EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1072627
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 1072627_10-K_2024_0001437749-24-006644.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. BUSINESS
In this report, the terms "Kingsway," the "Company," "we," "us" or "our" mean Kingsway Financial Services Inc. and all entities included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Kingsway Financial Services Inc. was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on September 19, 1989. Effective December 31, 2018, the Company changed its jurisdiction of incorporation from the province of Ontario, Canada, to the State of Delaware. The Company's registered office is located at 10 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1520, Chicago, Illinois 60606. The common shares of Kingsway are listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol "KFS."
Kingsway is a holding company with operating subsidiaries located in the United States. The Company owns or controls subsidiaries primarily in the extended warranty and business services industries. Kingsway conducts its business through two reportable segments - Extended Warranty and Kingsway Search Xcelerator - that conduct their business and distribute their products and services in the United States.
Prior to the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company conducted its business through a third reportable segment, Leased Real Estate, which included the following subsidiaries of the Company: CMC Industries, Inc. ("CMC") and VA Lafayette, LLC ("VA Lafayette"):
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CMC owned, through an indirect wholly owned subsidiary (the "Property Owner"), a parcel of real property consisting of approximately 192 acres located in the State of Texas (the "Real Property"), which was subject to a long-term triple net lease agreement. The Real Property was also subject to two mortgages. On December 22, 2022, the Company announced a definitive agreement for the sale of the Real Property, for gross cash proceeds of $44.5 million and the assumption of the two mortgages. On December 29, 2022, the sale was completed.
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VA Lafayette owns real property consisting of approximately 6.5 acres and a 29,224 square foot single-tenant medical office building located in the State of Louisiana (the "LA Real Property"). The LA Real Property serves as a medical and dental clinic for the Department of Veteran Affairs and is subject to a long-term lease. The LA Real Property is also subject to a mortgage (the "LA Mortgage"). During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company began executing a plan to sell VA Lafayette, and as a result, VA Lafayette is reported as held for sale at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023.
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Both CMC and VA Lafayette have been classified as discontinued operations and the results of their operations are reported separately for all periods presented. All segmented information has been restated to exclude the Leased Real Estate segment for all periods presented.
Financial information about Kingsway's reportable business segments for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is contained in the following sections of this 2023 Annual Report: (i) Note 22, "Segmented Information,"to the Consolidated Financial Statements; and (ii) "Results of Continuing Operations" section of MD&A.
All of the dollar amounts in this 2023 Annual Report are expressed in U.S. dollars.
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS
Acquisition of Systems Products International, Inc.
On September 7, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of Systems Products International, Inc. ("SPI"). SPI, based in Miami, Florida, is a vertical market software company, created exclusively to serve the management needs of all types of shared-ownership properties. SPI is included in the Kingsway Search Xcelerator segment.
The Company acquired SPI for aggregate cash consideration of $2.8 million, less certain escrowed amounts for purposes of indemnification claims and working capital adjustments. The closing purchase price was paid with cash on hand. Further information is contained in Note 4, "Acquisitions," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Acquisition of Digital Diagnostics Imaging, Inc.
On October 26, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of Digital Diagnostics Imaging, Inc. ("DDI"). DDI, based in Wall, New Jersey, is a provider of fully managed outsourced cardiac telemetry services. DDI is included in the Kingsway Search Xcelerator segment.
The Company acquired DDI for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $11.0 million, less certain escrowed amounts for purposes of indemnification claims and working capital adjustments. Further information is contained in Note 4, "Acquisitions," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The closing purchase price was financed with a combination of debt financing provided by Signature Bank and cash on hand. DDI Acquisition, LLC and DDI, subsidiaries of Kingsway, borrowed a total of $5.6 million, in the form of a term loan, and established a $0.4 million revolver (together, the “DDI Loan”) that was undrawn at close. The DDI Loan has a variable interest rate equal to the Prime Rate plus 0.50%, with a floor of 5.00%. The DDI Loan requires monthly interest payments. Monthly principal payments begin in December 2024, and the term loan matures on October 26, 2029.
EXTENDED WARRANTY SEGMENT
Extended Warranty includes the following subsidiaries of the Company (collectively, "Extended Warranty"):
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IWS Acquisition Corporation ("IWS")
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Geminus Holding Company, Inc. ("Geminus")
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PWI Holdings, Inc. ("PWI")
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Professional Warranty Service Corporation ("PWSC"), up until its sale on July 29, 2022
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Trinity Warranty Solutions LLC ("Trinity")
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
IWS is a licensed motor vehicle service agreement company and is a provider of after-market vehicle protection services distributed by credit unions in 24 states and the District of Columbia to their members, with customers in all 50 states.
Geminus primarily sells and administers vehicle service agreements to used car buyers across the United States, through its subsidiaries, The Penn Warranty Corporation ("Penn") and Prime Auto Care Inc. ("Prime"). Penn and Prime distribute these products in 47 and 40 states, respectively, via independent used car dealerships and franchised car dealerships. The business models are supported by an internal sales and operations team.
PWI markets, sells and administers vehicle service agreements to used car buyers in all fifty states via independent used car and franchise networks of approved automobile and motorcycle dealer partners. PWI’s business model is supported by an internal sales and operations team and partners with American Auto Shield ("AAS") in three states with a "white label" agreement. PWI also sells and administers a guaranteed asset protection product ("GAP"), under the Penn name, in states where Penn is approved.
As discussed in Note 5, "Disposal and Discontinued Operations" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company disposed of PWSC on July 29, 2022. The earnings of PWSC are included in the consolidated statements of operations and the segment disclosures through the disposal date. PWSC sold home warranty products and provided administration services to homebuilders and homeowners across the United States. PWSC distributed its products and services through an in-house sales team and through insurance brokers and insurance carriers throughout all states except Alaska and Louisiana.
Trinity sells heating, ventilation, air conditioning ("HVAC"), standby generator, commercial LED lighting and commercial refrigeration warranty products and provides equipment breakdown and maintenance support services to companies across the United States. As a seller of warranty products, Trinity markets and administers product warranty contracts for certain new and used products in the HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and commercial refrigeration industries throughout the United States. Trinity acts as an agent on behalf of the third-party insurance companies that underwrite and guaranty these warranty contracts. Trinity does not guaranty the performance underlying the warranty contracts it sells. As a provider of equipment breakdown and maintenance support services, Trinity acts as a single point of contact to its clients for both certain equipment breakdowns and scheduled maintenance of equipment. Trinity will provide such repair and breakdown services by contracting with certain HVAC providers.
Extended Warranty Products
Automotive
IWS, Geminus and PWI market and administer vehicle service agreements ("VSAs") and related products for new and used automobiles throughout the United States. IWS and PWI also market and administer VSAs for motorcycles and ATV’s. A VSA is an agreement between the Company and the vehicle purchaser under which the Company agrees to replace or repair, for a specific term, designated vehicle parts in the event of a mechanical breakdown. VSAs supplement, or are in lieu of, manufacturers' warranties and provide a variety of extended coverage options. The cost of the VSA is a function of the contract term, coverage limits and type of vehicle.
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IWS serves as the administrator on all contracts it originates. VSA's range from one to seven years and/or 12,000 miles to 125,000 miles. The average term of a VSA is between four and five years.
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Geminus goes to market through its subsidiaries, Penn and Prime. Penn and Prime serve as the administrator on all contracts they originate and its VSAs range from three months to sixty months and/or 3,000 miles to 165,000 miles. Penn offers a limited product line of vehicle service agreements with unlimited miles offerings that have an average term of twelve to twenty-four months.
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PWI serves as the contract administrator and originator in all states, except for Alaska, Florida and Washington. In those states, PWI partners with American Auto Shield ("AAS") in a white label relationship where the VSAs are branded PWI, are originated and administered by AAS, with PWI generating fee income on every contract sold. Across all states, PWI has an extensive menu of VSAs with terms starting at three months to ninety-six months and mileage bands up to 200,000 miles. Products range from basic Powertrain to the Exclusionary product ("Premier"). The average term of a VSA is twenty-four to thirty-six months.
In addition to marketing vehicle service agreements, IWS, Geminus and PWI also administer and broker a GAP product through their distribution channels. GAP generally covers a consumer's out-of-pocket amount, related to an automobile loan or lease, if the vehicle is stolen or damaged beyond repair. IWS, Geminus and PWI earn a commission when a consumer purchases a GAP certificate but do not take on any insurance risk.
Home
PWSC had two insured home warranty products:
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The primary product was designed for new home construction companies, and the warranty was issued to new home buyers. The warranty coverage was provided nationwide by a single, A+ rated insurance carrier.
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The second insured warranty product was designed for existing homes and covered major systems and appliances. PWSC designed the product specifications, but the administration was conducted by an independent third party.
PWSC also had an uninsured warranty administration services program. This program enabled construction defects to be efficiently and amicably resolved by the homebuilder through mediation and mandatory binding arbitration to avoid costly litigation.
HVAC
Trinity sells HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and commercial refrigeration warranty products. As a seller of warranty products, Trinity markets and administers product warranty contracts for certain new and used products in the HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and commercial refrigeration industries throughout the United States. Trinity acts as an agent on behalf of the third-party insurance companies that underwrite and guaranty these warranty contracts. Trinity does not guaranty the performance underlying the warranty contracts it sells.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Trinity also provides equipment breakdown and maintenance support services to companies across the United States. As a provider of such services, Trinity acts as a single point of contact to its clients for both certain equipment breakdowns and scheduled maintenance of equipment. Trinity will provide such repair and breakdown services by contracting with certain HVAC providers.
Marketing, Distribution and Competition
No Extended Warranty customer or group of affiliated customers accounts for 10% or more of the Company's consolidated revenues, and no loss of a customer or group of affiliated customers would have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Automotive
IWS markets its products primarily through credit unions. IWS enters into an exclusive agreement with each credit union whereby the credit union receives a stipulated access fee for each vehicle service agreement issued to its members. The credit unions are served by IWS employee representatives located throughout the United States in close geographical proximity to the credit unions they serve. IWS distributes and markets its products in 24 states and the District of Columbia.
IWS focuses exclusively on the automotive finance market with its core VSA and related product offerings, while much of its competition in the credit union channel has a less targeted product approach. IWS' typical competitor takes a generalist approach to market by providing credit unions with a variety of different product offerings. They might be unable to deliver specialty expertise on par with IWS and may not give VSA products the attention they require for healthy profitability and strong risk management.
Geminus goes to market through its subsidiaries, Penn and Prime, which market their products primarily through independent automotive dealerships and franchise automotive dealerships. Penn and Prime enter into dealer wholesale agreements that allow the dealer to resell Penn and Prime vehicle service agreements at a retail rate that varies by state as they earn potential commission on the remarketing. The dealer base is serviced by the Company's employees located throughout the United States in close geographical proximity to the dealers they serve. Penn and Prime distribute and market their products in 47 and 40 states, respectively.
Penn and Prime focus exclusively on the automotive finance market with its core VSA and related product offerings, while much of its competition is employee based or agent centric. Penn and Prime operate within a highly competitive environment where product pricing and options are important. Many of its competitors have a comprehensive menu of products and services available to offer the independent and franchise dealers. Penn and Prime's typical competitor’s approach to market is by working through employees or agents with a variety of different product offerings. Penn and Prime solely focuses on the suite of VSAs it offers, which allows the proper attention required for healthy profitability and risk management.
PWI markets, sells and administers VSAs to used car buyers in all fifty states, primarily through a network of approved automobile dealer partners. PWI enters into an agreement with dealer partners that permits dealers to legally sell PWI products to its customers. The distribution of PWI VSAs is supported by an internal sales team geographically located around the country and in close proximity to its dealer partners.
PWI operates exclusively in the automotive finance market with its sole focus on VSAs. PWI does operate within a highly competitive environment where product pricing and product options are important. Most of its competitors have a comprehensive menu of products and services to offer the independent and franchise dealers. PWI’s strategy will drive additional competitiveness by adding new products to its existing menu of VSAs and GAP. PWI’s competitors are a blend of national and regional competitors implementing employee and agent-based sales models.
HVAC
Trinity directly markets and distributes its warranty products to manufacturers, distributors and installers of HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and commercial refrigeration equipment. As a provider of equipment breakdown and maintenance support, Trinity directly markets and distributes its products through its clients, which are primarily companies that directly own and operate numerous locations across the United States.
Trinity operates in an environment with few market competitors. Trinity competes on two important facets: its belief that it provides superior customer service relative to its competitors and its ability, through the support of its insurance company partners, to provide warranty solutions to a wider range of HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and commercial refrigeration equipment customers than that of its competitors.
Claims Management
Claims management is the process by which Extended Warranty determines the validity and amount of a claim. The Company believes that claims management is fundamental to its operating results. The Company's goal is to settle claims fairly for the benefit of policyholders in a manner that is consistent with the policy language and the Company's regulatory and legal obligations.
IWS, Geminus and PWI effectively and efficiently manage claims by utilizing in-house expertise and information systems. They employ an experienced claims staff, in some cases comprised of Automotive Service Excellence certified mechanics, knowledgeable in all aspects of vehicle repairs and potential claims. Additionally, each owns a proprietary database of historical claims information that has been compiled over several years. Management utilizes these databases to drive real-time pricing adjustments and strategic decision-making.
Trinity claims on warranty products are managed by the insurance companies with which Trinity partners. Trinity may, at times, act as a third-party administrator of such claims; however, at no time does Trinity bear the loss of claims on warranty products.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
KINGSWAY SEARCH XCELERATOR SEGMENT
Kingsway Search Xcelerator includes the following subsidiaries of the Company (collectively, “Kingsway Search Xcelerator”), and includes the Company’s unique CEO Accelerator program.
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CSuite Financial Partners, LLC ("CSuite")
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DDI
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Ravix Group, Inc. ("Ravix")
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Secure Nursing Service Inc. ("SNS")
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SPI
Kingsway Search Xcelerator's revenue is derived from the provision of various services.
Business Services
CSuite is a professional services firm that provides experienced chief financial officer and other finance professionals to its clients through a variety of flexible offerings. These offerings include project and interim staffing engagements, and contingent search services for permanent placements for its clients throughout the United States.
Ravix provides outsourced finance and human resources consulting services to its clients on a fractional basis for both projects with definitive endpoints and ongoing engagements of indeterminate length for customers throughout the United States. All services are delivered by employees who are located in the United States. Ravix offers its services across four different practices:
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Operational Accounting. Offers services oriented around day-to-day financial stewardship of its clients, such as bookkeeping, accounting, financial reporting and analysis and strategic finance.
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Technical Accounting. Provides specialized expertise in areas of technical accounting, such as initial public offerings, SEC reporting and international consolidation;
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Human Resources. Offers human resources, workforce management, and compliance support; and
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Advisory Services. Focuses on managing clients through liquidations and assignment for the benefit of the creditors.
Healthcare Services
SNS provides healthcare staffing services to acute healthcare facilities on a contract or per diem basis in the United States, primarily in California. Today, SNS is focused on providing temporary registered nurses to hospitals; however, SNS maintains contracts to provide allied healthcare professionals to hospitals. SNS offers its services across two different practices:
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Travel Staffing. Offers healthcare staffing services to address the short-term needs of hospitals - contracts have a guaranteed length, which is typically 13 weeks.
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Per Diem Staffing. Offers healthcare staffing services to meet the day-to-day needs of hospitals.
DDI provides outsourced 24 hours a day and 7 days per week ("24/7") cardiac telemetry services for long-term acute care ("LTAC") and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. Outsourcing cardiac monitoring is intended to allow hospitals to eliminate personnel callouts and human resources issues, remove distractions from onsite operations, and free up facility staff to assist directly with patient care. DDI has been operating for over 10 years and currently has a presence in 42 states. DDI offers its services as follows:
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LTAC. DDI connects to the hospital’s existing installed telemetry system and outsources the telemetry department for the hospital 24/7.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals. DDI provides mobile monitors to the hospital which automatically connect to the hospital’s WiFi, and then conducts 24/7 monitoring for patients requiring the service. This is intended to allow inpatient rehabilitation hospitals to keep the patient on-site, reducing ambulatory costs and improving continuity of care.
Vertical Market Software
SPI provides software products created exclusively to serve the management needs of all types of shared-ownership properties throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Marketing, Distribution and Competition
No Kingsway Search Xcelerator customer or group of affiliated customers accounts for 10% or more of the Company's consolidated revenues.
Business Services
CSuite actively markets its services via sponsorship of industry events and conferences typically targeted at private equity and related service providers.
Ravix does not actively market its services through traditional channels. Instead, Ravix focuses primarily on venture-capital-funded startups and receives most of its new business as a result of business networking activities, referrals from service providers and former clients.
Healthcare Services
SNS primarily relies on word-of-mouth to recruit nurses to help meet the demands of the hospitals and SNS actively market its services through third-party lead generation channels to better meet the hospitals’ clinician demand.
DDI has primarily grown through word-of-mouth referrals and also actively markets its services through traditional channels and via sponsorship of industry events and conferences.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Vertical Market Software
SPI markets its services via industry trade shows and industry conferences. Because the SPI product is a business to business software solution, SPI's target market is a subset of a larger travel market; therefore, competition is limited.
CEO Accelerator
The Company has developed a unique program, whereby it employs dedicated Operator-in-residence (or "Searcher") personnel whose sole function is to search for an appropriate business for Kingsway to acquire and then to ultimately run that business. As an example, our first Searcher, who was hired in May 2020, identified Ravix as a potential acquisition, which the Company closed on in October 2021.
The CEO Accelerator focuses on identifying and acquiring privately-held businesses with EBITDA between $1 and $3 million where the owner/operator is looking to transition from day-to-day operating responsibilities. The CEO Accelerator utilizes the proven framework and characteristics of the Search Fund acquisition model and targets industries and companies with pre-defined characteristics.
The Company believes that having a dedicated Searcher(s) - whose background includes a mix of real-world work experience and a graduate degree (usually a master’s of business administration) - who is ready to transition into the role of CEO gives it a competitive advantage over traditional private equity firms and other potential acquirers of businesses in the lower middle market.
When a search ends with a successful acquisition, the Searcher transitions into an operational role as CEO of the acquired company and receives a financial incentive, in the form of various stock-based grants, in the acquired company. The awards have both time and performance vesting requirements, which aligns the incentives with those of the overall Company.
The Company currently has four full-time Searchers as of December 31, 2023. The Company intends to maintain this level - and potentially expand it - as business opportunities permit.
PRICING AND PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
Responsibility for pricing and product management rests with the Company's individual operating subsidiaries in Extended Warranty and Kingsway Search Xcelerator. In Extended Warranty, teams typically comprised of pricing actuaries, product managers and business development managers work together by territory to develop policy forms and language, rating structures, regulatory filings and new product ideas. Data solutions and claims groups within the individual operating subsidiaries track loss performance monthly to alert the operating subsidiaries' management teams to the potential need to adjust forms or rates. For the Kingsway Search Xcelerator companies, reviews of billing rates and product prices are performed regularly and rates can be adjusted to reflect prevailing marketing expectations.
INVESTMENTS
The Company manages its investments to support its liabilities, preserve capital, maintain adequate liquidity and maximize after-tax investment returns within acceptable risks:
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The fixed maturities portfolios are managed by a third-party firm and are comprised predominantly of high-quality fixed maturities with relatively short durations.
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Equity, limited liability and other investments are generally overseen by corporate.
● Limited liability investments, at fair value and investments in private companies are generally overseen by corporate, who engages third-party managers for certain holdings.
The Investment Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for monitoring the performance of the Company's investments and compliance with the Company's investment policies and guidelines, which it reviews annually.
For further descriptions of the Company's investments, see "Investments" and "Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Estimates" in MD&A and Note 7, "Investments," and Note 23, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
Extended Warranty
Vehicle service agreements are regulated in all states in the United States, and IWS, Geminus and PWI are subject to these regulations. Most states utilize the approach of the Uniform Service Contract Act that was adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in the early 1990's. Under that approach, states regulate vehicle service contract companies by requiring them annually to file documentation, together with a copy of the contract of insurance covering their liability under the service contracts, which complies with the particular state's regulatory requirements. IWS, Geminus and PWI are in compliance with the regulations of each state where it sells vehicle service agreements.
Certain, but not all, states regulate the sale of HVAC and equipment warranty contracts. Trinity is licensed as a service contract provider in those states where it is required.
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
At December 31, 2023, the Company employed 397 personnel supporting its operations, all of which were full-time employees. None of our employees is subject to a collective bargaining agreement and we consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
We believe the skills and experience of our employees are an essential driver of our business and important to our future prospects. To attract qualified applicants and retain our employees, we offer our employees what we believe to be competitive salaries, comprehensive benefit packages, equity compensation awards, and discretionary bonuses based on a combination of seniority, individual performance and corporate performance. The principal purposes of these employee benefits are to attract, retain, reward and motivate our personnel and to provide long-term incentives that align the interests of employees with the interests of our stockholders.
ACCESS TO REPORTS
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are made available free of charge through its website at www.kingsway-financial.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Most issuers, including Kingsway, are exposed to numerous risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from recent results or anticipated future results. The risks and uncertainties described below are those specific to the Company that we currently believe have the potential to be material, but they may not be the only ones we face. If any of the following risks, or any other risks and uncertainties that we have not yet identified or that we currently consider not to be material, actually occur or become material risks, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. Investors are advised to consider these factors along with the other information included in this 2023 Annual Report and to consult any further disclosures Kingsway makes in its filings with the SEC.
FINANCIAL RISK
We have outstanding recourse debt and acquisition financing, which could adversely affect our ability to obtain financing in the future, react to changes in our business and satisfy our obligations.
As of December 31, 2023, we had $15.0 million principal value of outstanding recourse subordinated debt in the form of trust preferred securities, with a redemption date of May 2033.
Additionally, we incurred indebtedness in connection with our acquisitions of PWI Holdings, Inc. and its various subsidiaries (collectively, "PWI") on December 1, 2020, Ravix Financial, Inc. ("Ravix") on October 1, 2021, CSuite Financial Partners, LLC ("CSuite") on November 1, 2022, Secure Nursing Service Inc. ("SNS") on November 18, 2022 and Digital Diagnostics Inc. ("DDI") on October 26, 2023. As of as of December 31, 2023, we have $31.3 million principal value of such acquisition financing outstanding; however, such acquisition financing is non-recourse to other Kingsway entities.
Because of our outstanding recourse debt and acquisition financing:
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our ability to engage in acquisitions without raising additional equity or obtaining additional debt financing could be limited;
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our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements or general corporate purposes and our ability to satisfy our obligations with respect to our debt may be impaired in the future;
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a portion of our cash flow must be dedicated to the payment of interest on our debt, thereby reducing the funds available to us for other purposes;
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we are exposed to the risk of increased interest rates because our outstanding subordinated debt and our outstanding acquisition financing bear interest directly related to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) and the Prime Rate;
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it may be more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to our creditors, resulting in possible defaults on, and acceleration of, such debt;
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we may be more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions and may have reduced flexibility to deploy capital or otherwise respond to changes;
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we may be at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with proportionately less debt or with comparable debt on more favorable terms and, as a result, they may be better positioned to withstand economic downturns;
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our ability to refinance debt may be limited or the associated costs to do so may increase;
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our ability to transfer funds among our various subsidiaries and/or distribute such funds to the holding company are limited;
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our flexibility to adjust to changing market conditions and ability to withstand competitive pressures could be limited; and
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we may be prevented from carrying out capital spending that is, among other things, necessary or important to our growth strategy and efforts to improve the operating results of our businesses.
Increases in interest rates would increase the cost of servicing our outstanding recourse debt and could adversely affect our results of operation.
Our outstanding recourse subordinate debt as of December 31, 2023 of $15.0 million principal value bears interest directly related to CME Term SOFR and our outstanding acquisition financing of $31.3 million related to the acquisitions of PWI, Ravix, CSuite, SNS and DDI bears interest directly related to either SOFR or the Prime Rate. As a result, increases in CME Term SOFR, SOFR and the Prime Rate would increase the cost of servicing our debt and could adversely affect our results of operations. Each one hundred basis point increase in CME Term SOFR, SOFR or the Prime Rate would result in an approximately $0.4 million increase in our annual interest expense.
Our operations are restricted by the terms of our debt indentures, which could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet our capital needs.
Our debt indentures contain numerous covenants that limit our ability, among other things, to make particular types of restricted payments and pay dividends or redeem capital stock. The covenants under our debt agreements could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or to meet our capital needs. No assurances can be given that we will be able to maintain compliance with these covenants.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
If we are not able to comply with the covenants and other requirements contained in the debt indentures, an event of default under the relevant debt instrument could occur, which could result in the acceleration of all obligations under such debt instruments.
The Board of Directors closely monitors the debt and capital position and, from time to time, recommends capital initiatives based upon the circumstances of the Company.
We may not be able to realize our investment objectives, which could significantly reduce our earnings and liquidity.
We depend on our investments for a substantial portion of our liquidity. As of December 31, 2023, our investments included $36.5 million of fixed maturities, at fair value. General economic conditions can adversely affect the markets for interest rate-sensitive instruments, including the extent and timing of investor participation in such markets, the level and volatility of interest rates and, consequently, the fair value of fixed maturities. In addition, changing economic conditions can result in increased defaults by the issuers of investments that we own. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Given the low interest rate environment that exists for fixed maturities, a significant increase in investment yields or an impairment of investments that we own could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition by reducing the fair value of the investments we own, particularly if we were forced to liquidate investments at a loss.
As of December 31, 2023, our investments also included$0.1 million of equity investments, $0.8 million of limited liability investments, $3.5 million of limited liability investments, at fair value and $0.9 million of investments in private companies, at adjusted cost. These investments are less liquid than fixed maturities. General economic conditions, stock market conditions and many other factors can adversely affect the fair value of the investments we own. If circumstances necessitated us disposing of our limited liability investments prematurely in order to generate liquidity for operating purposes, we would be exposed to realizing less than their carrying value.
Our ability to achieve our investment objectives is affected by general economic conditions that are beyond our control and our own liquidity needs for operating purposes. We may not be able to realize our investment objectives, which could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and available cash resources.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by changes in international and national economic and industry conditions.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant disruption and uncertainty in the global economy and has negatively impacted our business and results of operations and financial condition. We continue to take steps to assess the effects, and mitigate the adverse consequences to our businesses, of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, though the magnitude of the impact continues to develop and change as new variants of COVID-19 emerge, our businesses have been and will continue to be adversely impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19.
In addition to adverse United States domestic and global macroeconomic effects, including the adverse impacts on various industries' supply chains and automobile sales, which has decreased, and may continue to decrease, consumer demand for our products and services, reduce our ability to access capital, and otherwise adversely impact the operation of our businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, and will continue to cause, substantial disruption to our employees, distribution channels, investors, tenants, and customers through self-isolation, travel limitations, business restrictions, and other means, all of which has resulted in declines in sales. These effects, individually or in the aggregate, will continue to adversely impact our businesses, financial condition, operating results and cash flows, and such adverse impacts may be material.
Additionally, actual or potential changes in international, national, regional and local economic, business and financial conditions, including recession, high inflation and trade protection measures and creditworthiness of our customers, may negatively affect consumer preferences, perceptions, spending patterns or demographic trends, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or liquidity.
We are subject to macro-economic fluctuations in the U.S. and worldwide economy. Concerns about consumer and investor confidence, volatile corporate profits and reduced capital spending, international conflicts, terrorist and military activity, civil unrest and pandemic illness could reduce customer orders or cause customer order cancellations. In addition, political and social turmoil may put further pressure on economic conditions in the United States and abroad. The global economy has been periodically impacted by the effects of global economic downturns (such as those recently related to COVID-19). There can be no assurance that there will not be further such events or deterioration in the global economy. These economic conditions make it more difficult for us to accurately forecast and plan our future business activities.
Russia’s invasion and military attacks on Ukraine have triggered significant sanctions from U.S. and European leaders. These events may escalate and have created increasingly volatile global economic conditions. Resulting changes in U.S. trade policy could trigger retaliatory actions by Russia, its allies and other affected countries, including China, resulting in a “trade war.” Furthermore, if the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues for a long period of time, or if other countries, including the U.S., become further involved in the conflict, we could face material adverse effects on our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or liquidity.
A difficult economy generally could materially adversely affect the credit, investment and financial markets which, in turn, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
An adverse change in market conditions, including changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to instability in the global credit markets presents additional risks and uncertainties for our business. Depending on market conditions going forward, we could incur substantial realized and unrealized losses in future periods, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Certain trust accounts for the benefit of related companies and third parties have been established with collateral on deposit under the terms and conditions of the relevant trust agreements. The value of collateral could fall below the levels required under these agreements putting the subsidiary or subsidiaries in breach of the agreements which could expose us to damages or otherwise adversely impact our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Market volatility may also make it more difficult to value certain of our investments if trading becomes less frequent and the liquidity of such investment declines. Disruptions, uncertainty and volatility in the global credit markets may also adversely affect our ability to obtain financing for future acquisitions. If financing is available, it may only be available at an unattractive cost of capital, which would decrease our profitability or result in our inability to consummate such acquisitions. There can be no assurance that market conditions will not deteriorate in the future.
Financial disruption or a prolonged economic downturn could materially and adversely affect our business.
Worldwide financial markets have recently experienced periods of extraordinary disruption and volatility, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in heightened credit risk, reduced valuation of investments and decreased economic activity. Moreover, many companies have experienced reduced liquidity and uncertainty as to their ability to raise capital during such periods of market disruption and volatility. In the event that these conditions recur or result in a prolonged economic downturn, our results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity could be materially and adversely affected. These market conditions may affect the Company's ability to access debt and equity capital markets.
Our cash, cash equivalents and investments could be adversely affected if the financial institutions in which we hold our cash, cash equivalents and investments fail.
We maintain cash balances at third-party financial institutions in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) insurance limit. The FDIC took control and was appointed receiver of Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) and New York Signature Bank (“SB”) on March 10, 2023 and March 12, 2023, respectively. We do not have any direct exposure to Silicon Valley Bank or New York Signature Bank. However, if other banks and financial institutions enter receivership or become insolvent in the future in response to financial conditions affecting the banking system and financial markets, our ability to access our existing cash, cash equivalents and investments could be threatened and may have a material adverse impact on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, events such as the closure of SVB and SB, in addition to other global macroeconomic conditions, may cause further turbulence and uncertainty in the capital markets.
We are party to a Settlement Agreement that may require us to make cash payments from time to time, which payments could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
In May 2016, Aegis Security Insurance Company ("Aegis") filed a complaint for breach of contract and declaratory relief against the Company in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania alleging, among other things, that we breached a contractual obligation to indemnify Aegis for certain customs bond losses incurred by Aegis under the indemnity and hold harmless agreements provided by us to Aegis for certain customs bonds reinsured by Lincoln General Insurance Company ("Lincoln General") during the period of time that Lincoln General was a subsidiary of the Company. Lincoln General was placed into liquidation in November 2015 and Aegis subsequently invoked its rights to indemnity under the indemnity and hold harmless agreements.
Effective January 20, 2020, we entered into a Settlement Agreement with Aegis with respect to such litigation pursuant to which we agreed to pay Aegis a one-time settlement amount of $0.9 million and to reimburse Aegis for 60% of future losses that Aegis may sustain in connection with such customs bonds, up to a maximum reimbursement amount of $4.8 million. From 2020 to 2023, the Company made reimbursement payments to Aegis totaling $1.5 million in connection with the Settlement Agreement. The timing and severity of our future payments pursuant to this Settlement Agreement are not reasonably determinable. No assurances can be given, however, that we will not be required to perform under this Settlement Agreement in a manner that has a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
We have generated net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. income tax purposes, but our ability to use these net operating losses could be limited by our inability to generate future taxable income.
Our U.S. businesses have generated consolidated net operating loss carryforwards ("U.S. NOLs") for U.S. federal income tax purposes of approximately $623.1 million as of December 31, 2023. These U.S. NOLs can be available to reduce income taxes that might otherwise be incurred on future U.S. taxable income and would have a positive effect on our cash flow. There can be no assurance that we will generate the taxable income in the future necessary to utilize these U.S. NOLs and realize the positive cash flow benefit. Also, almost all of our U.S. NOLs have expiration dates. There can be no assurance that, if and when we generate taxable income in the future from operations or the sale of assets or businesses, we will generate such taxable income before our U.S. NOLs expire.
