10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_________________________
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2016
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period from _____ to _____
 
Commission File Number: 001-15204
 
Kingsway Financial Services Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_________________________
Ontario, Canada
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
Not Applicable (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
45 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 400 Toronto, Ontario M4V 1K9
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
1-416-848-1171
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
_________________________

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T ( 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of May 5, 2016 was 19,855,906.



KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Table Of Contents
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2016 (unaudited) and December 31, 2015
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited)
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited)
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
 
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
SIGNATURES
 


















 
2
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
March 31, 2016

 
December 31, 2015

 
 
(unaudited)

 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost of $61,589 and $55,606, respectively)
 
$
62,012

 
$
55,559

Equity investments, at fair value (cost of $26,185 and $26,428, respectively)
 
26,303

 
27,559

Limited liability investments
 
20,240

 
20,141

Other investments, at cost which approximates fair value
 
4,060

 
4,077

Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value
 
935

 
400

Total investments
 
113,550

 
107,736

Cash and cash equivalents
 
40,984

 
51,701

Investment in investee
 
1,702

 
1,772

Accrued investment income
 
506

 
594

Premiums receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $165 and $165, respectively
 
32,670

 
27,090

Service fee receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $283 and $276, respectively
 
765

 
911

Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $806 and $806, respectively
 
3,452

 
3,789

Reinsurance recoverable
 
1,176

 
1,422

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
134

 
7

Deferred acquisition costs, net
 
13,440

 
12,143

Income taxes recoverable
 
60

 
61

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $12,667 and $12,537, respectively
 
5,458

 
5,577

Goodwill
 
10,078

 
10,078

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $6,304 and $6,009, respectively
 
14,441

 
14,736

Other assets
 
3,128

 
3,405

Total Assets
 
$
241,544

 
$
241,022

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses:
 
 
 
 
Property and casualty
 
$
52,870

 
$
55,471

Vehicle service agreements
 
2,975

 
2,975

Total unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
55,845

 
58,446

Unearned premiums
 
41,555

 
35,234

Reinsurance payable
 
272

 
145

Subordinated debt, at fair value
 
37,370

 
39,898

Deferred income tax liability
 
2,946

 
2,924

Deferred service fees
 
34,771

 
34,319

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
20,227

 
19,959

Total Liabilities
 
192,986

 
190,925

 
 
 
 
 
Class A preferred stock, no par value; unlimited number authorized; 262,876 and 262,876 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively; redemption amount of $6,572
 
6,402

 
6,394

 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' Equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, no par value; unlimited number authorized; 19,709,706 and 19,709,706 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
 

 

Additional paid-in capital
 
341,847

 
341,646

Accumulated deficit
 
(310,547
)
 
(308,995
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
9,143

 
9,300

Shareholders' equity attributable to common shareholders
 
40,443

 
41,951

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
 
1,713

 
1,752

Total Shareholders' Equity
 
42,156

 
43,703

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
$
241,544

 
$
241,022

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
3
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
 
$
29,427

 
$
29,030

Service fee and commission income
 
5,322

 
5,398

Net investment (loss) income
 
(72
)
 
1,313

Net realized losses
 
(171
)
 

Other-than-temporary impairment loss
 

 
(10
)
Other income
 
2,374

 
8,357

Total revenues
 
36,880

 
44,088

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
23,497

 
21,953

Commissions and premium taxes
 
5,598

 
5,747

Cost of services sold
 
773

 
663

General and administrative expenses
 
9,551

 
11,576

Amortization of intangible assets
 
295

 
317

Contingent consideration expense
 

 
144

Total operating expenses
 
39,714

 
40,400

Operating (loss) income
 
(2,834
)
 
3,688

Other (revenues) expenses, net:
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
1,093

 
1,391

Foreign exchange losses, net
 
1

 
392

Gain on change in fair value of debt
 
(2,528
)
 
(261
)
Equity in net loss of investee
 
69

 
136

Total other (revenues) expenses, net
 
(1,365
)
 
1,658

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax expense
 
(1,469
)
 
2,030

Income tax expense
 
26

 
22

(Loss) income from continuing operations
 
(1,495
)
 
2,008

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes
 

 
1,426

Net (loss) income
 
(1,495
)
 
3,434

Less: net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
 
(39
)
 
1,224

Less: dividends on preferred stock
 
82

 
81

Net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders
 
$
(1,538
)
 
$
2,129

(Loss) earnings per share - continuing operations:
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
$
(0.08
)
 
$
0.04

Diluted:
 
$
(0.08
)
 
$
0.03

Earnings per share - discontinued operations:
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
$

 
$
0.07

Diluted:
 
$

 
$
0.07

(Loss) earnings per share – net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders:
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
$
(0.08
)
 
$
0.11

Diluted:
 
$
(0.08
)
 
$
0.10

Weighted average shares outstanding (in ‘000s):
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
19,710

 
19,710

Diluted:
 
19,710

 
21,149


See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
4
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.


Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
 
$
(1,495
)
 
$
3,434

Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes(1):
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities and equity investments:
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
 
275

 
(200
)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net (loss) income
 
(432
)
 
13

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 

 
(26
)
Other comprehensive loss
 
(157
)
 
(213
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
 
$
(1,652
)
 
$
3,221

Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
 
(39
)
 
927

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common shareholders
 
$
(1,613
)
 
$
2,294

 (1) Net of income tax expense of $0 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, respectively.
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

 
5
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

Cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
 
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
 
$
(1,495
)
 
$
3,434

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Equity in net loss of investee
 
69

 
136

Equity in net loss (income) of limited liability investments
 
201

 
(929
)
Depreciation and amortization expense
 
425

 
480

Contingent consideration expense
 

 
144

Stock-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures
 
201

 
201

Net realized losses
 
171

 

Gain on change in fair value of debt
 
(2,528
)
 
(261
)
Deferred income taxes
 
22

 
22

Other-than-temporary impairment loss
 

 
10

Amortization of fixed maturities premiums and discounts
 
75

 
79

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Premiums and service fee receivable
 
(5,434
)
 
(4,856
)
Other receivables
 
337

 
(69
)
Reinsurance recoverable
 
246

 
405

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
(127
)
 
(126
)
Deferred acquisition costs, net
 
(1,297
)
 
(1,006
)
Income taxes recoverable
 
1

 
20

Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
(2,601
)
 
(4,373
)
Unearned premiums
 
6,321

 
6,133

Reinsurance payable
 
127

 
260

Deferred service fees
 
452

 
(644
)
Other, net
 
739

 
1,127

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
(4,095
)
 
187

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities
 
2,582

 
1,195

Proceeds from sales of equity investments
 
1,607

 
308

Purchases of fixed maturities
 
(8,443
)
 
(4,722
)
Purchases of equity investments
 
(1,541
)
 
(1,738
)
Net acquisitions of limited liability investments
 
(300
)
 
(2,859
)
Net proceeds from other investments
 
17

 

Net purchases of short-term investments
 
(533
)
 

Net purchases of property and equipment
 
(11
)
 
(39
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(6,622
)
 
(7,855
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(10,717
)
 
(7,668
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
51,701

 
71,234

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
40,984

 
$
63,566

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
6
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016



NOTE 1 BUSINESS
Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (the "Company" or "Kingsway") was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on September 19, 1989. Kingsway is a Canadian holding company with operating subsidiaries located in the United States. The Company operates as a merchant bank primarily engaged, through its subsidiaries, in the property and casualty insurance business.

NOTE 2 BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements of the Company. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and footnotes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes included within our Annual Report on Form 10-K ("2015 Annual Report") for the year ended December 31, 2015.
The unaudited consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect application of policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates and their underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Changes in estimates are recorded in the accounting period in which they are determined. The critical accounting estimates and assumptions in the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements include the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses; valuation of fixed maturities and equity investments; valuation of deferred income taxes; impairment assessment of intangible assets; goodwill recoverability; deferred acquisition costs; fair value assumptions for performance shares; fair value assumptions for debt obligations; and contingent consideration.
The fair values of the Company's investments in fixed maturities and equity investments, performance shares, subordinated debt and contingent consideration are estimated using a fair value hierarchy to categorize the inputs it uses in valuation techniques. The fair value of the Company's investment in investee is based on quoted market prices. Fair values for other investments approximate their unpaid principal balance. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair values for cash, short-term investments and certain other assets and other liabilities because of their short-term nature.
The Company's financial results contained herein are reported in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.
NOTE 3 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
There have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies as reported in our 2015 Annual Report.
NOTE 4 RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
(a)    Adoption of New Accounting Standards:
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"). ASU 2014-08 amends the requirements for reporting and disclosing discontinued operations. Under ASU 2014-08, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the entity’s operations and financial results. Effective January 1, 2015, the Company adopted ASU 2014-08. The adoption of the standard did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02"). The amendments in ASU 2015-02 affect reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. Specifically, the amendments modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities ("VIEs")

