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8-K - PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS LTDfirstquarter2011_8k.htm
EX-99.2 - PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS LTDfinancialsupplementq1_2011.htm
 
Exhibit 99.1

Contact:
Lily Outerbridge
 
Investor Relations
 
(441) 298-0760
 
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. REPORTS
FIRST QUARTER 2011 FINANCIAL RESULTS

HAMILTON, BERMUDA, April 19, 2011 – Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: PTP) today reported a net loss of $157.2 million and a loss per common share of $4.20 for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

The results for the quarter include net premiums earned of $182.9 million, net favorable development of $33.1 million, net investment income and net realized gains on investments of $32.8 million and catastrophe losses of $248.1 million, net of retrocession and reinstatement premiums.  Net catastrophe losses include $136.9 million relating to New Zealand’s 2011 earthquake, $86.6 million relating to Japan’s Tohoku earthquake and $24.6 million relating to Australia’s 2011 floods and Cyclone Yasi.

Michael D. Price, Platinum’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “There were numerous natural catastrophes in the first quarter of 2011 that gave rise to significant insured losses.  Our book value per common share was $44.68 as of March 31, 2011, a decrease of 11.0% from December 31, 2010, reflecting strong non-catastrophe performance, the negative impact of catastrophe losses and the repurchase of options on the Company’s common shares.”

Mr. Price added, “Due to the accumulation of international catastrophe losses in the past 15 months in combination with changes to vendors’ catastrophe models, we generally expect property catastrophe reinsurance rates to improve for the balance of the year and the upcoming renewal period will allow us to benefit from a rising rate environment.  While it has been a challenging start to 2011, we are well positioned to take advantage of quality reinsurance underwriting opportunities as they may arise.”

Results for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 are summarized as follows:

·  
Net loss was $157.2 million and the loss per common share was $4.20.

·  
Net premiums written were $194.8 million and net premiums earned were $182.9 million.

·  
GAAP combined ratio was 200.4%.

·  
Net investment income was $32.4 million.

·  
Net realized gains on investments were $0.4 million.

Results for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 as compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2010 are summarized as follows:

·  
Net income decreased $172.6 million.

·  
Net premiums written decreased $52.6 million (or 21.3%) and net premiums earned decreased $37.3 million (or 16.9%).

·  
GAAP combined ratio increased 101.7 percentage points.

·  
Net investment income decreased $5.1 million (or 13.7%).

·  
Net realized gains on investments decreased $5.1 million.

Net premiums written for Platinum’s Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk segments for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 were $111.8 million, $80.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively, representing 57.4%, 41.3% and 1.3%, respectively, of total net premiums written. Combined ratios for these segments were 305.7%, 78.6% and 87.7%, respectively. Compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2010, net premiums written decreased $35.0 million (or 23.8%), $13.2 million (or 14.1%) and $4.4 million (or 64.2%) in the Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk segments, respectively.
 
 
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Total assets were $4.62 billion as of March 31, 2011, an increase of $2.5 million (or 0.1%) from $4.61 billion as of December 31, 2010. Fixed maturity investments and cash and cash equivalents were $4.14 billion as of March 31, 2011, a decrease of $72.2 million (or 1.7%) from $4.21 billion as of December 31, 2010.

Shareholders’ equity was $1.67 billion as of March 31, 2011, a decrease of $230.3 million (or 12.1%) from $1.90 billion as of December 31, 2010.  Book value per common share was $44.68 as of March 31, 2011 based on 37.3 million common shares outstanding, a decrease of $5.52 (or 11.0%) from $50.20 as of December 31, 2010 based on 37.8 million common shares outstanding.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, the Company repurchased 762,000 common shares for approximately $33.9 million at a weighted average cost, including commissions, of $44.50 per share.  The Company also purchased 2,500,000 options held by RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. for $47.9 million on January 20, 2011.

Financial Supplement
Platinum has posted a financial supplement on the Financial Reports page of the Investor Relations section of its website (Financial Supplement).  The Financial Supplement provides additional detail regarding the financial performance of Platinum and its business segments.

Teleconference
Platinum will host a teleconference to discuss its financial results on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time.  The call can be accessed by dialing 888-240-9314 (US callers) or 913-312-1495 (international callers), or in a listen-only mode via the Investor Relations section of Platinum’s website at www.platinumre.com.  Those who intend to participate in the teleconference should register at least ten minutes in advance to ensure access to the call.
 
The teleconference will be recorded and a replay will be available from 11:00 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 until midnight Eastern time on Wednesday, April 27, 2011.  To access the replay by telephone, dial 888-203-1112 (US callers) or 719-457-0820 (international callers) and specify passcode 6035070. The teleconference will also be archived on the Investor Relations section of Platinum’s website at www.platinumre.com for the same period of time.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In presenting the Company's results, management has included and discussed certain financial measures that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). Such measures, including segment underwriting income (or loss), related underwriting ratios and book value per common share, are referred to as non-GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. Management believes these measures, which are used to monitor the results of operations, allow for a more complete understanding of the underlying business. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of such measures to the most comparable GAAP figures such as income before income tax expense and total shareholders’ equity is presented in the attached financial information in accordance with Regulation G.

About Platinum
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: PTP) is a leading provider of property, casualty and finite risk reinsurance coverages, through reinsurance intermediaries, to a diverse clientele on a worldwide basis.  Platinum operates through its principal subsidiaries in Bermuda and the United States.  For further information, please visit Platinum’s website at www.platinumre.com.