We have generated U.S. NOLs, but our ability to preserve and use these U.S. NOLs could be limited or impaired by future ownership changes.
Our ability to utilize the U.S. NOLs after an "ownership change" is subject to the rules of Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Section 382"). An ownership change occurs if, among other things, the shareholders (or specified groups of shareholders) who own or have owned, directly or indirectly, five percent (5%) or more of the value of our shares or are otherwise treated as five percent (5%) shareholders under Section 382 and the regulations promulgated thereunder increase their aggregate percentage ownership of the value of our shares by more than fifty (50) percentage points over the lowest percentage of the value of the shares owned by these shareholders over a three-year rolling period. An ownership change could also be triggered by other activities, including the sale of our shares that are owned by our five percent (5%) shareholders.
In the event of an ownership change, Section 382 would impose an annual limitation on the amount of taxable income we may offset with U.S. NOLs. This annual limitation is generally equal to the product of the value of our shares on the date of the ownership change multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate in effect on the date of the ownership change. The long-term tax-exempt rate is published monthly by the Internal Revenue Service. Any unused Section 382 annual limitation may be carried over to later years until the applicable expiration date for the respective U.S. NOLs. In the event an ownership change as defined under Section 382 were to occur, our ability to utilize our U.S. NOLs would become substantially limited. The consequence of this limitation would be the potential loss of a significant future cash flow benefit because we would no longer be able to substantially offset future taxable income with U.S. NOLs. There can be no assurance that such ownership change will not occur in the future.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Expiration of our tax benefit preservation plan could increase the probability that we will experience an ownership change as defined under Section 382.
In order to reduce the likelihood that we would experience an ownership change without the approval of our Board of Directors, our shareholders ratified and approved the tax benefit preservation plan agreement (the "Plan"), dated as of September 28, 2010, between the Company and Computershare Investor Services Inc., as rights agent, for the sole purpose of protecting the U.S. NOLs. The Plan expired on September 28, 2013. There can be no assurance that our Board of Directors will recommend to our shareholders that a similar tax benefit preservation plan be approved to replace the expired Plan; furthermore, there can be no assurance that our shareholders would approve any new tax benefit preservation plan were our Board of Directors to present one for shareholder approval. The expiration of the Plan, without a new tax benefit preservation plan, exposes us to certain changes in share ownership that we would not be able to prevent as we would have been able to prevent under the Plan. Such changes in share ownership could trigger an ownership change as defined under Section 382 resulting in restrictions on the use of NOLs in future periods, as discussed above.
We will only be able to utilize our U.S. NOLs against the future taxable income generated by companies we acquire if we are able to include the acquired companies in our U.S. consolidated tax return group.
We have in the past acquired companies and expect to do so in the future. Our ability to include acquired companies in our U.S. consolidated tax return group is subject to the rules of Section 1504 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. If it were ever determined that an acquired company did not qualify to be included in our U.S. consolidated tax return group, such acquired company would be required to file a U.S. tax return separate and apart from our U.S. consolidated tax return group. In that instance, the acquired company would be required to pay U.S. income tax on its taxable income despite the existence of our U.S. NOLs, which would be a use of cash at the acquired company; furthermore, were the income tax obligation of the acquired company in such instance to be greater than its available cash, we could be obligated to contribute cash to our subsidiary to meet its income tax obligation. There can be no assurance that an acquired company will generate taxable income and, if an acquired company does generate taxable income, there can be no assurance that the acquired company will be allowed to be included in our U.S. consolidated tax return group.
COMPLIANCE RISK
If we fail to comply with applicable insurance and securities laws or regulatory requirements, our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flow could be adversely affected.
As a publicly traded holding company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we are subject to numerous laws and regulations. These laws and regulations delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers to federal, provincial or state regulators.
Any failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations or the mandates of applicable regulators could result in the imposition of fines or significant restrictions on our ability to do business, which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. In addition, any changes in laws or regulations (or the interpretation or application thereof, including changes to applicable case law and legal precedent) could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. It is not possible to predict the future effect of changing federal, state and provincial law or regulation (or the interpretation or application thereof) on our operations, and there can be no assurance that laws and regulations enacted in the future will not be more restrictive than existing laws and regulations.
Our business is subject to risks related to litigation.
In connection with our operations in the ordinary course of business, at times we 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 would be incurred in connection with any of the various proceedings at this time, it is possible an individual action could result in a loss having a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting could result in material misstatements in our consolidated financial statements.
We are required to evaluate the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In the past, we have identified the existence of material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, which have since been remediated. As described in Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, of this 2023 Annual Report, we have identified the existence of material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting related to the accounting for debt at fair value and the presentation of the repurchase of its subordinated debt in the statement of cash flows. Although we have remediated material weaknesses previously identified and are actively engaged in developing and implementing remediation plans as described Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, of this 2023 Annual Report, but we can provide no assurance that additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting will not be identified in the future and that such material weaknesses, if identified, will not result in material misstatements in our consolidated financial statements
STRATEGIC RISK
The achievement of our strategic objectives is highly dependent on effective change management.
Over the past several years, we have restructured our operating insurance subsidiaries, including exiting states and lines of business, placing subsidiaries into voluntary run-off, terminating managing general agent relationships, hiring a new management team, selling Mendota and CMC and acquiring PWI, Ravix, CSuite, SNS, SPI and DDI with the objective of focusing on our Extended Warranty and Kingsway Search Xcelerator segments, creating a more effective and efficient operating structure and focusing on profitability. These actions resulted in changes to our structure and business processes. While these changes are expected to bring us benefits in the form of a more agile and focused business, success is dependent on management effectively realizing the intended benefits. Change management may result in disruptions to the operations of the business or may cause employees to act in a manner that is inconsistent with our objectives. Any of these events could negatively affect our performance. We may not always achieve the expected cost savings and other benefits of our initiatives.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
We may experience difficulty continuing to retain our holding company staff.
There can be no assurance that our businesses will produce enough cash flow to adequately compensate and retain staff and to service our other holding company obligations, particularly the interest expense burden of our remaining outstanding debt.
The highly competitive environment in which we operate could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
The vehicle service agreement market in which we compete is comprised of a number of companies, including a few large companies, which market service agreements on a national basis and have significantly more financial, marketing and management resources than we do, as well as several other companies that are somewhat similar in size to our Extended Warranty companies. There may also be other companies of which we are not aware that may be planning to enter the vehicle service agreement industry.
Competitors in our market generally compete on coverages offered, claims handling, customer service, financial stability and, to a lesser extent, price. Larger competitors of ours benefit from added advantages such as industry endorsements and preferred vendor status. We do not believe that it is in our best interest to compete solely on price. Instead, we focus our marketing on the total value experience, with an emphasis on customer service. While we historically have been able to adjust our product offering to remain competitive when competitors have focused on price, our business could be adversely affected by the loss of business to competitors offering vehicle service agreements at lower prices.
Engaging in acquisitions involves risks, and, if we are unable to effectively manage these risks, our business could be materially harmed.
From time to time we engage in discussions concerning acquisition opportunities and, as a result of such discussions, may enter into acquisition transactions.
Acquisitions entail numerous potential risks, including the following:
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difficulties in the integration of the acquired business, including implementation of proper internal controls over financial reporting;
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assumption of unknown material liabilities;
•
diversion of management's attention from other business concerns;
•
failure to achieve financial or operating objectives or other anticipated benefits or synergies and/or anticipated cost savings; and
•
potential loss of customers or key employees.
We may not be able to integrate or operate successfully any business, operations, personnel, services or products that we may acquire in the future.
OPERATIONAL RISK
Our Extended Warranty subsidiaries' deferred service fees may be inadequate, which would result in a reduction in our net income and could adversely affect our financial condition.
Our Extended Warranty subsidiaries' deferred service fees do not represent an exact calculation but are estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time of what we expect to be the remaining future revenue to be recognized in relation to our remaining future obligations to provide policy administration and claim-handling services. The process for establishing deferred service fees reflects the uncertainties and significant judgmental factors inherent in estimating the length of time and the amount of work related to our future service obligations. If we amortize the deferred service fees too quickly, we could overstate current revenues, which may result in a future significant reversal of revenue and adversely affect future reported operating results.
As time passes and more information about the remaining service obligations becomes known, the estimates are appropriately adjusted upward or downward to reflect this additional information. We cannot assure that we will not have unfavorable re-estimations in the future of our deferred service fees and that such unfavorable re-estimations will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, we have in the past, and may in the future, acquire companies that record deferred service fees. We cannot assure that the deferred service fees of the companies that we acquire are or will be adequate.
Extended Warranty's reliance on credit unions and dealers, as well as our overall reliance on automobile sales could adversely affect our ability to maintain business.
The Extended Warranty business markets and distributes vehicle service agreements through a network of credit unions and dealers in the United States. We have competitors that offer similar products exclusively through credit unions and competitors that distribute similar products through dealers. Loss of all or a substantial portion of our existing relationships could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Moreover, our vehicle service agreement businesses rely heavily on the sale of new and used vehicles to drive product sales. Accordingly, a significant decline in new and used automobile sales could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Our reliance on a limited number of warranty and maintenance support clients and customers could adversely affect our ability to maintain business.
We market and distribute our warranty products and equipment breakdown and maintenance support services through a limited number of customers and clients across the United States. Loss of all or a substantial portion of our existing customers and clients could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
We have reclassified certain assets and discontinued a portion of our operations which could adversely affect our business and operations.
As discussed in Note 5, "Disposal and Discontinued Operations" to our Consolidated Financial Statements, all operations related to CMC and VA Lafayette, which serves as a medical and dental clinic for the Department of Veteran Affairs, are included as discontinued operations. In the future, it may be necessary to write-off charges and other costs or incur additional expenses in connection with our discontinued operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Additionally, as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, we have classified VA Lafayette as an asset “held for sale”. We can provide no assurances that we will successfully sell VA Lafayette, that we will do so in accordance with our expected timeline or that we will recover the carrying value of the assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Additionally, any decisions made regarding our deployment or use of any sales proceeds we receive in any sale involves risks and uncertainties. As a result, our decisions with respect to such proceeds may not lead to increased long-term stockholder value.
CSuite’s focus on serving private equity backed businesses creates exposure to general mergers and acquisitions ("M&A") activity.
CSuite’s business opportunities outside of search are correlated with M&A activities. Clients will often engage CSuite’s financial executive services to prepare a business for a transaction or to assist with post-acquisition implementation. Accordingly, a major contraction of M&A activity could have a material effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Ravix's concentration in venture-capital-funded startups creates exposure to the venture capital funding cycles.
Ravix focuses on venture-capital-funded companies, often in Silicon Valley, as its clients and receives a significant portion of its referrals from service providers focused on servicing the same market. Accordingly, a major contraction of available venture capital funding into companies or industries that Ravix services could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
SNS may experience increased costs that reduce its revenue and profitability if applicable government regulations change.
The introduction of new regulatory provisions could materially raise the costs associated with hiring temporary employees such as per diem and travel nurses. For example, a state could impose sales taxes or increase sales tax rates on temporary healthcare staffing services. Furthermore, if government regulations were implemented that limit the amount SNS is permitted to charge for its services, SNS' profitability could be adversely affected.
Healthcare is a regulated industry and modifications, inaccurate interpretations or violations of any applicable statutory or regulatory requirements may result in material costs or penalties as well as litigation and could reduce SNS’ revenue and profitability.
Healthcare is subject to many complex federal, state, local and international laws and regulations related to professional licensing, the payment of employees (e.g., wage and hour laws, employment taxes, arbitration agreements, and income tax withholdings, etc.) and general business operations (e.g., federal, state and local tax laws). Failure to comply with all applicable laws and regulations could result in civil and/or criminal penalties as well as litigation, injunction or other equitable remedies. SNS maintains insurance coverage for employment claims, however, SNS' insurance coverage may not be sufficient to fully cover all claims against SNS or may not continue to be available to SNS at a reasonable cost or without coverage exclusions. If SNS' insurance does not cover the claim or SNS is otherwise not able to maintain adequate insurance coverage, SNS may be exposed to substantial liabilities that would materially impact its business and financial performance.
We cannot ensure that our compliance controls, policies, and procedures will in every instance protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents, contractors, or collaborators that would violate the laws or regulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate, including, without limitation, healthcare, employment, foreign corrupt practices, trade restrictions and sanctions, environmental, competition, and privacy laws and regulations.
SNS’ profitability could be adversely impacted if SNS is unable to adjust its nurse pay rates as the bill rates decline.
SNS does not have control over the bill rate from hospitals and negotiates the pay rates with the nurses who work with the company. If the bill rates decline, SNS will need to renegotiate the pay rates with its nurses and successfully recruit new nurses at lower pay rates. SNS' ability to recruit and retain nurses is contingent on SNS' ability to offer attractive assignments with competitive wages and benefits or payments.
SNS may be unable to recruit and retain enough quality nurses to meet the demand.
SNS relies on its ability to attract, develop, and retain nurses who possess the skills, experience and required licenses necessary to meet the specified requirements of the healthcare facilities. SNS competes for nurses with other temporary healthcare staffing companies. SNS relies on word-of-mouth referrals, as well as social and digital media to attract qualified nurses. If SNS' social and digital media strategy is not successful, SNS' ability to attract qualified nurses could be negatively impacted. Moreover, the competition for nurses remains high as many areas of the United States continue to experience a shortage of qualified nurses.
Disruptions or security failures in our information technology systems, including as a result of cybersecurity incidents, could create liability for us and/or limit our ability to effectively monitor, operate and control our operations and adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows.
Our information technology systems facilitate our ability to monitor, operate and control our operations. Changes or modifications to our information technology systems could cause disruption to our operations or cause challenges with respect to our compliance with laws, regulations or other applicable standards. For example, delays, higher than expected costs or unsuccessful implementation of new information technology systems could adversely affect our operations. In addition, any disruption in or failure of our information technology systems to operate as expected could, depending on the magnitude of the problem, adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows, including by limiting our capacity to monitor, operate and control our operations effectively. Failures of our information technology systems could also lead to violations of privacy laws, regulations, trade guidelines or practices related to our customers and employees. If our disaster recovery plans do not work as anticipated, or if the third-party vendors to which we have outsourced certain information technology or other services fail to fulfill their obligations to us, our operations may be adversely affected. Any of these circumstances could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Our success depends on our ability to price accurately the risks we underwrite.
Our results of operation or financial condition depend on our ability to price accurately for a wide variety of risks. Adequate rates are necessary to generate revenues sufficient to pay expenses and to earn a profit. To price our products accurately, we must collect and properly analyze a substantial amount of data; develop, test and apply appropriate pricing techniques; closely monitor and timely recognize changes in trends; and project both severity and frequency of losses with reasonable accuracy. Our ability to undertake these efforts successfully, and as a result, price our products accurately, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are outside our control, including:
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the availability of reliable data and our ability to properly analyze available data;
•
the uncertainties that inherently characterize estimates and assumptions;
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our selection and application of appropriate pricing techniques; and
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changes in applicable legal liability standards and in the civil litigation system generally.
Consequently, we could underprice risks, which would adversely affect our results, or we could overprice risks, which would reduce our sales volume and competitiveness. In either case, our results of operation could be materially and adversely affected.
HUMAN RESOURCES RISK
Our business depends upon key employees, and if we are unable to retain the services of these key employees or to attract and retain additional qualified personnel, our business could be adversely affected.
Our success at improving our performance will be dependent in part on our ability to retain the services of our existing key employees and to attract and retain additional qualified personnel in the future. The loss of the services of any of our key employees, or the inability to identify, hire and retain other highly qualified personnel in the future, could adversely affect our results of operations.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
Leased Properties
Extended Warranty leases facilities with an aggregate square footage of approximately 28,035 at five locations in three states. The latest expiration date of the existing leases is in January 2029.
Kingsway Search Xcelerator leases facilities with an aggregate square footage of approximately 6,499 at three locations in two states. The latest expiration date of the existing leases is in January 2027.
The Company leases a facility for its corporate office with an aggregate square footage of approximately 3,219 at one location in one state. The expiration date of the existing lease is in February 2028.
The properties described above are in good condition. We consider our office facilities suitable and adequate for our current levels of operations.
Owned Properties
The LA Real Property is subject to a long-term lease agreement and is currently held for sale. The LA Real Property consists of approximately 6.5 acres and contains a 29,224 square foot single-tenant medical office building.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. 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 reasonably the loss, or range of loss, if any, that would be incurred in connection with any of the various proceedings at this time, it is possible an individual action could result in a loss having a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.
See Note 25, "Commitments and Contingent Liabilities," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further information regarding the Company's legal proceedings.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Part II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the trading symbol "KFS."
The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low sales price for our common shares as reported on the NYSE.
NYSE
High - US$
Low - US$
Quarter 4
$ 8.61
$ 6.46
Quarter 3
9.01
7.55
Quarter 2
9.16
8.09
Quarter 1
10.27
7.85
Quarter 4
$ 8.08
$ 5.88
Quarter 3
7.81
5.69
Quarter 2
5.70
5.15
Quarter 1
5.60
5.08
Shareholders of Record
As of March 4, 2024 the closing sales price of our common shares as reported by the NYSE was $9.25 per share.
As of March 5, 2024, we had 28,121,271 common shares issued and outstanding. As of March 5, 2024, there were 10 shareholders of record of our common stock. The number of shareholders of record includes one single shareholder, Cede & Co., for all of the shares held by our shareholders in individual brokerage accounts maintained at banks, brokers and institutions.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Dividends
The Company has not declared a dividend since the first quarter of 2009. The declaration and payment of dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors after taking into account many factors, including financial condition, results of operations, anticipated cash needs and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. For a discussion of our cash resources and needs, see the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section of MD&A.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The information required related to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we did not have any unregistered sales of our equity securities.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On March 21, 2023, the Company's Board of Directors approved a security repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $10.0 million of its currently issued and outstanding securities through March 22, 2024. See Note 20 ,"Shareholders' Equity," for further discussion of the share repurchase program.
The following table provides information about our repurchases of our securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in thousands)
October 1 - 31, 2023
137,231
$ 7.27 137,231
$ 4,221
November 1 - 30, 2023
143,800
$ 7.45 143,800
$ 3,150
December 1- 31, 2023
42,000
$ 7.55 42,000
$ 2,833
Total
323,031
$ 7.38 323,031
During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, all repurchases of our securities were common stock.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Reserved.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
OVERVIEW
Kingsway is a holding company with operating subsidiaries located in the United States. The Company owns or controls subsidiaries primarily in the extended warranty and business services industries. Kingsway conducts its business through the following two reportable segments: Extended Warranty and Kingsway Search Xcelerator.
Prior to the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company conducted its business through a third reportable segment, Leased Real Estate. Leased Real Estate included the following subsidiaries of the Company: CMC Industries, Inc. ("CMC") and VA Lafayette, LLC ("VA Lafayette").
•
CMC owned, through an indirect wholly owned subsidiary (the "Property Owner"), a parcel of real property consisting of approximately 192 acres located in the State of Texas (the "Real Property"), which is subject to a long-term triple net lease agreement. The Real Property is also subject to two mortgages. On December 22, 2022, the Company announced a definitive agreement for the sale of the Real Property, for gross cash proceeds of $44.5 million and the assumption of the mortgages. On December 29, 2022, the sale was completed.
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VA Lafayette owns real property consisting of approximately 6.5 acres and a 29,224 square foot single-tenant medical office building located in the State of Louisiana (the "LA Real Property"). The LA Real Property serves as a medical and dental clinic for the Department of Veteran Affairs and is subject to a long-term lease. The LA Real Property is also subject to a mortgage (the "LA Mortgage"). During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company began executing a plan to sell VA Lafayette, and as a result, VA Lafayette is reported as held for sale at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023.
•
Both CMC and VA Lafayette have been classified as discontinued operations and the results of their operations are reported separately for all periods presented. See Note 5, "Disposal and Discontinued Operations," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion. All segmented information has been restated to exclude the Leased Real Estate segment for all periods presented.
Extended Warranty includes the following subsidiaries of the Company: IWS Acquisition Corporation ("IWS"), Geminus Holding Company, Inc. ("Geminus"), PWI Holdings, Inc. ("PWI"), Professional Warranty Service Corporation ("PWSC") and Trinity Warranty Solutions LLC ("Trinity"). As discussed in Note 5, "Disposal and Discontinued Operations," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company disposed of PWSC on July 29, 2022. The earnings of PWSC are included in the consolidated statements of operations and the segment disclosures through the disposal date. Throughout this 2023 Annual Report, the term "Extended Warranty" is used to refer to this segment.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
IWS is a licensed motor vehicle service agreement company and is a provider of after-market vehicle protection services distributed by credit unions in 24 states and the District of Columbia to their members, with customers in all 50 states.
Geminus primarily sells vehicle service agreements to used car buyers across the United States, through its subsidiaries, The Penn Warranty Corporation ("Penn") and Prime Auto Care, Inc. ("Prime"). Penn and Prime distribute these products in 47 and 40 states, respectively, via independent used car dealerships and franchised car dealerships.
PWI markets, sells and administers vehicle service agreements to used car buyers in all fifty states via independent used car and franchise network of approved automobile and motorcycle dealer partners. PWI’s business model is supported by an internal sales and operations team and partners with American Auto Shield in three states with a white label agreement. PWI also sells and administers a guaranteed asset protection product ("GAP"), under the Penn name, in states where Penn is approved.
PWSC sold home warranty products and provided administration services to homebuilders and homeowners across the United States. PWSC distributed its products and services through an in-house sales team and through insurance brokers and insurance carriers throughout all states except Alaska and Louisiana.
Trinity sells heating, ventilation, air conditioning ("HVAC"), standby generator, commercial LED lighting and commercial refrigeration warranty products and provides equipment breakdown and maintenance support services to companies across the United States. As a seller of warranty products, Trinity markets and administers product warranty contracts for certain new and used products in the HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and commercial refrigeration industries throughout the United States. Trinity acts as an agent on behalf of the third-party insurance companies that underwrite and guaranty these warranty contracts. Trinity does not guaranty the performance underlying the warranty contracts it sells. As a provider of equipment breakdown and maintenance support services, Trinity acts as a single point of contact to its clients for both certain equipment breakdowns and scheduled maintenance of equipment. Trinity will provide such repair and breakdown services by contracting with certain HVAC providers.
Kingsway Search Xcelerator includes the Company's subsidiaries, CSuite Financial Partners, LLC ("CSuite"), Ravix Group, Inc. ("Ravix"), Secure Nursing Service LLC ("SNS"), Systems Products International, Inc. ("SPI") and Digital Diagnostics Imaging, Inc. ("DDI"). Throughout this 2023 Annual Report, the term "Kingsway Search Xcelerator" is used to refer to this segment.
CSuite is a professional services firm that provides experienced chief financial officer and other finance professionals to its clients through a variety of flexible offerings. These offerings include project and interim staffing engagements, and contingent search services for permanent placements for its clients throughout the United States.
Ravix provides outsourced financial services and human resources consulting for short or long duration engagements for customers throughout the United States.
SNS provides healthcare staffing services to acute healthcare facilities on a contract or per diem basis in the United States, primarily in California.
SPI provides software products created exclusively to serve the management needs of all types of shared-ownership properties throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Mexico and the Caribbean,
DDI provides outsourced 24 hours a day and 7 days per week ("24/7") cardiac telemetry services for long-term acute care and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. Outsourcing cardiac monitoring is intended to allow hospitals to eliminate personnel callouts and human resources issues, remove distractions from onsite operations, and free up facility staff to assist directly with patient care. DDI has been operating for over 10 years and currently has a presence in 42 states.
NON U.S.-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE
Throughout this 2023 Annual 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 income, we present segment operating income as a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, which we believe is valuable in managing our business and drawing comparisons to our peers. Below is a definition of our non-U.S. GAAP measure and its relationship to U.S. GAAP.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating 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 presented in the consolidated statements of operations are not subtotaled by segment; however, this information is available in total and bysegment in Note 22, "Segmented Information," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, regarding reportable segment information. The nearest comparable U.S. GAAP measure to total segment operating income is income from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense that, in addition to total segment operating income, includes net investment income, net realized gains, net gain (loss) on equity investments, gain (loss) on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value, net change in unrealized gain on private company investments, gain on change in fair value of real estate investments, impairment losses, (loss) gain on change in fair value of derivative asset option contracts, interest expense, other revenue and expenses not allocated to segments, net, amortization of intangible assets, loss on change in fair value of debt, gain on disposal of subsidiary and gain on extinguishment of debt. A reconciliation of total segment operating income to income from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is presented in Table 1 of the "Results of Continuing Operations" section of MD&A.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND CRITICAL ESTIMATES
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and classification of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. 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.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The Company’s most critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of its financial condition and results of operations, and that require the Company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. The Company has identified the following as its most critical accounting policies and judgments. Although management believes that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, they are based upon information available when they are made, and therefore, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Revenue Recognition
Service fee and commission revenue represents vehicle service agreement fees, guaranteed asset protection products ("GAP") commissions, maintenance support service fees, warranty product commissions, homebuilder warranty service fees, homebuilder warranty commissions, business services consulting revenue, healthcare services revenue and software license and support revenue based on terms of various agreements with credit unions, consumers, businesses and homebuilders. Customers either pay in full at the inception of a warranty contract or commission product sale, or when consulting, healthcare and software license and support services are billed, or on terms subject to the Company’s customary credit reviews.
The Company’s revenue recognition policy follows guidance from ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which utilizes a five-step revenue recognition framework. The Company identifies the contract with its customers and then identifies the performance obligations in the contracts. The transaction price is determined based on the amount we expect to be entitled to in exchange for providing the promised services to the customer. The transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. Revenue is recognized when performance obligations are satisfied.
Certain of the Company’s contracts with customers include obligations to provide multiple services to a customer. Determining whether services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately from one another requires judgment. Revenue from GAP commissions, homebuilder warranty service fees and software license and support contain multiple distinct performance obligations that are accounted for separately.
Judgment is required to determine the standalone selling price ("SASP") for each distinct performance obligation. Revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on the relative SASP. SASP are not directly observable in the GAP, homebuilder warranty and software license and support contracts for the separate performance obligations.
For the GAP and homebuilder warranty contracts, the Company has applied the expected cost plus a margin approach to develop models to estimate the SASP for each of its performance obligations in order to allocate the transaction price to the two separate performance obligations identified. In these models, the Company makes judgments about which of its actual costs are associated with each of the performance obligations. The relative percentage of expected costs plus a margin associated with these performance obligations is applied to the transaction price to determine the estimated SASP of the performance obligations, which the Company recognizes as earned as services are performed over the term of the contract period.
For software license and support contracts, the Company's software licenses are sold as term licenses, and the contracts include software support services, which are accounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue is recognized upfront at the point in time when control is transferred, which is defined as the point in time when the customer can use and benefit from the license. The Company recognizes the portion of the transaction price allocated to the software license on a residual basis. The residual basis is used to allocate revenue when the contract arrangement includes a software license and has at least one performance obligation for which the SASP is observable, such as the software support services. The residual method is used as the selling price for software licenses in circumstances when the transaction price is highly variable and the SASP is not discernable from past transactions or other observable evidence. The Company evaluates the residual approach estimate compared to all available observable data in order to conclude the estimate is representative of its SASP. Software support revenue is recognized ratably over the contract period as services are rendered. The SASP of software support is consistent with the stand-alone pricing of subsequent software support renewals.
In certain jurisdictions the Company is required to refund to a customer a pro-rata share of the vehicle service agreement fees if a customer cancels the agreement prior to the end of the term. Depending on the jurisdiction, the Company may be entitled to deduct from the refund a cancellation fee and/or amounts for claims incurred prior to cancellation. While refunds vary depending on the term and type of product offered, historically refunds have averaged5.75% to 14% of the original amount of the vehicle service agreement fee. Revenues recorded by the Company are net of variable consideration related to refunds and the associated refund liability is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities. The Company estimates refunds based on the actual historical refund rates by warranty type taking into consideration current observable refund trends in estimating the expected amount of future customer refunds to be paid at each reporting period.
Refer to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information about our revenue recognition accounting policies.
Valuation of Fixed Maturities and Equity Investments
Our equity investments are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Fair value for our equity investments are determined using 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.
For fixed maturities, we use observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are inactive; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. We do not have any fixed maturities in our portfolio that require us to use unobservable inputs. The Company engages a third-party vendor who utilizes third-party pricing sources and primarily employs a market approach to determine the fair values of our fixed maturities. The market approach includes primarily obtaining prices from independent third-party pricing services as well as, to a lesser extent, quotes from broker-dealers. Our third-party vendor also monitors market indicators, as well as industry and economic events, to ensure pricing is appropriate. All classes of our fixed maturities are valued using this technique. We have obtained an understanding of our third-party vendor’s valuation methodologies and inputs. Fair values obtained from our third-party vendor are not adjusted by the Company.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are determined on the first-in first-out basis and credited or charged to the consolidated statements of operations. Premium and discount on investments are amortized using the interest method and charged or credited to net investment income.
Fixed maturities and equity investments are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate risk, credit risk and overall market volatility risk. Accordingly, it is reasonably possible that changes in the fair values of the Company’s investments reported at fair value will occur in the near term and such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements.
Impairment Assessment of Investments
The establishment of an impairment loss on an investment requires a number of judgments and estimates. A consistent and systematic process is followed for determining and recording an impairment loss, including the evaluation of securities in an unrealized loss position and securities with an allowance for credit losses.
We perform a quarterly analysis of our investments classified as available-for-sale fixed maturity investments and other investments to determine if an impairment loss has occurred.
Effective January 1, 2023, as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"), if the decline in fair value is due to credit factors and the Company does not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to support the entire amortized cost basis, the credit loss is reported in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that the declines are evaluated. Significant judgment is required in the determination of whether a credit loss has occurred for a security. The Company considers all available evidence when determining whether a security requires a credit allowance to be recorded, including the following:
• the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost;
•
the financial condition and expected near-term and long term prospects of the issuer;
•
whether the issuer is current with interest and principal payments;
•
credit ratings on the security or changes in ratings over time;
•
general market conditions, industry, sector or other specific factors; and
•
whether the Company expects to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security.
As a result of the analysis performed, the Company recorded an impairment loss related to other investments for the year ended December 31, 2023. There were no impairment losses recorded related to available-for-sale fixed maturity investments during the year ended December 31, 2023. See "Investments" section below and Note 7, "Investments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
We perform a quarterly analysis of our limited liability investments and investments in private companies. The analysis includes some or all of the following procedures, as applicable:
•
the opinions of external investment and portfolio managers;
•
the financial condition and prospects of the investee;
•
recent operating trends and forecasted performance of the investee;
•
current market conditions in the geographic area or industry in which the investee operates;
•
changes in credit ratings; and
•
changes in the regulatory environment.
As a result of the analysis performed, the Company recorded impairment losses related to limited liability investments and limited liability investments, at fair value. See "Investments" section below and Note 7, "Investments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Valuation of Limited Liability Investments, at Fair Value
Limited liability investments, at fair value represent the underlying investments of the Company’s consolidated entities Net Lease Investment Grade Portfolio LLC ("Net Lease") and Argo Holdings Fund I, LLC ("Argo Holdings"). The Company accounts for these investments at fair value with changes in fair value reported in the consolidated statements of operations.
At December 31, 2022, Net Lease owned investments in limited liability companies that held investment properties. Net Lease sold its final investment property during its first quarter of 2023, and as a result, the Net Lease's investment in its underlying investments is zero at December 31, 2023. The fair value of Net Lease's investments was based upon the net asset values of the underlying investments companies as a practical expedient to estimate fair value.
Argo Holdings makes investments in limited liability companies and limited partnerships that hold investments in search funds and private operating companies. The fair value of Argo Holdings' limited liability investments that hold investments in search funds is based on the initial investment in the search funds. The fair value of Argo Holdings' limited liability investments that hold investments in private operating companies is valued using a market approach.
Refer to Note 23, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Valuation of Deferred Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is calculated based on the expected tax treatment of transactions recorded in our consolidated financial statements. In determining our provision for income taxes, we interpret tax legislation in a variety of jurisdictions and make assumptions about the expected timing of the reversal of deferred income tax assets and liabilities and the valuation of deferred income taxes.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The ultimate realization of the deferred income tax asset balance is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the Company's temporary differences reverse and become deductible. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred income tax asset balance will not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is needed, management considers all available positive and negative evidence affecting specific deferred income tax asset balances, including the Company's historical and anticipated future performance, the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, and the availability of tax planning strategies.
