line of credit as of December 31, 2013.2014.

Maturities

The following table provides an estimate of principal payments to be made for the amounts due on the surplus note and the Term Loan as of December 31, 20132014 (in thousands):

 

2014

  $7,471  

2015

   8,471  

 

$

8,471

 

2016

   8,471  

 

 

8,471

 

2017

   1,471  

 

 

1,471

 

2018

   1,471  

 

 

1,471

 

2019

 

 

1,471

 

Thereafter

   11,395  

 

 

9,925

 

  

 

 

Total

  $38,750 (1) 
  

 

 

Total (1)

 

$

31,280

 

 

(1)

Differs from amount presented in the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 20132014 due to unamortized discount as presented in the table above.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $1.5 million, $1.2 million, $414 thousand, and $856$414 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and 2011, respectively.

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NOTE 8 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY(SEE PRO-FORMA INFORMATION BELOW)

Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock

As of December 31, 20132014 and 2012,2013, the Company had shares outstanding of Series A Preferred Stock and Series M Preferred Stock. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock and Series M Preferred Stock is convertible by the Company into shares of Common Stock.

The following table provides certain information for each series of convertible preferred stock as of the periodsdates presented (in thousands, except conversion factor):

 

  As of December 31, 2013   As of December 31, 2012 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

  Series A   Series M   Total   Series A   Series M   Total 

 

Series A

 

 

Series M

 

 

Total

 

 

Series A

 

 

Series M

 

 

Total

 

Shares issued and outstanding

   20     10     30     20     88     108  

 

 

10

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

30

 

Conversion factor

   2.50     5.00     NM     2.50     5.00     NM  

 

 

2.50

 

 

 

5.00

 

 

NM

 

 

 

2.50

 

 

 

5.00

 

 

NM

 

Common shares resulting if converted

   50     50     100     50     438     488  

 

 

25

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

35

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

100

 

NM - Not meaningful.

The Series A Preferred Stock pays a cumulative dividend of $0.25 per share per quarter. During 2013 and 2012, respectively, theThe Company declared and paid aggregate dividends of $20 thousand to holders of record of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock.Stock of $13 thousand and $20 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, 9,975 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were converted into an aggregate of 24,938 shares of UIH’s common stock. There were no conversions of Series A Preferred Stock during the yearsyear ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.2013.

The Series M Preferred Stock pays a cumulative dividend of $0.20 per share per year. The Company declared and paid aggregate dividends to holders of record of the Company’s Series M Preferred Stock of $9$0.4 thousand and $267$9 thousand for the years ended December 31, 20132014 and 2012,2013, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, 8,000 shares of Series M Preferred Stock were converted into an aggregate of 40,000 shares of UIH’s common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2013, shareholders converted 77,740 shares of Series M Preferred Stock were converted into an aggregate of 388,700 shares of UIH’s common stock.

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Table of Contents

Common Stock. There were no conversions of Series M Preferred Stock in 2012.

and Contingently Redeemable Common Stock

The following table summarizes the activity relating to shares of the Company’s Common Stock and Contingently Redeemable Common Stock during the periods presented (in thousands):

 

 

Issued

 

 

Treasury

 

 

Outstanding

 

  Issued
Shares
 Treasury
Shares
 Outstanding
Shares
 

 

Shares

 

 

Shares

 

 

Shares

 

Balance, as of December 31, 2010

   40,407   (1,019 39,388  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance, as of December 31, 2011

 

 

41,100

 

 

 

(1,018

)

 

 

40,082

 

Options exercised

   160    —      160  

 

 

285

 

 

 

 

 

 

285

 

Shares cancelled

   (70  70    —    

Restricted stock grant

   600    —      600  

 

 

650

 

 

 

 

 

 

650

 

Shares acquired through cashless exercise (1)

   —      (70  (70

 

 

 

 

 

(146

)

 

 

(146

)

Other adjustments

   3    1    4  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance, as of December 31, 2011

   41,100    (1,018  40,082  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Options exercised

   285    —      285  

Shares cancelled

   (146  146    —    

 

 

(146

)

 

 

146

 

 

 

 

Restricted stock grant

   650    —      650  

Shares acquired through cashless exercise (1)

   —      (146  (146
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance, as of December 31, 2012

   41,889    (1,018  40,871  

 

 

41,889

 

 

 

(1,018

)

 

 

40,871

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Conversion of preferred stock

   389    —      389  

 

 

389

 

 

 

 

 

 

389

 

Shares repurchased

   —      (7,257  (7,257

 

 

 

 

 

(7,257

)

 

 

(7,257

)

Options exercised

   2,330    —      2,330  

 

 

2,330

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,330

 

Shares cancelled

   (1,967  1,967    —    

Restricted stock grant

   1,000    —      1,000  

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,000

 

Shares acquired through cashless exercise (1)

   —      (1,967  (1,967

 

 

 

 

 

(1,967

)

 

 

(1,967

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Shares cancelled

 

 

(1,967

)

 

 

1,967

 

 

 

 

Balance, as of December 31, 2013

   43,641    (8,275  35,366  

 

 

43,641

 

 

 

(8,275

)

 

 

35,366

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Conversion of preferred stock

 

 

65

 

 

 

 

 

 

65

 

Shares repurchased

 

 

 

 

 

(2,392

)

 

 

(2,392

)

Treasury shares reissued and classified as contingently redeemable common stock (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

1,000

 

Options exercised

 

 

1,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,900

 

Restricted stock grant

 

 

950

 

 

 

 

 

 

950

 

Shares acquired through cashless exercise (1)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,787

)

 

 

(1,787

)

Shares cancelled

 

 

(1,787

)

 

 

1,787

 

 

 

 

Balance, as of December 31, 2014

 

 

44,769

 

 

 

(9,667

)

 

 

35,102

 

 

(1)

All shares acquired represent shares tendered to cover the strike price for options and tax withholdings on the intrinsic value of options exercised or restricted stockRestricted Stock (as defined in “NOTE 9 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION “) vested. These shares have been cancelled by the Company.

(2)

Subsequent to December 31, 2014 contingently redeemable common stock was reclassified to common stock.

On April 1,

During the year ended December 31, 2013, UIH entered into avarious repurchase agreementagreements with Bradley I. Meier, the Company’s former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and a principal stockholder of UIH, to repurchase an aggregate of four million shares of UIH’s common stock owned by Mr. Meier. The initial repurchaseUIH repurchased an aggregate of two million of Mr. Meier’s shares occurred on April 1, 2013, and the subsequent repurchase of two million shares occurred on May 23, 2013, each at a price of $4.02 per share, representing a discount from the then-current market price of UIH’s common stock. The repurchase of7,016,000 shares from Mr. Meier provides us with an opportunity to buy back shares at a discount to current stock price, while facilitatingtotal cost of $30.5 million.

During the orderly sale of shares by a large shareholder.

On May 23, 2013, UIH entered into a second repurchase agreement with Bradley I. Meier to repurchase an additional 2.666 million shares of UIH’s common stock owned by Mr. Meier. The repurchase of 2.666 million of Mr. Meier’s shares occurred on May 23, 2013 for a repurchase price of $4.50 per share, representing a discount from the then-current market price of UIH’s common stock.

On August 1, 2013, UIH entered into a third repurchase agreement with Bradley I. Meier to repurchase an additional 350 thousand shares of UIH’s common stock owned by Mr. Meier. The repurchase of 350 thousand of Mr. Meier’s shares occurred on August 1, 2013 for a repurchase price of $7.02 per share, representing a discount from the then-current market price of UIH’s common stock.

On August 14,year ended December 31, 2013, UIH entered into a repurchase agreement with Norman M. Meier, a former director and the former UIH Secretary, to repurchase 241,933 shares of UIH’s common stock owned by Mr. Meier. The repurchaseUIH repurchased an aggregate of 241,933 shares from Mr. Meier at a total cost of Mr. Meier’s$1.8 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, UIH entered into various repurchase agreements with Bradley I. Meier to repurchase shares occurred on August 14, 2013 for a repurchase price of $7.57 per share, representing a discount from the then-current market price of UIH’s common stock.

stock owned by Mr. Meier. UIH repurchased an aggregate of 1,225,000 shares from Mr. Meier at a total cost of $14.7 million. Mr. Meier represented he owned approximately 3% of UIH’s outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2014.  See “NOTE 11 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS” for details of the right of first refusal to repurchase shares from Mr. Meier.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, UIH repurchased an aggregate of 1,166,208 shares of its common stock in the open market in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, at a total cost of $15.0 million.

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Dividends Declared

The Company declared dividends on its outstanding shares of common stock to its shareholders of record as follows for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

  For the year ended December 31, 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

  2013   2012   2011 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

  Per Share   Aggregate   Per Share   Aggregate   Per Share   Aggregate 

 

Per Share

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

Per Share

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

Per Share

 

 

Aggregate

 

  Amount   Amount   Amount   Amount   Amount   Amount 

 

Amount

 

 

Amount

 

 

Amount

 

 

Amount

 

 

Amount

 

 

Amount

 

First Quarter

  $0.08    $3,259    $0.10    $4,012    $0.10    $3,939  

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

3,464

 

 

$

0.08

 

 

$

3,259

 

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

4,012

 

Second Quarter

  $0.08    $2,821    $0.08    $3,214    $—      $—    

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

3,502

 

 

$

0.08

 

 

$

2,821

 

 

$

0.08

 

 

$

3,214

 

Third Quarter

  $0.10    $3,511    $0.08    $3,270    $0.08    $3,199  

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

3,429

 

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

3,511

 

 

$

0.08

 

 

$

3,270

 

Fourth Quarter

  $0.23    $8,134    $0.20    $8,174    $0.14    $5,611  

 

$

0.25

 

 

$

8,845

 

 

$

0.23

 

 

$

8,134

 

 

$

0.20

 

 

$

8,174

 

Applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law may affect the ability of the Company to declare and pay dividends on its Common Stock. In particular, pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, a company may pay dividends out of its surplus, as defined, or out of its net profits, for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding year. Surplus is defined in the Delaware General Corporation Law to be the excess of net assets of the company over capital. Capital is defined to be the aggregate par value of shares issued. Moreover, the ability of the Company to pay dividends, if and when declared by its Board of Directors, may be restricted by regulatory limits on the amount of dividends, which the Insurance Entities are permitted to pay the Company.

