Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The discussion and analysis below includes certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors described in part II, item 1A of this Quarterly Report. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors.
The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ended December 31, 2021, or for any other future period. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report, and in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on March 9, 2021.
References to the "Company," "Palomar," "we," "us," and "our" are to Palomar Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
Overview
We are a rapidly growing and innovative insurer focused on providing specialty insurance to residential and commercial customers. Our underwriting and analytical expertise allow us to concentrate on certain markets that we believe are underserved by other insurance companies, such as the markets for earthquake, hurricane and flood insurance. We use proprietary data analytics and a modern technology platform to offer our customers flexible products with customized and granular pricing for both the admitted and excess and surplus lines (“E&S”) markets.
We provide admitted insurance products through our Oregon domiciled insurance company, Palomar Specialty Insurance Company (“PSIC”), and non-admitted insurance products through our Arizona domiciled surplus lines insurance company, Palomar Excess and Surplus Insurance Company (“PESIC”). We distribute our products through multiple channels, including retail agents, program administrators, wholesale brokers, and partnerships with other insurance companies. Our business strategy is supported by a comprehensive risk transfer program with reinsurance coverage that we believe reduces earnings volatility and provides appropriate levels of protection from catastrophic events. Our management team combines decades of insurance industry experience across specialty underwriting, reinsurance, program administration, distribution, and analytics.
Founded in 2014, we have significantly grown our business and have generated attractive returns. We have organically increased gross written premiums from $16.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, our first year of operations, to $354.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of approximately 66%. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, we experienced average monthly premium retention rates above 90% for our Hawaii Hurricane line and approximately 86% overall across all continuing lines of business, providing strong visibility into future revenue.
In February 2014, PSIC was awarded an “A−” rating from A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), a leading rating agency for the insurance industry. An “A−” rating is categorized by A.M. Best as an excellent rating and indicates a stable outlook. In July 2020, PESIC was also awarded an “A−” rating by A.M. Best. In May 2021, A.M. Best affirmed the “A−”rating of PSIC and PESIC. These ratings reflect A.M. Best’s opinion of our subsidiaries’ financial strength, operating performance, and ability to meet obligations to policyholders and are not an evaluation directed towards the protection of investors.
We believe that our market opportunity, distinctive products, and differentiated business model position us to grow our business profitably.
COVID-19 Update
The COVID-19 Pandemic ("the Pandemic") continues to impact businesses, households, communities, and financial markets.
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In response to the Pandemic, we have been taking several actions to protect the health of the public and our employees while serving our policyholders and ensuring business continuity. We have implemented safeguards to ensure operational reliability and established safety protocols for employees who interact directly with the public. We also provide employees a reimbursement to help manage incremental costs associated with remote work. In addition, we are taking extra physical security and cybersecurity measures to safeguard our systems to serve the operational needs of our remote workforce and ensure uninterrupted service to our brokers and policyholders.
We have experienced business interruption claims related to the Pandemic. Our All Risk and Commercial Earthquake (Difference in Conditions or “DIC”) policies offer business interruption coverage for insureds for a loss in business income caused by physical damage to the structure. Each of our All Risk policies has a virus and/or communicable disease exclusion. Our DIC policies require physical damage to the structure caused by the covered perils, whether it be an earthquake or flood. We are acknowledging, investigating, assessing and adjudicating each claim received and providing the policyholder requisite consideration.
Our results of operations depend, in part, on the performance of our investment portfolio. Since the onset of the Pandemic, we have experienced volatility in the fair value of our investment portfolio due to unrealized losses and gains on our fixed income securities. The economic impacts of the Pandemic could reduce our net investment income and result in realized investment losses in future periods.
We have not seen a significant impact on the growth rate of our gross written premiums since the beginning of the Pandemic. However, the macroeconomic effects of the Pandemic may persist for an indefinite period, even after the Pandemic has subsided and we cannot anticipate all the ways in which the Pandemic or other similar global health crises could adversely impact our business in the future.
Components of Our Results of Operations
Gross Written Premiums
Gross written premiums are the amounts received or to be received for insurance policies written or assumed by us during a specific period of time without reduction for policy acquisition costs, reinsurance costs or other deductions. The volume of our gross written premiums in any given period is generally influenced by:
● Volume of new business submissions in existing products or partnerships;
● Binding of new business submissions in existing products or partnerships into policies;
● Entrance into new partnerships or the offering of new types of insurance products;
● Renewal rates of existing policies; and
● Average size and premium rate of bound policies.
Our gross written premiums are also impacted when we assume unearned in-force premiums due to new partnerships or other business reasons. In periods where we assume a large volume of unearned premiums, our gross written premiums may increase significantly compared to prior periods and the increase may not be indicative of future trends.
Ceded Written Premiums
Ceded written premiums are the amount of gross written premiums ceded to reinsurers. We enter into reinsurance contracts to limit our exposure to potential losses and to provide additional capacity for growth. We cede premiums primarily through excess of loss (“XOL”) agreements and quota share agreements. Ceded written premiums are earned pro-rata over the period of risk covered. The volume of our ceded written premiums is impacted by the amount of our gross written premiums and our decisions to increase or decrease limits or retention levels in our XOL agreements and co-participation levels in our quota share agreements.
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Our ceded written premiums can be impacted significantly in certain periods due to changes in quota share agreements. In periods where we modify a quota share agreement, ceded written premiums may increase or decrease significantly compared to prior periods and these fluctuations may not be indicative of future trends. In addition, our XOL costs as a percentage of gross earned premiums may vary each period due to changes of premium in-force during the XOL contract period or due to acceleration of XOL charges or the need to purchase additional reinsurance due to losses.
Net Earned Premiums
Net earned premiums represent the earned portion of our gross written premiums, less the earned portion that is ceded to third-party reinsurers under our reinsurance agreements. Our insurance policies generally have a term of one year and premiums are earned pro rata over the term of the policy.
Commission and Other Income
Commission and other income consist of commissions earned on policies written on behalf of third party insurance companies where we have no exposure to the insured risk and certain fees earned in conjunction with underwriting policies. Commission and other income are earned on the effective date of the underlying policy.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses represent the costs incurred for losses, net of any losses ceded to reinsurers. These expenses are a function of the size and term of the insurance policies we write and the loss experience associated with the underlying coverage. Certain policies we write subject us to attritional losses such as building fires. In addition, most of the policies we write subject us to catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses are certain losses resulting from events involving multiple claims and policyholders, including earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, convective storms, terrorist acts or other aggregating events. Our losses and loss adjustment expenses are generally affected by:
● The occurrence, frequency and severity of catastrophe events in the areas where we underwrite policies relating to these perils;
● The occurrence, frequency and severity of non-catastrophe attritional losses;
● The mix of business written by us;
● The reinsurance agreements we have in place at the time of a loss;
● The geographic location and characteristics of the policies we underwrite;
● Changes in the legal or regulatory environment related to the business we write;
● Trends in legal defense costs; and
● Inflation in housing and construction costs.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on an actuarial analysis of the estimated losses, including losses incurred during the period and changes in estimates from prior periods. Losses and loss adjustment expenses may be paid out over multiple years.