Objective positive evidence is necessary to support a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed for all or a portion of a company's deferred income tax asset balances when significant negative evidence exists. Cumulative losses are the most compelling form of negative evidence considered by management in this determination. To the extent a valuation allowance is established in a period, an expense must be recorded within the income tax provision in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2023, the Company maintains a valuation allowance of $129.4 million, all of which relates to its U.S. deferred income taxes. The largest component of the U.S. deferred income tax asset balance relates to tax loss carryforwards that have arisen as a result of losses generated from the Company's U.S. operations. Uncertainty over the Company's ability to utilize these losses over the short-term has led the Company to record a valuation allowance.
Future events may result in the valuation allowance being adjusted, which could materially affect our financial position and results of operations. If sufficient positive evidence were to arise in the future indicating that all or a portion of the deferred income tax assets would meet the more likely than not standard, all or a portion of the valuation allowance would be reversed in the period that such a conclusion was reached, which would beneficially impact our results of operations.
Accounting for Business Combinations
The Company evaluates acquisitions in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"), to determine if a transaction represents an acquisition of a business or an acquisition of assets.
An acquisition of a business represents a business combination. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for a business combination by assigning the purchase price to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values and the excess of the purchase price over the amounts assigned is recorded as goodwill. We determine the fair value of such assets and liabilities, often in consultation with third-party valuation advisors. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires significant judgment and estimates, including the selection of valuation methodologies, estimates of future revenue, costs and cash flows, discount rates, royalty rates, and selection of comparable companies. The resulting fair values and useful lives assigned to acquisition-related intangible assets impact the amount and timing of future amortization expense. Acquired intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Adjustments to fair value assessments are recorded to goodwill over the measurement period, which is not to exceed one year but is considered complete once all necessary information is available to management to estimate fair value. Acquisition costs related to a business combination are expensed as incurred.
Contingent Consideration
The consideration for certain of the Company's acquisitions include 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 at the date of acquisition with subsequent changes in fair value reported in the consolidated statements of operations as non-operating other expense.
Determining the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities requires management to make assumptions and judgments. The fair value of Company’s contingent consideration liabilities is estimated by applying the Monte Carlo simulation method to forecast achievement of gross profit or gross revenue. These fair value measurements are based on significant inputs not observable in the market. Key inputs in the valuations include forecasted gross profit or revenue, gross profit or revenue volatility, discount rate and discount term. Management must use judgment in determining the appropriateness of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Changes in assumptions could have a material impact on the amount of contingent consideration benefit or expense reported in the consolidated statements of operations and have an impact on the payout of contingent consideration liabilities. 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 key inputs or changes in the assumed achievement or timing of any targets. Any changes in fair value are reported in the consolidated statements of operations as non-operating other expense. Additional information regarding our contingent consideration liabilities is included in Note 23 , " Fair Value of Financial Instruments ," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Valuation and Impairment Assessment of Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Intangible assets with definite useful lives consist of developed technology and customer relationships. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. If circumstances require that a definite-lived intangible asset be tested for possible impairment, we first compare the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that definite-lived intangible asset to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the definite-lived intangible asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names, which are assessed for impairment annually as of November 30, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company may perform its impairment test for any indefinite-lived intangible asset through a qualitative assessment or elect to proceed directly to a quantitative impairment test, however, the Company may resume a qualitative assessment in any subsequent period if facts and circumstances permit.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Under the qualitative approach, the impairment test consists of an assessment of whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If the Company elects to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset, or if a qualitative assessment indicates it is more likely than not that the estimated carrying amount of such asset exceeds its fair value, the Company performs a quantitative test. Factors that could trigger a quantitative impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under performance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends.
As of November 30, 2023, the Company conducted its annual qualitative assessment. As a result, the Company determined that certain trade names should be further examined under a quantitative approach. Based on the results of the quantitative approach, the Company did not record any impairment. However, the Company notes that certain of its indefinite-lived intangible assets are sensitive to changes in interest rates, as well as the performance of the underlying business. Changes in interest rates and/or if the business underlying the intangible asset performs below the assumptions used in the original purchase accounting could cause certain intangible assets to become impaired.
No impairment charges were recorded against intangible assets in 2023 or 2022. Additional information regarding our intangible assets is included in Note 9, "Intangible Assets," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Goodwill Recoverability
Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually as of November 30, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In evaluating the recoverability of goodwill, the Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units and compares it to the carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to such excess.
For Extended Warranty, the Company estimates the fair value using a valuation technique based on observed market capitalization multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") for a group of publicly traded insurance services and insurance brokerage companies, an approach that the Company views as a technique consistent with the objective of measuring fair value consistent with prior years’ assessments performed.
For Kingsway Search Xcelerator, the Company estimates the fair value using a valuation technique based on observed market capitalization multiples of EBITDA from its recent acquisitions of similar businesses.
Estimating the fair value of reporting units requires the use of significant judgments that are based on a number of factors including actual operating results, internal forecasts, market observable pricing multiples of similar businesses and comparable transactions and determining the appropriate discount rate and long-term growth rate assumptions. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying them to the analysis of goodwill impairment. It is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates described above could change in future periods.
Although the Company believes its estimates of fair value are reasonable, actual financial results could differ from those estimates due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making such estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting units, the amount of the goodwill impairment charge, or both.
No impairment charges were recorded against goodwill in 2023 or 2022, as the estimated fair values of the reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. Additional information regarding our goodwill is included in Note 8, "Goodwill," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Deferred Contract Costs
Deferred contract costs represent the deferral of incremental costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. Incremental costs to obtain a contract with a customer primarily include sales commissions. The Company capitalizes costs incurred to fulfill a contract if the costs are identifiable, generate or enhance resources used to satisfy future performance obligations and are expected to be recovered. Costs to fulfill a contract include labor costs for set-up activities directly related to the acquisition of vehicle service agreements. Contract costs are deferred and amortized over the expected customer relationship period consistent with the pattern in which the related revenues are earned. Amortization of incremental costs to obtain a contract and costs to fulfill a contract with a customer are recorded in commissions and general and administrative expenses, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations. No impairment charges related to deferred contract costs were recorded in 2023 or 2022.
Fair Value Assumptions for Subordinated Debt Obligations
Our subordinated debt is measured and reported at fair value. The fair value of the subordinated debt is calculated using a model based on significant market observable inputs and inputs developed by a third-party. These inputs include credit spread assumptions developed by a third-party and market observable swap rates. The following summarizes the impacts:
Impact of Rate Change on Fair Value
2023 Result
2022 Result
Libor/SOFR:
increase causes fair value to increase; decrease causes fair value to decrease
Increase to fair value
Increase to fair value
Risk free rate:
increase causes fair value to decrease; decrease causes fair value to increase
Increase to fair value
Decrease to fair value
The other primary variable affecting the fair value of debt calculation is the passage of time, which will always have the effect of increasing the fair value of debt.
Therefore, changes in the underlying interest rates used would cause the fair value to be impacted, but only impacts the income statement (or comprehensive income/loss for the portion related to credit risk) and does not impact cash flows.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Fair Value Assumptions for Subsidiary Stock-Based Compensation Awards
Certain of the Company's subsidiaries have made grants of restricted stock awards or restricted unit awards (together "Subsidiary Restricted Awards"). The Subsidiary Restricted Awards are measured at fair value on the date of grant and recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period during which awards are expected to vest, with a corresponding increase to either additional paid-in capital for equity-classified awards or to a liability for liability-classified awards. Certain of the Subsidiary Restricted Awards are classified as a liability because the awards are expected to settle in cash. Liability-classified awards, included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, are measured and reported at fair value on the date of grant and are remeasured each reporting period. The Subsidiary Restricted Awards contain performance vesting and/or market vesting conditions. Performance vesting conditions are reviewed quarterly to assess the probability of achievement of the performance condition. Compensation expense is adjusted when a change in the assessment of achievement of the specific performance condition is determined to be probable. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis for awards subject to market conditions regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied, provided that the requisite service has been provided. Forfeitures are recognized in the period that Subsidiary Restricted Awards are forfeited.
The determination of fair value of the Subsidiary Restricted Awards is subjective and involves significant estimates and assumptions of whether the awards will achieve performance thresholds. The fair value of the Subsidiary Restricted Awards is estimated using either the Black-Scholes option pricing model and/or the Monte Carlo simulation model to derive certain inputs. The determination of the grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model is affected by subjective assumptions, including the expected term of the awards, expected volatility over the expected term of the awards, expected dividend yield, and risk-free interest rates. The determination of the grant date fair value using the Monte Carlo simulation model is affected by subjective assumptions, including the expected term of the awards, expected volatility over the expected term of the awards and risk-free interest rates. The assumptions used in the Company’s Black-Scholes option-pricing and Monte Carlo simulation models requires significant judgment and represents management’s best estimates.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap contract and the trust preferred debt repurchase options (through the March 2023 exercise date). The Company measures derivative financial instruments at fair value. The fair value of derivative financial instruments is required to be revalued each reporting period, with corresponding changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains or losses are recognized upon settlement of the contracts. See Note 11, "Derivatives" and Note 23, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.
RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
A reconciliation of total segment operating income to net income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is presented in Table 1 below:
Table 1 Segment Operating Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
For the years ended December 31 (in thousands of dollars)
Change
Segment operating income
Extended Warranty
6,983
9,879
(2,896 )
Kingsway Search Xcelerator
5,252
3,548
1,704
Total segment operating income
12,235
13,427
(1,192 )
Net investment income
1,804
2,305
(501 )
Net realized gains
1,209
(448 )
Net gain (loss) on equity investments
3,397
(26 )
3,423
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value
(1,754 )
1,832
Net change in unrealized gain on private company investments
-
Gain on change in fair value of real estate investments
-
1,488
(1,488 )
Impairment losses
(229 )
-
(229 )
(Loss) gain on change in fair value of derivative asset option contracts
(1,366 )
16,730
(18,096 )
Interest expense
(6,250 )
(8,092 )
1,842
Other revenue and expenses not allocated to segments, net
(12,823 )
(17,206 )
4,383
Amortization of intangible assets
(5,909 )
(6,133 )
Loss on change in fair value of debt
(68 )
(4,908 )
4,840
Gain on disposal of subsidiary
37,917
(37,575 )
Gain on extinguishment of debt
31,616
-
31,616
Income from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense
23,651
34,957
(11,306 )
Income tax (benefit) expense
(1,899 )
4,825
(6,724 )
Income from continuing operations
25,550
30,132
(4,582 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
(12,805 )
13,255
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes
(1,988 )
(2,262 )
Net income
24,012
15,065
8,947
Segment Operating Income, Income from Continuing Operations and Net Income
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we reported segment operating income of $12.2 million compared to $13.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease is primarily due to the following items:
• The disposal of PWSC as of July 29, 2022, which had segment operating income of $1.0 million prior year to date; and
• Decreased operating income at the other Extended Warranty subsidiaries (see further discussion below); which was partially offset by
•
Increased operating income from Kingsway Search Xcelerator, primarily due to including SNS for twelve months in 2023 (acquired in November 2022), as well as the October 2023 acquisition of DDI. SNS and DDI had combined operating income of $1.9 million for 2023, respectively.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we reported income from continuing operations of $25.6 million compared to $30.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The income from continuing operations for 2023 is primarily due to:
• A gain on extinguishment debt of $31.6 million, related to the repurchase of the trust preferred debt; and
• Gain on equity investments, which includes a gain of $3.3 million related to the Company's investment in Limbach Holdings, Inc. ("Limbach"); which was partially offset by
• Other revenue and expenses not allocated to segments, net, which includes a management fee expense of $1.8 million paid to the managers of Flower Portfolio 001, LLC ("Flower") and Net Lease Investment Grade Portfolio LLC ("Net Lease").
See Note 12, " Debt," and Note 11, "Derivatives," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion of the repurchase of the trust preferred debt and trust preferred debt repurchase options.
The income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, is primarily due to:
• A gain on disposal of subsidiary of $37.9 million, related to the sale of PWSC, a gain on change in fair value of derivative asset option contracts of $16.7 million, related to the trust preferred debt repurchase options, and a gain on change in fair value of real estate investments of $1.5 million; all of which were partially offset by
• An increase in interest expense related to rising interest rates, other revenue and expenses not allocated to segments, net, which includes $6.1 million of expense related to previously-granted awards to PWSC employees that are accounted for on a fair value basis and $1.5 million of expense due to the increase in fair value of the Ravix contingent consideration; and
• Loss on change in fair value of debt, loss on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value and income tax expense which is primarily due to the state tax expense associated with the sale of PWSC on July 29, 2022, and the related increase in valuation allowance from the accelerated utilization of indefinite life interest expense carryforwards as a result of such sale.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we reported net income of $24.0 million compared to $15.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. In addition to the items described above impacting income from continuing operations, the net income includes:
•
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes of $0.5 million and loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes of $12.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively; and
•
A loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes of $2.0 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the income from discontinued operations is related to the operations of VA Lafayette. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the loss from discontinued operations is related to the operations of CMC and VA Lafayette and is primarily due to a final management fee of $16.4 million resulting from the sale of the CMC railyard.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the loss on disposal of discontinued operations is the result of adjusting the net carrying value of VA Lafayette to be equal to the estimated selling price. As discussed in Note 5 "Disposal and Discontinued Operations," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, during the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company committed to a plan sell VA Lafayette. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company entered into a letter of intent for the sale of VA Lafayette. As part of recognizing the business as held for sale, the Company is required to measure VA Lafayette at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. As a result of this analysis, during 2023, the Company recognized an estimated non-cash, loss on disposal of $2.0 million, which is included in loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes in the consolidated statements of operations. The loss was determined by comparing the expected cash consideration received for the sale of VA Lafayette with the net assets of VA Lafayette.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the loss on disposal of discontinued operations includes the gain on disposal of CMC of $0.2 million and a loss of $2.5 million related to a liability recorded during 2022 regarding the Company's obligation to indemnify a former subsidiary for open claims (the maximum liability under the indemnity is $2.5 million). See Note 5 "Disposal and Discontinued Operations," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.
Extended Warranty
The Extended Warranty service fee and commission revenue decreased 7.8% (or $5.8 million) to $68.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with $74.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Service fee and commission revenue was impacted by the following in 2023:
•
A $4.9 million decrease at PWSC, due to the sale of PWSC on July 29, 2022 (the financial results for PWSC are only included through the disposal date);
• A $2.1 million decrease at Trinity, primarily driven by decreases in its equipment breakdown and maintenance support services due to mild weather conditions, which results in fewer service calls, as well as a decrease in the sales of its warranty products due to long lead times on product availability and installations;
•
A $0.3 million decrease at Geminus;
•
A $0.9 million increase at PWI; PWI sold slightly more contracts sold in 2023 than 2022, but average cash sales per contract was down slightly. In the second half of 2022, there was a restructuring of leadership at PWI that has resulted in a higher focus on salesforce production; and
•
A $0.6 million increase at IWS. IWS sells a substantial amount of VSAs for new automobiles but, more importantly, its products are distributed through credit unions at the point of vehicle financing, which has been less impacted by the current macro-economic conditions. However, in 2023 IWS has been impacted by the loss of two customers (one due to acquisition, one due to change in management), which was partially offset by growth at new and existing customers, the latter usually due to credit unions getting competitive on interest rates. During the first quarter of 2022, there was a change in estimate of IWS’ deferred revenue associated with vehicle service contract fees, which resulted in a reduction to IWS revenue of $1.2 million.
The Extended Warranty operating income was $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with $9.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. We saw an increase in claims paid at our auto Extended Warranty companies - both sequentially and year over year - primarily due to inflationary pressures on the cost of parts and labor.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Operating income was primarily impacted by the following:
• A $0.9 million decrease at PWSC, due to the sale of PWSC on July 29, 2022;
• A $0.7 million decrease at Geminus to $0.5 million, due to an increase in commission expense and claims authorized on vehicle service agreements, partially offset by lower general and administrative expenses compared to 2022;
•
A $0.7 million decrease at IWS to $3.3 million, primarily due to increased claims authorized on vehicle service agreements. General and administrative expenses and commissions were essentially flat compared to 2022. During 2022, there was a change in estimate of IWS' deferred revenue and deferred contract costs associated with vehicle service contract fees, which resulted in a reduction to IWS operating income of $0.9 million in 2022;
•
A $0.6 million decrease at Trinity to $1.1 million, primarily due to a decrease in revenue that was partially offset by a decrease in cost of services sold (higher percent of warranty product sales in 2023 than 2022); and
•
A less than $0.1 million decrease at PWI to $2.0 million.
Kingsway Search Xcelerator
The Kingsway Search Xcelerator revenue increased to $35.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with $19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Kingsway Search Xcelerator operating income was $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in revenue and operating income is primarily due to:
•
Increased segment operating income at Ravix. While revenue was down $1.2 million compared to 2022; gross margin and operating income increased $0.4 million compared to the prior year due to lower cost of sales and lower general and administrative expenses;
• The inclusion of CSuite and SNS for twelve months during 2023 following their acquisitions effective November 1, 2022 and November 18, 2022, respectively. For 2023, CSuite and SNS had combined revenue and operating income of $19.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively; and
• The revenue and operating income derived from SPI and DDI, which were acquired September 7, 2023 and October 26, 2023, respectively. SPI and DDI had combined revenue and operating income of $1.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively from their dates of acquisition through December 31, 2023.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income was $1.8 million in 2023 compared to $2.3 million in 2022. The decrease in 2023 primarily relates to the decrease in investment income from real estate investments and limited liability investments as a majority of those assets have been sold in recent years, partially offset by higher investment income from cash equivalents and fixed maturities due to the generally higher interest rate environment.
Net Realized Gains
The Company recorded net realized gains of $0.8 million in 2023 compared to $1.2 million in 2022. The net realized gains for 2023 and 2022 primarily relate to:
•
Net realized gains on sales of limited liability investments;
•
Realized gains recognized by Argo Holdings Fund I, LLC ("Argo Holdings"); and
•
Distributions received from one of the Company’s investments in private companies in which its carrying value previously had been written down to zero as a result of prior distributions.
Net Gain (Loss) on Equity Investments
Net gain on equity investments was $3.4 million in 2023 compared to a net loss of less than $0.1 million in 2022. The net gain for 2023 primarily relates to the Company's investment in Limbach. Prior to the second quarter of 2023, the Company held warrants in Limbach. During the first quarter of 2023, the underlying common stock price of Limbach increased, resulting in an increase in the fair value of the warrants held at March 31, 2023. During the second quarter of 2023, the Company completed a cashless exercise of its Limbach warrants. During the third quarter of 2023, the Company sold all of its shares of Limbach common stock.
Gain (Loss) on Change in Fair Value of Limited Liability Investments, at Fair Value
Gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value was $0.1 million in 2023 compared to a loss of $1.8 million in 2022. The gain for the year ended December 31, 2023 represents an increase in fair value of $0.7 million related to Argo Holdings, partially offset by a decrease in fair value of $0.6 million related to Net Lease Investment Grade Portfolio LLC ("Net Lease"). The loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 includes decreases in fair value of $0.9 million related to Net Lease and $0.8 million related to Argo Holdings. The final Net Lease property was sold in February 2023 and, as such, as of December 31, 2023 Argo Holdings was the only asset group left in this category.
Gain on Change in Fair Value of Real Estate Investments
Gain on change in fair value of real estate investments was $1.5 million in 2022. Real estate investments represented investment real estate properties held by the Company’s consolidated subsidiary, Flower Portfolio 001, LLC ("Flower"). The increase in fair value was attributable to the sale of the real estate investment properties for $12.2 million, which closed on September 29, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, there were no remaining investments in this category.
(Loss) Gain on Change in Fair Value of Derivative Asset Option Contracts
Loss on change in fair value of derivative asset option contracts was $1.4 million in 2023 compared to a gain of $16.7 million in 2022. The derivative contract relates to three trust preferred debt repurchase option agreements the Company entered into during the third quarter of 2022. The Company exercised the repurchase options during the first quarter of 2023. The gain for the year ended December 31, 2022 relates to the $11.4 million difference between the fair value of the option at date of inception ($13.7 million) and the cash consideration paid ($2.3 million), as well as the subsequent change in fair value of $5.3 million as of December 31, 2022.
Refer to Note 11, "Derivatives," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further information on the option agreements.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Interest Expense
Interest expense for 2023 was $6.3 million compared to $8.1 million in 2022. The decrease in 2023 is primarily attributable to:
•
A decrease of $3.3 million on the Company’s subordinated debt. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased TruPs debt having a principal amount of $75.5 million, resulting in 2023 year to date interest expense including only the one remaining TruPs debt instrument outstanding during the last three quarters of 2023, partially offset by generally higher London interbank offered interest rates ("LIBOR") for three-month U.S. dollar deposits and CME Term SOFR during 2023 compared to 2022. The Company's subordinated debt bore interest at the rate of LIBOR, plus spreads ranging from 3.85% to 4.20%. Effective July 3, 2023, the index used for determining the interest rate for the remaining trust preferred debt instrument converted from LIBOR to CME Term SOFR;
• A decrease of $0.3 million related to notes payable held by the Company’s consolidated subsidiary, Flower. The Flower debt was repaid in the third quarter of 2022;
• A decrease of $0.2 million related to the 2021 Ravix Loan, which was effective October 1, 2021, and has an annual interest rate equal to the greater of the Prime Rate plus 0.5%, or 3.75% (current rate of 9.00%)
• An increase of $0.8 million related to the $6.0 million 2022 Ravix Loan, which was effective November 16, 2022 and has an annual interest rate equal to the Prime Rate plus 0.75% (current rate of 9.25%);
• An increase of $0.6 million related to the 2020 KWH Loan, as a result of a decrease in fair value of the interest rate swap related to the 2020 KWH bank loan;
• An increase of $0.5 million related to the $6.5 million SNS Loan, which was effective November 18, 2022 and has an annual interest rate equal to the greater of the Prime Rate plus 0.5%, or 5.00% (current rate of 9.00%); and
• An increase of $0.1 million related to the new $6.0 million DDI Loan, which was effective October 26, 2023 and has an annual interest rate equal to the Prime Rate plus 0.5%, or 5.00% (current rate of 9.00%).
See Note 12, "Debt," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further details.
Other Revenue and Expenses not Allocated to Segments, Net
Other revenue and expenses not allocated to segments was a net expense of $12.8 million in 2023 compared to $17.2 million in 2022. Included are revenue and expenses associated with our various other investments that are accounted for on a consolidated basis, our former insurance company that has been in run-off since 2012, and expenses associated with our corporate holding company.
The decrease in net expense for 2023 is primarily attributable to decreases in stock-based compensation expense of $6.1 million related to previously-granted awards to PWSC employees and expense related to the Ravix contingent consideration liability, partially offset by increases due to management fees paid to the managers of Flower and Net Lease, acquisition related expenses during 2023 compared to 2022, and an increase in the number of searchers in our Kingsway Search Xcelerator segment.
Loss on Change in Fair Value of Debt
The loss on change in fair value of debt amounted to $0.1 million in 2023 compared to $4.9 million in 2022. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased TruPs debt having a principal amount of $75.5 million. The change in fair value related to the repurchased TruPs debt was a gain of $0.3 million and the change in fair value related to the remaining TruPs debt instrument was a loss of $0.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023.
The loss for 2023 and 2022 reflects changes in the fair value of the subordinated debt resulting primarily from changes in interest rates used (not related to instrument-specific credit risk). See "Debt" section below for further information.
Gain on Disposal of Subsidiary
On July 29, 2022, the Company sold its 80% majority-owned subsidiary, PWSC. As a result of the sale, the Company recognized a net gain on disposal of $37.9 million during 2022. During 2023, the Company recorded an additional gain on disposal of PWSC of $0.3 million related to the working capital true-up and release of indemnity funds that were held in escrow. The sale of PWSC did not represent a strategic shift that would have a major effect on the Company's operations or financial results; therefore, PWSC is not presented as a discontinued operation.
See Note 5, "Disposal and Discontinued Operations," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion of the PWSC disposal.
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt
During 2023, gain on extinguishment of debt consists of a $31.6 million gain related to the repurchase of TruPs debt having a principal amount of $75.5 million. The gain on extinguishment of debt results from removing the fair value of the debt, trust preferred debt repurchase options, deferred interest payable and accumulated other comprehensive income related to the repurchased TruPs from the Company's consolidated balance sheet at the repurchase date.
See Note 12, "Debt," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
Income tax benefit for 2023 was $1.9 million compared to income tax expense of $4.8 million in 2022. The 2023 and 2022 income tax (benefit) expense is primarily related to:
•
An income tax benefit of zero and an expense of $1.0 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, for the partial release of the Company’s deferred income tax valuation allowance associated with business interest expense with an indefinite life;
•
An income tax benefit of $2.1 million and $0.2 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, for the partial release of the Company’s deferred tax valuation allowance related to acquired deferred tax liabilities and change in future income assumptions, respectively;
•
An income tax expense of $0.2 million and $0.1 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, relating to a change in indefinite life deferred income tax liabilities; and
•
An income tax benefit of less than $0.1 million and an expense of $3.9 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, for state income taxes.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
See Note 15, "Income Taxes," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional detail of the income tax (benefit) expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
INVESTMENTS
Portfolio Composition
The following is an overview of how we account for our various investments:
•
Investments in fixed maturities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value.
•
Equity investments are reported at fair value.
•
Limited liability investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The most recently available financial statements of the limited liability investments are used in applying the equity method. The difference between the end of the reporting period of the limited liability investments and that of the Company is no more than three months.
•
Limited liability investments, at fair value represent the underlying investments of the Company’s consolidated entities Net Lease (December 31, 2022 only) and Argo Holdings. The difference between the end of the reporting period of the limited liability investments, at fair value and that of the Company is no more than three months.
•
Investments in private companies consist of: convertible preferred stocks and notes in privately owned companies; and investments in limited liability companies in which the Company’s interests are deemed minor. These investments do not have readily determinable fair values and, therefore, are reported at cost, adjusted for observable price changes and impairments.
•
Other investments include collateral loans and are reported at their unpaid principal balance, net of an allowance for credit losses.
•
Short-term investments, which consist of investments with original maturities between three months and one year, are reported at cost, which approximates fair value.
At December 31, 2023, we held cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments with a carrying value of $59.4 million. Our U.S. operations typically invest in U.S. dollar-denominated instruments to mitigate their exposure to currency rate fluctuations.
Table 2 below summarizes the carrying value of investments, including cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, at the dates indicated.
TABLE 2 Carrying value of investments, including cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
As of December 31 (in thousands of dollars, except for percentages)
Type of investment
% of Total
% of Total
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
12,997
21.9 %
15,080
11.2 %
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
2,783
4.7 %
2,232
1.7 %
Mortgage-backed
9,253
15.6 %
8,412
6.3 %
Asset-backed
1,210
2.0 %
1,610
1.2 %
Corporate
10,230
17.2 %
10,257
7.6 %
Total fixed maturities
36,473
61.4 %
37,591
28.0 %
Equity investments
0.1 %
0.1 %
Limited liability investments
1.4 %
0.7 %
Limited liability investments, at fair value
3,496
5.9 %
17,059
12.7 %
Investments in private companies
1.4 %
0.6 %
Other investments
0.0 %
0.2 %
Short-term investments
0.3 %
0.1 %
Total investments
41,881
70.5 %
56,934
42.4 %
Cash and cash equivalents
9,098
15.4 %
64,168
47.9 %
Restricted cash
8,400
14.1 %
13,064
9.7 %
Total
59,379
100.0 %
134,166
100.0 %
Investment Impairment
The Company performs a quarterly analysis of its investments to determine if declines in fair value may result in the recognition of impairment losses in net income. Further information regarding our detailed analysis and factors considered in establishing an impairment loss on an investment is discussed within the "Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Estimates" section of MD&A.
The Company's fixed maturities are subject to declines in fair value below amortized cost that may result in the recognition of impairment losses. Effective January 1, 2023, as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-13, if the decline in fair value is due to credit factors and the Company does not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to support the entire amortized cost basis, the credit loss is reported in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that the declines are evaluated. As a result of the analysis performed, the Company recorded an impairment loss related to other investments of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. There were no impairment losses recorded related to available-for-sale fixed maturity investments during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, the Company performed a quarterly analysis of its available-for-sale fixed maturity investments and other investments to determine if declines in market value were other-than-temporary. As a result of the analysis performed, there were no write downs for other-than-temporary impairment related to fixed maturity investments and other investments for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The Company recorded impairment write-downs related to limited liability investments of $0.1 million and zero for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, which are included in impairment losses in the consolidated statements of operations.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The Company recorded impairment losses related to limited liability investments, at fair value of $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, which are included in gain (loss) on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value in the consolidated statements of operations.
There were no write-downs recorded for impairments related to investments in private companies for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the gross unrealized losses for fixed maturities amounted to $1.7 million and $2.5 million, and there were no unrealized losses attributable to non-investment grade fixed maturities.
DEBT
The principal and carrying value of the Company’s debt instruments at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are as follows:
(in thousands)
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Principal
Carrying Value
Principal
Carrying Value
Bank loans:
2021 Ravix Loan
$ 4,650
$ 4,650
$ 5,300
$ 5,300
2022 Ravix Loan
4,925
4,769
5,950
5,754
SNS Loan
5,142
5,063
6,850
6,755
DDI Loan
5,600
5,534
-
-
2020 KWH Loan
10,979
10,806
16,708
16,472
Total bank loans
31,296
30,822
34,808
34,281
Subordinated debt
15,000
13,594
90,500
67,811
Total
$ 46,296
$ 44,416
$ 125,308
$ 102,092
See Note 12, " Debt," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of the Company’s debt instruments. Changes related to the Company’s debt during 2023 are further described below.
Bank Loans
As part of the acquisition of DDI on October 26, 2023, DDI became a wholly owned subsidiary of DDI Acquisition, LLC ("DDI LLC"), and together they borrowed from a bank a principal amount of $5.6 million in the form of a term loan, and established a $0.4 million revolver to finance the acquisition of DDI (together, the "DDI Loan"). The DDI Loan has an annual interest rate equal to the greater of the Prime Rate plus 0.5%, or 5.00% (current rate of 9.00%). Monthly principal payments on the term loan begin on December 15, 2024. The revolver matures on September 1, 2024 and the term loan matures on October 26, 2029.
During 2023, the Company made additional principal payments with respect to the SNS Loan ($1.3 million), KWH Loan ($1.1 million) and 2022 Ravix Loan ($0.4 million).
During the first quarter of 2024, the Company borrowed $3.5 million under the KWH DDTL and $0.5 million under the KWH Loan revolver.
Subordinated Debt
During 2022, the Company entered into repurchase agreements with certain holders of its subordinated trust preferred debt instruments ("TruPs") that gave the Company the option to repurchase up to 100% of the holder’s principal and deferred interest for a purchase price defined in the contract ("the TruPs Options"). The Company paid $2.3 million to the holder’s for the TruPs Options. See Note 11, "Derivatives," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of the TruPS Options.
On March 22, 2023, the Company completed the repurchases using currently available funds from working capital to fund the repurchases. The total amount paid was $56.5 million, which included a credit for the $2.3 million that the Company previously paid at the time of entering into the repurchase agreements. As a result, the Company repurchased $75.5 million of principal and $23.0 million of deferred interest payable. The Company recognized a gain of $31.6 million, which is included in gain on extinguishment of debt in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023.
During the third quarter of 2018, the Company gave notice to its Trust Preferred trustees of its intention to exercise its voluntary right to defer interest payments for up to 20 quarters, pursuant to the contractual terms of its outstanding Trust Preferred indentures, which permit interest deferral. This action does not constitute a default under the Company's Trust Preferred indentures or any of its other debt indentures. In order to execute the repurchases described above, on March 13, 2023, the Company paid $5.0 million to the remaining Trust Preferred trustee to be used by the trustee to pay the interest which the Company had been deferring since the third quarter of 2018. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, deferred interest payable of zero and $25.5 million, respectively, is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.
