EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1072627
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1072627_10-K_2021_0001072627-21-000022.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 150 E. Pierce Road, Itasca, Illinois 60143. 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, asset management and real estate industries. Kingsway conducts its business through two reportable segments: Extended Warranty and Leased Real Estate. Extended Warranty and Leased Real Estate conduct their business and distribute their products in the United States.
Financial information about Kingsway's reportable business segments for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is contained in the following sections of this 2020 Annual Report: (i) Note 24, "Segmented Information," to the Consolidated Financial Statements; and (ii) "Results of Continuing Operations" section of MD&A.
All of the dollar amounts in this 2020 Annual Report are expressed in U.S. dollars, except where otherwise indicated. References to "dollars" or "$" are to U.S. dollars, and any references to "C$" are to Canadian dollars.
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS
Acquisition of PWI Holdings, Inc.
On December 1, 2020, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of PWI Holdings, Inc. for cash consideration of $24.4 million. The final purchase price is subject to a true-up that will be finalized in 2021. PWI Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries Preferred Warranties, Inc., Superior Warranties, Inc., Preferred Warranties of Florida, Inc., and Preferred Nationwide Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (collectively, "PWI"), markets, sells and administers vehicle service agreements in all fifty states, primarily through a network of automobile dealer partners. PWI is included in the Extended Warranty segment. Further information is contained in Note 4, "Acquisitions," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
EXTENDED WARRANTY SEGMENT
Extended Warranty includes the following subsidiaries of the Company (collectively, "Extended Warranty"):
•IWS Acquisition Corporation ("IWS")
•Geminus Holding Company, Inc. ("Geminus")
•PWI
•Professional Warranty Service Corporation ("PWSC")
•Trinity Warranty Solutions LLC ("Trinity")
IWS is a licensed motor vehicle service agreement company and is a provider of after-market vehicle protection services distributed by credit unions in 26 states and the District of Columbia to their members.
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 32 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 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.
PWSC sells new home warranty products and provides administration services to homebuilders and homeowners across the United States. PWSC distributes its products and services through an in-house sales team and through insurance brokers and insurance carriers throughout all states except Alaska and Louisiana.
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Trinity sells heating, ventilation, air conditioning ("HVAC"), standby generator, commercial LED lighting and 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 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 ("VSA"s) and related products for new and used automobiles throughout the United States. PWI also markets and administers 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.
•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.
•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.
•PWI serves as the contract administrator and originator in all states, except for Alaska, Florida and Washington. In the States of Alaska, Florida and Washington, PWI partners with American Auto Shield ("AAS") in a white label relationship. VSAs sold in these states are branded PWI and administered by AAS. In these states, AAS is the contract originator with PWI generating fee income on every contract sold. 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).
In addition to marketing vehicle service agreements, IWS and Geminus also administer and broker a guaranteed asset protection product ("GAP") 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 and Geminus earn a commission when a consumer purchases a GAP certificate but does not take on any insurance risk.
Home
PWSC administers the insured warranty programs for new home construction companies, and the warranty is issued to new home buyers. The warranty coverage is provided nationwide by a single, A+ rated insurance carrier. The warranty document is an agreement between the homebuilder and the purchaser of the home and includes specific tolerances related to covered defects and precise definitions of damages. Each damage category includes materials defect coverage for the first year, major systems coverage for the second year, and workmanship and structural coverage for years three through ten. The warranty enables certain damages to be resolved by the homebuilder without admitting fault or negligence, and the warranty offers an efficient method to resolve buyer complaints and avoid costly litigation through mediation and mandatory binding arbitration.
PWSC also has an uninsured warranty administration services program. The warranty document issued through this program is an agreement between the homebuilder and the purchaser of the home, and it includes performance standards established by the homebuilder and warrants conditions in the home that could constitute a construction defect throughout the warranty period. This program enables construction defects to be efficiently and amicably resolved by the homebuilder through mediation and mandatory binding arbitration to avoid costly litigation. Claims are covered for a period of time as may be required by law, for an elected time-frame by the builder in a specific state, or per agreement with a general liability insurance carrier. The warranty document is designed to ensure all parties’ interests are aligned in order to handle their claims relative to construction defects promptly and without attorney intervention.
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HVAC
Trinity sells HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and 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 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.
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 26 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 which 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 32 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 non-employee based or agent centric. Penn and Prime's typical competitor’s approach to market is by working through non-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 a dealer 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 products options are important. The majority of its competitors have a comprehensive menu of products and services to offer the independent and franchise dealers. PWI’s future strategy will drive additional competitiveness by adding new products to its existing menu of VSAs. PWI’s competitors are a blend of national and regional competitors implementing employee and agent based sales models.
Home
PWSC markets its insured warranty products through a sales force directly to the homebuilder and its uninsured builder backed warranty products through a network of construction general liability insurance carriers and domestic insurance brokers. Homebuilder prospects are developed through membership in local homebuilder associations, attendance at homebuilder conventions, distribution of promotional products and direct mail efforts. For its uninsured homebuilder backed product, PWSC dedicates senior personnel to working with the construction general liability insurers and domestic insurance brokers to identify and assist in developing new opportunities and devotes marketing resources to sell its product.
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For its insured warranty product, PWSC operates in an environment with several competitors. PWSC differentiates itself through its relationship with and backing by an A+ rated global insurance carrier; having over 20 years of experience in the field of new home warranty administration; its dispute resolution services; and its best in class customer service. For its uninsured builder backed product, PWSC operates in an environment with very few competitors. The most significant features differentiating the builder backed product from its competition are an express warranty for all construction defects, the only warranty that is fully integrated with the general liability policy in its definition and coverage of construction defects, and mutual agreement between the homebuilder and the home buyer that all claims be resolved through mediation or, if necessary, binding arbitration.
HVAC
Trinity directly markets and distributes its warranty products to manufacturers, distributors and installers of HVAC, standby generator, commercial LED lighting and refrigeration equipment. As a provider of equipment breakdown and maintenance support, Trinity directly markets and distributes its product 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 refrigeration equipment 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 insureds and the insureds of the Company's insurance company partners in a manner that is consistent with the insurance policy language and the Company's regulatory and legal obligations.
IWS, Geminus and PWI effectively and efficiently manages 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 its own proprietary database of historical claims data dating several years. Management analyzes this database to drive real-time pricing adjustments and strategic decision-making.
Under PWSC’s warranty products, disputes typically arise when there is a difference between what the homeowner expects of the builder and what the builder believes are its legitimate warranty service responsibilities. PWSC employs an experienced claims staff who responds to all inquiries from homeowners and from requests by builders. Any inquiries or complaints received are submitted or communicated to the builder. PWSC will not make any determination as to the validity or resolution of any complaint; however, PWSC will discuss alternatives or resolutions to disputes with all parties and can mediate or negotiate a fair solution to a dispute. This process ensures that homebuilders can effectively manage new home construction risk and reduce the potential for substantial legal costs associated with litigation. PWSC may, at times, act as a third-party administrator for claims under the insured warranty product; however, at no time does PWSC bear the loss of claims on warranty products.
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.
LEASED REAL ESTATE SEGMENT
Leased Real Estate includes the Company's subsidiary, CMC Industries, Inc. ("CMC"). CMC owns, 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 with a single customer, BNSF Railway Company. Revenue from this single customer represents more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues. The Real Property is also subject to a mortgage, which is recorded as note payable in the consolidated balance sheets (the "Mortgage").
PRICING AND PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
Responsibility for pricing and product management rests with the Company's individual operating subsidiaries in Extended Warranty. Typically, teams 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
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
solutions and claims groups track loss performance on a monthly basis so as to alert the operating subsidiaries to the potential need to adjust forms or rates.
UNPAID LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
The Company records a provision for its unpaid losses that have occurred as of a given evaluation date as well as for its estimated liability for loss adjustment expenses related to our insurance subsidiary, Kingsway Amigo Insurance Company ("Amigo"). Amigo was placed in voluntary run-off during the fourth quarter of 2012.
For a detailed description of the Company's process for establishing its provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, see "Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Estimates" section of MD&A. For a rollforward of the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of amounts recoverable from reinsurers, see Note 13, "Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
INVESTMENTS
The Company manages its investments to support its liabilities, preserve capital, maintain adequate liquidity and maximize after-tax investment returns within acceptable risks. The fixed maturities portfolios are managed by a third-party firm and are comprised predominantly of high-quality fixed maturities with relatively short durations. Equity, limited liability and other investments are managed by a team of employees and advisors dedicated to the identification of investment opportunities that offer asymmetric risk/reward potential with a margin of safety supported by private market values. Limited liability investments, at fair value, investments in private companies and real estate investments are managed by third-party managers. 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. Investments held by our insurance subsidiary, Amigo, must comply with domiciliary state regulations that prescribe the type, quality and concentration of investments.
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 25, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
Insurance
The Company has one U.S. insurance subsidiary, Amigo, which is organized and domiciled under the insurance statutes of Florida and is in voluntary run-off. To the best of the Company's knowledge, it is in compliance with the regulations discussed below.
U.S. insurance companies are subject to the insurance holding company statutes in the jurisdictions in which they conduct business. These statutes require that each U.S insurance company in a holding company system register with the insurance department of its state of domicile and furnish information concerning the operations of companies in the holding company system that may materially affect the operations, management or financial condition of the insurers in the holding company domiciled in that state. These statutes also generally provide that all transactions among members of a holding company system be done at arm’s length and be shown to be fair and reasonable to the regulated insurer. Transactions between insurance company subsidiaries and their parents and affiliates typically must be disclosed to the state regulators, and any material or extraordinary transaction requires prior approval of the applicable state insurance regulator. A change of control of a domestic insurer or of any controlling person requires the prior approval of the state insurance regulator. In general, any person who acquires 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the insurer or its parent company is presumed to have acquired control of the domestic insurer.
U.S. insurance companies are required under the guaranty fund laws of most states in which they transact business to pay assessments up to prescribed limits to fund policyholder losses or liabilities of insolvent insurance companies. U.S. insurance companies also are required to participate in various involuntary pools or assigned risk pools. In most states, the involuntary pool participation is in proportion to the voluntary writings of related lines of business in such states.
U.S. insurance companies are subject to state laws and regulations that require diversification of our investment portfolios and that limit the amount of investments in certain categories. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations would cause non-conforming investments to be treated as non-admitted assets for purposes of measuring statutory surplus and, in some instances, would require divestiture.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
U.S. insurance companies are required to report their financial condition and results of operation in accordance with statutory accounting principles prescribed or permitted by state insurance regulators in conjunction with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). State insurance regulators also prescribe the form and content of statutory financial statements, perform periodic financial examinations of insurers, set minimum reserve and loss ratio requirements, establish standards for the types and amounts of investments and require minimum capital and surplus levels. Such statutory capital and surplus requirements reflect risk-based capital ("RBC") standards promulgated by the NAIC. These RBC standards are intended to assess the level of risk inherent in an insurance company's business and consider items such as asset risk, credit risk, underwriting risk and other business risks relevant to its operations. In accordance with RBC formulas, an insurance company's RBC requirements are calculated and compared to its total adjusted capital, as defined by the NAIC, to determine whether regulatory intervention is warranted. In general, insurers reporting surplus as regards policyholders below 200% of the authorized control level, as defined by the NAIC, at December 31 are subject to varying levels of regulatory action, including discontinuation of operations. As of December 31, 2020, surplus as regards to policyholders reported by Amigo exceeded the 200% threshold. Refer to Note 28, "Regulatory Capital Requirements and Ratios," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
The state insurance department that has jurisdiction over Amigo may conduct on-site visits and examinations, especially as to financial condition, ability to fulfill obligations to policyholders, market conduct, claims practices and compliance with other laws and applicable regulations. Typically, these examinations are conducted every three to five years. In addition, if circumstances dictate, regulators are authorized to conduct special or target examinations of insurance companies to address particular concerns or issues. The results of these examinations can give rise to regulatory orders requiring remedial, injunctive or other corrective action on the part of the company that is the subject of the examination or the assessment of fines or other penalties against that company. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation completed in 2016 a financial examination of Amigo for the three-year period ending December 31, 2014 and completed in the first quarter of 2018 a financial examination of Amigo for the two-year period ending December 31, 2016. No financial statement adjustments were required as a result of either examination.
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act protects consumers from the unauthorized dissemination of certain personal information. The majority of states have implemented additional regulations to address privacy issues. These laws and regulations apply to all financial institutions and require the Company to maintain appropriate procedures for managing and protecting certain personal information of its customers and to fully disclose its privacy practices to its customers. The Company may also be exposed to future privacy laws and regulations, which could impose additional costs and adversely affect its results of operations or financial condition.
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 which was adopted by the NAIC in the early 1990's. Under that scheme, 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 in which 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.
The insurance carrier providing the contractual liability coverage for the insured warranty product offered by PWSC is designated as a surplus lines carrier in all states. The offering of surplus lines insurance is regulated in all states. The insurance carrier has designated an agent within PWSC who is a licensed property and casualty broker and a surplus lines broker in all states where such a license is required. PWSC is in compliance with the regulations of each state in which it offers its insured warranty products. In addition, New Jersey and Maryland require PWSC to file its warranty plan documents and other company information for periodic review and approval to demonstrate compliance with new home warranty plan regulations promulgated by those jurisdictions. New Jersey requires such a filing every two years. Maryland requires a filing every year. PWSC is in compliance with the filing requirements of each state.
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
At December 31, 2020, the Company employed 239 personnel supporting its continuing 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.
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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 2020 Annual Report and to consult any further disclosures Kingsway makes on related subjects in its filings with the SEC.
FINANCIAL RISK
We have substantial outstanding recourse debt, 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, 2020, we had $90.5 million principal value of outstanding recourse subordinated debt, in the form of trust preferred debt instruments, with redemption dates beginning in December 2032, which in addition to the $90.5 million principal has deferred interest accrued as of December 31, 2020 of $14.1 million. Related to our acquisition on December 1, 2020 of PWI Holdings, Inc. and its various subsidiaries (collectively, "PWI"), we have $25.7 million principal value of acquisition financing outstanding as of December 31, 2020. Because of our substantial outstanding recourse debt:
•our ability to engage in acquisitions without raising additional equity or obtaining additional debt financing could be limited;
•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;
•a large 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;
•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 London interbank offered interest rate ("LIBOR") or any equivalent replacement benchmark as defined in the underlying loan documents;
•it may be more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to our creditors, resulting in possible defaults on, and acceleration of, such debt;
•we may be more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
•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;
•our ability to refinance debt may be limited or the associated costs may increase;
•our ability to transfer funds among our various subsidiaries and/or distribute such funds to the holding company may be limited;
•our flexibility to adjust to changing market conditions and ability to withstand competitive pressures could be limited;
•we may be unable to redeem outstanding shares of our redeemable preferred stock on the required date, which could lead to increased financing costs and/or costs associated with disputes involving the holders of such preferred stock; and
•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.
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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 debt of $90.5 million principal value and our outstanding acquisition financing of $25.7 million related to the acquisition of PWI bear interest directly related to LIBOR (and will in the future relate to one or more as-yet unidentified replacement benchmarks). As a result, increases in LIBOR (or the applicable replacement benchmark) would increase the cost of servicing our debt and could adversely affect our results of operations. Each one hundred basis point increase in LIBOR (or the replacement benchmark) would result in an approximately $1.3 million increase in our annual interest expense.
The expected discontinuation of LIBOR could adversely affect the cost of servicing our outstanding debt.
Our outstanding recourse subordinate debt of $90.5 million principal value, which has redemption dates ranging from December 4, 2032 through January 8, 2034, and our outstanding acquisition financing of $25.7 million related to the acquisition of PWI, which has a maturity date of December 1, 2025, bear interest directly related to LIBOR and extend beyond 2021, by which time the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, has announced it intends to phase out LIBOR. If LIBOR phases out, the indentures governing the Company’s outstanding recourse debt and the loan and security agreement governing our outstanding acquisition financing provide alternative means of determining the Company’s interest expense on its outstanding debt. At this time, the Company cannot yet reasonably estimate the expected impact of a discontinuation of LIBOR.
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 may 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.
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.
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.
The Real Property is leased pursuant to a long-term triple net lease and the failure of the tenant to satisfy its obligations under the lease could adversely affect the condition of the Real Property or the results of the Leased Real Estate segment.
Because the Real Property is leased pursuant to a long-term triple net lease, we depend on the tenant to pay all insurance, taxes, utilities, common area maintenance charges, maintenance and repair expenses and to indemnify, defend and hold us harmless from and against various claims, litigation and liabilities arising in connection with its business, including any environmental liabilities. There can be no assurance that the tenant will have sufficient assets, income and access to financing to enable it to satisfy its payment obligations to us under the lease. The inability or unwillingness of the tenant to meet its rent obligations or to satisfy its other obligations, including indemnification obligations, could materially adversely affect the business, financial position or results of operations of our Leased Real Estate segment. Furthermore, the inability or unwillingness of the tenant to satisfy its other obligations under the lease, such as the payment of insurance, taxes and utilities, could materially and adversely affect the condition of the Real Property.
Our triple net lease agreement requires that the tenant maintain comprehensive liability and hazard insurance; however, there are certain types of losses (including losses arising from environmental conditions or of a catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and floods) that may be uninsurable or not economically insurable. Insurance coverage may not be sufficient to pay the full current market value or current replacement cost of a loss. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations, and other factors also might make it infeasible to use insurance proceeds to replace the property after such property has been damaged or destroyed. In addition, if we experience a loss that is uninsured or that exceeds policy coverage limits, we could lose the capital invested in the property as well as the anticipated future cash flows from the property.
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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, 2020, our investments included $20.7 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. The low interest rate environment for fixed maturities that has existed for years also exposes us to reinvestment risk as these investments mature because the funds may be reinvested at rates lower than those of the maturing investments.
As of December 31, 2020, our investments also included $0.4 million of equity investments, $3.7 million of limited liability investments, $32.8 million of limited liability investments, at fair value, $0.8 million of investments in private companies, at adjusted cost, $10.7 million of real estate investments, at fair value and other investments, at cost of $0.3 million. These investments are less liquid than fixed maturities. We generally make these investments with long-term time horizons in mind. 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.
We will continue to be adversely impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19.
In March 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by a novel strain of the coronavirus was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Shortly thereafter, the President of the United States declared a National Emergency throughout the United States attributable to such outbreak. The outbreak has become increasingly widespread in the United States, including in the markets in which we operate. We are currently taking steps to assess the effects, and mitigate the adverse consequences to our businesses, of the outbreak; however, though the magnitude of the impact continues to develop, 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 automobile sales and new home construction, 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 outbreak of COVID-19 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.
Any of the foregoing factors, or other cascading effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that are not currently foreseeable, could materially increase our costs, negatively impact our sales and damage the company’s results of operations and its liquidity position, possibly to a significant degree. The duration of any such impacts cannot be predicted.
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.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Market volatility may also make it more difficult to value certain of our investments if trading becomes less frequent. 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. There can be no assurance that market conditions will not deteriorate in the near 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.
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. During the third and fourth quarters of 2020, the Company made reimbursement payments to Aegis totaling $0.5 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 are required to indemnify the buyer of our non-standard automobile businesses, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
On July 16, 2018, we announced we had entered into a definitive agreement to sell our non-standard automobile insurance companies Mendota, Mendakota and MCC (collectively "Mendota"). On October 18, 2018, we completed the previously announced sale of Mendota. The final aggregate purchase price of $28.6 million was redeployed primarily to acquire various investments that were owned by Mendota at the time of the closing, and to fund $5.0 million into an escrow account to be used to satisfy potential indemnity obligations under the definitive stock purchase agreement. As part of the transaction, we will indemnify the buyer for any loss and loss adjustment expenses with respect to open claims and certain specified claims in excess of Mendota’s carried unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses at June 30, 2018. The maximum obligation to the Company with respect to the open claims was $2.5 million. There is no maximum obligation to the Company with respect to the specified claims.
During 2019, Mendota notified us that it had entered into agreements to settle the specified claims. Our potential exposure under the indemnity obligation with respect to the open claims is not reasonably determinable, and no liability has been recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements. No assurances can be given, however, that we will not be required to perform under the indemnity obligation for the open claims 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 $845.5 million as of December 31, 2020. 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. Our
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
operations, however, remain challenged, and 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.
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.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
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.
In light of financial performance and a number of material transactions executed over the years, the Company has been asked to respond to questions from and provide information to regulatory bodies overseeing insurance and/or securities laws in Canada and the United States. The Company has cooperated in all respects with these reviews and has responded to information requests on a timely basis.
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, 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 would 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. As described in Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, of this 2020 Annual Report, we have identified the existence of material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting. As discussed in Note 3, "Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements," to the 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed on February 27, 2020, we have restated our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017. We are actively engaged in developing and implementing remediation plans as described in Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, of this 2020 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.
Failure to comply with the NYSE’s continued listing requirements and rules could result in the NYSE delisting our common stock, which could negatively affect our company, the price of our common stock and your ability to sell our common stock.
On April 17, 2020, the Company received a notice from NYSE that the Company is not in compliance with NYSE listing standard 802.01B because our average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading-day period was less than $50.0 million and stockholders’ equity was less than $50.0 million. In accordance with the NYSE listing requirements, we submitted a plan that demonstrated how we expected to return to compliance with NYSE listing standard 802.01B. On July 9, 2020, the NYSE notified us that our plan was accepted. On January 18, 2021, NYSE notified us that we were again in compliance with NYSE listing standard 802.01B but that we were subject to continued monitoring and review for a period of 12 months. If we fail to meet the continued listing standard throughout this period, we may be subject to corrective action by NYSE, which may include suspension and delisting procedures.
If we are unable to satisfy the NYSE criteria for continued listing, our common stock would be subject to delisting. A delisting of our common stock could negatively impact us by, among other things, reducing the liquidity and market price of our common stock; reducing the number of investors willing to hold or acquire our common stock, which could negatively impact our ability to raise equity financing; decreasing the amount of news and analyst coverage of us; and limiting our ability to issue
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future. In addition, delisting from the NYSE may negatively impact our reputation and, consequently, our business.
STRATEGIC RISK
The achievement of our strategic objectives is highly dependent on effective change management.
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 and selling Mendota on October 18, 2018, with the objective of focusing on our Extended Warranty segment, 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.
We may experience difficulty continuing to reduce our holding company expenses while at the same time retaining staff given the significant reduction in size and scale of our businesses.
We have divested a number of subsidiaries. At the same time, we have been downsizing our holding company expense base in an attempt to compensate for the reduction in scale. There can be no assurance that our remaining 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 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. In addition, the homebuilder warranty market in which we operate is comprised of several competitors. There may also be other companies of which we are not aware that may be planning to enter the vehicle service agreement and homebuilder warranty industries.
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 and homebuilder warranties 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:
•difficulties in the integration of the acquired business, including implementation of proper internal controls over financial reporting;
•assumption of unknown material liabilities;
•diversion of management's attention from other business concerns;
•failure to achieve financial or operating objectives and/or anticipated cost savings; and
•potential loss of customers or key employees of acquired companies.