Acquisition Expenses
Acquisition expenses are principally comprised of the commissions we pay retail agents, program administrators and wholesale brokers, net of ceding commissions we receive on business ceded under quota share reinsurance contracts. In addition, acquisition expenses include premium-related taxes and other fees. Acquisition expenses related to each policy we write are deferred and expensed pro rata over the term of the policy.
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Other Underwriting Expenses
Other underwriting expenses represent the general and administrative expenses of our insurance operations including employee salaries and benefits, software and technology costs, office rent, stock-based compensation, licenses and fees, and professional services fees such as legal, accounting, and actuarial services.
Net Investment Income
We earn investment income on our portfolio of invested assets. Our invested assets are primarily comprised of fixed maturity securities, and may also include cash and cash equivalents, and equity securities. The principal factors that influence net investment income are the size of our investment portfolio, the yield on that portfolio, and investment management expenses. As measured by amortized cost, which excludes changes in fair value, caused by changes in interest rates, the size of our investment portfolio is mainly a function of our invested capital along with premium we receive from our insureds, less payments on policyholder claims and other operating expenses. Our balance of invested capital may be impacted in the future by repurchases of shares of our common stock.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses on Investments
Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments are a function of the difference between the amount received by us on the sale of a security and the security’s cost-basis, mark-to-market adjustments, and credit losses recognized in earnings.
Income Tax Expense
Currently our income tax expense consists mainly of federal income taxes imposed on our operations. Our effective tax rates are dependent upon the components of pretax earnings and the related tax effects.
Key Financial and Operating Metrics
We discuss certain key financial and operating metrics, described below, which provide useful information about our business and the operational factors underlying our financial performance.
Underwriting revenue is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as total revenue, excluding net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of total revenue calculated in accordance with GAAP to underwriting revenue.
Underwriting income is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as income before income taxes excluding net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of income before income taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP to underwriting income.
Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as net income excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook, net of tax impact. We calculate the tax impact only on adjustments which would be included in calculating our income tax expense using the estimated tax rate at which the company received a deduction for these adjustments. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of net income calculated in accordance with GAAP to adjusted net income.
Return on equity is net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period.
Adjusted return on equity is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of return on equity calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to adjusted return on equity.
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Loss ratio , expressed as a percentage, is the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses, to net earned premiums.
Expense ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the ratio of acquisition and other underwriting expenses, net of commission and other income to net earned premiums.
Combined ratio is defined as the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss.
Adjusted combined ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio calculated excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of combined ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to adjusted combined ratio.
Diluted adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted net income divided by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period, reflecting the dilution which could occur if equity-based awards are converted into common share equivalents as calculated using the treasury stock method. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of diluted earnings per share calculated in accordance with GAAP to diluted adjusted earnings per share.
Catastrophe loss ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as the ratio of catastrophe losses to net earned premiums. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of loss ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to catastrophe loss ratio.
Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted combined ratio excluding the impact of catastrophe losses. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of combined ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses.
Tangible stockholders’ equity is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as stockholders’ equity less intangible assets. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of stockholders’ equity calculated in accordance with GAAP to tangible stockholders’ equity.
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Results of Operations
Three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to three months ended June 30, 2020
The following table summarizes our results for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:
Three months ended
June 30,
2021
2020
Change
% Change
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Gross written premiums
$
129,359
$
83,807
$
45,552
54.4
%
Ceded written premiums
(51,568)
(30,198)
(21,370)
70.8
%
Net written premiums
77,791
53,609
24,182
45.1
%
Net earned premiums
54,215
39,320
14,895
37.9
%
Commission and other income
1,006
937
69
7.4
%
Total underwriting revenue (1)
55,221
40,257
14,964
37.2
%
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
7,235
3,978
3,257
81.9
%
Acquisition expenses
22,424
14,886
7,538
50.6
%
Other underwriting expenses
12,539
8,976
3,563
39.7
%
Underwriting income (1)
13,023
12,417
606
4.9
%
Net investment income
2,194
2,114
80
3.8
%
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
300
778
(478)
(61.4)
%
Income before income taxes
15,517
15,309
208
1.4
%
Income tax expense
3,177
3,297
(120)
(3.6)
%
Net income
$
12,340
$
12,012
$
328
2.7
%
Adjustments:
Expenses associated with transactions and stock offerings
—
456
(456)
NM
Stock-based compensation expense
907
464
443
95.5
%
Amortization of intangibles
252
—
252
NM
Expenses associated with catastrophe bond, net of rebate
16
399
(383)
NM
Tax impact
(278)
(284)
6
NM
Adjusted net income (1)
$
13,237
$
13,047
$
190
1.5
%
Key Financial and Operating Metrics
Annualized return on equity
13.1
%
15.1
%
Annualized adjusted return on equity (1)
14.1
%
16.4
%
Loss ratio
13.3
%
10.1
%
Expense ratio
62.6
%
58.3
%
Combined ratio
76.0
%
68.4
%
Adjusted combined ratio (1)
73.8
%
65.1
%
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.47
$
0.48
Diluted adjusted earnings per share (1)
$
0.51
$
0.52
Catastrophe losses
$
(1,137)
$
—
Catastrophe loss ratio (1)
(2.1)
%
—
%
Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses (1)
75.9
%
65.1
%
NM- not meaningful
(1) Indicates non-GAAP financial measure; see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
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Gross Written Premiums
Gross written premiums increased $45.6 million, or 54.4% to $129.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $83.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Premium growth was primarily due to an increased volume of policies written across our lines of business which was driven by new business generated with existing partners, strong premium retention rates for existing business, expansion of our distribution footprint, and new partnerships. The following table summarizes our gross written premiums by line of business and shows each line’s percentage of total gross written premiums for each period:
Three Months Ended June 30,
2021
2020
($ in thousands)
% of
% of
%
Amount
GWP
Amount
GWP
Change
Change
Product
Residential Earthquake
$
42,192
32.6
%
$
34,240
40.9
%
$
7,952
23.2
%
Specialty Homeowners
19,135
14.8
%
11,568
13.8
%
7,567
65.4
%
Commercial Earthquake
17,343
13.4
%
11,818
14.1
%
5,525
46.8
%
Commercial All Risk
14,976
11.6
%
14,841
17.7
%
135
0.9
%
Inland Marine
11,681
9.0
%
3,451
4.1
%
8,230
238.5
%
Hawaii Hurricane
7,788
6.0
%
3,242
3.9
%
4,546
140.2
%
Residential Flood
2,865
2.2
%
2,032
2.4
%
833
41.0
%
Other
13,379
10.4
%
2,615
3.1
%
10,764
411.6
%
Total Gross Written Premiums
$
129,359
100.0
%
$
83,807
100.0
%
$
45,552
54.4
%
During the third quarter of 2020, we made significant underwriting changes to our Commercial All Risk program including ceasing to write policies on an admitted basis. All prior year period Commercial All Risk polices were written on an admitted basis and these changes significantly impacted the growth rate shown above.