The Company's subordinated debt is measured and reported at fair value. At December 31, 2023, the carrying value of the subordinated debt is $13.6 million. The fair value of the subordinated debt is calculated using a model based on significant market observable inputs and inputs developed by a third-party. For a description of the market observable inputs and inputs developed by a third-party used in determining fair value of debt, see Note 23, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Though changes in the market observable swap rates will continue to introduce some volatility each quarter to the Company’s reported gain or loss on change in fair value of debt, changes in the credit spread assumption developed by the third party does not introduce volatility to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the Company’s subordinated debt will eventually equal the principal value totaling $15.0 million of the subordinated debt by the time of the stated redemption date of the remaining trust, which matures on May 22, 2033.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The $54.2 million decrease in the Company’s subordinated debt between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, is attributed to the following:
•
A decrease of $56.1 million as a result of the repurchase of trust preferred debt during the first quarter of 2023;
•
A decrease of $0.3 million related to the change in fair value of the repurchased trust preferred debt instruments between December 31, 2022 and the repurchase dates; and
•
An increase of $2.2 million related to the change in fair value of the remaining trust preferred debt instrument between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023.
Of the $1.9 million increase in fair value of the Company’s subordinated debt between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, $1.8 million is reported as an increase in fair value of debt attributable to instrument-specific credit risk in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income and $0.1 million is reported as loss on change in fair value of debt in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
The consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income for the year ended December 31, 2023 also includes an increase of $27.2 million as a result of removing the accumulated other comprehensive income related to the repurchased TruPs from the Company's consolidated balance sheet at the repurchase date.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The purpose of liquidity management is to ensure 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 historically been met primarily by funds generated from operations, capital raising, disposal of subsidiaries, investment maturities and investment income, and other returns received on investments and from the sale of investments.
A significant portion of the cash provided by our Extended Warranty companies is required to be placed into restricted trust accounts, as determined by the insurers who back-up our service contracts, in order to fund future expected claims. On a periodic basis (quarterly or annually), we may be required to contribute more into the restricted accounts or we may be permitted to draw additional funds from the restricted accounts, dependent upon actuarial analyses performed by the insurers regarding sufficiency of funds to cover future expected claims. A substantial portion of the restricted trust accounts are invested in fixed maturities and other instruments that have durations similar to the expected future claim projections.
Cash provided from these sources is used primarily for warranty expenses, business service expenses, debt servicing, acquisitions and operating expenses of the holding company.
The Company's Extended Warranty and Kingsway Search Xcelerator subsidiaries fund their obligations primarily through service fee and commission revenue.
On October 18, 2018, the Company completed the previously announced sale of its non-standard automobile insurance companies Mendota Insurance Company, Mendakota Insurance Company and Mendakota Casualty Company (collectively "Mendota"). As part of the transaction, the Company will indemnify the buyer for any loss and loss adjustment expenses with respect to open claims in excess of Mendota's carried unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses at June 30, 2018 related to the open claims. The maximum obligation to the Company with respect to the open claims was $2.5 million.
During the third quarter of 2022, the buyer provided to the Company an analysis of the claims development that indicated that the Company's potential exposure with respect to the open claims was at the maximum obligation amount. Previous communications from the buyer noted no such development. As a result of the newly provided information, the Company recorded a liability of $2.5 million, which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022 and loss on disposal of discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022. During the first quarter of 2023, the $2.0 million that had been previously deposited into an escrow account was released and remitted to the buyer to satisfy the Company's payment with respect to the open claims.
Cash Flows from Continuing Operations
During 2023, the Company reported $26.8 million of net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations, primarily due to:
• Payment of deferred interest on the trust preferred debt instruments that were repurchased during the year ($16.1 million) and payment of deferred interest on the remaining trust preferred debt instrument ($5.0 million);
• Outflows related to the payment of management fees to the managers of Net Lease and Flowers ($1.8 million); and
• An indemnity payment to the buyer of Mendota related to loss and loss adjustment expenses ($2.0 million); all of which were partially offset by:
• Gain on equity investments; and
• Operating income from the Extended Warranty and Kingsway Search Xcelerator segments.
During 2022, the Company reported $2.6 million of net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations, primarily due to:
• The sale of PWSC, which generated cash flows of $1.8 million through the date of the sale in 2022;
• A reduction in cash flows from the remaining Extended Warranty companies;
• Outflows at the holding company related to the TruPs repurchase option ($2.3 million); all of which were partially offset by;
• Continued cost containment initiatives at the holding company regarding ongoing expenses; and
• Increases in cash flows from the KSX companies, due to the inclusion of Ravix for the full twelve months in 2022 and the acquisitions of CSuite and SNS.
During 2023, the net cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations was $6.5 million. This source of cash was primarily attributed to:
• Distributions received by Net Lease from one of its limited liability investment companies of $13.3 million;
• Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities and sales of equity securities in excess of purchases of fixed maturities; and
•
The acquisitions of SPI and DDI in 2023, which totaled $13.6 million, net of cash acquired.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
During 2022, the net cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations was $58.1 million. This source of cash was primarily attributed to:
•
Net cash proceeds received, net of cash disposed of from the sale of PWSC, of $35.2 million;
•
Net cash proceeds received from the sale of the CMC Real Property of $26.4 million;
• Cash proceeds received from the sale of real estate investments of $12.2 million;
•
The acquisitions of CSuite and SNS in 2022, which totaled $13.7 million, net of cash acquired; and
•
Purchases of fixed maturities in excess of proceeds from limited liability investments and from sales and maturities of fixed maturities.
During 2023, the net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations was $39.4 million, primarily attributed to:
• The repurchase of five of the TruPs for 40.3 million;
•
Principal repayments on bank loans of $9.1 million;
•
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders of $4.0 million; and
• Cash paid for repurchase of warrants of $4.0 million and common stock of $3.2 milion, partially offset by
•
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants (reducing the use of cash) of $16.7 million and net proceeds from bank loans of $5.5 million related to the DDI Loan.
During 2022, the net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations was $5.6 million, primarily attributed to:
•
Principal repayments: on bank loans of $5.2 million, notes payable of $6.4 million, which relates to the repayment of the Flower Note;
•
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders of $6.0 million; and
•
Net proceeds (reducing the use of cash) from bank loans of $12.7 million related to the 2022 Ravix Loan the SNS Loan, and proceeds from the exercise of warrants of $0.5 million.
Holding Company Liquidity
The liquidity of the holding company is managed separately from its subsidiaries. The obligations of the holding company primarily consist of holding company operating expenses; transaction-related expenses; investments; stock repurchases; and any other extraordinary demands on the holding company.
Pursuant to satisfying the covenants under the 2020 KWH Loan, distributions to the holding company in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1.5 million in any 12-month period are permitted. Also, beginning in 2022, the holding company is permitted to receive a portion of the excess cash flow (as defined in the 2020 KWH Loan document) generated by the KWH subsidiaries in the previous year. In 2022, the Company was entitled to 50% of the excess cash flow with the other 50% used to pay down the 2020 KWH Loan. During 2022, the Company received $1.7 million and in March 2022 paid down the KWH 2020 Loan by $1.7 million. In 2023, the Company was entitled to 75% of the 2022 excess cash flow, or $3.3 million. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company paid down the KWH 2020 Loan by $1.1 million.
The amount of excess cash flow which the Company is entitled to retain is dependent upon the leverage ratio (as defined in the 2020 KWH Loan document):
Percent of excess cash flow
If leverage ratio is
retained by the Company
Greater than 1.75:1.00
50%
Less than 1.75:1.00 but greater than 0.75:1.00
75%
Less than 0.75:1.0
100%
The holding company’s liquidity, defined as the amount of cash in the bank accounts of Kingsway Financial Services Inc. and Kingsway America Inc., was $4.3 million and $48.9 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, which excludes future actions available to the holding company that could be taken to generate liquidity. Such future actions include, but are not limited to, distributions from the Extended Warranty and Kingsway Search Xcelerator operating companies subject to certain loan covenants that may be in place at each operating company.
The holding company cash amounts are reflected in the cash and cash equivalents of $9.1 million and $64.2 million reported at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The significant decrease between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023 is primarily due to the repurchase of the trust preferred debt during the first quarter of 2023, as well as the acquisitions of SPI and DDI in September 2023 and October 2023, respectively.
The Company also notes that, as of the filing date, it has an additional $6.5 million available from the second amendment to the 2020 KWH Loan (see Note 12 , " Debt ," to the Consolidated Financial Statements), that is available to be drawn.
Based on the Company’s current business plan and revenue prospects, existing cash, cash equivalents, investment balances and anticipated cash flows from operations are expected to be sufficient to meet the Company’s working capital and operating expenditure requirements, for the next twelve months. However, the Company’s assessment could also be affected by various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the developing macro-economic environment.
Regulatory Capital
Kingsway Reinsurance Corporation ("Kingsway Re"), our reinsurance subsidiary domiciled in Barbados, is required by the regulator in Barbados to maintain minimum statutory capital of $125,000. Kingsway Re is currently operating with statutory capital near the regulatory minimum, requiring us to periodically contribute capital to fund operating expenses. Kingsway Re incurs operating expenses of approximately $0.1 million per year. As of December 31, 2023, the capital maintained by Kingsway Re was in excess of the regulatory capital requirements in Barbados.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Table 3 summarizes cash disbursements related to the Company's contractual obligations projected by period, including debt maturities, interest payments on outstanding debt and future minimum payments under operating leases. Interest payments on outstanding debt in Table 3 related to the subordinated debt, the 2020 KWH Loan, the 2021 Ravix Loan, the 2022 Ravix Loan, the SNS Loan and the DDI Loan assume the variable rates remain constant throughout the projection period. Future minimum lease payments in Table 3 include payments on leases for office space that are included in total lease liabilities in Note 13," Leases," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as payments for short-term leases, equipment leases and a lease with an effective date of January 1 2024.
TABLE 3 Cash payments related to contractual obligations projected by period
As of December 31, 2023 (in thousands of dollars)
Thereafter
Total
Bank loans
6,673
11,819
4,870
4,837
2,070
1,027
31,296
Subordinated debt
-
-
-
-
-
15,000
15,000
Interest payments on outstanding debt
4,065
3,388
2,380
2,038
1,721
6,821
20,413
Future minimum lease payments
1,912
Total
11,385
15,656
7,590
7,132
3,963
22,895
68,621

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are a smaller reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act; therefore, pursuant to Regulation S-K, we are not required to make disclosures under this Item.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

---

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements of
Kingsway Financial Services Inc.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 166)
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 -Business
Note 2-Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 3-Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Note 4-Acquisitions
Note 5-Disposal and Discontinued Operations 54
Note 6-Variable Interest Entities
Note 7-Investments
Note 8-Goodwill
Note 9-Intangible Assets 58
Note 10-Property and Equipment 59
Note 11-Derivatives
Note 12-Debt
Note 13-Leases 63
Note 14-Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Note 15-Income Taxes
Note 16-Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Note 17-Stock-Based Compensation
Note 18-Employee Benefit Plan
Note 19-Redeemable Class A Preferred Stock
Note 20-Shareholders' Equity
Note 21-Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Note 22-Segmented Information
Note 23-Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Note 24-Related Parties
Note 25-Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Kingsway Financial Services, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Kingsway Financial Services, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and schedules (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relate.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Revenue Recognition - Extended Warranty Segment - Refer to Note 2 and Note 14 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company's revenue from contracts with customers (ASC 606) includes extended warranty service fee and commission income, which is comprised of multiple revenue streams including: vehicle service agreement fees, guaranteed asset protection commissions, maintenance support service fees, and warranty product commissions. Accordingly, the application of revenue recognition policies for the extended warranty segment requires the Company to exercise significant judgement in the following areas:
●
Determination of whether individual services are promises which are considered distinct performance obligations.
●
Assessing whether the Company is a principal or an agent in providing services to the ultimate customer in the contract.
●
Assessing variable consideration attributable to each contract and the related estimates of variable consideration, which are significant in vehicle service contracts, based on refund rights provided to the customer under vehicle service contracts and related business practices.
●
Assessing the transaction price including the impact of various dealer and partner incentive and rebate programs which are considered contract acquisition costs.
●
Determining the timing of when revenue is recognized for separate performance obligations and whether the performance is deemed to occur over time or at a point in time.
●
For performance obligations satisfied over time, the selection of an appropriate methodology which best depicts the transfer of services to the customer under the contract.
For these reasons, we identified revenue recognition for the extended warranty segment as a critical audit matter.
How the Critical Audit Matter was Addressed in the Audit
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following, among other procedures:
●
We obtained an understanding of the processes and internal controls related to each significant revenue generating activity within scope of ASC 606.
●
We evaluated the Company's application of the portfolio approach to individual groups of contracts to ensure the application was in compliance with ASC 606.
●
We tested the determination of individual performance obligations identified by management to ensure distinct performance obligations identified were consistent with the underlying contracts. We also tested whether all distinct performance obligations within each contract were complete and reflected all material promises which are capable of being distinct.
●
We evaluated and tested the key judgements applied by management, including:
o
Assessing whether the Company is deemed to be the principal or an agent in delivering services to the customer. We evaluated the key factors to determine whether the Company is responsible for fulfillment of each significant service provided to the customer.
o
Estimating variable consideration, primarily related to refund liabilities on vehicle service contracts, based on historical patterns and future expectations of customer refund requests. We tested the estimated amount of expected refunds including management’s assessment of refund rates on each significant type of warranty contract to assess the overall reasonableness of the refund liabilities.
o
Determining whether certain incentive payments to dealers and partners were considered customer acquisition costs and should be included in the determination of the overall transaction price by examining the underlying program agreements and related business practices followed by the Company.
o
Application of over time recognition patterns, including management’s estimates related to claims emergence patterns for each separate group of contracts which possess similar characteristics that faithfully represent the transfer of services to the customer. We tested contracts at the warranty company subsidiaries to determine the accuracy and consistency of claim emergence patterns.
/s/ Plante & Moran PLLC
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.
Denver, CO
March 5, 2024
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share data)
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost of $38,107 and $40,127, respectively)
$ 36,473 $ 37,591
Equity investments, at fair value (cost of $73 and $187, respectively)
79 153
Limited liability investments
812 983
Limited liability investments, at fair value
3,496 17,059
Investments in private companies, at adjusted cost
854 790
Other investments, at cost which approximates fair value (net of allowance of $179 and zero, respectively)
6 201
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value
161 157
Total investments
41,881 56,934
Cash and cash equivalents
9,098 64,168
Restricted cash
8,400 13,064
Accrued investment income
914 1,195
Service fee receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $243 and $147, respectively
10,083 10,304
Other receivables, net of allowance of $5 and $8, respectively
726 3,720
Deferred contract costs
13,734 13,257
Income taxes receivable
1,299 -
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,158 and $1,041, respectively
1,850 773
Right-of-use asset
886 911
Goodwill
50,358 45,498
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $28,137 and $22,228, respectively
35,670 33,099
Other assets
5,066 23,249
Assets held for sale
17,752 19,478
Total Assets
$ 197,717 $ 285,650
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
$ 22,342 $ 55,801
Income taxes payable
- 945
Deferred service fees
83,995 82,713
Bank loans
30,822 34,281
Subordinated debt, at fair value
13,594 67,811
Lease liability
1,198 1,217
Net deferred income tax liabilities
5,041 4,176
Liabilities held for sale
16,114 16,585
Total Liabilities
173,106 263,529
Redeemable Class A preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 authorized; zero and 149,733 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively; redemption amount of zero and $6,013 at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively
- 6,013
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, no par value; 50,000,000 authorized; 27,771,790 and 23,437,530 issued at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively; and 27,101,613 and 23,190,080 outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively
- -
Additional paid-in capital
379,813 359,985
Treasury stock, at cost; 670,177 and 247,450 outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively
(3,696 ) (492 )
Accumulated deficit
(346,868 ) (370,427 )
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(1,540 ) 26,605
Shareholders' equity attributable to common shareholders
27,709 15,671
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
(3,098 ) 437
Total Shareholders' Equity
24,611 16,108
Total Liabilities, Class A preferred stock and Shareholders' Equity
$ 197,717 $ 285,650
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
Years ended December 31,
Revenues:
Service fee and commission revenue
$ 103,244 $ 93,280
Total revenues
103,244 93,280
Operating expenses:
Claims authorized on vehicle service agreements
23,066 20,895
Commissions
10,208 8,358
Cost of services sold
27,211 18,673
General and administrative expenses
41,805 43,519
Disposal of subsidiary transaction expenses
- 5,408
Total operating expenses
102,290 96,853
Operating income (loss)
954 (3,573 )
Other revenues (expenses), net:
Net investment income
1,804 2,305
Net realized gains
761 1,209
Net gain (loss) on equity investments
3,397 (26 )
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value
78 (1,754 )
Net change in unrealized gain on private company investments
63 -
Gain on change in fair value of real estate investments
- 1,488
Impairment losses
(229 ) -
(Loss) gain on change in fair value of derivative asset option contracts
(1,366 ) 16,730
Non-operating other expense
(1,542 ) (206 )
Interest expense
(6,250 ) (8,092 )
Amortization of intangible assets
(5,909 ) (6,133 )
Loss on change in fair value of debt
(68 ) (4,908 )
Gain on disposal of subsidiary
342 37,917
Gain on extinguishment of debt
31,616 -
Total other revenue, net
22,697 38,530
Income from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense
23,651 34,957
Income tax (benefit) expense
(1,899 ) 4,825
Income from continuing operations
25,550 30,132
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
450 (12,805 )
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes
(1,988 ) (2,262 )
Net income
24,012 15,065
Less: Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
453 (1,471 )
Less: Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
- (8,186 )
Less: Dividends on preferred stock
74 306
Net income attributable to common shareholders
$ 23,485 $ 24,416
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders
$ 25,023 $ 31,297
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders
(1,538 ) (6,881 )
Net income attributable to common shareholders
$ 23,485 $ 24,416
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders:
Continuing operations
$ 0.97 $ 1.36
Discontinued operations
$ (0.06 ) $ (0.30 )
Basic earnings per share - net income attributable to common shareholders
$ 0.91 $ 1.06
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders:
Continuing operations
$ 0.95 $ 1.25
Discontinued operations
$ (0.06 ) $ (0.27 )
Diluted earnings per share - net income attributable to common shareholders
$ 0.89 $ 0.98
Weighted average shares outstanding (in ‘000s):
Basic:
25,713 22,961
Diluted:
26,448 25,304
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Net income
$ 24,012 $ 15,065
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes(1):
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
1,095 (2,330 )
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income
(197 ) 22
Change in fair value of debt attributable to instrument-specific credit risk:
Unrealized losses arising during the period
(1,836 ) (1,930 )
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income
(27,177 ) -
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes(1)
(28,115 ) (4,238 )
Comprehensive (loss) income
$ (4,103 ) $ 10,827
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
483 (9,721 )
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common shareholders
$ (4,586 ) $ 20,548
(1) Net of income tax (benefit) expense of $0 and $0 in 2023 and 2022, respectively
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(in thousands, except share data)
Shareholders'
Accumulated
Equity
Noncontrolling
Additional
Other
Attributable to
Interests in
Total
Paid-in
Treasury
Accumulated
Comprehensive
Common
Consolidated
Shareholders'
Common Stock
Capital
Stock
Deficit
Income (Loss)
Shareholders
Subsidiaries
Equity
Shares
Amount
Balance, December 31, 2021
22,882,614 $ - $ 359,138 $ (492 ) $ (395,149 ) $ 30,779 (5,724 ) $ 13,981 $ 8,257
Vesting of restricted stock awards, net of share settlements for tax withholdings
73,437 - - - - - - - -
Conversion of redeemable Class A preferred stock to common stock
125,000 - 788 - - - 788 - 788
Exercise of Series B warrants
109,029 - 545 - - - 545 - 545
Net income (loss)
- - - - 24,722 - 24,722 (9,657 ) 15,065
Preferred stock dividends
- - (306 ) - - - (306 ) - (306 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders
- - - - - - - (6,016 ) (6,016 )
Deconsolidation of noncontrolling interest
- - - - - - - 2,193 2,193
Other comprehensive loss
- - - - - (4,174 ) (4,174 ) (64 ) (4,238 )
Redemption of equity awards related to disposal of subsidiary
- - (1,056 ) - - - (1,056 ) - (1,056 )
Stock-based compensation, net of tax withholdings related to net share settlements
- - 876 - - - 876 - 876
Balance, December 31, 2022
23,190,080 $ - $ 359,985 $ (492 ) $ (370,427 ) $ 26,605 15,671 $ 437 $ 16,108
Vesting of restricted stock awards, net of share settlements for tax withholdings
66,768 - - - - - - - -
Conversion of redeemable Class A preferred stock to common stock
935,831 - 6,086 - - - 6,086 - 6,086
Exercise of Series B warrants
3,331,661 - 16,658 - - - 16,658 - 16,658
Repurchases of Series B warrants
- - (4,031 ) - - - (4,031 ) - (4,031 )
Net income
- - - - 23,559 - 23,559 453 24,012
Preferred stock dividends
- - (74 ) - - - (74 ) - (74 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders
- - - - - - - (4,018 ) (4,018 )
Repurchases of common stock
(422,727 ) - - (3,204 ) - - (3,204 ) - (3,204 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income
- - - - - (28,145 ) (28,145 ) 30 (28,115 )
Stock-based compensation, net of tax withholdings related to net share settlements
- - 1,189 - - - 1,189 - 1,189
Balance, December 31, 2023
27,101,613 $ - $ 379,813 $ (3,696 ) $ (346,868 ) $ (1,540 ) $ 27,709 $ (3,098 ) $ 24,611
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities:
Net income
$ 24,012 $ 15,065
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
(450 ) 12,805
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes
1,988 2,262
Equity in net loss (income) of limited liability investments
44 (293 )
Depreciation and amortization expense
6,220 6,449
Stock-based compensation expense
1,639 4,052
Net realized gains
(761 ) (1,209 )
Net (gain) loss on equity investments
(3,397 ) 26
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value
(78 ) 1,754
Net change in unrealized gain on private company investments
(63 ) -
Gain on change in fair value of real estate investments
- (1,488 )
Loss on change in fair value of debt
68 4,908
Loss (gain) on change in fair value of derivatives
1,643 (17,070 )
Loss on change in fair value of contingent consideration
262 1,510
Deferred income taxes, adjusted for SPI and DDI liabilities assumed in 2023
(1,924 ) 1,406
Impairment losses
229 -
Amortization of fixed maturities premiums and discounts
19 236
Gain on disposal of subsidiary
(342 ) (37,917 )
Gain on extinguishment of debt
(31,616 ) -
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Service fee receivable, net, adjusted for SPI and DDI (2023) and CSuite and SNS (2022) acquired
1,123 (136 )
Other receivables, net, adjusted for CSuite assets acquired in 2022
2,546 (7 )
Deferred contract costs
(477 ) (2,327 )
Other assets, adjusted for SPI and DDI (2023) and CSuite and SNS (2022) assets acquired
945 (2,067 )
Deferred service fees, adjusted for SPI liabilities assumed in 2023
859 (6,504 )
Other, net, adjusted for SPI and DDI (2023) and CSuite and SNS (2022) assets acquired and liabilities assumed
(29,338 ) 15,916
Cash used in operating activities - continuing operations
(26,849 ) (2,629 )
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations
663 (11,945 )
Net cash used in operating activities
(26,186 ) (14,574 )
Investing activities:
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities
8,468 9,714
Proceeds from sales of equity investments
3,471 -
Purchases of fixed maturities
(6,467 ) (14,211 )
Net proceeds from limited liability investments
314 1,577
Net proceeds from limited liability investments, at fair value
14,123 621
Net proceeds from investments in private companies
39 258
Proceeds from sale of real estate investments
- 12,150
Net proceeds from other investments and short-term investments
16 55
Net proceeds from disposal of subsidiary, net of cash disposed of $1,391
342 35,158
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
(13,633 ) (13,689 )
Net (purchases) disposals of property and equipment, adjusted for DDI assets acquired in 2023
(205 ) 26,461
Cash provided by investing activities - continuing operations
6,468 58,094
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - discontinued operations
(11 ) 42,846
Net cash provided by investing activities
6,457 100,940
Financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of warrants
16,658 545
Cash paid for repurchase of warrants
(4,031 ) -
Cash paid for repurchase of common stock
(3,204 ) -
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders
(4,018 ) (6,016 )
Payment of contingent consideration from acquisition
(375 ) (750 )
Taxes paid related to net share settlements of restricted stock awards
(450 ) (396 )
Principal proceeds from bank loans, net of debt issuance costs of $68 in 2023 and $167 in 2022
5,533 12,682
Principal payments on bank loans
(9,113 ) (5,228 )
Purchase of subordinated debt
(40,328 ) -
Payment of debt issuance costs
(25 ) -
Principal payments on notes payable
- (6,411 )
Cash used in financing activities - continuing operations
(39,353 ) (5,574 )
Cash used in financing activities - discontinued operations
(610 ) (32,358 )
Net cash used in financing activities
(39,963 ) (37,932 )
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash from continuing operations
(59,734 ) 49,891
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
77,802 29,899
Less: cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of discontinued operations
570 2,558
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of continuing operations at beginning of period
77,232 27,341
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of continuing operations at end of period
$ 17,498 $ 77,232
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Years ended December 31,
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information:
Cash paid by continuing operations during the year for:
Interest
$ 24,581
$ 1,427
Income taxes
$ 1,894
$
Non-cash investing and financing activities from continuing operations:
Conversion of redeemable Class A preferred stock to common stock
$ 6,086
$
Accrued dividends on Class A preferred stock issued
$
$
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 1 BUSINESS
Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (the "Company" or "Kingsway") was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on September 19, 1989. Effective December 31, 2018, the Company changed its jurisdiction of incorporation from the province of Ontario, Canada, to the State of Delaware. Kingsway is a holding company with operating subsidiaries located in the United States. The Company owns or controls subsidiaries primarily in the extended warranty and business services industries.
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a)
Principles of consolidation:
The accompanying information in the 2023 Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kingsway and its majority owned and controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
In addition, the Company evaluates its relationships or investments for consolidation pursuant to authoritative accounting guidance related to the consolidation of a variable interest entity ("VIE") under the Variable Interest Model prescribed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB").
The Company’s investments include certain investments, primarily in limited liability companies and limited partnerships in which the Company holds a variable interest. The Company evaluates these investments for the characteristics of a VIE. The Variable Interest Model identifies the characteristics of a VIE to include investments (1) lacking sufficient equity to finance activities without additional subordinated support or (2) in which the holders of equity at risk in the investments lack characteristics of a controlling financial interest, such as the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the legal entity’s economic performance; the obligation to absorb the legal entity’s expected losses; or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the legal entity. The equity investors as a group are considered to lack the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the legal entity’s economic performance when (1) the voting rights of some investors are not proportional to their obligations to absorb the expected losses of the legal entity or their rights to receive the expected residual returns of the legal entity and (2) substantially all of the activities of the legal entity are conducted on behalf of an investor with disproportionately few voting rights. When evaluating whether an investment lacks characteristics of a controlling financial interest, the Company considers limited liability companies and limited partnerships to lack the power of a controlling financial interest if neither of the following exists: (1) a simple majority or lower threshold of partners or members with equity at risk are able to exercise substantive kick-out rights through voting interest over the general partner(s) or managing member(s) or (2) limited partners with equity at risk are able to exercise substantive participating rights over the general partner(s) or managing member(s).
If the characteristics of a VIE are met, the Company evaluates whether it meets the primary beneficiary criteria. The primary beneficiary is considered to be the entity holding a variable interest that has the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE; the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE; or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. In instances where the Company is considered to be the primary beneficiary, the Company consolidates the VIE. When the Company is not considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, the VIE is not consolidated and the Company uses the equity method to account for the investment. Under this method, the carrying value is generally the Company’s share of the net asset value of the unconsolidated entity, and changes in the Company’s share of the net asset value are recorded in net investment income.
Subsidiaries
The Company's consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, shareholders' equity, revenues, expenses and cash flows of the holding company and its subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A subsidiary is an entity controlled, directly or indirectly, through ownership of more than 50% of the outstanding voting rights, or where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies so as to obtain benefits from its activities. Assessment of control is based on the substance of the relationship between the Company and the entity and includes consideration of both existing voting rights and, if applicable, potential voting rights that are currently exercisable and convertible. The operating results of subsidiaries that have been disposed are included up to the date control ceased, and any difference between the fair value of the consideration received and the carrying value of a subsidiary that has been disposed is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in full.
The consolidated financial statements are prepared as of December 31, 2023 based on individual company financial statements at the same date, or in the case of certain limited liability companies that are consolidated, on a three-month lag basis. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been aligned where necessary to ensure consistency with those of Kingsway.
The Company's subsidiaries Argo Holdings Fund I, LLC ("Argo Holdings"), Flower Portfolio 001, LLC ("Flower") and Net Lease Investment Grade Portfolio LLC ("Net Lease") meet the definition of an investment company and follow the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services-Investment Companies. Flower and Net Lease were both dissolved during 2023.
Noncontrolling interests
The Company has noncontrolling interests attributable to certain of its subsidiaries. A noncontrolling interest arises where the Company owns less than 100% of the voting rights and economic interests in a subsidiary. A noncontrolling interest is initially recognized at the proportionate share of the identifiable net assets of the subsidiary at the acquisition date and is subsequently adjusted for the noncontrolling interest's share of the acquiree's net income (loss) and changes in capital. The effects of transactions with noncontrolling interests are recorded in shareholders' equity where there is no change of control.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(b)
Use of estimates:
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and classification of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. 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 consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, revenue recognition; valuation of fixed maturities and equity investments; impairment assessment of investments; valuation of limited liability investments, at fair value; valuation of deferred income taxes; accounting for business combinations; contingent consideration; valuation and impairment assessment of intangible assets; goodwill recoverability; deferred contract costs; fair value assumptions for subordinated debt obligations; fair value assumptions for subsidiary stock-based compensation awards; and fair value assumptions for derivative instruments.
(c)
Business combinations and asset acquisitions:
The Company evaluates acquisitions in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"), to determine if a transaction represents an acquisition of a business or an acquisition of assets. The results of acquired subsidiaries are included in the consolidated statements of operations from the date of acquisition.
An acquisition of a business represents a business combination. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for a business combination. The cost of an acquired business is measured as the fair value of the assets received, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any noncontrolling interest. The excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the Company's share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquired business is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Noncontrolling interests in the net assets of consolidated entities are reported separately in shareholders' equity and initially measured at fair value. Acquisition costs related to a business combination are expensed as incurred.
When an acquisition does not meet the definition of a business combination either because: (i) substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset, or group of similar identified assets, or (ii) the acquired entity does not have an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs, the Company accounts for the acquisition as an asset acquisition. In an asset acquisition, goodwill is not recognized. Any excess of the total purchase price plus transaction costs over the fair value of the net assets acquired is allocated on a relative fair value basis to the identifiable net assets at the acquisition date.
(d)
Investments:
Investments in fixed maturities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.
Equity investments include common stocks and are reported at fair value. Changes in fair value of equity investments are recognized in net income.
Limited liability investments include investments in limited liability companies and limited partnerships in which the Company's interests are not deemed minor and, therefore, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The most recently available financial statements are used in applying the equity method. The difference between the end of the reporting period of the limited liability entities and that of the Company is no more than three months. Income or loss 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 income.
Limited liability investments, at fair value are accounted for at fair value with changes in fair value included in gain (loss) on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value. The difference between the end of the reporting period of the limited liability investments, at fair value and that of the Company is no more than three months.
Investments in private companies consist of convertible preferred stocks and notes in privately owned companies and investments in limited liability companies in which the Company’s interests are deemed minor. These investments do not have readily determinable fair values and, therefore, are reported at cost, adjusted for observable price changes and impairments. Changes in carrying value are included in net change in unrealized gain on private company investments.
Other investments include collateral loans and are reported at their unpaid principal balance, net of an allowance for credit losses, which approximates fair value.
Short-term investments, which consist of investments with original maturities between three months and one year, are reported at cost, which approximates fair value.
Realized gains and losses on sales, determined on a first-in first-out basis, are included in net realized gains.
Dividends and interest income are included in net investment income. Investment income is recorded as it accrues.
The Company accounts for all financial instruments using trade date accounting.
The Company conducts a quarterly review to identify and evaluate investments that show objective indications of possible impairment. Impairment is charged to the consolidated statements of operations if the fair value of an instrument falls below its cost or amortized cost.