Restrictions limiting the payment of dividends by UIH

UIH pays dividends to shareholders, which are funded by earnings on investments and distributions from the earnings of its consolidated subsidiaries. Generally, other than as disclosed above and in Note“NOTE 7 LONG-TERM DEBT, there are no restrictions for UIH limiting the payment of dividends. However, UIH’s ability to pay dividends to shareholders may be affected by restrictions on the ability of the Insurance Entities to pay dividends to UIH through UIHCF. See Note“NOTE 5 INSURANCE OPERATIONS, for a discussion of these restrictions. As of December 31, 2013, 100 percent of the Insurance Entities’ net assets were restricted. There are no such restrictions for UIH’s non-insurance consolidated subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the restriction on the net assets of the Insurance Entities, UIH received distributions from the earnings of its non-insurance consolidated subsidiaries of $55.8 million, $26.9 million $40.2 million and $89.3$40.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011,2012, respectively and made capital contributions to the Insurance Entities of $28.6 million and $49.0 million, during the yearsyear ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.2012. UIH did not make any capital contributions to the Insurance Entities during the yearyears ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company prepares and files a consolidated federal tax return for UIH and its consolidated subsidiaries with all U.S. GAAP tax related entries recorded on the books of UIH. Since the U.S. GAAP tax related entries are not recorded at the subsidiary level, the Company does not have the ability to produce the amount of net assets for each of its subsidiaries in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Contingently Redeemable Common Stock (SEE PRO-FORMA INFORMATION BELOW)

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 purchased thereafter.  

UIH purchases insurance coverage through a covered loss index swap transaction which protects its own assets against diminution in value due to certain catastrophe events impacting UPCIC.  In the event any covered loss index swap in place is triggered for payment, UIH shall, at the option of Ananke, repurchase all or any part of the common stock then owned by Ananke at a price of $19.00 per share.  The proceeds from the covered loss index swap would be used to fund the repurchase.  Circumstances under which the covered loss index swap would be triggered are considered by the Company to be remote.  The Company must exhaust a specific layer within UPCIC’s Florida catastrophe reinsurance coverage before triggering payment on the covered loss index swap. The specific layer that triggers payment has a remote probability of occurrence according to the leading insurance industry catastrophe models licensed by the Company that simulate expected loss outcomes on UPCIC’s portfolio of risks.  Subsequent adjustments to the carrying amount will not be made since the contingently redeemable common stock is not currently redeemable and it is not probable it will become redeemable in the future.  The capital resulting from this transaction is not restricted.

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PRO-FORMA INFORMATION CONCERNING STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

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 feature described above.  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 following table has been provided to show the pro-forma effects to equity on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014.

The following table shows the effect of unaudited pro-forma adjustments to the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

 

As Reported

 

 

PRO-FORMA Adjustment Unaudited

 

 

PRO-FORMA Unaudited

 

Total assets

 

$

911,774

 

 

 

 

 

$

911,774

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

692,858

 

 

 

 

 

 

692,858

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingently redeemable common stock

 

 

19,000

 

 

 

(19,000

)

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value

 

 

448

 

 

 

 

 

 

448

 

Treasury shares, at cost

 

 

(62,153

)

 

 

 

 

 

(62,153

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

40,987

 

 

 

19,000

 

 

 

59,987

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

 

 

(1,835

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,835

)

Retained earnings

 

 

222,469

 

 

 

 

 

 

222,469

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

199,916

 

 

 

19,000

 

 

 

218,916

 

Total liabilities, contingently redeemable common stock

    and stockholders' equity

 

$

911,774

 

 

 

 

 

$

911,774

 


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NOTE 9 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Equity Compensation Plan

On October 13, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors approved, and recommended that the Company’s stockholders approve, the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”). On November 16, 2009, the Company’s stockholders approved the Incentive Plan by written consent.

An aggregate of 1.8 million shares of Common Stock was initially reserved for issuance and available for awards under the Incentive Plan. Awards under the Incentive Plan may include incentive stock options, nonqualifiednon-qualified stock options,option awards (“Stock Option”), stock appreciation rights, non-vested shares of Common Stock (“Restricted Stock”), restricted stock units, performance share or unit awards, other share-based awards and cash-based incentive awards. Awards under the Incentive Plan may be granted to employees, directors, consultants or other persons providing services to the Company or its affiliates. The Incentive Plan also provides for awards that are intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” in order to preserve the deductibility of such compensation by the Company under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

At the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 11, 2011, shareholders voted to approve the recommendation of the Company’s Board of Directors to amend the Incentive Plan. The Incentive Plan allows for amendments which are intended for the plan to remain a flexible and effective source of incentive compensation in terms of the number of shares of stock available for awards, in terms of its design, as well as whether it generally conforms with the best practices in today’s business environment. Significant aspects of the amendment include: an increase of 2.4 million shares in the shares reserved for grant, an adjustment to the annual maximum awards limits, a prohibition against re-pricing of options and stock appreciation rights without shareholder approval, and an addition of specific elements to the performance goals.

At the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 8, 2012, shareholders voted to approve the recommendation of the Company’s Board of Directors to amend the Incentive Plan. Significant aspects of this amendment include: an increase of 3 million in the shares reserved for grant, an extension of the term, an expansion of the list of performance goals, a provision for recovery compensation in connection with financial restatements, and certain modifications in order to provide internal consistency.

At the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 6, 2013, shareholders voted to approve the recommendation of the Company’s Board of Directors to amend the Incentive Plan to add 3 million shares to the shares reserved for grant.

As of December 31, 2013, 1,947 thousand2014, 3,664,024 shares remained reserved for issuance and were available for new awards under the Incentive Plan.

The following table provides certain information related to stock optionsStock Options and restricted stockRestricted Stock during the year ended December 31, 20132014 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014

 

  Year Ended December 31, 2013 

 

Stock Options

 

 

Restricted Stock

 

  Stock Options   Restricted Stock 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

  Number of
Options
 Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price per
Share (1)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Term
   Number of
Shares (2)
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
per Share (1)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2012

   5,330   $4.29         1,152  ��$4.37  

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grant Date

 

 

Number of

 

 

Price per

 

 

Intrinsic

 

 

Remaining

 

 

Number of

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Options

 

 

Share (1)

 

 

Value

 

 

Term

 

 

Shares (2)

 

 

per Share (1)

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2013

 

 

4,125

 

 

$

5.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,600

 

 

$

4.94

 

Granted

   2,015   6.54         1,000   5.43  

 

 

230

 

 

 

15.81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

950

 

 

 

12.88

 

Forfeited

   (40 7.33         n/a   n/a  

 

 

(50

)

 

 

4.51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

Exercised

   (2,330 4.06         n/a   n/a  

 

 

(1,900

)

 

 

4.93

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

Vested

   n/a   n/a         (552 4.64  

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,875

)

 

 

6.28

 

Expired

   (850 3.90         n/a   n/a  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

n/a

 

  

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2013

   4,125   $5.56    $36,786     3.86     1,600   $4.94  
  

 

  

 

       

 

  

 

 

Exercisable as of December 31, 2013

   1,900   $4.83    $18,330     2.43     
  

 

  

 

        

Outstanding as of December 31, 2014

 

 

2,405

 

 

$

6.99

 

 

$

32,362

 

 

 

3.88

 

 

 

675

 

 

$

12.40

 

Exercisable as of December 31, 2014

 

 

962

 

 

$

4.93

 

 

$

14,926

 

 

 

3.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Unless otherwise specified, such as in the case of the exercise of stock options,Stock Options, the per share prices were determined using the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock as quoted on the exchanges on which the Company was listed. Shares issued upon exercise of options represent original issuances in private transactions pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or issuances under the Company’s 2009 OmnibusCompany's Incentive Plan.