 
7
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


or voting interest entities while also eliminating the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted ASU 2015-02. The adoption of the standard did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments ("ASU 2015-16"). ASU 2015-16 simplifies the accounting for measurement-period adjustments in a business combination by requiring the acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The effect on earnings as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed as of the acquisition date, must be recorded in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined rather than retrospectively. The effects, by line item, if any, must be disclosed. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted ASU 2015-16. The adoption of the standard did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.
(b)    Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted:
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"), which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date ("ASU 2015-14"). This amendment defers the effective date of the previously issued ASU 2014-09 until the interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Insurance contracts are not within the scope of ASU 2014-09, therefore this standard would not apply to the Company's Insurance Underwriting segment. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts ("ASU 2015-09"). ASU 2015-09 was issued to enhance disclosures about an entity’s insurance liabilities, including the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows related to those liabilities. ASU 2015-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. Except for the increased disclosure requirements, the Company does not believe the adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ("ASU 2016-01"). The amendments in ASU 2016-01 address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Most significantly, ASU 2016-01 requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of an investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income (loss). For public business entities, the amendments in ASU 2016-01 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and will be applied using a cumulative-effect adjustment to accumulated deficit as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company currently records its equity investments at fair value with net unrealized gains or losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. Adoption of ASU 2016-01 will require the changes in fair value on equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be recorded in net (loss) income. Adoption of ASU 2016-01 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, cash flows, or total comprehensive (loss) income, but could have a significant impact on the Company's results of operations and (loss) earnings per share as changes in fair value will be presented in net (loss) income rather than other comprehensive loss.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 was issued to improve the financial reporting of leasing transactions. Under current guidance for lessees, leases are only included on the balance sheet if certain criteria, classifying the agreement as a capital lease, are met. This update will require the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability, discounted to the present value, for all leases that extend beyond 12 months. For operating leases, the asset and liability will be expensed over the lease term on a straight-line basis, with all cash flows included in the operating section of the statement of cash flows. For finance leases, interest on the lease liability will be recognized separately from the amortization of the right-of-use asset in the statement of comprehensive income and the repayment of the principal portion of the lease liability will be classified as a financing activity while the interest component will be included in the operating section of the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, leases will be recognized and measured at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements.

 
8
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09"). ASU 2016-09 was issued to simplify the accounting for share-based payment awards. The guidance requires that, prospectively, all tax effects related to share-based payments be made through the statement of operations at the time of settlement as opposed to excess tax benefits being recognized in additional paid-in-capital under the current guidance. ASU 2016-09 also removes the requirement to delay recognition of a tax benefit until it reduces current taxes payable. This change is required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening accumulated deficit. Additionally, all tax related cash flows resulting from share-based payments are to be reported as operating activities on the statement of cash flows, a change from the current requirement to present tax benefits as an inflow from financing activities and an outflow from operating activities. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted with any adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company does not believe the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 
9
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


NOTE 5 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On April 1, 2015, the Company closed on the sale of its subsidiary, Assigned Risk Solutions Ltd. ("ARS") for $47.0 million in cash.  During the second quarter of 2015, the Company received additional post-closing cash consideration of $2.0 million.  The terms of the sale also provide for potential future earnout payments to the Company equal to 1.25% of ARS' written premium and fee income during the earnout periods. The earnout payments are payable in three annual installments beginning in April 2016 through April 2018. As a result of the sale, ARS, previously disclosed as part of the Insurance Services segment, has been classified as a discontinued operation.  The earnings of ARS are disclosed as discontinued operations in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. Summary financial information included in income from discontinued operations, net of taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is presented below:
(in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Service fee and commission income
 
$

 
$
8,342

Other expense
 

 
(20
)
Total revenues
 

 
8,322

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses
 

 
6,462

Income from discontinued operations before income tax expense
 

 
1,860

Income tax expense
 

 
434

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes
 
$

 
$
1,426

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, ARS' net cash used in operating activities was zero and $0.2 million, respectively. ARS had no cash flows from investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015.

 
10
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


NOTE 6 INVESTMENTS

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair value of the Company's investments in fixed maturities and equity investments at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized in the tables shown below:
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
Amortized Cost

 
Gross Unrealized Gains

 
Gross Unrealized Losses

 
Estimated  Fair Value

Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
 
$
24,845

 
$
130

 
$
3

 
$
24,972

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
2,334

 
31

 

 
2,365

Mortgage-backed
 
8,400

 
91

 
9

 
8,482

Asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
6,586

 
15

 
5

 
6,596

Corporate
 
19,424

 
196

 
23

 
19,597

Total fixed maturities
 
61,589

 
463

 
40

 
62,012

Equity investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
24,934

 
3,402

 
2,577

 
25,759

Warrants
 
1,251

 
27

 
734

 
544

Total equity investments
 
26,185

 
3,429

 
3,311

 
26,303

Total fixed maturities and equity investments
 
$
87,774

 
$
3,892

 
$
3,351

 
$
88,315


(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
Amortized Cost

 
Gross Unrealized Gains

 
Gross Unrealized Losses

 
Estimated  Fair Value

Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
 
$
20,443

 
$
73

 
$
63

 
$
20,453

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
2,241

 
20

 
5

 
2,256

Mortgage-backed
 
7,997

 
25

 
59

 
7,963

Asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
6,040

 
4

 
21

 
6,023

Corporate
 
18,885

 
60

 
81

 
18,864

Total fixed maturities
 
55,606

 
182

 
229

 
55,559

Equity investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
25,177

 
3,464

 
2,055

 
26,586

Warrants
 
1,251

 
52

 
330

 
973

Total equity investments
 
26,428

 
3,516

 
2,385

 
27,559

Total fixed maturities and equity investments
 
$
82,034

 
$
3,698

 
$
2,614

 
$
83,118



 
11
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


The table below summarizes the Company's fixed maturities at March 31, 2016 by contractual maturity periods. Actual results may differ as issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without penalties, prior to the contractual maturity of these obligations.
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
Amortized Cost

 
Estimated Fair Value

Due in one year or less
 
$
13,092

 
$
13,157

Due after one year through five years
 
37,524

 
37,789

Due after five years through ten years
 
3,108

 
3,130

Due after ten years
 
7,865

 
7,936

Total
 
$
61,589

 
$
62,012


The following tables highlight the aggregate unrealized loss position, by security type, of fixed maturities and equity investments in unrealized loss positions as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The tables segregate the holdings based on the period of time the investments have been continuously held in unrealized loss positions.
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
Greater than 12 Months
 
Total
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$
5,516

 
$
3

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,516

 
$
3

Mortgage-backed
1,332

 
9

 

 

 
1,332

 
9

Asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
2,866

 
5

 

 

 
2,866

 
5

Corporate
3,569

 
23

 

 

 
3,569

 
23

Total fixed maturities
13,283

 
40

 

 

 
13,283

 
40

Equity investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


Common stock
9,586

 
2,577

 

 

 
9,586

 
2,577

Warrants
491

 
734

 

 

 
491

 
734

Total equity investments
10,077

 
3,311

 

 

 
10,077

 
3,311

Total
$
23,360

 
$
3,351

 
$

 
$

 
$
23,360

 
$
3,351



 
12
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
Greater than 12 Months
 
Total
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$
12,635

 
$
63

 
$

 
$

 
$
12,635

 
$
63

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
745

 
5

 

 

 
745

 
5

Mortgage-backed
5,685

 
59

 

 

 
5,685

 
59

Asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
5,035

 
21

 

 

 
5,035

 
21

Corporate
9,171

 
81

 

 

 
9,171

 
81

Total fixed maturities
33,271

 
229

 

 

 
33,271

 
229

Equity investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
15,711

 
2,055

 

 

 
15,711

 
2,055

Warrants
897

 
330

 

 

 
897

 
330

Total equity investments
16,608

 
2,385

 

 

 
16,608

 
2,385

Total
$
49,879

 
$
2,614

 
$

 
$

 
$
49,879

 
$
2,614

Fixed maturities and equity investments contain approximately 64 and 127 individual investments that were in unrealized loss positions as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. 
The establishment of an other-than-temporary impairment on an investment requires a number of judgments and estimates. The Company performs a quarterly analysis of the individual investments to determine if declines in market value are other-than-temporary. The analysis includes some or all of the following procedures as deemed appropriate by the Company:
identifying all unrealized loss positions that have existed for at least six months;
identifying other circumstances which management believes may impact the recoverability of the unrealized loss positions;
obtaining a valuation analysis from third-party investment managers regarding the intrinsic value of these investments based on their knowledge and experience together with market-based valuation techniques;
reviewing the trading range of certain investments over the preceding calendar period;
assessing if declines in market value are other-than-temporary for debt instruments based on the investment grade credit ratings from third-party rating agencies;
assessing if declines in market value are other-than-temporary for any debt instrument with a non-investment grade credit rating based on the continuity of its debt service record;
determining the necessary provision for declines in market value that are considered other-than-temporary based on the analyses performed; and
assessing the Company's ability and intent to hold these investments at least until the investment impairment is recovered.
The risks and uncertainties inherent in the assessment methodology used to determine declines in market value that are other-than-temporary include, but may not be limited to, the following:
the opinions of professional investment managers could be incorrect;
the past trading patterns of individual investments may not reflect future valuation trends;
the credit ratings assigned by independent credit rating agencies may be incorrect due to unforeseen or unknown facts related to a company's financial situation; and
the debt service pattern of non-investment grade instruments may not reflect future debt service capabilities and may not reflect a company's unknown underlying financial problems.
As a result of the analysis performed by the Company to determine declines in market value that are other-than-temporary, there were no write-downs for other-than-temporary impairments related to investments recorded for the three months ended March 31,