When an available-for-sale fixed maturity investment is impaired, it is evaluated to determine whether there is an intent to sell the investment before recovery of amortized cost or whether a credit loss exists.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For fixed maturity investments that the Company intends to sell or for which it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell before an anticipated recovery of value, the full amount of the impairment is recognized as an impairment loss in the consolidated statements of operations. The investment’s amortized cost is written down to its fair value and is not adjusted for any subsequent recoveries.
For fixed maturity investments that the Company does not intend to sell or for which it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell before an anticipated recovery of value, the Company evaluates whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis has occurred from a credit loss or other non-credit related factors.
Considerations in the credit loss assessment include (1) extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, (2) conditions related to the investment, an industry, or a geographic area, (3) payment structure of the investment and the likelihood of the issuer's ability to make contractual cash flows, (4) defaults or other collectability concerns related to the issuer, (5) changes in the ratings assigned by a rating agency and (6) other credit enhancements that affect the investment’s expected performance.
If a credit loss exists, an allowance is established, which is equal to the difference between the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. The expected allowance for credit losses is limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis and is adjusted in subsequent periods for any additional expected credit losses or subsequent recoveries. Changes in the allowance are reported as impairment losses in the consolidated statements of operations. The amortized cost basis of the investment is not adjusted for the expected allowance for credit loss. The impairment related to other non-credit related factors is reported in other comprehensive (loss) income.
The Company reports accrued investment income separately for available-for-sale fixed maturity investments and has made a policy election to not measure an allowance for credit losses on accrued investment income. Accrued investment income is written off against net investment income at the time the issuer of the bond defaults or is expected to default on interest payments.
Prior to January 1, 2023, the Company's assessment of whether an impairment loss for a fixed maturity security occurred incorporated both quantitative and qualitative information. Factors considered in determining whether a loss was other-than-temporary included the length of time and extent to which fair value had been below cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; and the Company's ability and intent to hold investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.
(e)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and investments with original maturities of no more than three months when purchased that are readily convertible into cash.
(f)
Restricted cash:
Restricted cash represents certain cash and cash equivalent balances restricted as to withdrawal or use. The Company's restricted cash is comprised primarily of cash held for the payment of vehicle service agreement claims under the terms of certain contractual agreements, funds held in escrow, statutory deposits and amounts pledged to third-parties as deposits or to collateralize liabilities.
(g)
Service fee receivable:
Service fee receivable includes balances due and uncollected from customers. Service fee receivable is reported net of an estimated allowance for credit losses. The Company recognizes credit losses based on a forward-looking current expected credit losses. The Company estimates expected credit losses based upon its assessment of various factors, including historical collection experience, the age of service fee receivable balances, credit quality of its customers, current economic conditions, management’s experience, reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, and other factors that may affect its ability to collect from customers. Expected credit losses are recorded as general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Amounts are written off against the allowance when determined to be uncollectible. Write-offs are applied as a reduction to the allowance for credit losses and any recoveries of previous write-offs are netted against bad debt expense in the period recovered.
(h)
Deferred contract costs:
Deferred contract costs represent the deferral of incremental costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. Incremental costs to obtain a contract with a customer primarily include sales commissions. The Company capitalizes costs incurred to fulfill a contract if the costs are identifiable, generate or enhance resources used to satisfy future performance obligations and are expected to be recovered. Costs to fulfill a contract include labor costs for set-up activities directly related to the acquisition of vehicle service agreements. Contract costs are deferred and amortized over the expected customer relationship period consistent with the pattern in which the related revenues are earned. Amortization of incremental costs to obtain a contract are recorded in commissions in the consolidated statements of operations. Changes in estimates, if any, are recorded in the accounting period in which they are determined.
(i)
Property and equipment:
Property and equipment are reported in the consolidated financial statements at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment has been provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of such assets. Repairs and maintenance are recognized in operations during the period incurred. The Company estimates useful life to be three to ten years for leasehold improvements; three to seven years for furniture and equipment; three to ten years for computer hardware; and five years for medical equipment.
(j)
Goodwill and intangible assets:
When the Company acquires a subsidiary or other business where it exerts significant influence, the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired is determined and compared to the amount paid for the subsidiary or business acquired. Any excess of the amount paid over the fair value of those net assets is considered to be goodwill.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of November 30, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, to ensure that its fair value is greater than or equal to the carrying value. Any excess of carrying value over fair value is charged to the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the impairment is determined.
When the Company acquires a subsidiary or other business where it exerts significant influence or acquires certain assets, intangible assets may be acquired, which are recorded at their fair value at the time of the acquisition. An intangible asset with a definite useful life is amortized in the consolidated statements of operations over its estimated useful life. The Company writes down the value of an intangible asset with a definite useful life when the undiscounted cash flows are not expected to allow for full recovery of the carrying value.
Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortization and are tested for impairment annually as of November 30, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, to ensure that fair values are greater than or equal to carrying values. Any excess of carrying value over fair value is charged to the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the impairment is determined. The Company may perform its impairment test for any indefinite-lived intangible asset through a qualitative assessment or elect to proceed directly to a quantitative impairment test, however, the Company may resume a qualitative assessment in any subsequent period if facts and circumstances permit.
(k)
Derivative financial instruments:
Derivative financial instruments include an interest rate swap contact and the trust preferred debt repurchase options. The Company measures derivative financial instruments at fair value. The fair value of derivative financial instruments is required to be revalued each reporting period, with corresponding changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains or losses are recognized upon settlement of the contracts. Refer to Note 11, "Derivatives," for further information.
The Company entered into a pay fixed, receive variable interest rate swap contract to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates. The interest rate swap contract is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company has not elected hedge accounting for the interest rate swap, therefore changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings and are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
During the third quarter of 2022, the Company entered into three trust preferred debt repurchase option agreements. The trust preferred debt repurchase options are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022 with changes in fair value included in (loss) gain on change in fair value of derivative asset option contracts in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company exercised the repurchase options during the first quarter of 2023.
(l)
Debt:
Bank loans are reported in the consolidated balance sheets at par value adjusted for unamortized discount or premium and unamortized issuance costs. Discounts, premiums, and costs directly related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized through the maturity date of the debt using the effective interest rate method and are recorded in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Gains and losses on the extinguishment of debt are recorded in gain on extinguishment of debt.
The Company's subordinated debt is measured and reported at fair value. The fair value of the subordinated debt is calculated using a model based on significant market observable inputs and inputs developed by a third-party. These inputs include credit spread assumptions developed by a third-party and market observable swap rates. The portion of the change in fair value of subordinated debt related to the instrument-specific credit risk is recognized in other comprehensive loss.
(m)
Contingent consideration:
The consideration for certain of the Company's acquisitions include future payments to 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 at the date of acquisition and are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. 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. These fair value measurements are based on significant inputs not observable in the market. Changes in assumptions could have an impact on the payout of contingent consideration liabilities. Changes in fair value are reported in the consolidated statements of operations as non-operating other expense.
(n)
Income taxes:
The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for (i) the differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and (ii) loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the date of enactment. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not and a valuation allowance is established for any portion of a deferred tax asset that management believes will not be realized. Current federal income taxes are charged or credited to operations based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations for the current year. The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the income tax accounting guidance. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax (benefit) expense.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(o)
Leases:
The Company records a right of use asset and lease liability for all leases in which the estimated term exceeds twelve months. The Company treats contracts as a lease when the contract: (1) conveys the right to use a physically distinct property or equipment asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration, (2) the Company directs the use of the asset and (3) the Company obtains substantially all the economic benefits of the asset. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are measured and recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. As the Company’s leases are office leases, the Company is unable to determine an implicit rate; therefore, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of future payments for those leases. The Company includes options to extend or terminate the lease in the measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability when it is reasonably certain that such options will be exercised. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company determines lease classification at the commencement date. Leases not classified as sales-type (lessor) or financing leases (lessor and lessee) are classified as operating leases. The primary accounting criteria the Company uses that results in operating lease classification are: (a) the lease does not transfer ownership of the underlying asset to the lessee by the end of the lease term, (b) the lease does not grant the lessee a purchase option that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise, (c) using a seventy-five percent or more threshold in addition to other qualitative factors, the lease term is not for a major part of the remaining economic life of the underlying asset, (d) using a ninety percent or more threshold in addition to other qualitative factors, the present value of the sum of the lease payments and residual value guarantee from the lessee, if any, does not equal or substantially exceed the fair value of the underlying asset.
As an accounting policy, the Company has elected not to apply the recognition requirements in ASC 842 to short-term leases (generally those with terms of twelve months or less). Instead, the Company recognizes the lease payments as expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term and any variable lease payments in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred.
Rental expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, net of any applicable lease incentive amortization.
(p)
Revenue recognition:
Service fee and commission revenue and contract balances
Service fee and commission revenue represents vehicle service agreement fees, guaranteed asset protection products ("GAP") commissions, maintenance support service fees, warranty product commissions, homebuilder warranty service fees, homebuilder warranty commissions, business services consulting revenue, healthcare services revenue and software license and support revenue based on terms of various agreements with credit unions, consumers, businesses and homebuilders. Customers either pay in full at the inception of a warranty contract or commission product sale, or when consulting, healthcare and software license and support services are billed, or on terms subject to the Company’s customary credit reviews.
Vehicle service agreement fees include the fees collected to cover the costs of future automobile mechanical breakdown claims and the associated administration of those claims. Vehicle service agreement fees are earned over the duration of the vehicle service agreement contracts as the single performance obligation is satisfied. Vehicle service agreement fees are initially recorded as deferred service fees with revenues recognized over the term of the contract based on the proportion of expected claims to total overall claims to be incurred over the life of the contract. The Company believes this reasonably represents the transfer of services to the vehicle service contract holder over the warranty term. The Company compares the remaining deferred service fees balance to the estimated amount of expected future claims under the vehicle service agreement contracts and records an additional accrual if the deferred service fees balance is less than expected future claims costs.
In certain jurisdictions the Company is required to refund to a customer a pro-rata share of the vehicle service agreement fees if a customer cancels the agreement prior to the end of the term. Depending on the jurisdiction, the Company may be entitled to deduct from the refund a cancellation fee and/or amounts for claims incurred prior to cancellation. While refunds vary depending on the term and type of product offered, historically refunds have averaged5.75% to 14% of the original amount of the vehicle service agreement fee. Revenues recorded by the Company are net of variable consideration related to refunds and the associated refund liability is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities. The Company estimates refunds based on the actual historical refund rates by warranty type taking into consideration current observable refund trends in estimating the expected amount of future customer refunds to be paid at each reporting period.
Maintenance support service fees include the service fees collected to administer equipment breakdown and maintenance support services and are earned as services are rendered.
Warranty product commissions include the commissions from the sale of warranty contracts for certain new and used heating, ventilation, air conditioning ("HVAC"), standby generator, commercial LED lighting and commercial refrigeration equipment. The Company acts as an agent on behalf of the third-party insurance companies that underwrite and guaranty these warranty contracts. The Company does not guaranty the performance underlying the warranty contracts it sells. Warranty product commissions are earned at the time of the warranty product sales.
Homebuilder warranty service fees and homebuilder warranty commissions related to the Company's former subsidiary Professional Warranty Services Corporation ("PWSC") which was disposed of on July 22, 2022.
Business services consulting revenue includes the revenue from providing outsourced finance and human resources consulting services. The Company invoices for business services revenue based on contracted rates. Revenue is earned as services are provided.
Healthcare services revenue includes revenue from providing healthcare professional staffing services and outsourced cardiac telemetry services for long-term acute care and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. The Company invoices for healthcare services revenue based on contracted rates. Revenue is earned as services are provided.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Software license and support revenue includes revenue from the sale or rental of software products created exclusively to serve the management needs of all types of shared-ownership properties. Software licenses are on-premise at customer locations and considered fully functional when made available and delivered to the customer. As the customer can use and benefit from the license on its own, software licenses represent distinct performance obligations. Revenue is recognized upfront at the point in time when control is transferred, which is defined as the point in time when the customer can use and benefit from the license. The Company's software licenses are sold as term licenses, and the contracts include software support services, which are accounted for as separate performance obligations. The Company recognizes the portion of the transaction price allocated to the software license on a residual basis. The residual basis is used to allocate revenue when the contract arrangement includes a software license and has at least one performance obligation for which the stand-alone selling price ("SASP") is observable, such as the software support services. The residual method is used as the selling price for software licenses in circumstances when the transaction price is highly variable and the SASP is not discernable from past transactions or other observable evidence. The Company evaluates the residual approach estimate compared to all available observable data in order to conclude the estimate is representative of its SASP. Software support revenue is recognized ratably over the contract period as services are rendered. The SASP of software support is consistent with the stand-alone pricing of subsequent software support renewals.
Contract balances
The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of billing and cash receipts from customers. A contract asset is established for revenue that is recognized prior to billing the customer and is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Upon billing, which typically occurs over a three to five year installment period, the value of the contract asset is reversed and service fee receivable is recorded. When payment is made prior to satisfaction of performance obligations, a contract liability is established which is recorded as deferred service fees in the consolidated balance sheets. If the satisfaction of the performance obligation occurs over time, the contract liability is reversed over the contract term, as the services are provided to the customer. If the satisfaction of the performance obligation is at a point in time, the contract liability reverses upon delivery to the customer.
(q)
Stock-based compensation:
The Company uses the fair-value method of accounting for stock-based compensation awards granted to employees. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period during which awards are expected to vest, with a corresponding increase to either additional paid-in capital for equity-classified awards or to a liability for liability-classified awards. Liability-classified awards, included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, are measured and reported at fair value on the date of grant and are remeasured each reporting period. Compensation expense related to the change in fair value for liability-classified awards is reported in the consolidated statements of operations as general and administrative expenses. For awards with a graded vesting schedule, expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award. For awards subject to a performance condition, expense is recognized when the performance condition has been satisfied or is probable of being satisfied. For awards subject to a market condition, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied, provided that the requisite service has been provided. Forfeitures are recognized in the period that the award is forfeited.
(r)
Fair value of financial instruments:
The fair values of the Company's investments in fixed maturities and equity investments, limited liability investments, at fair value, subordinated debt, derivative financial instruments and contingent consideration are estimated using a fair value hierarchy to categorize the inputs it uses in valuation techniques. Fair values for other investments approximate their unpaid principal balance. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair values for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments and certain other assets and other liabilities because of their short-term nature.
NOTE 3 RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
(a)
Adoption of New Accounting Standards:
Effective January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 replaces the current incurred loss model used to measure impairment losses with an expected loss model for trade, reinsurance, and other receivables as well as financial instruments measured at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 requires a financial asset measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by means of an allowance for credit losses that runs through net income. For available-for-sale fixed maturities carried at fair value, estimated credit losses will continue to be measured at the present value of expected cash flows, however, the other than temporary impairment concept has been eliminated. Under the previous guidance, estimated credit impairments resulted in a write down of amortized cost. Under the new guidance, estimated credit losses are recognized through an allowance and reversals of the allowance are permitted if the estimate of credit losses declines. For available-for-sale fixed maturities where there is an intent to sell, impairment will continue to result in a write down of amortized cost.
The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using a modified retrospective method. Prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous accounting guidance. A prospective transition approach is required for available-for-sale fixed maturity investments that have recognized an other-than-temporary impairment write down prior to the effective date. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 resulted in no cumulative-effect adjustment to accumulated deficit at January 1, 2023.
(b)
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted:
In March 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2023-02, Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method. These amendments allow reporting entities to elect to account for qualifying tax equity investments using the proportional amortization method, regardless of the program giving rise to the related income tax credits. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2023-02 to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative issued in August 2018 ("ASU 2023-06"), which amends U.S. GAAP to reflect updates and simplifications to certain disclosure requirements referred to FASB by the SEC. The targeted amendments incorporate 14 of the 27 disclosures referred by the SEC into Codification. Some of the amendments represent clarifications to, or technical corrections of, the current requirements. ASU 2023-06 could move certain disclosures from the nonfinancial portions of SEC filings to the financial statement notes. Each amendment in ASU 2023-06 will only become effective if the SEC removes the related disclosure or presentation requirement from its existing regulation by June 30, 2027. No amendments were effective at December 31, 2023. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the new standard but does not expect a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”), which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. In addition, the amendments enhance interim disclosure requirements, clarify circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, provide new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment, and contain other disclosure requirements. The purpose of the amendments is to enable investors to better understand an entity’s overall performance and assess potential future cash flows. ASU 2023-07 is effective for public companies with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within annual period beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), which requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. The standard is intended to benefit investors by providing more detailed income tax disclosures that would be useful in making capital allocation decisions. ASU 2023-09 is effective for public companies with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 4 ACQUISITIONS
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company incurred acquisition expenses related to business combinations of $0.7 million and $1.1million, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Systems Products International, Inc.
On September 7, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of Systems Products International, Inc. ("SPI") for aggregate cash consideration of $2.8 million, less certain escrowed amounts for purposes of indemnification claims and working capital adjustments. SPI, based in Miami, Florida, is a vertical market software company, created exclusively to serve the management needs of all types of shared-ownership properties. As further discussed in Note 22, "Segmented Information," SPI is included in the Kingsway Search Xcelerator segment. This acquisition was the Company’s fourth acquisition under its novel CEO Accelerator program and its first in the vertical market software space and further expands the Company’s portfolio of businesses with recurring revenue and low capital intensity.
This acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price was provisionally allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition and are subject to adjustment during a measurement period subsequent to the acquisition date, not to exceed one year as permitted under U.S. GAAP. The Company expects to complete its purchase price allocation during the first quarter of 2024. These estimates, allocations and calculations are subject to change as we obtain further information; therefore, the final fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed could change from the estimates included in these consolidated financial statements.
Refer to Note 9, "Intangible Assets," for further disclosure of the intangible assets related to this acquisition. The goodwill of $0.1 million represents the premium paid over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, which the Company paid to grow its portfolio of companies and acquire an assembled workforce. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated allocation of the SPI assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
(in thousands)
September 7, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 121
Restricted cash
Service fee receivable
Goodwill
Intangible asset not subject to amortization - trade name
Intangible asset subject to amortization - customer relationships
1,000
Intangible asset subject to amortization - developed technology
Other assets
1,789
Total assets
$ 4,124
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
$ 125
Deferred service fees
Net deferred income tax liabilities
Total liabilities
$ 1,324
Purchase price
$ 2,800
The consolidated statements of operations include the earnings of SPI from the date of acquisition. From the date of acquisition through December 31, 2023, SPI earned revenue of $0.8 million and had a net income of $0.4 million.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Digital Diagnostics Imaging, Inc.
On October 26, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of Digital Diagnostics Imaging, Inc. ("DDI") for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $11.0 million, less certain escrowed amounts for purposes of indemnification claims and working capital adjustments. DDI, based in Wall, New Jersey, is a provider of fully managed outsourced cardiac telemetry services. As further discussed in Note 22, "Segmented Information," DDI is included in the Kingsway Search Xcelerator segment. This acquisition was the Company’s fifth acquisition under its novel CEO Accelerator program and further expands the Company’s portfolio of businesses with recurring revenue and low capital intensity.
This acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price was provisionally allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities ass umed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition and are subject to adjustment during a measurement period subsequent to the acquisition date, not to exceed one year as permitted under U.S. GAAP. The Company expects to complete its purchase price allocation during the first quarter of 2024. These estimates, allocations and calculations are subject to change as we obtain further information; therefore, the final fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed could change from the estimates included in these consolidated financial statements.
Refer to Note 9 , " Intangible Assets ," for further disclosure of the intangible assets related to this acquisition. The goodwill of $4.8 million represents the premium paid over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, which the Company paid to grow its portfolio of companies and acquire an assembled workforce. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated allocation of the DDI assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
(in thousands)
October 26, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 124
Service fee receivable
Property and equipment, net
1,183
Right-of-use asset
Goodwill
4,762
Intangible asset not subject to amortization - trade name
Intangible asset subject to amortization - customer relationships
6,500
Other assets
Total assets
$ 13,503
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
$ 214
Income taxes payable
Lease liability
Net deferred income tax liabilities
2,013
Total liabilities
$ 2,513
Purchase price
$ 10,990
The consolidated statements of operations include the earnings of DDI from the date of acquisition. From the date of acquisition through December 31, 2023, DDI earned revenue of $0.9 million and had net income of $1.5 million, primarily related to a tax benefit recognized for the partial release of the Company’s deferred tax valuation allowance related to the acquired deferred tax liabilities.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
CSuite Financial Partners, LLC
On November 1, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of CSuite Financial Partners, LLC ("CSuite"). CSuite, based in Manhattan Beach, California, is a national financial executive services firm providing financial management leadership to companies in every industry, regardless of size, throughout the United States. As further discussed in Note 22, "Segmented Information," CSuite is included in the Kingsway Search Xcelerator segment. This acquisition was the Company’s second acquisition under its novel CEO Accelerator program and further expands the Company’s portfolio of businesses with recurring revenue and low capital intensity.
The Company acquired CSuite for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $8.5 million, less certain escrowed amounts for purposes of indemnification claims and working capital adjustments. The final purchase price was subject to a working capital true-up of less than $0.1 million that was settled during the first quarter of 2023. The Company will also pay additional contingent consideration, only to the extent earned, in an aggregate amount of up to $3.6 million, which is subject to certain conditions, including the successful achievement of certain financial metrics for CSuite during the three-year period commencing on the first full calendar month following the acquisition date. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration obligation at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was zero.
This acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price was provisionally allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition and were subject to adjustment during a measurement period subsequent to the acquisition date, not to exceed one-year as permitted under U.S. GAAP. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company finalized its fair value analysis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the assistance of a third party. No measurement period adjustments were recorded as a result of finalizing the fair value analysis.
Refer to Note 9, "Intangible Assets," for further disclosure of the intangible assets related to this acquisition. The goodwill of $4.1 million represents the premium paid over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, which the Company paid to grow its portfolio of companies and acquire an assembled workforce. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration obligation at the acquisition date of zero was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation based on forecasted future results.
The following table summarizes the estimated allocation of the CSuite assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
(in thousands)
November 1, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 569
Service fee receivable
Other receivables
Goodwill
4,109
Intangible asset not subject to amortization - trade name
1,500
Intangible asset subject to amortization - customer relationships
2,500
Other assets
Total assets
$ 9,063
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
$ 539
Total liabilities
$ 539
Purchase price
$ 8,524
The consolidated statements of operations include the earnings of CSuite from the date of acquisition. From the date of acquisition through December 31, 2022, CSuite earned revenue of $1.3 million and had a net loss of less than $0.1 million.
Secure Nursing Service, Inc.
On November 18, 2022, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain specified liabilities of Secure Nursing Service, Inc. ("SNS") for aggregate cash consideration of $11.5 million, less certain escrowed amounts for purposes of indemnification claims and working capital adjustments. SNS, based in Los Angeles, California, employs highly skilled and professional per diem and travel Registered Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants and Allied Healthcare Professionals with multiple years of acute care hospital experience. SNS places these healthcare professionals in both per diem assignments, and in short-term and long-term travel assignments in a variety of hospitals in southern California. As further discussed in Note 22, "Segmented Information," SNS is included in the Kingsway Search Xcelerator segment. This acquisition was the Company’s third acquisition under its novel CEO Accelerator program and further expands the Company’s portfolio of businesses with recurring revenue and low capital intensity.
This acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price was provisionally allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition and were subject to adjustment during a measurement period subsequent to the acquisition date, not to exceed one-year as permitted under U.S. GAAP. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company finalized its fair value analysis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the assistance of a third party. No measurement period adjustments were recorded as a result of finalizing the fair value analysis.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Refer to Note 9, "Intangible Assets," for further disclosure of the intangible assets related to this acquisition. The goodwill of $1.6 million represents the premium paid over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, which the Company paid to grow its portfolio of companies and acquire an assembled workforce. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
The following table summarizes the estimated allocation of the SNS assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
(in thousands)
November 18, 2022
Service fee receivable
$ 3,200
Goodwill
1,600
Intangible asset not subject to amortization - trade name
3,100
Intangible asset subject to amortization - customer relationships
3,600
Other assets
Total assets
$ 11,506
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
$ 6
Total liabilities
$ 6
Purchase price
$ 11,500
The consolidated statements of operations include the earnings of SNS from the date of acquisition. From the date of acquisition through December 31, 2022, SNS earned revenue of $2.4 million and had a net loss of $0.1 million.
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary
The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 as if DDI, CSuite and SNS had been acquired on January 1 of the year prior to the acquisitions. The pro forma summary is presented for illustrative purposes only and does not purport to represent the results of our operations that would have actually occurred had the acquisitions occurred as of the beginning of the period presented or project our results of operations as of any future date or for any future period, as applicable. The pro forma results primarily include purchase accounting adjustments related to the acquisitions of DDI, CSuite and SNS, interest expense and the amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts associated with the related financing obtained in connection with the DDI, CSuite and SNS acquisitions (see Note 12, "Debt"), tax related adjustments and acquisition-related expenses. The pro forma effects of the SPI acquisition are not material to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
(in thousands, except per share data)
Years ended December 31,
Revenues
$ 107,188 $ 125,510
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders
$ 24,593 $ 33,614
Basic earnings per share - continuing operations
$ 0.96 $ 1.46
Diluted earnings per share - continuing operations
$ 0.93 $ 1.34
NOTE 5 DISPOSAL AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
(a)
Disposal
Professional Warranty Service Corporation
On July 29, 2022, Professional Warranty Services LLC ("PWS LLC"), a subsidiary of the Company entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") with Professional Warranty Service Corporation ("PWSC"), an 80% majority-owned, indirect subsidiary of the Company, Tyler Gordy, the president of PWSC and a 20% owner of PWSC ("Gordy") and PCF Insurance Services of the West, LLC ("Buyer"), pursuant to which PWS LLC and Gordy sold PWSC to Buyer.
The purchase price paid by Buyer to PWS LLC and Gordy consisted of $51.2 million in base purchase price, subject to customary adjustments for net working capital, and non-compensation related transaction expenses of approximately $1.7 million. As a result of the sale, the Company incurred compensation expenses of $5.4 million, primarily related to previously-granted awards to PWSC employees that are accounted for on a fair value basis, which are included in disposal of subsidiary transaction expenses in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
To the extent the EBITDA of PWSC (as defined in the Agreement) for the one-year period following the sale transaction exceeds 103% of the EBITDA at the closing of the sale transaction (the "Closing EBITDA"), PWS LLC and Gordy will also be entitled to receive an earnout payment in an amount equal to five times the EBITDA in excess of 103% of Closing EBITDA. The Company has estimated the potential earnout payment to be zero as of December 31, 2023.
As a result of the sale, the Company recognized a net gain on disposal of $37.9 million, net of direct selling costs of $1.7 million, during the year ended December 31, 2022. The sale of PWSC did not represent a strategic shift that would have a major effect on the Company's operations or financial results; therefore, PWSC is not presented as a discontinued operation. The earnings of PWSC, which was included in the Extended Warranty segment, are included in the consolidated statements of operations through the July 29, 2022 disposal date. The assets, liabilities and equity (including the non-controlling interest) of PWSC were deconsolidated effective July 29, 2022.
The sale of PWSC represents the disposal of a significant subsidiary of the Company, that had contributions to Extended Warranty service fee and commission revenue of $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Additionally, PWSC had a pre-tax loss of $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, of which $4.4 million was attributable to the controlling interest. At the July 29, 2022 disposal date, PWSC had service fee receivables totaling $0.7 million, intangible assets, net of $2.3 million, deferred service fees of $7.6 million and a non-controlling interest of ($2.2) million.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded an additional gain on disposal of PWSC of $0.3 million related to working capital adjustments and release of escrowed amounts withheld for purposes of indemnification claims.
(b)
Discontinued Operations
Leased Real Estate Segment
The Company’s subsidiaries, VA Lafayette and CMC Industries Inc. ("CMC"), which includes CMC’s subsidiaries Texas Rail Terminal LLC and TRT Leaseco, LLC ("TRT"), comprised the Company's entire Leased Real Estate segment. Each of CMC, through indirect wholly owned subsidiary, TRT, and VA Lafayette own a single asset, which is real estate property. As further described below, on December 29, 2022, TRT sold its assets and at December 31, 2022, VA Lafayette was classified as held for sale.
In accordance with ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting of Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, a disposal is categorized as a discontinued operation if the disposal group is a component of an entity or group of components that meets the held for sale criteria, is disposed of by sale, or is disposed of other than by sale, and represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results.
Leased Real Estate is a component of Kingsway since its operations and cash flows can be clearly distinguished, both operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the reporting entity. A component of an entity may consist of multiple disposal groups and does not need to be disposed of in a single transaction. The disposal of the Leased Real Estate segment represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results, as the disposal of the Leased Real Estate assets is in excess of 20% of the entity's total assets. As a result, the assets, liabilities, operating results and cash flows related to Leased Real Estate have been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
Sale of CMC Real Property
CMC owned, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, TRT, a parcel of real property consisting of approximately 192 acres located in the State of Texas (the "Real Property"), which was subject to a long-term triple net lease agreement. The Real Property was also subject to two mortgages (the "Mortgages").
On December 22, 2022, TRT entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "CMC Agreement") with BNSF Dayton LLC ("Purchaser"), pursuant to which TRT agreed to sell to the Purchaser the Real Property. TRT was also the landlord and an affiliate of the Purchaser was the current tenant under the long-term triple net lease over the Real Property. Under the terms of the CMC Agreement, at the closing on December 29, 2022, TRT assigned, and the Purchaser assumed, the rights and obligations of the landlord under the existing long-term triple net lease.
The purchase price paid by the Purchaser at the closing consisted of $44.5 million in cash plus the assumption of the unpaid principal balance as of the closing of the Mortgages of approximately $170.7 million, netting cash proceeds of $21.4 million to Kingsway after taxes, fees and distribution to the minority shareholder. The Company recognized a gain on disposal of CMC of $0.2 million which is included in loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022.
As discussed above, CMC and TRT are part of the Leased Real Estate disposal group. The sale of the Leased Real Estate's assets represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results. As a result, CMC and its subsidiaries, have been classified as a discontinued operation and the results of their operations are reported separately for all periods presented.
VA Lafayette
During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company began executing a plan to sell its subsidiary, VA Lafayette. VA Lafayette owns the LA Real Property, that is subject to a long-term lease and the LA Mortgage. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company entered into a letter of intent for the sale of VA Lafayette. As part of recognizing the business as held for sale, the Company is required to measure VA Lafayette at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. As a result of this analysis, during the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recognized an estimated non-cash, loss on disposal of $2.0 million, which is included in loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes in the consolidated statements of operations. The loss is a result of adjusting the net carrying value of VA Lafayette to be equal to the estimated selling price and was determined by comparing the expected cash consideration received for the sale of VA Lafayette with the net assets of VA Lafayette.
As discussed above, VA Lafayette is part of the Leased Real Estate disposal group. In conjunction with the sale of the CMC Real Property, the sale of the Leased Real Estate's assets represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results. As a result, VA Lafayette has been classified as a discontinued operation and the results of its operations are reported separately for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities of VA Lafayette are presented as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Summary financial information for Leased Real Estate included in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes in the statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is presented below:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes:
Revenues:
Rental revenue
$ 1,251 $ 14,567
Total revenues
1,251 14,567
Expenses:
Cost of services sold
199 204
General and administrative expenses
254 20,778
Leased real estate segment interest expense
361 6,387
Non-operating other (revenue) expense
(13 ) 154
Amortization of intangible assets
- 206
Total expenses
801 27,729
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax benefit
450 (13,162 )
Income tax benefit
- (357 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
$ 450 $ (12,805 )
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, pre-tax income from discontinued operations of $0.5 million and pre-tax loss of $10.7 million was attributable to the controlling interest, respectively.
The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of Leased Real Estate presented as held for sale at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are as follows:
(in thousands)
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 612 $ 570
Property and equipment, net
16,171 16,160
Intangible assets, net
2,748 2,748
Loss on write-down of disposal group
(1,779 ) -
Assets held for sale
$ 17,752 $ 19,478
Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
$ 885 $ 473
Notes payable
15,229 16,112
Liabilities held for sale
$ 16,114 $ 16,585
Mendota Insurance Company, Mendakota Insurance Company and Mendakota Casualty Company
As part of the October 18, 2018 transaction to sell Mendota Insurance Company, Mendakota Insurance Company and Mendakota Casualty Company (collectively "Mendota"), the Company will indemnify the buyer for any loss and loss adjustment expenses with respect to open claims in excess of Mendota's carried unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses at June 30, 2018 related to the open claims. The maximum obligation to the Company with respect to the open claims is $2.5 million.