(2)

All shares outstanding as of December 31, 20132014 are expected to vest.

n/a

n/a - Not applicable

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The following table provides certain information in connection with the Company’s share-based compensation arrangements for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

  Year Ended December 31, 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

  2013 2012 2011 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Compensation expense:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

  $930   $1,188   $1,450  

 

$

675

 

 

$

930

 

 

$

1,188

 

Restricted stock

   5,487   2,642   1,398  

 

 

11,667

 

 

 

5,487

 

 

 

2,642

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

  $6,417   $3,830   $2,848  

 

$

12,342

 

 

$

6,417

 

 

$

3,830

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Deferred tax benefits:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

  $359   $458   $559  

 

$

260

 

 

$

359

 

 

$

458

 

Restricted stock

   433    468    315  

 

 

83

 

 

 

433

 

 

 

468

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

  $792   $926   $874  

 

$

343

 

 

$

792

 

 

$

926

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Realized tax benefits:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

  $2,365   $168   $195  

 

$

7,321

 

 

$

2,365

 

 

$

168

 

Restricted stock

   374    291    —    

 

 

967

 

 

 

374

 

 

 

291

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

  $2,739   $459   $195  

 

$

8,288

 

 

$

2,739

 

 

$

459

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Excess tax benefits(shortfall):

    

Excess tax benefits (shortfall):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

  $418   $(1,618 $195  

 

$

6,472

 

 

$

418

 

 

$

(1,618

)

Restricted stock

   (59  (142  —    

 

 

534

 

 

 

(59

)

 

 

(142

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

  $359   $(1,760 $195  

 

$

7,006

 

 

$

359

 

 

$

(1,760

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Weighted average fair value per option or share:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock option grants

  $0.79   $0.87   $1.67  

 

$

3.39

 

 

$

0.79

 

 

$

0.87

 

Restricted stock grants

  $5.43   $3.37   $5.61  

 

$

12.88

 

 

$

5.43

 

 

$

3.37

 

Intrinsic value of options exercised

  $6,131   $437   $507  

 

$

18,979

 

 

$

6,131

 

 

$

437

 

Fair value of restricted stock vested

  $2,548   $1,164   $540  

 

$

28,350

 

 

$

2,548

 

 

$

1,164

 

Cash received for strike price and tax withholdings

  $—     $652   $204  

 

$

73

 

 

$

 

 

$

652

 

Shares acquired through cashless exercise (1)

   1,966    147    70  

 

 

1,787

 

 

 

1,966

 

 

 

147

 

Value of shares acquired through cashless exercise (1)

  $12,630   $583   $263  

 

$

26,947

 

 

$

12,630

 

 

$

583

 

 

(1)

All shares acquired represent shares tendered to cover the strike price for options and tax withholdings on the intrinsic value of options exercised or restricted stockRestricted Stock vested. These shares have been cancelled by the Company.

The following table provides the amount of unrecognized compensation expense as of the most recent balance sheet date and the weighted average period over which those expenses will be recorded for both stock optionsStock Options and restricted stockRestricted Stock (dollars in thousands):

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

  As of December 31, 2013 

 

Stock

 

 

Restricted

 

  Stock
Options
   Restricted
Stock
 

 

Options

 

 

Stock

 

Unrecognized expense

  $1,449    $2,844  

 

$

1,485

 

 

$

3,413

 

Weighted average remaining years

   2.87     0.82  

 

 

2.40

 

 

 

0.62

 

Stock Options

Non-qualified stock option awards (“stock options”)Stock Options granted by the Company generally expire between 5 to 107 years from the grant date and generally vest over a 21 to 3 year service period commencing on the grant date.

The Company used the modified Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of employee stock optionsStock Options on the date of grant utilizing the assumptions noted below. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury bill yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option. The expected term of options granted represents the period of time that the options are expected to be outstanding. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of our Common Stock. The dividend yield was based on expected dividends at the time of grant.

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The following table provides the assumptions utilized in the Black-Scholes model for stock optionsStock Options granted during the periods presented:

 

  Year Ended December 31, 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

  2013 2012 2011 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Weighted-average risk-free interest rate

   0.27 0.62 1.34

 

 

0.48

%

 

 

0.27

%

 

 

0.62

%

Expected term of option in years

   3.21   4.25   3.92  

 

 

2.98

 

 

 

3.21

 

 

 

4.25

 

Weighted-average volatility

   34.1 48.4 58.5

 

 

40.3

%

 

 

34.1

%

 

 

48.4

%

Dividend yield

   9.1 11.4 8.9

 

 

3.9

%

 

 

9.1

%

 

 

11.4

%

Weighted average grant date fair value per share

  $0.79   $0.87   $1.67  

 

$

3.39

 

 

$

0.79

 

 

$

0.87

 

On June 23, 2011, the Company granted the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) a stock option to purchase 300 thousand shares of common stock, the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) a stock option to purchase 300 thousand shares of common stock and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) a stock option to purchase 75 thousand shares of common stock. All three option grants have an exercise price of $4.70 per share, expire on June 23, 2018 and vest over three years as follows: (i) one third on the six (6) month anniversary of the date of grant, (ii) one third on the one (1) year anniversary of the date of grant, and (iii) one third on the two (2) year anniversary of the date of grant.

On September 4, 2012, the Company granted stock optionsStock Options for an aggregate 500 thousand shares of Common Stock to the Company’s COOChief Operating Officer (“COO”) in consideration for services rendered pursuant to terms of an employment agreement and to provide the COO with a continued incentive to share in the success of the Company. The options have an exercise price of $3.51, expire on September 4, 2019 and vest over two years as follows: options for 250 thousand shares on the one year anniversary of the grant date and options for 250 thousand shares on the two year anniversary of the grant date.

On March 12, 2013, the Company granted the COO a stock optionStock Option to purchase 100 thousand shares of common stock. The option has an exercise price of $4.51 per share, expires on March 12, 2018 and vests over three years as follows: one third on the one (1) year anniversary of the date of grant, one third on the two (2) year anniversary of the date of grant and one third on the three (3) year anniversary of the date of grant.

On July 8, 2013, the Company granted the COO an additional stock optionStock Option to purchase 300 thousand shares of common stock. The option has an exercise price of $7.33 per share, expires on July 8, 2018 and vests over three years as follows: one third on the one (1) year anniversary of the date of grant, one third on the two (2) year anniversary of the date of grant and one third on the three (3) year anniversary of the date of grant.

On November 12, 2013, the Company granted the Chief Administrative Officer (“CAO”) a stock optionStock Option to purchase 200 thousand shares of common stock. The Company also granted the CEOChief Executive Officer (“CEO”) a stock optionStock Option to purchase 300 thousand shares of common stock. Both option grants have an exercise price of $8.01 per share, expire on November 12, 2020 and vest over three years as follows: one third on the one (1) year anniversary of the date of grant, one third on the two (2) year anniversary of the date of grant and one third on the three (3) year anniversary of the date of grant.

Restricted Stock Grants

Restricted stockStock grants are awarded to certain employees in consideration for services rendered pursuant to terms of employment agreements and or to provide to those employees with a continued incentive to share in the success of the Company. Non-vested shares (“restricted stock”)Restricted Stock generally vest over a three year service period commencing on the grant date. The prices discussed below reflect the market price of UIH’s common stock on the grant date.

The Company issued 600 thousand shares of performance-based restricted Common Stock at a price of $5.61 per share to its COO. Shares of 200 thousand vest on each of the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date which was March 28, 2011, subject to shareholder approval and annual performance criteria. This grant was not effective until shareholder approval which took place May 11, 2011.

Effective August 23, 2012, the Company issued 650 thousand shares of restricted CommonRestricted Stock at a price of $3.37 per share to its COO. The stock vestsvested cumulatively over a two-year period as follows: 38.5 percent, 77 percent and 100 percent, respectively, on January 1, 2013, January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014.

Effective April 1, 2013, the Company issued 500 thousand shares of restricted CommonRestricted Stock to its CEO, 250 thousand shares of restricted CommonRestricted Stock to its COO and 100 thousand shares of restricted CommonRestricted Stock to its CAO. All three restricted CommonRestricted Stock grants were issued at a price of $4.88 per share and vestvested on April 7, 2014.

Effective August 8, 2013, the Company issued 150 thousand shares of restricted CommonRestricted Stock at a price of $8.55 per share to its CFO.Chief Financial Officer. The stock vests cumulatively over a two-year period as follows: 50 percent and 50 percent, respectively, on October 1, 2014 and October 1, 2015.

Effective April 1, 2014, the Company issued 500 thousand shares of Restricted Stock at a price of $12.88 per share to its CEO. The stock vests on April 7, 2015.

Effective April 1, 2014, the Company issued 250 thousand shares of Restricted Stock at a price of $12.88 per share to its COO. The stock vested on December 31, 2014.

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Effective April 1, 2014, the Company issued 200 thousand shares of Restricted Stock at a price of $12.88 per share to its CAO. The stock vests cumulatively over a two-year period as follows: 50 percent and 50 percent, respectively, on December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015.

NOTE 10 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted a qualified retirement plan covering substantially all employees. It is designed to help the employees meet their financial needs during their retirement years. Eligibility for participation in the plan is generally based on employee’s date of hire or on completion of a specified period of service. Employer contributions to this plan are made in cash.

The plan titled the “Universal Property & Casualty 401(K) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust” (“401(k) Plan”) is a defined contribution plan that allows employees to defer compensation through contributions to the 401(k) Plan. The contributions are invested on the employees’ behalf, and the benefits paid to employees are based on contributions and any earnings or loss. The 401(k) Plan includes a Company contribution of 100 percent of each eligible participant’s contribution that does not exceed five percent of their compensation during the 401(k) Plan year. The Company may make additional profit-sharing contributions. However, no additional profit-sharing contribution was made during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011.2012.

The Company accrued for aggregate contributions of approximately $599 thousand, $709 thousand $598 thousand and $542$598 thousand to the 401(k) Plan during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and 2011, respectively.

NOTE 11 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Downes and Associates, a multi-line insurance adjustment corporation based in Deerfield Beach, Florida performed certain claims adjusting work for UPCIC. Downes and Associates is owned by Dennis Downes, who is the father of Sean P. Downes, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. All amounts paid to Downes and Associates were no greater than amounts that would need to be paid to third parties on an arm’s-length basis for similar services. The Company’s agreement with Downes and Associates was terminated effective November 30, 2013 and on December 1, 2013 Dennis Downes became an employee of the Company.