 
13
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded a write-down of $0.0 million for other-than-temporary impairment related to fixed maturities.
There were no other-than-temporary losses recognized in other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016. There were $0.0 million of other-than-temporary losses recognized in other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
The Company has reviewed currently available information regarding investments with estimated fair values that are less than their carrying amounts and believes that these unrealized losses are not other-than-temporary and are primarily due to temporary market and sector-related factors rather than to issuer-specific factors. The Company does not intend to sell those investments, and it is not likely that it will be required to sell those investments before recovery of its amortized cost.
The Company does not have any exposure to subprime mortgage-backed investments.
Limited liability investments include investments in limited liability companies and limited partnerships that primarily invest in income-producing real estate or real estate related investments. The Company's interests in these investments are not deemed minor and, therefore, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the carrying value of limited liability investments totaled $20.2 million and $20.1 million, respectively. At March 31, 2016, the Company has unfunded commitments totaling $2.3 million to fund limited liability investments. Income from limited liability investments is recognized based on the Company's share of the earnings of the limited liability entities and is included in net investment (loss) income.
Other investments include mortgage and collateral loans and are reported at their unpaid principal balance. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the carrying value of other investments totaled $4.1 million and $4.1 million, respectively.
Gross realized gains and losses on fixed maturities, equity investments and limited liability investments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 were as follows:
(in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

Gross realized gains
 
$
34

 
$

Gross realized losses
 
(205
)
 

Net realized losses
 
$
(171
)
 
$


Net investment (loss) income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, respectively, is comprised as follows:
(in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

Investment income
 
 
 
 
  Interest from fixed maturities
 
$
218

 
$
269

Dividends
 
266

 
147

(Loss) income from limited liability investments
 
(201
)
 
929

Loss on change in fair value of warrants
 
(387
)
 

Other
 
39

 
34

Gross investment (loss) income
 
(65
)
 
1,379

Investment expenses
 
(7
)
 
(66
)
Net investment (loss) income
 
$
(72
)
 
$
1,313

At March 31, 2016, fixed maturities and short-term investments with an estimated fair value of $12.7 million were on deposit with state and provincial regulatory authorities. Also, from time to time, the Company pledges investments to third-parties to collateralize liabilities incurred under its policies of insurance. At March 31, 2016, the amount of such pledged securities was $15.8 million.




 
14
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


NOTE 7 INVESTMENT IN INVESTEE
Investment in investee includes the Company's investment in the common stock and private units of 1347 Capital Corp. and is accounted for under the equity method. 1347 Capital Corp. was formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. The carrying value, estimated fair value and approximate equity percentage for the Company's investment in 1347 Capital Corp. at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows:
(in thousands, except for percentages)
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Equity Percentage
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Equity Percentage
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying value
1347 Capital Corp.
 
21.0
%
 

$12,447

 
$
1,702

 
21.0
%
 

$12,369

 
$
1,772


Equity in net loss of investee was $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, respectively.
NOTE 8 DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS
Policy acquisition costs consist primarily of commissions, premium taxes, and underwriting and agency expenses, net of ceding commission income, incurred related to successful efforts to acquire new or renewal insurance contracts and vehicle service agreements. Acquisition costs deferred on both property and casualty insurance products and vehicle service agreements are amortized over the period in which the related revenues are earned.
The components of deferred acquisition costs and the related amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are comprised as follows:
(in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

Beginning balance, net
 
$
12,143

 
$
12,197

Additions
 
7,589

 
7,554

Amortization
 
(6,292
)
 
(6,548
)
Balance at March 31, net
 
$
13,440

 
$
13,203


 
15
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


NOTE 9 INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets are comprised as follows:
(in thousands)
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
Gross Carrying Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Value
Intangible assets subject to amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
Database
 
$
4,918

 
$
1,660

 
$
3,258

Vehicle service agreements in-force
 
3,680

 
3,410

 
270

Customer-related relationships
 
3,611

 
1,164

 
2,447

Non-compete agreement
 
70

 
70

 

Intangible assets not subject to amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance licenses
 
7,803

 

 
7,803

Trade name
 
663

 

 
663

Total
 
$
20,745

 
$
6,304

 
$
14,441


(in thousands)
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
Gross Carrying Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Value
Intangible assets subject to amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
Database
 
$
4,918

 
$
1,537

 
$
3,381

Vehicle service agreements in-force
 
3,680

 
3,362

 
318

Customer-related relationships
 
3,611

 
1,040

 
2,571

Non-compete agreement
 
70

 
70

 

Intangible assets not subject to amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance licenses
 
7,803

 

 
7,803

Trade name
 
663

 

 
663

Total
 
$
20,745

 
$
6,009

 
$
14,736

The Company's intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized either based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are expected to be consumed or using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from three to fifteen years. Amortization of intangible assets was $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, respectively. The insurance licenses and trade name intangible assets have indefinite useful lives and are not amortized.

 
16
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


NOTE 10 UNPAID LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
The establishment of the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses is based on known facts and interpretation of circumstances and is therefore a complex and dynamic process influenced by a large variety of factors. These factors include the Company's experience with similar cases and historical trends involving loss payment patterns, pending levels of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, product mix or concentration, loss severity and loss frequency patterns.
Other factors include the continually evolving and changing regulatory and legal environment; actuarial studies; professional experience and expertise of the Company's claims departments' personnel and independent adjusters retained to handle individual claims; the quality of the data used for projection purposes; existing claims management practices including claims-handling and settlement practices; the effect of inflationary trends on future loss settlement costs; court decisions; economic conditions; and public attitudes.
Consequently, the process of determining the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses necessarily involves risks that the actual loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred by Company will deviate, perhaps materially, from the estimates recorded.
The Company's evaluation of the adequacy of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses includes a re-estimation of the liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses relating to each preceding financial year compared to the liability that was previously established.
(a) Property and Casualty
The results of this comparison and the changes in the provision for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of amounts recoverable from reinsurers, as of March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 were as follows:
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016

 
March 31, 2015

Balance at beginning of period, gross
 
$
55,471

 
$
63,895

Less reinsurance recoverable related to property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
1,207

 
3,203

Balance at beginning of period, net
 
54,264

 
60,692

Incurred related to:
 
 
 
 

      Current year
 
22,039

 
20,472

      Prior years
 
91

 
(76
)
Paid related to:
 
 
 
 

      Current year
 
(7,036
)
 
(7,532
)
      Prior years
 
(17,517
)
 
(16,740
)
Balance at end of period, net
 
51,841

 
56,816

Plus reinsurance recoverable related to property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
1,029

 
2,706

Balance at end of period, gross
 
$
52,870

 
$
59,522


 
17
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


(b) Vehicle Service Agreements
The results of the comparison and the changes in the provision for vehicle service agreement unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses as of March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 were as follows:
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016

 
March 31, 2015

Balance at beginning of period
 
$
2,975

 
$
2,975

Incurred related to:
 
 
 
 
      Current year
 
1,367

 
1,557

      Prior years
 

 

Paid related to:
 
 
 
 
      Current year
 
(1,233
)
 
(1,446
)
      Prior years
 
(134
)
 
(111
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
2,975

 
$
2,975


NOTE 11 DEBT
Debt consists of the following instrument:
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Principal

 
Fair Value

 
Principal

 
Fair Value

Subordinated debt
 
$
90,500

 
$
37,370

 
$
90,500

 
$
39,898


Subordinated debt mentioned above consists of the following trust preferred debt instruments:
Issuer
Principal

Issue date
Interest
Redemption date
Kingsway CT Statutory Trust I
$
15,000

12/4/2002
annual interest rate equal to LIBOR, plus 4.00% payable quarterly
12/4/2032
Kingsway CT Statutory Trust II
$
17,500

5/15/2003
annual interest rate equal to LIBOR, plus 4.10% payable quarterly
5/15/2033
Kingsway CT Statutory Trust III
$
20,000

10/29/2003
annual interest rate equal to LIBOR, plus 3.95% payable quarterly
10/29/2033
Kingsway DE Statutory Trust III
$
15,000

5/22/2003
annual interest rate equal to LIBOR, plus 4.20% payable quarterly
5/22/2033
Kingsway DE Statutory Trust IV
$
10,000

9/30/2003
annual interest rate equal to LIBOR, plus 3.85% payable quarterly
9/30/2033
Kingsway DE Statutory Trust VI
$
13,000

1/8/2004
annual interest rate equal to LIBOR, plus 4.00% payable quarterly
1/8/2034



 
18
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016



NOTE 12 FINANCE LEASE OBLIGATION LIABILITY
On October 2, 2014, the Company completed a sale and leaseback transaction involving building and land located in Miami, Florida, which was previously recorded as asset held for sale. The transaction did not qualify for sales recognition and was accounted for as a financing due to the Company's continuing involvement with the property as a result of nonrecourse financing provided to the buyer in the form of prepaid rent. A finance lease obligation liability equal to the selling price of the property was established at the date of the transaction. During the five-year lease term, the Company will record interest expense on the finance lease obligation at its incremental borrowing rate and will increase the finance lease obligation liability by the same amount. At the end of the lease term, the Company will no longer have continuing involvement with the property and will then recognize the sale of the property as well as the gain that will result from removing the net book value of the land and building and finance lease obligation liability from the consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, finance lease obligation liability of $4.9 million and $4.9 million, respectively, is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

NOTE 13 INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, respectively, varies from the amount that would result by applying the applicable United States corporate income tax rate of 34% to (loss) income from continuing operations before income tax expense. The following table summarizes the differences:
(in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

Income tax (benefit) expense at United States statutory income tax rate
 
$
(499
)
 
$
690

Valuation allowance
 
389

 
(638
)
Non-taxable dividend income
 

 
(424
)
Foreign operations subject to different tax rates
 
36

 
122

Other
 
100

 
272

Income tax expense
 
$
26

 
$
22

The Company maintains a valuation allowance for its gross deferred tax assets at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The Company's operations have generated substantial operating losses during the last several years. These losses can be available to reduce income taxes that might otherwise be incurred on future taxable income; however, it is uncertain whether the Company will generate the taxable income necessary to utilize these losses or other reversing temporary differences. This uncertainty has caused management to place a full valuation allowance on its March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 net deferred tax asset. The Company carries a deferred income tax liability of $2.9 million and $2.9 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, all of which relates to indefinite life intangible assets.
As of March 31, 2016, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. The Company analyzed its tax positions in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, and has determined that there are currently no uncertain tax positions.