The following table summarizes our gross written premiums by insurance subsidiary:
Three Months Ended June 30,
2021
2020
($ in thousands)
% of
% of
%
Amount
GWP
Amount
GWP
Change
Change
Subsidiary
PSIC
$
95,271
73.6
%
$
83,807
100.0
%
$
11,464
13.7
%
PESIC
34,088
26.4
%
—
0.0
%
34,088
NM
Total Gross Written Premiums
$
129,359
100.0
%
$
83,807
100.0
%
$
45,552
54.4
%
NM- not meaningful
Ceded Written Premiums
Ceded written premiums increased $21.4 million, or 70.8%, to $51.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 from $30.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to excess of loss (“XOL”) reinsurance expense due to growth in exposure and additional charges resulting from Winter Storm Uri (“Uri”), which impacted our Specialty Homeowners and Commercial All Risk products during the first quarter of 2021.
Catastrophe losses from Uri caused us to utilize certain layers of our XOL program in the prior quarter which resulted in us incurring an additional $3.9 million of expense associated with the reinstatement of our reinsurance program during the quarter ended June 30, 2021.
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In addition to XOL increases, we had increased quota share cessions due to growth in the volume of written premiums subject to quota shares.
Ceded written premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums increased to 39.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 from 36.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2020. This increase was primarily due to XOL charges and a higher proportion of our written premiums being subject to quota shares.
Net Written Premiums
Net written premiums increased $24.2 million, or 45.1%, to $77.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 from $53.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase in gross written premiums, primarily in our Residential Earthquake and Inland Marine lines offset by increased ceded written premiums.
Net Earned Premiums
Net earned premiums increased $14.9 million, or 37.9%, to $54.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 from $39.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 due primarily to the earning of increased gross written premiums offset by the earning of ceded written premiums under reinsurance agreements. The table below shows the amount of premiums we earned on a gross and net basis and net earned premiums as a percentage of gross earned premiums in each period presented:
Three Months Ended
June 30,
2021
2020
Change
% Change
($ in thousands)
Gross earned premiums
$
102,520
$
70,864
$
31,656
44.7
%
Ceded earned premiums
(48,305)
(31,544)
(16,761)
53.1
%
Net earned premiums
$
54,215
$
39,320
$
14,895
37.9
%
Net earned premium ratio
52.9%
55.5%
Commission and Other Income
Commission and other income increased by $0.1 million to $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, from $0.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. This was due to an increase in policy related fees associated with an increased volume of premiums written.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased $3.3 million to $7.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 from $4.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Losses and loss adjustment expenses consisted of the following elements during the respective periods:
Three Months Ended
June 30,
2021
2020
Change
% Change
($ in thousands)
Catastrophe losses
$
(1,137)
$
—
$
(1,137)
NM
Non-catastrophe losses
8,372
3,978
4,394
110.5
%
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
7,235
$
3,978
$
3,257
81.9
%
NM- not meaningful
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Our catastrophe loss ratio was negative 2.1% during the three months ended June 30, 2021. The negative catastrophe loss ratio was due to favorable development on catastrophe losses from 2020 hurricanes and due to reinsurance recoveries. We did not incur any catastrophe losses during the three months ended June 30, 2020.
Our non-catastrophe loss ratio was 15.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 10.1% during the three months ended June 30, 2020. Non-catastrophe losses increased due mainly to higher attritional loss activity on lines of business subject to attritional losses such as Commercial All Risk, Specialty Homeowners, Flood, and Inland Marine.
Acquisition Expenses
Acquisition expenses increased $7.5 million, or 50.6%, to $22.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 from $14.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher earned premiums which resulted in higher commissions and premium-related taxes. Acquisition expenses as a percentage of gross earned premiums were 21.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 21.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Acquisition expenses as a percentage of gross earned premiums increased due to changes in business mix and changes in our Specialty Homeowners ceding arrangements which increased the percentage of premiums we retained and decreased our ceding commissions. Acquisition expenses as a percentage of gross earned premiums fluctuates based on mix of business produced and quota share arrangements in place.
Other Underwriting Expenses
Other underwriting expenses increased $3.5 million, or 39.7%, to $12.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 from $9.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to the company incurring higher payroll, technology, stock-based compensation, and professional fees expenses associated with growth of the Company.
Other underwriting expenses as a percentage of gross earned premiums were 12.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 12.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Excluding the impact of expenses relating to transactions and stock offerings, stock-based compensation, amortization of intangibles and catastrophe bonds, other underwriting expenses as a percentage of gross earned premiums were 11.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 10.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Other underwriting expenses as a percentage of gross earned premiums may fluctuate period over period based on timing of certain expenses relative to premium growth.
Net Investment Income and Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
Net investment income increased $0.1 million, or 3.8%, to $2.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 from $2.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to a higher average balance of investments during the three months ended June 30, 2021 due primarily to proceeds from our June 2020 stock offering, which were invested after the second quarter of 2020, and the investing of our cash generated from operations, partially offset by lower yields on investments due to a lower interest rate environment.
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Net realized and unrealized gains on investments decreased $0.5 million, or 61.4%, to $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 from $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 due to lower appreciation on our fixed income based equity securities during the period ended June 30, 2021. Currently, we mainly invest in investment grade fixed maturity securities, including U.S. government issues, state government issues, mortgage and asset-backed obligations, and corporate bonds. The following table summarizes the components of our investment income for each period presented:
Three Months Ended
June 30,
2021
2020
Change
% Change
($ in thousands)
Interest income
$
2,262
$
2,092
$
170
8.1
%
Dividend income
58
120
(62)
(51.7)
%
Investment management fees and expenses
(126)
(98)
(28)
28.6
%
Net investment income
2,194
2,114
80
3.8
%
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
300
778
(478)
(61.4)
%
Total
$
2,494
$
2,892
$
(398)
(13.8)
%
Income Tax Expense
Income taxes decreased $0.1 million or 3.6% to $3.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 from $3.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 due to a fluctuation in our tax rate. During the three months ended June 30, 2021, our income tax rate of 20.5% differed from the statutory rate of 21% due primarily to the tax impact of the permanent component of employee stock option exercises. For the three months ended June 30, 2020 our income tax rate of 21.5% differed from the statutory rate of 21% due to miscellaneous differences between taxable income calculated under GAAP and IRS regulations.