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 Downes and SPC Global RE Advisors LLCrelated parties for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

  Year Ended December 31, 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

  2013   2012   2011 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Downes and Associates

  $477    $623    $753  

 

$

 

 

$

477

 

 

$

623

 

SPC Global RE Advisors LLC

  $68    $—      $—    

 

$

120

 

 

$

68

 

 

$

 

There were no amounts due to Downes and Associates and SPC Global RE Advisors LLC as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and 2012.respectively. Payments due to Downes and Associates and SPC Global RE Advisors LLC were or are generally made in the month the services wereare provided.

See NOTE“NOTE 8 – STOCKHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, for details on the repurchase agreements between UIH and each of Messrs. Bradley Meier and Norman Meier.

RenRe currently is, and has been, a participant in the Company’s reinsurance programs. On May 23, 2013, the Company entered into a series of contracts with RenRe and its affiliate, RenRe Ventures. As discussed in Note“NOTE 7 – LONG-TERM DEBT, UIH entered into an unsecured Term Loan with RenRe Ventures. The Term Loan is part of a series of agreements entered into by the Company, RenRe and RenRe Ventures pursuant to which, among other things, the Company has purchased a catastrophe risk-linked transaction contract from RenRe and entered into an agreement whereby RenRe will reserve reinsurance capacity for the Company’s reinsurance programs and receive a right of first refusal in respect of a portion thereof. As part of the series of agreements with RenRe and RenRe Ventures,

on May 23, 2013, UIH, RenRe Ventures and Mr. Bradley Meier agreed to assign to RenRe Ventures a portion of UIH’s right of first refusal to repurchase shares of its common stock owned by Mr. Meier under the first repurchase agreement entered into on April 1, 2013. RenRe Ventures will havehad a right of first refusal to repurchase one-third of the shares offered by Mr. Meier to any third party, up to the lesser of 2 million shares or 4.99% of UIH’s outstanding common stock, through December 31, 2014 which has expired.  Mr. Meier represented he owned approximately 3% of UIH’s outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2014.

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NOTE 12 – INCOME TAXES

The following table reconciles the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate for the periods presented:

 

  For the years ended December 31, 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

  2013 2012 2011 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Statutory federal income tax rate

   35.0 35.0 35.0

 

 

35.0

%

 

 

35.0

%

 

 

35.0

%

Increases (decreases) resulting from:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disallowed meals & entertainment

   0.4 0.6 0.6

 

 

0.4

%

 

 

0.4

%

 

 

0.6

%

Disallowed compensation

   2.3 3.2 2.3

 

 

4.2

%

 

 

2.3

%

 

 

3.2

%

Fines and penalties

   0.4  —      —    

True-up of prior year tax returns

   (0.6%)   —      —    

State income tax, net of federal tax benefit (1)

   3.6 3.6 3.6

 

 

3.6

%

 

 

3.6

%

 

 

3.6

%

Other, net (2)

   0.2 (0.1%)  (1.1%) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other, net

 

 

(0.4

%)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

%)

Effective tax rate

   41.3  42.3  40.4

 

 

42.8

%

 

 

41.3

%

 

 

42.3

%

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Included in income tax is Florida income tax at a statutory rate of 5.5%.

(2)For 2011, other represents true-ups recorded upon completion of prior years tax returns, partially offset by estimates of penalties and interest for current year underpayment of estimated taxes.

Deferred income taxes represent the temporary differences between the U.S. GAAP and tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The tax effects of temporary differences are as follows as of the periodsdates presented (in thousands):

 

  As of December 31, 

 

As of December 31,

 

  2013 2012 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Deferred income tax assets:

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unearned premiums

  $10,976   $11,430  

 

$

15,835

 

 

$

10,976

 

Advanced premiums

   1,742   1,132  

 

 

1,332

 

 

 

1,742

 

Unpaid losses and LAE

   2,598   3,449  

 

 

1,654

 

 

 

2,598

 

Regulatory assessments

   345   2,447  

 

 

111

 

 

 

345

 

Share-based compensation

   1,459   3,048  

 

 

520

 

 

 

1,459

 

Accrued wages

   255   778  

 

 

539

 

 

 

255

 

Allowance for uncollectible receivables

   172   205  

 

 

138

 

 

 

172

 

Additional tax basis of securities

   45   573  

 

 

53

 

 

 

45

 

Change in unrealized losses on investments

   —     2,782  

Capital loss carryforwards

   1,149    —    

 

 

918

 

 

 

1,149

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

1,152

 

 

 

 

Total deferred income tax assets

   18,741    25,844  

 

 

22,252

 

 

 

18,741

 

  

 

  

 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities:

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs, net

   (6,133  (6,666

 

 

(9,898

)

 

 

(6,133

)

Prepaid expenses

   (548  —    

 

 

(504

)

 

 

(548

)

Other comprehensive income

   (9  —    

 

 

 

 

 

(9

)

  

 

  

 

 

Total deferred income tax liabilities

   (6,690  (6,666

 

 

(10,402

)

 

 

(6,690

)

  

 

  

 

 

Net deferred income tax asset

  $12,051   $19,178  

 

$

11,850

 

 

$

12,051

 

  

 

  

 

 

A valuation allowance is deemed unnecessary as of December 31, 20132014 and 2012,2013, respectively, because management believes it is probable that the Company will generate taxable income sufficient to realize the tax benefits associated with the net deferred income tax asset shown above in the near future.

Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, if any, are recorded in accordance with issued FASB guidance on Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. The Company recognizes accruals for interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

The Company filed a consolidated federal income tax return for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 2011, and 20102011 and intends to file the same for the year ended December 31, 2013.2014. The tax allocation agreements between the Company and the Insurance Entities provide that they will incur income taxes based on a computation of taxes as if they were stand-alone taxpayers. The computations are made utilizing the financial statements of the Insurance Entities prepared on a statutory basis of accounting and prior to consolidating entries which include the conversion of certain balances and transactions of the statutory financial statements to a U.S. GAAP basis.

Tax years that remain open for purposes of examination of itsthe Company’s income tax liability due to taxing authorities, include the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 2011 and 2010.2011. 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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Table of Contents

NOTE 13 – 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 that could occur if securities to issue Common Stock were exercised.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 net income for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share data):

 

  Year Ended December 31, 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

  2013 2012 2011 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Numerator for EPS:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

  $58,977   $30,312   $20,109  

 

$

72,988

 

 

$

58,977

 

 

$

30,312

 

Less: Preferred stock dividends

   (29 (287 (20

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(29

)

 

 

(287

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income available to common stockholders

  $58,948   $30,025   $20,089  

 

$

72,975

 

 

$

58,948

 

 

$

30,025

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Denominator for EPS:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

   35,866    39,614    39,184  

 

 

33,569

 

 

 

35,866

 

 

 

39,614

 

Plus: Assumed conversion of stock-based compensation (1)

   1,531    513    770  

Plus: Assumed conversion of share-based compensation (1)

 

 

1,535

 

 

 

1,531

 

 

 

513

 

Assumed conversion of preferred stock

   379    489    488  

 

 

46

 

 

 

379

 

 

 

489

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding

   37,776    40,616    40,442  

 

 

35,150

 

 

 

37,776

 

 

 

40,616

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Basic earnings per common share

  $1.64   $0.76   $0.51  

 

$

2.17

 

 

$

1.64

 

 

$

0.76

 

Diluted earnings per common share

  $1.56   $0.75   $0.50  

 

$

2.08

 

 

$

1.56

 

 

$

0.75

 

Weighted average number of antidilutive shares

   518    818    2,553  

 

 

64

 

 

 

518

 

 

 

818

 

 

(1)

Represents the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stockRestricted Stock and unexercised stock options.Stock Options.

The Company purchased 7.257 million shares


82


Table of UIH’s common stock during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, which decreased weighted average common shares outstanding and weighted average diluted common shares outstanding for these periods. The effect was to increase diluted earnings per common share by $0.17 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2013. There were no repurchases of UIH’s common stock during 2012 and 2011. See “—Note 8 (Stockholders’ Equity)” for details on the repurchases of UIH’s common stock.Contents

NOTE 14 – OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table provides the components of other comprehensive income (loss) on a pretax and after-tax basis for the periodperiods presented (in thousands):

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2013 
   Pre-tax  Tax  After-tax 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments available for sale arising during the year

  $685   $264   $421  

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)

   (1,297  (500  (797
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)

  ($612 ($236 ($376
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

 

Pre-tax

 

 

Tax

 

 

After-tax

 

 

Pre-tax

 

 

Tax

 

 

After-tax

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    available for sale arising during the period

 

$

3,252

 

 

$

1,255

 

 

$

1,997

 

 

$

685

 

 

$

264

 

 

$

421

 

Less: Amounts reclassified from accumulated

    other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

(5,627

)

 

 

(2,171

)

 

 

(3,456

)

 

 

(1,297

)

 

 

(500

)

 

 

(797

)

Net current period other comprehensive

    income (loss)

 

$

(2,375

)

 

$

(916

)

 

$

(1,459

)

 

$

(612

)

 

$

(236

)

 

$

(376

)

There were no amounts of other comprehensive income for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and there were no amounts of accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2012.

