TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HCI Group, Inc. (NYSE:HCI) reported results today for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.

Second Quarter 2014 - Financial Results

Income available to common stockholders in the second quarter of 2014 totaled $16.4 million or $1.39 diluted earnings per common share compared with $16.2 million or $1.40 diluted earnings per common share in the second quarter of 2013.

Gross premiums earned in the second quarter of 2014 increased 11.3% to $91.2 million from $82.0 million in the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily due to policies assumed from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation in November 2013.

Net premiums earned (defined as gross premiums earned less premiums ceded to reinsurance companies) in the second quarter of 2014 increased 9.3% to $62.6 million from $57.3 million in the same period in 2013. Premiums ceded in the second quarter of 2014 were $28.6 million, or 31.3% of the company's gross premiums earned, compared with $24.6 million, or 30.0% of the company's gross premiums earned, during the same period in 2013. Our reinsurance rates are based primarily on policy exposures reflected in gross premiums earned.

Net investment income in the second quarter of 2014 was $1.5 million compared with $295,000 in the same period in 2013. The increase was due to the increase in our investment portfolio, which has grown from $66.5 million at June 30, 2013 to $179.2 million at June 30, 2014.  

Net realized investment gains were $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2014 compared to net realized investment losses of $8,000 in the same period in 2013.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses during the second quarter of 2014 were $18.4 million compared with $17.4 million in the same period in 2013.

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses in the second quarter of 2014 were $9.6 million compared with $7.3 million in the comparable period in 2013. The increase was primarily attributable to commissions and premium taxes related to an increase in policy renewals resulting from policies assumed from Citizens in 2012 and 2013. Other operating expenses, which include a variety of general and administrative expenses, totaled $9.4 million in the second quarter of 2014 compared with $7.4 million in the second quarter of 2013. The increase was primarily attributable to an additional $2.1 million in compensation and related expenses including approximately $1.5 million of accrued bonuses and stock-based compensation.

Interest expense totaled $2.6 million and $846,000 in the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The increase was attributable to a $103 million convertible debt offering completed in December 2013.

Second Quarter 2014 - Financial Ratios

The company's loss ratio applicable to the three months ended June 30, 2014 (defined as losses and loss adjustment expenses related to net premiums earned) was 29.3% compared with 30.4% in the three months ended June 30, 2013. 

The expense ratio applicable to the three months ended June 30, 2014 (defined as underwriting expenses, interest and other operating expenses related to net premiums earned) was 34.4% compared with 27.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2013.

Expressed as a total of all expenses in relation to net premiums earned, the combined loss and expense ratio to net premiums earned was 63.7% in the second quarter of 2014 compared with 57.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2013.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 - Financial Results

Income available to common stockholders for the six months ended June 30, 2014 totaled $34.1 million or $2.84 diluted earnings per common share, compared with $36.6 million or $3.20 diluted earnings per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2013.

Gross premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased 12.5% to $185.1 million from $164.5 million in the same year-ago period. The increase was primarily due to policies assumed from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation in November 2013.

Net premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased 9.5% to $129.0 million from $117.9 million in the same period in 2013. Premiums ceded for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were $56.1 million, or 30.3% of the company's gross premiums earned, compared with $46.6 million, or 28.3% of the company's gross premiums earned, during the same period in 2013. 

Net investment income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $2.5 million and $434,000, respectively.

Net realized investment gains were $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to net realized investment gains of $12,000 in the same period in 2013.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were $36.9 million and $33.3 million, respectively.

Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were $18.7 million compared with $13.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013. Other operating expenses totaled $18.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared with $13.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013.

Interest expense from the company's senior notes issued in 2013 totaled $5.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared with $1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 - Financial Ratios

The company's loss ratio applicable to the six months ended June 30, 2014 was 28.6% compared with 28.2% in the six months ended June 30, 2013.

The expense ratio applicable to the six months ended June 30, 2014 was 33.2% compared with 24.0% in the same period in 2013.

Expressed as a total of all expenses related to net premiums earned, the combined loss and expense ratio to net premiums earned was 61.8% in the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared with 52.2% in the same period in 2013.

Management Commentary

"The second quarter of 2014 was another successful quarter for HCI Group," said Paresh Patel, the company's chairman and chief executive officer. "Our insurance division continues to generate consistent results as we stay committed to our strict underwriting principles. Our strong balance sheet and solid management team provide great opportunities for growth."

Conference Call

HCI Group will hold a conference call later today (August 5, 2014) to discuss these financial results. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Paresh Patel and Chief Financial Officer Richard Allen will host the call starting at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. A question and answer session will follow management's presentation.

Dial-in number: (877) 407-8033

International number: (201) 689-8033

Investors or analysts that wish to participate in the Q&A portion of the call should contact Kevin Mitchell at kmitchell@hcigroup.com or (813) 405-3603.

