The current yearly aggregate base rental for our current executive offices is approximately $20,000. The lease for these premises will terminate effective April 30, 2013, at which time we will move our principal executive offices to our Kingston, New York location. We own the building from which our insurance underwriting business principally operates, free of mortgage.
Net premiums earned. Net premiums earned is the earned portion of our written premiums, less that portion of premium that is ceded to third party reinsurers under reinsurance agreements. The amount ceded under these reinsurance agreements is based on a contractual formula contained in the individual reinsurance agreement. Insurance premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the term of the policy. At the end of each reporting period, premiums written that are not earned are classified as unearned premiums and are earned in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy. Our insurance policies have a term of one year. Accordingly, for a one-year policy written on July 1, 2011, we would earn half of the premiums in 2011 and the other half in 2012.
Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) on investments. We invest our statutory surplus funds and the funds supporting our insurance liabilities primarily in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, fixed maturity and equity securities. Our net investment income includes interest and dividends earned on our invested assets, less investment expenses. Net realized gains and losses on our investments are reported separately from our net investment income. Net realized gains occur when our investment securities are sold for more than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable. Net realized losses occur when our investment securities are sold for less than their costs or amortized costs, as applicable, or are written down as a result of other-than-temporary impairment. We classify equity securities and our fixed maturity securities as available-for-sale. Net unrealized gains (losses) on those securities classified as available-for-sale are reported separately within accumulated other comprehensive income on our balance sheet.
(1) For the year ended December 31, 2012, includes direct catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses of $13,261,000, and net catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses of $1,143,000, incurred on October 29, 2012 from Superstorm Sandy. The computation to arrive at contingent ceding commission revenue includes direct catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred from Superstorm Sandy. Such losses increased our ceded loss ratio which reduced our contingent ceding commission revenue by $1,919,000. For the year ended December 31, 2011, includes direct catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses of $1,796,000, and net catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses of $449,000, incurred from August 27, 2011 to August 29, 2011 from Tropical Storm Irene. The computation to arrive at contingent ceding commission revenue includes direct catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred from Tropical Storm Irene. Such losses increased our ceded loss ratio which reduced our contingent ceding commission revenue by $200,000. We define a “catastrophe” as an event that involves multiple first party policyholders, or an event that produces a number of claims in excess of a preset, per-event threshold of average claims in a specific area, occurring within a certain amount of time constituting the event. Catastrophes are caused by various natural events including high winds, excessive rain, winter storms, tornadoes, hailstorms, wildfires, tropical storms, and hurricanes.
Net premiums earned increased $2,348,000, or 15.8%, to $17,217,000 in 2012 from $14,869,000 in 2011. As premiums written earn ratably over a twelve month period, the increase was a result of higher net written premiums for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2011.
Ceding commission revenue was $9,690,000 in 2012 compared to $10,625,000 in 2011. The decrease of $935,000, or 8.8%, was due to the increase provisional ceding commissions earned offset by a decrease in contingent ceding commissions earned. The $1,600,000 increase in provisional ceding commissions earned is due to a net increase in the amount of premiums ceded. The $2,535,000 decrease in contingent ceding commissions earned is due to the effects of Superstorm Sandy on our ceded net loss ratio which reduced our contingent ceding commission revenue by $1,918,000 and an increase in losses incurred under our personal lines quota share reinsurance treaty from prior year claims.
Net investment income was $1,015,000 in 2012 compared to $754,000 in 2011. The increase of $261,000, or 34.6%, was due to an increase in average invested assets in 2012 as compared to 2011. The increase in cash and invested assets resulted primarily from increased operating cash flows and by an adjustment to amortization of bond premium in 2011. The tax equivalent investment yield, excluding cash, was 5.14% and 5.43% at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Net realized gains on investments were $288,000 in 2012 compared to $524,000 in 2011. The decrease of $236,000, or 45.0%, was due in part to an FDIC recovery of $133,000 in 2011 from a failed bank which was included in other than temporary impaired losses in 2009.