Safe Harbor Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Forward-looking statements are based on our current plans or expectations that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.  These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us.  In particular, statements using words such as “may,” “should,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential,” or words of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements.  The inclusion of forward-looking statements in this press release should not be considered as a representation by us or any other person that our current plans or expectations will be achieved.  Numerous factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, severe natural or man-made catastrophic events, the effectiveness of our loss limitation methods and pricing models, the adequacy of our liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, our ability to maintain our A.M. Best Company, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s ratings, our ability to raise capital on acceptable terms if necessary, the cyclicality of the property and casualty reinsurance business, the highly competitive nature of the property and casualty reinsurance industry, our ability to maintain our business relationships with reinsurance brokers, the availability of retrocessional reinsurance on acceptable terms, market volatility and interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuation, tax, regulatory or legal restrictions or limitations applicable to us or the property and casualty reinsurance business generally, general political and economic conditions, including the effects of civil unrest, acts of terrorism, war or a prolonged United States or global economic downturn or recession; and changes in our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations or intentions, which may happen at any time at our discretion. As a consequence, our future financial condition and results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us. The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Additionally, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to revise or update forward-looking statements to reflect new information or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of future events.  For a detailed discussion of our risk factors, refer to Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
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Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010
($ in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Assets
           
Investments
  $ 2,978,381     $ 3,047,973  
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
    1,161,884       1,164,525  
Accrued investment income
    33,855       31,288  
Reinsurance premiums receivable
    208,959       162,682  
Reinsurance balances (prepaid and recoverable)
    49,992       18,434  
Funds held by ceding companies
    76,914       84,078  
Deferred acquisition costs
    36,417       36,584  
Other assets
    70,372       68,749  
Total assets
  $ 4,616,774     $ 4,614,313  
                 
Liabilities
               
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 2,428,477     $ 2,217,378  
Unearned premiums
    167,516       154,975  
Debt obligations
    250,000       250,000  
Commissions payable
    64,816       59,388  
Other liabilities
    40,792       37,117  
Total liabilities
  2,951,601     2,718,858  
                 
Shareholders' Equity
               
Common shares
  373     377  
Additional paid-in capital
    371,493       453,619  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (12,484 )     (24,488 )
Retained earnings
    1,305,791       1,465,947  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,665,173     1,895,455  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 4,616,774     $ 4,614,313  
                 
                 
Book value per common share (a)
  $ 44.68     $ 50.20  
 
(a) Book value per common share is determined by dividing shareholders' equity by actual common shares outstanding of  37,269,612 shares.
 
 
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Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
($ and amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Revenue
           
Net premiums earned
  $ 182,881     $ 220,178  
Net investment income
    32,378       37,505  
Net realized gains on investments
    407       5,457  
Net impairment losses on investments
    (1,507 )     (18,102 )
Other income
    1,096       273  
Total revenue
    215,255       245,311  
                 
Expenses
               
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    319,595       164,568  
Net acquisition expenses
    33,950       37,329  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
    (3,726 )     2,315  
Operating expenses
    17,151       21,741  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    189       (1,229 )
Interest expense
    4,766       4,760  
Total expenses
    371,925       229,484  
                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (156,670 )     15,827  
Income tax expense
    522       406  
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (157,192 )   $ 15,421  
                 
Basic
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    37,199       45,431  
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (4.20 )   $ 0.34  
                 
Diluted
               
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding
    38,022       48,494  
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (4.20 )   $ 0.32  
                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
               
Net income (loss)
  $ (157,192 )   $ 15,421  
Other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes
    12,004       47,872  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (145,188 )   $ 63,293  
 
 
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Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
Segment Reporting (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
($ in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
                       
    Property and Marine    
Casualty
    Finite Risk    
Total
 
                         
Net premiums written
  $ 111,802     $ 80,519     $ 2,464     $ 194,785  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    97,905       80,824       4,152       182,881  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    278,330       39,619       1,646       319,595  
Net acquisition expenses
    13,626       18,563       1,761       33,950  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,321       5,332       235       12,888  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (201,372 )   $ 17,310     $ 510       (183,552 )
                                 
Net investment income
                            32,378  
Net realized gains on investments
                            407  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (1,507 )
Other income
                            1,096  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                            3,726  
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                      (4,263 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                      (189 )
Interest expense
                            (4,766 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
                          $ (156,670 )
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    284.3 %     49.0 %     39.6 %     174.8 %
Net acquisition expense
    13.9 %     23.0 %     42.4 %     18.6 %
Other underwriting expense
    7.5 %     6.6 %     5.7 %     7.0 %
Combined
    305.7 %     78.6 %     87.7 %     200.4 %
                                 
                                 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
                               
    Property and Marine    
Casualty
    Finite Risk    
Total
 
                                 
Net premiums written
  $ 146,785     $ 93,751     $ 6,891     $ 247,427  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    127,806       87,902       4,470       220,178  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    126,627       31,530       6,411       164,568  
Net acquisition expenses
    16,231       17,727       3,371       37,329  
Other underwriting expenses
    8,699       6,470       338       15,507  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (23,751 )   $ 32,175     $ (5,650 )     2,774  
                                 
Net investment income
                            37,505  
Net realized gains on investments
                            5,457  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (18,102 )
Other income
                            273  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                            (2,315 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                      (6,234 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                      1,229  
Interest expense
                            (4,760 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 15,827  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    99.1 %     35.9 %     143.4 %     74.7 %
Net acquisition expense
    12.7 %     20.2 %     75.4 %     17.0 %
Other underwriting expense
    6.8 %     7.4 %     7.6 %     7.0 %
Combined
    118.6 %     63.5 %     226.4 %     98.7 %
                                 
The underwriting ratios are calculated by dividing each item above by net premiums earned.
 
 
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