EX-99.1 2 pressrelease.htm pressrelease.htm


Exhibit 99.1
Contact: Lily Outerbridge
Investor Relations
(441) 298-0760

 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD.  REPORTS FINANCIAL RESULTS
FOR THE SECOND QUARTER AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008

HAMILTON, BERMUDA, July 22, 2008 – Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: PTP) today reported net income of $102.4 million, or $1.82 per diluted common share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.  The results for the quarter include net premiums earned of $258.0 million, a decrease of 12.8% from the same quarter last year, net favorable development of $36.8 million, compared with net favorable development of $22.2 million for the same quarter last year, and net investment income of $46.9 million, a decrease of 14.2% from the same quarter last year.

Michael D. Price, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our results reflect disciplined underwriting, favorable reserve development, lower than expected catastrophe activity, significant investment income, and active capital management.  Our net income was very strong and resulted in record earnings per diluted common share.  Our book value per share growth of 2.7% for the quarter and 8.7% year to date reflected an increase in unrealized losses in our investment portfolio.”

Mr. Price added, “Reinsurers face challenging market conditions for both their underwriting and investment activities.  Through this turbulent period, we will continue taking risk on both sides of the balance sheet provided we believe we are being adequately compensated for doing so.”


Results for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 were summarized as follows:

· Net income was $102.4 million, or $1.82 per diluted common share.

· Net premiums written were $224.9 million and net premiums earned were $258.0 million.

· GAAP combined ratio was 68.4%.

· Net investment income was $46.9 million.
 
 
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Results for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2007 were summarized as follows:

· Net income increased $11.7 million (or 12.9%).
 
· Net premiums written decreased $62.9 million (or 21.8%) and net premiums earned decreased $37.9 million (or 12.8%)
 
· GAAP combined ratio decreased 12.4 percentage points.

· Net investment income decreased $7.8 million (or 14.2%).

Net premiums written for Platinum’s Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk segments for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 were $118.6 million, $102.9 million and $3.4 million, respectively, representing 52.7%, 45.8% and 1.5%, respectively, of the total net premiums written. Combined ratios for these segments were 47.8%, 93.6% and 91.2%, respectively, for the quarter. Compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2007, net premiums written decreased by $0.6 million (or 0.5%), $59.7 million (or 36.7%) and $2.6 million (or 43.2%) in the Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk segments, respectively.

Results for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were summarized as follows:

· Net income was $207.5 million, or $3.58 per diluted common share.

· Net premiums written were $521.1 million and net premiums earned were $559.8 million.

· GAAP combined ratio was 73.7%.

· Net investment income was $96.0 million.


Results for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007 were summarized as follows:

· Net income increased $44.0 million (or 26.9%).
 
· Net premiums written decreased $65.5 million (or 11.2%) and net premiums earned decreased $20.9 million (or 3.6%).
 
· GAAP combined ratio decreased 10.1 percentage points.

· Net investment income decreased $10.4 million (or 9.8%).

Net premiums written for Platinum’s Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk segments for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were $287.4 million, $228.5 million, and $5.2 million, respectively, representing 55.2%, 43.8% and 1.0%, respectively, of the total net premiums written.  Combined ratios for these segments were 53.9%, 95.7% and 106.3%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2008.  Compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007, net premiums written increased $30.5 million (or 11.9%) in the Property and Marine segment and decreased $86.3 million (or 27.4%) and $9.8 million (or 65.0%) in the Casualty and Finite Risk segments, respectively.
 
 
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Total assets were $4.99 billion as of June 30, 2008, a decrease of $89.9 million (or 1.8%) from $5.08 billion as of December 31, 2007.  Cash, cash equivalents and fixed maturity investments were $4.38 billion as of June 30, 2008, a decrease of $83.1 million (or 1.9%) from December 31, 2007.

Shareholders’ equity was $1.97 billion as of June 30, 2008, a decrease of $29.8 million (or 1.5%) from December 31, 2007.  Book value per common share was $36.99 as of June 30, 2008 based on 48.7 million common shares outstanding, an increase of $2.95 (or 8.7%) from $34.04 as of December 31, 2007 based on 53.8 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 Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time.  The call may be accessed by dialing 888-802-2275 (US callers) or 913-312-1508 (international callers), or in a listen-only mode via the Investor Relations section of Platinum’s website at www.platinumre.com.  Those who intend to participate in the teleconference should register at least ten minutes in advance to ensure access to the call.

The teleconference will be recorded and a replay will be available from 11:00 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 until midnight Eastern time on Wednesday, July 30, 2008.  To access the replay by telephone, dial 888-203-1112 (US callers) or 719-457-0820 (international callers) and specify passcode 9206842. 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) and related underwriting ratios are referred to as non-GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. Management believes these measures, which are used to monitor the results of operations, allow for a more complete understanding of the underlying business. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of such measures to the most comparable GAAP figures such as income before income tax expense and total shareholders’ equity is presented in the attached financial information in accordance with Regulation G.