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses were $11,235,000 in 2012 compared to $8,571,000 in 2011. The net loss ratio was 65.3% in 2012 compared to 57.6% in 2011, an increase of 7.7 percentage points. Net losses in 2012 included the effects of Superstorm Sandy in October 2012 and Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011, which we define both as a catastrophe. As a result of Superstorm Sandy, we incurred $1,143,000 of losses and loss adjustment expenses (net of reinsurance recoverable of $12,118,000), and added 6.7 percentage points to our net loss ratio. As a result of Tropical Storm Irene, we incurred $449,000 of losses and loss adjustment expenses (net of reinsurance recoverable of $1,347,000), and added 3.0 percentage points to our net loss ratio. Our net loss ratio excluding the effect of catastrophes in 2012 was 58.6% in in 2012, compared to 54.6% in 2011, an increase of 4.0 percentage points.
Commission expense was $7,246,000 in 2012 or 14.7% of direct written premiums. Commission expense was $6,230,000 in 2011 or 15.3% of direct written premiums. The increase of $1,016,000 is due to the increase in direct written premiums in 2012 as compared to 2011, offset by a decrease in contingent commissions due to brokers as a result of the effects from Superstorm Sandy.
Other underwriting expenses were $7,849,000 in 2012 compared to $7,373,000 in 2011. The $476,000, or 6.5%, increase in other underwriting expenses was primarily due to expenses directly related to the increase in direct written premiums, increase in occupancy costs and additional employment costs due to both the hiring of additional staff needed to service our growth in written premiums and increases in annual salaries. Other underwriting expenses as a percentage of direct written premiums was 15.9% in 2012 and 18.1% in 2011. Our other underwriting expenses increased at a lower rate than the growth in our direct written premiums.
Income tax expense in 2012 was $303,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 28.3%. Income tax expense in 2011 was $1,089,000, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 30.3%. Income before taxes was $1,070,000 in 2012 compared to $3,592,000 in 2011. The decrease in the effective tax rate by 2.0% in 2012 is a result of permanent differences from nontaxable investment income and the dividends received deduction having a greater impact on the effective tax rate in 2012 due to a lesser amount of book income in 2012 compared to 2011. The decrease in the effective tax rate from the impact of permanent differences was offset by recording a valuation allowance in 2012 against our state net operating loss carryovers compared to no such allowance in 2011. Kingstone Companies, Inc. generates operating losses for state income tax purposes and has prior year net operating loss carryovers available. KICO, our insurance underwriting subsidiary is subject to a state tax based on premiums and is not included in our consolidated state income tax return. A valuation allowance of $42,000 was recorded by us in December 2011 and an additional valuation allowance of $105,000 was recorded in 2012. The valuation allowance was established due to the uncertainty of generating enough state taxable income to utilize 100% of our available state net operating loss carryovers over their remaining lives which expire between 2022 and 2027.
Net income was $767,000 in 2012 compared to $2,503,000 in 2011. The decrease in net income of $1,736,000 was due to the circumstances described above that caused the increase in our net loss ratio, decrease in contingent ceding commission revenues, and increases in other commission expense and underwriting expenses related to premium growth, offset by increases in our net premiums earned.
The key measures for our insurance underwriting business for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
(1) The effect of catastrophes reduced contingent ceding commission revenue by $1,918,871 and $200,516 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. A provision in our quota share reinsurance treaty, which expired June 30, 2011, limited the maximum contingent ceding commission that could be paid to us, with the unused benefit carried forward to the treaty year which began July 1, 2011. The carry forward of the unused benefit resulted in additional contingent ceding commission revenue of approximately $264,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011.
The table below summarizes the average duration by type of fixed-maturity security as well as detailing the average yield as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:
As disclosed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, with respect to “Fair Value Measurements,” we define fair value under GAAP guidance as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (an “exit price”). This GAAP guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between inputs based on market data from independent sources (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (“unobservable inputs”). The fair value hierarchy in GAAP prioritizes fair value measurements into three levels based on the nature of the inputs. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets have the highest priority (“Level 1”), followed by observable inputs other than quoted prices including prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities (“Level 2”), and unobservable inputs, including the reporting entity’s estimates of the assumption that market participants would use, having the lowest priority (“Level 3”). As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, 54% and 49%, respectively, of the investment portfolio recorded at fair value was priced based upon quoted market prices.