We may not be able to integrate or operate successfully any business, operations, personnel, services or products that we may acquire in the future.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Engaging in new business start-ups 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 the formation of a new business venture and, as a result of such discussions, may form and capitalize a new business.
New business start-ups entail numerous potential risks, including the following:
•identification of appropriate management to run the new business;
•understanding the strategic, competitive and marketplace dynamics of the new business and, perhaps, industry;
•establishment of proper financial and operational controls;
•diversion of management's attention from other business concerns; and
•failure to achieve financial or operating objectives.
We may not be able to operate successfully any business, operations, personnel, services or products that we may organize as a new business start-up in the future.
OPERATIONAL RISK
Our provisions for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses may be inadequate, which would result in a reduction in our net income and could adversely affect our financial condition.
Our provisions for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses at Amigo do not represent an exact calculation of our actual liability but are estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time of what we expect to be the cost of the ultimate settlement and administration of reported and IBNR claims. The process for establishing the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses reflects the uncertainties and significant judgmental factors inherent in estimating future results of both reported and IBNR claims and, as such, the process is inherently complex and imprecise. These estimates are based upon various factors, including:
•actuarial projections of the cost of settlement and administration of claims reflecting facts and circumstances then known;
•legal theories of liability;
•variability in claims-handling procedures;
•economic factors such as inflation;
•judicial and legislative trends, actions such as class action lawsuits, and judicial interpretation of coverages or policy exclusions; and
•the level of insurance fraud.
Most or all of these factors are not directly quantifiable, particularly on a prospective basis, and the effects of these and unforeseen factors could negatively affect our ability to accurately assess the risks of outstanding policies. In addition, there may be significant reporting lags between the occurrence of insured events and the time they are actually reported to us and additional lags between the time of reporting and final settlement of claims.
As time passes and more information about the claims becomes known, the estimates are appropriately adjusted upward or downward to reflect this additional information. Because of the elements of uncertainty encompassed in this estimation process, and the extended time it can take to settle many of the more substantial claims, several years of experience may be required before a meaningful comparison can be made between actual losses and the original provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.
We cannot assure that we will not have unfavorable development in the future and that such unfavorable development will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
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 adversely affect future reported operating results.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
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 homebuilders and new home sales could adversely affect our ability to maintain business.
We market and distribute our core home warranty products through homebuilders throughout the United States. As a result, we rely heavily on these homebuilders to generate new business. The builders are part of the new home construction industry, which is cyclical and closely correlated with large macro-economic factors, such as interest and unemployment rates, wage growth, and government regulation. We bill certain builders at the end of the policy period, which could extend over more than one year. During economic downturns, our customers build fewer homes and also reduce operating expenses by insourcing key functions, such as warranty administration; in turn, our revenue has the propensity to decline during these times. Loss of all or a substantial portion of our existing homebuilder relationships; a significant decline in new home sales; or collection risk due to unbilled accounts receivable 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.
Disruptions or security failures in our information technology systems 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.
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:
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
•the availability of reliable data and our ability to properly analyze available data;
•the uncertainties that inherently characterize estimates and assumptions;
•our selection and application of appropriate pricing techniques; and
•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.
Our results of operation or financial condition could be adversely affected by the results of our voluntary run-off of our insurance subsidiary.
The Company currently has Amigo operating in voluntary run-off. Our success at managing this run-off is highly dependent upon proper claim-handling, the outcomes of the remaining open claims and the availability of the necessary liquidity to pay claims when due. In connection with our sale of Mendota, Amigo entered into a Claims and Administrative Services Agreement (the "CASA") with Mendota pursuant to which, among other things, Mendota provides certain claims and policy administrative services and collections services for Amigo and upon which Amigo relies in order to effectively administer its run-off. As a result, we are dependent in part on Mendota's continued performance of services in accordance with the terms of the CASA and on Mendota's ability to retain the services of appropriately trained and supervised claim-handling personnel. The loss of the services of any of such key claim-handling personnel working on our run-off, the inability to identify, hire and retain other highly qualified claim-handling personnel in the future, the termination of the CASA or Mendota’s failure to perform services in accordance with the terms of the CASA could adversely affect our results of operations. We are also dependent upon the outcomes of the remaining open claims, some of which may be volatile. We are also dependent on the continuing availability of the necessary liquidity to settle claims properly. See the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section of MD&A for additional detail regarding the voluntary run-off of Amigo.
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.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

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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 44,757 at six locations in four states. The latest expiration date of the existing leases is in July 2026.
The Company leases a facility for its corporate office with an aggregate square footage of approximately 6,338 at one location in one state. The expiration date of the existing lease is in January 2023.
The properties described above are in good condition. We consider our office facilities suitable and adequate for our current levels of operations.
Owned Properties
Leased Real Estate owns the Real Property, which is subject to a long-term triple net lease agreement. The Real Property includes rail car tracks which provide rail car storage spaces and has 72 miles of double-ended rail track. The Real Property also contains a 5,760 square foot office building with an attached observation tower comprised of 1,150 square feet.
Investment Properties
The Company owns six investment properties subject to long-term triple net lease agreements. These properties comprise 57,360 square feet leased to tenants in the distribution and retail sectors.

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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.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
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
$ 4.72 $ 2.90
Quarter 3
3.10 2.17
Quarter 2
2.33 1.45
Quarter 1
2.29 1.59
Quarter 4
$ 2.39 $ 1.66
Quarter 3
2.95 2.20
Quarter 2
3.04 2.20
Quarter 1
3.10 2.11
Shareholders of Record
As of March 26, 2021 the closing sales price of our common shares as reported by the NYSE was $4.50 per share.
As of March 29, 2021, we had 22,711,069 common shares issued and outstanding. As of March 29, 2021, there were 11 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.
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 2020 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, 2020.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we did not have any unregistered sales of our equity securities.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we did not have any repurchases of our equity securities.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
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.
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 2020 Annual Report.
OVERVIEW
Kingsway is a Delaware holding company with operating subsidiaries located in the United States. The Company owns or controls subsidiaries primarily in the extended warranty, asset management and real estate industries. Kingsway conducts its business through the following two reportable segments: Extended Warranty and Leased Real Estate.
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"). Throughout this 2020 Annual Report, the term "Extended Warranty" is used to refer to this segment.
IWS is a licensed motor vehicle service agreement company and is a provider of after-market vehicle protection services distributed by credit unions in 26 states and the District of Columbia to their members.
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 32 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.
PWSC sells new home warranty products and provides administration services to homebuilders and homeowners across the United States. PWSC distributes 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 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 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.
Leased Real Estate includes the Company's subsidiary, CMC Industries, Inc. ("CMC"). CMC owns, 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 a mortgage, which is recorded as note payable in the consolidated balance sheets (the "Mortgage"). Throughout this 2020 Annual Report, the term "Leased Real Estate" is used to refer to this segment.
Impact of COVID-19
In March 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by a novel strain of the coronavirus was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, and the outbreak has become increasingly widespread in the United States, including in the markets in which we operate. The COVID-19 outbreak has had a notable impact on general economic conditions, including but not limited to the temporary closures of many businesses; "shelter in place" and other governmental regulations; and reduced consumer spending due to both job losses and other effects attributable to COVID-19. There remain many unknowns and the Company continues to monitor the expected trends and related demand for its services and has and will continue to adjust its operations accordingly.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The near-term impacts of COVID-19 are primarily with respect to our Extended Warranty segment. As consumer spending has been impacted, including a decline in the purchase of new and used vehicles, and many businesses through which we distribute our products either remain closed or are open but with capacity constraints, we have seen cash flows being affected by a reduction in new warranty sales for vehicle service agreements. With respect to homeowner warranties, we saw an initial reduction in new enrollments in our home warranty programs associated with the impact of COVID-19 on new home sales in the United States.
The Company could experience other potential impacts as a result of COVID-19, including, but not limited to, potential impairment charges to the carrying amounts of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles and long-lived assets, the loss in value of investments, as well as the potential for adverse impacts on the Company's debt covenant financial ratios. The Company is not aware of any specific event or circumstance that would require an update to its estimates or judgments or a revision of the carrying value of its assets or liabilities as of the date of issuance of this 2020 Annual Report. Actual results may differ materially from the Company’s current estimates as the scope of COVID-19 evolves or if the duration of business disruptions is longer than initially anticipated. We continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak closely. However, the extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak will impact our operations or financial results is uncertain.
NON U.S.-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE
Throughout this 2020 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 loss, 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 (Loss)
Segment operating income (loss) 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 by segment in Note 24, "Segmented Information," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, regarding reportable segment information. The nearest comparable U.S. GAAP measure to total segment operating income is loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit that, in addition to total segment operating income, includes net investment income, net realized gains, gain on change in fair value of equity investments, gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value, net change in unrealized loss on private company investments, other-than-temporary impairment loss, interest expense not allocated to segments, other revenue and expenses not allocated to segments, net, amortization of intangible assets, gain on change in fair value of debt, loss on extinguishment of debt, net and equity in net income of investee. A reconciliation of total segment operating income to loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 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.
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.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Provision for Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Overview
The Company records a provision for unpaid losses that have occurred as of a given evaluation date as well as for its estimated liability for loss adjustment expenses. The provision for unpaid losses includes a provision, commonly referred to as case reserves, for losses related to reported claims as well as a provision for losses related to claims incurred but not reported ("IBNR"). The provision for loss adjustment expenses represents the cost to investigate and settle claims.
The provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses does not represent an exact calculation of the liability but instead represents management's best estimate at a given accounting date, utilizing actuarial and statistical procedures, of the undiscounted estimates of the ultimate net cost of all unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.
Any adjustments to the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations in the periods in which they become known, and the adjustments are accounted for as changes in estimates. Even after such adjustments, ultimate liability or recovery may exceed or be less than the revised provisions.
Process for Establishing the Provision for Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The process for establishing the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses reflects the uncertainties and significant judgmental factors inherent in predicting future results of both reported and IBNR claims. The process of establishing the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses relies on the judgment and opinions of a number of individuals, including the opinions of the Company's external reserving actuaries.
Our Company’s external reserving actuaries use the following generally accepted actuarial loss and loss adjustment expenses reserving methods in our analysis, for each coverage or segment that we analyze:
•Paid Loss Development - we use historical loss and loss adjustment expense payments over discrete periods of time to estimate future loss and loss adjustment expense payments. Paid development methods assume that the patterns of paid loss and loss adjustment expenses that occurred in past periods will be similar to loss and loss adjustment expense payment patterns that will occur in future periods.
•Incurred Loss Development - we use historical case incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses (the sum of cumulative loss and loss adjustment expense payments plus outstanding unpaid case losses) over discrete periods of time to estimate future loss and loss adjustment expenses. Incurred development methods assume that the case loss and loss adjustment expenses reserving practices are consistently applied over time.
In addition to the actuarial processes above, consideration is given to estimates provided by legal counsel for certain claims currently in litigation.
The methods above all calculate an estimate of total ultimate losses. Our provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses is calculated by subtracting total paid losses from our estimate of total ultimate losses. Our estimate for IBNR is calculated by subtracting case reserves from our provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses.
Our external reserving actuaries have also developed as part of their actuarial report to the Company an estimated range around the carried provision at December 31, 2020 of $1.4 million for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses for our property and casualty company. Their report indicates that a carried provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses anywhere between $1.1 million and $1.8 million for the Company at December 31, 2020 would fall within their reasonable range of estimation. This range does not present a forecast of future redundancy or deficiency since actual development of future paid losses related to the current provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses may be affected by many variables. The provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses recorded at December 31, 2020 represents our best estimate of the ultimate amounts that will be paid.
To the extent that the ultimate paid losses are higher or lower than the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses recorded by the Company at December 31, 2020, the differences would be recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations in the accounting periods in which they are determined. There can be no assurance that such differences would not be material.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Valuation of Fixed Maturities and Equity Investments
Our equity investments, including warrants, are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net loss. 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.
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.
Impairment Assessment of Investments
The establishment of an other-than-temporary impairment on an investment requires a number of judgments and estimates.
We perform a quarterly analysis of our investments classified as available-for-sale and our limited liability investments to determine if declines in market value are other-than-temporary. The analysis for available-for-sale investments includes some or all of the following procedures, as applicable:
•identifying all unrealized loss positions that have existed for at least six months;
•identifying other circumstances management believes may affect the recoverability of the unrealized loss positions;
•obtaining a valuation analysis from third-party investment managers regarding the intrinsic value of these investments based on their knowledge and experience together with market-based valuation techniques;
•reviewing the trading range of certain investments over the preceding calendar period;
•assessing if declines in market value are other-than-temporary for debt instruments based on the investment grade credit ratings from third-party rating agencies;
•assessing if declines in market value are other-than-temporary for any debt instrument with a non-investment grade credit rating based on the continuity of its debt service record;
•determining the necessary provision for declines in market value that are considered other-than-temporary based on the analyses performed; and
•assessing the Company's ability and intent to hold these investments at least until any investment impairment is recovered.
The risks and uncertainties inherent in the assessment methodology used to determine declines in market value that are other-than-temporary include, but may not be limited to, the following:
•the opinions of professional investment managers could be incorrect;
•the past trading patterns of individual investments may not reflect future valuation trends;
•the credit ratings assigned by independent credit rating agencies may be incorrect due to unforeseen or unknown facts related to a company's financial situation; and
•the debt service pattern of non-investment grade instruments may not reflect future debt service capabilities and may not reflect a company's unknown underlying financial problems.
We perform a quarterly analysis of our 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
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Management's Discussion and Analysis
•changes in the regulatory environment.
As a result of the analysis performed to determine declines in market value that are other-than-temporary, the Company recorded write downs for other-than-temporary impairment related to certain of its investments. 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.
Net Lease owns investments in limited liability companies that hold investment properties. The fair value of Net Lease's investments is 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 25, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Valuation of Real Estate Investments
The fair value of real estate investments involves a combination of the market and income valuation techniques. Under this approach, a market-based capitalization rate is derived from comparable transactions, adjusted for any unique characteristics of each asset, and applied to the asset under consideration. The cap rates used during underwriting and subsequent valuations incorporate the consideration of risks of vacancy and collection loss, administrative costs of owning net leased assets and possible capital expenditures that could be determined a landlord expense.
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.
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 past 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, 2020, the Company maintains a valuation allowance of $173.2 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.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Valuation of Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock is recorded at the time of issuance based upon the gross proceeds of the offering less (i) proceeds of the offering allocated to additional paid-in capital based upon the relative fair values of equity-classified warrants issued as part of the offering and the preferred stock without the warrants; (ii) proceeds of the offering allocated to additional paid-in capital based upon the calculation of a beneficial conversion feature; and (iii) costs of the offering allocated to the preferred stock. The discount to the carrying value of the preferred stock created by the allocation of proceeds to the warrants and a beneficial conversion feature and the allocation of offering costs to the preferred stock is accreted over time as dividend expense. Additional information regarding our mandatorily redeemable preferred stock is included in Note 21, "Redeemable Class A Preferred Stock," 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 database, customer relationships, in-place lease and non-compete agreement. 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 a tenant relationship and trade names. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are assessed for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If facts and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the intangible asset is impaired, then a fair value-based impairment test would be required. Management must make estimates and assumptions in determining the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets that may affect any resulting impairment write-down. This includes assumptions regarding future cash flows and future revenues from the related intangible assets or their reporting units. Management then compares the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets to their respective carrying amounts. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds the fair values of that intangible asset, an impairment is recorded.
No impairment charges were recorded against intangible assets in 2020 or 2019. Additional information regarding our intangible assets is included in Note 11, "Intangible Assets," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Goodwill Recoverability
Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually as of December 31, 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, which is determined using the income approach, 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.
Under the income approach, fair value is determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate. We use our internal forecasts to estimate future cash flows and include an estimate of long-term future growth rates based on our most recent views of the long-term outlook for each business. We use discount rates that are commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the respective businesses and in our internally developed forecasts.
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.
No impairment charges were recorded against goodwill in 2020 or 2019, as the estimated fair values of the reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. Additional information regarding our goodwill is included in Note 10, "Goodwill," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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.
For Leased Real Estate, the Company models a hypothetical sale of the underlying asset in order to arrive at fair value, which, due to the unique nature of Leased Real Estate, the Company views as a technique consistent with the objective of measuring fair value. The Company believes that its estimates of future cash flows and discount rates are reasonable; however, the amount by which the fair value exceeds the carrying value of the reporting unit has declined significantly primarily as a result of the CMC settlement agreement discussed in Note 27, "Commitments and Contingent Liabilities," to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The estimated fair value of Leased Real Estate is highly sensitive to discount rates applied and changes in the underlying assumptions in the future could differ materially due to the inherent uncertainty in making such estimates. Additionally, estimates regarding future sales proceeds and timing of such proceeds could also have a significant impact on the fair value.
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Deferred acquisition costs represent the deferral of expenses that we incur related to successful efforts to acquire new business or renew existing business. Acquisition costs, primarily commissions and agency expenses related to issuing vehicle service agreements, are deferred and charged against income consistent with the pattern revenue is recognized. Management regularly reviews the categories of acquisition costs that are deferred and assesses the recoverability of this asset.
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.
Fair Value Assumptions for Stock-Based Compensation Liabilities
The Company' subsidiary, PWSC, has made grants of restricted stock awards. Certain of the restricted stock awards granted by PWSC are classified as a liability. Liability-classified awards are measured and reported at fair value and are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the restricted stock awards granted by PWSC are estimated using an internal valuation model without relevant observable market inputs. The significant inputs used in the model include a valuation multiple applied to trailing twelve month earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. Forfeitures are recognized in the period that restricted stock awards are forfeited.
Revenue Recognition
Refer to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information about our revenue recognition accounting policies.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
A reconciliation of total segment operating income to net loss for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is presented in Table 1 below:
Table 1 Segment Operating Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019
For the years ended December 31 (in thousands of dollars)
2020 2019 Change
Segment operating income (loss)
Extended Warranty
6,221 4,611 1,610
Leased Real Estate
(504) 2,761 (3,265)
Total segment operating income 5,717 7,372 (1,655)
Net investment income 2,625 2,905 (280)
Net realized gains 580 796 (216)
Gain on change in fair value of equity investments 1,267 561 706
Gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value 4,046 4,475 (429)
Net change in unrealized loss on private company investments (744) (324) (420)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss (117) (75) (42)
Interest expense not allocated to segments (7,719) (8,991) 1,272
Other revenue and expenses not allocated to segments, net (10,606) (8,524) (2,082)
Amortization of intangible assets (2,291) (2,548) 257
Gain on change in fair value of debt 1,173 1,052 121
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net (468) - (468)
Equity in net income of investee - 169 (169)
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit (6,537) (3,132) (3,405)
Income tax benefit (1,115) (363) (752)
Loss from continuing operations (5,422) (2,769) (2,653)
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes 6 (1,544) 1,550
Net loss (5,416) (4,313) (1,103)
Loss from Continuing Operations, Net Loss and Diluted Loss per Share
For the year ended December 31, 2020, we incurred a loss from continuing operations of $5.4 million (loss of $0.35 per diluted share) compared to $2.8 million (loss of $0.25 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2019, which is primarily attributable to the items explained in the following paragraphs.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, we reported net loss of $5.4 million ($0.35 per diluted share) compared to $4.3 million ($0.32 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Extended Warranty
The Extended Warranty service fee and commission revenue increased 3.3% (or $1.5 million) to $47.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared with $46.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Service fee and commission revenue was impacted by the following in 2020:
•$2.5 million due to the inclusion of PWI in 2020 following its acquisition effective December 1, 2020;
•A $2.2 million increase at Geminus primarily due to the inclusion of only ten months of results in the 2019 period post-acquisition, which was partially offset by lower contract sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic;
•A $0.3 million increase in PWSC revenue, driven by the stronger housing market in the second half of 2020;
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
•A $2.9 million decrease at Trinity driven by reduced revenues in its equipment breakdown and maintenance support services due to the loss of a major customer and impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, which was partially offset by an increase in its extended warranty services product; and
•A $0.6 million decrease at IWS, due primarily to lower contract sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Extended Warranty operating income was $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared with $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in operating income is primarily due to the following:
•$0.7 million due to the inclusion of PWI in 2020 following its acquisition effective December 1, 2019;
•A $1.1 million increase at Geminus primarily due to the inclusion of Geminus for the entire twelve months of 2020 following its acquisition effective March 1, 2019, as well as cost control initiatives in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic;
•A $0.8 million increase at PWSC, primarily due to increased revenue and lower general and administrative expenses due to cost control initiatives in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing operating efficiencies;
•A $0.3 million decrease at IWS primarily due to a decrease in revenue, partially offset by cost control initiatives in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
•A $0.7 million decrease at Trinity driven by reduced revenues in its equipment breakdown and maintenance support services, partially offset by a related decrease in cost of services sold, operating expenses and increased margin on the extended warranty services product, compared to 2019.
Leased Real Estate
Leased Real Estate rental revenue was $13.4 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The rental revenue is derived from CMC's long-term triple net lease.
Leased Real Estate operating loss was $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to operating income of $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to $2.6 million of management fee expense recorded pursuant to a settlement agreement related to outstanding litigation and higher litigation expenses of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared with $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Leased Real Estate operating (loss) income includes interest expense of $6.0 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 27, "Commitments and Contingent Liabilities," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion related to the CMC litigation settlement.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income was $2.6 million in 2020 compared to $2.9 million in 2019. The decrease in 2020 is primarily due to less investment income recorded from the Company's fixed maturities and dividends on equity investments as a result of general changes in market conditions, partially offset by more income from the Company's limited liability investments, at fair value, in 2020 compared to 2019.
Net Realized Gains
The Company recorded net realized gains of $0.6 million in 2020 compared to $0.8 million in 2019, primarily from realized gains recognized by Argo Holdings.
Gain on Change in Fair Value of Equity Investments
Gain on change in fair value of equity investments was $1.3 million in 2020 compared to $0.6 million in 2019. Significant drivers include:
•Unrealized losses of $0.2 million and unrealized gains of $0.7 million on equity investments held during the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; and
•Net realized gains of $1.5 million on equity investments sold during the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to net realized losses of $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2019. The net realized gains for the year ended December 31, 2020 relate primarily to the sale of the Company's shares of Limbach Holdings, Inc. ("Limbach")
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
common stock. During the third quarter of 2020, the Company sold all of its shares of Limbach common stock for cash proceeds totaling $3.2 million.
Gain 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 $4.0 million in 2020 compared to $4.5 million in 2019. The gain for the year ended December 31, 2020 represents an increase in fair value of $4.9 million related to Net Lease, partially offset by a decrease in fair value of $0.8 million related to Argo Holdings. The gain for the year ended December 31, 2019 includes increases in fair value of $3.0 million related to Net Lease and $2.2 million related to 1347 Investors LLC ("1347 Investors"), partially offset by a decrease in fair value of $0.7 million related to Argo Holdings.
