Assurant Reports First Quarter 2021 Financial Results
05/04/2021 - 04:15 PM
Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ), a leading global provider of lifestyle and housing solutions that support, protect and connect major consumer purchases, today reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.
“Our first quarter results came in stronger than expected, due to more favorable loss experience in our specialty P&C products, as well as continued growth across our Global Automotive, Multifamily Housing and Connected Living businesses,” said Assurant President and CEO Alan Colberg. “Our success has been supported by the breadth and depth of our multi-channel distribution strategy across our businesses, together with an unrelenting focus on innovation, both of which have contributed to our significant growth.”
Colberg added, “Following a strong start to the year, we now expect net operating income, excluding catastrophes, per diluted share to increase by 10 to 14 percent from continued profitable growth and share repurchases. Through the actions we’ve taken to focus our portfolio and drive momentum across our Connected World offerings, we continue to feel confident about the long-term growth opportunities across the global markets where we compete.”
(Unaudited)
$ in millions, except where noted
Q1’21
Q1’20
Change
GAAP net income
148.5
148.6
0%
GAAP net income per diluted share
$2.41
$2.32
4%
Net operating income1
147.8
148.5
0%
Net operating income per diluted share2
$2.47
$2.41
2%
Net operating income, ex. reportable catastrophes3
182.3
161.4
13%
Net operating income, ex. reportable catastrophes, per diluted share4
$3.03
$2.61
16%
Adjusted EBITDA, ex. reportable catastrophes5
302.2
264.0
14%
First Quarter 2021 Summary:
Net income was flat versus prior year period, while net income per diluted share increased 4 percent
Net operating income, excluding reportable catastrophes3 , up 13 percent to $182.3 million
Net operating income, excluding reportable catastrophes, per diluted share4 , up 16 percent to $3.03
Adjusted EBITDA, excluding reportable catastrophes5 , up 14 percent to $302.2 million
Holding company liquidity was $332 million
Share repurchases and common stock dividends totaled $80 million ; completed more than 70 percent of its $1.35 billion three-year capital return objective since 2019
Increased 2021 outlook to 10 to 14 percent growth in net operating income, excluding reportable catastrophes, per diluted share6 ; Adjusted EBITDA, excluding reportable catastrophes6 , to increase at a modestly higher rate than net operating income, excluding reportable catastrophes
First Quarter 2021 Consolidated Results
(Unaudited)
$ in millions
Q1’21
Q1’20
Change
GAAP net income
148.5
148.6
0%
GAAP Corporate and Other segment net loss
(48.0)
(46.5)
(3)%
Net operating income
Global Lifestyle7
129.1
120.9
7%
Global Housing7
67.4
74.2
(9)%
Corporate and Other8
(21.6)
(21.8)
1%
Interest expense
(22.4)
(20.1)
(11)%
Preferred stock dividends
(4.7)
(4.7)
0%
Net operating income 1
147.8
148.5
0%
Reportable catastrophes
34.5
12.9
Net operating income, ex. reportable catastrophes 3
182.3
161.4
13%
Adjusted EBITDA, ex. reportable catastrophes
Global Lifestyle5
193.0
174.0
11%
Global Housing5
137.1
117.3
17%
Corporate and Other5
(27.9)
(27.3)
2%
Adjusted EBITDA, ex. reportable catastrophes 5
302.2
264.0
14%
Note: Some of the metrics above are non-GAAP measures of performance. A full reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the most comparable GAAP measure can be found in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section beginning on page 8. Additional details regarding key financial metrics are included in the Financial Supplement located on Assurant’s Investor Relations website: https://ir.assurant.com/investor/default.aspx
Net income was $148.5 million , or $2.41 per diluted share, roughly flat compared to first quarter 2020 net income of $148.6 million , or $2.32 per diluted share, as the absence of a $79.3 million one-time tax benefit in first quarter 2020 was offset by higher net realized gains on investments compared to net realized losses in the prior year period.
Net operating income 1 totaled $147.8 million , or $2.47 per diluted share2 , roughly flat compared to first quarter 2020 net operating income of $148.5 million , or $2.41 per diluted share, as earnings growth was offset by $21.6 million of higher reportable catastrophes compared to the prior year. Excluding reportable catastrophes, net operating income3 for first quarter 2021 increased 13 percent to $182.3 million , compared to $161.4 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by more favorable non-catastrophe loss experience and Multifamily Housing growth in Global Housing as well as continued expansion in Global Automotive and Connected Living within Global Lifestyle.
Adjusted EBITDA, excluding reportable catastrophes 5 increased 14 percent compared to the prior year period, greater than the increase in net operating income excluding reportable catastrophes, which reflects higher amortization of purchase asset intangibles from auto and mobile-related acquisitions and an increase in depreciation expense related to major information technology initiatives.