 
19
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


NOTE 14 (LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of numerators and denominators for the basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations computation for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015:
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
(Loss) income from continuing operations
 
$
(1,495
)
 
$
2,008

Plus (less): net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
39

 
(1,224
)
Less: dividends on preferred stock
 
(82
)
 
(81
)
(Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders
 
$
(1,538
)
 
$
703

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
Weighted average basic shares
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
 
19,710

 
19,710

Weighted average diluted shares
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
 
19,710

 
19,710

Effect of potentially dilutive securities
 
 
 
 
Stock options
 

 
130

Unvested restricted stock awards
 

 
689

Warrants
 

 
620

Convertible preferred stock
 

 

Total weighted average diluted shares
 
19,710

 
21,149

Basic (loss) earnings per common share from continuing operations
 
$
(0.08
)
 
$
0.04

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share from continuing operations
 
$
(0.08
)
 
$
0.03

(Loss) earnings per share from continuing operations is based on the weighted-average number of shares outstanding. Diluted weighted-average shares is calculated by adjusting basic weighted-average shares outstanding by all potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities consist of stock options, unvested restricted stock awards, warrants and convertible preferred stock.
Since the Company is reporting a loss from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016, all potentially dilutive securities outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share from continuing operations since their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
The dilutive effect of the stock options, unvested restricted stock awards and warrants are reflected in diluted earnings per share from continuing operations by application of the treasury stock method. The dilutive effect of the convertible preferred stock is reflected in diluted earnings per share from continuing operations by application of the if-converted method. The effects of these potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in periods in which the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the convertible preferred stock was deemed to be anti-dilutive and was excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share from continuing operations.


 
20
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


NOTE 15 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
(a)     Stock Options
The following table summarizes the stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2016:
(in thousands, except for share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of Options Outstanding
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
 
611,875

 
$
4.50

 
2.2

 
$
43

Granted
 

 

 
 
 
 
Expired
 

 

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2016
 
611,875

 
$
4.50

 
2.0

 
$
153

Exercisable at March 31, 2016
 
611,875

 
$
4.50

 
2.0

 
$
153

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable is the difference between the March 31, 2016 market price for the Company's common shares and the exercise price of the options, multiplied by the number of options where the fair value exceeds the exercise price.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of each option on the date of grant. No options were granted during the three months ended March 31, 2016.
(b)     Restricted Stock Awards
Under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company made grants of restricted common stock ("Restricted Stock") to certain officers of the Company. The Restricted Stock vests after a ten-year period and is subject to the officer's continued employment through the vesting date. The Restricted Stock is amortized on a straight-line basis over the ten-year requisite service period. Total unamortized compensation expense related to unvested awards at March 31, 2016 was $6.5 million. The grant-date fair value of the Restricted Stock was determined using the closing price of Kingsway common stock on the date of grant. The following table summarizes the activity related to unvested Restricted Stock for the three months ended March 31, 2016:
(in thousands, except for share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted Stock Awards
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (per Share)
Unvested at December 31, 2015
 
1,952,665

 
$
4.14

Granted
 

 

Forfeited
 

 

Unvested at March 31, 2016
 
1,952,665

 
$
4.14

Total stock-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures, was $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, respectively.


 
21
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


NOTE 16 ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The table below details the change in the balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 as relates to shareholders' equity attributable to common shareholders on the consolidated balance sheets. On the other hand, the unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income present the components of other comprehensive loss, net of tax, only for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 and inclusive of the components attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturities and Equity Investments
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2016
 
$
13,080

 
$
(3,780
)
 
$
9,300

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
275

 

 
275

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
(432
)
 

 
(432
)
Net current-period other comprehensive loss
 
(157
)
 

 
(157
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2016
 
$
12,923

 
$
(3,780
)
 
$
9,143

(in thousands)
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturities and Equity Investments
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2015
 
$
14,622

 
$
(5,952
)
 
$
8,670

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(108
)
 
180

 
72

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
13

 

 
13

Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(95
)
 
180

 
85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2015
 
$
14,527

 
$
(5,772
)
 
$
8,755








 
22
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


Components of accumulated other comprehensive income were reclassified to the following lines of the unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
  
 
2016

 
2015

Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive income from unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities and equity investments to:
 
 
 
 
Net realized losses
 
$
432

 
$
(3
)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss
 

 
(10
)
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax expense
 
432

 
(13
)
Income tax expense
 

 

Net (loss) income
 
432

 
(13
)
NOTE 17 SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company operates as a merchant bank primarily engaged, through its subsidiaries, in the property and casualty insurance business. The Company conducts its business through the following two reportable segments: Insurance Underwriting and Insurance Services.
Insurance Underwriting Segment
Insurance Underwriting includes the following subsidiaries of the Company: Mendota Insurance Company, Mendakota Insurance Company, Mendakota Casualty Company ("MCC"), Kingsway Amigo Insurance Company ("Amigo") and Kingsway Reinsurance Corporation (collectively, "Insurance Underwriting"). Insurance Underwriting principally offers personal automobile insurance to drivers who do not meet the criteria for coverage by standard automobile insurers. Insurance Underwriting has policyholders in 12 states; however, new business is accepted in only nine states.
The Company previously placed Amigo and MCC into voluntary run-off in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Each of Amigo and MCC entered into a comprehensive run-off plan which was approved by its respective state of domicile. Kingsway continues to manage Amigo in a manner consistent with the run-off plans. During the first quarter of 2015, MCC sent a letter of intent to the Illinois Department of Insurance to resume writing private passenger automobile policies in the state of Illinois.  MCC began writing these policies on April 1, 2015.
Insurance Services Segment
Insurance Services includes the following subsidiaries of the Company: IWS Acquisition Corporation ("IWS") and Trinity Warranty Solutions LLC ("Trinity") (collectively, "Insurance Services").

IWS is a licensed motor vehicle service agreement company and is a provider of after-market vehicle protection services distributed by credit unions in 26 states to their members.
Trinity is a provider of warranty products and maintenance support to consumers and businesses in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning ("HVAC"), standby generator, commercial LED lighting and refrigeration industries. Trinity distributes its warranty products through original equipment manufacturers, HVAC distributors and commercial and residential contractors. Trinity distributes its maintenance support directly through corporate owners of retail spaces throughout the United States.
Effective April 1, 2015, the Company closed on the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary, ARS. As a result, ARS has been classified as discontinued operations and the results of their operations are reported separately for all periods presented. Prior to the transaction, ARS was included in the Insurance Services segment. As a result of classifying ARS as a discontinued operation, all segmented information has been restated to exclude ARS from the Insurance Services segment.

Results for the Company's reportable segments are based on the Company's internal financial reporting systems and are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements. The following tables provide financial data used by management. Segment assets are not allocated for management use and, therefore, are not included in the segment disclosures below.

 
23
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


Revenues by reportable segment reconciled to consolidated revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were:
(in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Insurance Underwriting:
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
 
$
29,427

 
$
29,030

Other income
 
2,273

 
2,237

Total Insurance Underwriting
 
31,700

 
31,267

Insurance Services:
 
 
 
 
Service fee and commission income
 
5,322

 
5,398

Other income
 
54

 
97

Total Insurance Services
 
5,376

 
5,495

Total segment revenues
 
37,076

 
36,762

Net investment (loss) income
 
(72
)
 
1,313

Net realized losses
 
(171
)
 

Other-than-temporary impairment loss
 

 
(10
)
Other income not allocated to segments
 
47

 
6,023

Total revenues
 
$
36,880

 
$
44,088

The operating (loss) income of each segment in the following table is before income taxes and includes revenues and direct segment costs.
Segment operating (loss) income reconciled to the consolidated (loss) income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were:
(in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

Segment operating (loss) income
 
 
 
 
Insurance Underwriting
 
$
(239
)
 
$
322

Insurance Services
 
(156
)
 
(186
)
Total segment operating (loss) income
 
(395
)
 
136

Net investment (loss) income
 
(72
)
 
1,313

Net realized losses
 
(171
)
 

Other-than-temporary impairment loss
 

 
(10
)
Other income and expenses not allocated to segments, net
 
(1,901
)
 
2,710

Amortization of intangible assets
 
(295
)
 
(317
)
Contingent consideration expense
 

 
(144
)
Interest expense
 
(1,093
)
 
(1,391
)
Foreign exchange losses, net
 
(1
)
 
(392
)
Gain on change in fair value of debt
 
2,528

 
261

Equity in net loss of investee
 
(69
)
 
(136
)
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax expense
 
(1,469
)
 
2,030

Income tax expense
 
26

 
22

(Loss) income from continuing operations
 
$
(1,495
)
 
$
2,008



 
24
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016



Insurance Underwriting net premiums earned by line of business for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were:
(in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

Insurance Underwriting:
 
 
 