The Company consolidates the financial statements of Net Lease on a three-month lag. The increase in fair value at Net Lease recorded during 2020 is primarily attributable to the sale of one of the three Net Lease investment properties for $40.1 million, which closed on October 30, 2020. Given the proximity of the sale to September 30, 2020, the Company believes that the ultimate selling price is the best indication of value as of September 30, 2020.
During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company’s investment in 1347 Investors was dissolved. See Note 26, "Related Parties," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further information about the dissolution of 1347 Investors.
Net Change in Unrealized Loss on Private Company Investments
Net change in unrealized loss on private company investments was $0.7 million in 2020 compared to $0.3 million in 2019. The Company recorded decreases of zero and $0.2 million during 2020 and 2019, respectively, to adjust the fair values of certain investments in private companies for observable price changes. Also, as a result of the quarterly impairment analysis of its investments in private companies, the Company determined it should write down two of its investments for other-than-temporary impairment of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 on the investments' underlying business. The Company recorded impairments related to investments in private companies of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Interest Expense not Allocated to Segments
Interest expense not allocated to segments for 2020 was $7.7 million compared to $9.0 million in 2019. The decrease in 2020 is primarily attributable to the Company’s subordinated debt, which resulted from generally lower London interbank offered interest rates for three-month U.S. dollar deposits ("LIBOR") during 2020 compared to 2019. The Company's subordinated debt bears interest at the rate of LIBOR, plus spreads ranging from 3.85% to 4.20%. See "Debt" section below 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 $10.6 million in 2020 compared to $8.5 million in 2019.
The increase in net expense for 2020 is primarily attributable to $1.4 million of expense recorded pursuant to a settlement agreement related to outstanding litigation between the Company and Aegis Security Insurance Company ("Aegis") and higher salary expense related to restricted stock awards and audit professional services fees incurred, partially offset by a decrease in loss and loss adjustment expenses of $0.6 million for 2020 compared to 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Kingsway Amigo Insurance Company ("Amigo") increased loss reserves related to one of the remaining open claims as part of its continuing voluntary runoff. The unfavorable development for the year ended December 31, 2019 was partially offset by favorable development in unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses at Kingsway Reinsurance Corporation ("Kingsway Re").
See Note 27, "Commitments and Contingent Liabilities," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion related to Aegis.
Gain on Change in Fair Value of Debt
The gain on change in fair value of debt amounted to $1.2 million in 2020 compared to $1.1 million in 2019. The gains for 2020 and 2019 reflect decreases in the fair value of the subordinated debt resulting from changes in inputs, other than the instrument-specific credit risk, to the Company’s fair value model which were primarily a result of lower overall LIBOR rates. See "Debt" section below for further information.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt, Net
During 2020, loss on extinguishment of debt, net consists of the following:
•A $0.9 million loss on the extinguishment of the 2019 KWH Loan, which includes the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and discount of $0.6 million and early termination fees paid to the lender of $0.2 million.
•A $0.4 million gain on forgiveness of the balance on one of the Company's loans obtained through the Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES") Act.
See Note 14, "Debt," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.
Equity in Net Income of Investee
Equity in net income of investee represents the Company's investment in Itasca Capital Ltd. ("ICL"). Equity in net income of investee was $0.2 million in 2019, which includes a $0.1 million gain on sale of shares during 2019 and $0.1 million of equity in net income of investee. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company sold its remaining investment in the common stock of ICL. See Note 8, "Investment in Investee," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.
Income Tax Benefit
Income tax benefit for 2020 was $1.1 million compared to $0.4 million in 2019. The 2020 and 2019 income tax benefit is primarily related to:
•a partial release of the Company’s deferred income tax valuation allowance associated with business interest expense with an indefinite life (2020 only);
•a partial release of the Company’s deferred income tax valuation allowance related to its acquisitions of CMC (2020 only) and Geminus (2019 only);
•the change in unrecognized tax benefits;
•the change in indefinite life deferred income tax liabilities; and
•state income taxes.
See Note 17, "Income Taxes," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional detail of the income tax benefit recorded for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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 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.
•Real estate investments are reported at fair value.
•Other investments include collateral loans and are reported at their unpaid principal balance.
•Short-term investments, which consist of investments with original maturities between three months and one year, are reported at cost, which approximates fair value.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
At December 31, 2020, we held cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments with a carrying value of $114.5 million.
Investments held by our insurance subsidiary, Amigo, must comply with domiciliary state regulations that prescribe the type, quality and concentration of investments. Our U.S. operations typically invest in U.S. dollar-denominated instruments to mitigate their exposure to currency rate fluctuations.
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 2020 % of Total 2019 % of Total
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
10,104 8.8 % 13,316 13.7 %
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
1,454 1.3 % 600 0.6 %
Mortgage-backed
5,394 4.7 % 2,939 3.0 %
Corporate
3,764 3.3 % 5,340 5.5 %
Total fixed maturities 20,716 18.1 % 22,195 22.8 %
Equity investments:
Common stock
155 0.1 % 2,406 2.5 %
Warrants
289 0.3 % 15 - %
Total equity investments
444 0.4 % 2,421 2.5 %
Limited liability investments
3,692 3.2 % 3,841 4.0 %
Limited liability investments, at fair value
32,811 28.7 % 29,078 30.0 %
Investments in private companies
790 0.7 % 2,035 2.1 %
Real estate investments
10,662 9.3 % 10,662 11.0 %
Other investments
294 0.2 % 1,009 1.0 %
Short-term investments
157 0.1 % 155 0.2 %
Total investments 69,566 60.7 % 71,396 73.6 %
Cash and cash equivalents 14,374 12.6 % 13,478 13.9 %
Restricted cash 30,571 26.7 % 12,183 12.5 %
Total 114,511 100.0 % 97,057 100.0 %
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
The Company performs a quarterly analysis of its investments to determine if declines in market value are other-than-temporary. Further information regarding our detailed analysis and factors considered in establishing an other-than-temporary impairment on an investment is discussed within the "Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Estimates" section of MD&A.
As a result of the analysis performed, the Company recorded the following write downs for other-than-temporary impairment:
•Other investments: $0.1 million and zero for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
•Limited liability investments: zero and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
•Limited liability investments, at fair value: $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, which are included in gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value in the consolidated statements of operations.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
•Investments in private companies: $0.7 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, which are included in net change in unrealized loss on private company investments in the consolidated statements of operations.
There were no write-downs recorded for other-than-temporary impairments related to available-for sale investments for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
The length of time a fixed maturity investment may be held in an unrealized loss position may vary based on the opinion of the investment manager and their respective analyses related to valuation and to the various credit risks that may prevent us from recapturing the principal investment. In the case of a fixed maturity investment where the investment manager determines that there is little or no risk of default prior to the maturity of a holding, we would elect to hold the investment in an unrealized loss position until the price recovers or the investment matures. In situations where facts emerge that might increase the risk associated with recapture of principal, the Company may elect to sell a fixed maturity investment at a loss.
At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the gross unrealized losses for fixed maturities amounted to less than $0.1 million, and there were no unrealized losses attributable to non-investment grade fixed maturities. At each of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, all unrealized losses on individual investments were considered temporary.
Impact of COVID-19 on Investments
The Company continues to assess the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have on the value of its various investments, which could result in future material decreases in the underlying investment values. Such decreases may be considered temporary or could be deemed to be other-than-temporary, and management may be required to record write-downs of the related investments in future reporting periods.
UNPAID LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses represent the estimated liabilities for reported loss events, IBNR loss events and the related estimated loss adjustment expenses.
Table 3 presents distributions, by line of business, of the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.
TABLE 3 Provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
As of December 31 (in thousands of dollars)
Line of Business 2020 2019
Non-standard automobile 238 475
Commercial automobile 86 73
Other 1,125 1,226
Total 1,449 1,774
Non-Standard Automobile
At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses for our non-standard automobile business were $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The decrease is due to payments of loss adjustment expenses at Amigo.
Commercial Automobile
At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses for our commercial automobile business were $0.1 million.
Other
At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses for our other business were $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The decrease is due to payments of loss and loss adjustment expenses at Amigo.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Information with respect to development of our provision for prior years' loss and loss adjustment expenses is presented in Table 4.
TABLE 4 Increase in prior years' provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses
For the years ended December 31 (in thousands of dollars)
2020 2019
Unfavorable change in provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses for prior accident years 149 711
The net movements in prior years' provisions for loss and loss adjustment expenses was an increase of $0.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The unfavorable development in 2020 and 2019 was primarily related to an increase in unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses due to the continuing voluntary run-off of Amigo. The unfavorable development in 2019 was partially offset by favorable development in unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses at Kingsway Re. Original estimates are increased or decreased as additional information becomes known regarding individual claims.
DEBT
Bank Loans
On October 12, 2017, the Company borrowed a principal amount of $5.0 million from a bank to partially finance its acquisition of PWSC (the "PWSC Loan"). The PWSC Loan has a fixed interest rate of 5.0% and is carried in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 at its unpaid principal balance. The PWSC Loan was scheduled to mature on October 12, 2022; however, the principal was fully repaid on January 30, 2020.
In 2019, the Company formed KWH, whose subsidiaries include IWS, Geminus and Trinity. On March 1, 2019, KWH borrowed a principal amount of $10.0 million from a bank to finance its acquisition of Geminus (the "2019 KWH Loan"). The 2019 KWH Loan has an annual interest rate equal to LIBOR, having a floor of 2.00%, plus 9.25% and is carried in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 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 2019 KWH Loan was scheduled to mature on March 1, 2024; however, the principal was fully repaid on December 1, 2020. See Note 14, "Debt," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
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 to finance its acquisition of PWI (the "2020 KWH Loan"). The 2020 KWH Loan has an annual interest rate equal to LIBOR, having a floor of 0.75%, plus 3.00% and is carried in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020 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 2020 KWH Loan matures on December 1, 2025. See Note 14, "Debt," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
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.
Notes Payable
As part of its acquisition of CMC in July 2016, the Company assumed the Mortgage and recorded the Mortgage at its estimated fair value of $191.7 million, which included the unpaid principal amount of $180.0 million as of the date of acquisition plus a premium of $11.7 million. The Mortgage matures on May 15, 2034 and has a fixed interest rate of 4.07%. The Mortgage is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its amortized cost, which reflects the monthly pay-down of principal as well as the amortization of the premium using the effective interest rate method.
On January 5, 2015, Flower Portfolio 001, LLC assumed a $9.2 million mortgage in conjunction with the purchase of investment real estate properties ("the Flower Note"). The Flower Note matures on December 10, 2031 and has a fixed interest rate of 4.81%. The Flower Note is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its unpaid principal balance.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
On October 15, 2015, Net Lease Investment assumed a $9.0 million mezzanine debt in conjunction with the purchase of investment real estate properties ("the Net Lease Note"). The Net Lease Note matured on November 1, 2020 and had a fixed interest rate of 10.25%. The Net Lease Note is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its unpaid principal balance. In conjunction with the maturity of the Net Lease Note on November 1, 2020, Net Lease explored alternatives to maximize the value of its investment portfolio. As a result of this process, Net Lease elected to sell one of its three investment real estate properties while refinancing the remaining properties. The existing financing was replaced with three year non-recourse debt maturing November 1, 2023 with a fixed interest rate of 4.35%. Each of these transactions closed on October 30, 2020, however because the Company reports Net Lease on a three-month lag, the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020 continues to report the $9.0 million mezzanine debt.
In April 2020, certain subsidiaries of the Company received loan proceeds under the PPP, totaling $2.9 million with a stated annual interest rate of 1.00%. The PPP, established as part of the CARES Act and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the "SBA"), provides for loans to qualifying businesses for amounts up to 2.5 times of the average monthly payroll costs (as defined for purposes of the PPP) of the qualifying business. The loans and accrued interest are forgivable as long as the borrower uses the loan proceeds for eligible purposes, including payroll, costs, rent and utilities, during the twenty-four week period following the borrower’s receipt of the loan and maintains its payroll levels and employee headcount. The amount of loan forgiveness will be reduced if the borrower reduces its employee headcount below its average employee headcount during a benchmark period or significantly reduces salaries for certain employees during the covered period.
The Company used the entire loan amount for qualifying expenses. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced that it will conduct audits for PPP loans that exceed $2.0 million. If we were to be audited and receive an adverse outcome in such an audit, we could be required to return the full amount of the PPP Loan and may potentially be subject to civil and criminal fines and penalties.
On December 21, 2020 the SBA approved the forgiveness of the full amount of one of the five PPP loans. The forgiveness included principal and interest of $0.4 million, which is included in loss on extinguishment of debt, net in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. In January 2021, the SBA provided the Company with notices of forgiveness of the full amount of two of the remaining four loans. The forgiveness included total principal and interest of $1.4 million. The outstanding PPP is carried in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020 at its unpaid principal balance.
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 Kingsway America Inc. to the trust in exchange for the proceeds from the private sale. The floating rate debentures bear interest at the rate of LIBOR, plus spreads ranging from 3.85% to 4.20%. 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.
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. At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, deferred interest payable of $14.1 million and $8.9 million, respectively, is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
The agreements governing our 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.
The Company's subordinated debt is measured and reported at fair value. At December 31, 2020, the carrying value of the subordinated debt is $50.9 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 25, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the market observable swap rates changed, and the Company experienced an increase in the credit spread assumption developed by the third-party. Changes in the market observable swap rates affect the fair value model in different ways. An increase in the LIBOR swap rates has the effect of increasing the fair value of the
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Company's subordinated debt while an increase in the risk-free swap rates has the effect of decreasing the fair value. The increase in the credit spread assumption has the effect of decreasing the fair value of the Company's subordinated debt while a decrease in the credit spread assumption has the effect of increasing the 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. The changes to the credit spread and swap rate variables during 2020, along with the passage of time, contributed to the $3.7 million decrease in fair value of the Company’s subordinated debt between December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020.
Of the $3.7 million decrease in fair value of the Company’s subordinated debt between December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, $2.6 million is reported as decrease in fair value of debt attributable to instrument-specific credit risk in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive loss and $1.2 million is reported as gain on change in fair value of debt in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
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 $90.5 million, of the subordinated debt by the time of the stated redemption date of each trust, beginning with the trust maturing on December 4, 2032 and continuing through January 8, 2034, the redemption date of the last of the Company’s outstanding trusts.
For a description of each of the Company's six subsidiary trusts, see Note 14, "Debt," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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 been met primarily by funds generated from operations, capital raising, disposal of discontinued operations, investment maturities and income and other returns received on investments or from the sale of investments. Cash provided from these sources is used primarily for making investments and for warranty expenses and loss and loss adjustment expense payments, debt servicing and other operating expenses. The timing and amount of payments for loss and loss adjustment expenses may differ materially from our provisions for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, which may create increased liquidity requirements.
Cash Flows
During 2020, the Company reported $1.7 million of net cash provided by operating activities. The reconciliation between the Company's reported net loss of $5.4 million and the $1.7 million of net cash provided by operating activities can be explained primarily by the $6.7 million noncash depreciation and amortization expense, the $8.6 million change in other assets and liabilities, net, which is primarily due to the increase in deferred interest payable related to the subordinated debt of $5.2 million and accrued management fees of $2.6 million recorded pursuant to the CMC litigation settlement (see Note 27, "Commitments and Contingent Liabilities," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion of the CMC litigation settlement), and the $0.9 million increase in service fee receivable, offset by the $4.0 million gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value, the $2.3 million increase in deferred service fees, the $1.3 million gain on change in fair value of equity investments and the $1.2 million gain on change in fair value of debt.
During 2020, the net cash provided by investing activities was $4.0 million. This source of cash was primarily attributed to proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities and equity investments in excess of purchases of fixed maturities.
During 2020, the net cash provided by financing activities was $13.6 million. This source of cash was primarily attributed to $25.3 million of net bank loan proceeds and principal proceeds from notes payable of $2.9 million (related to the PPP loans received), partially offset by principal repayments of $10.1 million on bank loans and $4.2 million on notes payable.
Receipt of dividends from the Company's insurance subsidiaries has not generally been considered a source of liquidity for the holding company. The insurance subsidiaries have required regulatory approval for the return of capital and, in certain circumstances, prior to the payment of dividends. At December 31, 2020, Amigo was restricted from making any dividend payments to the holding company without regulatory approval pursuant to domiciliary state insurance regulations.
The Company's Extended Warranty subsidiaries fund their obligations primarily through service fee and commission revenue. The Company's Leased Real Estate subsidiary funds its obligations through rental revenue. The Company's insurance subsidiaries fund their obligations primarily through available cash and cash equivalents.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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; and any other extraordinary demands on the holding company.
Actions available to the holding company to increase liquidity in order to meet its obligations include the sale of passive investments; sale of subsidiaries; issuance of debt or equity securities; distributions from the Company’s Extended Warranty subsidiaries, as further described below; and giving notice to its Trust Preferred trustees of its intention to exercise its voluntary right to defer interest payments for up to 20 quarters on the six subsidiary trusts of the Company’s subordinated debt, which right the Company exercised during the third quarter of 2018.
On December 1, 2020, the Company closed on the acquisition of PWI, a full-service provider of vehicle service agreements. Related to the PWI acquisition, the Company secured the 2020 KWH Loan with IWS, Trinity, Geminus and PWI as borrowers under the 2020 KWH Loan. Pursuant to satisfying the covenants under the 2020 KWH Loan, IWS, Trinity, Geminus and PWI are permitted to make distributions to the holding company in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1.5 million in any 12-month period (which is the same amount as under the predecessor loan).
Separately, pursuant to covenants under the PWSC Loan secured to partially finance the acquisition of PWSC on October 12, 2017, PWSC was not permitted to make distributions to the holding company without the consent of the lender. The PWSC Loan was scheduled to mature on October 12, 2022; however, the remaining principal totaling $0.3 million was fully repaid on January 30, 2020 and, as such, PWSC is no longer subject to such restrictions.
Historically, dividends from the Leased Real Estate segment were not generally considered a source of liquidity for the holding company. However, as more fully described in Note 27, "Commitments and Contingent Liabilities," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the holding company is now expected to receive 20% of the proceeds from the increased rental payments resulting from an earlier amendment to the lease (or any borrowings against such increased rental payments), as well as a one-time priority payment of $1.5 million.
On July 16, 2018, the Company announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to sell its non-standard automobile insurance companies Mendota Insurance Company, Mendakota Insurance Company and Mendakota Casualty Company (collectively "Mendota"). On October 18, 2018, the Company completed the previously announced sale of Mendota. As part of the transaction, the Company will indemnify the buyer for any loss and loss adjustment expenses with respect to open claims and certain specified claims in excess of Mendota's carried unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses at June 30, 2018. The maximum obligation to the Company with respect to the open claims is $2.5 million. A security interest on the Company’s equity interest in its consolidated subsidiary, Net Lease, as well as any distributions to the Company from Net Lease, is collateral for the Company’s payment of obligations with respect to the open claims. There is no maximum obligation to the Company with respect to the specified claims.
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 $1.1 million (approximately two to three months of operating cash outflows) and $2.3 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The amount as of December 31, 2020 excludes: a $1.3 million distribution received from the Extended Warranty segment in January 2021; the cash expected to be received from the Leased Real Estate segment; and future actions available to the holding company that could be taken to increase liquidity. The holding company cash amounts are reflected in the cash and cash equivalents of $14.4 million and $13.5 million reported at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash other than the holding company’s liquidity represent restricted and unrestricted cash held by Amigo, Kingsway Re and the Company's Extended Warranty and Leased Real Estate segments.
As of the filing date of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report, the holding company’s liquidity of $1.3 million represented approximately three months of regularly recurring operating expenses before any transaction-related expenses, any new holding company investments or any other extraordinary demands on the holding company and excludes any proceeds from the Leased Real Estate segment which the Company believes will be received shortly after the filing date.
The holding company’s liquidity at December 31, 2020 and as of the filing date of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report, represents only actual cash on hand and does not include cash that would be made available to the holding company from the sale of investments owned by the holding company. In addition, the holding company has access to some of the operating cash generated by the Extended Warranty subsidiaries as described above. While these sources do not represent cash of the holding company as of the filing date of this 2020 Annual Report, they do represent future sources of liquidity.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
As of December 31, 2020, there are 182,876 shares of the Company’s Class A Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Shares"), issued and outstanding. Any outstanding Preferred Shares would be required to be redeemed by the Company on April 1, 2021 ("Redemption Date") at a redemption value of $6.7 million (assuming all current outstanding Preferred Shares would be redeemed), if the Company has sufficient liquidity and legally available funds to do so. Additionally, the Company has exercised its right to defer payment of interest on its outstanding subordinated debt ("trust preferred securities") and, because of the deferral which totaled $14.1 million at December 31, 2020, the Company is prohibited from redeeming any shares of its capital stock while payment of interest on the trust preferred securities is being deferred. If, as of April 1, 2021, the Company was required to pay both the deferred interest on the trust preferred securities and redeem all the Preferred Shares currently outstanding, then the Company currently projects that it would not have sufficient legally available funds to do so. However, the Company would be prohibited from doing so under Delaware law and, as such, (a) the interest estimated to be $14.9 million on March 31, 2021 on the trust preferred securities would remain on deferral as permitted under the indentures and (b) in accordance with Delaware law the Preferred Shares would not be redeemed on the Redemption Date (with a redemption value of $6.7 million) and would instead remain outstanding and continue to accrue dividends until such time as the Company has sufficient legally available funds to redeem the Preferred Shares and is not otherwise prohibited from doing so. In such a situation, the Company would continue to operate in the ordinary course.
The Company notes there are several variables to consider in such a situation, and management is currently exploring the following opportunities: negotiating with the holders of the Preferred Shares with respect to the Redemption Date and/or other key provisions, raising additional funds through capital market transactions, as well as the Company’s continued strategy of working to monetize its non-core investments while attempting to maximize the tradeoff between liquidity and value received.
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, excluding the cash that may be required to redeem the Preferred Shares and deferred interest on its trust preferred securities, 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 effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regulatory Capital
In the United States, a risk-based capital ("RBC") formula is used by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") to identify property and casualty insurance companies that may not be adequately capitalized. In general, insurers reporting surplus as regards policyholders below 200% of the authorized control level, as defined by the NAIC, at December 31 are subject to varying levels of regulatory action, including discontinuation of operations. As of December 31, 2020, surplus as regards policyholders reported by Amigo exceeded the 200% threshold.
During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company began taking steps to place all of Amigo into voluntary run-off. As of December 31, 2012, Amigo’s RBC was 157%. In April 2013, Kingsway filed a comprehensive run-off plan with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, which outlines plans for Amigo's run-off. Amigo remains in compliance with that plan. As of December 31, 2020, Amigo's RBC was 1,045%.