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

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

Details about Accumulated Other

Comprehensive Income Components

  Amounts Reclassified from
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income
  

Affected Line Item in the Statement

Where Net Income is Presented

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments available for sale

   
  $1,297   Net realized gains (losses) on investments
   (500 Tax (expense) or benefit
  

 

 

  

Total reclassification for the year

  $797   Net of tax
  

 

 

  

 

 

Amounts Reclassified from

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income

 

 

 

Details about Accumulated Other

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Affected Line Item in the Statement

Comprehensive Income Components

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

Where Net Income is Presented

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

5,627

 

 

$

1,297

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

 

(2,171

)

 

 

(500

)

 

Income taxes, current

 

 

$

3,456

 

 

$

797

 

 

Net of tax


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Table of Contents

NOTE 15 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases and Other

OnIn July 12, 2013, UPCIC entered into a lease agreement (“Lease Agreement”) for an office building containing 29,018 rentable square feet adjacent to its principal office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (“Property”). The Company and expects to use the Property for additional office and storage space. Pursuant to the Lease Agreement, the monthly rent for the Property is approximately $51 thousand and is subject to annual increases. The term of the lease is ten years, subject to UPCIC’s purchase of the Property as described below which is expected to take place no later than February 2015. The Company took possession of the office buildingProperty and began making monthly rental payments in October 2013. Based on the terms of the Lease Agreement, the Company is accounting for this arrangementThe lease agreement was classified as an operating lease.

Also on July 12, 2013, As discussed in “NOTE 6 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT,” UPCIC entered into a purchase agreement to acquirepurchased the Property (“Purchase Agreement”). The Purchase Agreement provides that the closing for the sale of the Property will take place no later than February 5, 2015. The closing for the sale of the Property is subject to certain closing conditions. The purchase price for the Property is $5.99 million, and UPCIC will receive a credit toward the purchase price for a portion of the rent it pays under the Lease Agreement.

The Company has leased certain computer equipment and software under a master equipment lease agreement with Relational Funding, Inc. with an original equipment cost of $2.7 million. The Company also has several leases on other office space.in December 2014.

The following table provides future minimum rental payments required under the non-cancelable operating leases as of the perioddate presented (in thousands):

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

2014

  $882  

As of December 31, 2014

As of December 31, 2014

 

2015

   120  

 

$

140

 

  

 

 

Total

  $1,002  

 

$

140

 

  

 

 

Total rental expense was $753 thousand, $423 thousand and $286 thousand in 2014, 2013 and $451 thousand in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

On December 2, 2014, UIH entered into a letter agreement with Ananke that calls for a minimum annual spend of $5 million towards covered loss index swaps during the period from June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2025.  

Litigation

Certain lawsuits have been filed against the Company. These lawsuits involve matters that are routine litigationmatters 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 Consolidated 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.


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Table of Contents

NOTE 16 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. U.S. GAAP describes three approaches to measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: the market approach, the income approach and the cost approach. Each approach includes multiple valuation techniques. U.S. GAAP does not prescribe which valuation technique should be used when measuring fair value, but does establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in applying the various techniques. Inputs broadly refer to the assumptions that market participants use to make pricing decisions, including assumptions about risk. Level 1 inputs are given the highest priority in the hierarchy while Level 3 inputs are given the lowest priority. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified in one of the following three categories based on the nature of the inputs to the valuation technique used:

·

Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

·

Level 2 – Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

·

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. These inputs reflect management’s best estimate of fair value using its own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Level 2 – Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. These inputs reflect management’s best estimate of fair value using its own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Summary of significant valuation techniques for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Level 1

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents: Cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents comprise actively traded money market funds that have daily quoted net asset values for identical assets that the Company can access. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to its liquid nature.

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.

Exchange-traded and mutualMutual 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.

Other investments:Currently comprise physical metal positions held by the Company.Valuation is based on unadjusted quoted prices 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 (TIPS).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 maturityincome 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 prepayment speeds and credit spreads.

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

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 highlysimilar assets in markets that are not active.

As required by U.S. GAAP, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect theirthe placement of the asset or liability within the fair value hierarchy levels.

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Table of Contents

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s assets that were accounted formeasured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the periodsdates presented (in thousands):

 

   Fair Value Measurements 
   As of December 31, 2013 
   Level 1   Level 2  Level 3   Total 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $117,275    $—     $—      $117,275  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   2,600     —      —       2,600  

Available for sale portfolio:

       

Fixed maturities:

       

US government obligations and agencies

   —       104,215    —       104,215  

Corporate bonds

   —       94,203    —       94,203  

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

   —       91,000    —       91,000  

Equity securities:

       

Common stock

   9,295     —      —       9,295  

Mutual funds

   55,727     —      —       55,727  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total available for sale portfolio investments

  $65,022    $289,418   $—      $354,440  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets accounted for at fair value

  $184,897    $289,418   $—      $474,315  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Fair Value Measurements 
   As of December 31, 2012 
   Level 1   Level 2  Level 3   Total 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $347,392    $—     $—      $347,392  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   33,009     —      —       33,009  

Trading portfolio:

       

Fixed maturities:

       

US government obligations and agencies

   —       4,009    —       4,009  

Equity securities:

       

Common stock:

       

Metals and mining

   26,130     —      —       26,130  

Energy

   10,868     —      —       10,868  

Other

   8,215     —      —       8,215  

Exchange traded and mutual funds:

       

Metals and mining

   21,989     —      —       21,989  

Agriculture

   10,265     —      —       10,265  

Energy

   5,068        5,068  

Indices

   2,506     —      —       2,506  

Non-hedging derivative liability, net

   —       (21  —       (21

Other investments

   317     —      —       317  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total trading portfolio investments

  $85,358    $3,988   $—      $89,346  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets (liabilities) accounted for at fair value

  $465,759    $3,988   $—      $469,747  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government obligations and agencies

 

$

 

 

$

120,038

 

 

$

 

 

$

120,038

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

 

 

 

119,832

 

 

 

 

 

 

119,832

 

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

107,223

 

 

 

 

 

 

107,223

 

Redeemable preferred stock

 

 

 

 

 

6,856

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,856

 

Equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

270

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

270

 

Mutual funds

 

 

19,372

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,372

 

Short-term investments (1)

 

 

 

 

 

37,490

 

 

 

 

 

 

37,490

 

Total assets accounted for at fair value

 

$

19,642

 

 

$

391,439

 

 

$

 

 

$

411,081

 

(1)

Excludes $12.5 million of certificates of deposit not subject to remeasurement.

 

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government obligations and agencies

 

$

 

 

$

104,215

 

 

$

 

 

$

104,215

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

 

 

 

94,203

 

 

 

 

 

 

94,203

 

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

91,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

91,000

 

Equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

9,295

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,295

 

Mutual funds

 

 

55,727

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

55,727

 

Total assets accounted for at fair value

 

$

65,022

 

 

$

289,418

 

 

$

 

 

$

354,440

 

The Company utilizes third-party independent pricing services that provide a price quote for each fixed maturity and equity security and derivative.short-term investment. 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, equity securities or derivativesshort-term investments included in the tables above.

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):

 

 

As of December 31,

 

  As of December 31, 2013 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

      (Level 3) 

 

 

 

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Level 3)

 

      Estimated Fair 

 

Carrying

 

 

Estimated

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Estimated

 

  Carrying value   Value 

 

value

 

 

fair value

 

 

value

 

 

fair value

 

Liabilities (debt):

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surplus note

  $18,750    $15,900  

 

$

17,280

 

 

$

14,951

 

 

$

18,750

 

 

$

15,900

 

Term loan

  $18,490    $18,490  

 

$

13,330

 

 

$

13,330

 

 

$

18,490

 

 

$

18,490

 

  As of December 31, 2012 
      (Level 3) 
      Estimated Fair 
  Carrying value   Value 

Liabilities (debt):

    

Surplus note

  $20,221    $18,057  

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 issuer.holder. The State Board of Administration of Florida (“SBA”)SBA is the issuerholder of the surplus note and the quoted interest rate is below prevailing rates quoted by private lending institutions. However, as the Company’s use of funds from the surplus note is limited by the terms of the agreement, the Company has determined the interest rate quoted by the SBA to be appropriate for purposes of establishing the fair value of the note.

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The fair value of the Term Loan 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 for similar instruments.

NOTE 17 – QUARTERLY RESULTS FOR 20132014 AND 20122013 (UNAUDITED)

The following table provides a summary of quarterly results for the periods presented (in thousands except per share data):

 

 

First

 

 

Second

 

 

Third

 

 

Fourth

 

  First Second Third   Fourth 

 

Quarter

 

 

Quarter

 

 

Quarter

 

 

Quarter

 

  Quarter Quarter Quarter   Quarter 

For the year ended December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

 

$

63,807

 

 

$

73,362

 

 

$

94,288

 

 

$

95,420

 

Investment income

 

 

518

 

 

 

412

 

 

 

644

 

 

 

801

 

Total revenues

 

 

74,305

 

 

 

86,989

 

 

 

103,500

 

 

 

104,482

 

Total expenses

 

 

51,188

 

 

 

56,580

 

 

 

66,348

 

 

 

67,556

 

Net income

 

 

13,549

 

 

 

17,126

 

 

 

21,341

 

 

 

20,972

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.41

 

 

$

0.50

 

 

$

0.64

 

 

$

0.63

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.38

 

 

$

0.49

 

 

$

0.61

 

 

$

0.59

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

  $65,409   $66,867   $68,927    $66,452  

 

$

65,409

 

 

$

66,867

 

 

$

68,927

 

 

$

66,452

 

Investment income

   12   137   382     1,397  

 

 

12

 

 

 

137

 

 

 

382

 

 

 

1,397

 

Total revenues

   67,455   77,756   78,368     77,580  

 

 

67,455

 

 

 

77,756

 

 

 

78,368

 

 

 

77,580

 