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Six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to six months ended June 30, 2020
The following table summarizes our results for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:
Six months ended
June 30,
2021
2020
Change
% Change
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Gross written premiums
$
232,936
$
155,301
$
77,635
50.0
%
Ceded written premiums
(94,932)
(59,693)
(35,239)
59.0
%
Net written premiums
138,004
95,608
42,396
44.3
%
Net earned premiums
101,268
74,126
27,142
36.6
%
Commission and other income
1,717
1,675
42
2.5
%
Total underwriting revenue (1)
102,985
75,801
27,184
35.9
%
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
2,813
5,841
(3,028)
(51.8)
%
Acquisition expenses
41,737
27,933
13,804
49.4
%
Other underwriting expenses
26,786
16,928
9,858
58.2
%
Underwriting income (1)
31,649
25,099
6,550
26.1
%
Net investment income
4,413
4,148
265
6.4
%
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
(439)
1,219
(1,658)
(136.0)
%
Income before income taxes
35,623
30,466
5,157
16.9
%
Income tax expense
6,653
6,681
(28)
(0.4)
%
Net income
$
28,970
$
23,785
$
5,185
21.8
%
Adjustments:
Expenses associated with transactions and stock offerings
411
708
(297)
NM
Stock-based compensation expense
1,845
907
938
103.4
%
Amortization of intangibles
589
—
589
NM
Expenses associated with catastrophe bond, net of rebate
1,698
399
1,299
NM
Tax impact
(990)
(433)
(557)
NM
Adjusted net income (1)
$
32,523
$
25,366
$
7,157
28.2
%
Key Financial and Operating Metrics
Annualized return on equity
15.6
%
16.0
%
Annualized adjusted return on equity (1)
17.6
%
17.1
%
Loss ratio
2.8
%
7.9
%
Expense ratio
66.0
%
58.3
%
Combined ratio
68.7
%
66.1
%
Adjusted combined ratio (1)
64.3
%
63.4
%
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.11
$
0.95
Diluted adjusted earnings per share (1)
$
1.24
$
1.02
Catastrophe losses
$
(10,768)
$
—
Catastrophe loss ratio (1)
(10.6)
%
—
%
Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses (1)
74.9
%
63.4
%
NM- not meaningful
(1) Indicates non-GAAP financial measure; see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Gross Written Premiums
Gross written premiums increased $77.6 million, or 50.0%, to $232.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $155.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Premium growth was primarily due to an increased volume of policies written across our lines of business which was driven by new business generated with
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existing partners, strong premium retention rates for existing business, expansion of our distribution footprint, and new partnerships. The following table summarizes our gross written premiums by line of business and shows each line’s percentage of total gross written premiums for each period:
Six Months Ended June 30,
2021
2020
($ in thousands)
% of
% of
Amount
GWP
Amount
GWP
Change
Change
Product
Residential Earthquake
$
78,090
33.5
%
$
62,996
40.6
%
$
15,094
24.0
%
Commercial Earthquake
38,619
16.6
%
22,666
14.6
%
15,953
70.4
%
Specialty Homeowners
33,138
14.2
%
21,413
13.8
%
11,725
54.8
%
Commercial All Risk
23,165
9.9
%
27,297
17.6
%
(4,132)
(15.1)
%
Inland Marine
19,515
8.4
%
5,341
3.4
%
14,174
265.4
%
Hawaii Hurricane
13,925
6.0
%
5,937
3.8
%
7,988
134.5
%
Residential Flood
5,149
2.2
%
3,558
2.3
%
1,591
44.7
%
Other
21,335
9.2
%
6,093
3.9
%
15,242
250.2
%
Total Gross Written Premiums
$
232,936
100.0
%
$
155,301
100.0
%
$
77,635
50.0
%
During the third quarter of 2020, we made significant underwriting changes to our Commercial All Risk program including ceasing to write policies on an admitted basis. All prior year period Commercial All Risk policies were written on an admitted basis and these changes significantly impacted the growth rate shown above.
The following table summarizes our gross written premiums by insurance subsidiary:
Six Months Ended June 30,
2021
2020
($ in thousands)
% of
% of
%
Amount
GWP
Amount
GWP
Change
Change
Subsidiary
PSIC
$
175,117
75.2
%
$
155,301
100.0
%
$
19,816
12.8
%
PESIC
57,819
24.8
%
—
0.0
%
57,819
NM
Total Gross Written Premiums
$
232,936
100.0
%
$
155,301
100.0
%
$
77,635
50.0
%
NM- not meaningful
Ceded Written Premiums
Ceded written premiums increased $35.2 million, or 59.0%, to $94.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 from $59.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to excess of loss (“XOL”) reinsurance expense due to growth in exposure and additional charges resulting from Winter Storm Uri (“Uri”), which impacted our Specialty Homeowners and Commercial All Risk products during the first quarter of 2021.
Catastrophe losses from Uri caused us to utilize certain layers of our XOL program which increased our XOL reinsurance expense. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, we incurred an additional $7.9 million of expense associated with the reinstatement of our reinsurance program.
In addition to XOL increases, we had increased quota share cessions due to growth in the volume of written premiums subject to quota shares.
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Ceded written premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums increased to 40.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 from 38.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2020. This increase was primarily due to XOL charges and a higher proportion of our written premiums being subject to quota shares.
Net Written Premiums
Net written premiums increased $42.4 million, or 44.3%, to $138.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 from $95.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase in gross written premiums, primarily in our Commercial Earthquake and Residential Earthquake lines offset by increased ceded written premiums.
Net Earned Premiums
Net earned premiums increased $27.1 million, or 36.6%, to $101.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 from $74.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 due primarily to the earning of increased gross written premiums offset by the earning of ceded written premiums under reinsurance agreements. The table below shows the amount of premiums we earned on a gross and net basis and net earned premiums as a percentage of gross earned premiums in each period presented:
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2021
2020
Change
% Change
($ in thousands)
Gross earned premiums
$
193,812
$
135,838
$
57,974
42.7
%
Ceded earned premiums
(92,544)
(61,712)
(30,832)
50.0
%
Net earned premiums
$
101,268
$
74,126
$
27,142
36.6
%
Net earned premium ratio
52.3%
54.6%
Commission and Other Income
Commission and other income increased by an immaterial amount and was approximately $1.7 million for each of the six months ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020. This was due to an increase in policy related fees associated with an increased volume of premiums written.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses decreased $3.0 million to $2.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 from $5.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Losses and loss adjustment expenses consisted of the following elements during the respective periods:
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2021
2020
Change
% Change
($ in thousands)
Catastrophe losses
$
(10,768)
$
—
$
(10,768)
NM
Non-catastrophe losses
13,581
5,841
7,740
132.5
%
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
2,813
$
5,841
$
(3,028)
(51.8)
%
NM- not meaningful
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Our catastrophe loss ratio was negative 10.6% during the six months ended June 30, 2021. The negative catastrophe loss ratio was due to favorable development on catastrophe losses from 2020 Hurricanes and due to reinsurance recoveries. We did not incur any catastrophe losses during the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Our non-catastrophe loss ratio was 13.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 7.9% during the six months ended June 30, 2020. Non-catastrophe losses increased due mainly to higher attritional loss activity on lines of business subject to attritional losses such as Commercial All Risk, Specialty Homeowners, Flood, and Inland Marine.
