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News from PR Newswire

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. Reports Record Financial Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2009

16:01 EDT Wednesday, October 21, 2009

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: PTP) today reported net income of $109.5 million, which is a record $2.10 per diluted common share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

The results for the quarter include net premiums earned of $229.5 million, a decrease of 18.2% from the same quarter last year and net favorable development of $20.3 million, as compared with net favorable development of $32.0 million for the same quarter last year.

Michael D. Price, Platinum's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Our record net income per diluted common share reflects disciplined underwriting, lower than expected catastrophe activity, strong investment results on a total return basis and net favorable reserve development. Our book value per share was $43.55 as of September 30, 2009, an increase of 11.0% from June 30, 2009 and 25.9% from December 31, 2008."

Mr. Price added, "We found relatively more attractive underwriting conditions for property and marine reinsurance this year and have accordingly shifted our mix of business toward this segment. While we did not repurchase any shares or debt this particular quarter, we intend to continue our practice of returning excess capital in a cost effective manner for the benefit of our shareholders."

Results for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 are summarized as follows:

    --  Net income was $109.5 million, or $2.10 per diluted common share.

    --  Net premiums written were $243.6 million and net premiums earned were
        $229.5 million.

    --  GAAP combined ratio was 72.3%.

    --  Net investment income was $44.7 million.

    --  Net realized gains on investments were $22.6 million.

Results for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 as compared with the quarter ended September 30, 2008 are summarized as follows:

    --  Net income increased $154.8 million.

    --  Net premiums written decreased $35.6 million (or 12.7%) and net premiums
        earned       decreased $51.2 million (or 18.2%).

    --  GAAP combined ratio decreased 50.3 percentage points.

    --  Net investment income decreased $3.3 million (or 6.9%).

    --  Net realized gains on investments were $22.6 million for the quarter
        ended September 30, 2009 compared with net realized losses on
        investments of $0.07 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

Net premiums written for Platinum's Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk segments for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 were $147.4 million, $88.5 million and $7.7 million, respectively, representing 60.5%, 36.3% and 3.2%, respectively, of the total net premiums written. Combined ratios for these segments were 54.9%, 94.3% and 122.7%, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. Compared with the quarter ended September 30, 2008, net premiums written decreased by $19.7 million (or 11.8%) and $18.4 million (or 17.2%) in the Property and Marine and Casualty segments, respectively, and increased $2.5 million (or 48.2%) in the Finite Risk segment.

Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 are summarized as follows:

    --  Net income was $292.5 million, or $5.57 per diluted common share.

    --  Net premiums written were $697.0 million and net premiums earned were
        $709.8 million.

    --  GAAP combined ratio was 76.6%.

    --  Net investment income was $123.1 million.

    --  Net realized gains on investments were $53.9 million.

Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2008 are summarized as follows:

    --  Net income increased $130.3 million (or 80.4%).

    --  Net premiums written decreased $103.3 million (or 12.9%) and net
        premiums earned decreased $130.8 million (or 15.6%).

    --  GAAP combined ratio decreased 13.5 percentage points.

    --  Net investment income decreased $21.0 million (or 14.6%).

    --  Net realized gains on investments were $53.9 million for the nine months
        ended September 30, 2009 compared with net realized losses on
        investments of $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30,
        2008.

Net premiums written for Platinum's Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were $402.6 million, $273.9 million, and $20.5 million, respectively, representing 57.8%, 39.3% and 2.9%, respectively, of the total net premiums written. Combined ratios for these segments were 66.2%, 88.1% and 117.3%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2008, net premiums written decreased $52.0 million (or 11.4%) and $61.4 million (or 18.3%) in the Property and Marine and Casualty segments, respectively, and increased $10.0 million (or 96.0%) in Finite Risk segment.

Total assets were $5.18 billion as of September 30, 2009, an increase of $255.1 million (or 5.2%) from $4.93 billion as of December 31, 2008. Cash, cash equivalents and fixed maturity investments were $4.41 billion as of September 30, 2009, an increase of $153.9 million (or 3.6%) from $4.26 billion as of December 31, 2008.