Total expenses

   47,693   48,068   53,255     51,587  

 

 

47,693

 

 

 

48,068

 

 

 

53,255

 

 

 

51,587

 

Net income

   11,959   17,029   14,407     15,582  

 

 

11,959

 

 

 

17,029

 

 

 

14,407

 

 

 

15,582

 

Basic earnings per share

   0.30   0.47   0.43     0.46  

 

$

0.30

 

 

$

0.47

 

 

$

0.43

 

 

$

0.46

 

Diluted earnings per share

   0.29   0.44   0.40     0.44  

 

$

0.29

 

 

$

0.44

 

 

$

0.40

 

 

$

0.44

 

For the year ended December 31, 2012

      

Net premiums earned

  $48,640   $55,694   $59,512    $67,274  

Investment income

   (36 (16 215     278  

Total revenues

   60,247   59,928   74,537     75,227  

Total expenses

   44,018   46,936   60,563     65,863  

Net income

   9,873   7,777   8,256     4,406  

Basic earnings per share

   0.24   0.20   0.21     0.11  

Diluted earnings per share

   0.24   0.19   0.20     0.11  

The improvement in the fourth quarter results for 20132014 compared to 2012 is attributable to2013 includes an increase in revenues of $2.4$26.9 million and a decreaseoffset by an increase in operating expenses of $14.3$16.0 million. The increaseprimary driver behind these increases was the reduction of the quota-share cession rate from 45% to 30% in revenues is comprised mostlyJune of 2014. The Company has also benefited from an increase in net investment income of $1.1 million from dividends received on the Company’s equity investments and a non-repeating net unrealized loss of $2.0 million recordedoverall decrease in the fourth quartercost of 2012, for investments held incertain reinsurance and operational initiatives to expedite the trading portfolio which was liquidated insettlement of claims.  These initiatives have reduced both the first quarterseverity of 2013. The decrease in operating expenses is comprised of a reduction inclaims as well as the time to settle them, thereby reducing losses and loss adjustment expenses as a percent of $5.7 million and a reduction in general and administrative expenses of $8.6 million. The reduction in general and administrative expenses reflects the recovery of a portion of FIGA assessments during the fourth quarter of 2013 that were charged in full to earnings in the fourth quarter of 2012. The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2013 was 40.0% compared to 52.9% in the fourth quarter of 2012. The effect of non-deductible expenses in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to 2013 was more pronounced given the lower amount of income before taxes for 2012 compared to 2013. Diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2013 includes a benefit of $0.08 resulting from repurchases of the Company’s shares during 2013 from the Company’s former CEO.earned premium.

NOTE 18 – 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 consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2013 except for the following.2014.

On January 2, 2014, the Company repurchased an additional 675,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from Bradley I. Meier, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, at approximately $11.11 per share, in a privately negotiated transaction. As previously described, the Company has a right of first refusal to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock offered for sale by Mr. Meier through December 31, 2014. See Note 11 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. The repurchase price represents a discount of approximately 23 percent from the December 31, 2013 closing price of the Company’s common stock. The Company funded the share repurchase using cash on hand.

On January 30, 2014,13, 2015, the Company declared a dividend of $0.10$0.12 per share on its outstanding common stock payable on March 3, 2014,2, 2015, to shareholders of record on February 19, 2014.18, 2015.

On February 24,19, 2015, the company entered into an amended agreement with Ananke to delete, in its entirety effective December 2, 2014, the S&P Dow Jones Indices announced thatprovision giving rise to the Company will join S&P SmallCap 600 Index afterredemption feature described in Note 8.  See Note 8 for the closepro-forma effects of trading on February 28, 2014.the amendment under the heading PRO-FORMA INFORMATION CONCERNING STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY.

 


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ITEMITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

NONE

 

ITEMITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2013.2014.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013.2014. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in 1992 Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)(“COSO”) in the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment under the framework in 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework, management believesconcluded that as of December 31, 2013, the Company’sour internal control over financial reporting iswas effective based on those criteria.as of December 31, 2014.

Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20132014 has been audited by Plante & Moran, PLLC, the independent registered public accounting firm who also audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The auditor’s attestation report on management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is presented above at “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 20132014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEMITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

NONE

PART III

 

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part iii

ITEMITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the Company. The code is publicly available at the Company’s headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and also on the Company’s website at www.universalinsuranceholdings.com. A copy of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics may be obtained free of charge by written request to Frank C. Wilcox, CFO, Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc., 1110 West Commercial Boulevard, Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.

For information regarding our Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance, reference is made to our definitive proxy statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 20132014 and which is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEMITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

For information regarding Executive Compensation, reference is made to our definitive proxy statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 20132014 and which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEMITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

For information regarding Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters, reference is made to our definitive proxy statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 20132014 and which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEMITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

For information regarding Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence, reference is made to our definitive proxy statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 20132014 and which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEMITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

For information regarding Principal Accountant Fees and Services, reference is made to our definitive proxy statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 20132014 and which is incorporated herein by reference.

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Table of Contents

PART IV

 

ITEMITEM 15.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(1)

Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and the report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon filed with this report:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Plante & Moran, PLLC).

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Blackman Kallick, LLP)Firm.

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20132014 and 2012.2013.

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years endedYears Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011.2012.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years endedYears Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011.2012.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years endedYears Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011.2012.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)

Financial Statement Schedules

The following additional financial statement schedules are furnished herewith pursuant to the requirements of Form 10-K.

 

Page

Schedules required to be filed under the provisions of Regulation S-X Article 7:

Schedule II Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

88

96

Schedule V Valuation Allowances and Qualifying Accounts

92

100

Schedule VI Supplementary Information Concerning Consolidated Property-Casualty Insurance Operations

93

101

ReportsReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

94

102

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or in notes thereto.

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Table of Contents

(3)

EXHIBITS

Exhibits

3.1

    3.1

Registrant’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (9)

3.2

    3.2

Registrant’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (3)

3.3

    3.3

Certificate of Designation for Series A Convertible Preferred Stock dated October 11, 1994 (2)

3.4

    3.4

Certificate of Designations, Preferences, and Rights of Series M Convertible Preferred Stock dated August 13, 1997 (1)

3.5

    3.5

Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated October 19, 1998 (2)

3.6

    3.6

Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated December 18, 2000 (2)

3.7

    3.7

Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Designations of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock dated October 29, 2001 (2)

3.8

    3.8

Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated December 7, 2005 (6)

3.9

    3.9

Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated May 18, 2007 (6)

4.1

    4.1

Form of Common Stock Certificate (9)

10.1

  10.1

The Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan (10)*

10.2

  10.2

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, dated February 4, 2010, by and between the Company and Sean P. Downes (7)*

10.3

  10.3

Director Services Agreement, dated July 12, 2007, by and between the Company and Ozzie A. Schindler (4)*

10.4

  10.4

Director Services Agreement, dated July 12, 2007, by and between the Company and Joel M. Wilentz (4)*

10.5

  10.5

Director Services Agreement, dated July 12, 2007, by and between the Company and Reed J. Slogoff (4)*

10.6

  10.6

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Award, dated March 28, 2011, by and between the Company and Sean P. Downes (8)*

10.7

  10.7

Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated August 27, 2012, by and between the Company and Sean P. Downes (11)*

10.8

  10.8

Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement by and between the Company and Sean P. Downes (11)*

10.9

  10.9

Form of Indemnification Agreement (12)*

10.10

  10.10

Founder and Adviser Agreement, dated February 6, 2013, by and between the Company and Bradley I. Meier (13)*

10.11

  10.11

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated February 22, 2013, by and between the Company and Sean P. Downes (14)*

10.12

  10.12

Employment Agreement, dated February 22, 2013, by and between the Company and Jon W. Springer (14)*

10.13

  10.13

Employment Agreement, dated February 22, 2013, by and between the Company and Norman M. Meier (14)*

10.14

  10.14

Employment Agreement, dated March 21, 2013, by and between the Company and Stephen J. Donaghy (15)*

10.15

  10.15

Employment Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2013, by and between Frank Wilcox and the Company (22)*

10.16

  10.16

Director Services Agreement, dated June 6, 2013, by and between the Company and Scott P. Callahan (19)*

10.17

  10.17

Director Services Agreement, dated June 6, 2013, by and between the Company and Darryl L. Lewis (19)*

10.18

  10.18

Amendment to Second Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan (20)*

10.19

  10.19

Management Agreements by and between Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Universal P&C Management, Inc. dated as of June 2, 1997 (1)

10.20

  10.20

Florida Insurance Capital Build-Up Incentive Program Surplus Note (“Surplus Note”) between the Company and Thethe State Board of Administration of Florida (“SBA”) (5)

10.21

  10.21

Addendum No. 1 to the Surplus Note between the Company and the SBA (5)

10.22

  10.22

Multiple Line Quota Share Reinsurance Contract between the Company and Everest Reinsurance Company (5)

10.23

  10.23

Independent Adjusting Firm Agreement between the Company and Downes and Associates (5)

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Table of Contents

10.24

  10.24

Revolving Loan Agreement, dated March 29, 2013, by and between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (16)

10.25

  10.25

Revolving Note, dated March 29, 2013, by the Company in favor of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, in the original principal amount of $10,000,000 (16)

10.26

  10.26

Repurchase Agreement, dated April 1, 2013, by and between the Company and Bradley I. Meier (17)

10.27

    10.27

Term Loan Agreement, dated May 23, 2013, by and between the Company and RenaissanceRe Ventures Ltd. (18)