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, 2020, the capital maintained by Kingsway Re was in excess of the regulatory capital requirements in Barbados.
New York Stock Exchange Listing Standards
On April 17, 2020, the Company received notification from the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") of the Company's noncompliance with certain NYSE standards for continued listing of its common shares. Specifically, Kingsway was below the NYSE's continued listing criteria because its average total market capitalization over a 30 consecutive trading day period was less than $50.0 million at the same time that reported shareholders' equity was below $50.0 million. Under the NYSE's continued listing criteria, a NYSE-listed company must maintain average market capitalization of not less than $50.0 million over a 30 consecutive trading day period or reported shareholders' equity of not less than $50.0 million.
The Company submitted a business plan to the NYSE on June 1, 2020, intended to demonstrate its ability to achieve compliance with the listing standards within 18 months of receiving the notice. On July 9, 2020, the NYSE notified the Company that the plan was accepted.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
On January 18, 2021, the Company received notification from the NYSE that the Company is now back in compliance with NYSE's continued listing standards. This is primarily the result of the achievement of compliance with NYSE's minimum market capitalization requirements. The Company is subject to a twelve-month follow-up review period during which the Company's continued compliance with NYSE's continued listing standards will be monitored, as well as NYSE's normal continued listing monitoring.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Table 5 summarizes cash disbursements related to the Company's contractual obligations projected by period, including debt maturities, interest payments on outstanding debt, the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses and future minimum payments under operating leases. Interest payments on outstanding debt in Table 5 related to the subordinated debt and 2020 KWH Loan assume LIBOR remains constant throughout the projection period. Also, interest payments on outstanding debt reflect the interest deferral described in the "Subordinated Debt" section above.
Our provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses does not have contractual payment dates. In Table 5 below, we have included a projection of when we expect our unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses to be paid, based on historical payment patterns. The exact timing of the payment of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses cannot be predicted with certainty. We maintain a substantial amount in short-term investments to provide adequate cash flows for the projected payments in Table 5.
TABLE 5 Cash payments related to contractual obligations projected by period
As of December 31, 2020 (in thousands of dollars)
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total
Bank loans 4,014 3,705 3,705 3,705 10,571 - 25,700
Notes payable 4,582 5,023 5,489 5,979 6,496 145,422 172,991
Subordinated debt - - - - - 90,500 90,500
Interest payments on outstanding debt 7,932 7,592 35,679 10,888 10,478 68,202 140,771
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses 845 543 61 - - - 1,449
Future minimum lease payments 997 909 628 554 382 165 3,635
Total 18,370 17,772 45,562 21,126 27,927 304,289 435,046
Table 5 above does not reflect amounts that may be paid for the redemption of the 182,876 shares of Class A preferred stock ("Preferred Shares") outstanding at December 31, 2020. Each Preferred Share is 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 April 1, 2021 (the "Redemption Date"). On and after February 3, 2016, the Company may redeem all or any part of the then outstanding Preferred Shares for the price of $28.75 per Preferred Share, plus accrued but unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not declared, up to and including the Redemption Date. The total redemption amount of the Preferred Shares as of the Redemption Date if the Preferred Shares are not converted is expected to be $6.7 million. The timing and amount of cash, if any, to be paid by the Redemption Date will be based upon the extent, if at all, that the Company exercises its right to redeem any Preferred Shares prior to the Redemption Date or the holders of the Preferred Shares exercise their option to convert any of the Preferred Shares to common shares.
Refer to Note 21, "Redeemable Class A Preferred Stock," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the Preferred Shares.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has off-balance sheet arrangements related to guarantees, which are further described in Note 27, "Commitments and Contingent Liabilities," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

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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.

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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 44
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2020 and 2019 46
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 47
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 48
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 49
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 50
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 52
Note 1-Business 52
Note 2-Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 52
Note 3-Recently Issued Accounting Standards 60
Note 4-Acquisitions 61
Note 5-Discontinued Operations 64
Note 6-Variable Interest Entities 64
Note 7-Investments 66
Note 8-Investment in Investee 69
Note 9-Deferred Acquisition Costs 70
Note 10-Goodwill 70
Note 11-Intangible Assets 71
Note 12-Property and Equipment 72
Note 13-Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses 72
Note 14-Debt 78
Note 15-Leases 81
Note 16-Revenue from Contracts with Customers 82
Note 17-Income Taxes 83
Note 18-Loss from Continuing Operations per Share 86
Note 19-Stock-Based Compensation 87
Note 20-Employee Benefit Plan 89
Note 21-Redeemable Class A Preferred Stock 90
Note 22-Shareholders' Equity 90
Note 23-Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 91
Note 24-Segmented Information 92
Note 25-Fair Value of Financial Instruments 94
Note 26-Related Parties 101
Note 27-Commitments and Contingent Liabilities 102
Note 28-Regulatory Capital Requirements and Ratios 104
Note 29-Statutory Information and Policies 104
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, 2020 and 2019, the related statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and schedule (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, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2020, 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 relates.
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company's revenue from contracts with customers (ASC 606) relates to 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, warranty product commissions, homebuilder warranty service fees, and homebuilder warranty commissions. Many of the Company's contracts include revenue which is generated from contracts with multiple performance obligations. Accordingly, the application of revenue recognition policies 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.
•Determining stand-alone selling prices for each distinct service and allocation to each individual performance obligation on a relative selling price basis.
•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.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
For these reasons, we identified revenue recognition 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:
◦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.
◦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.
◦Estimating stand-alone selling prices when multiple performance obligations exist within a contract, based on management’s internal estimates of cost plus an appropriate margin to support expected selling prices. We tested the related costs expected to be incurred in satisfying the delivery of services at contract commencement and those expected to be incurred over the life of the contract which are primarily associated with contract administration services. We also tested the relative selling price allocation of the contract price to each separate performance obligation.
◦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 29, 2021
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share data)
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost of $20,488 and $22,136, respectively) $ 20,716 $ 22,195
Equity investments, at fair value (cost of $1,157 and $2,895, respectively) 444 2,421
Limited liability investments
3,692 3,841
Limited liability investments, at fair value
32,811 29,078
Investments in private companies, at adjusted cost 790 2,035
Real estate investments, at fair value (cost of $10,225 and $10,225, respectively) 10,662 10,662
Other investments, at cost which approximates fair value
294 1,009
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value
157 155
Total investments 69,566 71,396
Cash and cash equivalents 14,374 13,478
Restricted cash 30,571 12,183
Accrued investment income 757 562
Service fee receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $478 and $634, respectively 3,928 3,400
Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $201 and $201, respectively 16,323 14,013
Deferred acquisition costs, net 8,835 8,604
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $24,441 and $20,503, respectively 95,015 99,064
Right-of-use asset 2,960 3,327
Goodwill 121,130 82,104
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $15,433 and $13,142, respectively 84,133 86,424
Other assets 4,882 5,068
Total Assets $ 452,474 $ 399,623
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 42,502 $ 26,993
Income taxes payable 2,859 2,758
Deferred service fees 87,945 56,252
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses 1,449 1,774
Bank loans 25,303 9,240
Notes payable 192,057 194,634
Subordinated debt, at fair value 50,928 54,655
Lease liability 3,213 3,529
Net deferred income tax liabilities 27,555 29,015
Total Liabilities 433,811 378,850
Redeemable Class A preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 and 1,000,000 authorized at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; 182,876 and 222,876 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; redemption amount of $6,658 and $7,696 at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively 6,504 6,819
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, no par value; 50,000,000 and 50,000,000 authorized at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; 22,211,069 and 21,866,959 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively - -
Additional paid-in capital 355,242 354,101
Treasury stock, at cost; 247,450 and 247,450 outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (492) (492)
Accumulated deficit (394,807) (388,082)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 38,059 35,347
Shareholders' equity attributable to common shareholders (1,998) 874
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries 14,157 13,080
Total Shareholders' Equity 12,159 13,954
Total Liabilities, Class A preferred stock and Shareholders' Equity $ 452,474 $ 399,623
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,
2020 2019
Revenues:
Service fee and commission revenue $ 47,607 $ 46,111
Rental revenue 13,365 13,365
Other revenue 390 472
Total revenues 61,362 59,948
Operating expenses:
Claims authorized on vehicle service agreements
9,922 9,141
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
149 711
Commissions
5,530 4,477
Cost of services sold
2,692 4,701
General and administrative expenses
41,950 36,261
Leased real estate segment interest expense
5,950 6,066
Total operating expenses 66,193 61,357
Operating loss (4,831) (1,409)
Other revenues (expenses), net:
Net investment income
2,625 2,905
Net realized gains 580 796
Gain on change in fair value of equity investments
1,267 561
Gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value 4,046 4,475
Net change in unrealized loss on private company investments
(744) (324)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss
(117) (75)
Non-operating other (expense) revenue (58) 257
Interest expense not allocated to segments
(7,719) (8,991)
Amortization of intangible assets
(2,291) (2,548)
Gain on change in fair value of debt 1,173 1,052
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net (468) -
Equity in net income of investee - 169
Total other expenses, net (1,706) (1,723)
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit (6,537) (3,132)
Income tax benefit (1,115) (363)
Loss from continuing operations (5,422) (2,769)
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes 6 (1,544)
Net loss (5,416) (4,313)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries 1,309 1,573
Less: Dividends on preferred stock 1,066 1,019
Net loss attributable to common shareholders
$ (7,791) $ (6,905)
Loss per share - continuing operations:
Basic: $ (0.35) $ (0.25)
Diluted:
$ (0.35) $ (0.25)
Earnings (loss) per share - discontinued operations:
Basic: $ - $ (0.07)
Diluted:
$ - $ (0.07)
Loss per share - net loss attributable to common shareholders:
Basic: $ (0.35) $ (0.32)
Diluted:
$ (0.35) $ (0.32)
Weighted average shares outstanding (in ‘000s):
Basic: 22,176 21,860
Diluted: 22,176 21,860
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Net loss $ (5,416) $ (4,313)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes(1):
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments:
Unrealized gains arising during the period
104 259
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net loss 64 (28)
Change in fair value of debt attributable to instrument-specific credit risk 2,555 (5,685)
Equity in other comprehensive income of limited liability investment - 45
Other comprehensive income (loss) 2,723 (5,409)
Comprehensive loss $ (2,693) $ (9,722)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries 1,320 1,585
Comprehensive loss attributable to common shareholders $ (4,013) $ (11,307)
(1) Net of income tax benefit of $0 and $0 in 2020 and 2019, respectively
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(in thousands, except share data)
Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Treasury Stock Accumulated Deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Common Shareholders Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries Total Shareholders' Equity
Shares Amount
Balance, December 31, 2018 21,787,728 $ - $ 353,890 $ - $ (382,196) $ 40,768 12,462 $ 11,796 24,258
Vesting of restricted stock awards, net of share settlements for tax withholdings 79,231 - - - - - - - -
Net (loss) income - - - - (5,886) - (5,886) 1,573 (4,313)
Preferred stock dividends - - (1,019) - - - (1,019) - (1,019)
Deconsolidation of noncontrolling interest - - - - - - - (301) (301)
Repurchase of common stock - - - (492) - (492) - (492)
Other comprehensive (loss) income - - - - - (5,421) (5,421) 12 (5,409)
Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures - - 1,230 - - - 1,230 - 1,230
Balance, December 31, 2019 21,866,959 $ - $ 354,101 $ (492) $ (388,082) $ 35,347 $ 874 $ 13,080 $ 13,954
Vesting of restricted stock awards, net of share settlements for tax withholdings 94,110 - - - - - - - -
Conversion of redeemable Class A preferred stock to common stock 250,000 - 1,381 - - - 1,381 - 1,381
Net (loss) income - - - - (6,725) - (6,725) 1,309 (5,416)
Preferred stock dividends - - (1,066) - - - (1,066) - (1,066)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders - - - - - - - (243) (243)
Other comprehensive income - - - - - 2,712 2,712 11 2,723
Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures - - 826 - - - 826 - 826
Balance, December 31, 2020 22,211,069 $ - $ 355,242 $ (492) $ (394,807) $ 38,059 $ (1,998) $ 14,157 $ 12,159
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities:
Net loss $ (5,416) $ (4,313)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
(Gain) loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes (6) 1,544
Equity in net income in investee - (169)
Equity in net income of limited liability investments (30) (36)
Depreciation and amortization expense 6,728 6,917
Stock based compensation expense, net of forfeitures 826 1,230
Net realized gains (580) (796)
Gain on change in fair value of equity investments (1,267) (561)
Gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value (4,046) (4,475)
Net change in unrealized loss on private company investments 744 324
Gain on change in fair value of debt (1,173) (1,052)
Deferred income taxes, adjusted for PWI and Geminus liabilities assumed (1,001) (785)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss 117 75
Amortization of fixed maturities premiums and discounts 140 8
Amortization of note payable premium (888) (915)
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net 468 -
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Service fee receivable, net, adjusted for PWI and Geminus assets acquired 931 547
Other receivables, net, adjusted for PWI and Geminus assets acquired 438 (4,478)
Deferred acquisition costs, net (231) (1,700)
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense (325) (299)
Deferred service fees, adjusted for PWI and Geminus liabilities assumed (2,333) (1,442)
Other, net, adjusted for PWI and Geminus assets acquired and liabilities assumed 8,576 9,617
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 1,672 (759)
Investing activities:
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities 14,168 12,742
Proceeds from sales of equity investments 3,249 1,355
Purchases of fixed maturities (12,560) (18,075)
Net proceeds from limited liability investments 179 355
Net proceeds from (purchases of) limited liability investments, at fair value 787 (118)
Net proceeds from investments in private companies 719 824
Net proceeds from other investments 390 1,121
Net (purchases of) proceeds from short-term investments (4) 49
Proceeds from sale of investee - 395
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (2,706) (4,902)
Net disposals of property and equipment, adjusted for PWI and Geminus assets acquired (213) (212)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 4,009 (6,466)
Financing activities:
Contributions from noncontolling interest holders (243) -
Taxes paid related to net share settlements of restricted stock awards (83) (89)
Principal proceeds from bank loans, net of debt issuance costs of $403 and $981 in 2020 and 2019, respectively 25,297 9,019
Principal payments on bank loans (10,062) (3,855)
Principal proceeds from notes payable 2,858 -
Principal payments on notes payable (4,164) (3,767)
Net cash provided by financing activities 13,603 1,308
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 19,284 (5,917)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 25,661 31,578
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 44,945 $ 25,661
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest $ 7,816 $ 8,481
Income taxes $ 81 $ 138
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Treasury stock acquired as partial consideration for the sale of ICL common stock $ - $ (492)
Conversion of redeemable Class A preferred stock to common stock $ 250 $ -
Equity investments in Limbach received in connection with the liquidation of 1347 Investors $ - $ 1,725
Accrued dividends on Class A preferred stock issued $ 343 $ 246
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, asset management and real estate industries.
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a)Principles of consolidation:
The accompanying information in the 2020 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
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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, 2020 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.
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 (losses) and changes in capital. The effects of transactions with noncontrolling interests are recorded in shareholders' equity where there is no change of control.
(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, the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses; valuation of fixed maturities and equity investments; impairment assessment of investments; valuation of limited liability investments, at fair value; valuation of real estate investments; valuation of deferred income taxes; valuation of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock; valuation and impairment assessment of intangible assets; goodwill recoverability; deferred acquisition costs; fair value assumptions for subordinated debt obligations; fair value assumptions for stock-based compensation liabilities; and revenue recognition.
(c)Foreign currency translation:
Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, while revenue and expenses are translated at average monthly rates and shareholders' equity is translated at the rates in effect at dates of capital transactions. The net unrealized gains or losses which result from the translation of non-U.S. subsidiaries financial statements are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Such currency translation gains or losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations upon the sale of a foreign subsidiary. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included in shareholders' equity under the caption accumulated other comprehensive income. Foreign currency gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in currencies other than the entity's functional currency are reflected in non-operating other (expense) revenue in the consolidated statements of operations.
(d)Business combinations:
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for acquisitions of subsidiaries or other businesses. The results of acquired subsidiaries or other businesses are included in the consolidated statements of operations from the date of acquisition. The cost of an acquisition 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 acquisition over the fair value of the Company's share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition 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.
(e)Investments:
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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, until sold or until an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized, at which point cumulative unrealized gains or losses are reclassified to the consolidated statements of operations.
Equity investments include common stocks and warrants and are reported at fair value. Changes in fair value of equity investments are recognized in net loss.
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 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 loss on private company investments.
Real estate investments are reported at fair value.
Other investments include collateral loans and are reported at their unpaid principal balance, 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/amortized cost and the decline is considered other-than-temporary. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is other-than-temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value has 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.
(f)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.
(g)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.
(h)Service fee receivable:
Service fee receivable includes balances due and uncollected from customers. Service fee receivable is reported net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on periodic evaluations of aged receivables, historical business data, management’s experience and current economic conditions.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(i)Deferred acquisition costs, net:
The Company defers commissions and agency expenses that are directly related to successful efforts to acquire new or existing vehicle service agreements to the extent they are considered recoverable. Costs deferred on vehicle service agreements are amortized as the related revenues are earned. Changes in estimates, if any, are recorded in the accounting period in which they are determined. Anticipated investment income is included in determining the realizable value of the deferred acquisition costs.
(j)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. Land is not depreciated. The Company estimates useful life to be forty years for buildings; five to fifty years for site improvements; three to ten years for leasehold improvements; four to ten years for furniture and equipment; and three years for computer hardware.
(k)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.
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of December 31, 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 December 31, 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.
(l)Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses represent the estimated liabilities for reported loss events, incurred but not yet reported loss events and the related estimated loss adjustment expenses, including investigation. Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses are determined using case-basis evaluations and statistical analyses, including industry loss data, and represent estimates of the ultimate cost of all claims incurred through the balance sheet date. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, management believes that the liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses is adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary, and such adjustments are included in current operations and accounted for as changes in estimates.
(m)Debt:
Bank loans and notes payable 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 not allocated to segments in the consolidated statements of operations. Gains and losses on the extinguishment of debt are recorded in loss on extinguishment of debt, net.
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 income (loss).
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(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.
(o)Leases:
Effective January 1, 2019 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 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 income from operating leases in which the Company is the lessor is recognized on a straight-line basis, based on contractual lease terms with fixed and determinable increases over the non-cancellable term of the related lease when collectability is reasonably assured. Rental income recognized in excess of amounts contractually due and collected pursuant to the underlying lease is recorded in other receivables in the consolidated balance sheets.
Rental expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, net of any applicable lease incentive amortization. Below market lease liabilities recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the lease, as determined at the acquisition date, and are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of below market lease liabilities is included as an adjustment to rental revenue in the consolidated statements of operations.
(p)Revenue recognition:
Service fee and commission revenue and deferred service fees
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 and
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
homebuilder warranty commissions 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 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. 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 averaged 9% to 13% 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.
GAP commissions include commissions from the sale of GAP products. The Company acts as an agent on behalf of the third-party insurance company that underwrites and guaranties these GAP contracts. The Company receives a single commission fee as its transaction price at the time it sells a GAP contract to a customer. Each GAP contract contains two separate performance obligations - sale of a GAP contract and GAP claims administration. The first performance obligation is related to the sale of a GAP contract and is satisfied upon closing the sale. The second performance obligation is related to the administration of claims during the GAP contract period. The amount of revenue the Company recognizes is based the costs to provide services during the GAP contract period, including an appropriate estimate of profit margin.
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 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 include fees collected from the sale of warranties issued by new homebuilders. The Company receives a single warranty service fee as its transaction price at the time it enters into a written contract with each of its builder customers. Each contract contains two separate performance obligations - warranty administrative services and other warranty services. Warranty administrative services include enrolling each home sold by the builder into the program and the warranty administrative system and delivering the warranty product. Other warranty services include answering builder or homeowner questions regarding the home warranty and dispute resolution services.
Standalone selling prices are not directly observable in the contract for each of the separate home warranty performance obligations. As a result, the Company has applied the expected cost plus a margin approach to develop models to estimate the standalone selling price for each of its performance obligations in order to allocate the transaction price to the two separate performance obligations identified.
For the model related to the warranty administrative services performance obligation, the Company makes judgments about which of its actual costs are associated with enrolling each home sold by the builder into the program and the warranty administrative system and delivering the warranty product. For the model related to the other warranty services performance obligation, the Company makes judgments about which of its actual costs are associated with activities, such as answering builder or homeowner questions regarding the home warranty and dispute resolution services, which are performed over the life of the warranty coverage period. The relative percentage of expected costs plus a margin associated with the warranty administrative services performance obligation is applied to the transaction price to determine the estimated standalone selling price of the warranty administrative services performance obligation, which the Company recognizes as earned at the time the
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
home is enrolled and the warranty product is delivered. The relative percentage of expected costs plus a margin associated with the other warranty services performance obligation is applied to the transaction price to determine the estimated standalone selling price of the other warranty services performance obligation, which the Company recognizes as earned as services are performed over the warranty coverage period.
For the other warranty services performance obligation, the Company applies an input method of measurement, based on the expected costs plus a margin of providing services, to determine the transfer of its services over the warranty coverage period. The Company uses historical data regarding the number of calls it receives and activities performed, in addition to the number of homes enrolled, to estimate the number of complaints and dispute resolution requests to be received by year until coverage expires, which allows the Company to develop a revenue recognition pattern that it believes provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of services over time for the other warranty services performance obligation.
Homebuilder warranty commissions include commissions from the sale of warranty contracts for those builders who have requested and receive insurance backing of their warranty obligations. The Company acts as an agent on behalf of the third-party insurance company that underwrites and guaranties these warranty contracts. Homebuilder warranty commissions are earned on the certification date, which is typically the date of the closing of the sale of the home to the buyer. The Company also earns fees to manage remediation or repair services related to claims on insurance-backed warranty obligations, which are earned when the claims are closed.
(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 are measured and reported at fair value and are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. 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. 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, real estate investments, subordinated debt, warrant liability and stock-based compensation liabilities 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.
(s)Holding company liquidity:
The Company's Extended Warranty subsidiaries fund their obligations primarily through service fee and commission revenue. The Company's Leased Real Estate subsidiary funds its obligations through rental revenue. The Company's insurance subsidiaries fund their obligations primarily through available cash and cash equivalents.
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; and any other extraordinary demands on the holding company.
Actions available to the holding company to increase liquidity in order to meet its obligations include the sale of passive investments; sale of subsidiaries; issuance of debt or equity securities; distributions from the Company’s Extended Warranty subsidiaries, subject to certain restrictions; and giving notice to its Trust Preferred trustees of its intention to exercise its voluntary right to defer interest payments for up to 20 quarters on the six subsidiary trusts of the Company’s subordinated debt, which right the Company exercised during the third quarter of 2018.