Revenue from the Global Lifestyle and Global Housing segments totaled $2.36 billion compared to $2.45 billion in first quarter 2020, reflecting the impact from a previously disclosed mobile contract change. Absent this change, revenue was flat year-over-year, as growth in Global Automotive within Global Lifestyle was offset by a modest decline in Global Housing.
Reportable Segments
Global Lifestyle
$ in millions
Q1’21
Q1’20
Change
Net operating income7
129.1
120.9
7%
Adjusted EBITDA5
193.0
174.0
11%
Revenue
1,862.3
1,946.9
(4)%
Note: References to Adjusted EBITDA within Global Lifestyle exclude reportable catastrophes.
Net operating income 7 increased in first quarter 2021 compared to the prior year period. Earnings growth was primarily driven by strong results in Global Automotive, including a $4.3 million one-time benefit, as well as higher investment income and underlying global growth. Connected Living results also increased from mobile subscriber growth in Asia Pacific and North America, higher trade-in volumes and contributions from recent acquisitions. First quarter 2020 included $11.7 million of one-time benefits within Connected Living and Global Automotive.
Adjusted EBITDA 5 increased compared to the prior year period, greater than the increase in net operating income, which reflects higher amortization of purchased asset intangibles from auto and mobile-related acquisitions and an increase in depreciation expense related to major information technology initiatives.
Revenue decreased in the first quarter 2021, reflecting the impact from the previously disclosed mobile program contract change. Excluding this $98 million reduction, revenue was flat year-over-year.
Global Housing
$ in millions
Q1’21
Q1’20
Change
Net operating income7
67.4
74.2
(9)%
Reportable catastrophes
34.5
12.8
Net operating income, ex. reportable catastrophes
101.9
87.0
17%
Revenue
493.0
500.4
(1)%
Net operating income 7 decreased in first quarter 2021 compared to the prior year period, driven by $21.7 million of higher reportable catastrophes primarily from the severe winter storms in Texas.
Revenue decreased in first quarter 2021, primarily due to declines in specialty products, including the expected run-off from small commercial, as well as a modest decline in lender-placed. The decrease was partially offset by growth in Multifamily Housing.
Corporate and Other
$ in millions
Q1’21
Q1’20
Change
GAAP segment net loss
(48.0)
(46.5)
(3)%
Net operating loss8
(21.6)
(21.8)
1%
Segment net loss increased in first quarter 2021 compared to the prior year period due to the same factors noted earlier for net income.
Net operating loss 8 was roughly flat in first quarter 2021 compared to the prior year period.
Holding Company Liquidity Position
Holding company liquidity totaled $332 million as of March 31, 2021, or $107 million above the company’s current targeted minimum level of $225 million .
$183 million . In addition to quarterly interest, preferred stock dividends and Corporate expenses, the company had $60 million of cash outflows including the previously mentioned repayment of the remaining $50 million in principal of its 2021 Senior Notes that were due in March 2021, as well as $10 million mainly related to the acquisition of TRYGLE and investments within Assurant Ventures.
Share repurchases and common and preferred dividends totaled $85 million in first quarter 2021. During first quarter 2021, Assurant repurchased 308 thousand shares of common stock for $42 million . From April 1 through April 30, 2021, the company repurchased an additional 95 thousand shares for approximately $14 million , with $731 million remaining under the current repurchase authorizations. Dividends to shareholders totaled $43 million , including $38 million in common stock dividends and $5 million in preferred stock dividends, all of which converted to common stock in March 2021.
On March 9, 2021, the company announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Global Preneed business and its related legal entities and assets to CUNA Mutual Group for approximately $1.3 billion in cash, with expected net proceeds of approximately $1.2 billion . Assurant continues to expect to close the transaction by the end of the third quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
2021 Company Outlook 6
$ in millions, unless otherwise noted
FY 2020
YTD 2021
2021 Outlook 6
Net operating income, ex. reportable catastrophes, per diluted share
$9.88
$3.03
10-14% growth
Net operating income, ex. reportable catastrophes
605.4
182.3
High single-digit growth
Global Lifestyle
437.2
129.1
High single-digit growth
Global Housing, ex. reportable catastrophes
371.0
101.9
Modest decline
Corporate and Other
(102.9)
(21.6)
~ (90.0)
Interest expense
(81.2)
(22.4)
~ (90.0)
Adjusted EBITDA, ex. reportable catastrophes
1,013.4
302.2
Modestly higher growth
Note: Some of the metrics above are non-GAAP measures of performance. A full reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the most comparable GAAP measure can be found in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section beginning on page 8. Additional details regarding key financial metrics are included in the Financial Supplement located on Assurant’s Investor Relations website: https://ir.assurant.com/investor/default.aspx
For full-year 2021, the company now expects:
Assurant net operating income, excluding reportable catastrophes, per diluted share6 , to increase approximately 10 to 14 percent from $9.88 in 2020. This represents an increase from the company’s prior outlook of 9 percent growth for full year 2021.