Acquisition Expenses
Acquisition expenses increased $13.8 million, or 49.4%, to $41.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 from $27.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher earned premiums which resulted in higher commissions and premium-related taxes. Acquisition expenses as a percentage of gross earned premiums were 21.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 20.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Acquisition expenses as a percentage of gross earned premiums increased due to changes in business mix and changes in our Specialty Homeowners ceding arrangements which increased the percentage of premiums we retained and decreased our ceding commissions. Acquisition expenses as a percentage of gross earned premiums fluctuates based on mix of business produced and quota share arrangements in place.
Other Underwriting Expenses
Other underwriting expenses increased $9.9 million, or 58.2%, to $26.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 from $16.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to the Company incurring higher payroll, technology, stock-based compensation, and professional fees expenses associated with growth of the Company. In addition, during the first quarter of 2021, other underwriting expenses were significantly impacted by expenses associated with the issuance of a catastrophe bond.
Other underwriting expenses as a percentage of gross earned premiums were 13.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 12.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Excluding the impact of expenses relating to transactions and stock offerings, stock-based compensation, amortization of intangibles and catastrophe bonds, other underwriting expenses as a percentage of gross earned premiums were 11.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 11.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Other underwriting expenses as a percentage of gross earned premiums may fluctuate period over period based on timing of certain expenses relative to premium growth.
Net Investment Income and Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
Net investment income increased $0.3 million, or 6.4%, to $4.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 from $4.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to a higher average balance of investments during the six months ended June 30, 2021 due primarily to proceeds from our June 2020 stock offering and the investing of our cash generated from operations, partially offset by lower yields on investments due to a lower interest rate environment.
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Net realized and unrealized gains on investments decreased $1.7 million, or 136.0%, to a $0.4 million loss for the six months ended June 30, 2021 from a $1.2 million gain for the six months ended June 30, 2020 due to unrealized losses on our fixed income based equity securities during the period ended June 30, 2021. Currently, we mainly invest in investment grade fixed maturity securities, including U.S. government issues, state government issues, mortgage and asset-backed obligations, and corporate bonds.
The following table summarizes the components of our investment income for each period presented:
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2021
2020
Change
% Change
($ in thousands)
Interest income
$
4,501
$
4,093
$
408
10.0
%
Dividend income
157
245
(88)
(35.9)
%
Investment management fees and expenses
(245)
(190)
(55)
28.9
%
Net investment income
4,413
4,148
265
6.4
%
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
(439)
1,219
(1,658)
(136.0)
%
Total
$
3,974
$
5,367
$
(1,393)
(26.0)
%
Income Tax Expense
Income taxes decreased by an immaterial amount and was approximately $6.7 million for each of the six months ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, our income tax rate of 18.7% differed from the statutory rate of 21% due primarily to the tax impact of the permanent component of employee stock option exercises. For the six months ended June 30, 2020 our income tax rate of 21.9% differed from the statutory rate of 21% due to miscellaneous differences between taxable income calculated under GAAP and IRS regulations.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Underwriting Revenue
We define underwriting revenue as total revenue excluding net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments. Underwriting revenue represents revenue generated by our underwriting operations and allows us to evaluate our underwriting performance without regard to investment results. We use this metric as we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our underlying business performance. Underwriting revenue should not be viewed as a substitute for total revenue calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting revenue differently.
Total revenue calculated in accordance with GAAP reconciles to underwriting revenue as follows:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2021
2020
2021
2020
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
Total revenue
$
57,715
$
43,149
$
106,959
$
81,168
Net investment income
(2,194)
(2,114)
(4,413)
(4,148)
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments
(300)
(778)
439
(1,219)
Underwriting revenue
$
55,221
$
40,257
$
102,985
$
75,801
Underwriting Income
We define underwriting income as income before income taxes excluding net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments. Underwriting income represents the pre-tax profitability of our underwriting operations and allows us to evaluate our underwriting performance without regard to investment results. We use this metric as we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into
33
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our underlying business performance. Underwriting income should not be viewed as a substitute for pre-tax income calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting income differently.
Income before income taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP reconciles to underwriting income as follows:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2021
2020
2021
2020
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
Income before income taxes
$
15,517
$
15,309
$
35,623
$
30,466
Net investment income
(2,194)
(2,114)
(4,413)
(4,148)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
(300)
(778)
439
(1,219)
Underwriting income
$
13,023
$
12,417
$
31,649
$
25,099
Adjusted Net Income
We define adjusted net income as net income excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook, net of tax impact. We calculate the tax impact only on adjustments which would be included in calculating our income tax expense using the estimated tax rate at which the company received a deduction for these adjustments. We use adjusted net income as an internal performance measure in the management of our operations because we believe it gives our management and financial statement users useful insight into our results of operations and our underlying business performance. Adjusted net income does not reflect the overall profitably of our business and should not be viewed as a substitute for net income calculated in accordance with GAAP. Other companies may define adjusted net income differently.
Net income calculated in accordance with GAAP reconciles to adjusted net income as follows:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2021
2020
2021
2020
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
Net income
$
12,340
$
12,012
$
28,970
$
23,785
Adjustments:
Expenses associated with transactions and stock offerings
—
456
411
708
Stock-based compensation expense
907
464
1,845
907
Amortization of intangibles
252
—
589
—
Expenses associated with catastrophe bond, net of rebate
16
399
1,698
399
Tax impact
(278)
(284)
(990)
(433)
Adjusted net income
$
13,237
$
13,047
$
32,523
$
25,366
Annualized Adjusted Return on Equity
We define adjusted return on equity as adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period. We use adjusted return on equity as an internal performance measure in the management of our operations because we believe it gives our management and financial statement users useful insight into our results of operations and our underlying business performance. Adjusted return on equity should not be viewed as a substitute for return on equity calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers, and other companies may define adjusted return on equity differently.
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Annualized adjusted return on equity is calculated as follows:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2021
2020
2021
2020
($ in thousands)
($ in thousands)
Annualized adjusted net income
$
52,948
$
52,188
$
65,046
$
50,732
Average stockholders' equity
$
376,563
$
318,032
$
370,229
$
296,900
Annualized adjusted return on equity
14.1
%
16.4
%
17.6
%
17.1
%
Adjusted Combined Ratio
We define adjusted combined ratio as the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio calculated excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook. We use adjusted combined ratio as an internal performance measure in the management of our operations because we believe it gives our management and financial statement users useful insight into our results of operations and our underlying business performance. Adjusted combined ratio should not be viewed as a substitute for combined ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers, and other companies may define adjusted combined ratio differently.