Historically, dividends from the Leased Real Estate segment were not generally considered a source of liquidity for the holding company, except upon the occurrence of certain events that would trigger payment of service fees. However, as more fully described in Note 27, "Commitments and Contingent Liabilities," the holding company is now expected to receive 20% of the
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
proceeds from the increased rental payments resulting from an earlier amendment to the lease (or any borrowings against such increased rental payments), as well as a one-time priority payment of $1.5 million.
The holding company’s liquidity, defined as the amount of cash in the bank accounts of Kingsway Financial Services Inc. and Kingsway America Inc. ("KAI"), was $1.1 million (approximately two to three months of operating cash outflows) and $2.3 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The amount as of December 31, 2020 excludes: a $1.3 million distribution received from the Extended Warranty segment in January 2021; the cash expected to be received from the Leased Real Estate segment; and future actions available to the holding company that could be taken to increase liquidity. The holding company cash amounts are reflected in the cash and cash equivalents of $14.4 million and $13.5 million reported at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash other than the holding company’s liquidity represent restricted and unrestricted cash held by Kingsway Amigo Insurance Company ("Amigo"), Kingsway Reinsurance Corporation ("Kingsway Re") and the Company’s Extended Warranty and Leased Real Estate segments.
As of December 31, 2020, there are 182,876 shares of the Company’s Class A Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Shares"), issued and outstanding. Any outstanding Preferred Shares would be required to be redeemed by the Company on April 1, 2021 ("Redemption Date") at a redemption value of $6.7 million (assuming all current outstanding Preferred Shares would be redeemed), if the Company has sufficient legally available funds to do so. Additionally, the Company has exercised its right to defer payment of interest on its outstanding subordinated debt ("trust preferred securities") and, because of the deferral which totaled $14.1 million at December 31, 2020, the Company is prohibited from redeeming any shares of its capital stock while payment of interest on the trust preferred securities is being deferred. If, as of April 1, 2021, the Company was required to pay both the deferred interest on the trust preferred securities and redeem all the Preferred Shares currently outstanding, then the Company currently projects that it would not have sufficient liquidity and legally available funds to do so. However, the Company would be prohibited from doing so under Delaware law and, as such, (a) the interest estimated to be $14.9 million on March 31, 2021 on the trust preferred securities would remain on deferral as permitted under the indentures and (b) in accordance with Delaware law the Preferred Shares would not be redeemed on the Redemption Date (with a redemption value of $6.7 million) and would instead remain outstanding and continue to accrue dividends until such time as the Company has sufficient legally available funds to redeem the Preferred Shares and is not otherwise prohibited from doing so. In such a situation, the Company would continue to operate in the ordinary course.
The Company notes there are several variables to consider in such a situation, and management is currently exploring the following opportunities: negotiating with the holders of the Preferred Shares with respect to the Redemption Date and/or other key provisions, raising additional funds through capital market transactions, as well as the Company’s continued strategy of working to monetize its non-core investments while attempting to maximize the tradeoff between liquidity and value received.
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, excluding the cash that may be required to redeem the Preferred Shares and deferred interest on its trust preferred securities, 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 effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
(t)COVID-19:
In March 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by a novel strain of the coronavirus was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, and the outbreak has become increasingly widespread in the United States, including in the markets in which we operate. The COVID-19 outbreak has had a notable impact on general economic conditions, including but not limited to the temporary closures of many businesses; "shelter in place" and other governmental regulations; and reduced consumer spending due to both job losses and other effects attributable to COVID-19. The near-term impacts of COVID-19 are primarily with respect to the Company’s Extended Warranty segment. As consumer spending has been impacted, including a decline in the purchase of new and used vehicles, and many businesses through which the Company distributes its products either remain closed or are open but with capacity constraints, the Company has seen cash flows being affected by a reduction in new warranty sales for vehicle service agreements. With respect to homeowner warranties, the Company experienced an initial reduction in new enrollments in its home warranty programs associated with the impact of COVID-19 on new home sales in the United States. There remain many unknowns and the Company continues to monitor the expected trends and related demand for its services and has and will continue to adjust its operations accordingly.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company could experience other potential impacts as a result of COVID-19, including, but not limited to, potential impairment charges to the carrying amounts of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles and long-lived assets, the loss in value of investments, as well as the potential for adverse impacts on the Company's debt covenant financial ratios. The Company is not aware of any specific event or circumstance that would require an update to its estimates or judgments or a revision of the carrying value of its assets or liabilities as of the date of issuance of this 2020 Annual Report. Actual results may differ materially from the Company’s current estimates as the scope of COVID-19 evolves or if the duration of business disruptions is longer than initially anticipated.
NOTE 3 RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
(a) Adoption of New Accounting Standards:
Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 was issued to simplify how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test which previously measured a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount. This update changes the impairment test by requiring an entity to compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount as opposed to comparing the carrying amount of goodwill with its implied fair value. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2018-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities ("ASU 2018-17"). Among other things, ASU 2018-17 changes how all entities that apply the variable interest entity ("VIE") guidance evaluate decision making fees. Under ASU 2018-17, when an entity determines whether a decision-making fee is a variable interest, it considers indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportionate basis rather than in their entirety. The new approach is consistent with how indirect interests held by related parties under common control are evaluated when determining whether a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The adoption of ASU 2018-17 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement ("ASU 2018-13"). ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements for assets and liabilities measured at fair value. The requirements to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements have all been removed. However, the changes in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period must be disclosed along with the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements (or other quantitative information if it is more reasonable). Finally, for investments measured at net asset value, the requirements have been modified so that the timing of liquidation and the date when restrictions from redemption might lapse are only disclosed if the investee has communicated the timing to the entity or announced the timing publicly. As the amendments are only disclosure related, the effect of adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU 2020-04"). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The guidance in ASU 2020-04, if elected, apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 is effective for contract modifications made between March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The adoption of the new guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company does not have any designated hedging relationships. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
(b) Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted:
In January 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2020-01, Investments-Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. ASU 2020-01 clarifies the interaction between accounting standards related to equity securities (ASC 321), equity method investments (ASC 323), and certain derivatives (ASC815). ASU 2020-01 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
currently evaluating ASU 2020-01 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued 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 will require a financial asset measured at amortized cost, including reinsurance balances recoverable, to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by means of an allowance for credit losses that runs through net loss. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will also be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. However, the amendments would limit the amount of the allowance to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost. The measurement of credit losses on available-for-sale investments is similar under current GAAP, but the update requires the use of the allowance account through which amounts can be reversed, rather than through irreversible write-downs. On November 15, 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, which (1) provides a framework to stagger effective dates for future major accounting standards and (2) amends the effective dates for certain major new accounting standards to give implementation relief to certain types of entities. Specifically, per ASU 2019-10 the Company would adopt ASU 2016-13 beginning January 1, 2023, as the Company is a smaller reporting company. The Company is currently evaluating ASU 2016-13 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 4 ACQUISITIONS
(a) PWI Holdings, Inc.
On December 1, 2020, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of PWI Holdings, Inc. for cash consideration of $24.4 million. The final purchase price is subject to a working capital true-up that will be finalized in 2021. PWI Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries Preferred Warranties, Inc., Superior Warranties, Inc., Preferred Warranties of Florida, Inc., and Preferred Nationwide Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (collectively, "PWI"), markets, sells and administers vehicle service agreements in all fifty states, primarily through a network of automobile dealer partners. As further discussed in Note 24, "Segmented Information," PWI is included in the Extended Warranty segment. This acquisition allows the Company to grow its portfolio of warranty companies and further expand into the vehicle service agreement business.
The Company has not completed its purchase price allocation associated with the acquisition of PWI due to the timing of the acquisition occurring in December and intends to finalize during 2021 its purchase price allocation fair value analysis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded in the consolidated financial statements at their estimated fair values before recognition of any identifiable intangible assets or other fair value adjustments with the excess purchase price all being provisionally allocated to goodwill. 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 are expected to change from the estimates included in these consolidated financial statements. Based upon historical acquisitions and a preliminary analysis of PWI, the Company would expect to record intangible assets relating to customer relationships and trade names, as well as to record a net deferred income tax liability and a reduction in deferred service fees. Any such adjustments would be made against the preliminary goodwill amount shown in the table below. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. To the extent PWI records a net deferred income tax liability, the Company may be able to release a portion of its deferred income tax valuation allowance in the consolidated statements of operations.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table summarizes the estimated allocation of the PWI assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
(in thousands)
December 1, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents $ 90
Restricted cash 21,578
Service fee receivable 1,459
Other receivables 2,748
Income taxes recoverable 60
Property and equipment, net 175
Right-of-use asset 254
Goodwill 39,026
Other assets 1,320
Total assets $ 66,710
Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 8,055
Lease liability 255
Deferred service fees 34,026
Total liabilities $ 42,336
Purchase price $ 24,374
The consolidated statements of operations include the earnings of PWI from the date of acquisition. From the date of acquisition through December 31, 2020, PWI earned revenue of $2.5 million and net income of $0.7 million.
(b) Geminus Holdings Company, Inc.
On March 1, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Geminus Holding Company, Inc. ("Geminus") for cash consideration of $8.4 million, comprised of $7.7 million of cash and an installment payable to the seller of $0.7 million due February 15, 2020. The payable to seller was paid in full by February 15, 2020. At December 31, 2019, the balance of the payable to seller was $0.1 million.
As further discussed in Note 24, "Segmented Information," Geminus is included in the Extended Warranty segment. Geminus is a specialty, full-service provider of vehicle service agreements and other finance and insurance products to used car buyers around the country. Geminus, headquartered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, has been creating, marketing and administering these products on high-mileage used cars through its subsidiaries, The Penn Warranty Corporation ("Penn") and Prime Auto Care Inc. ("Prime"), since 1988. Penn and Prime distribute these products via independent used car dealerships and franchised car dealerships, respectively. This acquisition allows the Company to grow its portfolio of warranty companies and further expand into the vehicle service agreement business.
This acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill of $7.4 million was recognized, and $5.7 million of separately identifiable intangible assets were recognized resulting from the valuations of acquired customer relationships and trade names. Refer to Note 11, "Intangible Assets," for further disclosure of the intangible assets related to this acquisition. The goodwill 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 warranty companies and acquire an assembled workforce. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the Geminus assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
(in thousands)
March 1, 2019
Investments $ 4,405
Cash and cash equivalents 755
Restricted cash 2,650
Accrued investment income 32
Service fee receivable 513
Other receivables 12
Property and equipment, net 79
Goodwill 7,445
Intangible assets not subject to amortization - trade names 1,974
Intangible asset subject to amortization - customer relationships 3,732
Other assets 620
Total assets $ 22,217
Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 2,018
Income taxes payable 1
Deferred service fees 10,564
Net deferred income tax liabilities 1,263
Total liabilities $ 13,846
Purchase price $ 8,371
The consolidated statements of operations include the earnings of Geminus from the date of acquisition. From the date of acquisition through December 31, 2019, Geminus earned revenue of $9.9 million and net income of $0.6 million.
The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 as if PWI and Geminus 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 acquisition of Geminus, interest expense and the amortization of debt issuance costs and discount associated with the related financing obtained in connection with the PWI acquisition (see Note 14, "Debt"), tax related adjustments and acquisition-related expenses. Purchase accounting adjustments related to the acquisition of PWI have not been included in the pro forma information below, pending the finalization of the fair value analysis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
(in thousands, except per share data) Year ended December 31,
2020 2019
Revenues $ 89,121 $ 93,431
Loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders $ (3,999) $ (6,718)
Basic loss per share - continuing operations $ (0.18) $ (0.31)
Diluted loss per share - continuing operations $ (0.18) $ (0.31)
During the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company incurred acquisition-related expenses of $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 5 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Mendota Insurance Company, Mendakota Insurance Company and Mendakota Casualty Company:
On July 16, 2018, the Company announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to sell its non-standard automobile insurance companies Mendota Insurance Company, Mendakota Insurance Company and Mendakota Casualty Company (collectively "Mendota"). On October 18, 2018, the Company completed the previously announced sale of Mendota. The Company recognized a gain on disposal of Mendota of less than $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and a loss on disposal of $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The final aggregate purchase price of $28.6 million was redeployed primarily to acquire equity investments, limited liability investments, limited liability investment, at fair value and other investments, which were owned by Mendota at the time of the closing, and to fund $5.0 million into an escrow account to be used to satisfy potential indemnity obligations under the definitive stock purchase agreement. As part of the transaction, the Company will indemnify the buyer for any loss and loss adjustment expenses with respect to open claims and certain specified claims in excess of Mendota's carried unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses at June 30, 2018. The maximum obligation to the Company with respect to the open claims is $2.5 million. A security interest on the Company’s equity interest in its consolidated subsidiary, Net Lease, as well as any distributions to the Company from Net Lease, is collateral for the Company’s payment of obligations with respect to the open claims.
There was no maximum obligation to the Company with respect to the specified claims. During the first quarter of 2019, Mendota settled one of the two specified claims for $0.5 million, resulting in no loss to the Company. During the fourth quarter of 2019, Mendota notified the Company that Mendota had entered into an agreement to settle the remaining specified claim for $1.6 million. Net of expenses, the Company recorded a gain of less than $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and a loss of $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, related to the settlement of the remaining specified claims, which is reported as gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. The $1.6 million settlement was funded from the $5.0 million escrow account, and the $3.4 million remaining in the escrow account was released to the Company during the first quarter of 2020 consistent with the terms of the escrow agreement.
NOTE 6 VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
(a) Consolidated VIEs
Argo Holdings Fund I, LLC:
The Company held a 43.4% investment in Argo Holdings at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Net Lease Investment Grade Portfolio, LLC:
The Company held a 71.0% investment in Net Lease at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Net Lease holds three commercial properties under triple net leases. The properties are encumbered by mortgage loans. Net Lease 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 Net Lease due to its right to absorb significant economics in Net Lease and to control the management decisions of Net Lease, which allows the Company to hold the power to direct the significant activities of Net Lease. As such, the Company is the primary beneficiary of Net Lease and consolidated Net Lease at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities related to VIEs consolidated by the Company at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
(in thousands) December 31,
2020 2019
Assets
Limited liability investments, at fair value $ 32,811 $ 29,078
Cash and cash equivalents 538 311
Accrued investment income 454 244
Total Assets 33,803 29,633
Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 352 347
Notes payable 9,000 9,000
Total Liabilities $ 9,352 $ 9,347
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, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
(in thousands) December 31,
2020 2019
Carrying Value Maximum Loss Exposure Carrying Value Maximum Loss Exposure
Investments in non-consolidated VIEs $ 2,940 $ 2,940 $ 3,116 $ 3,116
The following table summarizes the Company’s non-consolidated VIEs by category at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
(in thousands) December 31,
2020 2019
Carrying Value Percent of total Carrying Value Percent of total
Investments in non-consolidated VIEs:
Real estate related $ 1,610 54.8 % $ 1,654 53.1 %
Non-real estate related 1,330 45.2 % 1,462 46.9 %
Total investments in non-consolidated VIEs $ 2,940 100.0 % $ 3,116 100.0 %
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, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 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,
2020 2019
Assets $ 325,215 $ 379,994
Liabilities $ 307,464 $ 354,468
Equity $ 23,930 $ 25,526
(in thousands) December 31,
2020 2019
Net income $ 27,419 $ 5,027
NOTE 7 INVESTMENTS
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair value of the Company's available-for-sale investments at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized in the tables shown below:
(in thousands) December 31, 2020
Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$ 9,999 $ 105 $ - $ 10,104
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
1,447 7 - 1,454
Mortgage-backed
5,334 66 6 5,394
Corporate
3,708 56 - 3,764
Total fixed maturities $ 20,488 $ 234 $ 6 $ 20,716
(in thousands) December 31, 2019
Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$ 13,246 $ 74 $ 4 $ 13,316
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
601 - 1 600
Mortgage-backed
2,951 2 14 2,939
Corporate
5,338 8 6 5,340
Total fixed maturities $ 22,136 $ 84 $ 25 $ 22,195
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The table below summarizes the Company's fixed maturities at December 31, 2020 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, 2020
Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less $ 4,192 $ 4,218
Due after one year through five years 14,736 14,921
Due after five years through ten years 346 358
Due after ten years 1,214 1,219
Total $ 20,488 $ 20,716
The following tables highlight the aggregate unrealized loss position, by security type, of available-for-sale investments in unrealized loss positions as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 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, 2020
Less than 12 Months Greater than 12 Months Total
Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Loss Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Loss Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Loss
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$ 511 $ - $ - $ - $ 511 $ -
Mortgage-backed
834 6 - - 834 6
Total fixed maturities $ 1,345 $ 6 $ - $ - $ 1,345 $ 6
(in thousands) December 31, 2019
Less than 12 Months Greater than 12 Months Total
Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Loss Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Loss Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Loss
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$ 305 $ - $ 1,002 $ 4 $ 1,307 $ 4
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
- - 453 1 453 1
Mortgage-backed
1,063 1 1,271 13 2,334 14
Corporate
2,495 4 526 2 3,021 6
Total fixed maturities $ 3,863 $ 5 $ 3,252 $ 20 $ 7,115 $ 25
There are approximately five and 48 individual available-for-sale investments that were in unrealized loss positions as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
The establishment of an other-than-temporary impairment on an available-for-sale investment or limited liability investment requires a number of judgments and estimates. The Company performs a quarterly analysis of the individual investments to determine if declines in market value are other-than-temporary. Refer to "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 establishing an other-than-temporary impairment on an investment.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As a result of the analysis performed by the Company to determine declines in market value that are other-than-temporary, the Company recorded write downs for other-than-temporary impairment related to:
•Other investments of $0.1 million and zero for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; and
•Limited liability investments of zero and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
The Company has reviewed currently available information regarding investments 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 does not intend to sell those investments, and it is not likely it will be required to sell those investments before recovery of its amortized cost.
The Company does not have any exposure to subprime mortgage-backed investments.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the carrying value of limited liability investments totaled $3.7 million and $3.8 million, respectively. At December 31, 2020, the Company has no unfunded commitments related to limited liability investments.
Limited liability investments, at fair value represents the underlying investments of Net Lease and Argo Holdings. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2019, limited liability investments, at fair value included the Company's investment in 1347 Investors LLC ("1347 Investors").
The fair value of the Company's investment in 1347 Investors was calculated based on a model that distributed the net equity of 1347 Investors to all classes of membership interests. The model used quoted market prices and significant market observable inputs. The most significant input to the model was the observed stock price of Limbach Holdings, Inc. ("Limbach") common stock. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company’s investment in 1347 Investors was dissolved, which resulted in the Company holding shares of Limbach common stock directly. During the third quarter of 2020, the Company sold all of its shares of Limbach common stock for cash proceeds totaling $3.2 million, resulting in the Company recording a realized gain of $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Company consolidates the financial statements of Net Lease on a three-month lag. Net Lease reported an increase in the fair value of its underlying investments of $2.4 million during their third quarter of 2020. As a result of the three-month lag, the Company reported this as a gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value during the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in fair value is primarily attributable to the sale of one of the three Net Lease investment properties for $40.1 million, which closed on October 30, 2020. Given the proximity of the sale to September 30, 2020, the Company believes that the ultimate selling price is the best indication of value as of September 30, 2020.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the carrying value of the Company's limited liability investments, at fair value was $32.8 million and $29.1 million, respectively. The Company recorded impairments related to limited liability investments, at fair value of $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, which are included in gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2020, the Company has no unfunded commitments related to limited liability investments, at fair value.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the carrying value of the Company's investments in private companies totaled $0.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company recorded adjustments of zero and $0.2 million, respectively, to decrease the fair value of certain investments in private companies for observable price changes, which are included in net change in unrealized loss 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 recorded impairments related to investments in private companies of $0.7 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, which are included in net change in unrealized loss on private company investments in the consolidated statements of operations. The impairments recorded for the year ended December 31, 2020 are a result of the impact of COVID-19 on the investments' underlying business.
The Company previously had issued promissory notes (the "Notes") to five former employees (the "Debtors"), which were recorded as other investments in the consolidated balance sheets. During the third and fourth quarters of 2020, the Company
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
agreed to accept partial payment from the Debtors as full satisfaction of the Debtors' obligations under the Notes and recognized a loss of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, which is included in net realized gains in the consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a write-down of $0.1 million for other-than-temporary impairment related to the Notes for one of the Debtors. The remaining principal amount outstanding on the Notes was zero as of December 31, 2020.
Net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, is comprised as follows:
(in thousands) Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Investment income
Interest from fixed maturities $ 310 $ 484
Dividends
153 263
Income from limited liability investments
30 36
Income from limited liability investments, at fair value
937 885
Income from real estate investments
800 800
Other
461 506
Gross investment income 2,691 2,974
Investment expenses (66) (69)
Net investment income $ 2,625 $ 2,905
Gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments, limited liability investments, limited liability investments, at fair value and investments in private companies for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is comprised as follows:
(in thousands) Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Gross realized gains $ 806 $ 1,399
Gross realized losses (226) (603)
Net realized gains $ 580 $ 796
Gain on change in fair value of equity investments for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is comprised as follows:
(in thousands) Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Net gain (losses) recognized on equity investments sold during the period $ 1,506 $ (156)
Change in unrealized (losses) gains on equity investments held at end of the period (239) 717
Gain on change in fair value of equity investments $ 1,267 $ 561
Impact of COVID-19 on Investments
The Company continues to assess the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have on the value of its various investments, which could result in future material decreases in the underlying investment values. Such decreases may be considered temporary or could be deemed to be other-than-temporary, and management may be required to record write-downs of the related investments in future reporting periods.
NOTE 8 INVESTMENT IN INVESTEE
The Company formerly held an investment in the common stock of Itasca Capital Ltd. ("ICL") that was recorded as investment in investee in the consolidated balance sheets prior to December 31, 2019.
During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company sold its investment in the common stock of ICL in two separate transactions:
•On October 9, 2019, the Company executed an agreement to sell 1,974,113 shares of ICL common stock, at a price of C$0.35 per share, for cash proceeds totaling C$0.7 million. The Company recognized a gain of $0.1 million on this
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
transaction, which is included in equity in net income of investee in the consolidated statements of operations. As a result of this transaction, the Company's ownership percentage in ICL was reduced to 13.8%. As a result of this change in ownership, the Company determined that its investment in the common stock of ICL no longer qualified for the equity method of accounting and reclassified this investment to equity investments.
•On October 31, 2019, the Company executed an agreement with its former Chief Executive Officer to sell its remaining 3,011,447 shares of ICL common stock, at a price of C$0.35 per share, for consideration totaling C$1.1 million, comprised of cash proceeds of C$0.2 million and 247,450 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company recognized a loss of less than $0.1 million on this transaction, which is included in gain on change in fair value of equity investments in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 26(b), "Related Parties," for more information.
The Company reported equity in net income of investee of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, which includes the $0.1 million gain on sale and $0.1 million of equity in net income of investee.
NOTE 9 DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS
Deferred acquisition costs consist primarily of commissions and agency expenses incurred related to successful efforts to acquire vehicle service agreements and are amortized over the period in which the related revenues are earned.