As more fully described in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, “Investments-Impairment Review,” we completed a detailed review of all our securities in a continuous loss position as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and concluded that the unrealized losses in these asset classes are the result of a decrease in value due to technical spread widening and broader market sentiment, rather than fundamental collateral deterioration, and are temporary in nature.
There were 33 securities at December 31, 2012 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss, none of which were deemed by us to be other than temporarily impaired. There were 64 securities at December 31, 2011 that accounted for the gross unrealized loss, none of which were deemed by us to be other than temporarily impaired. Significant factors influencing our determination that unrealized losses were temporary included the magnitude of the unrealized losses in relation to each security’s cost, the nature of the investment and management’s intent not to sell these securities and it being not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these investments before anticipated recovery of fair value to our cost basis.
The primary sources of cash flow are from our insurance underwriting subsidiary, KICO, which includes direct premiums written, ceding commissions from our quota share reinsurers, loss recovery payments from our reinsurers, investment income and proceeds from the sale or maturity of investments. Funds are used by KICO for ceded premium payments to reinsurers, which are paid on a net basis after subtracting losses paid on reinsured claims and reinsurance commissions. KICO also uses funds for loss payments and loss adjustment expenses on our net business, commissions to producers, salaries and other underwriting expenses as well as to purchase investments and fixed assets.
The primary sources of cash flow for our holding company operations are in connection with the fee income we receive from the premium finance loans and collection of principal and interest income from the notes received by us upon the sale of businesses that were included in our former discontinued operations. Effective July 1, 2011, as discussed above, we may also receive cash dividends from KICO, subject to statutory restrictions.
We prepaid $703,000 of our notes payable during the year ended December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2012, the outstanding principal balance of our notes payable was $747,000; such notes bear interest at the rate of 9.5% per annum and mature on July 10, 2014. We believe that our present cash flows as described above will be sufficient on a short-term basis and over the next 12 months to fund our company-wide working capital requirements.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $6,375,000 in 2012 as compared to $7,253,000 provided in 2011. The $878,000 decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities in 2012 was primarily a result of the fluctuations in assets and liabilities relating to operating activities of KICO as affected by the growth in its operations which are described above, offset by a decrease in net income (adjusted for non-cash items) of $1,600,000.
Net cash used by investing activities was $3,961,000 in 2012 compared to $6,526,000 used in 2011. The $2,565,000 decrease in cash flows provided by investing activities is a result of the decrease in acquisitions of invested assets, offset by a decrease in sales of invested assets.
Net cash used in financing activities was $347,000 in 2012 compared to $881,000 used in 2011. The $534,000 decrease in cash flows used in financing activities is a result of principal payments on long term debt of $714,000 in 2011 compared to no such payments in 2012, and dividend payments of $534,000 in 2012 compared to $230,000 in 2011.
KICO receives ceding commissions from the reinsurers. The amount of the commissions includes contingent ceding commissions which are based upon the loss ratio experienced by the reinsurers during the treaty term (July 1 to June 30) from the ceded business over that period of time. Such contingent ceding commission revenue was reduced by $1.9 million based upon the reinsurance losses incurred as a result of Superstorm Sandy. In addition, it is expected that there will be a decline of approximately $2 million in the ceding commission revenue to be earned during the first six months of 2013 (i.e., the final six months of the 2012-2013 treaty). Further, KICO was required to pay reinstatement premiums to catastrophe reinsurers to obtain coverage for future catastrophe events during the current reinsurance treaty period. A portion of the cost of such reinstatement premiums will be expensed during the first two quarters of 2013. Accordingly, the effects of the storm will be material to our post 2012 results of operations; however, we expect that such effects will not have a material adverse impact on our financial condition. See “Factors Relating to Superstorm Sandy That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition” below.