About Platinum
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: PTP) is a leading provider of property, casualty and finite risk reinsurance coverages, through reinsurance intermediaries, to a diverse clientele on a worldwide basis.  Platinum operates through its principal subsidiaries in Bermuda and the United States.  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 Forwarding-Looking Statements
Management believes certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "should," "estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "predict," "potential," or words of similar import.  Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and risks, many of which are subject to change.  These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, conducting operations in a competitive environment; our ability to maintain our A.M. Best Company, Inc. rating; significant weather-related or other natural or man-made disasters over which the Company has no control; the effectiveness of our loss limitation methods and pricing models; the adequacy of the Company's liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses; the availability of retrocessional reinsurance on acceptable terms; our ability to maintain our business relationships with reinsurance brokers; general political and economic conditions, including the effects of civil unrest, acts of terrorism, war or a prolonged U.S. or global economic downturn or recession; the cyclicality of the property and casualty reinsurance business; market volatility and interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuation; tax, regulatory or legal restrictions or limitations applicable to the Company or the property and casualty reinsurance business generally; and changes in the Company's plans, strategies, objectives, expectations or intentions, which may happen at any time at the Company's discretion.  As a consequence, current plans, anticipated actions and future financial condition and results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.  Additionally, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation  to release publicly the results of any future revisions or updates we may make to forward-looking statements to reflect new information or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of future events.


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Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
         
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
         
As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007
         
(amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
         
           
   
June 30, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
     
Assets
         
Investments
  $ 3,425,356   $ 3,371,348  
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
    953,059     1,090,155  
Reinsurance premiums receivable
    262,128     244,360  
Accrued investment income
    34,429     34,696  
Reinsurance balances (prepaid and recoverable)
    27,650     37,348  
Deferred acquisition costs
    62,237     70,508  
Funds held by ceding companies
    157,603     165,604  
Other assets
    66,342     64,731  
         Total assets
  $ 4,988,804   $ 5,078,750  
               
Liabilities
             
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 2,352,116   $ 2,361,038  
Unearned premiums
    263,672     298,498  
Debt obligations
    250,000     250,000  
Commissions payable
    110,346     100,204  
Other liabilities
    44,078     70,633  
             Total liabilities
    3,020,212     3,080,373  
               
Total shareholders' equity
    1,968,592     1,998,377  
               
             Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 4,988,804   $ 5,078,750  
               
Book value per common share  (a)
  $ 36.99   $ 34.04  
 
(a) Book value per common share is determined by dividing shareholders' equity, excluding capital attributable to preferred shares, by actual common shares outstanding including unvested restricted common shares.  Unvested restricted common shares were as follows:  June 30, 2008 -50,732; December 31, 2007 - 55,910
 
 
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Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
               
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
             
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
               
(amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
               
                 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30, 2008
 
June 30, 2007
 
June 30, 2008
 
June 30, 2007
 
                 
Revenue
               
Net premiums earned
$ 257,982     295,918     559,833   $ 580,766  
Net investment income
  46,932     54,684     95,994     106,383  
Net realized losses on investments
  (184 )   (1,639 )   (139 )   (1,657 )
Other expense
  (6,227 )   (2,206 )   (4,206 )   (2,986 )
Total revenue
  298,503     346,757     651,482     682,506  
                         
Expenses
                       
Net losses and LAE
  93,392     164,431     253,595     346,344  
Net acquisition expenses
  66,137     56,827     126,679     104,947  
Other underwriting expenses
  16,991     17,617     32,692     35,396  
Corporate expenses
  8,109     8,491     14,098     13,918  
Net foreign currency exchange gains (losses)
  1,998     (1,416 )   (2,871 )   (1,458 )
Interest expense
  4,751     5,456     9,501     10,911  
Total expenses
  191,378     251,406     433,694     510,058  
Income before income tax expense
  107,125     95,351     217,788     172,448  
Income tax expense
  4,768     4,701     10,260     8,965  
Net income
  102,357     90,650     207,528     163,483  
                         
Preferred dividends
  2,602     2,602     5,204     5,204  
                         
Net income attributable to common shareholders
$ 99,755     88,048     202,324   $ 158,279  
                         
Basic
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding
  48,468     60,061     50,286     59,891  
Basic earnings per common share
$ 2.06     1.47     4.02   $ 2.64  
                         
Diluted
                       
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding
  56,097     67,857     58,021     67,578  
Diluted earnings per common share
$ 1.82     1.34     3.58   $ 2.42  
                         
Comprehensive income
                       
Net income
$ 102,357     90,650     207,528   $ 163,483  
Other comprehensive loss, net of deferred taxes
  (38,876 )   (32,926 )   (42,997 )   (23,541 )
Comprehensive income
$ 63,481     57,724     164,531   $ 139,942  
 
 
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Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
                       
Segment Reporting
                       
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
                       
($ in thousands)
                       
                         
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 (Unaudited)
                       
Segment underwriting results
 
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
                         
Net premiums written
  $ 118,588       102,893       3,379     $ 224,860  
Net premiums earned
    141,716       113,245       3,021       257,982  
                                 