The components of deferred acquisition costs and the related amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are comprised as follows:
(in thousands) Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Balance at January 1, net $ 8,604 $ 6,904
Additions 4,896 5,854
Amortization (4,665) (4,154)
Balance at December 31, net $ 8,835 $ 8,604
NOTE 10 GOODWILL
The following table summarizes goodwill activity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
(in thousands) Extended Warranty Leased Real Estate Corporate Total
Balance, December 31, 2018 $ 12,944 $ 60,983 $ 732 $ 74,659
Acquisition 7,445 - - 7,445
Balance, December 31, 2019 20,389 20389 60,983 732 82,104
Acquisition 39,026 - - 39,026
Balance, December 31, 2020 $ 59,415 $ 60,983 $ 732 $ 121,130
As further discussed in Note 4, "Acquisitions," the Company recorded goodwill of $39.0 million related to the acquisition of PWI on December 1, 2020 which is provisional and subject to adjustment. The Company intends to finalize during 2021 its fair value analysis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the acquisition of PWI. The estimates, allocations and calculations recorded at December 31, 2020 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. Based upon historical acquisitions and a preliminary analysis of PWI, the Company would expect to record intangible assets relating to customer relationships and trade names, as well as to record a reduction in deferred service fees. Any such adjustments would be made against the preliminary goodwill amount shown in the table below.
As further discussed in Note 4, "Acquisitions," the Company recorded goodwill of $7.4 million related to the acquisition of Geminus on March 1, 2019.
Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually as of December 31, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company tested goodwill for recoverability at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Based on the assessment performed, no goodwill impairments were recognized in 2020 and 2019.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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.
For Leased Real Estate, the Company models a hypothetical sale of the underlying asset in order to arrive at fair value, which, due to the unique nature of Leased Real Estate, the Company views as a technique consistent with the objective of measuring fair value. The Company believes that its estimates of future cash flows and discount rates are reasonable; however, the amount by which the fair value exceeds the carrying value of the reporting unit has declined significantly primarily as a result of the CMC settlement agreement discussed in Note 27, "Commitments and Contingent Liabilities". The estimated fair value of Leased Real Estate is highly sensitive to discount rates applied and changes in the underlying assumptions in the future could differ materially due to the inherent uncertainty in making such estimates. Additionally, estimates regarding future sales proceeds and timing of such proceeds could also have a significant impact on the fair value.
NOTE 11 INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are comprised as follows:
(in thousands) December 31, 2020
Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Database
$ 4,918 $ 3,997 $ 921
Vehicle service agreements in-force
3,680 3,680 -
Customer relationships
12,646 7,305 5,341
In-place lease
1,125 281 844
Non-compete
266 170 96
Intangible assets not subject to amortization
Tenant relationship
73,667 - 73,667
Trade names
3,264 - 3,264
Total $ 99,566 $ 15,433 $ 84,133
(in thousands) December 31, 2019
Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Database
$ 4,918 $ 3,505 $ 1,413
Vehicle service agreements in-force
3,680 3,680 -
Customer relationships
12,646 5,622 7,024
In-place lease
1,125 218 907
Non-compete 266 117 149
Intangible assets not subject to amortization
Tenant relationship
73,667 - 73,667
Trade names
3,264 - 1,290
Total $ 99,566 $ 13,142 $ 86,424
As further discussed in Note 4, "Acquisitions," during the first quarter of 2019, the Company recorded $5.7 million of separately identifiable intangible assets, related to acquired customer relationships and trade names, as part of the acquisition of Geminus. The customer relationships intangible asset of $3.7 million is being amortized over ten years based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are expected to be consumed. The trade name intangible assets of $2.0 million are deemed to have indefinite useful lives and are not amortized.
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
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
useful lives, which range from 5 to 18 years. Amortization of intangible assets was $2.3 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The estimated aggregate future amortization expense of all intangible assets is $2.0 million for 2021, $1.6 million for 2022, $0.9 million for 2023, $0.7 million for 2024 and $0.5 million for 2025.
The tenant relationship and trade names intangible assets have indefinite useful lives and are not amortized. All intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are reviewed annually by the Company for impairment. No impairment charges were taken on intangible assets in 2020 or 2019.
As further discussed in Note 4, "Acquisitions," the Company acquired PWI on December 1, 2020 and intends to finalize the fair value analysis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during 2021. Based upon historical acquisitions and a preliminary analysis of PWI, the Company would expect to record intangible assets relating to customer relationships and trade names.
NOTE 12 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are comprised as follows:
(in thousands) December 31, 2020
Total Property and Equipment
Cost Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Value
Land $ 21,120 $ - $ 21,120
Site improvements 91,308 18,428 72,880
Buildings 580 65 515
Leasehold improvements 296 125 171
Furniture and equipment 1,223 1,074 149
Computer hardware 4,929 4,749 180
Total $ 119,456 $ 24,441 $ 95,015
(in thousands) December 31, 2019
Total Property and Equipment
Cost Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Value
Land $ 21,120 $ - $ 21,120
Site improvements 91,308 14,295 77,013
Buildings 580 50 530
Leasehold improvements 156 109 47
Furniture and equipment 1,121 1,010 111
Computer hardware 5,282 5,039 243
Total $ 119,567 $ 20,503 $ 99,064
For each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, depreciation expense on property and equipment of $4.4 million is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
NOTE 13 UNPAID LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
The process for establishing the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses reflects the uncertainties and significant judgmental factors inherent in predicting future results of both reported and incurred but not reported claims. The Company's evaluation of the adequacy of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses includes a re-estimation of the liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses relating to each preceding financial year compared to the liability that was previously established.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The results of this comparison and the changes in the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows:
(in thousands) December 31,
2020 2019
Balance at beginning of period, gross $ 1,774 $ 2,073
Less reinsurance recoverable related to unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses - -
Balance at beginning of period, net 1,774 2,073
Incurred related to:
Current year - -
Prior years 149 711
Paid related to:
Current year - -
Prior years (474) (1,010)
Balance at end of period, net 1,449 1,774
Plus reinsurance recoverable related to unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses - -
Balance at end of period, gross $ 1,449 $ 1,774
The Company reported unfavorable development on unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses of $0.1 million and $0.7 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to an increase in loss adjustment expenses at Amigo. During the second quarter of 2019, the Company agreed to settle three related open Amigo claims for an amount in excess of the provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses carried by the Company for these three open claims. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company incurred a loss of approximately $0.8 million related to the settlement of these claims. Original estimates are increased or decreased as additional information becomes known regarding individual claims.
The following tables contain information about incurred and paid loss and loss adjustment expenses development as of and for the year December 31, 2020, net of reinsurance, as well as cumulative claim frequency and the total of IBNR liabilities, including expected development on reported unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses included within the net incurred losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses amounts. The information about incurred and paid loss and loss adjustment expenses development for the years ended December 31, 2011 through 2019, and the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age as of December 31, 2020, is presented as supplementary information.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Non-standard automobile insurance - Private passenger auto liability
(in thousands)
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Years Ended December 31, As of December 31, 2020
Accident Year 2011 Unaudited 2012 Unaudited 2013 Unaudited 2014 Unaudited 2015 Unaudited 2016 Unaudited 2017 Unaudited 2018 Unaudited 2019 Unaudited 2020 Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Losses Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2011 29,034 29,458 28,744 28,094 27,865 27,613 27,597 27,851 27,830 27,942 93 -
2012 13,736 13,536 13,273 12,926 12,815 12,720 13,037 13,101 13,016 128 -
2013 6,456 6,434 5,474 4,488 4,617 4,654 4,645 4,616 15 -
2014 - - - - - - - - -
2015 - - - - 4 3 - -
2016 - - - - - - -
2017 - - - - - -
2018 - - - - -
2019 - - - -
2020 - - -
Total 45,577
Non-standard automobile insurance - Private passenger auto liability
(in thousands)
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Years Ended December 31,
Accident Year 2011 Unaudited 2012 Unaudited 2013 Unaudited 2014 Unaudited 2015 Unaudited 2016 Unaudited 2017 Unaudited 2018 Unaudited 2019 Unaudited 2020
2011 18,456 25,296 26,599 27,023 27,378 27,431 27,479 27,677 27,732 27,848
2012 7,060 11,724 12,284 12,530 12,618 12,635 12,738 12,813 12,889
2013 3,575 4,277 4,437 4,496 4,562 4,571 4,598 4,601
2014 - - - - - - -
2015 - - - - 3 3
2016 - - - - -
2017 - - - -
2018 - - -
2019 - -
2020 -
Total 45,341
Liabilities for non-standard automobile-private passenger auto liability unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses prior to 2011, net of reinsurance 1
Total liabilities for non-standard automobile-private passenger auto liability unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance 237
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Non-standard automobile insurance - Auto physical damage
(in thousands)
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Years Ended December 31, As of December 31, 2020
Accident Year 2011 Unaudited 2012 Unaudited 2013 Unaudited 2014 Unaudited 2015 Unaudited 2016 Unaudited 2017 Unaudited 2018 Unaudited 2019 Unaudited 2020 Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Losses Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2011 4,366 3,247 3,241 3,263 3,262 3,260 3,269 3,261 3,261 3,261 - -
2012 1,755 1,920 1,990 2,015 2,007 2,018 1,908 1,908 1,908 - -
2013 1,085 996 1,001 999 1,003 988 988 988 - -
2014 - - - - - - - - -
2015 - - - - - - - -
2016 - - - - - - -
2017 - - - - - -
2018 - - - - -
2019 - - - -
2020 - - -
Total 6,157
Non-standard automobile insurance - Auto physical damage
(in thousands)
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Years Ended December 31,
Accident Year 2011 Unaudited 2012 Unaudited 2013 Unaudited 2014 Unaudited 2015 Unaudited 2016 Unaudited 2017 Unaudited 2018 Unaudited 2019 Unaudited 2020
2011 2,971 3,268 3,270 3,270 3,266 3,267 3,269 3,261 3,261 3,261
2012 1,783 1,951 2,006 2,016 2,017 2,018 1,908 1,908 1,908
2013 1,050 1,015 1,001 1,002 1,002 988 988 988
2014 - - - - - - -
2015 - - - - - -
2016 - - - - -
2017 - - - -
2018 - - -
2019 - -
2020 -
Total 6,157
Liabilities for non-standard automobile-auto physical damage unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses prior to 2011, net of reinsurance -
Total liabilities for non-standard automobile-auto physical damage unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance -
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Commercial automobile
(in thousands)
Incurred Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Years Ended December 31, As of December 31, 2020
Accident Year 2011 Unaudited 2012 Unaudited 2013 Unaudited 2014 Unaudited 2015 Unaudited 2016 Unaudited 2017 Unaudited 2018 Unaudited 2019 Unaudited 2020 Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Losses Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2011 8,521 9,784 8,990 8,752 8,791 8,812 8,816 8,901 8,767 8,767 - -
2012 9,503 7,759 7,548 7,349 7,562 7,766 8,078 8,128 8,281 82 -
2013 597 477 489 350 364 316 284 284 - -
2014 - - - - - - - - -
2015 - - - - - - - -
2016 - - - - - - -
2017 - - - - - -
2018 - - - - -
2019 - - - -
2020 - - -
Total 17,332
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Commercial automobile
(in thousands)
Cumulative Paid Loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Years Ended December 31,
Accident Year 2011 Unaudited 2012 Unaudited 2013 Unaudited 2014 Unaudited 2015 Unaudited 2016 Unaudited 2017 Unaudited 2018 Unaudited 2019 Unaudited 2020
2011 5,005 7,926 8,326 8,533 8,638 8,747 8,765 8,767 8,767 8,767
2012 5,034 6,607 7,028 7,150 7,457 7,681 7,943 8,066 8,200
2013 299 352 358 358 358 284 284 284
2014 - - - - - - -
2015 - - - - - -
2016 - - - - -
2017 - - - -
2018 - - -
2019 - -
2020 -
Total 17,251
Liabilities for commercial automobile unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses prior to 2011, net of reinsurance 5
Total liabilities for commercial automobile unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance 86
The following table reconciles the unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance presented in the tables above to the unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses reported in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
(in thousands) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Liabilities for loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
Non-standard automobile - private passenger auto liability 237 462
Commercial automobile 86 73
Other short-duration insurance lines 1,122 1,225
Liabilities for unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance 1,445 1,760
Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses - -
Unallocated loss adjustment expenses 4 14
Total gross liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses 1,449 1,774
The following is supplementary information about average historical incurred loss duration as of December 31, 2020.
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Losses by Age, Net of Reinsurance (Unaudited)
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10
Non-standard automobile -private passenger auto liability 85.7 % 13.0 % 1.2 % 0.1 % - % - % - % - % - % - %
Commercial automobile 64.4 % 29.9 % 5.7 % - % - % - % - % - % - % - %
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 14 DEBT
Debt consists of the following instruments at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
(in thousands) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Principal Carrying Value Fair Value Principal Carrying Value Fair Value
Bank loans:
PWSC Loan $ - $ - $ - $ 437 $ 437 $ 435
2020 KWH Loan 25,700 25,303 25,893 - - -
2019 KWH Loan - - - 9,625 8,803 11,820
Total bank loans 25,700 25,303 25,893 10,062 9,240 12,255
Notes payable:
Mortgage 166,106 173,696 194,158 169,818 178,297 182,265
Flower Note 6,885 6,885 7,863 7,337 7,337 8,071
Net Lease Note 9,000 9,000 9,054 9,000 9,000 9,396
PPP 2,476 2,476 2,476 - - -
Total notes payable 184,467 192,057 213,551 186,155 194,634 199,732
Subordinated debt 90,500 50,928 50,928 90,500 54,655 54,655
Total $ 300,667 $ 268,288 $ 290,372 $ 286,717 $ 258,529 $ 266,642
Subordinated debt mentioned above consists of the following trust preferred debt instruments:
Issuer Principal
(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:
In 2019, the Company formed Kingsway Warranty Holdings LLC ("KWH"), whose subsidiaries include IWS Acquisition Corporation ("IWS"), 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 repay the KWH Loan, discussed below, in full. The 2020 KWH Loan has an annual interest rate equal to the London interbank offered interest rate for three-month U.S. dollar deposits ("LIBOR") having a floor of 0.75%, plus 3.00%. At December 31, 2020, the interest rate was 3.75%. The 2020 KWH Loan matures on December 1, 2025. 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 sheet at December 31, 2020 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 B 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.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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.
As part of the acquisition of Geminus on March 1, 2019, KWH borrowed a principal amount of $10.0 million from a bank at an annual interest rate equal to LIBOR having a floor of 2.00%, plus 9.25% (the "2019 KWH Loan"), using most of the proceeds to acquire Geminus. At December 31, 2019, the interest rate was 11.25%. As part of the 2019 KWH Loan, KWH also issued warrants (the "KWH Warrants") to the lender exercisable to purchase an aggregate 1.25% membership interest in KWH. The Company allocated $0.4 million of the 2019 KWH Loan proceeds to a liability, recorded as part of accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, to reflect the estimated fair value of the KWH Warrants, as the warrants contain a put right exercisable by the holder. Changes in the estimated fair value of the KWH Warrants are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company also recorded as a discount to the carrying value of the 2019 KWH Loan issuance costs of $1.0 million specifically related to the 2019 KWH Loan. The 2019 KWH Loan is carried in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 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 2019 KWH 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 2019 KWH Loan was secured by certain of the equity interests and assets of KWH and its subsidiaries.
The 2019 KWH Loan was scheduled to mature on March 1, 2024; however the remaining principal was fully repaid on December 1, 2020. The Company incurred $0.9 million of costs related to the extinguishment of the 2019 KWH Loan, including the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs, discount and early termination fees paid to the lender, which are recorded as loss on extinguishment of debt, net in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. On December 1, 2020, the Company also repurchased the KWH Warrants for cash consideration of $0.3 million, which was equal to the fair value of the warrant liability.
As part of the acquisition of Professional Warranty Service Corporation ("PWSC") on October 12, 2017, the Company borrowed a principal amount of $5.0 million from a bank at a fixed interest rate of 5.0% (the "PWSC Loan"). The carrying value of the PWSC Loan represents its unpaid principal balance. The fair value of the PWSC Loan disclosed in the table above is derived from quoted market prices of B and B minus rated industrial bonds with similar maturities and is categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The PWSC Loan was scheduled to mature on October 12, 2022; however, the remaining principal was fully repaid on January 30, 2020.
(b) Notes payable:
As part of the acquisition of CMC Industries, Inc. ("CMC") in July 2016, the Company assumed a mortgage, which is recorded as note payable in the consolidated balance sheets ("the Mortgage"). The Mortgage is nonrecourse indebtedness with respect to CMC and its subsidiaries, and the Mortgage is not, nor will it be, guaranteed by Kingsway or its affiliates. The Mortgage is collateralized by a parcel of real property consisting of approximately 192 acres located in the State of Texas (the "Real Property") and the assignment of leases and rents related to a long-term triple net lease agreement with an unrelated third-party. The Mortgage, which is recorded as note payable in the consolidated balance sheets, was recorded at its estimated fair value of $191.7 million, which included the unpaid principal amount of $180.0 million as of the date of acquisition plus a premium of $11.7 million. The Mortgage matures on May 15, 2034 and has a fixed interest rate of 4.07%. The Mortgage is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its amortized cost, which reflects the monthly pay-down of principal as well as the amortization of the premium using the effective interest rate method. The fair value of the Mortgage disclosed in the table above is derived from quoted market prices of A-rated industrial bonds with similar maturities and is categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
On January 5, 2015, Flower assumed a $9.2 million mortgage in conjunction with the purchase of investment real estate properties, which is recorded as note payable in the consolidated balance sheets ("the Flower Note"). The Flower Note requires monthly payments of principal and interest and is secured by certain investments of Flower. The Flower Note matures on December 10, 2031 and has a fixed interest rate of 4.81%. The carrying value of the Flower Note at December 31, 2020 of $6.9 million represents its unpaid principal balance. The fair value of the Flower Note disclosed in the table above is derived from quoted market prices of A and BBB rated industrial bonds with similar maturities and is categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
On October 15, 2015, Net Lease assumed a $9.0 million mezzanine debt in conjunction with the purchase of investment real estate properties, which is recorded as note payable in the consolidated balance sheets ("the Net Lease Note"). The Net Lease Note requires monthly payments of interest and is secured by certain investments of Net Lease. The Net Lease Note matured on November 1, 2020 and had a fixed interest rate of 10.25%. In conjunction with the maturity of the Net Lease Note on November 1, 2020, Net Lease explored alternatives to maximize the value of its investment portfolio. As a result of this process, Net Lease elected to sell one of its three investment real estate properties while refinancing the remaining properties. The existing financing was replaced with three year non-recourse debt maturing November 1, 2023 with a fixed interest rate of 4.35%. Each of these transactions closed on October 30, 2020, however because the Company reports Net Lease on a three-month lag, the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020 continues to report the $9.0 million mezzanine debt, which represents its unpaid principal balance. The fair value of the Net Lease Note disclosed in the table above is derived from quoted market prices of B and B minus rated industrial bonds with similar maturities and is categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
In April 2020, certain subsidiaries of the Company received loan proceeds under the Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP"), totaling $2.9 million with a stated annual interest rate of 1.00%. The PPP, established as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the "SBA"), provides for loans to qualifying businesses for amounts up to 2.5 times of the average monthly payroll costs (as defined for purposes of the PPP) of the qualifying business. The loans and accrued interest are forgivable as long as the borrower uses the loan proceeds for eligible purposes, including payroll, costs, rent and utilities, during the twenty-four week period following the borrower’s receipt of the loan and maintains its payroll levels and employee headcount. The amount of loan forgiveness will be reduced if the borrower reduces its employee headcount below its average employee headcount during a benchmark period or significantly reduces salaries for certain employees during the covered period.
The Company used the entire loan amount for qualifying expenses. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced that it will conduct audits for PPP loans that exceed $2.0 million. If the Company were to be audited and receive an adverse outcome in such an audit, it could be required to return the full amount of the PPP Loan and may potentially be subject to civil and criminal fines and penalties.
On December 21, 2020 the SBA approved the forgiveness of the full amount of one of the five PPP loans. The forgiveness included principal and interest of $0.4 million, which is included in loss on extinguishment of debt, net in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. In January 2021, the SBA provided the Company with notices of forgiveness of the full amount of two of the remaining four loans. The forgiveness included total principal and interest of $1.4 million. The carrying value of the PPP at December 31, 2020 of $2.5 million represents its unpaid principal balance.
(c) 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 bear interest at the rate of LIBOR, plus spreads ranging from 3.85% to 4.20%. 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 is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. See Note 25, "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 income (loss). Of the $3.7 million decrease in fair value of the Company’s subordinated debt between December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, $2.6 million is reported as decrease in fair value of debt attributable to instrument-specific credit risk in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive loss and $1.2 million is reported as gain on change in fair value of debt in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Of the $4.6 million increase in fair value of the Company’s subordinated debt between December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019, $5.7 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, partially offset by $1.1 million reported as gain on change in fair value of debt in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
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. At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, deferred interest payable of $14.1 million and $8.9 million, respectively, is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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 15 LEASES
(a) Lessee 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 selling and administrative costs for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $0.9 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively.
The annual maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 were as follows:
(in thousands) Lease Commitments
2021 $ 979
2022 899
2023 624
2024 550
2025 381
2026 and thereafter 165
Total undiscounted lease payments 3,598
Imputed interest 385
Total lease liabilities $ 3,213
The weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases was 4.52 years as of December 31, 2020. The weighted average discount rate of operating leases was 5.28% as of December 31, 2020. Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities was $0.7 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Supplemental non-cash information related to leases for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes right-of-use assets of $0.3 million acquired in exchange for $0.3 million of lease obligations.
(b) Lessor leases:
The Company owns the Real Propert that is subject to a long-term triple net lease agreement with an unrelated third-party. The lease provides for future rent escalations and renewal options. The initial lease term ends in May 2034. The lessee bears the cost of maintenance and property taxes. Rental income from operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis, based on contractual lease terms with fixed and determinable increases over the non-cancellable term of the related lease when collectability is reasonably assured. Rental revenue includes amortization of below market lease liabilities of $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The estimated aggregate future amortization of below market lease liabilities is $0.1 million for 2021, $0.1 million for 2022, $0.1 million for 2023, $0.1 million for 2024 and $0.1 million for 2025. Realization of the residual values of the assets under lease is dependent on the future ability to market the assets under prevailing market conditions. The lease is classified as an operating lease and the underlying leased assets are included in property and equipment in the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 12, "Property and Equipment".