Adjusted combined ratio is calculated as follows:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2021
2020
2021
2020
($ in thousands)
($ in thousands)
Numerator: Sum of losses and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses, and other underwriting expenses, net of commission and other income
$
41,192
$
26,903
$
69,619
$
49,027
Denominator: Net earned premiums
$
54,215
$
39,320
$
101,268
$
74,126
Combined ratio
76.0
%
68.4
%
68.7
%
66.1
%
Adjustments to numerator:
Expenses associated with transactions and stock offerings
$
—
$
(456)
$
(411)
$
(708)
Stock-based compensation expense
(907)
(464)
(1,845)
(907)
Amortization of intangibles
(252)
—
(589)
—
Expenses associated with catastrophe bond, net of rebate
(16)
(399)
(1,698)
(399)
Adjusted combined ratio
73.8
%
65.1
%
64.3
%
63.4
%
Diluted Adjusted Earnings Per share
We define diluted adjusted earnings per share as adjusted net income divided by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period, reflecting the dilution which could occur if equity-based awards are converted into common share equivalents as calculated using the treasury stock method. We use diluted adjusted earnings per share as an internal performance measure in the management of our operations because we believe it gives our management and financial statement users useful insight into our results of operations and our underlying business performance. Diluted adjusted earnings per share should not be viewed as a substitute for diluted earnings per share calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define diluted adjusted earnings per share differently.
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Diluted adjusted earnings per share is calculated as follows:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2021
2020
2021
2020
(in thousands, except per share data)
(in thousands, except per share data)
Adjusted net income
$
13,237
$
13,047
$
32,523
$
25,366
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted
$
26,104,880
25,057,029
26,181,206
24,922,630
Diluted adjusted earnings per share
$
0.51
$
0.52
$
1.24
$
1.02
Catastrophe Loss Ratio
Catastrophe loss ratio is defined as the ratio of catastrophe losses to net earned premiums. Although we are inherently subject to catastrophe losses, the frequency and severity of catastrophe losses is unpredictable and their impact on our operating results may vary significantly between periods and obscure other trends in our business. Therefore, we are providing this metric because we believe it gives our management and other financial statement users useful insight into our results of operations and trends in our financial performance without the volatility caused by catastrophe losses. Catastrophe loss ratio should not be viewed as a substitute for loss ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers, and other companies may define catastrophe loss ratio differently
Catastrophe loss ratio is calculated as follows:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2021
2020
2021
2020
($ in thousands)
($ in thousands)
Numerator: Losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
7,235
$
3,978
$
2,813
$
5,841
Denominator: Net earned premiums
$
54,215
$
39,320
$
101,268
$
74,126
Loss ratio
13.3
%
10.1
%
2.8
%
7.9
%
Numerator: Catastrophe losses
$
(1,137)
$
—
$
(10,768)
$
—
Denominator: Net earned premiums
$
54,215
$
39,320
$
101,268
$
74,126
Catastrophe loss ratio
(2.1)
%
0.0
%
(10.6)
%
0.0
%
Adjusted Combined Ratio Excluding Catastrophe Losses
Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses is defined as adjusted combined ratio excluding the impact of catastrophe losses. Although we are inherently subject to catastrophe losses, the frequency and severity of catastrophe losses is unpredictable and their impact on our operating results may vary significantly between periods and obscure other trends in our business. Therefore, we are providing this metric because we believe it gives our management and other financial statement users useful insight into our results of operations and trends in our financial performance without the volatility caused by catastrophe losses. Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses should not be viewed as a substitute for combined ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers, and other companies may define adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses differently.
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Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses is calculated as follows:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2021
2020
2021
2020
($ in thousands)
($ in thousands)
Numerator: Sum of losses and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses, and other underwriting expenses, net of commission and other income
$
41,192
$
26,903
$
69,619
$
49,027
Denominator: Net earned premiums
$
54,215
$
39,320
$
101,268
$
74,126
Combined ratio
76.0
%
68.4
%
68.7
%
66.1
%
Adjustments to numerator:
Expenses associated with transactions and stock offerings
$
—
$
(456)
$
(411)
$
(708)
Stock-based compensation expense
(907)
(464)
(1,845)
(907)
Amortization of intangibles
(252)
—
(589)
—
Expenses associated with catastrophe bond, net of rebate
(16)
(399)
(1,698)
(399)
Catastrophe losses
1,137
—
10,768
—
Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses
75.9
%
65.1
%
74.9
%
63.4
%
Tangible Stockholders’ Equity
We define tangible stockholders’ equity as stockholders’ equity less intangible assets. Our definition of tangible stockholders’ equity may not be comparable to that of other companies, and it should not be viewed as a substitute for stockholders’ equity calculated in accordance with GAAP. We use tangible stockholders’ equity internally to evaluate the strength of our balance sheet and to compare returns relative to this measure.
Stockholders’ equity calculated in accordance with GAAP reconciles to tangible stockholders’ equity as follows:
June 30,
December 31,
2021
2020
(in thousands)
Stockholders' equity
$
376,745
$
363,713
Intangible assets
(10,849)
(11,512)
Tangible stockholders' equity
$
365,896
$
352,201
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and Uses of Funds
We operate as a holding company with no business operations of our own. Consequently, our ability to pay dividends to stockholders and pay taxes and administrative expenses is largely dependent on dividends or other distributions from our subsidiaries and affiliates, whose ability to pay us is highly regulated.
The Company’s U.S. insurance company subsidiaries, PSIC and PESIC, are restricted by the statutes as to the amount of dividends that they may pay without prior approval by state insurance commissioners.
Under California and Oregon statute which govern PSIC, dividends paid in a consecutive twelve month period cannot exceed the greater of (i) 10% of an insurance company’s statutory policyholders’ surplus as of December 31 of the preceding year or (ii) 100% of its statutory net income for the preceding calendar year. Any dividends or distributions in excess of these amounts would require regulatory approval. In addition, under Oregon statute PSIC may only declare a dividend from earned surplus, which does not include contributed capital. Surplus arising from unrealized
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capital gains or revaluation of assets is not considered part of earned surplus. Based on the above restrictions, PSIC may pay a dividend or distribution of no greater than $11.3 million in 2021 without approval by the California and Oregon Insurance Commissioners.
Under Arizona statute which governs PESIC, dividends paid in a consecutive twelve month period cannot exceed the lesser of (i) 10% of an insurance company’s statutory policyholders’ surplus as of December 31 of the preceding year or (ii) 100% of its statutory net income for the preceding calendar year. As such, PESIC is unable to pay a dividend or distribution in 2021 without the approval of the Arizona Insurance Commissioner as it had a statutory net loss in 2020.