 
Private passenger auto liability
 
$
20,075

 
$
19,339

Auto physical damage
 
9,352

 
9,691

Total net premiums earned
 
$
29,427

 
$
29,030

NOTE 18 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Related party transactions, including services provided to or received by the Company's subsidiaries, are carried out in the normal course of operations and are measured in part by the amount of consideration paid or received as established and agreed by the parties. Management believes that consideration paid for such services in each case approximates fair value. Except where disclosed elsewhere in these unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, the following is a summary of related party transactions.
On February 11, 2014, the Company's subsidiary, 1347 Advisors LLC ("1347 Advisors") entered into a Management Services Agreement ("MSA") with 1347 Property Insurance Holdings, Inc. ("PIH") which provides for certain services, including forecasting, analysis of capital structure and reinsurance programs, consultation in future restructuring or capital raising transactions, and consultation in corporate development initiatives, that 1347 Advisors will provide to PIH unless and until 1347 Advisors and PIH agree to terminate the services. On February 24, 2015, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with PIH to terminate the MSA. Pursuant to the transaction, 1347 Advisors received the following consideration: $2.0 million in cash; $3.0 million of 8% preferred stock of PIH, redeemable on February 24, 2020; a Performance Shares Grant Agreement with PIH, whereby 1347 Advisors will be entitled to receive 100,000 shares of PIH common stock if at any time the last sales price of PIH's common stock equals or exceeds $10.00 per share for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period; and warrants to purchase 1,500,000 shares of common stock of PIH with a strike price of $15.00, expiring on February 24, 2022. The Company recorded a gain of $6.0 million during the first quarter of 2015 related to the termination of the MSA, which is included in other income in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations. To the extent shares of PIH common stock are granted to the Company under the Performance Shares Grant Agreement, they will be recorded at the time the shares are granted and will have a valuation equal to the last sales price of PIH common stock on the day prior to such grant. No shares were received by the Company under the Performance Shares Grant Agreement as of March 31, 2016. Refer to Note 19, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," for further details regarding the performance shares.
On March 26, 2014, the Company entered into a Performance Share Grant Agreement with PIH, whereby the Company will be entitled to receive up to an aggregate of 375,000 shares of PIH common stock upon achievement of certain milestones for PIH’s stock price. Pursuant to the terms of the Performance Share Grant Agreement, if at any time the last sales price of PIH’s common stock equals or exceeds: (i) $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period, the Company will receive 125,000 shares of PIH common stock; (ii) $15.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period, the Company will receive 125,000 shares of PIH common stock (in addition to the 125,000 shares of common stock earned pursuant to clause (i) herein); and (iii) $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period, the Company will receive 125,000 shares of PIH common stock (in addition to the 250,000 shares of common stock earned pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) herein). To the extent shares of PIH common stock are granted to the Company under the Performance Share Grant Agreement, they will be recorded at the time the shares are granted and will have a valuation equal to the last sales price of PIH common stock on the day prior to such grant. No shares were received by the Company under the Performance Share Grant Agreement as of March 31, 2016. Refer to Note 19, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," for further details regarding the performance shares.
During the second quarter of 2014, the Company made an investment in Itasca Golf Investors, LLC ("Itasca Golf") which is included in limited liability investments on the consolidated balance sheets. On August 28, 2014, the Company entered into a $0.5 million line of credit with Itasca Golf. On August 29, 2014, the Company advanced $0.5 million to Itasca Golf under the line of credit which is included in other receivables on the consolidated balance sheets. On June 11, 2015, the line of credit was increased

 
25
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


by $0.2 million. On June 11, 2015, the Company advanced $0.2 million to Itasca Golf under the line of credit which is included in other receivables on the consolidated balance sheets. The line of credit bears interest at 3% and matures on August 28, 2016.


 
26
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


NOTE 19 FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair value amounts represent estimates of the consideration that would currently be agreed upon between knowledgeable, willing parties who are under no compulsion to act. Fair value is best evidenced by quoted bid or ask price, as appropriate, in an active market. Where bid or ask prices are not available, such as in an illiquid or inactive market, the closing price of the most recent transaction of that instrument subject to appropriate adjustments as required is used. Where quoted market prices are not available, the quoted prices of similar financial instruments or valuation models with observable market-based inputs are used to estimate the fair value. These valuation models may use multiple observable market inputs, including observable interest rates, foreign exchange rates, index levels, credit spreads, equity prices, counterparty credit quality, corresponding market volatility levels and option volatilities. Minimal management judgment is required for fair values calculated using quoted market prices or observable market inputs for models. Greater subjectivity is required when making valuation adjustments for financial instruments in inactive markets or when using models where observable parameters do not exist. Also, the calculation of estimated fair value is based on market conditions at a specific point in time and may not be reflective of future fair values. For the Company's financial instruments carried at cost or amortized cost, the book value is not adjusted to reflect increases or decreases in fair value due to market fluctuations, including those due to interest rate changes, as it is the Company's intention to hold them until there is a recovery of fair value, which may be to maturity.
The Company classifies its investments in fixed maturities and equity investments as available-for-sale and reports these investments at fair value. The Company's performance shares, subordinated debt and contingent consideration liabilities are measured and reported at fair value.
Fixed maturities and equity investments - Fair values of fixed maturities for which no active market exists are derived from quoted market prices of similar instruments or other third-party evidence. Fair values of equity investments, including warrants, reflect quoted market values based on latest bid prices, where active markets exist, or models based on significant market observable inputs, where no active markets exist.
Performance shares - The performance shares, for which no active market exists, are required to be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company. Such determination of fair value would require the Company to develop a model based upon relevant observable market inputs as well as significant unobservable inputs, including developing a sufficiently reliable estimate for an appropriate discount to reflect the illiquidity and unique structure of the security. The Company determined that its model for the performance shares was not sufficiently reliable. As a result, the Company has assigned a fair value of zero to the performance shares. Refer to Note 18, "Related Party Transactions," for further details regarding the performance shares.
Debt - The fair value of the subordinated debt is calculated by a third-party using a model based on significant market observable inputs.
Contingent consideration - The consideration for certain of the Company's acquisitions includes future payments to the former owners that are contingent upon the achievement of certain targets over future reporting periods. Liabilities for contingent consideration are measured and reported at fair value and are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of contingent consideration liabilities is estimated using internal models without relevant observable market inputs. Estimated payments are discounted using present value techniques to arrive at estimated fair value. Contingent consideration liabilities are revalued each reporting period. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities can result from changes to one or multiple inputs, including adjustments to the discount rates or changes in the assumed achievement or timing of any targets. Changes in assumptions could have an impact on the payout of contingent consideration liabilities. Changes in fair value are reported in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations as contingent consideration expense. The maximum the Company can pay in future contingent payments is $13.5 million, on an undiscounted basis.

 
27
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


The Company employs a fair value hierarchy to categorize the inputs it uses in valuation techniques to measure the fair value. The extent of use of quoted market prices (Level 1), valuation models using observable market information (Level 2) and internal models without observable market information (Level 3) in the valuation of the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was as follows:
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets(Level 1)

 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Recurring fair value measurements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
 
$
24,972

 
$

 
$
24,972

 
$

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
2,365

 

 
2,365

 

Mortgage-backed
 
8,482

 

 
8,482

 

Asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
6,596

 

 
6,596

 

Corporate
 
19,597

 

 
19,597

 

Total fixed maturities
 
62,012

 

 
62,012

 

Equity investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
25,759

 
25,759

 

 

Warrants
 
544

 
187

 
357

 

Total equity investments
 
26,303

 
25,946

 
357

 

Other investments
 
4,060

 

 
4,060

 

Short-term investments
 
935

 

 
935

 

Total assets
 
$
93,310

 
$
25,946

 
$
67,364

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subordinated debt
 
$
37,370

 
$

 
$
37,370

 
$

Contingent consideration
 
1,982

 

 

 
1,982

Total liabilities
 
$
39,352

 
$

 
$
37,370

 
$
1,982



 
28
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Recurring fair value measurements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
 
$
20,453

 
$

 
$
20,453

 
$

States municipalities and political subdivisions
 
2,256

 

 
2,256

 

Mortgage-backed
 
7,963

 

 
7,963

 

Asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
6,023

 

 
6,023

 

Corporate
 
18,864

 

 
18,864

 

Total fixed maturities
 
55,559

 

 
55,559

 

Equity investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
26,586

 
26,586

 

 

Warrants
 
973

 
229

 
744

 

Total equity investments
 
27,559

 
26,815

 
744

 

Other investments
 
4,077

 

 
4,077

 

Short-term investments
 
400

 

 
400

 

Total assets
 
$
87,595

 
$
26,815

 
$
60,780

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subordinated debt
 
$
39,898

 
$

 
$
39,898

 
$

Contingent consideration
 
1,982

 

 

 
1,982

Total liabilities
 
$
41,880

 
$

 
$
39,898

 
$
1,982


The following table provides a reconciliation of the fair value of recurring Level 3 fair value measurements for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015:
(in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

Contingent consideration:
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
1,982