Results for 2021 are expected to be driven primarily by growth within Global Lifestyle and a lower Corporate loss, as well as share repurchases, including the completion of the company’s three-year capital return objective and initial deployment of proceeds from the expected sale of Global Preneed.
Growth in net operating income, excluding reportable catastrophes6 , is expected to be mainly driven by high single-digit growth in Global Lifestyle6 , with expansion across all lines of business, as well as a lower Corporate loss. This will be partially offset by modest declines in Global Housing net operating income, excluding reportable catastrophes6 , mainly from an expected increase in non-catastrophe losses to more normalized levels.
6 , is expected to grow at a modestly higher rate than net operating income, excluding reportable catastrophes, due to double-digit Adjusted EBITDA growth in Global Lifestyle.
Business segment dividends from Global Lifestyle and Global Housing to approximate segment net operating income, including reportable catastrophes. This is subject to the growth of the businesses, rating agency and regulatory capital requirements, and investment portfolio performance.
Capital to be deployed to support business growth, fund investments and return capital to shareholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends, subject to Board approval and market conditions.
Earnings Conference Call
The first quarter 2021 earnings conference call and webcast will be held Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. ET. The live and archived webcast, along with supplemental information, will be available on Assurant’s Investor Relations website: https://ir.assurant.com/investor/default.aspx
About Assurant
Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) is a leading global provider of lifestyle and housing solutions that support, protect and connect major consumer purchases. Anticipating the evolving needs of consumers, Assurant partners with the world’s leading brands to develop innovative products and services and to deliver an enhanced customer experience. A Fortune 500 company with a presence in 21 countries, Assurant offers mobile device solutions; extended service contracts; vehicle protection services; pre-funded funeral insurance; renters insurance; lender-placed insurance products; and other specialty products. The Assurant Foundation strengthens communities by supporting charitable partners that help protect where people live and can thrive, connect with local resources, inspire inclusion and prepare leaders of the future.
Learn more at assurant.com or on Twitter @AssurantNews .
Safe Harbor Statement
Some of the statements included in this news release and its exhibits, particularly those with respect to the closing of the Global Preneed transaction, including our financial plans and any statements regarding the company’s anticipated future financial performance, business prospects, growth and operating strategies and similar matters, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “will,” “may,” “can,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “targets,” “forecasts,” “potential,” “approximately,” and the negative version of those words and other words and terms with a similar meaning. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release or its exhibits are based upon our historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our future plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Our actual results might differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or other developments. The following factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those currently estimated by management, including those projected in the company outlook:
(i)
the loss of significant clients, distributors or other parties with whom we do business, or if we are unable to renew contracts with them on favorable terms, or if those parties face financial, reputational or regulatory issues;
(ii)
significant competitive pressures, changes in customer preferences and disruption;
(iii)
the failure to implement our strategy and to attract and retain key personnel, including key executives and senior management;
(iv)
the failure to find suitable acquisitions at attractive prices, integrate acquired businesses effectively or grow organically;
(v)
our inability to recover should we experience a business continuity event;
(vi)
the failure to manage vendors and other third parties on whom we rely to conduct business and provide services to our clients;
(vii)
risks related to our international operations;
(viii)
declines in the value of mobile devices, the risk of guaranteed buybacks, or export compliance or other risks in our mobile business;
(ix)
our inability to develop and maintain distribution sources or attract and retain sales representatives and executives with key client relationships;
(x)
risks associated with joint ventures, franchises and investments in which we share ownership and management with third parties;
(xi)
AIZ Rankings
#1442 Ranked by Stock Gains
AIZ Stock Data
Industry
Other Direct Insurance (except Life, Health, and Medical) Carriers
Sector
Finance and Insurance
Tags
Finance, Specialty Insurance, Multi-Line Insurance, Finance and Insurance, Third Party Administration of Insurance and Pension Funds
Country
US
City
New York
About AIZ
a global provider of specialty protection products and related services, assurant (nyse: aiz) safeguards clients and consumers against risk. a fortune 500 company, assurant partners with clients who are leaders in their industries to provide consumers peace of mind and financial security. our diverse range of products and services includes: mobile device protection products and services; extended service products and related services for consumer electronics, appliances and vehicles; pre-funded funeral insurance; lender-placed homeowners insurance; property preservation and valuation services; flood insurance; renters insurance and related products; debt protection administration; credit insurance; manufactured housing homeowners insurance; group dental insurance; group disability insurance; and group life insurance. with approximately $30 billion in assets and $8 billion in annual revenue, assurant provides its specialty protection offerings primarily through assurant solutions, ass