Lease revenue related to operating leases was $13.4 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table provides the net book value of operating lease property included in property and equipment in the consolidated balance sheets:
(in thousands) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Land $ 21,120 $21,120
Site improvements 91,308 91,308
Buildings 580 580
Gross property and equipment leased $ 113,008 $ 113,008
Accumulation depreciation (18,493) (14,345)
Net property and equipment leased $ 94,515 $ 98,663
As of December 31, 2020, future undiscounted cash flows to be received in each of the next five years and thereafter, on non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:
(in thousands)
2021 $ 12,099
2022 12,371
2023 12,649
2024 12,934
2025 13,225
Thereafter 123,738
NOTE 16 REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
Revenue from contracts with customers relates to Extended Warranty segment service fee and commission revenue. Service fee and commission revenue represents vehicle service agreement fees, GAP commissions, maintenance support service fees, warranty product commissions, homebuilder warranty service fees and homebuilder warranty commissions 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 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,
2020 2019
Vehicle service agreement fees and GAP commissions - IWS, Geminus and PWI $ 33,137 $ 29,097
Maintenance support service fees - Trinity 3,457 6,997
Warranty product commissions - Trinity 3,622 2,963
Homebuilder warranty service fees - PWSC 6,290 6,058
Homebuilder warranty commissions - PWSC 1,101 996
Service fee and commission revenue $ 47,607 $ 46,111
Receivables from contracts with customers are reported as service fee receivable, net in the consolidated balance sheets and at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were $3.9 million and $3.4 million, respectively.
The Company records deferred service fees resulting from contracts with customers when payment is received in advance of satisfying the performance obligations. Deferred service fees were $87.9 million and $56.3 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The increase in deferred service fees during the year ended December 31, 2020 is primarily due to the deferred service fees acquired related to the acquisition of PWI of $34.0 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".
The Company expects to recognize within one year as service fee and commission revenue approximately 51.7% of the deferred service fees as of December 31, 2020. Approximately $23.5 million and $14.5 million of service fee and commission
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was included in deferred service fees as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
NOTE 17 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 consists of the following:
(in thousands) Years ended December 31
2020 2019
Current income tax expense $ 345 $ 423
Deferred income tax benefit (1,460) (786)
Income tax benefit $ (1,115) $ (363)
Income tax benefit varies from the amount that would result by applying the applicable U.S. corporate income tax rate of 21% to loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit. The following table summarizes the differences:
(in thousands) Years ended December 31
2020 2019
Income tax benefit at U.S. statutory income tax rate $ (1,373) $ (658)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act adjustment - (156)
Valuation allowance (322) 1
Indefinite life intangibles 215 194
Change in unrecognized tax benefits 244 276
Compensation 220 208
Investment income (269) (218)
State income tax 192 135
Other (22) (145)
Income tax benefit for continuing operations $ (1,115) $ (363)
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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,
2020 2019
Deferred income tax assets:
Losses carried forward $ 184,130 $ 181,427
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums 3,911 2,331
Intangible assets 1,705 2,515
Debt issuance costs 835 966
Investments 145 748
Deferred rent 624 664
Deferred revenue 1,350 1,135
Management fees 550 -
Compensation 265 187
Other 660 833
Valuation allowance
(173,202) (173,411)
Deferred income tax assets $ 20,973 $ 17,395
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Indefinite life intangibles $ (17,483) $ (17,269)
Depreciation and amortization (14,632) (15,299)
Fair value of debt (6,716) (5,747)
Land (4,435) (4,435)
Intangible assets (452) (620)
Deferred revenue (1,239) (262)
Investments (1,716) (971)
Deferred acquisition costs (1,855) (1,807)
Deferred income tax liabilities $ (48,528) $ (46,410)
Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (27,555) $ (29,015)
The Company maintains a valuation allowance for its gross deferred income tax assets of $173.2 million (U.S. operations - $173.2 million; Other - less than $0.1 million) and $173.4 million (U.S. operations - $173.4 million; Other - less than $0.1 million) at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019 net deferred income tax assets, excluding the deferred income tax asset and liability amounts set forth in the paragraph below.
In 2020, the Company released into income $1.3 million of its valuation allowance associated with business interest expense carryforwards with an indefinite life. In 2020, the Company also released into income $0.5 million of its valuation allowance, as a result of its acquisition of CMC, due to net deferred income tax liabilities that are expected to reverse during the period in which the Company will have deferred income tax assets available. In 2019, the Company released into income $0.8 million of its valuation allowance, as a result of its acquisition of Geminus, due to net deferred income tax liabilities that are expected to reverse during the period in which the Company will have deferred income tax assets available.
The Company carries net deferred income tax liabilities of $27.6 million and $29.0 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, that consists of:
•$7.6 million and $8.0 million of deferred income tax liabilities that are scheduled to reverse in periods after the expiration of the KFSI Tax Group's consolidated U.S. net operating loss carryforwards;
•$21.9 million and $21.7 million of deferred income tax liabilities related to land and indefinite life intangible assets;
•$1.3 million and zero of deferred income tax assets associated with business interest expense carryforwards with an indefinite life;
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
•$0.6 million and $0.6 million of deferred state income tax assets; and
•Zero and $0.1 million of deferred income tax assets relating to alternative minimum tax credits.
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.
Amounts, originating dates and expiration dates of the KFSI Tax Group's consolidated U.S. net operating loss carryforwards, totaling $845.5 million, are as follows:
Year of net operating loss Expiration date Net operating loss
(in thousands)
2007 2027 54,652
2008 2028 53,895
2009 2029 496,889
2010 2030 92,058
2011 2031 39,865
2012 2032 30,884
2013 2033 30,779
2014 2034 7,245
2016 2036 16,006
2017 2037 20,848
2020 2040 341
2020 Indefinite 2,047
In addition, not reflected in the table above, are net operating loss carryforwards of (i) $10.6 million relating to losses generated in separate U.S. tax return years, which losses will expire over various years through 2037 and (ii) $1.5 million relating to operations in Barbados, which losses will expire over various years through 2029.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits, exclusive of interest and penalties, is as follows:
(in thousands) December 31,
2020 2019
Unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of year $ 1,381 $ 1,381
Gross additions - -
Gross reductions - -
Impact due to expiration of statute of limitations
- -
Unrecognized tax benefits - end of year $ 1,381 $ 1,381
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 would affect the Company's effective tax rate, was an expense of $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
The Company carried a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $1.4 million as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, that is 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 expense. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company recognized an expense for interest and penalties of $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company carried an accrual for the payment of interest and penalties of $1.6 million and $1.3 million respectively, that is included in income taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheets.
The federal income tax returns of the Company's U.S. operations for the years through 2016 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 2015 are closed
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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.
NOTE 18 LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of numerators and denominators for the basic and diluted loss from continuing operations per share computation for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
(in thousands, except per share data) Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Numerator:
Loss from continuing operations
$ (5,422) $ (2,769)
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(1,309) (1,573)
Less: dividends on preferred stock, net of tax
(1,066) (1,019)
Loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders
$ (7,797) $ (5,361)
Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares
Weighted average common shares outstanding
22,176 21,860
Weighted average diluted shares
Weighted average common shares outstanding
22,176 21,860
Effect of potentially dilutive securities (a) - -
Total weighted average diluted shares
22,176 21,860
Basic loss from continuing operations per share $ (0.35) $ (0.25)
Diluted loss from continuing operations per share $ (0.35) $ (0.25)
(a)Potentially dilutive securities consist of stock options, unvested restricted stock awards, warrants and convertible preferred stock. Because the Company is reporting a loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, all potentially dilutive securities outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss from continuing operations per share since their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
Basic loss from continuing operations per share is calculated using weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted loss from continuing operations 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.
The following weighted-average potentially dilutive securities are not included in the diluted loss from continuing operations per share calculations above because they would have had an antidilutive effect on the loss from continuing operations per share:
(in thousands) Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Stock options - 40,000
Unvested restricted stock awards 500,000 729,500
Warrants 4,923,765 4,923,765
Convertible preferred stock 1,142,975 1,392,975
Total 6,566,740 7,086,240
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 19 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
(a) Stock Options
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. No Awards were granted during the year ended December 31, 2020.
On May 13, 2013, the Company's shareholders approved the 2013 Plan. Under the 2013 Plan, the Company reserved for issuance to key employees selected by the Company stock options ("2013 Stock Options") to purchase up to an additional 300,000 common shares. There are no 2013 Stock Options remaining for future grants. The 2013 Stock Options were fully vested and exercisable at the date of grant and were exercisable for a period of four years.
The following table summarizes the 2013 Stock Option activity during the year ended December 31, 2020:
Number of Options Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2019 40,000 $ 4.67 0.3 $ -
Granted
- -
Expired
(40,000) 4.67
Outstanding at December 31, 2020 - $ - 0.0 $ -
Exercisable at December 31, 2020 - $ - 0.0 $ -
The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable is the difference between the market price for the Company's common shares and the exercise price of the options, multiplied by the number of options where the fair value exceeds the exercise price.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of each option on the date of grant. No options were granted during the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
(b) Restricted Stock Awards of the Company
Under the 2013 Plan, the Company made grants of restricted common stock awards to certain officers of the Company on March 28, 2014 (the "2014 Restricted Stock Awards"). The 2014 Restricted Stock Awards shall become fully vested and the restriction period shall lapse as of March 28, 2024 subject to the officers' continued employment through the vesting date. The 2014 Restricted Stock Awards were amortized on a straight-line basis over the ten-year requisite service period. The grant-date fair value of the 2014 Restricted Stock Awards was determined using the closing price of Kingsway common stock on the date of grant. There are no 2014 Restricted Stock Awards outstanding at December 31, 2020.
On September 5, 2018, the Company executed an Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Award Agreement ("Amended RSA Agreement") with its former Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to the terms of the Amended RSA Agreement, the Company granted to the former Chief Executive Officer a modified award of 350,000 shares of restricted common stock (the "2018 Modified Restricted Stock Award"). The Company deemed the 2018 Modified Restricted Stock Award to be taxable to the former Chief Executive Officer on the modification date. As a result, the Company cancelled 102,550 of the 350,000 shares of the 2018 Modified Restricted Stock Award to satisfy the tax withholding obligation. The remaining 247,450 shares of the 2018 Modified Restricted Stock Award shall become fully vested after the satisfaction of certain performance conditions, as defined in the Amended RSA Agreement. On September 30, 2019, the Company deemed that the performance conditions described in the Amended RSA Agreement were met. On October 31, 2019, the Company executed an agreement to acquire the remaining 247,450 shares of the 2018 Modified Restricted Stock Award as partial consideration in exchange for selling its remaining investment in the common stock of ICL. See Note 26, "Related Parties," for further discussion.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company recorded $0.6 million of compensation expense equal to the fair value of the remaining 247,450 fully vested shares of the 2018 Modified Restricted Stock Award. The grant-date fair value of the 2018 Modified Restricted Stock Award was determined using the closing price of Kingsway common stock on the modification date.
On January 31, 2019, the Company executed an Employee Separation Agreement and Release ("2019 Separation Agreement") with a former officer. The Separation Agreement modified the vesting terms related to 115,500 shares of the original 2014 Restricted Stock Awards ("2014 Modified Restricted Stock Award"), such that they became fully vested on January 31, 2019.
The Company also recorded during the first quarter of 2019 $0.1 million of compensation expense equal to the fair value of the remaining 79,231 fully vested shares of the 2014 Modified Restricted Stock Award. The grant-date fair value of the 2014 Modified Restricted Stock Award was determined using the closing price of Kingsway common stock on the grant date.
On February 28, 2020, the Company executed an Employment Separation Agreement and Release ("2020 Separation Agreement") with a former officer. Under the terms of the 2020 Separation Agreement, the former officer forfeited 93,713 shares of the 2014 Restricted Stock Awards. The Company’s accounting policy is to account for forfeitures when they occur. As a result, the Company reversed during the first quarter of 2020 $0.2 million of compensation expense previously recognized from March 28, 2014 through February 28, 2020. The former officer's remaining 135,787 shares of the original 2014 Restricted Stock Awards ("2020 Modified Restricted Stock Award") became partially vested on February 28, 2020.
On September 5, 2018, the Company granted 500,000 restricted common stock awards to an officer (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, 2020 was $1.2 million.
The following table summarizes the activity related to unvested 2014 Restricted Stock Awards, 2020 Modified Restricted Stock Award and 2018 Restricted Stock Award (collectively "Restricted Stock Awards") during the year ended December 31, 2020:
Number of Restricted Stock Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (per Share)
Unvested at December 31, 2019 729,500 $ 5.23
Granted
- -
Vested
(94,110) 4.14
Cancelled for Tax Withholding
(41,677) 4.14
Forfeited
(93,713) 4.14
Unvested at December 31, 2020 500,000 $ 5.73
The unvested balance at December 31, 2020 in the table above is comprised of 500,000 shares of the 2018 Restricted Stock Award.
(c) 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 contains both a service and a performance condition that affects 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 contains both a service and a performance condition that affects vesting.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The service condition for the Modified PWSC RSA and the 2020 PWSC RSA vest according to a graded vesting schedule and shall become fully vested on February 20, 2022 subject to the officer's continued employment through the applicable vesting dates. The performance condition vests on February 20, 2022 and is 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. See Note 25, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," for further discussion related to the valuation of the Modified PWSC RSA and the 2020 PWSC RSA.
The Modified PWSC RSA and the 2020 PWSC RSA include a noncontingent put option that is exercisable between February 20, 2022 and February 20, 2023. Since the put option is exercisable less than six months after the vesting of certain shares, the compensation expense related to these shares is classified as a liability and included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the liability classified portion of the Modified PWSC RSA and the 2020 PWSC RSA will be re-evaluated each reporting period.
Both the service condition and performance condition of the Modified PWSC RSA were probable of vesting both immediately before and after the modification. As a result, the Company recognized compensation expense for the Modified PWSC RSA equal to the grant date fair value plus incremental fair value conveyed on the modification date. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company recorded additional compensation expense of $0.8 million related to the Modified PWSC RSA, of which $0.4 million is equity classified and $0.4 million is liability classified at December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2020, there were 625 unvested shares of the Modified PWSC RSA with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $1,672 per share. Total unamortized compensation expense related to unvested equity-classified portion of the Modified PWSC RSA at December 31, 2020 was $0.6 million.
At December 31, 2020, both the service condition and performance condition of the 2020 PWSC RSA were probable of vesting. As a result, the Company recognized compensation expense for the 2020 PWSC RSA equal to the grant date fair value of $0.2 million during the fourth quarter of 2020, of which $0.1 million is equity classified and less than $0.1 million is liability classified at December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2020, there were 172 unvested shares of the 2020 PWSC RSA with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $1,672 per share. Total unamortized compensation expense related to unvested equity-classified portion of the 2020 PWSC RSA at December 31, 2020 was less than $0.1 million.
Total stock-based compensation expense, inclusive of 2013 Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Awards of PWSC described above, net of forfeitures, was $0.8 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(d) Employee Share Purchase Plan
The Company has an employee share purchase plan ("ESPP Plan") whereby qualifying employees could 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019 totaled $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
NOTE 20 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 $19,500 and $19,000 in 2020 and 2019, 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019 totaled $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively. All Company obligations to the plans were fully funded as of December 31, 2020.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 21 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 have the ability to fix the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the shares of each series of preferred shares. The preferred shares have priority over the common shares.
There were 182,876 and 222,876 shares of Preferred Shares outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Each Preferred Share is 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 April 1, 2021. During the first quarter of 2020, 40,000 Preferred Shares were converted into 250,000 common shares at the conversion price of $4.00 per common share, or $1.0 million, at the option of the holder. As of December 31, 2020, the maximum number of common shares issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Shares is 1,142,975 common shares.
The Preferred Shares are not entitled to vote. The holders of the Preferred Shares are entitled to receive fixed, cumulative, preferential cash dividends at a rate of $1.25 per Preferred Share per year. The cash dividend rate shall be revised to $1.875 per Preferred Share per year if the dividend accumulates for a period greater than 30 consecutive months from the date of the most recent dividend payment. On and after February 3, 2016, the Company may redeem all or any part of the then outstanding Preferred Shares for the price of $28.75 per Preferred Share, plus accrued but unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not declared, up to and including the date specified for redemption. The Company will redeem any Preferred Shares not previously converted into common shares, and which remain outstanding on April 1, 2021, for the price of $25.00 per Preferred Share, plus accrued but unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, up to and including the date specified for redemption. See also "(s) Holding company liquidity" to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," for further discussion regarding any April 1, 2021 redemptions.
At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, accrued dividends of $2.1 million and $2.1 million were included in Class A preferred stock in the consolidated balance sheets. The redemption amount of the Preferred Shares as if they were currently redeemable was $6.7 million and $7.7 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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 has the option to convert the Preferred Shares at any time; however, if not converted, they are required to be redeemed on April 1, 2021. As such, the Preferred Shares are presented in temporary or mezzanine equity on the consolidated balance sheets and will be accreted, using the interest method, up to the stated redemption value of $4.6 million, through additional paid-in capital as a deemed dividend, from the date of issuance through the April 1, 2021 redemption date. The Company also accrues dividends through additional paid-in-capital at the stated coupon, which the Company expects will total $2.2 million as of the April 1, 2021 redemption date. As a result, the total redemption amount of the Preferred Shares as of the redemption date if the Preferred Shares are not converted is expected to be $6.7 million.
NOTE 22 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of zero par value common stock. There were 22,211,069 and 21,866,959 shares of common stock outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
There were no dividends declared during the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
As described in Note 21, "Redeemable Class A Preferred Stock", during 2020, 40,000 Preferred Shares were converted into 250,000 common shares. As a result, $1.0 million was reclassified from redeemable Class A preferred stock to additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020.
As further described in Note 26, "Related Parties," on October 31, 2019, the Company executed an agreement to acquire the remaining 247,450 shares of the 2018 Modified Restricted Stock Award as partial consideration in exchange for selling its remaining investment in the common stock of ICL. The Company records treasury stock at cost. There were 247,450 shares of treasury stock outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company has warrants outstanding, recorded in shareholders' equity, that will entitle each subscriber to purchase one common share of Kingsway for each warrant. The following table summarizes information about warrants outstanding at December 31, 2020:
December 31, 2020
Exercise Price Date of Issue Expiry Date Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Number Outstanding
$ 5.00 16-Sep-13 15-Sep-23 2.71 3,280,790
$ 5.00 3-Feb-14 15-Sep-23 2.71 1,642,975
Total: 2.71 4,923,765
NOTE 23 ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The table below details the change in the balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 as it relates to shareholders' equity attributable to common shareholders on the consolidated balance sheets.
(in thousands)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Change in Fair Value of Debt Attributable to Instrument-Specific Credit Risk Equity in Other Comprehensive Loss of Limited Liability Investment Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance, December 31, 2018 $ (160) $ (3,286) $ 44,259 $ (45) $ 40,768
Other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the period 247 - (5,685) - (5,438)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (28) - - 45 17
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 219 - (5,685) 45 (5,421)
Balance, December 31, 2019 $ 59 $ (3,286) 38,574 $ - $ 35,347
Other comprehensive income arising during the period 93 - 2,555 - 2,648
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 64 - - - 64
Net current-period other comprehensive income 157 - 2,555 - 2,712
Balance, December 31, 2020 $ 216 $ (3,286) $ 41,129 $ - $ 38,059
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
It should be noted that the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss present the components of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, only for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and inclusive of the components attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income were reclassified to the following lines of the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
(in thousands) Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive income from unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments to:
Net realized gains $ (64) $ (17)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss - -
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit (64) (17)
Income tax benefit - -
Loss from continuing operations (64) (17)
Net loss $ (64) $ (17)
NOTE 24 SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company conducts its business through the following two reportable segments: Extended Warranty and Leased Real Estate.
Extended Warranty Segment
Extended Warranty includes the following subsidiaries of the Company: IWS, Geminus, PWI, PWSC and Trinity (collectively, "Extended Warranty").
IWS is a licensed motor vehicle service agreement company and is a provider of after-market vehicle protection services distributed by credit unions in 26 states and the District of Columbia to their members.
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 32 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.
PWSC sells new home warranty products and provides administration services to homebuilders and homeowners across the United States. PWSC distributes 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 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 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
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
maintenance of equipment. Trinity will provide such repair and breakdown services by contracting with certain HVAC providers.
Leased Real Estate Segment
Leased Real Estate includes the Company's subsidiary, CMC. CMC owns the Real Property that is leased to a third-party pursuant to a long-term triple net lease with a single customer. For the year ended December 31, 2020, revenue of $13.4 millionfrom this single customer represents more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues. The Real Property is also subject to the Mortgage. When assessing and measuring the operational and financial performance of the Leased Real Estate segment, interest expense related to the Mortgage is included in Leased Real Estate's segment operating income.
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, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were:
(in thousands) Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Revenues:
Extended Warranty:
Service fee and commission revenue $ 47,607 $ 46,111
Other revenue 146 195
Total Extended Warranty 47,753 46,306
Leased Real Estate:
Rental revenue 13,365 13,365
Other revenue 244 277
Total Leased Real Estate 13,609 13,642
Total revenues $ 61,362 $ 59,948
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The operating income (loss) 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 loss from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were:
(in thousands) Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Segment operating income (loss)
Extended Warranty
$ 6,221 $ 4,611
Leased Real Estate
(504) 2,761
Total segment operating income 5,717 7,372
Net investment income 2,625 2,905
Net realized gains 580 796
Gain on change in fair value of equity investments 1,267 561
Gain on change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value 4,046 4,475
Net change in unrealized loss on private company investments (744) (324)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss (117) (75)
Interest expense not allocated to segments (7,719) (8,991)
Other revenue and expenses not allocated to segments, net (10,606) (8,524)
Amortization of intangible assets (2,291) (2,548)
Gain on change in fair value of debt 1,173 1,052
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net (468) -
Equity in net income of investee - 169
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit (6,537) (3,132)
Income tax benefit (1,115) (363)
Loss from continuing operations $ (5,422) $ (2,769)
NOTE 25 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.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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, real estate investments, subordinated debt, warrant liability and stock-based compensation liabilities 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.
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, including warrants, reflect quoted market values based on latest bid prices, where active markets exist, or models based on significant market observable inputs, where no active markets exist.
Limited liability investments, at fair value - Limited liability investments, at fair value include the underlying investments of Net Lease and Argo Holdings. Net Lease owns investments in limited liability companies that hold investment properties. 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 is based upon the net asset values of the underlying investments in companies as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The Company applies 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 will 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.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Real estate investments - The fair value of real estate investments involves a combination of the market and income valuation techniques. Under this approach, a market-based capitalization rate is derived from comparable transactions, adjusted for any unique characteristics of each asset, and applied to the asset under consideration. The cap rates used during underwriting and subsequent valuation incorporate the consideration of risks of vacancy and collection loss, administrative costs of owning net leased assets and possible capital expenditures that could be determined a landlord expense. 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.