During the third quarter of 2022, the buyer provided to the Company an analysis of the claims development that indicated that the Company's potential exposure with respect to the open claims was at the maximum obligation amount. Previous communications from the buyer noted no such development and the buyer was not obligated to provide development information to the Company until the first quarter of 2023. As a result of the newly provided information, the Company recorded a liability of $2.5 million, which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022 and loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022. There were no payments made by the Company related to the open claims during the year ended December 31, 2022. During the first quarter of 2023, the $2.0 million that had been previously deposited into an escrow account was released and remitted to the buyer to satisfy the Company's payment with respect to the open claims. The Company has no remaining exposure with respect to the open claims.
Summary
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes, related to Leased Real Estate and Mendota, in the statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is comprised of the following:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations before income tax benefit
(1,988 ) (26,751 )
Income tax benefit
- (24,489 )
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes
$ (1,988 ) $ (2,262 )
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 6 VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
(a)
Consolidated VIEs
Argo Holdings Fund I, LLC
The Company holds a 43.4% investment in Argo Holdings at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Argo Holdings makes investments, primarily in established lower middle market companies based in North America, through investments in search funds. The managing member of Argo Holdings is Argo Management Group, LLC ("Argo Management"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Argo Holdings is considered to be a VIE as the members holding equity at risk lack characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The Company holds a variable interest in Argo Holdings due to its right to absorb significant economics in Argo Holdings and through its controlling interest in Argo Management, through which the Company holds the power to direct the significant activities of Argo Holdings. As such, the Company was the primary beneficiary of Argo Holdings and consolidated Argo Holdings at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Net Lease Investment Grade Portfolio, LLC
The Company held a 71.0% investment in Net Lease at December 31, 2022. Net Lease distributed its remaining net assets and was dissolved during the fourth quarter of 2023. At December 31, 2022 Net Lease held one commercial property under a triple net lease, which was encumbered by a mortgage loan. The property was sold during the first quarter of 2023. Net Lease was considered to be a VIE as the members holding equity at risk lack characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The Company held a variable interest in Net Lease due to its right to absorb significant economics in Net Lease and to control the management decisions of Net Lease, which allowed the Company to hold the power to direct the significant activities of Net Lease. As such, the Company was the primary beneficiary of Net Lease and consolidated Net Lease at December 31, 2022.
The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities related to VIEs consolidated by the Company at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
(in thousands)
December 31,
Assets
Limited liability investments, at fair value
$ 3,496 $ 17,059
Cash and cash equivalents
270 573
Accrued investment income
527 829
Total Assets
4,293 18,461
Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
289 333
Total Liabilities
$ 289 $ 333
No arrangements exist requiring the Company to provide additional funding to the consolidated VIEs in excess of the Company’s unfunded commitments to its consolidated VIEs. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had no unfunded commitments. There are no restrictions on assets consolidated by these VIEs. There are no structured settlements of liabilities consolidated by these VIEs. Creditors have no recourse to the general credit of the Company as the primary beneficiary of these VIEs.
(b)
Non-Consolidated VIEs
The Company’s investments include certain non-consolidated investments, primarily in limited liability companies and limited partnerships in which the Company holds variable interests, that are considered VIEs due to the legal entities holding insufficient equity; the holders of equity at risk in the legal entities lacking controlling financial interests; and/or the holders of equity at risk having non-proportional voting rights.
The Company’s risk of loss associated with its non-consolidated VIEs is limited and depends on the investment. Limited liability investments accounted for under the equity method are limited to the Company’s initial investments. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had no unfunded commitments to its non-consolidated VIEs.
The following table summarizes the carrying value and maximum loss exposure of the Company’s non-consolidated VIEs at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
(in thousands)
December 31,
Maximum Loss
Maximum Loss
Carrying Value
Exposure
Carrying Value
Exposure
Investments in non-consolidated VIEs
$ 854 $ 854 $ 940 $ 940
The following table summarizes the Company’s non-consolidated VIEs by category at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
(in thousands)
December 31,
Carrying
Carrying
Value
Percent of total
Value
Percent of total
Investments in non-consolidated VIEs:
Non-real estate related
854 100.0 % 940 100.0 %
Total investments in non-consolidated VIEs
$ 854 100.0 % $ 940 100.0 %
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table presents aggregated summarized financial information of the Company’s non-consolidated VIEs at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. For certain of the non-consolidated VIEs, the financial information is presented on a lag basis, consistent with how the changes in the Company’s share of the net asset values of these equity method investees are recorded in net investment income. The difference between the end of the reporting period of an equity method investee and that of the Company is typically no more than three months.
(in thousands)
December 31,
Assets
$ 222,249 $ 241,050
Liabilities
$ 313,573 $ 330,470
Equity
$ (91,324 ) $ (89,420 )
(in thousands)
December 31,
Net income
$ 8,306 $ 16,330
NOTE 7 INVESTMENTS
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, and estimated fair value of the Company's available-for-sale investments at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are summarized in the tables shown below:
(in thousands)
December 31, 2023
Gross
Gross
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Estimated Fair
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$ 13,384 $ 8 $ 395 $ 12,997
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
2,885 3 105 2,783
Mortgage-backed
9,724 23 494 9,253
Asset-backed
1,254 1 45 1,210
Corporate
10,860 18 648 10,230
Total fixed maturities
$ 38,107 $ 53 $ 1,687 $ 36,473
(in thousands)
December 31, 2022
Gross
Gross
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Estimated Fair
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$ 15,797 $ - $ 717 $ 15,080
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
2,390 - 158 2,232
Mortgage-backed
9,058 1 647 8,412
Asset-backed
1,682 - 72 1,610
Corporate
11,200 1 944 10,257
Total fixed maturities
$ 40,127 $ 2 $ 2,538 $ 37,591
The table below summarizes the Company's fixed maturities at December 31, 2023 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)
December 31, 2023
Estimated Fair
Amortized Cost
Value
Due in one year or less
$ 6,021 $ 5,922
Due after one year through five years
26,223 25,155
Due after five years through ten years
1,144 1,067
Due after ten years
4,719 4,329
Total
$ 38,107 $ 36,473
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following tables highlight the aggregate unrealized loss position, by security type, of available-for-sale investments in unrealized loss positions where no credit loss allowance had been established as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The tables segregate the holdings based on the period of time the investments have been continuously held in unrealized loss positions.
(in thousands)
December 31, 2023
Less than 12 Months
Greater than 12 Months
Total
Estimated
Unrealized
Estimated
Unrealized
Estimated
Unrealized
Fair Value
Loss
Fair Value
Loss
Fair Value
Loss
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$ 3,237 $ 46 $ 7,940 $ 349 $ 11,177 $ 395
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
- - 1,705 105 1,705 105
Mortgage-backed
737 11 6,067 483 6,804 494
Asset-backed
- - 1,050 45 1,050 45
Corporate
937 11 8,013 637 8,950 648
Total fixed maturities
$ 4,911 $ 68 $ 24,775 $ 1,619 $ 29,686 $ 1,687
(in thousands)
December 31, 2022
Less than 12 Months
Greater than 12 Months
Total
Estimated
Unrealized
Estimated
Unrealized
Estimated
Unrealized
Fair Value
Loss
Fair Value
Loss
Fair Value
Loss
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$ 4,543 $ 126 $ 10,537 $ 591 $ 15,080 $ 717
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
1,040 73 937 85 1,977 158
Mortgage-backed
2,248 93 5,756 554 8,004 647
Asset-backed
1,251 39 299 33 1,550 72
Corporate
3,244 155 6,760 789 10,004 944
Total fixed maturities
$ 12,326 $ 486 $ 24,289 $ 2,052 $ 36,615 $ 2,538
At December 31, 2023, there are approximately 181 individual available-for-sale investments that were in unrealized loss positions, for which an allowance for credit losses had not been recorded. The Company did not have the intent to sell these investments, and it was not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell these investments before recovery of its amortized cost. The Company evaluated these investments for credit losses at December 31, 2023. The Company considers many factors in evaluating whether the unrealized losses were credit-related, including, but not limited to, the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, conditions related to the security, industry, or geographic area, payment structure of the investment and the likelihood of the issuer’s ability to make contractual cashflows, defaults or other collectability concerns related to the issuer, changes in the ratings assigned by a rating agency, and other credit enhancements that affect the investment’s expected performance. The Company determined that the unrealized losses on the fixed maturity investments were due to non-credit related factors at December 31, 2023.
At December 31, 2022, there are approximately 208 individual available-for-sale investments that were in unrealized loss positions. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, the Company performed an analysis of the individual investments to determine if declines in market value were other-than-temporary. The Company reviewed currently available information, including, but not limited to, the credit ratings of the issuers of the investments in the fixed maturities with estimated fair values less than their carrying amounts and believes 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 did not have the intent to sell these investments, and it was not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell those investments before recovery of its amortized cost.
The establishment of an impairment loss on an investment requires a number of judgments and estimates. The Company performs a quarterly analysis of the individual investments for factors that may indicate a decline in fair value below its cost, amortized cost or modified cost. Refer to the "Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Estimates" section of Management's Discussion & Analysis for further information regarding the Company's detailed analysis and factors considered in recording an impairment loss on an investment.
The Company did not record any write-downs for impairment related to available-for-sale fixed maturity investments for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
The Company does not have any exposure to subprime mortgage-backed investments.
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the carrying value of limited liability investments totaled $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The Company recorded impairments related to limited liability investments of $0.1 million and zero for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, which are included in impairment losses in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2023, the Company has no unfunded commitments related to limited liability investments.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Limited liability investments, at fair value represents the underlying investments of the Company’s consolidated entities Argo Holdings and Net Lease (at December 31, 2022 only). As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the carrying value of the Company's limited liability investments, at fair value was $3.5 million and $17.1 million, respectively. The Company recorded impairments related to limited liability investments, at fair value of $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, which are included in gain (loss) on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2023, the Company has no unfunded commitments related to limited liability investments, at fair value.
The Company consolidated the financial statements of Net Lease on a three-month lag. Net Lease owned investments in limited liability companies that held investment properties.
•
During the fourth quarter of 2022, one of Net Lease's limited liability companies refinanced their existing debt. Debt proceeds of $5.2 million were distributed to Net Lease, which decreased Net Lease's investment in the limited liability company, which the Company recorded during the first quarter of 2023.
•
During the first quarter of 2023, Net Lease sold its final investment property for $15.8 million. Net Lease received net proceeds of $8.1 million after the repayment of debt at the limited liability company and transaction expenses.
•
As a result of the sale and subsequent distribution of the net proceeds, the carrying value of Net Lease's investments in limited liability companies is zero at December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the carrying value of the Company’s investments in private companies totaled $0.9 million and $0.8 million. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company recorded adjustments of $0.1 million and zero, respectively, to increase the fair value of certain investments in private companies for observable price changes, which are included in unrealized gain on private company investments in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company performs a quarterly impairment analysis of its investments in private companies. As a result of the analysis performed, the Company did not record any impairments related to investments in private companies for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Real estate investments represented investment real estate properties held by the Company’s consolidated subsidiary, Flower. On September 29, 2022, Flower sold their investment real estate properties for $12.2 million. A portion of the proceeds from the sale were used to repay the Flower note payable with an unpaid principal balance of $5.9 million at the transaction date. Flower recorded a gain of $1.5 million related to the sale, which is included in gain on change in fair value of real estate investments in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, is comprised as follows:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Investment income
Interest from fixed maturities
$ 1,018 $ 556
Dividends
97 159
(Loss) income from limited liability investments
(44 ) 293
Income from limited liability investments, at fair value
- 4
Income from real estate investments
- 795
Other
839 612
Gross investment income
1,910 2,419
Investment expenses
(106 ) (114 )
Net investment income
$ 1,804 $ 2,305
Net realized gains on investments for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are comprised as follows:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Available-for-sale fixed maturities:
Gross realized gains
$ 9 $ 2
Gross realized losses
(6 ) (25 )
Net realized gains (losses) on available-for-sale fixed maturities
3 (23 )
Limited liability investments
238 366
Limited liability investments, at fair value
481 608
Investments in private companies
39 258
Net realized gains
$ 761 $ 1,209
Net gain (loss) on equity investments for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is comprised as follows:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Net gains recognized on equity investments sold during the period
$ 3,383 $ -
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on equity investments held at end of the period
14 (26 )
Net gain (loss) on equity investments
$ 3,397 $ (26 )
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Prior to the second quarter of 2023, the Company held 400,000 warrants in Limbach Holdings, Inc. ("Limbach"). During the first quarter of 2023, the underlying common stock price of Limbach increased, resulting in an increase in the fair value of the warrants held at March 31, 2023. During the second quarter of 2023, the Company completed a cashless exercise of its Limbach warrants and received 110,036 shares of Limbach common stock. During the third quarter of 2023, the Company sold all of its Limbach common shares. The Company recorded total gains related to Limbach of $3.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023.
NOTE 8 GOODWILL
The following table summarizes goodwill activity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
(in thousands)
Extended Warranty
Kingsway Search Xcelerator
Corporate
Total
Balance, December 31, 2021
$ 40,627 $ 7,905 $ 732 $ 49,264
Acquisitions
- 5,708 - 5,708
Goodwill disposed of related to PWSC
(9,474 ) - - (9,474 )
Balance, December 31, 2022
31,153 13,613 732 45,498
Acquisitions
- 4,870 - 4,870
Measurement period adjustment
- (10 ) - (10 )
Balance, December 31, 2023
$ 31,153 $ 18,473 $ 732 $ 50,358
As further discussed in Note 4, "Acquisitions," during 2023 the Company recorded goodwill of $0.1 million related to the acquisition of SPI on September 7, 2023 and $4.8 million related to the acquisition of DDI on October 26, 2023. The goodwill related to these acquisitions is provisional and subject to adjustment during the measurement period. The Company expects to complete its purchase price allocations during the first quarter of 2024. The estimates, allocations and calculations recorded at December 31, 2023 are subject to change as we obtain further information; therefore, the final fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed may not agree with the estimates included in these consolidated financial statements.
As further discussed in Note 4 , " Acquisitions ," during 2022, the Company recorded goodwill of $4.1 million related to the acquisition of CSuite on November 1, 2021 and $1.6 million related to the acquisition of SNS on November 18, 2022. Also, during the first quarter of 2023 the Company settled the working capital true-up, related to the acquisition of CSuite, that decreased goodwill by less than $0.1 million.
Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually as of November 30, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Although the Company believes its estimates of fair value are reasonable, actual financial results could differ from those estimates due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making such estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting units, the amount of the goodwill impairment charge, or both. Based on the assessment performed, no goodwill impairments were recognized in 2023 and 2022.
NOTE 9 INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are comprised as follows:
(in thousands)
December 31, 2023
Gross Carrying
Accumulated
Net Carrying
Value
Amortization
Value
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Database
$ 4,918 $ 4,918 $ -
Vehicle service agreements in-force
3,680 3,680 -
Customer relationships
39,942 19,521 20,421
Developed technology
600 18 582
Intangible assets not subject to amortization
Trade names
14,667 - 14,667
Total
$ 63,807 $ 28,137 $ 35,670
(in thousands)
December 31, 2022
Gross Carrying
Accumulated
Net Carrying
Value
Amortization
Value
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Database
$ 4,918 $ 4,918 $ -
Vehicle service agreements in-force
3,680 3,680 -
Customer relationships
32,442 13,630 18,812
Intangible assets not subject to amortization
-
Trade names
14,287 - 14,287
Total
$ 55,327 $ 22,228 $ 33,099
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As further discussed in Note 4, "Acquisitions," during 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded:
(in thousands) SPI DDI CSuite SNS
Acquisition Date
September 7, 2023
October 26, 2023
November 1, 2022
November 18, 2022
Customer Relationships
$ 1,000 $ 6,500 $ 2,500 $ 3,600
Amortization Period 13 years 11 years 7 years 9 years
Developed Technology
$ 600 n/a n/a n/a
Amortization Period
10 years - - -
Trade Name
$ 120 $ 260 $ 1,500 $ 3,100
Amortization Period
Indefinite
Indefinite
Indefinite
Indefinite
Total Intangibles
$ 1,720 $ 6,760 $ 4,000 $ 6,700
The intangible assets related to the SPI and DDI acquisitions are provisional and subject to adjustment during the measurement period. The Company expects to complete its purchase price during the first quarter of 2024. The estimates, allocations and calculations recorded at December 31, 2023 are subject to change as we obtain further information; therefore, the final fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed may not agree with the estimates included in these consolidated financial statements.
The Company's other intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized either based on the patterns in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are expected to be consumed or using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 7 to 15 years. Amortization of intangible assets was $5.9 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The estimated aggregate future amortization expense of all intangible assets is $5.7 million for 2024, $4.5 million for 2025, $3.4 million for 2026, $2.5 million for 2027, $1.8 million for 2028 and $3.1 million thereafter.
The trade names intangible assets have indefinite useful lives and are not amortized. As of November 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company conducted its annual qualitative assessment. As a result, the Company determined that certain trade names should be further examined under a quantitative approach. Based on the results of the quantitative approach, the Company did not record any impairment. However, the Company notes that certain of its indefinite-lived intangible assets are sensitive to changes in interest rates, as well as the performance of the underlying business. Changes in interest rates and/or if the business underlying the intangible asset performs below the assumptions used in the original purchase accounting could cause certain intangible assets to become impaired.
NOTE 10 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are comprised as follows:
(in thousands)
December 31, 2023
Total Property and Equipment
Accumulated
Cost
Depreciation
Carrying Value
Leasehold improvements
$ 585 $ 225 $ 360
Furniture and equipment
287 250 37
Computer hardware
1,080 660 420
Medical equipment
1,056 23 1,033
Total
$ 3,008 $ 1,158 $ 1,850
(in thousands)
December 31, 2022
Total Property and Equipment
Accumulated
Cost
Depreciation
Carrying Value
Leasehold improvements
$ 485 $ 206 $ 279
Furniture and equipment
375 319 56
Computer hardware
954 516 438
Total
$ 1,814 $ 1,041 $ 773
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, depreciation expense on property and equipment of $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
NOTE 11 DERIVATIVES
(a)
Interest rate swap:
On April 1, 2021, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with CIBC Bank USA to convert the variable London interbank offered interest rate for three-month U.S. dollar deposits ("LIBOR") interest rate on a portion of its 2020 KWH Loan (as defined below in Note 12, "Debt") to a fixed interest rate of 1.18%. On September 15, 2022, the interest rate swap agreement was amended to convert from a variable Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") to a fixed interest rate of 1.103%. The interest rate swap had an initial notional amount of $11.9 million and matures on February 29, 2024.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The purpose of this interest rate swap, which is not designated as a cash flow hedge, is to reduce the Company's exposure to variability in cash flows from interest payments attributable to fluctuations in the variable interest rate associated with the 2020 KWH Loan. The Company has not elected hedge accounting for the interest rate swap. The interest rate swap is recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.
The notional amount of the interest rate swap contract is$6.8 million at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the fair value of the interest rate swap contract was an asset of less than $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, which is included in other receivables in the consolidated balance sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company recognized a loss of $0.3 million and a gain of $0.3 million, respectively, related to the change in fair value of the interest rate swap, which is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations and within cash flows used in operating activities from continuing operations in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Net cash receipts of $0.3 million and $0.1 million were made to the Company during the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, to settle a portion of the liabilities related to the interest rate swap agreement. These cash receipts are reflected as cash inflows in the consolidated statements of cash flows within net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations.
(b)
Trust preferred debt repurchase options:
On August 2, 2022, the Company entered into an agreement with a holder of four of the trust preferred debt instruments ("TruPs") that gave the Company the option to repurchase up to 100% of the holder’s principal and deferred interest for a purchase price equal to 63.75% of the outstanding principal and deferred interest ( "August Option"). Originally, the agreement called for a repurchase at 63%, which escalated to 63.75% once the September 26, 2022 agreement (described below) was signed. The Company agreed that any repurchase made would be for no less than 50% of the TruPs held by the holder.
Until the earlier of (i) the date that all four of the preferred debt instruments have been repurchased and (ii) the nine month anniversary of the agreement ( "May Termination Date"), all interest on the four preferred debt instruments continued to accrue. However, with respect to TruPs that were repurchased prior to the May Termination Date, the amount of interest accrued during the term of the agreement was treated as an offset and reduced the repurchase price for such TruPs. The Company had no obligation to pay any such accrued interest with respect to any of the TruPs that were repurchased prior to the May Termination Date.
The Company paid approximately $2.0 million to the holder for this option and the Company had until the May Termination Date to execute the repurchases. Given the Company repurchased an amount equal to or greater than $30.0 million, the $2.0 million paid was applied to the repurchases.
On September 20, 2022, the Company entered into an additional agreement with the same party to the August 2, 2022 agreement that gave the Company the option to repurchase up to 100% of the holder’s principal and deferred interest for 63.75% of the outstanding principal and deferred interest relating to a portion of a fifth TruPs held ( "September 20 Option"). The September 20, 2022 agreement was subject to the same terms and conditions as the August 2, 2022 agreement and no additional consideration was paid.
On September 26, 2022, the Company entered into an agreement with a holder of a portion of one of the TruPs that gave the Company the option to repurchase up to 100% of the holder’s principal and deferred interest for a purchase price equal to 63% of the outstanding principal and deferred interest ( "September 26 Option").
Until the earlier of (i) the date that all of the preferred debt instrument has been repurchased and (ii) the May Termination Date, all interest on the preferred debt instrument continued to accrue. However, with respect to TruPs that were repurchased prior to the May Termination Date, the amount of interest accrued during the term of the agreement was treated as an offset and reduced the repurchase price for such TruPs. The Company had no obligation to pay any such accrued interest with respect to the TruPs that were repurchased prior to the May Termination Date.
The Company paid approximately $0.3 million to the holder for this option and the Company had until the May Termination Date to execute the repurchase. Given the Company repurchased the TruPs, the $0.3 million paid was applied to the repurchases.
In February 2023, the Company entered into amendments to the repurchase agreements described above that gave the Company an additional discount on the total repurchase price if the Company effected a 100% repurchase on or before March 15, 2023. On March 2, 2023, the Company gave notice to the holders of its intent to exercise its options to repurchase 100% of the principal. On March 22, 2023, the Company completed the repurchases. See Note 12, "Debt," for further discussion.
The August Option, September 20 Option and September 26 Options (collectively "the TruPs Options") are derivative contracts. The Company's accounting policies do not apply hedge accounting treatment to derivative instruments. The TruPs options are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022 at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 23, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," for further discussion.
At December 31, 2022, the fair value of the TruPs Options contracts was $19.0 million, which is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized a loss on change in fair value of the TruPs Options contracts of $1.4 million, which is included in (loss) gain on change in fair value of derivative asset option contracts in the consolidated statements of operations and as an adjustment to calculate cash flows used in operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Cash payments of $56.5 million were made to repurchase the TruPs during the year ended December 31, 2023 with respect to the TruPs Options contracts.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized an initial gain of $11.4 million, equal to the difference between the fair value of the TruPs Options contracts at the date of inception and the cash consideration paid, and a subsequent gain on change in fair value of $5.3 million, both of which are included in (loss) gain on change in fair value of derivative asset option contracts in the consolidated statements of operations and as an adjustment to calculate cash flows used in operating activities from continuing operations in the consolidated statements of cash flows. No cash payments were made to repurchase any of the TruPs during the year ended December 31, 2022 with respect to the TruPs Options contracts.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 12 DEBT
Debt consists of the following instruments at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
(in thousands)
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Principal
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Principal
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Bank loans:
2021 Ravix Loan
$ 4,650 $ 4,650 $ 4,811 $ 5,300 $ 5,300 $ 5,460
2022 Ravix Loan
4,925 4,769 5,027 5,950 5,754 6,245
SNS Loan
5,142 5,063 5,243 6,850 6,755 6,921
DDI Loan
5,600 5,534 5,841 - - -
2020 KWH Loan
10,979 10,806 11,240 16,708 16,472 16,819
Total bank loans
31,296 30,822 32,162 34,808 34,281 35,445
Subordinated debt
15,000 13,594 13,594 90,500 67,811 67,811
Total
$ 46,296 $ 44,416 $ 45,756 $ 125,308 $ 102,092 $ 103,256
Subordinated debt mentioned above consists of the following trust preferred debt instrument at December 31, 2023:
Issuer
Principal (in thousands)
Issue date
Interest
Redemption date
Kingsway DE Statutory Trust III
$ 15,000 5/22/2003
annual interest rate equal to CME Term SOFR, plus 4.20% payable quarterly
5/22/2033
Subordinated debt mentioned above consists of the following trust preferred debt instruments at December 31, 2022:
Principal
Issuer
(in thousands)
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 12/16/2003
annual interest rate equal to LIBOR, plus 4.00% payable quarterly
1/8/2034
(a)
Bank loans:
Ravix
As part of the acquisition of Ravix on October 1, 2021, Ravix became a wholly owned subsidiary of Ravix Acquisition LLC ("Ravix LLC"), and together they borrowed from a bank a principal amount of $6.0 million in the form of a term loan, and established a $1.0 million revolver to finance the acquisition of Ravix (together, the "2021 Ravix Loan"). The 2021 Ravix Loan requires monthly payments of principal and interest. The 2021 Ravix Loan has an annual interest rate equal to the greater of the Prime Rate plus 0.5%, or 3.75%. At December 31, 2023, the interest rate was 9.00%. The term loan matures on October 1, 2027. The Company also recorded as a discount to the carrying value of the 2021 Ravix Loan issuance costs of $0.2 million specifically related to the 2021 Ravix Loan. The 2021 Ravix Loan is carried in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023 at itsunpaid principal balance.
Subsequent to the acquisition of CSuite on November 1, 2022, CSuite became a wholly owned subsidiary of Ravix LLC. As a result of the acquisition of CSuite, on November 16, 2022, the 2021 Ravix Loan was amended to (1) include CSuite as a borrower; (2) borrow an additional principal amount of $6.0 million in the form of a supplemental term loan (the "2022 Ravix Loan"); and (3) amend the maturity date and interest rate of the $1.0 million revolver (the "2022 Revolver"). The 2022 Ravix Loan requires monthly payments of principal and interest. The 2022 Ravix Loan matures on November 16, 2028 and has an annual interest rate equal to the Prime Rate plus 0.75%. At December 31, 2023, the interest rate was 9.25%. The 2022 Revolver matures on November 16, 2024 and has an annual interest rate equal to the Prime Rate plus 0.50%. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the balance of the 2022 Revolver was zero.
The Company also recorded as a discount to the carrying value of the 2022 Ravix Loan issuance costs of $0.1 million specifically related to the 2022 Ravix Loan. The 2022 Ravix Loan is carried in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023 at itsamortized cost, which reflects the monthly pay-down of principal as well as the amortization of the debt discount and issuance costs using the effective interest rate method.
The 2022 Ravix Loan and the 2021 Ravix Loan were not deemed to be substantially different; therefore, the 2022 Ravix Loan is accounted for as a modification of the 2021 Ravix Loan and a new effective interest rate was determined based on the carrying amount of the 2021 Ravix Loan. The issuance costs related to the 2022 Ravix Loan, along with the existing unamortized issuance costs from the 2021 Ravix Loan, are being amortized over the remaining term of the 2022 Ravix Loan using the effective interest rate.
The fair values of the 2021 Ravix Loan and the 2022 Ravix Loan disclosed in the table above is derived from quoted market prices of B and BB minus rated industrial bonds with similar maturities and is categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The 2021 Ravix Loan and the 2022 Ravix Loan are secured by certain of the equity interests and assets of Ravix and CSuite.
The 2021 Ravix Loan and the 2022 Ravix Loan contains a number of covenants, including, but not limited to, a leverage ratio and a fixed charge ratio, all of which are as defined in and calculated pursuant to the 2021 Ravix Loan and 2022 Ravix Loan that, among other things, restrict Ravix and CSuite’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make dividends and distributions, engage in mergers, acquisitions and consolidations, make certain payments and investments and dispose of certain assets.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
SNS
As part of the asset acquisition of SNS on November 18, 2022, the Company formed Secure Nursing Service LLC, which became a wholly owned subsidiary of Pegasus Acquirer Holdings LLC ("Pegasus LLC"), and together they borrowed from a bank a principal amount of $6.5 million in the form of a term loan, and established a $1.0 million revolver to finance the acquisition of SNS (together, the "SNS Loan"). The SNS Loan has an annual interest rate equal to the greater of the Prime Rate plus 0.5%, or 5.00%. At December 31, 2023, the interest rate was 9.00%. Monthly principal payments on the term loan began on November 15, 2023. The revolver matures on May 2, 2025 and the term loan matures on November 18, 2028. Subsequent to November 18, 2022, SNS borrowed under the revolver. During 2023, SNS repaid the amount borrowed under the revolver. The carrying values at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 for the SNS Loan includes $5.1 million and $6.4 million, respectively, related to the term loan, andzero and $0.4 million, respectively, related to the revolver.
The Company also recorded as a discount to the carrying value of the SNS Loan issuance costs of $0.1 million specifically related to the SNS Loan. The SNS Loan is carried in the consolidated balance sheet at its amortized cost, which reflects the monthly pay-down of principal starting November 15, 2023, as well as amortization of the debt discount and issuance costs using the effective interest rate method. The fair value of the SNS Loan disclosed in the table above is derived from quoted market prices of B and BB minus rated industrial bonds with similar maturities and is categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The SNS Loan is secured by certain of the equity interests and assets of SNS.
The SNS Loan contains a number of covenants, including, but not limited to, a leverage ratio and a fixed charge ratio and limits on annual capital expenditures, all of which are as defined in and calculated pursuant to the SNS Loan that, among other things, restrict SNS’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make dividends and distributions, engage in mergers, acquisitions and consolidations, make certain payments and investments and dispose of certain assets.
DDI
As part of the asset acquisition of DDI on October 26, 2023, DDI became a wholly owned subsidiary of DDI Acquisition, LLC ("DDI LLC"), and together they borrowed from a bank a principal amount of $5.6 million in the form of a term loan, and established a $0.4 million revolver to finance the acquisition of DDI (together, the "DDI Loan"). The DDI Loan has an annual interest rate equal to the greater of the Prime Rate plus 0.5%, or 5.00%. A t December 31, 2023 , the interest rate was 9.00%. Monthly principal payments on the term loan begin on December 15, 2024. The revolver matures on September 1, 2024 and the term loan matures on October 26, 2029 .
The carrying value at December 31, 2023 for the DDI Loan include s $5.5 million r ela ted to the term loan and zero related to the revolver.
The Company also recorded as a discount to the carrying value of the DDI Loan issuance costs of $0.1 million specifically related to the DDI Loan. The DDI Loan is carried in the consolidated balance sheet at its amortized cost, which reflects the amortization of the debt discount and issuance costs using the effective interest rate method. The fair value of the DDI Loan disclosed in the table above is derived from quoted market prices ofB and BB minus rated industrial bonds with similar maturities and is categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The DDI Loan is secured by certain of the equity interests and assets of DDI.
The DDI Loan contains a number of covenants, including, but not limited to, a senior leverage ratio and a fixed charge ratio and limits on annual capital expenditures, all of which are as defined in and calculated pursuant to the DDI Loan that, among other things, restrict DDI’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make dividends and distributions, engage in mergers, acquisitions and consolidations, make certain payments and investments and dispose of certain assets.
KWH
In 2019, the Company formed Kingsway Warranty Holdings LLC ("KWH"), whose original subsidiaries included IWS Acquisition Corporation ("IWS"), Geminus Holdings Company, Inc. ("Geminus") and Trinity Warranty Solutions LLC ("Trinity"). As part of the acquisition of PWI on December 1, 2020, PWI became a wholly owned subsidiary of KWH, which borrowed a principal amount of $25.7 million from a bank, consisting of a $24.7 million term loan and a $1.0 million revolving credit facility (the "2020 KWH Loan"). The proceeds from the 2020 KWH Loan were used to partially fund the acquisition of PWI and to fully repay the prior outstanding loan at KWH, which occurred on December 1, 2020.