 
$
3,121

Change in fair value of contingent consideration included in net (loss) income
 

 
144

Ending balance
 
$
1,982

 
$
3,265





 
29
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) March 31, 2016


NOTE 20 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(a)    Legal proceedings:
In connection with its operations in the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are named as defendants in various actions for damages and costs allegedly sustained by the plaintiffs. While it is not possible to estimate the loss, or range of loss, if any, that may be incurred in connection with any of the various proceedings at this time, it is possible that an individual action may result in a loss having a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
(b)    Guarantee:
The Company provided an indemnity and hold harmless agreement to a third-party for customs bonds reinsured by Lincoln General Insurance Company ("Lincoln General") during the time Lincoln General was a subsidiary of the Company.  This agreement may require the Company to compensate the third-party if Lincoln General is unable to fulfill its obligations relating to the customs bonds. The Company's potential exposure under this agreement is not determinable, and no liability has been recorded in the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements at March 31, 2016.  
(c)    Commitment:
The Company has entered into subscription agreements to commit up to $4.5 million of capital to allow for participation in limited liability investments. At March 31, 2016, the unfunded commitment was $2.3 million.
NOTE 21 SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On April 21, 2016, the Company announced that it restructured its Insurance Services segment with the acquisition of Argo Management Group LLC ("Argo") and the formation of 1347 Warranty Holdings ("1347 Warranty"). Argo's primary business is to act as the Managing Member of Argo Holdings Fund I, LLC, an investment fund organized for purposes of making control-oriented equity investments in established lower middle market companies based in North America, with a focus on search fund investments. Mr. John T. Fitzgerald, the Managing Member of Argo, joined Kingsway as an Executive Vice President and is leading 1347 Warranty, a unit formed to manage Kingsway's warranty businesses, which comprise IWS and Trinity. On April 21, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Mr. Fitzgerald as a new director.
As part of the agreement to purchase Argo, Mr. Fitzgerald will receive 160,000 common shares of the Company and 500,000 restricted stock units scheduled to vest on March 28, 2024 with other terms and conditions substantially similar to those pertaining to the Company's executive officers under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. The restricted stock units will be issued when certain conditions precedent are met including the purchase for $1.0 million by Mr. Fitzgerald of common shares of the Company either in open market purchases, or directly from the Company at $5.50 per share should the market price exceed $5.50 per share. Mr. Fitzgerald also received 40,000 options granted April 20, 2016, which were immediately vested and exercisable as of that date.


 
30
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Management's Discussion and Analysis includes “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 that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected and projected. Words such as “expects”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “seeks” and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements relate to future events or future performance, but reflect Kingsway management’s current beliefs, based on information currently available. A number of factors could cause actual events, performance or results to differ materially from the events, performance and results discussed in the forward looking statements. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward looking statements, see Kingsway’s securities filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 ("2015 Annual Report"). The Company's securities filings can be accessed on the Canadian Securities Administrators’ website at www.sedar.com, and on the EDGAR section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov or through the Company’s website at www.kingsway-financial.com. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
OVERVIEW
Kingsway is a Canadian holding company with operating subsidiaries located in the United States. The Company operates as a merchant bank primarily engaged, through its subsidiaries, in the property and casualty insurance business. Kingsway conducts its business through the following two reportable segments: Insurance Underwriting and Insurance Services.
Insurance Underwriting includes the following subsidiaries of the Company: Mendota Insurance Company ("Mendota"), Mendakota Insurance Company, Mendakota Casualty Company ("MCC"), Kingsway Amigo Insurance Company ("Amigo") and Kingsway Reinsurance Corporation. Throughout Management's Discussion and Analysis, the term "Insurance Underwriting" is used to refer to this segment.
Insurance Underwriting provides non-standard automobile insurance to individuals who do not meet the criteria for coverage by standard automobile insurers. Insurance Underwriting has policyholders in 12 states; however, new business is accepted in only nine states. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, production in the following states represented 86.8% of the Company's gross premiums written: Florida (27.0%), Texas (19.3%), Illinois (12.5%), Nevada (10.4%), California (9.6%) and Colorado (8.0%). For the three months ended March 31, 2016, non-standard automobile insurance accounted for 100.0% of the Company's gross premiums written.
The Company previously placed Amigo and MCC into voluntary run-off in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Each of Amigo and MCC entered into a comprehensive run-off plan which was approved by its respective state of domicile. Kingsway continues to manage Amigo in a manner consistent with the run-off plans. During the first quarter of 2015, MCC sent a letter of intent to the Illinois Department of Insurance to resume writing private passenger automobile policies in the state of Illinois.  MCC began writing these policies on April 1, 2015.
Insurance Services includes the following subsidiaries of the Company: IWS Acquisition Corporation ("IWS") and Trinity Warranty Solutions LLC ("Trinity"). Throughout Management's Discussion and Analysis, the term "Insurance Services" is used to refer to this segment.
IWS is a licensed motor vehicle service agreement company and is a provider of after-market vehicle protection services distributed by credit unions in 26 states to their members.
Trinity is a provider of warranty products and maintenance support to consumers and businesses in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning ("HVAC"), standby generator, commercial LED lighting and refrigeration industries. Trinity distributes its warranty products through original equipment manufacturers, HVAC distributors and commercial and residential contractors. Trinity distributes its maintenance support directly through corporate owners of retail spaces throughout the United States.
Effective April 1, 2015, the Company closed on the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary, Assigned Risk Solutions Ltd. ("ARS"). As a result, ARS has been classified as discontinued operations and the results of their operations are reported separately for all periods presented. Prior to the transaction, ARS was included in the Insurance Services segment. As a result of classifying ARS as a discontinued operation, all segmented information has been restated to exclude ARS from the Insurance Services segment.

 

 
31
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

NON-U.S. GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Throughout this quarterly report, we present our operations in the way we believe will be most meaningful, useful and transparent to anyone using this financial information to evaluate our performance. In addition to the U.S. GAAP presentation of net (loss) income, we show certain statutory reporting information and other non-U.S. GAAP financial measures which we believe are valuable in managing our business and drawing comparisons to our peers. These measures are segment operating (loss) income, gross premiums written, net premiums written and underwriting ratios.
Following is a list of non-U.S. GAAP measures found throughout this report with their definitions, relationships to U.S. GAAP measures and explanations of their importance to our operations.
Segment Operating (Loss) Income
Segment operating (loss) income represents one measure of the pretax profitability of our segments and is derived by subtracting direct segment expenses from direct segment revenues. Revenues and expenses are presented in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations, but are not subtotaled by segment; however, this information is available in total and by segment in Note 17, "Segmented Information," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, regarding reportable segment information. The nearest comparable U.S. GAAP measure is (loss) income from continuing operations before income tax expense which, in addition to operating (loss) income, includes net investment (loss) income, net realized losses, other-than-temporary impairment loss, other income not allocated to segments, general and administrative expenses, amortization of intangible assets, contingent consideration expense, interest expense, foreign exchange losses, net, gain on change in fair value of debt and equity in net loss of investee. A reconciliation of segment operating (loss) income to (loss) income from continuing operations before income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is presented in Table 1 of the "Results of Continuing Operations" section of Management's Discussion and Analysis.
Gross Premiums Written
While net premiums earned is the related U.S. GAAP measure used in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations, gross premiums written is the component of net premiums earned that measures insurance business produced before the impact of ceding reinsurance premiums, but without respect to when those premiums will be recognized as actual revenue. We use this measure as an overall gauge of gross business volume in Insurance Underwriting.
Net Premiums Written
While net premiums earned is the related U.S. GAAP measure used in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations, net premiums written is the component of net premiums earned that measures the difference between gross premiums written and the impact of ceding reinsurance premiums, but without respect to when those premiums will be recognized as actual revenue. We use this measure as an indication of retained or net business volume in Insurance Underwriting.
Underwriting Ratios
Kingsway, like many insurance companies, analyzes performance based on underwriting ratios such as loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, expense ratio and combined ratio. The loss and loss adjustment expense ratio is derived by dividing the amount of net loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred by net premiums earned. The expense ratio is derived by dividing the sum of commissions and premium taxes, general and administrative expenses and policy fee income by net premiums earned. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and the expense ratio. A combined ratio below 100% demonstrates underwriting profit whereas a combined ratio over 100% demonstrates underwriting loss.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
The preparation of unaudited consolidated interim financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect application of policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates and their underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Changes in estimates are recorded in the accounting period in which they are determined. The critical accounting estimates and assumptions in the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements include the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses; valuation of fixed maturities and equity investments; valuation of deferred income taxes; impairment assessment of intangible assets; goodwill recoverability; deferred acquisition costs; fair value assumptions for performance shares; fair value assumptions for debt obligations; and contingent consideration.
The Company’s critical accounting estimates and assumptions are described in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the 2015 Annual Report. There has been no material change subsequent to

 
32
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

December 31, 2015 to the information previously disclosed in the 2015 Annual Report with respect to these critical accounting estimates and assumptions.

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
A reconciliation of total segment operating (loss) income to net (loss) income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is presented in Table 1 below:
Table 1 Segment Operating (Loss) Income
For the three months ended March 31 (in thousands of dollars)
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016

2015

Change

Segment operating (loss) income
 
 
 
Insurance Underwriting
(239
)
322

(561
)
Insurance Services
(156
)
(186
)
30

Total segment operating (loss) income
(395
)
136

(531
)
Net investment (loss) income
(72
)
1,313

(1,385
)
Net realized losses
(171
)

(171
)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss

(10
)
10

Other income and expenses not allocated to segments, net
(1,901
)
2,710

(4,611
)
Amortization of intangible assets
(295
)
(317
)
22

Contingent consideration expense

(144
)
144

Interest expense
(1,093
)
(1,391
)
298

Foreign exchange losses, net
(1
)
(392
)
391

Gain on change in fair value of debt
2,528

261

2,267

Equity in net loss of investee
(69
)
(136
)
67

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax expense
(1,469
)
2,030

(3,499
)
Income tax expense
26

22

4

(Loss) income from continuing operations
(1,495
)
2,008

(3,503
)
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

1,426

(1,426
)
Net (loss) income
(1,495
)
3,434

(4,929
)
(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations and Net (Loss) Income
In the first quarter of 2016, we reported loss from continuing operations of $1.5 million compared to income from continuing operations of $2.0 million for first quarter of 2015. The loss from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 is primarily attributable to operating loss in Insurance Underwriting and Insurance Services, other income and expenses not allocated to segments and interest expense, partially offset by a gain on change in fair value of debt. The income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is primarily attributable to net investment income and other income and expenses not allocated to segments, partially offset by interest expense and foreign exchange losses.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we reported net loss of $1.5 million compared to net income of $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Insurance Underwriting
In the first quarter of 2016, Insurance Underwriting gross premiums written were $35.8 million compared to $35.2 million in the first quarter of 2015, representing a 1.7% increase. Net premiums written increased 1.7% to $35.6 million in the first quarter of 2016 compared with $35.0 million in the first quarter of 2015. Net premiums earned increased 1.4% to $29.4 million in the first quarter of 2016 compared with $29.0 million in the first quarter of 2015. The increases in gross premiums written, net premiums written and net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, result primarily from increased premium written in Florida primarily offset by reduced premium written in California and Virginia, a state in which Insurance Underwriting ceased writing new business beginning in the third quarter of 2015.