Shareholders' equity was $2.17 billion as of September 30, 2009, an increase of $360.7 million (or 19.9%) from $1.81 billion as of December 31, 2008. Book value per common share was $43.55 as of September 30, 2009 based on 49.8 million common shares outstanding, an increase of $8.97 (or 25.9%) from $34.58 as of December 31, 2008 based on 47.5 million common shares outstanding.

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 Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time. The call may be accessed by dialing 877-879-6217 (US callers) or 913-312-0652 (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 Thursday, October 22, 2009 until midnight Eastern time on Thursday, October 29, 2009. To access the replay by telephone, dial 888-203-1112 (US callers) or 719-457-0820 (international callers) and specify passcode 2604514. 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 schedules containing 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 fully converted 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, assist in understanding the Company. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of such measures to the most comparable GAAP figures such as income or loss before income tax expense or benefit 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. The Company has a financial strength rating of A (Excellent) from A.M. Best Company, Inc. 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 (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). 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 catastrophic events over which we have no control, 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. rating, the cyclicality of the property and casualty reinsurance business, conducting operations in a competitive environment, 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.



    Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    As of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008
    (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

                                    September 30, 2009  December 31, 2008
                                    ------------------  -----------------
                                        (Unaudited)
    Assets
    Investments                          $3,953,620        $3,371,886
    Cash, cash equivalents and
     short-term investments                 460,171           888,053
    Reinsurance premiums receivable         297,089           307,539
    Accrued investment income                32,646            29,041
    Reinsurance balances
     (prepaid and recoverable)               31,171            23,310
    Deferred acquisition costs               45,581            50,719
    Funds held by ceding companies           85,211           136,278
    Other assets                            276,733           120,337
                                         ----------        ----------
             Total assets                $5,182,222        $4,927,163
                                         ==========        ==========

    Liabilities
    Unpaid losses and loss
     adjustment expenses                 $2,373,151        $2,463,506
    Unearned premiums                       209,951           218,890
    Debt obligations                        250,000           250,000
    Commissions payable                     117,613           125,551
    Other liabilities                        61,442            59,819
                                         ----------         ---------
                 Total liabilities        3,012,157         3,117,766

    Total shareholders' equity            2,170,065         1,809,397
                                         ----------        ----------
                 Total liabilities and
                  shareholders' equity   $5,182,222        $4,927,163
                                         ==========        ==========

                                         ----------        ----------
    Book value per common share(a)           $43.55            $34.58
                                         ==========        ==========

    (a) Book value per common share is determined by dividing shareholders'
        equity, excluding capital attributable to preferred shares, by
        actual common shares outstanding.



    Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive
     Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
    For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
    (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

                                 Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                                 ------------------     -----------------
                                September  September  September  September
                                 30, 2009   30, 2008   30, 2009   30, 2008
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Revenue
      Net premiums earned       $229,538    280,725    709,752    $840,558
      Net investment income       44,747     48,043    123,070     144,037
      Net realized gains
       (losses) on investments    22,553        (71)    53,917      (3,267)
      Net impairment losses       (5,075)   (13,096)   (11,739)    (13,096)
      Other (expense) income      (1,222)       (88)     4,222         533
                                 -------    -------    -------     -------
      Total revenue              290,541    315,513    879,222     968,765
                                 -------    -------    -------     -------

    Expenses
      Net losses and LAE          99,240    270,863    368,349     524,458
      Net acquisition expenses    50,009     56,320    128,503     182,999
      Net change in fair
       value of derivatives        4,305      6,645      6,828       8,415
      Operating expenses          25,210     21,153     68,984      67,943
      Net foreign currency
       exchange (gains) losses      (616)     6,134       (157)      3,263
      Interest expense             4,757      4,752     14,268      14,253
                                 -------    -------    -------     -------
          Total expenses         182,905    365,867    586,775     801,331
                                 -------    -------    -------     -------
          Income (loss)
           before income tax
           expense (benefit)     107,636    (50,354)   292,447     167,434

    Income tax (benefit) expense  (1,832)    (5,014)       (73)      5,246
                                 -------    -------    -------     -------
          Net income (loss)      109,468    (45,340)   292,520     162,188