The 2020 KWH Loan had an annual interest rate equal to LIBOR having a floor of 0.75%, plus 2.75%. During the second quarter of 2022, the 2020 KWH Loan was amended to change the annual interest rate to be equal to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), having a floor of 0.75%, plus spreads ranging from 2.62% to 3.12%. At December 31, 2023, the interest rate was 8.22%. The 2020 KWH Loan matures on December 1, 2025. The carrying values at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 include $10.3 millionand $16.0 million, respectively, related to the term loan and $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively, related to the revolver.
The Company also recorded as a discount to the carrying value of the 2020 KWH Loan issuance costs of $0.4 million specifically related to the 2020 KWH Loan. The 2020 KWH Loan is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its amortized cost, which reflects the quarterly pay-down of principal as well as the amortization of the debt discount and issuance costs using the effective interest rate method. The fair value of the 2020 KWH Loan disclosed in the table above is derived from quoted market prices of BB and BB minus rated industrial bonds with similar maturities and is categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The 2020 KWH Loan is secured by certain of the equity interests and assets of KWH and its subsidiaries.
The 2020 KWH Loan contains a number of covenants, including, but not limited to, a leverage ratio, a fixed charge ratio and limits on annual capital expenditures, all of which are as defined in and calculated pursuant to the 2020 KWH Loan that, among other things, restrict KWH’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make dividends and distributions, engage in mergers, acquisitions and consolidations, make certain payments and investments and dispose of certain assets.
On February 28, 2023, KWH entered into a second amendment to the 2020 KWH Loan (the “KWH DDTL”) that provides for an additional delayed draw term loan in the principal amount of up to $10.0 million, with a maturity date of December 1, 2025. All or any portion of the KWH DDTL, subject to a $2 million minimum draw amount, may be requested at any time through February 27, 2024. The proceeds are evidenced by an intercompany loan and guarantee between KAI and KWH. Proceeds from certain assets dispositions, as defined, may be required to be used to repay outstanding draws under the DDTL. The principal amount shall be repaid in quarterly installments in an amount equal to 3.75% of the original amount of the drawn DDTL. Proceeds from certain assets dispositions, as defined, may be required to be used to repay outstanding draws under the DDTL. The KWH DDTL also increases the senior cash flow leverage ratio maximum permissible for certain periods. The Company did not draw down on the KWH DDTL during the year ended December 31, 2023.
During the first quarter of 2024, the Company borrowed $3.5 million under the KWH DDTL and $0.5 million under the KWH Loan revolver.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(b)
Subordinated debt:
Between December 4, 2002 and December 16, 2003, six subsidiary trusts of the Company issued $90.5 million of 30-year capital securities to third-parties in separate private transactions. In each instance, a corresponding floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debenture was then issued by KAI to the trust in exchange for the proceeds from the private sale. The floating rate debentures bore interest at the rate of LIBOR, plus spreads ranging from 3.85% to 4.20%. Effective July 3, 2023, the index used for determining the interest rate for the remaining trust preferred debt instrument converted from LIBOR to CME Term SOFR. The Company has the right to call each of these securities at par value any time after five years from their issuance until their maturity.
The subordinated debt, or TruPs, is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. See Note 23, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," for further discussion of the subordinated debt. The portion of the change in fair value of subordinated debt related to the instrument-specific credit risk is recognized in other comprehensive loss.
In February 2023, the Company entered into amendments to the trust preferred option repurchase agreements described in Note 11, "Derivatives," that would give the Company an additional discount on the total repurchase price of the TruPs if the Company effected a 100% repurchase on or before March 15, 2023. On March 2, 2023, the Company gave notice to the holders of five of its TruPs that it intended to exercise its options to repurchase 100% of the principal. On March 22, 2023, the Company completed the repurchases of the five TruPs using available funds from working capital to fund the repurchases. The total amount paid for the five TruPs was $56.5 million, which included a credit for the $2.3 million that the Company previously paid at the time of entering into the trust preferred option repurchase agreements. As a result, the Company repurchased $75.5 million of TruPs principal and $23.0 million of deferred interest payable. The Company recognized a gain of $31.6 million, which is included in gain on extinguishment of debt in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, the Company has $15.0 million of principal outstanding related to the remaining trust preferred debt instrument.
The $54.2 million decrease in the Company’s subordinated debt between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023 is attributed to the following:
•
A decrease of $56.1 million as a result of the repurchase of trust preferred debt during the first quarter of 2023;
•
A decrease of $0.3 million related to the change in fair value of the repurchased trust preferred debt instruments between December 31, 2022 and the repurchase dates; and
•
An increase of $2.2 million related to the change in fair value of the remaining trust preferred debt instrument between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023.
Of the $1.9 million increase in fair value of the Company’s subordinated debt between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, $1.8 million is reported as increase in fair value of debt attributable to instrument-specific credit risk in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income and $0.1 million is reported as loss on change in fair value of debt in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Of the $6.8 million increase in fair value of the Company’s subordinated debt between December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, $1.9 million is reported as increase in fair value of debt attributable to instrument-specific credit risk in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income and $4.9 million is reported as loss on change in fair value of debt in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
The consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income for the year ended December 31, 2023 also includes a reclassification adjustment of $27.2 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to gain on extinguishment of debt related to the instrument-specific credit risk related to the repurchased TruPs.
During the third quarter of 2018, the Company gave notice to its Trust Preferred trustees of its intention to exercise its voluntary right to defer interest payments for up to 20 quarters, pursuant to the contractual terms of its outstanding Trust Preferred indentures, which permit interest deferral. This action does not constitute a default under the Company's Trust Preferred indentures or any of its other debt indentures. In order to execute the repurchases described above, on March 13, 2023, the Company paid $5.0 million to the remaining Trust Preferred trustee to be used by the trustee to pay the interest which the Company had been deferring since the third quarter of 2018. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, deferred interest payable of zero and $25.5 million, respectively, is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
The agreements governing the subordinated debt contain a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, make dividends and distributions, and make certain payments in respect of the Company’s outstanding securities.
NOTE 13 LEASES
The Company has operating leases for office space that include fixed base rent payments, as well as variable rent payments to reimburse the landlord for operating expenses and taxes. The Company’s variable lease payments do not depend on a published index or rate, and therefore, are expensed as incurred. The Company includes only fixed payments for lease components in the measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability. There are no residual value guarantees.
Operating lease costs and variable lease costs included in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Operating lease costs and variable lease costs included in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Short-term lease costs included in general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The annual maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:
(in thousands)
Lease Commitments
$ 504
2029 and thereafter
Total undiscounted lease payments
1,333
Imputed interest
Total lease liabilities
$ 1,198
The weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases was 3.39 years as of December 31, 2023. The weighted average discount rate of operating leases was 6.13% as of December 31, 2023. Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities was $0.5 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Supplemental non-cash information related to leases for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes right-of-use assets of $0.4 million acquired in exchange for $0.4 million of lease obligations.
NOTE 14 REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
Revenue from contracts with customers relates to the Extended Warranty and Kingsway Search Xcelerator segments and includes: vehicle service agreement fees, GAP commissions, maintenance support service fees, warranty product commissions, homebuilder warranty service fees, homebuilder warranty commissions, business services consulting revenue, healthcare services revenue and software license and support revenue. Revenue is based on terms of various agreements with credit unions, consumers, businesses and homebuilders. Customers either pay in full at the inception of a warranty contract or commission product sale, or when consulting, healthcare and software license and support services are billed, or on terms subject to the Company’s customary credit reviews.
The following table disaggregates revenues from contracts with customers by revenue type:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Vehicle service agreement fees and GAP commissions
IWS, Geminus and PWI
$ 60,022 $ 58,775
Maintenance support service fees
Trinity
4,179 5,815
Warranty product commissions
Trinity
4,029 4,564
Homebuilder warranty service fees
PWSC (a)
- 4,348
Homebuilder warranty commissions
PWSC (a)
- 540
Business services consulting fees
Ravix and Csuite
19,403 16,836
Healthcare services
SNS and DDI
14,848 2,402
Software license and support fees
SPI
763 -
Service fee and commission revenue
$ 103,244 $ 93,280
(a)
Through the July 29, 2022 disposal
During the first quarter of 2022, IWS recorded a net charge of $0.9 million relating to a change in estimate in accounting for deferred revenue and deferred contract costs associated with vehicle service agreement fees, resulting in an increase to deferred service fees of $1.1 million and an increase in deferred contract costs of $0.2 million.
Service fee receivables
Receivables from contracts with customers are reported as service fee receivable, net in the consolidated balance sheets and at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $10.1 million and $10.3 million, respectively. The decrease in receivables from contracts with customers is primarily due to the timing difference between the Company's satisfaction of performance obligations and customer payments. At December 31, 2021, service fee receivable, net was $6.7 million. The increase in receivables from contracts with customers from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022 is primarily due to receivables related to CSuite and SNS, which were acquired on November 1, 2022 and November 18, 2022, respectively, and the timing difference between the Company's satisfaction of performance obligations and customer payments; partially offset by a decrease due to the disposal of PWSC on July 29, 2022.
Service fee receivable is reported net of an estimated allowance for credit losses. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded an increase to its allowance for credit losses of $0.1 million. Service fee receivables that are deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance for credit losses when identified. There was no material write-off of service fee receivable that was deemed to be uncollectible during the the year ended December 31, 2023.
Contract asset
The Company records a contract asset, which is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, when revenue is recognized prior to billing the customer. Upon billing, which typically occurs over a three to five year installment period, the value of the contract asset is reversed and service fee receivable is recorded. The Company did not have a contract asset prior to December 31, 2022. The contract asset was $1.7 million and zero at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The increase in the contract asset during the year ended December 31, 2023 is primarily due to the contract asset acquired related to the acquisition of SPI of $1.8 million which was recorded at a provisional amount subject to finalization of the Company’s purchase price allocation, as further discussed in Note 4, "Acquisitions". During the year ended December 31, 2023, the contract asset was reduced by $0.1 million as a result of billings to customers.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
No impairment losses related to contract assets were recorded during 2023.
Deferred service fees
The Company records deferred service fees resulting from contracts with customers when payment is received in advance of satisfying the performance obligations. Changes in deferred service fees for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were as follows:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Balance, December 31, 2021
$ 89,217
Deferral of revenue
61,058
Recognition of deferred service fees
(59,966 )
Deferred service fees disposed of related to PWSC
(7,596 )
Balance, December 31, 2022
82,713
Deferred service fees acquired related to SPI
Deferral of revenue
56,712
Recognition of deferred service fees
(55,853 )
Balance, December 31, 2023
$ 83,995
The increase in deferred service fees during the year ended December 31, 2023 is primarily due to additions to deferred service fees in excess of deferred service fees recognized during the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in deferred service fees during the year ended December 31, 2022 is primarily due to the disposal of PWSC on July 29, 2022, partially offset by additions to deferred service fees in excess of deferred service fees recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022 as cash sales have begun to increase.
Approximately $44.6 million and $43.2 million of service fee and commission revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was included in deferred service fees as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Remaining performance obligations
The Company expects to recognize within one year as service fee and commission revenue approximately 51.0% of the outstanding performance obligations of December 31, 2023. The balance relates primarily to vehicle service agreement fees.
Deferred contract costs
Deferred contract costs represent the deferral of incremental costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. The deferred contract costs balances and related amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are comprised as follows:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31, 2023
Years ended December 31, 2022
Costs to Obtain a Contract
Costs to Fulfill a Contract
Total
Costs to Obtain a Contract
Costs to Fulfill a Contract
Total
Balance at January 1, net
$ 13,174 $ 83 $ 13,257 $ 10,850 $ 80 $ 10,930
Additions
9,381 24 9,405 9,273 21 9,294
Amortization
(8,902 ) (26 ) (8,928 ) (6,949 ) (18 ) (6,967 )
Balance at December 31, net
$ 13,653 $ 81 $ 13,734 $ 13,174 $ 83 $ 13,257
No impairment losses related to deferred contract costs were recorded in 2023 or 2022.
NOTE 15 INCOME TAXES
The Company and all of its eligible U.S. subsidiaries file a U.S. consolidated federal income tax return ("KFSI Tax Group"). The method of allocating federal income taxes among the companies in the KFSI Tax Group is subject to written agreement, approved by each company's Board of Directors. The allocation is made primarily on a separate return basis, with current credit for any net operating losses or other items utilized in the consolidated federal income tax return. The Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries file separate foreign income tax returns.
Income tax (benefit) expense consists of the following:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Current income tax expense
$ 25 $ 3,419
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
(1,924 ) 1,406
Income tax (benefit) expense
$ (1,899 ) $ 4,825
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Income tax (benefit) expense varies from the amount that would result by applying the applicable U.S. corporate income tax rate of 21% to income from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense. The following table summarizes the differences:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Income tax expense at U.S. statutory income tax rate
$ 4,967 $ 7,341
Valuation allowance
(7,678 ) (10,100 )
Indefinite life intangibles
258 106
Non-deductible compensation
435 867
Investment income
(18 ) (62 )
State income tax, net of Federal benefit
(2 ) 3,052
Disposition of subsidiary
(18 ) 3,268
Other
157 353
Income tax (benefit) expense for continuing operations
$ (1,899 ) $ 4,825
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities are presented as follows:
(in thousands)
December 31,
Deferred income tax assets:
Losses carried forward
$ 132,302 $ 137,155
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums
3,795 3,902
Intangible assets
1,109 1,380
Debt issuance costs
85 474
Investments
- 2,065
Deferred rent
65 64
Deferred revenue
253 147
Compensation
173 306
Other
608 155
Valuation allowance
(129,375 ) (130,596 )
Deferred income tax assets
$ 9,015 $ 15,052
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Indefinite life intangibles
$ (4,152 ) $ (3,815 )
Depreciation and amortization
(1,180 ) (756 )
Fair value of debt
- (7,598 )
Land
(47 ) (47 )
Intangible assets
(3,175 ) (2,606 )
Deferred revenue
(1,499 ) (1,188 )
Investments
(168 ) -
Deferred acquisition costs
(2,884 ) (2,784 )
Other
(951 ) (434 )
Deferred income tax liabilities
$ (14,056 ) $ (19,228 )
Net deferred income tax liabilities
$ (5,041 ) $ (4,176 )
The Company maintains a valuation allowance for its gross deferred income tax assets of $129.4 million (U.S. operations - $129.4 million; Other - less than $0.1 million) and $130.6 million (U.S. operations - $130.6 million; Other - less than $0.1 million) at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Company's businesses have generated substantial operating losses in prior 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 December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 net deferred income tax assets, excluding the deferred income tax asset and liability amounts set forth in the paragraph below.
In 2023, the Company (i) decreased by $2.1 million its valuation allowance primarily due to deferred tax liabilities assumed from corporate acquisitions; and (ii) increased by $0.3 million its valuation allowance relating to a change in indefinite life deferred income tax liabilities.
In2022, the Company (i) increased by $2.1 million its valuation allowance associated with business interest expense carryforwards with an indefinite life; and (ii) increased by $0.1 million its valuation allowance relating to a change in indefinite life deferred income tax liabilities.
The Company carries net deferred income tax liabilities of$5.0 million and $4.2 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, that consists of:
•
$4.1 million and $3.8 million of deferred income tax liabilities related to indefinite life intangible assets; and
•
$0.9 million and $0.4 of deferred state income tax liabilities.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") modified the U.S. net operating loss deduction, effective with respect to losses arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The Tax Act, however, did not limit the utilization, in 2018 and later tax years, of U.S. net operating losses generated in 2017 and prior tax years.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Amounts, originating dates and expiration dates of the KFSI Tax Group's consolidated U.S. net operating loss carryforwards, totaling $623.1 million, are as follows:
Net operating loss
Year of net operating loss
Expiration date
(in thousands)
$ 385,406
92,058
39,866
30,884
30,779
7,245
16,006
20,848
In addition, not reflected in the table above, are net operating loss carryforwards of (i) $6.9 million relating to losses generated in separate U.S. tax return years, which losses will expire over various years through 2037 and (ii) $0.1 million relating to non-U.S. operations, which losses will expire over various years through 2043.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits related to discontinued operations, exclusive of interest and penalties, is as follows:
(in thousands)
December 31,
Unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of year
$ - $ 65
Gross additions
- -
Gross reductions
- (65 )
Impact due to expiration of statute of limitations
- -
Unrecognized tax benefits - end of year
$ - $ -
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 would affect the Company's effective tax rate on discontinued operations, was a benefit of zero and $0.1 million, respectively.
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of zero and $0.2 million, respectively, for the release of a liability for unrecognized tax benefits (including interest and penalties) that had been included in income taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company classifies interest and penalty accruals, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax (benefit) expense. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company recognized a benefit of zero and $0.1 million, respectively, for interest and penalties, which are included in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes.
The federal income tax returns of the Company's U.S. operations for the years through 2019 are closed for Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") examination. The Company's federal income tax returns are not currently under examination by the IRS for any open tax years. The federal income tax returns of the Company's Canadian operations for the years through 2018 are closed for Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA") examination. The Company's Canadian federal income tax returns are not currently under examination by the CRA for any open tax years.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 16 EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of numerators and denominators for the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share computation for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
(in thousands, except per share data)
Years ended December 31,
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations
$ 25,550 $ 30,132
(Less) plus: net (income) loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests
(453 ) 1,471
Less: dividends on preferred stock, net of tax
(74 ) (306 )
Numerator used in calculating basic earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders
$ 25,023 $ 31,297
Adjustment to add-back dividends on preferred stock
74 306
Adjustment for proportionate interest in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings attributable to common stock
(6 ) 76
Numerator used in calculating diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders
$ 25,091 $ 31,679
Loss from discontinued operations
(1,538 ) (15,067 )
Plus: net loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests
- 8,186
Numerator used in calculating diluted earnings per share - net income attributable to common shareholders
$ 23,553 $ 24,798
Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares
Weighted average common shares outstanding
25,713 22,961
Weighted average diluted shares
Weighted average common shares outstanding
25,713 22,961
Effect of potentially dilutive securities (a)
Unvested restricted stock awards
735 596
Warrants
- 811
Convertible preferred stock
- 936
Total weighted average diluted shares
26,448 25,304
Basic earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders:
Continuing operations
$ 0.97 $ 1.36
Discontinued operations
$ (0.06 ) $ (0.30 )
Basic earnings per share - net income attributable to common shareholders
$ 0.91 $ 1.06
Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders:
Continuing operations
$ 0.95 $ 1.25
Discontinued operations
$ (0.06 ) $ (0.27 )
Diluted earnings per share - net income attributable to common shareholders
$ 0.89 $ 0.98
(a)
Potentially dilutive securities consist of unvested restricted stock awards and warrants, calculated using the treasury stock method, and convertible preferred stock, using the if-converted method.
Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated using weighted-average diluted shares. Weighted-average diluted shares is calculated by adding the effect of potentially dilutive securities to weighted-average common shares outstanding. Potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the diluted earnings (loss) per share computation in loss periods and when the applicable exercise price is greater than the market price on the period end date as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
The following weighted-average potentially dilutive securities are not included in the diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations above because they would have had an antidilutive effect on the earnings (loss) per share:
Years ended December 31,
Unvested restricted stock awards
- 25,111
Warrants
- -
Convertible preferred stock
- -
Total
- 25,111
NOTE 17 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
On September 21, 2020, the Company's shareholders approved the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2020 Plan"). The 2020 Plan replaced the Company's previous 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2013 Plan") with respect to the granting of future equity awards. The 2020 Plan permits the grant of Nonqualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Share Awards, Dividend Equivalent Rights, Other Stock-Based Awards and Cash-Based Awards (collectively "Awards"). Under the 2020 Plan, an aggregate of 1.6 million common shares will be available for all Awards, subject to adjustment in the event of certain corporate transactions.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(a)
Restricted Stock Awards of the Company
Under the 2013 Plan, the Company granted 500,000 restricted common stock awards to an officer on September 5, 2018 (the "2018 Restricted Stock Award"). The 2018 Restricted Stock Award shall become fully vested and the restriction period shall lapse as of March 28, 2024 subject to the officer's continued employment through the vesting date. The 2018 Restricted Stock Award is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The grant-date fair value of the 2018 Restricted Stock Award was determined using the closing price of Kingsway common stock on the date of grant. Total unamortized compensation expense related to unvested 2018 Restricted Stock Award at December 31, 2023 was $0.1 million.
Under the 2020 Plan, the Company has granted restricted common stock awards to certain officers of the Company (the "2020 Plan Restricted Stock Awards"). The 2020 Plan Restricted Stock Awards vest according to a graded vesting schedule and shall become fully vested subject to the officers' continued employment through the applicable vesting dates. The 2020 Plan Restricted Stock Awards are amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods. The grant-date fair values of the 2020 Plan Restricted Stock Awards were determined using the closing price of Kingsway common stock on the dates of grant. During the year ended December 31, 2023, 119,289 shares of the 2020 Plan Restricted Stock Awards became fully vested. Total unamortized compensation expense related to unvested 2020 Plan Restricted Stock Awards at December 31, 2023 was $2.3 million.
The following table summarizes the activity related to unvested 2020 Plan Restricted Stock Awards and 2018 Restricted Stock Award (collectively "Restricted Stock Awards") during the year ended December 31, 2023:
Weighted-Average
Number of Restricted
Grant Date Fair Value
Stock Awards
(per Share)
Unvested at December 31, 2022
1,146,947 $ 5.19
Granted
- -
Vested
(66,768 ) 4.87
Cancelled for Tax Withholding
(52,521 ) 4.87
Unvested at December 31, 2023
1,027,658 $ 5.22
The unvested balance at December 31, 2023 in the table above is comprised of 527,658 shares of the 2020 Plan Restricted Stock Awards and 500,000 shares of the 2018 Restricted Stock Award.
Stock-based compensation expense related to the Restricted Stock Awards was $1.0 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
(b)
Restricted Stock Awards of PWSC
PWSC granted 1,000 restricted Class B common stock awards ("2018 PWSC RSA") to an officer of PWSC pursuant to an agreement dated September 7, 2018. The 2018 PWSC RSA contained both a service and a performance condition that affected vesting. On December 18, 2020, the 2018 PWSC RSA was amended to modify the vesting terms related to the service and performance condition ("Modified PWSC RSA").
PWSC granted 250 restricted Class B common stock awards to an officer of PWSC pursuant to an agreement dated December 18, 2020 ("2020 PWSC RSA"). The 2020 PWSC RSA contained both a service and a performance condition that affected vesting.
As discussed in Note 5, "Disposal and Discontinued Operations," the Company sold PWSC on July 29, 2022; therefore there are no outstanding Modified PWSC RSA and 2020 PWSC RSA reported in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
The service condition for the Modified PWSC RSA and the 2020 PWSC RSA vested according to a graded vesting schedule. The performance condition was based on the internal rate of return of PWSC. The grant-date fair value of the Modified PWSC RSA and the 2020 PWSC RSA were estimated using an internal valuation model.
On February 20, 2022, both the service condition and performance condition of the Modified PWSC RSA and the 2020 PWSC RSA became fully vested. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were zero unvested shares of both the Modified PWSC RSA and the 2020 PWSC RSA.
Stock-based compensation expense related to the Restricted Stock Awards of PWSC was $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
(c)
Restricted Common Unit Awards of Ravix
Ravix LLC granted 199,000 restricted Class B common unit awards to an officer of Ravix pursuant to an agreement dated October 1, 2021 ("2021 Ravix RUA"). The 2021 Ravix RUA vests based on service and the achievement of criteria based on the internal rate of return ("IRR") of Ravix.
The grant-date fair value of the 2021 Ravix RUA was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, using the following assumptions: expected term of four years, expected volatility of 75%, expected dividend yield of zero, and risk-free interest rate of 0.93%.
On October 1, 2021, 83,333 units, representing one half of the service condition for the 2021 Ravix RUA, became fully vested. The remainder of the service condition vests according to a graded vesting schedule and shall become fully vested subject to the officer's continued employment through the applicable vesting dates.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
On November 1, 2022, the Company modified the inputs related to the IRR portion of the 2021 Ravix RUA to be based on the combined internal rate of return of Ravix and CSuite. The modified portion of the awards was probable of vesting both immediately before and after the modification. As a result, the fair value of the award that is subject to the IRR was measured at the modification date and compared to the fair value of the modified portion of the award immediately prior to the modification, with the difference resulting in incremental compensation expense of less than $0.1 million. The incremental fair value was estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation model, using the following assumptions at the modification date: expected term of 2.92 years, expected volatility of 72% and risk-free interest rate of 4.44%; and the following assumptions prior to the modification: expected term of 2.92 years, expected volatility of 58% and risk-free interest rate of 4.44%.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, 20,833 units of the 2021 Ravix RUA became fully vested. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were 70,528 and 91,361 unvested units, respectively, of the 2021 Ravix RUA with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $3.08 per Class B common unit. Total unamortized compensation expense related to unvested 2021 Ravix RUA at December 31, 2023 was $0.2 million.
Stock-based compensation expense related to the 2021 Ravix RUA was $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
(d)
Restricted Common Unit Awards of SNS
Pegasus LLC granted 75,000 restricted Class B common unit awards to an officer of SNS pursuant to an agreement dated November 18, 2022 ("SNS RUA"). The SNS RUA vests based on service and the achievement of criteria based on the IRR of SNS.
The grant-date fair value of the SNS RUA was estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation model, using the following assumptions : expected term of four years, expected volatility of 85% and risk-free interest rate of 4.09%.
On November 18, 2022, 25,000 units, representing one half of the service condition for the SNS RUA, became fully vested. The remainder of the service condition vests according to a graded vesting schedule and shall become fully vested subject to the officer's continued employment through the applicable vesting dates.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, 6,771 units of the SNS RUA became fully vested. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were 43,229 and 50,000 unvested units, respectively, of the SNS RUA with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $5.84 and$5.95 per Class B common unit, respectively. Total unamortized compensation expense related to unvested SNS RUA at December 31, 2023was $0.2 million.
Stock-based compensation expense related to the SNS RUA was $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
(e)
Restricted Common Unit Awards of SPI
Vertical Market Solutions LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, granted 199,000 restricted Class B common unit awards to an officer of SPI pursuant to an agreement dated September 7, 2023 ("SPI RUA"). The SPI RUA vests based on service and the achievement of criteria based on the IRR of SPI.
The grant-date fair value of the SPI RUA was estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation model, using the following assumptions : expected term of five years, expected volatility of 59% and risk-free interest rate of 4.29%.
On September 7, 2023, 83,333 units, representing one half of the service condition for the SPI RUA, became fully vested. The remainder of the service condition vests according to a graded vesting schedule and shall become fully vested subject to the officer's continued employment through the applicable vesting dates.
At December 31, 2023 , there were 115,667 unvested units of the SPI RUA with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $1.11 per Class B common unit. Total unamortized compensation expense related to unvested SPI RUA at December 31, 2023 was $0.1 million.
Stock-based compensation expense related to the SPI RUA w as $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
(f)
Restricted Common Unit Awards of DDI
DDI LLC granted 199,000 restricted Class B common unit awards to an officer of DDI pursuant to an agreement dated October 26, 2023 ("DDI RUA"). The DDI RUA vests based on service and the achievement of criteria based on the IRR of DDI.
The grant-date fair value of the DDI RUA was estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation model, using the following assumptions : expected term of five years, expected volatility of 57% and risk-free interest rate of 4.68%.
On October 26, 2023, 83,333 units, representing one half of the service condition for the DDI RUA, became fully vested. The remainder of the service condition vests according to a graded vesting schedule and shall become fully vested subject to the officer's continued employment through the applicable vesting dates.
At December 31, 2023, there were 115,667 unvested units of the DDI RUA with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $4.16 per Class B common unit. Total unamortized compensation expense related to unvested DDI RUA at December 31, 2023 was
$0.5 million.
Stock-based compensation expense related to the DDI RUA w as $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
(g)
Employee Share Purchase Plan
The Company has an employee share purchase plan ("ESPP Plan") whereby qualifying employees can choose each year to have up to 5% of their annual base earnings withheld to purchase the Company's common shares. After one year of employment, the Company matches 100% of the employee contribution amount, and the contributions vest immediately. All contributions are used by the plan administrator to purchase common shares in the open market. The Company's contribution is expensed as paid and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 totaled $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 18 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
The Company maintains a defined contribution plan in the United States for all of its qualified employees. Qualifying employees can choose to voluntarily contribute up to 60% of their annual earnings subject to an overall limitation of $22,500 and $20,500 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company matches an amount equal to 50% of each participant's contribution, limited to the lesser of contributions up to 5% of a participant's earnings or $7,250.
The contributions for the plan vest based on years of service with 100% vesting after five years of service. The Company's contribution is expensed as paid and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 totaled $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively. All Company obligations to the plans were fully funded as of December 31, 2023.
NOTE 19 REDEEMABLE CLASS A PREFERRED STOCK
On May 13, 2013, the Company's shareholders approved an amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation to create an unlimited number of zero par value class A preferred shares. The Company's Board of Directors had the ability to fix the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the shares of each series of preferred shares. The preferred shares had priority over the common shares.
On March 1, 2023, the Company notified the holders of its outstanding Class A Preferred Shares ("Preferred Shares") of its intention to redeem all the outstanding Preferred Shares on March 15, 2023 (the “Anticipated Redemption Date”). The Preferred Shares were convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at the discretion of the holders. Prior to the Anticipated Redemption Date, the Company had received notice from all of the holders of the Preferred Shares of their intention to convert their shares.
There were zero and 149,733 shares of Preferred Shares outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Each Preferred Share was convertible into 6.25 common shares at a conversion price of $4.00 per common share any time at the option of the holder prior to the redemption date. During 2023 and 2022, 149,733 and 20,000 Preferred Shares, respectively, were converted into 935,831 and 125,000 common shares, respectively, at the conversion price of $4.00 per common share, or $3.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively, at the option of the holders.
Prior to the redemption, the Company accrued dividends through additional paid-in-capital at the stated coupon. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, accrued dividends of zero and $2.3 million were included in Class A preferred stock in the consolidated balance sheets. The redemption amount of the Preferred Shares was zero and $6.0 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 480-10-S99-3A, SEC Staff Announcement: Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities, redemption features not solely within the control of the issuer are required to be presented outside of permanent equity on the consolidated balance sheets. As described above, the holder had the option to convert the Preferred Shares at any time; however, if not converted, they are required to be redeemed when the Company has sufficient legally available funds and is not otherwise prohibited from doing so. As such, the Preferred Shares are presented in temporary or mezzanine equity on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022.
NOTE 20 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of zero par value common stock. There were 27,101,613 and 23,190,080 shares of common stock outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
There were no dividends declared during the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
As described in Note 19, "Redeemable Class A Preferred Stock", during 2023 and 2022, 149,733 and 20,000 Preferred Shares, respectively, were converted into 935,831 and 125,000 common shares, respectively. As a result, $6.1 million and $0.8 million was reclassified from redeemable Class A preferred stock to additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
On March 21, 2023, the Company's Board of Directors approved a security repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $10.0 million of its currently issued and outstanding securities through March 22, 2024. The timing and amount of any repurchases are determined based on market and economic conditions, share price and other factors, and the program may be terminated, modified or suspended at any time at the Company's discretion. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased, in the aggregate, 1,516,588 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $7.2 million, including fees and commissions. The repurchased common stock will be held as treasury stock at cost and has been removed from common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023.
There were 670,177 and 247,450shares of treasury stock outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Company records treasury stock at cost.
The Company previously had warrants outstanding that expired on September 15, 2023. Prior to the expiration thereof, the warrants were recorded in shareholders' equity and entitled each subscriber to purchase one common share of Kingsway at an exercise price of $5.00 for each warrant. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, warrants to purchase 3,331,661 and 109,029 shares of common stock, respectively, were exercised, resulting in cash proceeds of $16.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Any warrants that were not exercised prior to the expiration date became null and void on the expiration date.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 21 ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
The table below details the change in the balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, as it relates to shareholders' equity attributable to common shareholders on the consolidated balance sheets.