 
33
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

The Insurance Underwriting operating loss was $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to operating income of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase in operating loss is primarily attributable to an increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses, partially offset by an increase in net premiums earned and a decrease in general expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.
The Insurance Underwriting loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for the first quarter of 2016 was 75.2% compared to 70.3% for the first quarter of 2015. The increase in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2016 is primarily attributable to an increase in loss and loss adjustment expenses at Mendota and MCC.
The Insurance Underwriting expense ratio was 26.0% for the first quarter of 2016 compared to 29.3% for the first quarter of 2015. The decrease in the expense ratio is primarily due to an overall reduction in general expenses. The Insurance Underwriting expense ratio includes policy fee income of $2.1 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The Insurance Underwriting combined ratio was 101.2% in the first quarter of 2016 compared with 99.6% in the first quarter of 2015, reflecting the dynamics which affected the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and expense ratio.
Insurance Services
The Insurance Services service fee and commission income decreased 1.9% to $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared with $5.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2016 is due to decreased service fee and commission income at IWS, partially offset by increased service fee and commission income at Trinity. The Insurance Services operating loss was $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared with $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Net Investment (Loss) Income
Net investment loss was $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2016 compared to net investment income of $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2015. The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2016 is primarily due to a decrease in income from limited liability investments, as well as a decrease in fair value of derivative instrument warrants. Income from limited liability investments is recognized based on the Company's share of the earnings of the limited liability entities.
Net Realized Losses
Net realized losses were $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2016 compared to zero in the first quarter of 2015. The net realized losses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 resulted primarily from the liquidation of equity investments in Insurance Underwriting.
Other Income and Expenses not Allocated to Segments, Net
Other income and expenses not allocated to segments was a net expense of $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2016 compared to a net income of $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2015. The increase in net expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 is primarily the result of a $6.0 million gain recorded during the first quarter of 2015 related to the termination of the Company's Management Services Agreement with 1347 Property Insurance Holdings, Inc., as further discussed in Note 18, "Related Party Transactions," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, partially offset by less general expense for salaries and employee benefits during the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
The Company's intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Amortization of intangible assets was $0.3 million for the first quarter of 2016 compared to $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2015.
Contingent Consideration Expense
Contingent consideration expense was zero for the first quarter of 2016 compared to $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2015. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company reevaluated its contingent consideration liabilities and recorded an adjustment to reduce the balance of its contingent consideration liabilities at December 31, 2015. As a result of the reevaluation, the Company concluded that the accretion pattern for its contingent consideration liabilities should be revised, leading the Company to record no contingent consideration expense during the first quarter of 2016.



 
34
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Interest Expense
Interest expense for the first quarter of 2016 was $1.1 million compared to $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2015. The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2016 is primarily attributable to the repayment during June 2015 of the outstanding principal balance on the Company's LROC preferred units due June 30, 2015.
Foreign Exchange Losses, Net
During the first quarter of 2016, the Company incurred foreign exchange losses, net of $0.0 million compared to $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2015. Foreign exchange losses, net for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were incurred primarily related to conversion of the net Canadian dollar assets of Kingsway Linked Return of Capital Trust ("KLROC Trust"). The Company deconsolidated KLROC Trust in June 2015.
Gain on Change in Fair Value of Debt
The gain on change in fair value of debt amounted to $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2016 compared to $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2015. The gain for the first quarter of 2016 is due to a decrease in the fair value of the subordinated debt, whereas the gain for the first quarter of 2015 is primarily due to a decrease in the fair value of the Company's LROC preferred units partially offset by an increase in the fair value of the subordinated debt. For information regarding the Company's approach to determining fair value of debt, see Note 19, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements.
Equity in Net Loss of Investee
Equity in net loss of investee for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 represents the Company's investment in 1347 Capital Corp. See Note 7, "Investment in Investee," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, for further discussion.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense for the first quarter of 2016 was $0.0 million compared to $0.0 million in the first quarter of 2015. See Note 13, "Income Taxes," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, for additional detail of the income tax expense recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, respectively.

INVESTMENTS
Portfolio Composition
All of our investments in fixed maturities and equity investments are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. At March 31, 2016, we held cash and cash equivalents and investments with a carrying value of $154.5 million. As of March 31, 2016, we held an investments portfolio comprised primarily of fixed maturities issued by the U.S. Government, government agencies and high quality corporate issuers. Investments held by our insurance subsidiaries must comply with applicable domiciliary state regulations that prescribe the type, quality and concentration of investments. Our U.S. operations typically invest in U.S. dollar-denominated instruments to mitigate their exposure to currency rate fluctuations.

 
35
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

 
Table 2 below summarizes the carrying value of investments, including cash and cash equivalents, at the dates indicated.
TABLE 2 Carrying value of investments, including cash and cash equivalents
(in thousands of dollars, except for percentages)
Type of investment
 
March 31, 2016

 
% of Total

 
December 31, 2015

 
% of Total

Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
 
24,972

 
16.2
%
 
20,453

 
12.8
%
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
2,365

 
1.5
%
 
2,256

 
1.4
%
Mortgage-backed
 
8,482

 
5.5
%
 
7,963

 
5.0
%
Asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
6,596

 
4.3
%
 
6,023

 
3.8
%
Corporate
 
19,597

 
12.7
%
 
18,864

 
11.8
%
Total fixed maturities
 
62,012

 
40.2
%
 
55,559

 
34.8
%
Equity investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
25,759

 
16.7
%
 
26,586

 
16.7
%
Warrants
 
544

 
0.4
%
 
973

 
0.6
%
Total equity investments
 
26,303

 
17.1
%
 
27,559

 
17.3
%
Limited liability investments
 
20,240

 
13.1
%
 
20,141

 
12.6
%
Other investments
 
4,060

 
2.6
%
 
4,077

 
2.6
%
Short-term investments
 
935

 
0.6
%
 
400

 
0.3
%
Total investments
 
113,550

 
73.6
%
 
107,736

 
67.6
%
Cash and cash equivalents
 
40,984

 
26.4
%
 
51,701

 
32.4
%
Total
 
154,534

 
100.0
%
 
159,437

 
100.0
%

Liquidity and Cash Flow Risk
Table 3 below summarizes the fair value by contractual maturities of the fixed maturities portfolio, excluding cash and cash equivalents, at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
TABLE 3 Fair value of fixed maturities by contractual maturity date
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
March 31, 2016

 
% of Total

 
December 31, 2015

 
% of Total

Due in less than one year
 
13,157

 
21.2
%
 
10,078

 
18.1
%
Due in one through five years
 
37,789

 
60.9
%
 
35,999

 
64.8
%
Due after five through ten years
 
3,130

 
5.0
%
 
1,425

 
2.6
%
Due after ten years
 
7,936

 
12.9
%
 
8,057

 
14.5
%
Total
 
62,012

 
100.0
%
 
55,559

 
100.0
%

At March 31, 2016, 82.1% of fixed maturities, including treasury bills, government bonds and corporate bonds, had contractual maturities of five years or less. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. The Company holds cash and high-grade short-term assets which, along with fixed maturities, management believes are sufficient in amount for the payment of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses and other operating subsidiary obligations on a timely basis. In the event that additional cash is required to meet obligations to our policyholders and customers, we believe that the high-quality, liquid investments in the portfolios provide us with sufficient liquidity.