Personal Lines business, which includes homeowners, dwelling fire and canine legal liability insurance, is reinsured under a 75% quota share treaty which provides coverage with respect to losses of up to $1,000,000 per occurrence. An excess of loss contract provides 100% of coverage for the next $1,900,000 of losses for a total reinsurance coverage of $2,650,000 with respect to losses of up to $2,900,000 per occurrence. See “Catastrophe Reinsurance” below for a discussion of our reinsurance coverage with respect to our Personal Lines business in the event of a catastrophe.
We have catastrophe reinsurance coverage with regard to losses of up to $73,000,000. The initial $3,000,000 of losses in a catastrophe are subject to a 75% quota share treaty, such that we retain $750,000 per catastrophe occurrence With respect to any additional catastrophe losses of up to $70,000,000, we are 100% reinsured under our catastrophe reinsurance program.
Our reinsurance program is structured to enable us to write a greater amount of direct premiums than our statutory surplus could support and also provides income as a result of ceding commissions earned pursuant to the quota share reinsurance contracts. This structure has enabled us to significantly grow our direct premium volume while maintaining regulatory capital and other financial ratios generally within or below the expected ranges used for regulatory oversight purposes. Our participation in reinsurance arrangements does not relieve us from our obligations to policyholders.
Our ability to receive dividends from KICO is restricted by the state laws and insurance regulations of New York. These restrictions are related to surplus and net investment income. Dividends are restricted to the lesser of 10% of surplus or 100% of investment income (on a statutory accounting basis) for the trailing four quarters. As of December 31, 2012, the maximum distribution that KICO could pay without prior regulatory approval was approximately $1,017,000, which is based on investment income for the last four quarters.
In addition, we are subject to claims arising from weather events such as hurricanes, tropical storms, winter storms, rain, hail and high winds. The incidence and severity of weather conditions are largely unpredictable. There is generally an increase in the frequency and severity of claims when severe weather conditions occur.
Financial strength ratings are important factors in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies and generally have an effect on an insurance company's business. Many insurance buyers, agents, brokers and secured lenders use the ratings assigned by A.M. Best and other agencies to assist them in assessing the financial strength and overall quality of the companies from which they are considering purchasing insurance or in determining the financial strength of the company that provides insurance with respect to the collateral they hold. In 2009, KICO applied for its initial A.M. Best rating, and was assigned a letter rating of “B” (Fair) by A.M. Best in 2010. Our rating was upgraded to B+ (Good) in 2011. KICO is preparing for the process of undergoing its annual review by A.M. Best, which may result in a change to its rating. A. M. Best ratings are derived from an in-depth evaluation of an insurance company’s balance sheet strengths, operating performances and business profiles. A.M. Best evaluates, among other factors, the company’s capitalization, underwriting leverage, financial leverage, asset leverage, capital structure, quality and appropriateness of reinsurance, adequacy of reserves, quality and diversification of assets, liquidity, profitability, spread of risk, revenue composition, market position, management, market risk and event risk. On an ongoing basis, rating agencies such as A.M. Best review the financial performance and condition of insurers and can downgrade or change the outlook on an insurer's ratings due to, for example, a change in an insurer's statutory capital, a reduced confidence in management or a host of other considerations that may or may not be under the insurer's control. We currently have a Demotech rating of A (Excellent), which generally permits lenders to accept our policies. All ratings are subject to continuous review; therefore, the retention of these ratings cannot be assured. A downgrade in any of these ratings could have a material adverse effect on our competitiveness, the marketability of our product offerings and our ability to grow in the marketplace.
We are exposed to significant financial and capital markets risk which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and our net investment income can vary from period to period.
Our personal lines catastrophe reinsurance program was designed, utilizing our risk management methodology, to address our exposure to catastrophes. Market conditions beyond our control impact the availability and cost of the reinsurance we purchase. No assurances can be given that reinsurance will remain continuously available to us to the same extent and on the same terms and rates as is currently available. For example, our ability to afford reinsurance to reduce our catastrophe risk may be dependent upon our ability to adjust premium rates for its cost, and there are no assurances that the terms and rates for our current reinsurance program will continue to be available in the future. If we are unable to maintain our current level of reinsurance or purchase new reinsurance protection in amounts that we consider sufficient and at prices that we consider acceptable, we will have to either accept an increase in our exposure risk, reduce our insurance writings or develop or seek other alternatives.