State insurance regulators have broad powers to prevent the reduction of statutory surplus to inadequate levels, and there is no assurance that dividends up to the maximum amounts calculated under any applicable formula would be permitted. In addition, state insurance regulators may adopt statutory provisions and dividend limitations more restrictive than those currently in effect in the future.
Bermuda regulations limit the amount of dividends and return of capital paid by a regulated entity. A Class 3A insurer is prohibited from declaring or paying a dividend if it is in breach of its minimum solvency margin, its enhanced capital requirement, or its minimum liquidity ratio, or if the declaration or payment of such dividend would cause such a breach. If a Class 3A insurer has failed to meet its minimum solvency margin on the last day of any financial year, it will also be prohibited, without the approval of the BMA, from declaring or paying any dividends during the next financial year. Furthermore, the Insurance Act limits the ability of PSRE to pay dividends or make capital distributions by stipulating certain margin and solvency requirements and by requiring approval from the BMA prior to a reduction of 15% or more of a Class 3A insurer’s total statutory capital as reported on its prior year statutory balance sheet. Moreover, an insurer must submit an affidavit to the BMA, sworn by at least two directors and the principal representative in Bermuda of the Class 3A insurer, at least seven days prior to payment of any dividend which would exceed 25% of that insurer’s total statutory capital and surplus as reported on its prior year statutory balance sheet. The affidavit must state that in the opinion of those swearing the declaration of such dividend has not caused the insurer to fail to meet its relevant margins.
Further, under the Companies Act, PSRE may only declare or pay a dividend, or make a distribution out of contributed surplus, if it has no reasonable grounds for believing that: (1) it is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or (2) the realizable value of its assets would be less than its liabilities.
Cash Flows
Our primary sources of cash flow are written premiums, investment income, reinsurance recoveries, sales and redemptions of investments, and proceeds from offerings of equity securities. We use our cash flows primarily to pay reinsurance premiums, operating expenses, losses and loss adjustment expenses, and income taxes.
We also have implemented a share repurchase plan and have used and may use our cash in the future to purchase outstanding shares of our common stock. The program authorizes the repurchase by us of up to $40 million of our outstanding shares of common stock through the period ending on March 31, 2023. We purchased 239,096 shares for $15.8 million under this program during the six months ended June 30, 2021.
Our cash flows from operations may differ substantially from our net income due to non-cash charges or due to changes in balance sheet accounts.
The timing of our cash flows from operating activities can also vary among periods due to the timing by which payments are made or received. Some of our payments and receipts, including loss settlements and subsequent reinsurance receipts, can be significant. Therefore, their timing can influence cash flows from operating activities in any given period. The potential for a large claim under an insurance or reinsurance contract means that our insurance subsidiaries may need to make substantial payments within relatively short periods of time, which would have a negative impact on our operating cash flows.
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Management believes that our current liquidity and cash receipts from written premiums, investment income, proceeds from investment sales and redemptions, and reinsurance recoveries, if necessary, are sufficient to cover cash outflows for each of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries in the foreseeable future.
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:
Six months ended
June 30,
2021
2020
($ in thousands)
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities
$
(9,352)
$
24,499
Investing activities
15,479
(75,058)
Financing activities
(14,294)
127,152
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
(8,167)
$
76,593
Our cash flow from operating activities was negative during the six months ended June 30, 2021 due to an increase in net operating assets primarily related to timing of payments on claims. Our cash flow from operating activities was positive during the six months ended June 30, 2020 due to net income and a decrease in net operating assets.
Variations in operating cash flow between periods are primarily driven by variations in our gross and ceded written premiums and the volume and timing of premium receipts, claim payments, reinsurance payments, and reinsurance recoveries on paid losses. In addition, fluctuations in losses and loss adjustment expenses and other insurance operating expenses impact operating cash flows.
Cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021 related primarily to sales and maturities of fixed maturity and equity securities in excess of purchases. Cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020 related primarily to purchases of fixed maturity and equity securities in excess of sales and maturities.
Cash used in financing activities for six months ended June 30, 2021 was related to the repurchase of $15.8 million of our common stock offset by the receipt of $1.2 million from the issuance of common stock via stock option exercises and the receipt of $0.3 million in proceeds related to the issuance of common stock via our employee stock purchase plan. Cash provided by financing activities for six months ended June 30, 2020 was related to the receipt of $35.5 million in net proceeds from a January 2020 stock offering, the receipt of $90.2 million in net proceeds from a June 2020 stock offering, the receipt of $0.4 million in proceeds related to the issuance of common stock via our employee stock purchase plan, and the receipt of $1.0 million related to the issuance of common stock via stock option exercises.
We do not have any current plans for material capital expenditures other than current operating requirements. We believe that we will generate sufficient cash flows from operations to satisfy our liquidity requirements for at least the next 12 months and beyond. The key factor that will affect our future operating cash flows is the frequency and severity of catastrophe losses. To the extent our future operating cash flows are insufficient to cover our net losses from catastrophic events, we had $427.8 million in cash and investment securities available at June 30, 2021. We also have the ability to access additional capital through pursuing third-party borrowings, sales of our equity or debt securities or entrance into a reinsurance arrangement.
Stockholders’ Equity
At June 30, 2021 total stockholders’ equity was $376.7 million and tangible stockholders’ equity was $365.9 million, compared to total stockholders’ equity of $363.7 million and tangible stockholders’ equity of $352.2 million as of December 31, 2020. Stockholder’s equity increased primarily due to net income, issuance of common stock and
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stock-based compensation from our equity compensation plans offset by unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities and repurchases of shares of our common stock.
Tangible stockholders’ equity is a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of stockholders’ equity in accordance with GAAP to tangible stockholders’ equity.
Investment Portfolio
Our primary investment objectives are to maintain liquidity, preserve capital and generate a stable level of investment income. We purchase securities that we believe are attractive on a relative value basis and seek to generate returns in excess of predetermined benchmarks. Our Board of Directors approves our investment guidelines in compliance with applicable regulatory restrictions on asset type, quality and concentration. Our current investment guidelines allow us to invest in taxable and tax-exempt fixed maturities, as well as publicly traded mutual funds and common stock of individual companies. Our cash and invested assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, fixed maturity securities, and equity securities. As of June 30, 2021, the majority of our investment portfolio, or $396.6 million, was comprised of fixed maturity securities that are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses on these securities, net of applicable taxes, reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Also included in our investment portfolio were $5.6 million of equity securities, primarily comprised of mutual funds that provide exposure to the U.S. investment-grade bond market. In addition, we maintained a non-restricted cash and cash equivalent balance of $24.9 million at June 30, 2021. Our fixed maturity securities, including cash equivalents, had a weighted average effective duration of 3.84 and 3.96 years and an average rating of “A1/A” and “A2/A” at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Our fixed income investment portfolio had a book yield of 2.25% as of June 30, 2021, compared to 2.27% as of December 31, 2020.