Net losses and LAE
    33,367       66,783       (6,758 )     93,392  
Net acquisition expenses
    24,774       32,214       9,149       66,137  
Other underwriting expenses
    9,635       6,991       365       16,991  
Total underwriting expenses
    67,776       105,988       2,756       176,520  
Segment underwriting income
  $ 73,940       7,257       265       81,462  
                                 
Net investment income
                            46,932  
Net realized losses on investments
                            (184 )
Net foreign currency exchange losses
                            (1,998 )
Other expense
                            (6,227 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (8,109 )
Interest expense
                            (4,751 )
Income before income tax expense
                          $ 107,125  
                                 
GAAP underwriting ratios:
                               
Loss and LAE
    23.5 %     59.0 %     (223.7 %)     36.2 %
Acquisition expense
    17.5 %     28.4 %     302.8 %     25.6 %
Other underwriting expense
    6.8 %     6.2 %     12.1 %     6.6 %
Combined
    47.8 %     93.6 %     91.2 %     68.4 %
                                 
                                 
                                 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2007 (Unaudited)
                               
Segment underwriting results
                               
                                 
Net premiums written
  $ 119,226       162,548       5,949     $ 287,723  
Net premiums earned
    125,136       163,845       6,937       295,918  
                                 
Net losses and LAE
    43,242       117,993       3,196       164,431  
Net acquisition expenses
    16,264       40,061       502       56,827  
Other underwriting expenses
    10,582       6,442       593       17,617  
Total underwriting expenses
    70,088       164,496       4,291       238,875  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 55,048       (651 )     2,646       57,043  
                                 
Net investment income
                            54,684  
Net realized losses on investments
                            (1,639 )
Net foreign currency exchange gains
                            1,416  
Other expense
                            (2,206 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (8,491 )
Interest expense
                            (5,456 )
Income before income tax expense
                          $ 95,351  
                                 
GAAP underwriting ratios:
                               
Loss and LAE
    34.6 %     72.0 %     46.1 %     55.6 %
Acquisition expense
    13.0 %     24.5 %     7.2 %     19.2 %
Other underwriting expense
    8.5 %     3.9 %     8.5 %     6.0 %
Combined
    56.1 %     100.4 %     61.8 %     80.8 %
                                 
The GAAP underwriting ratios are calculated by dividing each item above by net premiums earned.
 
 
 
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Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
                       
Segment Reporting
                       
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
                       
($ in thousands)
                       
                         
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (Unaudited)
                       
Segment underwriting results
 
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
                         
Net premiums written
  $ 287,405       228,469       5,257     $ 521,131  
Net premiums earned
    295,106       260,740       3,987       559,833  
                                 
Net losses and LAE
    95,406       166,176       (7,987 )     253,595  
Net acquisition expenses
    45,428       69,702       11,549       126,679  
Other underwriting expenses
    18,231       13,786       675       32,692  
Total underwriting expenses
    159,065       249,664       4,237       412,966  
Segment underwriting income (expense)
  $ 136,041       11,076       (250 )     146,867  
                                 
Net investment income
                            95,994  
Net realized losses on investments
                            (139 )
Net foreign currency exchange gains
                            2,871  
Other expense
                            (4,206 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (14,098 )
Interest expense
                            (9,501 )
Income before income tax expense
                          $ 217,788  
                                 
GAAP underwriting ratios:
                               
Loss and LAE
    32.3 %     63.7 %     (200.3 %)     45.3 %
Acquisition expense
    15.4 %     26.7 %     289.7 %     22.6 %
Other underwriting expense
    6.2 %     5.3 %     16.9 %     5.8 %
Combined
    53.9 %     95.7 %     106.3 %     73.7 %
                                 
                                 
                                 
                                 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (Unaudited)
                               
Segment underwriting results
                               
                                 
Net premiums written
  $ 256,880       314,731       15,029     $ 586,640  
Net premiums earned
    244,846       317,864       18,056       580,766  
                                 
Net losses and LAE
    105,869       230,375       10,100       346,344  
Net acquisition expenses
    32,199       72,096       652       104,947  
Other underwriting expenses
    20,610       13,159       1,627       35,396  
Total underwriting expenses
    158,678       315,630       12,379       486,687  
Segment underwriting income
  $ 86,168       2,234       5,677       94,079  
                                 
Net investment income
                            106,383  
Net realized losses on investments
                            (1,657 )
Net foreign currency exchange gains
                            1,458  
Other expense
                            (2,986 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (13,918 )
Interest expense
                            (10,911 )
Income before income tax expense
                          $ 172,448  
                                 
GAAP underwriting ratios:
                               
Loss and LAE
    43.2 %     72.5 %     55.9 %     59.6 %
Acquisition expense
    13.2 %     22.7 %     3.6 %     18.1 %
Other underwriting expense
    8.4 %     4.1 %     9.0 %     6.1 %
Combined
    64.8 %     99.3 %     68.5 %     83.8 %
                                 
                                 
The GAAP underwriting ratios are calculated by dividing each item above by net premiums earned.
 
 
 
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