We intend to prudently reduce our reliance on quota share reinsurance; this would lead to greater exposure to net insurance losses.
Applicable insurance laws regarding the change of control of our company may impede potential acquisitions that our stockholders might consider to be desirable.
We are subject to statutes and regulations of the state of New York which generally require that any person or entity desiring to acquire direct or indirect control of KICO, our insurance company subsidiary, obtain prior regulatory approval. In addition, a change of control of Kingstone Companies, Inc. would require such approval. These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change of control of our company, including through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some of our stockholders might consider to be desirable. Similar regulations may apply in other states in which we may operate.
We are subject to extensive laws and regulations. State insurance regulators are charged with protecting policyholders and have broad regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers over our business practices, including, among other things, the power to grant and revoke licenses to transact business and the power to regulate and approve underwriting practices and rate changes, which may delay the implementation of premium rate changes or prevent us from making changes we believe are necessary to match rate to risk. In addition, many states have laws and regulations that limit an insurer’s ability to cancel or not renew policies and that prohibit an insurer from withdrawing from one or more lines of business written in the state, except pursuant to a plan that is approved by the state insurance department. Laws and regulations that limit cancellation and non-renewal and that subject program withdrawals to prior approval requirements may restrict our ability to exit unprofitable markets.
The New York State Department of Financial Services imposes risk-based capital requirements on insurance companies to ensure that insurance companies maintain appropriate levels of surplus to support their overall business operations and to protect customers against adverse developments, after taking into account default, credit, underwriting and off-balance sheet risks. If the amount of our capital falls below this minimum, we may face restrictions with respect to soliciting new business and/or keeping existing business. Similar regulations will apply in other states in which we may operate.
Recent regulatory action taken by the New York State Department of Financial Services following Superstorm Sandy may have a material adverse effect upon our operations and business.
In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the New York State Department of Financial Services has adopted various regulations that could have a material adverse effect on insurance companies that operate in the state of New York. Included among the regulations are accelerated claims investigation and settlement requirements and mandatory participation in non-binding mediation proceedings funded by the insurer. In addition, the Department of Financial Services imposed a four month moratorium on property and casualty policy terminations and non-renewals notwithstanding failure to pay premiums when due. Further, in February 2013, the state of New York announced that the Department of Financial Services has commenced an investigation into the claims practices of three insurance companies, including KICO, in connection with Superstorm Sandy claims. The Department of Financial Services stated that the three insurers had a much larger than average consumer complaint rate with regard to Superstorm Sandy claims and indicated that the three insurers were being investigated for (i) failure to send adjusters in a timely manner; (ii) failure to process claims in a timely manner; and (iii) inability of homeowners to contact insurance company representatives. KICO has received a letter from the Department of Financial Services seeking information and data with regard to the foregoing. KICO is cooperating with the Department of Financial Services in connection with its investigation and we believe that such matter will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position. In settling insurance claims, including those related to Superstorm Sandy, if KICO were to pay for losses not covered by the insurance policy, such as those based on water and sewer back up claims, it could face disclaimers of coverage from its reinsurers with regard to the amounts paid.
KICO was a member of the New York Mutual Underwriters Pool (the “NYMU”) and is responsible for its proportionate share of losses with respect to accident dates through October 31, 1997. During 2006 and 2007, the NYMU received a disproportionately large number of lead paint claims (approximately 50) for accident dates prior to October 31, 1997. KICO’s liability for each claim is $50,000 (assuming full reinsurance recovery). Since 2007, far fewer lead paint claims have been filed against the NYMU. We believe that, as of December 31, 2012, KICO is fully reserved for all reported claims and that its provision for IBNR for future claims is adequate (in each case giving effect to the collectability of reinsurance); however, we do not have any control over the claims made against the NYMU. Accordingly, future results may be adversely affected from losses over which we have no control.
The financial statements required by this Item 8 are included in this Annual Report following Item 15 hereof. As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide supplementary financial information.