10.28

  10.28

Term Note, dated May 23, 2013, by the Company in favor of RenaissanceRe Ventures Ltd., in the original principal amount of $20,000,000 (18)

10.29

  10.29

Sharing Agreement, dated May 23, 2013, by and between RenaissanceRe Ventures Ltd. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and acknowledged by the Company and the guarantors party thereto (18)

10.30

  10.30

First Amendment and Consent to Revolving Loan Agreement, dated May 23, 2013, by and between Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and the Company (18)

10.31

  10.31

Office Lease, dated July 12, 2013, by and between Commercial Station LLC and Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (21)

10.32

  10.32

Agreement of Purchase and Sale, dated July 12, 2013, by and between Commercial Station LLC and Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (21)

10.33

  10.33

Consulting Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2013, by and between George De Heer and the Company (22)

10.34

    21

Repurchase Agreement, dated January 2, 2014, by and between the Company and Bradley I. Meier (23)

10.35

Repurchase Agreement, dated March 25, 2014, by and between the Company and Bradley I. Meier (24)

10.36

Director Services Agreement, dated June 5, 2014, by and between the Company and Ralph J. Palmieri (25)*

10.37

Director Services Agreement, dated June 5, 2014, by and between the Company and Richard D. Peterson (25)*

10.38

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated December 15, 2014, between Jon W. Springer and the Company (26)*

10.39

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated December 15, 2014, between Stephen J. Donaghy and the Company (26)*

21

List of Subsidiaries

23.1

  23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Plante & Moran, PLLC)

31.1

  31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

  31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32

  32

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101. INS

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

101. SCH

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101. CAL

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101. DEF

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101. LAB

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101. PRE

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

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*

These Exhibit Numbers 10.1-10.19 are management contracts or compensatory plans required to be filed as Exhibits to thisForm 10-K.

(1)

(1)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended April 30, 1997 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 1997, as amended.

(2)

(2)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 9, 2003.

(3)

(3)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 11, 2007.

(4)

(4)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2007.

(5)

(5)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2009.

(6)

(6)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-163564) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 8, 2009.

(7)

(7)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 2010.

(8)

(8)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, file with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2011.

(9)

(9)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC on March 26, 2012.

(10)

(10)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, file with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 14, 2012.

(11)

(11)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, file with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2012.

(12)

(12)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, file with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15, 2012.

(13)

(13)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 7, 2013.

(14)

(14)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 2013.

(15)

(15)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21, 2013.

(16)

(16)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 4, 2013.

(17)

(17)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2013.

(18)

(18)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 24, 2013.

(19)

(19)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 6, 2013.

(20)

(20)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-189122) deemed effective on June 6, 2013.

(21)

(21)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 18, 2013.

(22)

(22)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 5, 2013.

(23)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 6, 2014.

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(24)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2014.

(25)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 6, 2014.

(26)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2014.

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SIGNATURES

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

 

Dated: February 25, 2015

Dated: March 3, 2014

By:

/s/ Sean P. Downes

Sean P. Downes, President, and Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer

By:

/s/ Frank C. Wilcox

Frank C. Wilcox, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer

In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

/s/ Sean P. Downes

Sean P. Downes

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal

March 3, 2014

February 25, 2015

Sean P. Downes

Executive Officer)

/s/ Jon W. Springer

Jon W. Springer

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Director

March 3, 2014

February 25, 2015

Jon W. Springer

/s/ Frank C. Wilcox

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and

February 25, 2015

Frank C. Wilcox

Chief Financial Officer

Principal Accounting Officer)

March 3, 2014

/s/ Scott P. Callahan

Director

February 25, 2015

Scott P. Callahan

Director

March 3, 2014

/s/ Darryl L. Lewis

Director

February 25, 2015

Darryl L. Lewis

Director

March 3, 2014

/s/ Ralph J. Palmieri

Director

February 25, 2015

Ralph J. Palmieri

/s/ Richard D. Peterson 

Director

February 25, 2015

Richard D. Peterson

/s/ Michael A. Pietrangelo

Director

February 25, 2015

Michael A. Pietrangelo

Director

March 3, 2014

/s/ Ozzie A. Schindler

Director

February 25, 2015

Ozzie A. Schindler

Director

March 3, 2014

/s/ Reed J. Slogoff

Reed J. Slogoff

Director

March 3, 2014

/s/ Joel M. Wilentz

Director

February 25, 2015

Joel M. Wilentz

Director

March 3, 2014

95


Table of Contents

SCHEDULE II – CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. had no long term obligations, guarantees or material contingencies as of December 31, 20132014 and 2012.2013. The following summarizes the major categories of the parent company’s financial statements (in thousands, except per share data):

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

  As of December 31, 

 

As of December 31,

 

  2013 2012 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

ASSETS   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $4,878   $17,733  

 

$

14,890

 

 

$

4,878

 

Investments in subsidiaries and undistributed earnings

   174,068   121,496  

 

 

216,656

 

 

 

174,068

 

Equity securities (available for sale), at fair value

   10,474    —    

Equity securities (trading), at fair value

   —     13,944  

Fixed matuties (available for sale), at fair value

   750    —    

Receivable from securities

   —     175  

Equity securities, at fair value

 

 

627

 

 

 

10,474

 

Fixed maturities, at fair value

 

 

2,967

 

 

 

750

 

Other receivables

   244   8  

 

 

 

 

 

244

 

Income taxes recoverable

   8,152   2,594  

 

 

5,675

 

 

 

8,152

 

Deferred income taxes

   12,052   19,178  

 

 

11,850

 

 

 

12,052

 

Other assets

   346   329  

 

 

1,040

 

 

 

346

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total assets

  $210,964   $175,457  

 

$

253,705

 

 

$

210,964

 

  

 

  

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   

LIABILITIES, CONTINGENTLY REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

  $146   $339  

 

$

169

 

 

$

146

 

Payable for securities purchased

   —      53  

Income taxes payable

   2,566    699  

 

 

1,799

 

 

 

2,566

 

Long-term debt

   18,490    —    

 

 

13,330

 

 

 

18,490

 

Other accrued expenses

   14,153    10,852  

 

 

19,491

 

 

 

14,153

 

Total liabilities

 

 

34,789

 

 

 

35,355

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   35,355    11,943  

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

   

Contingently redeemable common stock

 

 

19,000

 

 

 

 

Issued shares - 1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares - 1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value

   —      1  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized shares—1,000

   

Issued shares—30 and 108

   

Outstanding shares—30 and 108

   

Minimum liquidation preference—$6.98 and $2.66 per share

   

Authorized shares - 1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued shares - 12 and 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares - 12 and 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum liquidation preference - $8.49 and $6.98 per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value

   436    419  

 

 

448

 

 

 

436

 

Authorized shares—55,000

   

Issued shares—43,641 and 41,889

   

Outstanding shares—35,366 and 40,871

   

Treasury shares, at cost—8,275 and 1,018

   (35,467  (3,101

Authorized shares - 55,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued shares - 43,769 and 43,641

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding shares - 34,102 and 35,366

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury shares, at cost - 9,667 and 8,275

 

 

(62,153

)

 

 

(35,467

)

Additional paid-in capital

   42,282    38,684  

 

 

40,987

 

 

 

42,282

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes

   (376  —    

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

 

 

(1,835

)

 

 

(376

)

Retained earnings

   168,734    127,511  

 

 

222,469

 

 

 

168,734

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

   175,609    163,514  
  

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $210,964   $175,457  
  

 

  

 

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

199,916

 

 

 

175,609

 

Total liabilities, contingently redeemable common stock

and stockholders' equity

 

$

253,705

 

 

$

210,964

 

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements

96


Table of Contents

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

  For the Years Ended December 31, 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

  2013 2012 2011 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

PREMIUMS EARNED AND OTHER REVENUES

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed premiums written

  $—     $10,686   $20,703  

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

10,686

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Premiums earned

   —      10,686    20,703  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,686

 

Net investment income

   207    25    54  

Net investment income (expense)

 

 

(23

)

 

 

207

 

 

 

25

 

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

   (2,947  (1,880  (1,186

 

 

625

 

 

 

(2,947

)

 

 

(1,880

)

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

   1,625    1,162    (3,009

 

 

 

 

 

1,625

 

 

 

1,162

 

Management fee

   134    142    142  

 

 

121

 

 

 

134

 

 

 

142

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total premiums earned and other revenues

   (981  10,135    16,704  

 

 

723

 

 

 

(981

)

 

 

10,135

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative expenses

   32,476    25,051    20,830  

 

 

39,062

 

 

 

32,476

 

 

 

25,051

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operating cost and expenses

   32,476    25,051    20,830  

 

 

39,062

 

 

 

32,476

 

 

 

25,051

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN NET EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES

   (33,457  (14,916  (4,126

 

 

(38,339

)

 

 

(33,457

)

 

 

(14,916

)

Benefit from income taxes

   (13,834  (6,312  (1,667

 

 

(16,403

)

 

 

(13,834

)

 

 

(6,312

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

LOSS BEFORE EQUITY IN NET EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES

   (19,623  (8,604  (2,459

 

 

(21,936

)

 

 

(19,623

)

 

 

(8,604

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Equity in net income of subsidiaries

   78,600    38,916    22,568  

 

 

94,924

 

 

 

78,600

 

 

 

38,916

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME

  $58,977   $30,312   $20,109  

 

$

72,988

 

 

$

58,977

 

 

$

30,312

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements

97


Table of Contents

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

  For the Years Ended December 31, 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

  2013 2012 2011 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Cash flows from operating activities