(in thousands)
Change in
Fair Value of
Unrealized
Debt
Gains
Attributable
Total
(Losses) on
Foreign
to Accumulated
Available-
Currency
Instrument-
Other
for-Sale
Translation
Specific
Comprehensive
Investments
Adjustments
Credit Risk
Income (Loss)
Balance, December 31, 2021
$ (220 ) $ (3,286 ) $ 34,285 $ 30,779
Other comprehensive loss arising during the period
(2,266 ) - (1,930 ) (4,196 )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
22 - - 22
Net current-period other comprehensive loss
(2,244 ) - (1,930 ) (4,174 )
Balance, December 31, 2022
$ (2,464 ) $ (3,286 ) $ 32,355 $ 26,605
Other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the period
1,065 - (1,836 ) (771 )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(197 ) - (27,177 ) (27,374 )
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
868 - (29,013 ) (28,145 )
Balance, December 31, 2023
$ (1,596 ) $ (3,286 ) $ 3,342 $ (1,540 )
It should be noted that the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income present the components of other comprehensive loss, net of tax, only for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and inclusive of the components attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.
Components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income were reclassified to the following lines of the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive income from unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments to:
Net realized gains
$ 197 $ (22 )
Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive income from change in fair value of debt attributable to instrument-specific credit risk to:
Gain on extinguishment of debt
27,177 -
Income from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense
27,374 (22 )
Income tax (benefit) expense
- -
Income from continuing operations, net of taxes
27,374 (22 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
- -
Net income
$ 27,374 $ (22 )
NOTE 22 SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company reports segment information based on the "management" approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting used by management for making decisions and assessing performance as a source of the Company’s reportable operating segments. The Company conducts its business through the following two reportable segments: Extended Warranty and Kingsway Search Xcelerator.
Prior to the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company conducted its business through a third reportable segment, Leased Real Estate. Leased Real Estate included the following subsidiaries of the Company: CMC and VA Lafayette. As further discussed in Note 5, "Disposal and Discontinued Operations," both CMC and VA Lafayette have been classified as discontinued operations and the results of their operations are reported separately for all periods presented. As such, the Leased Real Estate segment no longer exists and all segmented information has been restated to exclude the Leased Real Estate segment for all periods presented.
Extended Warranty Segment
Extended Warranty includes the following subsidiaries of the Company: IWS, Geminus, PWI, PWSC and Trinity (collectively, "Extended Warranty"). As discussed in Note 5, "Disposal and Discontinued Operations," the Company disposed of PWSC on July 29, 2022. The earnings of PWSC are included in the consolidated statements of operations and the segment disclosures through the disposal date.
IWS is a licensed motor vehicle service agreement company and is a provider of after-market vehicle protection services distributed by credit unions in 24 states and the District of Columbia to their members, with customers in all 50 states.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Geminus primarily sells vehicle service agreements to used car buyers across the United States, through its subsidiaries, Penn and Prime. Penn and Prime distribute these products in 47 and 40 states, respectively, via independent used car dealerships and franchised car dealerships.
PWI markets, sells and administers vehicle service agreements to used car buyers in all fifty states via independent used car and franchise network of approved automobile and motorcycle dealer partners. PWI’s business model is supported by an internal sales and operations team and partners with American Auto Shield in three states with a "white label" agreement. PWI also sells and administers a guaranteed asset protection product ("GAP"), under the Penn name, in states where Penn is approved.
PWSC sold home warranty products and provided administration services to homebuilders and homeowners across the United States. PWSC distributed its products and services through an in house sales team and through insurance brokers and insurance carriers throughout all states except Alaska and Louisiana.
Trinity sells HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and commercial refrigeration warranty products and provides equipment breakdown and maintenance support services to companies across the United States. As a seller of warranty products, Trinity markets and administers product warranty contracts for certain new and used products in the HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and commercial refrigeration industries throughout the United States. Trinity acts as an agent on behalf of the third-party insurance companies that underwrite and guaranty these warranty contracts. Trinity does not guaranty the performance underlying the warranty contracts it sells. As a provider of equipment breakdown and maintenance support services, Trinity acts as a single point of contact to its clients for both certain equipment breakdowns and scheduled maintenance of equipment. Trinity will provide such repair and breakdown services by contracting with certain HVAC providers.
Kingsway Search Xcelerator Segment
Kingsway Search Xcelerator includes the Company's subsidiaries CSuite, Ravix, SNS, SPI and DDI.
CSuite is a professional services firm that provides experienced chief financial officer and other finance professionals to its clients through a variety of flexible offerings. These offerings include project and interim staffing engagements, and contingent search services for permanent placements for its clients throughout the United States.
Ravix provides outsourced financial services and human resources consulting for short or long duration engagements for customers throughout the United States.
SNS provides healthcare staffing services to acute healthcare facilities on a contract or per diem basis in the United States, primarily in California.
SPI provides software products created exclusively to serve the management needs of all types of shared-ownership properties throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Mexico and the Caribbean.
DDI provides outsourced 24 hours a day and 7 days per week ("24/7") cardiac telemetry services for long-term acute care ("LTAC") and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. Outsourcing cardiac monitoring is intended to allow hospitals to eliminate personnel callouts and human resources issues, remove distractions from onsite operations, and free up facility staff to assist directly with patient care. DDI has been operating for over 10 years and currently has a presence in 42 states.
Revenues and Operating Income by Reportable 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 consolidated 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.
Revenues by reportable segment reconciled to consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Revenues:
Service fee and commission revenue - Extended Warranty
$ 68,231 $ 74,042
Service fee and commission revenue - Kingsway Search Xcelerator
35,013 19,238
Total revenues
$ 103,244 $ 93,280
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The operating income by reportable segment in the following table is before income taxes and includes revenues and direct segment costs. Total segment operating income reconciled to the consolidated income from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Segment operating income
Extended Warranty
$ 6,983 $ 9,879
Kingsway Search Xcelerator
5,252 3,548
Total segment operating income
12,235 13,427
Net investment income
1,804 2,305
Net realized gains
761 1,209
Net gain (loss) on equity investments
3,397 (26 )
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value
78 (1,754 )
Net change in unrealized gain on private company investments
63 -
Gain on change in fair value of real estate investments
- 1,488
Impairment losses
(229 ) -
(Loss) gain on change in fair value of derivative asset option contracts
(1,366 ) 16,730
Interest expense
(6,250 ) (8,092 )
Other revenue and expenses not allocated to segments, net
(12,823 ) (17,206 )
Amortization of intangible assets
(5,909 ) (6,133 )
Loss on change in fair value of debt
(68 ) (4,908 )
Gain on disposal of subsidiary
342 37,917
Gain on extinguishment of debt
31,616 -
Income from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense
23,651 34,957
Income tax (benefit) expense
(1,899 ) 4,825
Income from continuing operations
$ 25,550 $ 30,132
NOTE 23 FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair value is the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 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 employs a fair value hierarchy to categorize the inputs it uses in valuation techniques to measure the fair value. The following fair value hierarchy is used in selecting inputs, with the highest priority given to Level 1:
•
Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
•
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
•
Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are not observable.
The Company classifies its investments in fixed maturities as available-for-sale and reports these investments at fair value. The Company's equity investments, limited liability investments, at fair value, subordinated debt, derivative contracts (interest rate swap and trust preferred debt repurchase options) and contingent consideration are measured and reported at fair value.
Fixed maturities - 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. All classes of the Company’s fixed maturities, primarily consisting of investments in US. Treasury bills and government bonds; obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions; mortgage-backed securities; and corporate securities, are classified as Level 2. Level 2 is applied to valuations based upon quoted prices for similar assets in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are inactive; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
The Company engages a third-party vendor who utilizes third-party pricing sources and primarily employs a market approach to determine the fair values of our fixed maturities. The market approach includes primarily obtaining prices from independent third-party pricing services as well as, to a lesser extent, quotes from broker-dealers. Our third-party vendor also monitors market indicators, as well as industry and economic events, to ensure pricing is appropriate. All classes of our fixed maturities are valued using this technique. The Company has obtained an understanding of our third-party vendor’s valuation methodologies and inputs. Fair values obtained from our third-party vendor are not adjusted by the Company.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following is a description of the significant inputs, by asset class, used by the third-party pricing services to determine the fair values of our fixed maturities included in Level 2:
•
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities are generally priced using the market approach. Inputs generally consist of trades of identical or similar securities, quoted prices in inactive markets and maturity.
•
States, municipalities and political subdivisions are generally priced using the market approach. Inputs generally consist of trades of identical or similar securities, quoted prices in inactive markets, new issuances and credit spreads.
•
Mortgage-backed securities are generally priced using the market approach. Inputs generally consist of trades of identical or similar securities, quoted prices in inactive markets, expected prepayments, expected credit default rates, delinquencies and issue specific information including, but not limited to, collateral type, seniority and vintage.
•
Corporate securities are generally priced using the market approach using pricing vendors. Inputs generally consist of trades of identical or similar securities, quoted prices in inactive markets, issuer rating, benchmark yields, maturity and credit spreads.
Equity investments - Fair values of equity investments 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.
Limited liability investments, at fair value - Limited liability investments, at fair value include the underlying investments of Net Lease and Argo Holdings. Prior to the second quarter of 2023, Net Lease owned investments in limited liability companies that held investment properties. Net Lease sold its final investment property during its first quarter of 2023, and as a result, the Net Lease's investment in its underlying investments is zero at December 31, 2023. Argo Holdings makes investments in limited liability companies and limited partnerships that hold investments in search funds and private operating companies.
•
The fair value of Net Lease's investments in limited liability companies was based upon the net asset values of the underlying investments in companies as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The Company applied the net asset value practical expedient to Net Lease's limited liability investments on an investment-by-investment basis unless it is probable that the Company would sell a portion of an investment at an amount different from the net asset value of the investment. Investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient are not required to be classified using the fair value hierarchy.
•
The fair value of Argo Holdings' limited liability investments that hold investments in search funds is based on the initial investment in the search funds. The fair value of Argo Holdings' limited liability investments that hold investments in private operating companies is valued using a market approach including valuation multiples applied to corresponding performance metrics, such as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization; revenue; or net earnings. The selected valuation multiples were estimated using multiples provided by the investees and review of those multiples in light of investor updates, performance reports, financial statements and other relevant information. These investments are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Subordinated debt - The fair value of the subordinated debt is calculated using a model based on significant market observable inputs and inputs developed by a third-party. These inputs include credit spread assumptions developed by a third-party and market observable swap rates. The subordinated debt is categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Derivative contract- interest rate swap - As described in Note 11, "Derivatives," the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement effective April 1, 2021 to convert the variable interest rate on a portion of the 2020 KWH Loan to a fixed interest rate. The interest rate swap contract is measured and reported at fair value and is included in other receivables in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the interest rate swap contract is estimated using inputs which the Company obtains from the counterparty and is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of the derivative. The discounted cash flow valuation technique reflects the contractual term of the derivative contract, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market based inputs, including quoted mid-market prices or third-party consensus pricing, interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The interest rate swap contract is categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Derivative contracts - trust preferred debt repurchase options - As described in Note 11, "Derivatives," the Company entered into three TruPs Options contracts during the third quarter of 2022. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company executed the TruPs Options contracts. The TruPs Options contracts were measured and reported at fair value and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022. The fair value of the TruPs Options contracts was estimated using the binomial lattice model. Key inputs in the valuation included credit spread assumptions, interest rate volatility, debt coupon interest rate and time to maturity. The TruPs Options contracts are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Contingent consideration - The consideration for the Company's acquisitions of Ravix and CSuite 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. 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. Any changes in fair value are reported in the consolidated statements of operations as non-operating other expense. The contingent consideration liabilities are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
•
The fair value of Ravix's contingent consideration liability is estimated by applying the Monte Carlo simulation method to forecast achievement of gross profit which may result in up to $4.5 million in total payments to the former owners of Ravix through October 2024. Key inputs in the valuation include forecasted gross profit, gross profit volatility, discount rate and discount term. The estimated fair value of the Ravix contingent consideration liability at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $3.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
• The fair value of CSuite's contingent consideration liability is estimated by applying the Monte Carlo simulation method to forecast achievement of gross revenue which may result in up to $3.6 million in total payments to the former owners of CSuite through November 2025. Key inputs in the valuation include forecasted gross revenue, gross revenue volatility, discount rate and discount term. The estimated fair value of the CSuite contingent consideration liability at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was zero.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The balances of the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are as follows. Certain investments in limited liability companies that are measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient are not required to be classified using the fair value hierarchy, but are presented in the following tables to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets:
(in thousands)
December 31, 2023
Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Significant
Markets for
Other
Significant
Identical
Observable
Unobservable
Measured at
Assets
Inputs
Inputs
Net Asset
Total
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Value
Recurring fair value measurements
Assets:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$ 12,997 $ - $ 12,997 $ - $ -
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
2,783 - 2,783 - -
Mortgage-backed
9,253 - 9,253 - -
Asset-backed
1,210 - 1,210 - -
Corporate
10,230 - 10,230 - -
Total fixed maturities
36,473 - 36,473 - -
Equity investments
79 79 - - -
Limited liability investments, at fair value
3,496 - - 3,496 -
Derivative contract - interest rate swap
49 - 49 - -
Total assets
$ 40,018 $ - $ 36,522 $ 3,496 $ -
Liabilities:
Subordinated debt
$ 13,594 $ - $ 13,594 $ - $ -
Contingent consideration
3,105 - - 3,105 -
Total liabilities
$ 16,699 $ - $ 13,594 $ 3,105 $ -
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands)
December 31, 2022
Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Significant
Markets for
Other
Significant
Identical
Observable
Unobservable
Measured
Assets
Inputs
Inputs
at Net
Total
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Asset Value
Recurring fair value measurements
Assets:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$ 15,080 $ - $ 15,080 $ - $ -
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
2,232 - 2,232 - -
Mortgage-backed
8,412 - 8,412 - -
Asset-backed
1,610 - 1,610 - -
Corporate
10,257 - 10,257 - -
Total fixed maturities
37,591 - 37,591 - -
Equity investments
153 153 - - -
Limited liability investments, at fair value
17,059 - - 3,196 13,863
Derivative contract - interest rate swap
326 - 326 - -
Derivative contract - trust preferred debt repurchase options
19,034 - - 19,034 -
Total assets
$ 74,010 $ - $ 37,917 $ 22,230 $ 13,863
Liabilities:
Subordinated debt
$ 67,811 $ - $ 67,811 $ - $ -
Contingent consideration
3,218 - - 3,218 -
Total liabilities
71,029 - 67,811 3,218 -
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table provides a reconciliation of the fair value of recurring Level 3 fair value measurements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Assets:
Limited liability investments, at fair value:
Beginning balance
$ 3,196 $ 4,022
Contributions
47 -
Distributions received
(876 ) (621 )
Realized gains included in net income
481 607
Change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value included in net income
648 (812 )
Ending balance
$ 3,496 $ 3,196
Unrealized gains (losses) on limited liability investments, at fair value held at end of period:
Included in net income
$ 648 $ (812 )
Included in other comprehensive loss
$ - $ -
Derivative - trust preferred debt repurchase options:
Beginning balance
$ 19,034 $ -
Purchase of options
- 2,304
Initial valuation of options included in net income
- 11,412
Exercise of options included in net (loss) income
(17,668 ) -
Change in fair value of derivative assets included in net income
(1,366 ) 5,318
Ending balance
$ - $ 19,034
Unrealized gains recognized on derivative assets held at end of period:
Included in net income
$ - $ 16,730
Included in other comprehensive loss
- -
Ending balance - assets
$ 3,496 $ 22,230
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration:
Beginning balance
$ 3,218 $ 2,458
Settlements of contingent consideration liabilities
(375 ) (750 )
Change in fair value of contingent consideration included in net income
262 1,510
Ending balance
$ 3,105 $ 3,218
Unrealized losses recognized on contingent consideration liabilities held at end of period:
Included in net income
$ 262 $ 1,510
Included in other comprehensive loss
$ - $ -
Ending balance - liabilities
$ 3,105 $ 3,218
The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs utilized in determining fair values for the Company's investments that are categorized as Level 3 at December 31, 2023:
Categories
Fair Value
Valuation Techniques
Unobservable Inputs
Input Value(s)
Limited liability investments, at fair value
$ 3,496 Market approach
Valuation multiples
1.0x - 9.0x
Contingent consideration
$ 3,105 Option-based income approach
Discount rate
8.25 %
Risk-free rate
4.96 %
Expected volatility
9.0 %
The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs utilized in determining fair values for the Company's investments that are categorized as Level 3 at December 31, 2022:
Categories
Fair Value
Valuation Techniques
Unobservable Inputs
Input Value(s)
Limited liability investments, at fair value
$ 3,196 Market approach
Valuation multiples
1.0x - 9.0x
Derivative - trust preferred debt repurchase options
$ 19,034 Binomial lattice option approach
Credit spread
8.95 %
Interest rate volatility
2.3 %
Debt coupon interest rate
8.72%-8.87%
Time to maturity (in years)
10.4 - 10.59
Contingent consideration
$ 3,218 Option-based income approach
Discount rate
8.25 %
Risk-free rate
4.44 %
Expected volatility
13.0 %
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Investments Measured Using the Net Asset Value per Share Practical Expedient
The following table summarizes investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient at December 31, 2023:
Fair Value
Redemption
Category
(in thousands)
Unfunded Commitments
Redemption Frequency
Notice Period
Limited liability investments, at fair value
$ - n/a n/a n/a
The following table summarizes investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient at December 31, 2022:
Fair Value
Redemption
Category
(in thousands)
Unfunded Commitments
Redemption Frequency
Notice Period
Limited liability investments, at fair value
$ 13,863 n/a n/a n/a
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including assets that are adjusted for observable price changes or written down to fair value as a result of an impairment. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company recorded adjustments to increase the fair value of certain investments in private companies for observable price changes of $0.1 million and zero, respectively, which are included in net change in unrealized gain on private company investments in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company did not record any impairments related to investments in private companies for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. To determine the fair value of investments in these private companies, the Company considered rounds of financing and third-party transactions, discounted cash flow analyses and market-based information, including comparable transactions, trading multiples and changes in market outlook, among other factors. The Company has classified the fair value measurements of these investments in private companies as Level 3 because they involve significant unobservable inputs.
As further discussed in Note 4, "Acquisitions," the Company acquired CSuite on November 1, 2022 and allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The fair values of intangible assets associated with the acquisition of CSuite were determined to be Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy.
The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs utilized in determining fair values for these Level 3 measurements:
Categories
Fair Value
Valuation Techniques
Unobservable Inputs
Input Value(s)
Customer relationships
$ 2,500 Multi-period excess earnings
Growth rate
3.0 %
Attrition rate
25.0 %
Discount rate
16.5 %
Trade name
$ 1,500 Relief from royalty
Royalty rate
2.5 %
Discount rate
15.5 %
As further discussed in Note 4, "Acquisitions," the Company acquired SNS on November 18, 2022 and allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The fair values of intangible assets associated with the acquisition of SNS were determined to be Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy.
The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs utilized in determining fair values for these Level 3 measurements:
Categories
Fair Value
Valuation Techniques
Unobservable Inputs
Input Value(s)
Customer relationships
$ 3,600 Multi-period excess earnings
Growth rate
3.0 %
Attrition rate
10.0 %
Discount rate
21.0 %
Trade name
$ 3,100 Relief from royalty
Royalty rate
3.0 %
Discount rate
21.0 %
As further discussed in Note 4, "Acquisitions," the Company acquired SPI on September 7, 2023 and provisionally allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The fair values of intangible assets associated with the acquisition of SPI were determined to be Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy.
The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs utilized in determining fair values for the Level 3 measurements:
Categories Fair Value
Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Input Value(s)
Customer relationships
$ 1,000
Multi-period excess earnings
Growth rate
3.0%
Attrition rate
5.0%
Discount rate
21.5%
Developed technology
$ 600
Relief from royalty
Royalty rate
5.0%
Discount rate
19.5%
Trade name
$ 120
Relief from royalty
Royalty rate
0.8%
Discount rate
19.5%
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As further discussed in Note 4, "Acquisitions," the Company acquired DDI on October 26, 2023 and provisionally allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The fair values of intangible assets associated with the acquisition of DDI were determined to be Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy.
The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs utilized in determining fair values for the Level 3 measurements:
Categories
Fair Value
Valuation Techniques
Unobservable Inputs
Input Value(s)
Customer relationships
$ 6,500 Multi-period excess earnings
Growth rate
3.0 %
Attrition rate
5.0 %
Discount rate
27.0 %
Trade name
$ 260 Relief from royalty
Royalty rate
1.0 %
Discount rate
25.0 %
NOTE 24 RELATED PARTIES
Related party transactions, including services provided to or received by the Company's subsidiaries, are measured in part by the amount of consideration paid or received as established and agreed by the parties. Except where disclosed elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements, the following is a summary of related party relationships and transactions.
Argo Management Group, LLC
The Company acquired Argo Management in April 2016. Argo Management's primary business is to act as Managing Member of Argo Holdings. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, each of the Company, John T. Fitzgerald ("Fitzgerald"), the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President, and certain of Fitzgerald’s immediate family members owns equity interests in Argo Holdings, all of which interests were acquired prior to the Company’s acquisition of Argo Management. Subject to certain limitations, Argo Holdings' governing documents require all individuals and entities owning an equity interest in Argo Holdings to fund upon request his/her/its pro rata share of any funding requirements of Argo Holdings up to an aggregate maximum amount equal to his/her/its total capital commitment (each request for funds being referred to as a "Capital Call"). Argo Holdings made no Capital Calls during the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
NOTE 25 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
(a)
Legal proceedings:
In May 2016, Aegis Security Insurance Company ("Aegis") filed a complaint for breach of contract and declaratory relief against the Company in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania alleging, among other things, that the Company breached a contractual obligation to indemnify Aegis for certain customs bond losses incurred by Aegis under the indemnity and hold harmless agreements provided by the Company to Aegis for certain customs bonds reinsured by Lincoln General Insurance Company ("Lincoln General") during the period of time that Lincoln General was a subsidiary of the Company. Lincoln General was placed into liquidation in November 2015 and Aegis subsequently invoked its rights to indemnity under the indemnity and hold harmless agreements. Effective January 20, 2020, Aegis and the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement with respect to such litigation pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay Aegis a one-time settlement amount of $0.9 million, which the Company reported in its consolidated statement of operations during the first quarter of 2020, and to reimburse Aegis for 60% of future losses that Aegis may sustain in connection with such customs bonds, up to a maximum reimbursement amount of $4.8 million. From 2020 through 2021, the Company made reimbursement payments to Aegis of $0.6 million in connection with the Settlement Agreement. During 2023 and 2022, the Company made reimbursement payments to Aegis of $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in connection with the Settlement Agreement, which is included in general and administrative expenses in its consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The remaining maximum reimbursement amount is $3.3 million as of December 31, 2023. The Company’s potential exposure under these agreements was not reasonably determinable at December 31, 2023, and no liability has been recorded in the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2023.
(b)
Guarantees:
Mendota
As part of the October 18, 2018 transaction to sell Mendota, the Company will indemnify the buyer for any loss and loss adjustment expenses with respect to open claims in excess of Mendota's carried unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses at June 30, 2018 related to the open claims. The maximum obligation to the Company with respect to the open claims was $2.5 million.
During the third quarter of 2022, the buyer provided to the Company an analysis of the claims development that indicated that the Company's potential exposure with respect to the open claims was at the maximum obligation amount. Previous communications from the buyer noted no such development and the buyer was not obligated to provide development information to the Company until the first quarter of 2023. As a result of the newly provided information, the Company recorded a liability of $2.5 million during 2022, which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022 and loss on disposal of discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022. There were no payments made by the Company related to the open claims during 2022. During the first quarter of 2023, the $2.0 million that had been previously deposited into an escrow account was released and remitted to the buyer to satisfy the Company's payment with respect to the open claims. The Company has no remaining exposure with respect to the open claims.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
VA Lafayette
The LA Mortgage is nonrecourse indebtedness with respect to the assets of VA Lafayette, and the LA Mortgage is not, nor will it be, guaranteed by Kingsway or its affiliates unless VA Lafayette acts in bad faith or commits intentional acts with respect to the LA Mortgage. The LA Mortgage is secured in part by a guaranty of recourse liabilities, whereby KAI, as guarantor, would become liable for the recourse liabilities if VA Lafayette, as borrower, violates certain terms of the loan agreement. Under the guarantee, the lender can recover losses from the guarantor for certain bad faith or other intentional acts of the borrower, such as rents retained by the borrower in violation of the loan documents, fraud or intentional misrepresentation, changes to the lease without the lender's consent, willful misconduct, criminal acts and environmental losses sustained by lender. In addition, the guarantee provides that the LA Mortgage will be the full personal recourse obligation of the guarantor, for certain actions, such as prohibited transfers of the collateral or bankruptcy of the borrower.
(c)
Collateral pledged and restricted cash:
Short-term investments with an estimated fair value of $0.2 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, were on deposit with state regulatory authorities.
The Company also has restricted cash of $8.4 million and $13.1 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Included in restricted cash are:
•
$7.7 million and $7.6 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, held as deposits by IWS, Geminus, PWI, Ravix, CSuite and SPI (2023 only);
•
$0.2 million and$1.9 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, on deposit with state regulatory authorities; and
•
$0.5 million and $3.5million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, pledged to third-parties as deposits or to collateralize liabilities. Collateral pledging transactions are conducted under terms that are common and customary to standard collateral pledging and are subject to the Company's standard risk management controls.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as of December 31, 2023.
The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, the Company’s management recognizes that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Our disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to meet reasonable assurance standards. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints that require the Company’s management to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.
Based on this evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, there were two control deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting which constituted material weaknesses, and accordingly the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company's management evaluated the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), or COSO. Based on that evaluation and the discovery of the errors described in the following paragraphs, the Company’s management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective based on the COSO framework. We describe the material weaknesses in the following paragraphs.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Material Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A material weakness is defined as a deficiency or combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
A. Spreadsheet Calculation Error. The Company did not correctly calculate the fair value of its subordinated debt as of December 31, 2023, due to a spreadsheet calculation error that resulted in an adjustment to the financial statements of approximately $1.2 million. The Company has a mitigating control in place, but this control did not operate during the fourth quarter timely as the fair value calculation was provided to the Company’s auditors prior to this control activity taking place. The fair value of the remaining tranche of subordinated debt was calculated, without error, as of March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2023. The spreadsheet calculation error as of December 31, 2023 has been corrected.
B. Cash Flow Statement Classification Error. The Company did not correctly present the amount related to the repurchase of the deferred interest on its subordinated debt as a cash outflow from operating activities (the entire repurchase amount was presented as a cash outflow from financing activities). All other aspects of the repurchase (balance sheet, statement of operations, etc.) were correctly accounted for. This classification error resulted in a material adjustment to decrease cash flows used for financing activities and increase cash flows used for operating activities within the cashflow statement presentation of approximately $16.1 million. This classification error was fixed in the Company’s December 31, 2023 statement of cash flows.
As a result of these identified material weaknesses, the Company considered whether other calculations and conclusions with respect to presentation could be impacted. Notwithstanding the material weaknesses described above, the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believes that these were isolated incidents, have been corrected, and that the audited consolidated financial statements contained in this 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the fiscal years presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP.
Remediation of 2023 Material Weakness
We have corrected all errors discovered during our review process for fiscal 2023.
In addition, the Company has developed the following plan of remediation:
●
A. The Spreadsheet Calculation Error. The Company will implement a policy whereby alterations to workpapers pertaining to material financial items require an additional layer of review to ensure such alterations were correctly calculated.
●
B. Cash Flow Statement Classification Error. The Company failed to consult on the cash flow presentation aspect of the transaction. The Company will modify its existing policy that requires it to consult with third party experts on significant and/or unusual transactions to explicitly state that such consultations need to include all accounting aspects, including presentation and disclosure.
Remediation of 2018 Material Weakness
As previously reported in the Company's 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting relating to the accounting for and disclosure of certain complex and nonrecurring transactions as it specifically pertains to the adoption and application of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09").
In 2022, the Company directed its internal audit department to conduct a thorough review of the material revenue processes. The review was completed during 2023 and indicated no material issues. The Company has enhanced and revised the design of its internal control over financial reporting and the accounting for and disclosure of certain complex and nonrecurring transactions as it specifically pertains to the adoption and application of ASU 2014-09, including engaging external accounting consultants or advisors, as necessary, to provide expert advice on the adoption and application of ASU 2014-09, and formalizing certain documentation processes related to the adoption and application of ASU 2014-09.
As a result of these measures, the Company believes that the 2018 material weakness described above has now been remediated.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
On September 7, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of SPI and on October 26, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of DDI. Since the dates of these acquisitions, the Company has been analyzing and evaluating procedures and controls to determine their effectiveness and to make them consistent with our disclosure controls and procedures. As permitted by the SEC, SPI and DDI has been excluded from the scope of our quarterly discussion of material changes in internal control over financial reporting below.
There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the period beginning October 1, 2023, and ending December 31, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting, except with respect to SPI and DDI.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, none of the Company's officers or directors adopted, modified or terminated any "Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements" or "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements," as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act.

---

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is applicable to all employees, including our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and other senior financial personnel, as well as our directors. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted in the "Corporate Governance" section of our website at www.kingsway-financial.com. Any future amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and any grant of waiver from a provision of the code requiring disclosure under applicable SEC rules will be disclosed in the "Corporate Governance" section of our website.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Part IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents filed as part of this Report
(1) Financial Statements. We have filed the following documents, which are included in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Financial Statement Schedules. The following financial statement schedules are filed as a part hereof along with the related reports of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm included in Part II, Item 8. Schedules not listed here have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Schedule I Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant (Parent Company)
(3) Exhibits. The exhibits listed in the accompanying "Index to Exhibits" that follow the signature pages of this report are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Form 10-K.
(b) Exhibits. Included in Item 15(a)(3) above
(c) Financial Statement Schedules. Included in Item 15(a)(2) above
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
SCHEDULE I. Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant (Parent Company)
Parent Company Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Assets
Investments in subsidiaries
$ 20,325 $ 23,545
Cash and cash equivalents
2,058 32
Other assets
5,339 1,313
Total Assets
$ 27,722 $ 24,890
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
$ 13 $ 3,206
Total Liabilities
13 3,206
Redeemable Class A preferred stock
- 6,013
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock
- -
Additional paid-in capital
379,813 359,985
Treasury stock, at cost
(3,696 ) (492 )
Accumulated deficit
(346,868 ) (370,427 )
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(1,540 ) 26,605
Shareholders' equity attributable to common shareholders
27,709 15,671
Total Liabilities, Class A preferred stock and Shareholders' Equity
$ 27,722 $ 24,890
See accompanying report of independent registered accounting firm.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
SCHEDULE I. Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant (Parent Company)
Parent Company Statements of Operations
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Other expenses, net:
General and administrative expenses
$ (1,990 ) $ (2,081 )
Non-operating other expense
(3 ) (8 )
Total other expenses, net
(1,993 ) (2,089 )
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit and equity in income of subsidiaries
(1,993 ) (2,089 )
Income tax benefit
(1,331 ) (314 )
Equity in income of subsidiaries
24,674 16,840
Net income
$ 24,012 $ 15,065
See accompanying report of independent registered accounting firm.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
SCHEDULE I. Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant (Parent Company)
Parent Company Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Net income
$ 24,012 $ 15,065
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes(1):
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale investments:
Unrealized losses arising during the period
- -
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income
- -
Other comprehensive loss - parent only
- -
Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries
(28,115 ) (4,238 )
Other comprehensive loss
(28,115 ) (4,238 )
Comprehensive (loss) income
$ (4,103 ) $ 10,827
(1) Net of income tax (benefit) expense of $0 and $0 in 2023 and 2022, respectively
See accompanying report of independent registered accounting firm.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
SCHEDULE I. Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant (Parent Company)
Parent Company Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities:
Net income
$ 24,012 $ 15,065
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in net income of subsidiaries
(24,674 ) (16,840 )
Stock-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures
509 589
Change in other assets
(4,026 ) (866 )
Change in accrued expenses and other liabilities
(3,193 ) 1,533
Net cash used in operating activities
(7,372 ) (519 )
Investing activities:
Net cash from investing activities
- -
Financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of warrants
16,658 545
Cash paid for repurchase of warrants
(4,031 ) -
Cash paid for repurchase of common stock
(3,204 ) -
Capital contribution to subsidiary
(25 ) (50 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
9,398 495
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
2,026 (24 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
32 56
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 2,058 $ 32
See accompanying report of independent registered accounting firm.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.