Warrant liability - As described in Note 14, "Debt," the Company issued the KWH Warrants on March 1, 2019. On December 1, 2020, the Company repurchased the KWH Warrants. The KWH Warrants are measured and reported at fair value and are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2019. The fair value of the warrant liability was estimated using an internal model without relevant observable market inputs. The significant inputs used in the model include an enterprise value multiple applied to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. The implied enterprise value is reduced by the remaining debt associated with the 2019 KWH Loan to determine an implied equity value. The liability classified warrants are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Stock-based compensation liabilities - As described in Note 19, "Stock-Based Compensation," certain of the restricted stock awards granted by PWSC are classified as a liability. Liability-classified awards are measured and reported at fair value and are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the restricted stock awards granted by PWSC are estimated using an internal valuation model without relevant observable market inputs. The significant inputs used in the model include a valuation multiple applied to trailing twelve month earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. Liability-classified restricted stock awards are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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, 2020 and December 31, 2019 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, 2020
Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Measured at Net Asset Value
Recurring fair value measurements
Assets:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$ 10,104 $ - $ 10,104 $ - $ -
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
1,454 - 1,454 - -
Mortgage-backed
5,394 - 5,394 - -
Corporate
3,764 - 3,764 - -
Total fixed maturities
20,716 - 20,716 - -
Equity investments:
Common stock
155 155 - - -
Warrants
289 17 272 - -
Total equity investments
444 172 272 - -
Limited liability investments, at fair value 32,811 - - 3,263 29,548
Real estate investments 10,662 - - 10,662 -
Other investments 294 - 294 - -
Short-term investments 157 - 157 - -
Total assets $ 65,084 $ 172 $ 21,439 $ 13,925 $ 29,548
Liabilities:
Subordinated debt
$ 50,928 $ - $ 50,928 $ - $ -
Warrant liability
- - - - -
Stock-based compensation liabilities 443 - - 443 -
Total liabilities $ 51,371 $ - $ 50,928 $ 443 $ -
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands) December 31, 2019
Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Measured at Net Asset Value
Recurring fair value measurements
Assets:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government, government agencies and authorities
$ 13,316 $ - $ 13,316 $ - $ -
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
600 - 600 - -
Mortgage-backed
2,939 - 2,939 - -
Corporate
5,340 - 5,340 - -
Total fixed maturities
22,195 - 22,195 - -
Equity investments:
Common stock 2,406 2,406 - - -
Warrants 15 5 10 - -
Total equity investments 2,421 2,411 10 - -
Limited liability investments, at fair value 29,078 - - 4,392 24,686
Real estate investments 10,662 - - 10,662 -
Other investments 1,009 - 1,009 - -
Short-term investments 155 - 155 - -
Total assets $ 65,520 $ 2,411 $ 23,369 $ 15,054 $ 24,686
Liabilities:
Subordinated debt
$ 54,655 $ - $ 54,655 $ - $ -
Warranty liability 249 - - 249 -
Total liabilities $ 54,904 $ - $ 54,655 $ 249 $ -
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, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
(in thousands) Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Assets:
Limited liability investments, at fair value:
Beginning balance $ 4,392 $ 4,124
Purchases
21 1,403
Distributions received (808) (1,284)
Realized gains included in net loss
474 825
Change in fair value of limited liability investments, at fair value included in net loss
(816) (676)
Ending balance $ 3,263 $ 4,392
Unrealized losses on limited liability investments, at fair value held at end of period:
Included in net loss $ (816) $ (676)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) $ - $ -
Real estate investments:
Beginning balance $ 10,662 $ 10,662
Change in fair value of real estate investments included in net loss
- -
Ending balance $ 10,662 $ 10,662
Unrealized gains recognized on real estate investments held at end of period:
Included in net loss - -
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) - -
Ending balance - assets $ 13,925 $ 15,054
Liabilities:
Warrant liability:
Beginning balance $ 249 $ -
Issuance of warrants
- 361
Termination of warrants (336) -
Change in fair value of warrant liability included in net loss
87 (112)
Ending balance $ - $ 249
Unrealized losses (gains) recognized on warrant liability held at end of period:
Included in net loss $ 87 $ (112)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) $ - $ -
Stock-based compensation liabilities:
Beginning balance $ - $ -
Issuance of stock-based compensation awards 443 -
Change in fair value of stock-based compensation liabilities included in net loss - -
Ending balance $ 443 $ -
Unrealized gains recognized on stock-based compensation liabilities held at end of period:
Included in net loss - -
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) - -
Ending balance - liabilities $ 443 $ 249
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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, 2020:
Categories Fair Value Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Input Value(s)
Limited liability investments, at fair value $ 3,263 Market approach Valuation multiples 3.1x-8.0x
Real estate investments $ 10,662 Market and income approach Cap rates 7.5 %
Stock-based compensation liabilities $ 443 Market approach Valuation multiple 6.0x
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, 2019:
Categories Fair Value Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Input Value(s)
Limited liability investments, at fair value $ 4,392 Market approach Valuation multiples 3.1x-7.0x
Real estate investments $ 10,662 Market and income approach Cap rates 7.5 %
Warranty liability $ 249 Market approach Valuation multiple 6.0x
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, 2020:
Category Fair Value (in thousands) Unfunded Commitments Redemption Frequency Redemption Notice Period
Limited liability investments, at fair value $ 29,548 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, 2019:
Category Fair Value (in thousands) Unfunded Commitments Redemption Frequency Redemption Notice Period
Limited liability investments, at fair value $ 24,686 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company recorded adjustments to decrease the fair value of an certain investments in private companies for observable price changes of zero and $0.2 million, respectively, which are included in net change in unrealized loss on private company investments in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company recorded impairments related to investments in private companies of $0.7 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, which are included in net change in unrealized loss on private company investments in the consolidated statements of operations. The impairments recorded for the year ended December 31, 2020 are a result of the impact of COVID-19 on the investments' underlying business. 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 Geminus on March 1, 2019. The fair values of intangible assets and deferred service fees associated with the acquisition of Geminus were determined to be Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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 $ 3,732 Multi-period excess earnings Growth rate 3.0 %
Attrition rate 20.0 %
Discount rate 13.0 %
Trade names $ 1,974 Relief from royalty Royalty rate 0.25% - 2.0%
Discount rate 13.0 %
Deferred service fees - Penn $ 8,734 Bottom-up Normal profit margin 15.5 %
Total direct costs 70.3 %
Discount rate 5.0 %
Deferred service fees - Prime $ 1,830 Bottom-up Normal profit margin 8.5 %
Total direct costs 69.8 %
Discount rate 5.0 %
NOTE 26 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.
(a) 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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"). During 2019, the Company funded approximately $0.6 million in response to Capital Calls. During 2019, Fitzgerald and Fitzgerald’s immediate family members funded their respective Capital Calls. Argo Holdings used the proceeds of the Capital Calls to make investments, cover general operating expenses and pay the management fee owed to Argo Management. Argo Holdings made no Capital Calls during the year ended December 31, 2020.
(b) Itasca Capital Ltd.
The Company formerly held an investment in the common stock of ICL, a publicly traded Canadian corporation, that was recorded as investment in investee in the consolidated balance sheets. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company sold its remaining investment in the common stock of ICL. The Company owned zero common shares of ICL at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Fitzgerald served as a member of the ICL Board of Directors from June 9, 2016 through December 11, 2019. Fitzgerald joined the Company as an Executive Vice President in April 2016 following the Company’s acquisition of Argo. Fitzgerald has served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer since September 5, 2018 and has served on the Company’s Board of Directors since April 21, 2016.
On October 9, 2019, the Company executed an agreement to sell 1,974,113 shares of ICL common stock, at a price of C$0.35 per share, to a third party for cash proceeds totaling C$0.7 million. On October 31, 2019, the Company executed an agreement to sell 3,011,447 shares of ICL common stock, at a price of C$0.35 per share, to Larry G. Swets, Jr. ("Swets") for consideration
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
totaling C$1.1 million, comprised of cash proceeds of C$0.2 million and 247,450 shares of the Company’s common stock. Both transactions closed during the fourth quarter of 2019.
The 247,450 shares of the Company’s common stock were awarded to Swets pursuant to the Amended RSA Agreement executed on September 5, 2018 related to Swets’ departure from the Company. Refer to Note 19, "Stock-Based Compensation," for further information.
Swets served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer from July 1, 2010 until September 5, 2018 and served on the Company’s Board of Directors from September 16, 2013 through December 21, 2018.
(c) Limited liability investments
The Company’s investments include investments in limited liability companies in which an officer or former officer of the Company is named as a Manager or is authorized to act on behalf of the Manager under the respective operating agreement.
1347 Investors LLC:
1347 Investors was formed on April 15, 2014 for the purpose of investing in and holding securities of 1347 Capital Corp., which subsequently merged with Limbach, a publicly traded company. The Company owned zero of the membership units at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The Company's investment in 1347 Investors prior to liquidation in the fourth quarter of 2019 was accounted for at fair value and reported as limited liability investments, at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, with any changes in fair value to be reported in gain on change in fair value of limited liability investment, at fair value in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of this investment was calculated based on a model that distributed the net equity of 1347 Investors to all classes of membership interests. The model used quoted market prices and significant market observable inputs. The most significant input to the model was the observed stock price of Limbach common stock.
ICL owned 100.0% of the membership units at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and Fitzgerald served as a member of the ICL Board of Directors from June 9, 2016 through December 11, 2019.
Pursuant to a Distribution and Redemption Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2019, by and among 1347 Investors and its members, the Company received distributions on November 19, 2019 of cash proceeds of $0.6 million, 594,750 shares of Limbach common stock and 400,000 warrants, exercisable at $15 and expiring July 20, 2023, on Limbach common shares. As a result of this distribution, the Company no longer owns membership units in 1347 Investors.
NOTE 27 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
(a) Legal proceedings:
In April 2018, TRT LeaseCo, LLC ("TRT LeaseCo"), an indirect subsidiary of Kingsway, was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York relating to CMC and its subsidiaries. Kingsway indirectly, through its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, CMC Acquisition, LLC ("CMCA"), owns 81% of CMC. TRT LeaseCo (an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of CMC) entered into a Management Services Agreement (the "MSA") with DGI-BNSF Corp. ("DGI") (an affiliate of CRIC TRT Acquisition, LLC ("CRIC"), the entity that owns the remaining 19% of CMC) in July 2016 pursuant to which, among other things, DGI agreed to provide services to TRT LeaseCo in exchange for the fees specified in the MSA. The complaint filed by DGI alleged that DGI was owed certain fees under the MSA that had not been paid.
In March 2021, DGI, TRT LeaseCo and various other entities affiliated with each of them entered into a settlement agreement with respect to such litigation and certain other matters ("CMC Settlement Agreement"). Pursuant to the CMC Settlement Agreement, the parties agreed that proceeds from increased rental payments due to an earlier amendment to the lease of the Real Property (or any borrowings against such increased rental payments) would be split 80% to DGI as a management fee under the MSA and 20% to CMCA as a priority distribution on its ownership of CMC, after CMCA received a priority payment of $1.5 million. The parties also agreed that net proceeds from an eventual sale or renewal of the lease of the Real Property (after repayment of outstanding indebtedness and various other fees and expenses) would be split as follows:
(a) if such net proceeds are equal to or greater than $72 million, (i) CMCA would receive the first $40 million as a distribution of a preferred return on its ownership of CMC, (ii) CRIC would receive the next $9.4 million as a distribution on its ownership of CMC, (iii) DGI would receive the next $30.6 million as a management fee under the MSA, and (iv) the remainder of such net proceeds (if any) would be split 48.6% to CMCA as a distribution in respect
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
of its ownership of CMC, 40% to DGI in the form of a management fee under the MSA, and 11.4% to CRIC s a distributions in respect of its ownership of CMC; or
(b) if such net proceeds are less than $72 million, (i) 55% to CMCA as a distribution of a preferred return on its ownership of CMC, (ii) 12.9% to CRIC as a distribution on its ownership of CMC, and (iii) 32.1% to DGI in the form of a management fee to DGI under the MSA. In connection with the CMC Settlement Agreement, the Company recorded a liability of $2.6 million for the 80% management fee due to DGI at December 31, 2020, which is included in general and administrative expenses in its consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020.
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, 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. During the third and fourth quarters of 2020, the Company made reimbursement payments to Aegis of $0.5 million in connection with the Settlement Agreement. The Company reported the payments to Aegis in general and administrative expenses in its consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company’s potential exposure under these agreements was not reasonably determinable at December 31, 2020, and no liability has been recorded in the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2020.
(b) Guarantee:
As further discussed in Note 5, "Discontinued Operations," as part of the transaction to sell Mendota, the Company will indemnify the buyer for 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 Company's potential exposure under these agreements was not reasonably determinable at December 31, 2020, and no liability has been recorded in the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2020.
(c) Commitments:
The Company has entered into subscription agreements to commit up to $2.6 million of capital to allow for participation in limited liability investments. At December 31, 2020, the unfunded commitment was zero.
(d) Collateral pledged and restricted cash:
Short-term investments with an estimated fair value of $0.2 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were on deposit with state regulatory authorities.
The Company also has restricted cash of $30.6 million and $12.2 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Included in restricted cash are:
•zero and $1.1 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, held in escrow as part of the transaction to sell Mendota;
•$27.7 million and $8.6 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, held as deposits by IWS, PWSC, Geminus and PWI;
•$1.9 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, on deposit with state regulatory authorities; and
•$1.0 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 28 REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND RATIOS
In the United States, a risk-based capital ("RBC") formula is used by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") to identify property and casualty insurance companies that may not be adequately capitalized. In general, insurers reporting surplus as regards policyholders below 200% of the authorized control level, as defined by the NAIC, at December 31 are subject to varying levels of regulatory action, including discontinuation of operations. As of December 31, 2020, surplus as regards policyholders reported by Amigo exceeded the 200% threshold.
During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company began taking steps to place all of Amigo into voluntary run-off. As of December 31, 2012, Amigo’s RBC was 157%. In April 2013, Kingsway filed a comprehensive run-off plan with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, which outlines plans for Amigo's run-off. Amigo remains in compliance with that plan. As of December 31, 2020, Amigo's RBC was 1,045%.
Kingsway Re, which is domiciled in Barbados, is required by the regulator in Barbados to maintain minimum capital levels. As of December 31, 2020, the capital maintained by Kingsway Re was in excess of the regulatory capital requirements in Barbados.
NOTE 29 STATUTORY INFORMATION AND POLICIES
The Company's insurance subsidiary, Amigo, prepares statutory basis financial statements in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. "Prescribed" statutory accounting practices include state laws, regulations and general administrative rules, as well as a variety of publications of the NAIC. "Permitted" statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices that are not prescribed. Such practices may differ from state to state; may differ from company to company within a state; and may change in the future.
Amigo is required to report results of operations and financial position to insurance regulatory authorities based upon statutory accounting practices. In converting from statutory to U.S. GAAP, typical adjustments include the inclusion of statutory non-admitted assets in the balance sheets and the inclusion of changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities in net loss.
Statutory capital and surplus and statutory net loss for Amigo are:
(in thousands) December 31,
2020 2019
Net loss, statutory basis $ (138) $ (536)
Capital and surplus, statutory basis $ 1,987 $ 2,143
Amigo is required to hold minimum levels of statutory capital and surplus to satisfy regulatory requirements. The minimum statutory capital and surplus, or company action level RBC, necessary to satisfy regulatory requirements for Amigo was $0.4 million at December 31, 2020. Company action level RBC is the level at which an insurance company is required to file a corrective action plan with its regulators and is equal to 200% of the authorized control level RBC.
Dividends paid by Amigo are restricted by regulatory requirements of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. The maximum amount of dividends that can be paid to shareholders by insurance companies domiciled in the state of Florida without prior regulatory approval is generally limited to the greater of (i) 10% of a company's statutory capital and surplus at the end of the previous year or (ii) 100% of the company's net income for the previous year and is generally required to be paid out of an insurance company's unassigned funds.
At December 31, 2020, Amigo was restricted from making any dividend payments to the holding company without regulatory approval.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

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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

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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, 2020. 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, 2020, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as a result of unremediated material weaknesses in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that were discovered during the course of the 2018 external audit of the accounts, relating to the accounting for and disclosure of certain complex and nonrecurring transactions; the accounting for and disclosure of certain other items; monitoring the collectability of accounts receivable balances; other-than-temporary impairment on equity method investments; and certain account reconciliations; as well as the result of a material weakness in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that was discovered during the course of the 2019 external audit of the accounts, relating to the accounting for certain investments at fair value (collectively, "Identified Material Weaknesses"). Not all material weaknesses necessarily present the same risks from period to period as a result of differing events and transactions which have occurred or may occur in current and future periods.
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). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective because of the existence of the Identified Material Weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.
Material Weakness 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 resulted from 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.
With respect to the inadequate design accounting for and operation of internal disclosure of certain complex and nonrecurring transactions, the execution of the controls over the application of accounting literature did not operate effectively with respect to:
•the reclassification of investment income, related to the accounting for equity method investments, from loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes to net investment income in the consolidated statement of operations;
•the identification, accounting and disclosure of investments demonstrating characteristics of variable interest entities, including the consolidation of certain investments;
•the adoption and application of ASU 2014-09;
•identification, disclosure and accounting for equity-classified warrants; and
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
•purchase accounting, as it relates to the identification and valuation of intangible assets and goodwill.
Concerning the accounting for and disclosure of certain other items, the execution of the controls over the application of accounting literature did not operate effectively with respect to separating restricted cash from cash and cash equivalents on the face of the consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, the Company did not have adequate controls in place pertaining to disclosure of related parties.
Regarding the collectability of accounts receivable balances, the Company did not have adequate controls and procedures with respect to evaluating balances for collectability, including the lack of a formal policy governing the review of accounts, as well as calculating and documenting necessary reserves.
With respect to other-than-temporary impairment on equity method investments, the Company did not properly apply the accounting literature when performing its analysis in determining whether its investment in investee was other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2018.
With respect to the lack of adequate procedures regarding certain account reconciliations, there were errors in the reconciliation of account balances as they were not performed timely and/or at a level of precision to identify errors and incorrect balance sheet and income statement classification for certain cash, receivable, deposit, accounts payable, deferred revenue, escheat liability and investment income accounts.
Finally, with respect to the accounting for certain investments at fair value, the Company did not properly update the fair value of certain limited liability investments, at fair value as of December 31, 2019.
These matters were discovered during the course of the external audits of the accounts and were reviewed with the Company's Audit Committee. Certain of the 2018 material weaknesses resulted in the restatement described in Note 3, "Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements," to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed on February 27, 2020.
As a result of the Identified Material Weaknesses, the Company’s management directed a comprehensive review of its consolidated financial statements to assess the possibility of further material misstatements that may remain unidentified. As a result of such review, and notwithstanding the material weaknesses described above, the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believes that the audited consolidated financial statements contained in this 2020 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 Process
The Company has been evaluating the material weaknesses and is in process of executing its plan to strengthen the effectiveness of the design and operation of its internal control environment. The remediation plan includes the following actions:
•Perform a comprehensive assessment of all existing accounting policies and revise existing policies and/or introduce new policies, as needed;
•Enhance the formality of its review procedures with respect to its accounting for any new investments, as well as the periodic evaluation of existing investments;
•Implement additional review procedures with respect to its accounting under ASC 606 to ensure the Company’s accounting will continue to be in accordance with that standard on a go-forward basis;
•Implement additional identification, accounting and review controls with respect to complex and nonrecurring transactions, as well as augment existing staff with outside skilled accounting resources, as appropriate, and strengthen the review process to improve the operation of financial reporting and corresponding internal controls;
•Enhance the formality and rigor with respect to identifying and tracking all material related party transactions, as well updating its disclosures controls to enhance the focus on related party disclosure requirements;
•Enhance the formality and rigor of review with respect to the collectability of accounts receivable balances and the account reconciliation procedures;
•Update its policy for accounting for limited liability investments, at fair value to include calculating and reviewing the fair value of such investments on a quarterly basis.
The actions that the Company is taking are subject to ongoing senior management review as well as Audit Committee oversight. The Company is committed to maintaining a strong internal control environment and believes that these remediation efforts will represent significant improvements in its controls. The Company has started to implement these steps but notes that
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
a substantial portion of resources during 2020 were dedicated to getting the Company current on its SEC filings; however, some of these steps will take time to be fully integrated and confirmed to be effective and sustainable. Additional controls may also be required over time. Until the remediation steps set forth above are fully implemented and tested, the Identified Material Weaknesses described above will continue to exist.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
On December 1, 2020, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of PWI. Since the date of acquisition, 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, PWI has been excluded from the scope of our quarterly discussion of material changes in internal control over financial reporting below.
Other than processes and controls that may have been put in place as a result of our remediation of the Identified Material Weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, there have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the period beginning October 1, 2020, and ending December 31, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting, except with respect to PWI.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
None
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
PART III.

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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 2020 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, 2020.
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.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

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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 2020 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, 2020.

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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 2020 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, 2020.

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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 2020 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, 2020.

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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 2020 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, 2020.
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 2020 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
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, 2020 December 31, 2019
Assets
Investments in subsidiaries
$ 6,155 $ 8,036
Cash and cash equivalents
186 636
Other assets
428 426
Total Assets
$ 6,769 $ 9,098
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
$ 2,263 $ 1,405
Total Liabilities 2,263 1,405
Redeemable Class A preferred stock 6,504 6,819
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock - -
Additional paid-in capital 355,242 354,101
Treasury stock, at cost (492) (492)
Accumulated deficit (394,807) (388,082)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 38,059 35,347
Shareholders' equity attributable to common shareholders (1,998) 874
Total Liabilities, Class A preferred stock and Shareholders' Equity $ 6,769 $ 9,098
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,
2020 2019
Other revenue (expenses), net:
Loss on change in fair value of equity investments $ - $ (27)
General and administrative expenses (1,735) (2,389)
Non-operating other expense (3) (9)
Equity in net income of investee - 169
Total other expenses, net (1,738) (2,256)
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit and equity in loss of subsidiaries (1,738) (2,256)
Income tax benefit (214) -
Equity in loss of subsidiaries (3,892) (2,057)
Net loss $ (5,416) $ (4,313)
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
(in thousands) Years ended December 31,
2020 2019
Net loss $ (5,416) $ (4,313)
Other comprehensive income (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 loss - -
Other comprehensive loss - parent only - -
Equity in other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries 2,723 (5,409)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 2,723 (5,409)
Comprehensive loss $ (2,693) $ (9,722)
(1) Net of income tax benefit of $0 and $0 in 2020 and 2019, 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,
2020 2019
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities:
Net loss $ (5,416) $ (4,313)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in net loss of subsidiaries 3,892 2,057
Equity in net income of investee - (169)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures 219 1,230
Loss on change in fair value of equity investments - 27
Other, net 855 38
Net cash used in operating activities (450) (1,130)
Investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of equity investments - 672
Proceeds from sale of investee - 395
Net cash provided by investing activities - 1,067
Financing activities:
Capital contributions to subsidiaries - (60)
Net cash used in financing activities - (60)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (450) (123)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 636 759
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 186 $ 636
See accompanying report of independent registered accounting firm.
KINGSWAY FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.