The conference call will be simulcast and available for replay via the investor section of the company's website at www.hcigroup.com.

Please call the conference telephone number 5 to 10 minutes before the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Liolios Group at (949) 574-3860.

A replay of the call will be available after 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through September 5, 2014.

Toll-free replay number: (877) 660-6853

International replay number: (201) 612-7415

Conference ID: 13587171

About HCI Group, Inc.

HCI Group, Inc. owns subsidiaries engaged in diverse, yet complementary business activities, including homeowners' insurance, reinsurance, real estate and information technology services. The company's largest subsidiary, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc., is a leading provider of property and casualty insurance in the state of Florida.

The company's common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "HCI" and are included in the Russell 2000 and S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Its 8% Senior Notes trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "HCJ." For more information about HCI Group, visit www.hcigroup.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "confident," "prospects" and "project" and other similar words and expressions are intended to signify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and conditions but rather are subject to various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance, for example, that information technology or real estate will enhance growth and profitability prospects. Some of these risks and uncertainties are identified in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should any risks or uncertainties develop into actual events, these developments could have material adverse effects on the company's business, financial condition and results of operations. HCI Group, Inc. disclaims all obligations to update any forward-looking statements.

 
 
HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share amounts) 
     
     
  At June 30, 2014 At December 31, 2013
  (Unaudited)  
Assets    
Fixed-maturity securities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $117,944 and $110,738, respectively)  $ 122,430  112,151
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost: $35,791 and $17,248, respectively)  37,812  17,649
Real estate investments  18,938  16,228
 Total investments 179,180 146,028
Cash and cash equivalents  302,048  293,398
Accrued interest and dividends receivable  1,263  1,133
Premiums receivable  28,762  14,674
Prepaid reinsurance premiums  33,277  28,066
Deferred policy acquisition costs  20,083  14,071
Property and equipment, net  12,643  13,132
Other assets  22,399  15,814
     
 Total assets  $ 599,655 526,316
     
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity    
Losses and loss adjustment expenses  $ 43,044 43,686
Unearned premiums 206,657 171,907
Advance premiums 14,873 4,504
Assumed reinsurance balances payable 316 4,660
Accrued expenses 10,162 4,032
Dividends payable  3,111  19
Income taxes payable  103  543
Deferred income taxes, net   2,951  2,740
Long-term debt  128,205  126,932
Other liabilities  14,140  6,772
     
 Total liabilities 423,562 365,795
     
Stockholders' equity:    
7% Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock (liquidation preference $10.00 per share), no par value, 1,500,000 shares authorized, 0 and 110,684 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively —  — 
Series B junior participating preferred stock (no par value, 400,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding) —  — 
Preferred stock (no par value 18,100,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding) —  — 
Common stock, (no par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 10,690,069 and 10,939,268 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively) —  — 
Additional paid-in capital 36,511 48,966
Retained income 135,585 110,441
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes  3,997  1,114
     
Total stockholders' equity 176,093 160,521
     
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $ 599,655 526,316
 
 
HCI GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) 
         
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  June 30, June 30,
  2014 2013 2014 2013
         
Revenue        
         
Gross premiums earned  $ 91,221  81,952  $ 185,109  164,499
Premiums ceded  (28,572)  (24,617)  (56,080)  (46,613)
         
Net premiums earned  62,649  57,335  129,029  117,886
         
Net investment income  1,481  295  2,540  434
Policy fee income  638  1,426  895  2,198
Net realized investment gains (losses)  1,167  (8)  1,171 12
Other  349  285  766  614
         
Total revenue  66,284  59,333  134,401  121,144
         
Expenses        
         
Losses and loss adjustment expenses  18,383  17,414  36,948  33,286
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses  9,559  7,308  18,688  13,276
Interest expense  2,609 846  5,183  1,532
Other operating expenses  9,350  7,358  18,889  13,473
         
Total expenses  39,901  32,926  79,708  61,567
         
Income before income taxes  26,383  26,407  54,693  59,577
         
Income tax expense  9,953  10,172  20,643  22,955
         
Net income  $ 16,430  16,235  $ 34,050  36,622
         
Preferred stock dividends  1  (32)  4  (66)
         
Income available to common stockholders  $ 16,431  16,203  $ 34,054  36,556
         
Basic earnings per common share  $ 1.53  1.44  $ 3.14  3.31
         
Diluted earnings per common share  $ 1.39  1.40  $ 2.84  3.20
         
Dividends per common share  $ 0.27  0.23  $ 0.55  0.45
CONTACT: Company Contact:
         Kevin Mitchell, Vice President of Investor Relations
         HCI Group, Inc.
         Tel (813) 405-3603
         kmitchell@hcigroup.com
         
         Investor Relations Contact:
         Matt Glover or Michael Koehler
         Liolios Group, Inc.
         Tel (949) 574-3860
         hci@liolios.com

company logo