    Preferred dividends                -      2,602      1,301       7,806
                                --------    -------    -------    --------
          Net income (loss)
           attributable to
           common shareholders  $109,468    (47,942)   291,219    $154,382
                                ========    =======    =======    ========

    Basic
      Weighted average common
       shares outstanding         49,660     48,260     49,955     49,963
      Basic earnings (loss)
       per common share            $2.20      (0.99)      5.83      $3.09

    Diluted
      Adjusted weighted average
       common shares outstanding  52,039     48,260     52,547     57,633
      Diluted earnings (loss)
       per common share            $2.10      (0.99)      5.57      $2.81

    Comprehensive  income (loss)
      Net income (loss)         $109,468    (45,340)   292,520   $162,188
      Other comprehensive
       income (loss), net of
       deferred taxes            106,570   (102,921)   169,952   (145,918)
                                --------   --------    -------   --------
      Comprehensive income
       (loss)                   $216,038   (148,261)   462,472    $16,270
                                ========   ========    =======    =======



    Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
    Segment Reporting
    For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
    ($ in thousands)

    Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 (Unaudited)
    -------------------------------------------------

                                   Property
                                     and
    Segment underwriting results    Marine   Casualty  Finite Risk    Total
                                   --------  --------  -----------   -------

    Net premiums written           $147,448    88,467       7,675   $243,590

    Net premiums earned             132,567    90,591       6,380    229,538
                                    -------   -------      ------    -------

    Net losses and LAE               46,307    59,243      (6,310)    99,240
    Net acquisition expenses         16,821    19,393      13,795     50,009
    Other underwriting expenses       9,643     6,751         342     16,736
                                    -------   -------      ------    -------
        Total underwriting
         expenses                    72,771    85,387       7,827    165,985
                                    -------   -------      ------    -------
        Segment underwriting
         income (loss)              $59,796     5,204      (1,447)    63,553
                                    -------   -------      ------

    Net investment income                                             44,747
    Net realized gains
     on investments                                                   22,553
    Net impairment losses                                             (5,075)
    Net change in fair
     value of derivatives                                             (4,305)
    Net foreign currency
     exchange gains                                                      616
    Other expense                                                     (1,222)
    Corporate expenses not
     allocated to segments                                            (8,474)
    Interest expense                                                  (4,757)
                                                                    --------
        Income before
         income tax expense                                         $107,636
                                                                    ========


    GAAP underwriting ratios:
      Loss and LAE                     34.9%     65.4%      (98.9%)     43.2%
      Acquisition expense              12.7%     21.4%      216.2%      21.8%
      Other underwriting
       expense                          7.3%      7.5%        5.4%       7.3%
                                    -------   -------      ------     ------
        Combined                       54.9%     94.3%      122.7%      72.3%
                                    -------   -------      ------     ------



    Three Months Ended September 30, 2008
    -------------------------------------

    Segment underwriting results

    Net premiums written           $167,136   106,826       5,180   $279,142

    Net premiums earned             151,763   124,319       4,643    280,725
                                    -------   -------      ------     ------

    Net losses and LAE              183,759    86,057       1,047    270,863
    Net acquisition expenses         23,691    29,191       3,438     56,320
    Other  underwriting expenses     11,543     4,948         286     16,777
                                    -------   -------      ------     ------
        Total underwriting
         expenses                   218,993   120,196       4,771    343,960
                                    -------   -------      ------     ------
        Segment underwriting
         income (loss)             $(67,230)    4,123        (128)   (63,235)
                                    -------   -------      ------     ------

    Net investment income                                             48,043
    Net realized losses
     on investments                                                      (71)
    Net impairment losses                                            (13,096)
    Net change in fair
     value of derivatives                                             (6,645)
    Net foreign currency
     exchange losses                                                  (6,134)
    Other expense                                                        (88)
    Corporate expenses not
     allocated to segments                                            (4,376)
    Interest expense                                                  (4,752)

                                                                    --------
        Loss before income
         tax benefit                                                $(50,354)
                                                                    ========


    GAAP underwriting ratios:
      Loss and LAE                    121.1%     69.2%       22.6%      96.5%
      Acquisition expense              15.6%     23.5%       74.0%      20.1%
      Other underwriting expense        7.6%      4.0%        6.2%       6.0%
                                    -------   -------      ------     ------
        Combined                      144.3%     96.7%      102.8%     122.6%
                                    -------   -------      ------     ------

    The GAAP underwriting ratios are calculated by dividing each item above
    by net premiums earned.



    Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
    Segment Reporting
    For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
    ($ in thousands)

    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 (Unaudited)
    ------------------------------------------------
                                   Property
                                      and
    Segment underwriting results    Marine   Casualty  Finite Risk    Total
                                   --------  --------  -----------   -------

    Net premiums written           $402,588   273,940      20,451   $696,979

    Net premiums earned             394,554   299,712      15,486    709,752
                                   --------   -------     -------    -------

    Net losses and LAE              186,565   179,426       2,358    368,349
    Net acquisition expenses         47,711    66,020      14,772    128,503
    Other underwriting expenses      26,925    18,550       1,042     46,517
                                   --------   -------     -------    -------
        Total underwriting
         expenses                   261,201   263,996      18,172    543,369
                                   --------   -------     -------    -------
        Segment underwriting
         income (loss)             $133,353    35,716      (2,686)   166,383
                                   --------   -------     -------    -------

    Net investment income                                            123,070
    Net realized gains on
     investments                                                      53,917
    Net impairment losses                                            (11,739)
    Net change in fair value of
     derivatives                                                      (6,828)
    Net foreign currency
     exchange gains                                                      157
    Other income                                                       4,222
    Corporate expenses not
     allocated to segments                                           (22,467)
    Interest expense                                                 (14,268)
                                                                    --------
        Income before income tax
         expense                                                    $292,447
                                                                    ========

    GAAP underwriting ratios:
      Loss and LAE                     47.3%     59.9%       15.2%      51.9%
      Acquisition expense              12.1%     22.0%       95.4%      18.1%
      Other underwriting expense        6.8%      6.2%        6.7%       6.6%
                                   --------   -------     -------    -------
        Combined                       66.2%     88.1%      117.3%      76.6%
                                   --------   -------     -------    -------


    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
    ------------------------------------

    Segment underwriting results

    Net premiums written           $454,541   335,295      10,437   $800,273

    Net premiums earned             446,869   385,059       8,630    840,558
                                   --------   -------     -------    -------

    Net losses and LAE              279,165   252,233      (6,940)   524,458
    Net acquisition expenses         69,119    98,893      14,987    182,999
    Other underwriting expenses      29,774    18,734         961     49,469
                                   --------   -------     -------    -------
        Total underwriting expenses 378,058   369,860       9,008    756,926
                                   --------   -------     -------    -------
        Segment underwriting
         income (loss)              $68,811    15,199        (378)    83,632
                                   --------   -------     -------    -------

    Net investment income                                            144,037
    Net realized losses on
     investments                                                      (3,267)
    Net impairment losses                                            (13,096)
    Net change in fair value of
     derivatives                                                      (8,415)
    Net foreign currency
     exchange losses                                                  (3,263)
    Other income                                                         533
    Corporate expenses not
     allocated to segments                                           (18,474)
    Interest expense                                                 (14,253)
                                                                    --------
        Income before income tax
         expense                                                    $167,434
                                                                    ========

    GAAP underwriting ratios:
      Loss and LAE                     62.5%     65.5%      (80.4%)     62.4%
      Acquisition expense              15.5%     25.7%      173.7%      21.8%
      Other underwriting expense        6.7%      4.9%       11.1%       5.9%
                                   --------   -------     -------    -------
        Combined                       84.7%     96.1%      104.4%      90.1%
                                   --------   -------     -------    -------


    The GAAP underwriting ratios are calculated by dividing each item above
    by net premiums earned.

SOURCE Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.

For further information: Lily Outerbridge, Investor Relations, +1-441-298-0760, for Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.

© PR Newswire


 

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