 
36
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Market Risk
Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes in interest or currency exchange rates and equity prices. Given our U.S. operations typically invest in U.S. dollar denominated fixed maturity instruments, our primary market risk exposures in the investments portfolio are to changes in interest rates.
Because the investments portfolio is comprised of primarily fixed maturity instruments that are usually held to maturity, periodic changes in interest rate levels generally impact our financial results to the extent that the investments are recorded at market value and reinvestment yields are different than the original yields on maturing instruments. During periods of rising interest rates, the market values of the existing fixed maturities will generally decrease. The reverse is true during periods of declining interest rates.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is defined as the risk of financial loss due to failure of the other party to a financial instrument to discharge an obligation. Credit risk arises from our positions in short-term investments, corporate debt instruments and government bonds.
The Investment Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of key investment policies and limits. These policies and limits are subject to annual review and approval by the Investment Committee. The Investment Committee is also responsible for ensuring that these policies are implemented and that procedures are in place to manage and control credit risk.
Table 4 below summarizes the composition of the fair values of fixed maturities, excluding cash and cash equivalents, at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, by rating as assigned by Standard and Poor's ("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's"). Fixed maturities consist of predominantly high-quality instruments in corporate and government bonds with approximately 89.6% of those investments rated 'A' or better at March 31, 2016. During the first quarter of 2015, the Company received $3.0 million of 8% preferred stock of PIH, redeemable on February 24, 2020, related to the termination of the Company's Management Services Agreement with PIH, as further discussed in Note 18, "Related Party Transactions," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements. The preferred stock is not rated.
TABLE 4 Credit ratings of fixed maturities
Rating (S&P/Moody's)
March 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

AAA/Aaa
67.6
%
61.9
%
AA/Aa
5.7

10.5

A/A
16.3

18.4

Percentage rated A/A2 or better
89.6
%
90.8
%
BBB/Baa
5.5

3.7

Not rated
4.9

5.5

Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
The Company performs a quarterly analysis of its investments portfolio to determine if declines in market value are other-than-temporary. Further information regarding our detailed analysis and factors considered in establishing an other-than-temporary impairment on an investment is discussed within Note 6, "Investments," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements. 
As a result of the analysis performed by the Company to determine declines in market value that are other-than-temporary, there were no write-downs for other-than-temporary impairments related to investments recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded a write-down of $0.0 million for other-than-temporary impairment related to fixed maturities.
The length of time an individual investment may be held in an unrealized loss position may vary based on the opinion of the investment manager and the respective analyses related to valuation and to the various credit risks that may prevent us from recapturing the principal investment. In the case of a fixed maturity investment where the investment manager determines that there is little or no risk of default prior to the maturity of a holding, we would elect to hold the investment in an unrealized loss position until the price recovers or the investment matures. In situations where facts emerge that might increase the risk associated with recapture of principal, the Company may elect to sell a fixed maturity investment at a loss.
Due to the inherent volatility of equity markets, we believe an equity investment may trade from time to time below its intrinsic value based on historical valuation measures. In these situations, an equity investment may be maintained in an unrealized loss

 
37
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

position for different periods of time based on the underlying economic assumptions driving the investment manager’s valuation of the holding.
At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the gross unrealized losses for fixed maturities and equity investments amounted to $3.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively, and there were no unrealized losses attributable to non-investment grade fixed maturities. At each of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, all unrealized losses on individual investments were considered temporary.
Limited Liability Investments
The Company owns investments in various limited liability companies ("LLCs"), limited partnerships ("LPs") and a general partnership ("GP") that primarily invest in income-producing real estate or real estate related investments. The Company's investments in the LLCs, LPs and GP are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and reported as limited liability investments in the consolidated balance sheets. The real estate investments are held on a triple net lease basis whereby the lessee agrees to pay all real estate taxes, building insurance and maintenance. The real estate investments yield between 7.5% - 8% minimum preferred return on invested capital. Table 5 below presents additional information pertaining to the limited liability investments at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
TABLE 5 Limited liability investments
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
Unfunded Commitment
 
Carrying Value
Limited liability investments:
 
March 31, 2016
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Investments held through LLCs
 
1,987

 
19,595

 
19,449

Investments held through LPs and GP
 
300

 
645

 
692

Total
 
2,287

 
20,240

 
20,141

Investment in Investee
At March 31, 2016, the Company owns 61.0% of the outstanding units of 1347 Investors LLC ("1347 Investors"). Because the Company owns more than 50% of the outstanding units, 1347 Investors is included in the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of the Company. 1347 Investors has an investment in the common stock and private units of 1347 Capital Corp. which is reflected as investment in investee in the consolidated balance sheets. 1347 Capital Corp. was formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities.
On July 21, 2014, 1347 Capital Corp. completed an initial public offering. 1347 Capital Corp. has 24 months from the date of the initial public offering to complete a successful business combination. Had a successful business combination been consummated during the first quarter of 2016, and assuming the March 31, 2016 closing stock price for 1347 Capital Corp. common shares, the Company estimates the increase in its shareholders’ equity would have been approximately $5.9 million at March 31, 2016. On March 23, 2016, 1347 Capital Corp. announced the signing of a definitive agreement with Limbach Holdings LLC ("Limbach"), in which 1347 Capital Corp. will merge with Limbach. The transaction is expected to close in June or July 2016. There can be no assurance that 1347 Capital Corp. will complete a successful business combination with Limbach or any other party. In the event 1347 Capital Corp. does not complete a successful business combination, the Company estimates its shareholders’ equity would decrease by approximately $1.7 million.
PROPERTY AND CASUALTY UNPAID LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
Property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses represent the estimated liabilities for reported loss events, incurred but not reported ("IBNR") loss events and the related estimated loss adjustment expenses.
Tables 6 and 7 present distributions, by line of business, of the provision for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses gross and net of external reinsurance, respectively.

 
38
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.


TABLE 6 Provision for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses - gross
(in thousands of dollars)
Line of Business
March 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Non-standard automobile
50,507

53,066

Commercial automobile
1,368

1,358

Other
995

1,047

Total
52,870

55,471

TABLE 7 Provision for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses - net of reinsurance recoverable
(in thousands of dollars)
Line of Business
March 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Non-standard automobile
49,558

51,937

Commercial automobile
1,288

1,280

Other
995

1,047

Total
51,841

54,264

Non-Standard Automobile
At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the gross provisions for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses for our non-standard automobile business were $50.5 million and $53.1 million, respectively. The decrease is primarily due to the continuing voluntary run-offs of Amigo and MCC.
Commercial Automobile
At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the gross provisions for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses for our commercial automobile business were $1.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
Information with respect to development of our provision for prior years' property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses is presented in Table 8.
TABLE 8    Increase (decrease) in prior years' provision for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
(in thousands of dollars)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016

2015

Unfavorable (favorable) change in provision for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses for prior accident years:
91

(76
)
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company reported $0.1 million of unfavorable development for property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expenses from prior accident years compared with favorable development of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The unfavorable development reported for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily related to property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expenses at Mendota. The favorable development reported for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily related to property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expenses at Amigo.
The Company cannot predict whether the provision for property and casualty unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses will develop favorably or unfavorably from the amounts reported in the Company’s unaudited consolidated interim financial statements. The Company believes that any such development will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated equity but could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial results for a given period.
See the "Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions" section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the 2015 Annual Report for additional information pertaining to the Company’s process of estimating the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.

 
39
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See Note 4, "Recently Issued Accounting Standards," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements, for discussion of certain accounting standards that may be applicable to the Company's current and future consolidated financial statements.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The purpose of liquidity management is to ensure that there is sufficient cash to meet all financial commitments and obligations as they fall due. The liquidity requirements of the Company and its subsidiaries have been met primarily by funds generated from operations, disposal of discontinued operations, investment maturities and income and other returns received on investments. Cash provided from these sources is used primarily for loss and loss adjustment expense payments, debt servicing and other operating expenses. The timing and amount of payments for loss and loss adjustment expenses may differ materially from our provisions for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, which may create increased liquidity requirements.
Cash Flows
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the net cash used in operating activities as reported on the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows was $4.1 million. This use of cash can be explained primarily by the increase in premiums and service fee receivable of $5.4 million, the gain on change in fair value of debt of $2.5 million and the decrease in the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses of $2.6 million; partially offset by the increase in unearned premiums of $6.3 million.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the net cash used in investing activities as reported on the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows was $6.6 million. This use of cash was driven primarily by purchases of fixed maturities, equity investments, limited liability investments and short-term investments in excess of proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities and equity investments.
In summary, as reported on the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company's net decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $10.7 million.
The Company's Insurance Underwriting subsidiaries fund their obligations primarily through premium and investment income and maturities in the investments portfolios. The Company's Insurance Services subsidiaries fund their obligations primarily through service fee and commission income. As a holding company, Kingsway funds its obligations, which primarily consist of interest payments on debt as well as holding company operating expenses, primarily through the sale of subsidiaries and other assets; issuance of debt and equity securities; and receipt of dividends from its non-insurance subsidiaries. On the other hand, the insurance subsidiaries require regulatory approval for the return of capital and, in certain circumstances, prior to the payment of dividends. At March 31, 2016, the U.S. insurance subsidiaries of the Company were restricted from making any dividend payments to the holding company without regulatory approval pursuant to the domiciliary state insurance regulations.
Regulatory Capital
In the United States, a risk-based capital ("RBC") formula is used by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") to identify property and casualty insurance companies that may not be adequately capitalized. In general, insurers reporting surplus as regards policyholders below 200% of the authorized control level, as defined by the NAIC, at December 31 are subject to varying levels of regulatory action, including discontinuation of operations. As of December 31, 2015, surplus as regards policyholders reported by each of our insurance subsidiaries exceeded the 200% threshold.
Our reinsurance subsidiary, which is domiciled in Barbados, is required by the regulator in Barbados to maintain minimum capital levels. As of March 31, 2016, the capital maintained by Kingsway Reinsurance Corporation was in excess of the regulatory capital requirements in Barbados.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Not applicable.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Company's management performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, and completed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("the Exchange Act") as of March 31, 2016. Disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Based on that evaluation, the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
During the Company's last fiscal quarter, there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Information concerning pending legal proceedings is incorporated herein by reference to Note 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements in Part I of this Form 10-Q.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There are no material changes with respect to those risk factors previously disclosed in our 2015 Annual Report.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

 
40
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Item 5. Other Information
None

 
41
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.


Item 6. Exhibits
31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 

 
31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 

 
32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 

 
32.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101.INS

XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase



 
42
 

KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 5, 2016
By:
/s/ Larry G. Swets, Jr.
 
 
 
Larry G. Swets, Jr., President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
 
 
(principal executive officer)
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 5, 2016
By:
/s/ William A. Hickey, Jr.
 
 
 
William A. Hickey, Jr., Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President
 
 
 
(principal financial officer)
 
 
 
 


 
43