At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 the amortized cost and fair value on available-for-sale securities were as follows:
Amortized
Fair
% of Total
June 30, 2021
Cost or Cost
Value
Fair Value
($ in thousands)
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Governments
$
18,967
$
19,376
4.9
%
States, territories, and possessions
6,183
6,556
1.7
%
Political subdivisions
2,013
2,128
0.5
%
Special revenue excluding mortgage/asset-backed securities
39,819
41,326
10.4
%
Corporate and other
235,195
242,962
61.3
%
Mortgage/asset-backed securities
82,273
84,289
21.2
%
Total available-for-sale investments
$
384,450
$
396,637
100.0
%
Amortized
Fair
% of Total
December 31, 2020
Cost or Cost
Value
Fair Value
($ in thousands)
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Governments
$
16,308
$
17,059
4.3
%
States, territories, and possessions
6,208
6,636
1.7
%
Political subdivisions
2,027
2,152
0.5
%
Special revenue excluding mortgage/asset-backed securities
39,704
41,227
10.4
%
Corporate and other
234,049
245,360
61.6
%
Mortgage/asset-backed securities
82,983
85,553
21.5
%
Total available-for-sale investments
$
381,279
$
397,987
100.0
%
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The following tables provide the credit quality of investment securities as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
Estimated
% of
June 30, 2021
Fair Value
Total
($ in thousands)
Rating
AAA
$
87,284
22.0
%
AA
55,941
14.1
%
A
152,746
38.5
%
BBB
88,474
22.3
%
BB
10,606
2.7
%
NR
1,586
0.4
%
$
396,637
100.0
%
Estimated
% of
December 31, 2020
Fair Value
Total
($ in thousands)
Rating
AAA
$
91,156
22.9
%
AA
54,342
13.7
%
A
149,977
37.7
%
BBB
88,817
22.3
%
BB
11,425
2.9
%
NA/NR
2,270
0.5
%
$
397,987
100.0
%
The amortized cost and fair value of our available-for-sale investments in fixed maturity securities summarized by contractual maturity as of June 30, 2021 were as follows:
Amortized
Fair
% of Total
June 30, 2021
Cost
Value
Fair Value
($ in thousands)
Due within one year
$
28,427
$
28,687
7.2
%
Due after one year through five years
131,078
134,954
34.0
%
Due after five years through ten years
105,491
110,016
27.7
%
Due after ten years
37,181
38,691
9.8
%
Mortgage and asset-backed securities
82,273
84,289
21.3
%
$
384,450
$
396,637
100.0
%
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
Reinsurance
We purchase a significant amount of reinsurance from third parties that we believe enhances our business by reducing our exposure to potential catastrophe losses, limiting volatility in our underwriting performance, and providing us with greater visibility into our future earnings. Reinsurance involves transferring, or ceding, a portion of our risk exposure on policies that we write to another insurer, the reinsurer, in exchange for a premium. To the extent that our reinsurers are unable to meet the obligations they assume under our reinsurance agreements, we remain liable for the entire insured loss; see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We may be unable to purchase third-party reinsurance or otherwise expand our catastrophe coverage in amounts we desire on commercially acceptable terms or on terms that adequately protect us, and this inability may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.”
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We use treaty reinsurance and, on a limited basis, facultative reinsurance coverage. Treaty coverage refers to a reinsurance contract that is applied to a group or class of business where all the risks written meet the criteria for that class. Our treaty reinsurance program primarily consists of catastrophe excess of loss (“XOL”) coverage, in which the reinsurer(s) agree to assume all or a portion of the ceding company’s losses relating to a group of policies occurring in relation to specified events, subject to customary exclusions, in excess of a specified amount. Additionally, we buy program specific reinsurance coverage for specific lines of business on a quota share, property per risk or a facultative basis. In quota share reinsurance, the reinsurer agrees to assume a specified percentage of the ceding company’s losses arising out of a defined class of business in exchange for a corresponding percentage of premiums, net of a ceding commission. Property per risk coverage is similar to catastrophe XOL coverage except that the treaty applies in individual property losses rather than in the aggregate for all claims associated with a single catastrophic loss occurrence. Facultative coverage refers to a reinsurance contract on individual risks as opposed to a group or class of business. We use facultative reinsurance selectively to supplement limits or to cover risks or perils excluded from other reinsurance contracts.
We have a robust program utilizing a mix of traditional reinsurers and insurance linked securities. We currently purchase reinsurance from over 90 reinsurers, who either have an “A−” (Excellent) (Outlook Stable) or better financial strength rating by A.M. Best or post collateral. Our reinsurance contracts include special termination provisions that allow us to cancel and replace any participating reinsurer that is downgraded below a rating of “A−” (Excellent) (Outlook Stable) from A.M. Best, or whose surplus drops by more than 20%.
In addition to reinsurance purchased from traditional reinsurers, we have historically incorporated collateralized protection from the insurance linked securities market (i.e. catastrophe bonds). During the first quarter of 2021, the Company closed a $400 million 144A catastrophe bond which became effective June 1, 2021. The catastrophe bond was completed through Torrey Pines Re Pte. Ltd. (“Torrey Pines Re”). Torrey Pines Re. is a special purpose insurer established in Singapore whereby Torrey Pines Re provides Palomar with indemnity-based reinsurance covering earthquake events.
Our catastrophe event retention is currently $12.5 million for all perils. Our reinsurance coverage exhausts at $1.65 billion for earthquake events and $700 million for hurricane events, providing coverage in excess of our 1:250 year peak zone PML and in excess of our A.M. Best requirement. In addition, we maintain reinsurance coverage equivalent to or better than the 1 in 250 year PML for our other lines.
In the event that multiple catastrophe events occur in a period, many of our contracts include the right to reinstate reinsurance limits for potential future recoveries during the same contract year and preserve our limit for subsequent events. This feature for subsequent event coverage is known as a “reinstatement.” In addition, to provide further coverage against the potential for frequent catastrophe events we have secured $25 million of aggregate XOL reinsurance limit effective April 1, 2021. This coverage, applying within our per occurrence retention, has an attachment point of $30 million and applies across all perils including but not limited to earthquakes, hurricanes, convective storms, and floods above a qualifying level of $2.0 million in ultimate gross loss.
Critical accounting estimates
We identified the accounting estimates which are critical to the understanding of our financial position and results of operations. Critical accounting estimates are defined as those estimates that are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require us to exercise significant judgment. We use significant judgment concerning future results and developments in applying these critical accounting estimates and in preparing our condensed consolidated financial statements. These judgments and estimates affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of our material contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements. We evaluate our estimates regularly using information that we believe to be relevant. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are described in our annual consolidated financial statements and the related notes in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates as compared to the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Operations included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.