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

  $58,977   $30,312   $20,109  

 

$

72,988

 

 

$

58,977

 

 

$

30,312

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in net income of subsidiaries

   (78,600 (38,916 (22,568

 

 

(94,924

)

 

 

(78,600

)

 

 

(38,916

)

Amortization of stock-based compensation

   6,417   3,830   2,848  

Distribution of income from subsidiaries

 

 

55,805

 

 

 

26,898

 

 

 

40,222

 

Depreciation

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of share-based compensation

 

 

12,342

 

 

 

6,417

 

 

 

3,830

 

Amortization of original issue discount on debt

 

 

840

 

 

 

601

 

 

 

 

Accretion of deferred credit

 

 

(840

)

 

 

(601

)

 

 

 

Net realized (gains) losses on investments

   2,947   1,880   1,186  

 

 

(625

)

 

 

2,947

 

 

 

1,880

 

Net change in unrealized (gains) losses on investments

   (1,625 (1,162 3,009  

 

 

 

 

 

(1,625

)

 

 

(1,162

)

Deferred income taxes

   7,363   3,813   (9,543

 

 

1,118

 

 

 

7,363

 

 

 

3,813

 

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

   (359 1,760   (195

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 

 

(7,006

)

 

 

(359

)

 

 

1,760

 

Other

   —      —     5  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net changes in assets and liabilities relating to operating activities:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   —     30,220   (18,880

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,220

 

Purchases of equity securities, trading

   (3,972 (58,836 (77,691

 

 

 

 

 

(3,972

)

 

 

(58,836

)

Proceeds from sale of equity securities, trading

   16,712   60,379   66,526  

 

 

 

 

 

16,712

 

 

 

60,379

 

Income taxes recoverable

   (5,558 (2,594  —    

 

 

2,477

 

 

 

(5,558

)

 

 

(2,594

)

Income taxes payable

   2,226   (13,801 4,653  

 

 

6,239

 

 

 

2,226

 

 

 

(13,801

)

Other operating assets and liabilities

   1,347   2,911   1,405  

 

 

5,752

 

 

 

1,347

 

 

 

2,911

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   5,875    19,796    (29,136

 

 

54,168

 

 

 

32,773

 

 

 

60,018

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital contributions to subsidiaries

   (1,600  (28,555  (49,001

 

 

(5,585

)

 

 

(1,600

)

 

 

(28,555

)

Distribution of income from subsidiaries

   26,898    40,222    89,322  

Purchases of equity securities, available for sale

   (10,357  —      —    

 

 

(15,836

)

 

 

(10,357

)

 

 

 

Purchase of fixed maturities, available for sale

   (750  —      —    

 

 

(3,000

)

 

 

(750

)

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Proceeds from sales of equity securities, available for sale

 

 

26,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities, available for sale

 

 

770

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   14,191    11,667    40,321  

 

 

2,409

 

 

 

(12,707

)

 

 

(28,555

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from borrowings

   20,000    —      —    

 

 

 

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

 

Repayment of debt

 

 

(6,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividend

   (29  (287  (20

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(29

)

 

 

(287

)

Common stock dividend

   (17,725  (18,669  (12,750

 

 

(19,240

)

 

 

(17,725

)

 

 

(18,669

)

Issuance of common stock

   —      207    5  

 

 

73

 

 

 

 

 

 

207

 

Purchase of treasury stock

   (32,365  —      —    

 

 

(29,736

)

 

 

(32,365

)

 

 

 

Proceeds received from issuance of common and contingently redeemable common stock

 

 

19,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

   (3,161  (121  (172

 

 

(17,655

)

 

 

(3,161

)

 

 

(121

)

Excess tax benefits (shortfall) from stock-based compensation

   359    (1,760  195  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Excess tax benefits (shortfall) from share-based compensation

 

 

7,006

 

 

 

359

 

 

 

(1,760

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   (32,921  (20,630  (12,742

 

 

(46,565

)

 

 

(32,921

)

 

 

(20,630

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   (12,855  10,833    (1,557

 

 

10,012

 

 

 

(12,855

)

 

 

10,833

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   17,733    6,900    8,457  

 

 

4,878

 

 

 

17,733

 

 

 

6,900

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $4,878   $17,733   $6,900  

 

$

14,890

 

 

$

4,878

 

 

$

17,733

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements

98


Table of Contents

NOTE 1 – GENERAL

The financial statements of the Registrant should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in Item“Item 8.

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), is a Delaware corporation originally incorporated as Universal Heights, Inc. in November 1990. The Company is an insurance holding company whose wholly-owned subsidiaries perform all aspects of insurance underwriting, distribution and claims. Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company and American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company, collectively referred to as the (“Insurance“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 generates revenues from premiums earned on reinsurance contracts entered into with the Insurance Entities and earnings on investments. The Company also receives distributions of earnings from its insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries.

Certain amounts in the prior periods’ condensed financial statements have been reclassified in order to conform to current period presentation. Such reclassifications were of immaterial amounts and had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity.

NOTE 2 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On February 19, 2015, the Company amended its agreement dated December 2, 2014 with a third party to issue shares of its common stock from treasury.  The amendment deletes, in its entirety effective December 2, 2014, the provision giving rise to a redemption feature that resulted in mezzanine equity presentation on the Company’s Condensed Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014.  The shares have been reclassified to permanent equity as of February 20, 2014. No consideration was exchanged with the amendment since both parties agreed that, given the remote possibility of the redemption feature to occur, the value of the redemption feature was de-minimis.

99


Table of Contents

SCHEDULE V – VALUATION ALLOWANCES AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

The following table summarizes activity in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charges to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning

 

 

Charges to

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending

 

      Additions         

 

Balance

 

 

Earnings

 

 

Accounts

 

 

Deductions

 

 

Balance

 

Description

  Beginning
Balance
   Charges to
Earnings
   Charges
to Other
Accounts
   Deductions   Ending
Balance
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

446

 

 

 

431

 

 

 

 

 

 

520

 

 

$

357

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013:

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $530     428     —       512    $446  

 

$

530

 

 

 

428

 

 

 

 

 

 

512

 

 

$

446

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012:

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $715     319     —       504    $530  

 

$

715

 

 

 

319

 

 

 

 

 

 

504

 

 

$

530

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011:

          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $111     650     —       46    $715  

100


Table of Contents

SCHEDULE VI – SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING CONSOLIDATED PROPERTY

AND CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS

The following table provides certain information related to the Company’s property and casualty operations as of, and for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

 

As of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  As of
December 31,
   For the Year Ended December 31, 

 

December 31,

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

  Reserves for
Unpaid
Losses and
LAE
   Incurred Loss
and LAE
current year
 Incurred
Loss and
LAE prior
years
 Paid
Losses and
LAE
   Net
Investment
Income
 

 

Reserves

 

 

Incurred

 

 

Incurred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

  $159,222    $111,560   ($2,945 $129,803    $1,928  

2012

  $193,241    $119,458   $6,729   $113,574    $441  

2011

  $187,215    $112,838   $11,471   $104,910    $788  

 

for Unpaid

 

 

Loss and

 

 

Loss and

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net

 

  As of
December 31,
   For the Year Ended December 31,   As of
December 31,
 

 

Losses and

 

 

LAE Current

 

 

LAE Prior

 

 

Paid Losses

 

 

Investment

 

  Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Cost (DAC)
   Amortization
of DAC
 Net
Premiums
Written
 Net
Premiums
Earned
   Unearned
Premiums
 

 

LAE

 

 

Year

 

 

Years

 

 

and LAE

 

 

Income

 

2014

 

$

134,353

 

 

$

124,011

 

 

$

(736

)

 

$

126,910

 

 

$

2,375

 

2013

  $15,899    ($21,685 $261,778   $267,655    $383,488  

 

$

159,222

 

 

$

111,560

 

 

$

(2,945

)

 

$

129,803

 

 

$

1,928

 

2012

  $17,282    ($16,190 $262,524   $231,120    $388,071  

 

$

193,241

 

 

$

119,458

 

 

$

6,729

 

 

$

113,574

 

 

$

441

 

2011

  $12,996    ($21,477 $208,483   $198,985    $359,842  

 

 

As of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

Deferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net

 

 

Net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition

 

 

Amortization

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Premiums

 

 

Unearned

 

 

 

Cost ("DPAC")

 

 

of DPAC

 

 

Written

 

 

Earned

 

 

Premiums

 

2014

 

$

25,660

 

 

$

(33,501

)

 

$

389,847

 

 

$

326,877

 

 

$

395,748

 

2013

 

$

15,899

 

 

$

(21,685

)

 

$

261,778

 

 

$

267,655

 

 

$

383,488

 

2012

 

$

17,282

 

 

$

(16,190

)

 

$

262,524

 

 

$

231,120

 

 

$

388,071

 

101


Table of Contents

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 audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet ofUniversal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”"Company") as of December 31, 20132014 and 2012,2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the two-yearthree-year period ended December 31, 2013,2014, and the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013,2014, based on criteria established in the 19922013Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO); such consolidated financial statements and report are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference.  Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedules of the Company listed in the accompanying index at Item 15.  These consolidated financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits.  In our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.therein.  

/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC

Chicago, Illinois

March 3, 2014

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows ofUniversal Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) for year ended December 31, 2011; such consolidated financial statements and report are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference. Our audit also included the consolidated financial statement schedules of the Company listed in the accompanying index at Item 15. These consolidated financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audit. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ Blackman Kallick, LLP

Chicago, Illinois

March 23, 2012

February 25, 2015

 

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